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To provide an outer skin from a material that can be recycled if / when replaced and that also blends into the environment. Wastage of non-recyclable materials to be kept to a minimum.

It was requested by the architect that we supply a membrane solution for three pod like classrooms for Green School New Zealand to function as an aesthetic cladding and to create a ventilated thermal barrier to reduce heat soak into the building. This was to complement the “green” label for the structure reducing running costs and adding an organic look.

The overall complexity to the project was the shape involved and construction materials used. The glulam timber beams created large tolerances on site requiring steel to be custom fit to each of the three structures and 3d digitizing to design and construct the membranes. The high stretch of the fabric paired with the shape of the structure added the additional complexity of staged tensioning over multiple weeks.

The result of the membrane solution supplied was a unique aesthetically pleasing finish that compliments the environment in which they stand.

The Green School Pods (Classrooms) were an opportunity for us to display our capabilities to create complex membrane designs and display the aesthetic advantage of fabrics in a high profile project.

Project Title: Green School New Zealand

Project Completed (date): May 2020

Approximate Size: 19m L x 12m W x 6m H

Project Location: Koru, Taranaki

Fabric Structures

Products used in
Green School New Zealand

Professionals used in
Green School New Zealand

About the
Professional

Fabric Structures Ltd specialises in the design and fabrication of bespoke architectural and event structures. We provide internal and external expertise on a wide range of materials including PVC - solid, PVC - mesh, Metal Mesh, PTFE & ETFE. We are also the local distributors for a range of architectural membrane products.

From fixed frame canopies, cable tensioned structures, insulated enclosures and facades, we deliver fabric solutions for commercial buildings, aquatic centres, outdoor sport and recreation spaces, events and exhibitions, across a range of sectors.

Our highly-skilled, multidisciplinary team (based across two sites in Whangarei and West Auckland), provides expertise across every aspect of production, from a technical understanding of specialist textiles, best practice design/engineering processes, building consent applications, through to project delivery.

Innovation is at the heart of our culture, demonstrated through our award-winning bespoke local and international solutions, ranging from purpose-built architect-led solutions to internal design-led fabric structures and facades.

At Fabric Structures, we collaborate with other industry-leading experts, including architects, specialist tensile engineers, leading fabric suppliers, steel fabricators, local civil contractors and professional riggers.

"Big enough to execute with excellence, but small enough to know you."

We build sustainable working relationships with our clients, collaborating closely with them to understand their needs and issues so that we can provide the best solutions.