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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.


Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC)
Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC)

 

LSAA 2007 Design Award Entry (Cat 3, 3002)

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp (Later as MakMax in Australia)

Client: Major Projects Australia      Architect: Peddle Thorpe Architects
Structural Engineer: Xiang Du (TMC) & Connell Mott McDonald
Specialist Consultant(s): Connell Wagner (steel design)
Builder: John Holland Pty Ltd

Application and Function:

Designed to be suitable both during and after major events, the roof has been designed in two sections.
Section one is a permanent roof made from PTFE fabric.  This roof covers the pool as well as stadium seating for 3,000 spectators.  Section two extends the roof for “Commonwealth Games” mode.
Two temporary PVC roofs are erected either side of the permanent roof to cover a further 8,000 seats. The temporary structures create a festive effect with their high pitches and large sloping support columns.

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Chevron Renaissance
Chevron Renaissance

 

Entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4773)

Entrant: MakMax Australia (Engineer, Fabricator, Installer)

Location: Gold Coast, QLD.   Team: MakMax Australia

Application: Retail Shopping Centre

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Overall View of Pacific Fair Resort Roof
Pacific Fair Resort Roof

 

Entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 4, Large Fabric Structures #4114)

Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)

Location: The Esplanade.   Completed: 2016

Client: Scentre Group (Westfield)

Team:  Scentre Group (Westfield), Wade Design, Textile Fabrication Services, Fabritecture 

 Application

Statement architectural fabric structure with complex steel geometry and state-of-the-art LED lighting system as part of a $670 million redevelopment of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast.

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Arizona State University – Skysong Signature Structure
Skysong Signature Structure is an excellent example of freeform tensile fabric architecture

 

LSAA 2009 Design Award Entry: Arizona State University – Skysong Signature Structure

Entrant: Atkins Fabrication (Aust) Pty Ltd – Fabricator
Location: Arizona State University – USA
Client: USA Shade & Fabric Structures Inc.
Struct. Eng.: Wade Engineering
Fabricator: Atkins Fabrication (Australia) Pty Ltd

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3.

Arizona State University – The Skysong Signature Structure is an excellent example of freeform tensile fabric architecture fabricated by Atkins.

No further details have been entered for this project

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Brisbane State Tennis Outdoor Show Courts
Brisbane State Tennis Outdoor Show Courts

 

Entrant: UFS Australasia Pty Ltd - Designer / Fabricator
Location: 190 King Arthur Terrace - Tennyson Qld 4105
Client: Mirvac  Architect: Mirvac Design   Struct. Eng.: Wade Engineering
Specialist: Steel Structures Australia
Builder: Universal Fabric Structures / Ozrig
Fabricator: Skyspan Asia

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3 (#37008)

Description 

The Queensland State Government approved and funded the development of a first class international tennis facility for Queensland to be located in the Brisbane CBD at Tennyson. The facility offers all tennis playing surfaces, a covered main court stadium and two covered outdoor championship size show courts. The State Tennis Centre was completed in time for the Adidas international in January 2009.

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General View of the Link@Langley Roof
General View of the Link@Langley Roof

2024 LSAA Design Awards Entry #4866 Link at Langley 

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

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ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)

4 – Glazing & Vertical Structures

ALTERNATE CATEGORY (1-6)

3 – Large Structures

ENTRANT ROLE

Designer / Engineer / Fabricator / Installer

PROJECT NAME:

Link@Langley ETFE Atrium

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Clear ETFE ‘glazed’ Atrium Roof over a commercial redevelopment

  

Citation Large Link at Langley

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Link@Langley ETFE Atrium not only enhances the visual appeal of the riverside redevelopment but also demonstrates the successful fusion of modern lightweight glazed roof design with practical engineering solutions.

The result is a harmonious blend of form and function and a symbol of innovation, seamlessly integrating into its surroundings while offering a captivating architectural aesthetic. This project exemplifies the power of clever design and cutting-edge materials in shaping the future of urban architecture. Massive in size and scope, the Link@Langley ETFE Atrium structure is 65 meters long and 40 metres wide and sits atop a former office building between seven and eight storeys above the atrium floor.

Souk Okaz Public Theatre
Souk Okaz Public Theatre

LSAA Design Awards 2013 Award of Excellence (Cat 6, ID 4303)

Souk Okaz Public Theatre

Entrant: MakMax Australia

  • Location: Taif City, Kingdom of Audi Arabia

  • Client: Taif City

  • Completion Date: March 2013

Judges Comments:

"Well integrated and designed perfectly for its place."

"This looks to be very successful integration of lightweight elements with solid architecture. There's no sense that the roof has been conceived independently of the rest of the theatre. Lovely tent-like effect; very effective use of pattern on the 'fly sheet'."

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Decorative roof, culturally significant

The purpose of Souk Okaz Public Theatre was to deliver both a functional public space for cultural activities and evocative ambience reminiscent of the ancient pre-Islamic era of a bustling Bedouin market place.

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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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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre

 

Entered into the LSAA 2011 Awards (Cat 4, 4610)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Sheltered below an innovative woven timber canopy, new amenities for visitors to the Waitomo Caves includes tourist gathering areas, 250-seat dining, retail, seminar and exhibition areas as well as a café and theatre for Tourism Holdings Ltd (Fig.1). (Note: These Figures / drawings are not available)

The cave entrance is accessed from the car park on the upper path while a lower path returns the visitors back alongside the stream exit (Fig. 2). Between these paths the amenities were accommodated within a simple base structure that extended the contours of the land (Fig. 3). The form of the base is distinguished and separate from the curved geometry of the overhead canopy.

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ITE College West, Singapore
ITE College West, Singapore

 

LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry (4210)

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Canopy shade structure: The architectural PTFE membrane canopy provides weather protection for an outdoor events plaza and exterior walkway.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A truly stunning piece of fabric architecture was created with this stunning lightweight membrane roof at ITE College (West) in Singapore. Supported only by a complex cable system and large steel wall plates bolted to 4 different buildings, the 3000m2 PTFE Canopy provides shelter to the Events Plaza and exterior walkways below spanning an incredible 75m span in one direction and 45m in the other.