Tensile Fabric Structures – a BIG difference!

Examples of fabric structures abound…………….

Tents, umbrellas, canopies, awnings, marquees and garden gazebos to name but a few, and they all utilise tension in the fabric to maintain shape and to provide stability. These structures have lightweight frames and often require intermediate spars or struts to create the tension in the fabric, but none can be described as architectural due to their temporary nature and their susceptibility to high winds, heavy rain or snow.

To produce an architectural structure using a fabric membrane requires much higher tension and the structure has to be designed, just as a normal building, to withstand all reasonable weather conditions prevailing at the site. One way to avoid producing utilitarian, over engineered structures is to create patterned membranes that have complex curves – cones, barrel-vaults or hypars are good examples – and the opposing curves give the membrane stability without the need for intermediate structural support. Once double curvature is introduced the membrane acts more like a solid object and is less affected by high winds, will not sag under snow loads or pool during heavy rain.

Materials have to be carefully selected to ensure that they do not tear under load, fold or create tension lines; they must not be affected by adverse weather conditions, support the growth of mould or age prematurely. The structure itself is engineered to match the imposed loads and foundations have to be sufficient to anchor the structure to the ground.