The Cloud: Queens Wharf, Auckland | RWC 2011 Event Centre

The design of the Cloud was a collaborative effort between Fabric Structures & Jasmax Architects. Although Queens Wharf dictated the shape & size of the structure, the Cloud’s sculptural shape was the result of extensive modelling & form finding.

To efficiently achieve the Cloud’s shape, we adopted a standard truss shape that was oscillated up and down, around a virtual centre line. The variation in wall heights could then efficiently be achieved with varying height columns.

The project presented many challenges for us. The tight program meant that fabrication of steel had to start, before the full design was completed. Over half the structure was standing by the time the design of the mezzanine was concluded. There were numerous design changes that had to be accommodated late in the piece, which pushed every one hard because of the fixed completion date. The design of the mezzanine area & incorporation of all the elements (eg, 3 sets of stairs, lift, bracing, services, air-conditioning plant etc) proved extremely challenging. Due to the high loads of the mezzanine columns, their set out had to co-ordinated with the existing wharf piles, all the while trying to achieve as much column free space on the ground floor as possible. With a changing client brief, we went through numerous design & engineering iterations before settling on the final design.

Full details are on our website.

Client: Auckland Council

Fabric Type: ETFE, PVC- Outer Serge Ferrari 1002 T2, PVC Liners – Serge Ferrari 802 S2 - Mezzanine

Function: Architectural design for RWC 2011 – Party Central

Scope of Work: Concept, Design & Build

Location: Queens Wharf, Auckland, NZ

Size: 178.5m x 21m (3,400sqm)

Completion: 9th August 2011