Small tension fabric or membrane structures (less than 250 sqm in area).

Small Fabric Structures

Small Fabric Structures: Typically these may be of a plan area of 250 square metres or less. They are often used as shade structures or as signature items at entrances to larger buildings. Other applications include the provision for a shaded area in playgrounds, school yards, car dealerships and as internal sculptures. They may be made from coated fabric or membranes as a water-proof barrier or of open fabric such as knitted shade cloth. Some examples from the LSAA Awards are shown below.

The following 10 articles are in order from the most recently added shown first. Links to earlier articles are at the bottom of this page.

John Power Stand - underside view of roof

John Power Stand - Eagle Farm, Brisbane

: 13 February 2015; 17 July 2025

Project Entry in LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 7, 5004)

John Power Stand - PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Eagle Farm Racecourse is an iconic Brisbane building, hosting race days twice weekly and accommodating hoards of racegoers every year. The main stand named John Power Stand was erected in the early 1900s. Since then the structure has aged leaving an unsightly concrete ceiling viewable from the main observation area.

South Hedland Town Centre Timber and Fabric Structure

South Hedland Town Centre - LSAA High Commendation

: 12 February 2015; 17 July 2025

South Hedland Town Centre

LSAA 2013 Design Awards High Commendation (Cat 5, ID 4304)

Judges Comments:
"A lot of effort for a small structure, should become iconic."

"Good to see a combination of timber frame and lightweight fabric, although the structure seems less than graceful."

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Fabric cladding to wooden frame, roofing structure.

Melbourne Girls Grammar School Cover to Communal Deck

: 12 February 2015; 17 July 2025

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 1, 1968)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION - Cover to Communal Deck

Inverted conic covering a communal deck for year 5 & 6 girls at Melbourne Girls Grammar

The structural form is an asymmetric inverted conic, with what is basically a rectangular upper perimeter. In plan the area covered is small, about 12.5m by 11m, and the height varies from 3m at the bale ring to 5.5m at the lower edge to 9m at the highest edge