The Benefits of a Tensile Fabric Structure

 

A tensioned fabric structure is a type of building that uses fabric as a structure to support weight. These structures are often called tensile facades and can be used to cover the exterior of a building, parking garage, or sports arena. Tensile structures are also great for incorporating brand messages into fabric graphics. Here's a closer look at the benefits of a tensile fabric building.

Tensile fabric structures use two basic building blocks: Saddle and Cone. These two shapes are very versatile, and can be used to create structures tailored to your requirements. The Saddle can be thought of as a warped rectangular grid, while the cone is more like a volcano. The two types of tensile fabric structures can be stacked to create a highly efficient design. And what's more, tensile fabric structures can last for 45 years!

Frei Otto is an early pioneer of tensile architecture. Frei Otto discovered that many natural forms have a perfect tension, and developed a method to link them. He later developed a model using soap. The process of developing this building model led to countless innovations in tensile architecture. In the years that followed, more architects and designers began incorporating tensile structures into their work.

Tensile structures are a good alternative to traditional buildings. As the name implies, they are composed of a metal framework and a fabric envelope. Compared to traditional buildings, tensile structures use fewer materials and can be more environmentally friendly. Steel is an excellent material for a skeleton, and the structure requires less material than traditional buildings. And in 2014, a steel-framed tensile building was able to withstand winds of 130 mph!

The earliest tensile structures were used for shelter, such as tents. They have evolved since then, as different people have used different materials, climates, and building styles. Bedouins and Berbers have used black tents, while the Moors and Kurds used tipis-like structures for shelter. So what are the advantages of a tensile structure over a traditional building?

A tension fabric structure has a highly reflective surface, which allows for better lighting even during the day. This results in a significant reduction in the amount of energy required for lighting and HVAC systems. That means a lower utility bill for homeowners. The highly reflective surface of a tensile structure is a big plus for energy-efficient buildings! This makes it the perfect choice for buildings and parks alike. And if you're planning to put a Tensile Structure on your property, consider these benefits:

A tensile structure uses less material than a tension fabric building, and it can be used to build entire buildings. It's easier to install and requires fewer interior pillars than a tension fabric building. Tensile fabric buildings typically use steel framework for structural support, with the fabric acting as a protective covering to keep out the elements. You'll have all of the benefits of a tension structure without the high cost of an interior building.