2024 LSAA Design Awards Entry - #5000 Narre Warren Metro Station- Cable Truss Ceiling Support

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER  5000
ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)                    5 Special Applications
ENTRANT ROLE                        Specialist D&C Subcontractor
PROJECT NAME:                       Narre Warren Metro Station- Cable Truss Ceiling Support 
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:    Cable Bow truss and secondary framing supporting ceiling and PID screen.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 

How 3 Tons of Steel & Cable Replaced 30 Tons of Structural Steel: A New Era in Sustainable Infrastructure

On March 28th, 2024, the newly reconstructed metro stop at Narre Warren station, a critical junction on Melbourne’s Pakenham Line, was officially opened to the public. This station, one of the busiest along the line, had long been plagued by a hazardous and congested rail-road crossing. The recent rebuild of Narre Warren Station, now elevated above the streets in a sleek skyline crossing, is a significant achievement in the city’s ambitious Level Crossing Removal initiative.

PROJECT NAME:        National Throws Centre of Excellence

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Fabritecture was contracted for the design and construction of a Serge Ferrari TX30 throws run up canopy for the State Athletics Facility at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan, Queensland. The tensile building was built to house discus and hammer throwing. The result is a stunning and functional canopy that enhances the sports complex and provides a world-class facility for athletes to train and compete in.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER  5874 
ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)   5   Special Applications 
ENTRANT ROLE: Fabricator

PROJECT NAME: Metro Sports Facility   
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:       Interior acoustic membrane

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Fabric Structures was instrumental in the development of the Metro Sports Facility in Christchurch, focusing on the design, engineering, procurement, and installation of a custom ceiling panel solution for the aquatic center. Our task was to create a ceiling system with dual functionalities: an acoustic layer on the underside facing the pools to absorb sound and reduce echo, and a solid membrane on the top side to support the plenum area above. We worked closely with architects and engineers to ensure the panels met both aesthetic and functional requirements. Our precise engineering and installation processes delivered a high-quality solution that enhanced the acoustic environment while maintaining structural integrity. This project showcases our capability to provide innovative fabric solutions tailored to complex needs, contributing significantly to the Metro Sports Facility’s role as a leading sports and recreation venue in Christchurch.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:       

Swimming pool retractable shade cover         

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Challenged to create an innovative retractable roof for the swimming pool in the new sports precinct development for St Margaret’s Anglican School in Brisbane, Australia, we designed, engineered, developed, tested, fabricated and installed the Velarium Variable Shade System.

The Velarium shade system developed for St Margaret’s is an advanced motorised retractable shade system. This variable shade system is created using opposing sets of architectural-grade PVC mesh shade panels, supported on a cable grid that spans freely across the width of a pool. The Velarium system allows for large spans to be covered with minimal visible structural elements above the pool.

The system can be operated directly from a master control panel or a remote hand control. Each Velarium shade section is retracted and deployed by an independent motor, giving the operator the flexibility to open or close individual panel sections to suit their requirements. This clever design allows for panels to be deployed in almost any position between fully open and fully closed, and can be controlled by a single person.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

Blight Rayner Architects initially approached us with a challenge to design and develop a retractable roof concept for the swimming pool in the new sports precinct development at St Margaret’s Anglican School in Brisbane.

Application: Innovative architectural alternative to Safety Hoarding for the construction industry

Project entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 7 Special Applications, #7700)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Dual-Skin Safety Netting Structure made from tensioned fabric is changing the way the construction Industry looks at traditional hoarding and safety nets. 

Using architectural fabrics and tension membrane engineering outside the square to provide aesthetic cost saving safety control measures. 

By providing a safety net structure that could protect the public from the works above saved the client almost $1 million in overtime costs when they would usually be working a night.  This solution provided the client the ability to work during the day without closing down the area with the exclusion zones.  Prior to the solution, the client could only do these works at nighttime as this project is in one of the largest high-rise buildings in the Sydney CBD. 

LSAA 2018 Design Awards HIGH COMMENDATION - Category 7 Special Applications (7627)

Application:  Art Architecture Installation

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Subjects of continual exploration in the work of, portals to frame views and establish connections between buildings and their context. This project extends this function further - a calibrated device and a long lens between Venice and Australia. Looking through these portals will introduce the viewer to the buildings of John Wardle Architects, landscapes of Australia, and the craft of several collaborators that were central to realising the work.