It’s through collaboration from the onset of a project, that together, we can create inspiring spaces.
Our goal is to realise your vision. Creativity is the driving force behind what we do. We believe that if you can imagine it, we can design, manufacture and build it. With origins in architecture, product design and construction management, we are fully equipped to take on the most complicated projects.
Multi-Disciplinary Team
- Form finding
- Finite element analysis
- Patterning
- Connection detail design
- Rainwater analysis
Creative Freedom
Whether you are working on behalf of a client or you are the end user, we know seeing what your structure will look like is important. Our in-house team of designers expand the concept into something you can get excited about. We offer the following services:
- Visualisations
- Sketch drawings
- 3D models
- Photo montages
- Design consultancy
Detail Driven
With over 30 years in the industry, we have learned what works and what doesn’t work – we have become masters of detail. In the design process, everything must be thoughtfully considered, from the top to the bottom. In working on your brief, the following tensile fabric design criteria is considered:
- Fabric options
- Fixing and fittings
- Supporting structure
The key to Tensile Structures is understanding the "design/build" process.
DESIGN/BUILD AND TENSILE STRUCTURES
There are 3 major parts to a successful tensile structure experience (design, fabricate and build) and every decision made on the design affects how things get fabricated and built. The more complex and steel there is on a project, the more it will cost to design, fabricate and install. The fabric and hardware chosen is just as important as the paint finish and the foundations. Location, site access and labor rates also play a major role.
Our advice? Keep it simple.
Issues to consider:
What is it being used for?
Permanent or Temporary?
Life Span?
Access to site?
Who is going to take care of it?
What is the budget?
Design
Design takes expertise and design takes time. If you are interested in a tensile structure, it is best to have someone who has done a project similar to what you are looking for. Some designers are more familiar with designing large scale structures while others are more experienced with smaller scale projects.
Engineering
Engineering requires someone who is well versed in both structure and material. The term “form finding” will come into play as the Engineer will make every effort to make the most structurally efficient design just make sure it solves your need. There are a number of computer-aided design and engineering software programs that assist the Engineer in making tensile structures. Its important to know and provide the Engineer with the correct building code information for your site.
Fabric and Fabrication
Fabrication plays a huge role in a tensile structure because all components are made in a controlled environment. Nothing is done on site. There are a number of fabrics in the market (PTFE, ETFE, PVC, HDPE) and they come from all over the world, they have different characteristics, prices, widths, etc. There are a number of welding or joining techniques for each material and not all fabricators have the machines or the skilled personnel to tackle every job. Fabrication locations may affect sustainable issues, shipping cost and construction schedule. Know where your membrane is being made.
Structure and Structure Fabrication
Most fabric structures are made with steel structural members that are welded and painted or powder coated in the shop. Its nice to get the steel done locally because of transportation cost. There is a growing trend to have the structural members made in aluminum or even wood because of their sustainable qualities.
Cable and Cable Fabrication
Cables are the typical component used along the edge. Cables can be galvanized or stainless steel. There are some occasions that the edge is a kevlar or high strength rope. The end fittings to a cable are also either galvanized or stainless steel. It is quite common to have galvanized cables with stainless end fittings.
Installation
Installation of tensile structures requires a team of people that understand the material when it is not in tension and know when and where to set up cranes, lift the membrane and measure tension.
Service and Maintenance
Although some fabrics are advertised to be “self cleaning” because of their durable topcoats, its nice to give the fabric a nice cleaning besides mother nature. Maintenance includes checking all the hardware pieces to avoid rust build up and the possible need to adjust a turnbuckle.