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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.

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


Field of Dreams Weather Protection to 2 Courts
Field of Dreams Weather Protection to 2 Courts

APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Sports Court Canopy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A specialised canopy structure was commissioned for the Field of Dreams project at Oxford Falls Grammar School in New South Wales, Australia. The design aimed to provide weather protection for two competition playing courts situated on the upper level of a two-story building, covering 2,200 square metres.

In addition to the canopy made of PTFE, stainless steel mesh was incorporated around the perimeter of the open-air facility. The rated mesh effectively enclosed the area and acted as a barrier to prevent equipment from falling through and provided fall protection for users of the courts all while maintaining adequate air circulation.

Sharjah Safari - Birds of Africa Aviary
Sharjah Safari - Birds of Africa Aviary (DA 2022 Entry by Tensys)

LSAA 2022 Plaques 0007APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

This project was one spearheaded by HRH Dr Sheik Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (Ruler of Shajah) and was kept under wraps for the past 4 years.  The Birds of Africa Aviary forms the centre piece of the Safari and highlights the flamingo habitat.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A bird aviary comprising 10,000 sqm of stainless steel woven cable mesh together with shading panels.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

The function requirement was to create a stainless steel mesh bird aviary to both keep the birds in, as well as keep out unwanted pests.  Due to the hot summer months in the Middle East an additional shading element was required. This has both a functional brief as well as providing both texture and difference in translucency to the aviary structure

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

A tensile anticlastic form created with structural steel and cable system.  The tension element is in the form of stainless steel cables and mesh together with PVC/PES shading elements.

MATERIALS

Structural architectural steel

Stainless woven cable mesh

PVC/PES fabric

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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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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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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Daytime aerial shot of the ETFE pneumatic cushions
Yogyakarta International Airport, Indonesia (2021 DA)

APPLICATION OF PROJECT

Airport terminal drop off area roof

The New Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) Description

The new Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) at Kulon Progo Regency, serves the Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia, and is operated by Ankasa Pura. As part of the airport development, Fabritecture was contracted for the design & supply of ETFE pneumatic roofing as well as supply system and ducting.

The ETFE component of the roof comprises 84 2-layer cushions covers a plan area of approximately 14,314m2 and is part of an overall canopy integrating polycarbonate elements also, overall providing 18,900m2 of weather cover the exterior drop-off area.

The Farm - Anish Kapoor
The Farm - Anish Kapoor

 

Entered into the 2009 LSAA Design Awards, Category 4 (4022)

Entrant: Structurflex Ltd - Engineering Fabrication Installation
Location: Kaipara Harbour
Client: Keystone Trust
Architect: Noel Lane Architects
Struct. Eng.: Structure Design & Compusoft Engineering
Builder: Grayson Engineering
Fabricator: Structurflex

No further details have been entered for this project at this stage.

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

ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)  3  ALTERNATE CATEGORY (1-6) 5
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.

Interior shot of Ken Rosewall Arena (photo credit: COX Architecture)
Ken Rosewall Arena, Stadium Roof, Sydney

The Ken Rosewall Arena Description

The Ken Rosewall Arena project is a redevelopment project for the original stadium which was constructed in 2000 for the Sydney Olympic Games. The project included the installation of an innovative cable-tension and PTFE fabric design roof. The striking new roof is the first of its kind for stadia in Australia. The redevelopment has transformed the venue into a multi-purpose outdoor covered arena with new and upgraded facilities. The arena now operates as a multi-purpose venue, including tennis and netball, and is home to the Sydney Giants.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

The Ken Rosewall Arena redevelopment project aimed to transform the existing tennis arena from an open-air venue into a multi-purpose indoor arena. The idea behind the roof was to allow the venue to operate unaffected by environmental impacts such as extreme heat, wind, and rain. The client requested a solution that could transform the venue into a multi-purpose outdoor covered arena with upsized in-stadia videoboards, new seating, and shade for 10,000 spectators.

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 

4866

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.