Every tensile fabric structure that we design and install provides a roof over the space beneath it, but some of our projects have fulfilled a more specific roofing brief. For example to cover a space between two buildings or to supply a waterproof breakout space for our education customers.
The images above show a beautiful and practical roof designed by Aura for the new Nottingham University Samworth Academy to provide an uninsulated breakout street space between two new buildings. The roof was constructed using our unique, patented fabric panel system TEXO®. The TEXO® frame system holds fabric, in this case ETFE, in a constant pre-stress bringing it back to its flat form regardless of wind distortions. This system has, for the first time, allowed fabric to be used in permanent flat form without the need for heavy tensile loads. Using TEXO® we exceeded the architect’s brief by providing an alternative to glass that was almost 40% cheaper, less than 1/10 its weight, and with light transmission virtually indistinguishable (97% translucency). Not only that, but it was much faster and safer to install than the glass equivalent – 900m2 being installed in only 10 days.
Lightweight structures make connections simpler
As described above our flat panel system TEXO® is much lighter than the a glass alternative, the same can also be said of tensile fabric structures when compared with traditional materials.
Farnborough College wanted to create extra usable space and make their buildings more attractive to students and teachers. As part of a major programme of refurbishments they asked Aura to install a barrel vaulted canopy to cover the space between two existing buildings. The canopy, constructed using PVDF Polyester architectural fabric, is waterproof and provides excellent light transmission but most importantly it is super lightweight and could be supported by the existing buildings without the concern that large loads would have imposed.
If you are interested in creating a roof canopy using a lightweight fabric structure such as those described above, please don’t hesitate to call us on 02392 001 322
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