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Technical Info - Shade Sails, Structures and Construction

Tension membrane construction has been widely used for many decades. Architects and engineers now recognise this type of building as the material of the future.

Tension membrane structures are typically lightweight buildings, resulting in a more economical structure, often requiring a greatly reduced mass of foundations and steelwork. This eliminates a lot of future maintenance, as well as initial costs.

Membrane structures are manufactured from PVC coated polyester fabric or PTFE fabric, which can span large distances without the supporting structures used in conventional buildings.

This type of construction is eminently suitable as a problem solving solution to many difficult sites and individual situations. Its ability to "clear-span" large areas with dramatic three-dimensional shapes allows for many exciting and aesthetically pleasing structures at an economical price. We can demonstrate how patterning for a curved membrane form is calculated, and how far the respective fabric must be compensated to prevent wrinkling or creasing.

The ability of this material to withstand extreme weather conditions from snow and hail to high winds and high temperatures is nothing short of staggering! The flexibility of these fabrics allow for the design of passive control of the thermal requirements of each particular structure.

We can even design them to function without the need for conventional air-conditioning, which can be the single most power consumptive component in some buildings. They can provide cool and comfortable environment wherever there is a need to minimise heat gain and maximise airflow.

The translucent membrane material allows natural light to permeate the under-cover area, reducing the need for artificial light during daylight hours. At night, lighting can be "bounced off" the reflective fabric, both internally and externally; minimising the energy consumption with the use of low-wattage lighting.

Some of the fabrics we use have a life expectancy well in excess of 25 years.