This structure was entered in the LSA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2001) Small Fabric Structures

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp (now MakMax), Tattersall Engineering, Minifie Nixon Arch

Client: Zoos Victoria    Architect: Minifie Nixon    Structural Engineer: Tattersall Engineering
Specialist Consultant(s): Wade Consultants, Taiyo Membrane Corporation
Builder: Behmer and Wright    Fabricator(s): Taiyo Membrane Corp

Application:

Based in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Healesville Sanctuary wanted an eye-catching structure for the redevelopment of their innovative new native animal hospital and research facility. Design to provide an interactive experience for visitors, the centre uses the innovative membrane surface both as a roof and an enclosure over an internal courtyard.

Design Brief

The design was based on a “costa surface” a mathematical concept for a minimal surface with 3 “ punctures “ that does not intersect itself.

Structural System

The fabric is a single surface supported by 3 rings upper, mid and lower.  The upper and lower rings are supported on sinusoidally shaped legs that are based on the inside of the surface but emerge on the exterior via the punctures.

Materials

Gold coloured PVC fabric was chosen by the architect. Structural steel was used for the curved supporting legs as it combined strength and slenderness with the ability to be rolled to the curved shapes required.

Fabrication

Conversion of the mathematical concept to a computer representation using density force methods. Minimal field joints were used.

Construction and Maintenance

Construction sequence:  Footing (by builder), erect steel then install fabric.  Fabric attached to upper ring, field joints fastened around “legs” and tensioned to lower and mid ring.