Have you seen our free 3D Model Library?
Tensile structures and fabric structures are still a relatively niche product and we understand many architects and designers may not have the time to familiarise themselves with the basic principles and shapes required to create beautiful and practical tensile structures. This can lead to issues with design and costing and often to last minute decisions on whether to keep the tensile elements or not which can often seen as be surplus to the overall specification.
Here at Fabric Architecture we obviously see fabric as anything but surplus to a beautiful design and with this is mind, we have made our most popular structures available in dwg. files making them accessible to drag and drop directly onto your CAD plans and 3D modelling platforms. With the increasing use of technology, the rise of BIM and improvements in modelling software’s it is important for all members of the design, engineering, or construction industry to remain current and accessible. We know collaborative working is the future of the industry, increasing coordination, quality of planning, transparency, and accountability.
The 3D model library is available through the education section of our website, where you can sign-up to receive a free dropbox download of all 74 files spanning a rage of sizes and styles suitable for outdoor use. Whether you are designing schools, business parks, or outdoor event spaces, there are plenty of structures perfect for the job.
Our 3D Model Library is available to architects, designers, and students alike as we aim to take the stress out of your technical planning.
We would love to see what we help to create so remember to tag us @fabric_architecture_ using #fabricarchitecture
Effective brise soleil shading solution for Maurice Wilkes Building
The conic form is created using a flying mast supported on three slender braces which spring from the building. The edges are held with cables in hidden edge pockets. The fabric is a highly translucent architectural material with a life expectancy of over 20 years.
The Maurice Wilkes Building is situated at St John’s Innovation Park in Cambridge. An article in architectsdatafile.co.uk has more detail about the building.
Fabric Architecture realise the dream of architectural practice Wintersgill
The structure was engineered, manufactured and installed by Fabric Architecture over a live shopping centre during a four week period.
Two entrance canopies designed and installed in record time!
Design started in early January giving a four month window from conception to completion!!
The ten meter cantilevered Skylar structure and the large hyper abut the ancient city wall giving a contemporary feel to the new Watergate Square Entrance.
York race course Clock Tower Enclosure opens with 10 tensile canopies
The historic Clock Tower Enclosure at York race course opened with 10 new tensile canopies.
One of the most interesting features of these structures are the 10 clear polycarbonate covered oculi in the roof framed by the tensile fabric giving a light playful feel to the project.
This form was particularly chosen as a nod to the race course’s Roman history. “Oculus” from the Latin word eye was used quite extensively in Roman architecture.
ETFE inflated cushion structures
The design was conceived by Leonard Design Architects and was fully detailed, engineered, manufactured and installed by Fabric Architecture.
The delicate tapered masts support two 7 metre diameter and two 8 metre diameter over sailing twin skinned ETFE cushions and are lit with a continuous LED light.
The structures are supported on a suspended deck. The services and inflation tubes are hidden in internal ducts in the steel frames and through the deck.
Tensile Fabric Link Structure for WAM
It was important to express a sense of light-hearted playfulness in what is a very functional building. The combination of arches combined with a flying conical form won the day, within tight budget parameters.
Retail face-lift for St Enoch’s with fabric acoustic ceiling
These fabric acoustic ceiling ‘sails’ replace some rather tired and ineffectual window treatments that proved inadequate, both visually and acoustically, and did little to reduce glare through the glass atrium roof.
The new design incorporates an effective integral lighting system and gives the centre a completely new look and feel.
Read more of our news articles.
Fabric Architecture assist St Johns Square, Basingstoke Rejuvenation
These large inflated cushions situated in St Johns Square act as the main front door to Festival Place Basingstoke.
These overlapping sculptures appear to be floating on tapered columns, lit with a halo of discreet LED lights, marking the much-awaited rejuvenation to this vibrant social hub.
Read more news from Fabric Architecture.
Skylight Feature at Moet Pavilion
The efficient use of an existing barrel vault form, modified to include an “eyelet” skylight detail along the ridgeline, results in maximum coverage for minimum expense.
The structure is flooded with natural light benefitting both vendors and race goers using the tote kiosks underneath. At £350m2, this structure was a budget-friendly alternative for the racecourse who had several areas outlined for improvements across the site.
More on the York Racecourse Tensile Structure