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For the LSAA, Large fabric structures have generally been thought of as those that have a fabric surface area greater than 1000 square metres. These structures may be described as single surfaces or panels in the form of one of the classic hypars, barrel vaults, cones, panels with single or crossing arches - or a combination.

Larger fabric structures can also be made from several modules or panels of similar forms to build up a substantial sized structure. The multiple panels might be arranged in a linear layout, or in a circular or oval pattern commonly found in stadia roofs.  The boundaries are defined structurally and geometrically by straight or curved elements such as arches, edge beams and cables. The prestress forces from adjacent panels often counterbalance and the more efficient structures have a larger degree of symmetry and continuity such as a complete "bicycle wheel" for the roof a major sports stadium. Stadiums are grouped in a separate menu item.

The following articles are in random order. As of May 2025 we have about 47 projects listed displayed 10 per page.


Playford Bowls Club Triple Green Roof Cover
Playford Bowls Club Triple Green Roof Cover Project (2018)

 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4432) by MakMax

Application: Cover over 3 adjacent bowling greens at the Playford City Bowls club, South Australia.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The design, fabrication and installation of the largest tensile membrane canopy structure over a bowling green in the Southern Hemisphere. The 5300m2 PVC (Mehler FR900N) structure covers a total of 21 rinks (120m length), lit with state of the art LED sports lighting, allowing year round utilization of the bowling green’s irrespective of the weather conditions. In addition to bowls, the venue is also used to host corporate and social events.

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Mooloolaba Bowls Club
Mooloolaba Bowls Club

 

LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation (Large Structures, 4351)

Entrant: Light Weight Structures

  • Location: Mooloolaba
  • Client: Mooloolaba Bowls Club
  • Completion Date: November 2011

Judges Comments:

"An elegant project - the best of the bowling club offerings. As well as taking care of core business, the structure lends some design distinction to a town not oversupplied with architectural gems."

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Whitten Oval Project - Aerial View
Whitten Oval Project - Aerial View

2024 LSAA Design Awards Entry Whitten Oval Project

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

3864

ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)

3 Large Structures

ALTERNATE CATEGORY (1-6)

ENTRANT ROLE

Design / Engineer / Fabrication / Installation

PROJECT NAME:

Whitten Oval Indoor Training Facility

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Tensile Membrane Roof integrated into a solid-wall building.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Whitten Oval Project

Whitten Oval Indoor Training Facility is an example of modern architectural materials incorporated into a high-performance sporting facility. A fully enclosed 50m x 35m building with a tensile membrane roof, rarity in Australia, the facility sets new standards for design innovation and functionality.

HighComm Large Whitten

The multi-purpose indoor training facility, with its high-translucency PTFE fabric roof allows natural daylight into the indoor field, providing a lighting level much brighter than a traditional building with internal lights.

Aerial View of the Te Hiku Sports Hub
Aerial View of the Te Hiku Sports Hub

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PROJECT NAME: Te Hiku Sports Hub
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:   Insulated Enclosure

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Te Hiku Sports Hub in Kaitaia, New Zealand, is a state-of-the-art leisure and sports facility designed to cater to the diverse needs of the local community year-round. This innovative project consisted of two insulated wings connected by a central shared space, each tailored to specific functions.

The first wing, a 16.5m x 75m serpentine enclosure, is dedicated to gym spaces and administrative offices. This design not only maximizes the use of space but also ensures that the administrative functions are seamlessly integrated into the facility.

Marrara Tennis Centre Fabric Roof
Marrara Tennis Centre Fabric Roof Project (2018)

 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4431)

Application: 2 roof canopies for tennis courts – one to cover the synthetic show court and stadium seating; and one to cover another synthetic multipurpose court.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project involved design, fabrication and installation of 2 fabric roof structures at the Marrara Tennis Centre (now Darwin International Tennis Centre) – one weatherproof shelter to cover the Main Show Court and its associated seating; and another protective shade shelter over a multi-purpose court. The project had a total plan covered area of over 3,750m2 with Mehler FR1000N being used on the Main Court and Gale Commercial Heavy 430 on the Multipurpose Court.

The main show court is a long spanning roof, covering a 60m x 50m space. Given the cyclonic location, this presented additional design challenges throughout the project.

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Cabramatta Lawn Bowls Club Sun Protection Roof
Cabramatta Lawn Bowls Club Sun Protection Roof

LSAA 2013 Design Award Entry (#4301): Cabramatta Bowls Club

Entrant: MakMax Australia

  • Category: 4 ID Number:  4301

  • Location: Fairfield Rd, Cabramatta NSW

  • Client: Paynter Dixon Constructions Pty Ltd

  • Completion Date: October 2011

APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Long span sporting arena roof.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Sun safety in sport is a growing concern across all sectors of our community. Providing a playing surface protected from harmful sun is vital to the continuity of some sports. The sport of lawn bowls in particular have realised this is especially true for their aging demographic and shrinking membership.

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The Cloud on Queens Wharf in Auckland
The Cloud on Queens Wharf in Auckland

 

LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry: Cat 4 The Cloud, Auckland, New Zealand

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

The Cloud is a semi permanent multi purpose event & exhibition structure, initially developed for the Rugby World Cup

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Cloud is a semi permanent structure erected on the western edge of Queens Wharf to accommodate the city's commitment to hosting an inner-city fanzone, festival and showcase event during the Rugby World Cup 2011. Installed as part of the recent 18 month redevelopment of Queens Wharf, The Cloud will be utilised by NZ2011 to showcase the best of New Zealand innovation and creativity during the REAL New Zealand Showcase. At almost 180m long, The Cloud can accommodate up to 6,000 people.

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Mumbai Arrival Plaza
Mumbai Arrival Plaza

 

Entrant: MakMax Australia – Designer
Location: Mumbai International Airport – India
Client: Mumbai International Airport Limited
Architect: Designcell
Struct. Eng.: MakMax Australia
Others: Mahimtura Consultants
Builder: Mumbai International Airport Limited
Fabricator: MakMax Australia

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3. (#3832)

No further details have been entered for this project

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Westlake Girls High School Sports Facility
Westlake Girls High School Sports Facility

LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation

Entrant:Structurflex Limited

  • Category: 4  ID Number:  4101

  • Location: Auckland, NZ

  • Client: Westlake Girls High School

  • Completion Date: May 2012

Judges Comments:

"Well executed variant of a "Standard" structure for sports."

"A tough site by the side of a motorway. Fine integration of structure and membrane to make the most of the potential of lightweight materials. A generous span provides uncluttered space; a sense of levity throughout."

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Greenslopes Private Hospital Car Park Canopies
Greenslopes Private Hospital Car Park Canopies

 

Entrant: Architectural Sails (Qld) Pty Ltd - Contractor
Location: Lot 108 Nicholson St - Greenslopes Qld 4120
Client: Ramsey Health Care
Architect: Phillips Smith Conwell Architects Pty Ltd
Struct. Eng.: Bligh Tanner & Wade Design Engineers
Others: Ozrig Pty Ltd (Installation)
Builder: John Holland Pty Ltd
Fabricator: Ruffles Engineering & Atkins Fabrication

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3. (#3120)

No further details have been entered for this project

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