A tensile fabric structure comprises a tensioned fabric membrane roof supported by structure usually made of steel, aluminium or timber. Tensile Fabric Structures (Lightweight) structures are architectural and engineering creations known for their low mass compared to the applied loads. They encompass various forms such as tensile structures, frame-supported structures, air-supported structures, air-inflated structures, cable net structures, cable-and-strut structures (also called tensegrity), geodesic dome structures, and grid shells. These structures are celebrated for their material efficiency and are widely used in architecture and engineering due to their ability to offer strength and stability while keeping weight to a minimum, making them versatile for various applications.

There are two basic building blocks of anticlastic tensile structures: the Saddle and the Cone. The Saddle is a hyperbolic paraboloid which means that it is a surface made of two high points and two low points. The geometry of the surface is orthogonal or made by the warping of a rectangular grid. The Cone is like a volcano shape using a radial geometry created by radians and hoops to create surfaces. These two forms can be combined to create an infinite number of permutations much like the circle and the square in classical architecture. Synclastic forms such as Domes and Flat panel membranes are also offered.

Various fabric materials are used in the construction of tensile fabric structures, each chosen for its specific characteristics and suitability for the intended application. At J & J Carter we use four different types, PVC coated Polyester, PVC coated Glass Fibre, Silcone coated Glass Fabric, and PTFE coated Glass Fabric. For more information on the different types of materials, visit our Tensile Fabric Materials page which breaks down each fabric and provides a helpful comparison graph.

This can vary depending on the design and specification of the materials and on other factors such as maintenance, cleaning and location. Typically, a PVC membrane would last around 20-25 years and a PTFE structure would last in excess of 30 years. Fabric technology, design and manufacturing techniques are advancing all the time and we’re seeing the lifespans of tensile structures increase as a result.

Integrating tensile structures with regular buildings involves a strategic approach to seamlessly combine architectural and structural elements. They can be used as curtain walls either as building cladding for atriums or courtyards in intense solar regions or as shading systems in conjunction with glass curtain walls. They can be used as canopies that join on the outside of buildings to give flair at entrances and as covered walkways. They can be stand alone pavilions that act as objects in the streetscape. They not only provide shelter but also introduce natural light and enhance the aesthetics of a building.