Creating beautifully practical tensile fabric structures

@ a Glance

Since 1982, Fabric Architecture Ltd has been an industry leader specialising in the design, engineering, manufacture and installation of internal and external tensile fabric structures throughout the world.

Our Core Capabilities include:

• Finite Element Analysis • Structural Engineering • Project Management • Form Finding

• Manufacture • Design Consultancy • Canopy Patterning • Installation

Project Brief

· Housing Studio, an architectural firm, designed a

unique covered outdoor communal space for an

upscale apartment complex in North Carolina

· Because the space will be used for social

gatherings, it needs to be waterproof

· PVC is not an option – the material used needs to

be ‘eco’ friendly for sustainability guidelines

· While the area is to be covered, it needs to feel

light and airy

· There is a fixed budget so design & build is not

an option

• The structure should be easy to maintain

fabric architecture ltdcase study: woodfield apartments, usa

fabric architecture ltdcase study: woodfield apartments, usa

“When showing the property, the communal outdoor lounge is one of the first places I take future residents. It’s really unique to the area and perfect for Monday night Football – rain or shine. Everyone loves it.”

Sarah Smith, Estate Agent

Design Solution

Fabric Architecture North America was up for the challenge to create the ultimate covered outdoor living space. With a range of 50 unique Signature Structures of various sizes, shapes and functions, choosing the right structure was important.

The structure that fit the requirements best was the Sirocco. For Woodfield Apartments, the 6 meter Sirocco ‘ticked all the boxes.’

Fabric Architecture’s in house Structural Engineer increased the steelwork (defined in the standard design codes for the USA) to ensure structural stability due to potential extreme weather conditions in this region.

A Silicone Coated Glass fabric was recommended and installed. This particular fabric is light & airy (light transmission of 40%), easy to maintain, has a lifespan of 30 +years & is recyclable.

Added Value• A selling feature for the community

• Creates a resort style atmosphere - a ‘wow’ factor and architectural statement

• Design and build look at an economical price

• Easy to specify with quick turn around

• A dry place for residents to host social activities • Silicone Coated Glass fabric is easy to maintain and Eco Friendly • A permanent structure engineered to resist heavy wind & snow loads in this region

• ISO 14001 • ISO 9001 • CHAS • AIS

Fabric Architecture offices

Europe t: +44 (0)1452 612 800 e: alexw@fabarc.co.uk

North America t: +1 813 864 6428 e: wendy.swanson@fabricarchitecture.com

UAE t: +971 2 417 3572 e: lloyd.lewis@fabricarchitecture.com

www.fabricarchitecture.com Main Contractor: C.F Evans Construction Architect: Housing Studio