Tensile structures are gaining increasing popularity within outdoor designs. Suitable for a variety of contexts and aesthetic preferences, fabric structures are popping up in more commercial and residential spaces than ever before. Typically, outdoor structures are associated with more traditional construction methods, but what makes tensile structures unique? Tensile structures use tensioned fabrics and steel frames to create outdoor features and canopies. The versatile nature of tensile fabric allows such structures to create a range of both dramatic and more modest designs. Tensile structures offer an interesting alternative when looking to add shelter and protection to an outdoor space.
In this blog from ARC Structures, we offer the ultimate guide to tensile structures – discussing size, materials as well as some advantages and drawbacks. We will also note the range of tensile structures and walkways available with us at ARC Structures.
What are Tensile Structures?
Tensile structures use tensioned fabrics and steel or wire frames to create outdoor structures in a range of sizes and shapes. In order to form the desired design, fabric is pulled over a designated frame and tightened using anchor points. Most tensile structures are supported by some form of compression or bending elements, such as masts, compression rings or beams.
What Materials can be Used for Tensile Structures?
Tensile structures can be made from a variety of materials. These include PVC coated polyester, PTFE coated glass cloth, shade cloth and mesh form. The range of options available for fabric choice mean that tensile structures can be created to a variety of different specifications, designs and colours. In the majority of instances, tensile structures use fabrics that are coated and laminated with synthetic materials for increased strength, durability and resistance to adverse weather conditions.
Types of Fabric Used within Tensile Structures:
Cotton Canvases
Cotton canvases were one of the earliest materials to be used for creating fabric structures such as tents and shades. Cotton canvas comes in a variety of forms such as light cotton twill, light canvas and more heavy proofed canvas varieties.
Polyesters
Polyester is the most widely used material for fabric structures. The popularity of this material can be attributed to properties such as strength, durability, cost and stretchability. Polyesters can be divided into two main categories, these being Vinyl Laminated Polyesters and Vinyl coated polyester. Laminated fabrics are produced when a reinforcing polyester trim is pressed between two layers of unsupported PVC film. With the supplied heat and pressure resulting in the formation of a single ply. Vinyl-coated polyester varieties are made from the combination of polyester scrim, exterior PVC coatings and a bonding/adhesive agent. This variety of polyester is the most popular for flexible fabric structures.
Fiberglass
Another popular material is PTFE coated fiberglass. Glass filaments are drawn together into continuous filaments which are then bundled into yarns. Fiberglass boasts a high degree of tensile strength while also offering elasticity and resistance to stress relaxation.
Blackout Fabric
Blackout fabric is an opaque material which consists of 3 layers – 2 exterior laminate layers and one central blackout element. Opaque materials are often appealing due to their lesser susceptibility to stains, dirt and unsightly results in the event of slightly mismatched panels.
Where Can Tensile Structures be Used?
Tensile structures can be used in a variety of contexts such as:
- Entrance Canopies
- Fabric Canopies
- Walkways for Schools
- Shade for Playgrounds
- Stadium Roofs – to name a few!
The customisability of fabric structures can make them a welcome addition to both residential and commercial contexts. Commercial contexts may enjoy the impactful visuals that can be crafted using tensioned structures while residential contexts such as gardens are likely to enjoy the practical functions of an outdoor canopy.
Benefits of Tensile Structures
Quicker installation
When the correct methods are followed by expert contractors, tensile structures can be installed more quickly than traditional construction methods. In addition to being less time consuming to erect, tensile structures often offer a more cost-effective alternative to more typical alternatives.
Maintains natural light
Due to the inherent translucency of many fabric varieties, tensile structures allow a premises to maintain bright, diffused natural daylight. With many more typical forms of construction, natural light can be blocked out – creating a need for alternative, artificial lighting fixtures.
Flexible Design
Another key advantage of tensile structures over typical alternatives is their flexibility. The unique flexible characteristics of fabric membrane structures give architects, designers, and engineers the opportunity to experiment with form and create visually exciting structures. The flexibility of design available with these structures also allows smaller residential projects to be customised relative to the homeowner’s specifications.
Low Maintenance
Another central advantage of tensile structures over conventional methods is their low maintenance nature. Many structures made from alternative materials must be maintained/replaced due to their susceptibility to wear and tear/weather damage. The low maintenance nature of tensile structures comes from the fabric coatings applied to the chosen materials. Especially in commercial contexts such as businesses and schools, pausing day to day activity to maintain or reinstall structures can be highly disruptive – opting for lower maintenance structures limits the frequency of such disruption.
Drawbacks of Tensile Structures
Less Suitable for Temporary Events & Smaller Designs
Designing and erecting a tensile structure is an expensive and time-consuming process. Once a structure has been constructed, it can be costly and time consuming to bring down. For this reason, tensile structures offer a less affordable option for temporary events.
Another instance where tensile structures may not be an appropriate solution would be in situations where the desired structure is particularly small. Small structures still require all the stages of design and engineering, so the overall cost per square metre could be (seemingly) disproportionally high.
Despite these drawbacks, tensile structures are a brilliant and innovative solution for exhibitions and smaller spaces, offering visitors an exciting visual stimulus.
Tensile structures from ARC Structures
Here at ARC Structures, we specialise in creating innovative, visually interesting tensile fabric structures and canopies. Built to your specifications, in line with your brief and your budget. Our services take your project from start to finish including design, manufacturing, installation, project management and maintenance. So, you can have peace of mind that not only has your structure been constructed to the highest standard – It’s been made to last. To speak to one of our team about our range of products and tensile structures, get in touch today.