August 2010

NEW MAN CITY FAN PAVILION READY FOR THE SEASON OPENER:
Fabric Architecture is pleased to announce the successful and speedy completion (just in time for the season opener later this month) of two landmark canopies outside the City of Manchester Stadium. BDP, Europe’s largest interdisciplinary design practice, approached Fabric Architecture in late May 2010, looking for 1,500m² of canopies to be installed for Manchester City Football Club before the start of the 2010-11 Premiership season.

With only 10 weeks to turn around a project that would usually take 18-20 weeks, Fabric Architecture have had to employ all of their project management skills to meet the deadline of a very exacting client. The result is a pair of beautiful structures creating new covered bar and café areas for fans to use before and after games. The site will be further enhanced by the addition of a Fabric Architecture stage cover within the next two weeks.

Below is a picture of this very unique and organically flowing structure. 

‘COVERING’ BULWELL ACADEMY WITH THE UK'S LARGEST INVERSE CONICS :
1,050 students will soon be walking through the stunning courtyard of Bulwell Academy in Nottingham.  With Britain’s unpredictable weather conditions, Bulwell had a plan and a vision for how to create outdoor learning spaces that could be used all year round. 

What makes this particular project a bit different is the ethos behind the design of the academy – “learning by doing”. As part of their academic studies, students contributed ideas regarding what they would like to see in their school. One of the results is a courtyard with upper level walkways covered by eight intermittent Inverse Conics, two of which are an enormous 24m x 16m while the other six are a massive 18m x 16m.  The Conics are so large that the hoppers at the base are 2.3 meters wide.

What’s unique about these Inverted Conics is how they over-sail one another at different heights, providing a very light and airy feeling.  The wow factor comes to play when sunlight beams through the different layers and levels of the canopies creating dramatic patterns and shadows throughout the space.  Rain channeling through hoppers allows the courtyard below to remain dry while uplighting from the eight masts transforms the space on cloudy days and evenings into something even more remarkable. 

Through meticulous patterning, engineering and design analysis, Fabric Architecture was able to create a courtyard roof of closely interwoven canopies.  In house Design Manager, Chris Gyngell, stated that the patterning of the Bulwell Conics is “right on the edge of what you can achieve with fabric for Inverted Conic structures of this scale.”

Bulwell Academy is the latest school to be completed as part of the strategic plan for Building Schools for the Future (BSF).  BSF is a programme committed to providing world-class teaching and learning environments, as evident in the incredible photos below (taken from various angles to show the scale and scope of this world class learning facility).

KHALIFA PARK, ABU DHABI, SET TO OPEN SOON:
Nestled down between the aqua blue ocean and the sandy beaches is an emerald green park called Khalifa. With amenities to include a mosque, a museum, an amphitheatre, gardens and a theme park, Khalifa Park is an entertainment and enlightenment site, a place that beautifully blends tradition and modernity very much like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other emerging emirates of UAE.

Khalifa Park was a gift for the people of Abu Dhabi from UAE ruler Sheikh Khalifa and is undergoing a massive renovation.  Fabric Architecture Middle East (FAME) was invited to be a part of the renovation by providing over 1650 sqm of shade canopies at the Khalifa Kids Cove section of the park.  Kids Cove is an oasis of fun; a subterranean fantasy water park  with a multitude of features including water cannons, full scale boats, and a ‘lazy river’ water ride.

Having recently completed a water park in the USA, Fabric Architecture knows what kids like and how to incorporate design with functionality. FAME  is currently installing a bespoke and almost entirely flat canopy to represent the surface of the sea.  This Shade Structure is supported by six enormous tripods, reaching over 11m high.  Tripods provide the restraints for a cable net structure, forming a web of connection points for 36 individual canopies which make up the structure. A mix of solid and mesh PVC fabric is being used to give a dappled shade effect, while seaweed and fish-like sculptures will be fixed to the underside of the cable net to add to the subterranean theme.

Soon the bespoke shade structure of Khalifa Kids Cove will be another visualization to add to the rich and vibrant palate of colours in the area. Installation is set to be complete in a week with a grand opening expected mid September 2010.  Stay tuned for images of this unique shade structure.


INVESTING IN DALE CARNEGIE TRAINING:

Fabric Architecture is committed to Training & Development and recently sent four of our staff to the 12-week long Dale Carnegie Effective Communications in Human Relations Programme.
 

This is the 3rd group of employees to participate in Dale Carnegie’s wide range of training programmes. To date 15 staff have graduated from Dale Carnegie Programmes.
 

This particular programme taught participants to become masterful at building and strengthening interpersonal relationships, while being able to handle/manage their roles in a fast paced and ever changing workplace. As a result of the programme, staff are now equipped to solve problems in partnership with others, be more focused in their leadership, and present themselves with enthusiasm and confidence in all situations.
 

This particular program stretched participants by having them use real life examples upon which they had to apply the ‘DC’ principles. Each person set powerful future goals for their roles in Fabric Architecture and shared them publically with the rest of UK based staff.  Participants found the Dale Carnegie Golden Book a powerful tool to improving their own self development.
 

Below is a photo of recent graduates. From left to right:  Sam Walker, Leslie Barton, Alex Wood and Louise Ashdown

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR, GLASGOW AIRPORT:

Upon the arrival of Glasgow Airport, one will immediately see that in addition to planes in the air, change is in the air as well. Fabric Architecture recently completed a 200m covered walkway which greets passengers on their arrival to the airport.  This walkway is a key focal point offering an immediate visual impact, giving the airport a modern and fresh feel.  There are now plans underway for £2m with of improvements to the airport and the covered walkway is part of phase 1. 
 

Soon Fabric Architecture will be expanding the walkway and working on a new outdoor Information Hub featuring fabric – all in keeping the theme/feel consistent throughout the airport.  This Hub will also be used as a meet and greet zone and will offer information screens showing flights details.

Tensile structures have a way of creating an immediate visual impact to existing buildings and spaces. With Glasgow’s commitment to create the look and feel of a major international airport, we are excited to be ‘on board’ and supporting Glasgow Airport with  their vision.
 

Below is a photo of the recently installed covered walkway.  This walkway is known as a Classroom and is infinitely expandable – it’s part of Fabric Architecture’s Signature Structures range.


 

July 2010

“COVERING" THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX, GATESHEAD:
Saturday 10 July, saw many of the world’s finest athletes line up for the Aviva British Grand Prix (for the first time) at the Gateshead International Stadium.

The event hosted a total amount of 41 Olympic medalists and 58 World medalists, including 2010’s World’s Fastest Man, Jamaica’s Asafa Powell.  World Class athlete fans deserve World Class Sporting Venues and this is where Fabric Architecture ‘steps into the arena’.  Fans got to experience firsthand the new Bespoke Cantilevered Canopy over sailing the East Grand Stand.  As reported below in June, the installation is complete and was ready just in time for the British Grand Prix. The canopy created a stunning backdrop that could be seen in almost all of the video footage and photos from the event.

Below is a photo of the structure just before thousands of fans raced into the stadium for the exciting event.

A ‘ROYAL’ INSTALLATION: 

Founded in 1670, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh has been growing and studying plants for over 330 years.  With the mission of “Growing and explaining the world of plants for a better future”, they searched out for the perfect tensile fabric company to support them fulfill their vision with a multi million pound expansion. 
 
The goal was to cover a large outdoor plant retail area, while at the same time not hindering the growth of the wide variety of plants underneath.  Fabric Architecture came to the table with 2 incredible offers:  1. A design that actually emulates the organic nature of plants and 2. A fabric that would protect the plants while promoting growth.  
 
The result was a series of eight Inverted Conics covering a space of 24m x 16m and a very unique fabric known as Solar Glass Weave (SGW). SGW is a fabric that Fabric Architecture pioneered as part of its commitment to sustainability and ‘Going Green’. What makes SGW so special is that it actually blocks out UVB and UVC rays (both harmful to plants and people). Solar Glass Weave transmits UVA which actually promotes plant growth – it even has a light transmission qualities of 40%. 
 
Unique hoppers were created for each of the eight masts which collect rainwater for use by the garden facility.  Patterning to the canopies where they fabric meets the hopper created a ‘Royal’ Flair by given the hoppers an almost crown like look.
 
Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the new expansion of the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh on 12 July.
 
The photo below shows the new Garden Centre with ‘crown’ like hoppers and the majestic Inverted Conics expanding out over the entire garden area.  
 
If you are interested in how SGW fabric can work for your project, please contact our fabric experts on staff.


 

FABRIC ARCHITECTURE HITS THE FASHION RUNWAY:
More than 1,000 spectators gathered in Painswick Village in the heart of the Cotswolds to be a part of the inaugural Wearable Art Parade and the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Arts Festival. 

Fabric Architecture was asked to provide a structure to be both a focal point for the T-shaped runway stage (giving the event a WOW factor) and to provide shelter. The structure chosen was a 5m x 5m Pagoda, a best seller from the Signature Structure Range.  Normally a permanent structure, this particular Pagoda was modified and mounted on aluminum legs specially sized to meet the height clearance of the stage for the one day event.  The soaring white iconic canopy created a beautiful backdrop for the 30 artists who hit the runway in style displaying “colourful, imaginative and bizarre costumes they hand crafted.”

Hosted by actor Keith Allen, the turnout and participation exceeded the organizing committee’s “wildest dreams.” Everyone was thrilled with the Pagoda and hope to make it a fixture for future events.  With UK headquarters in the heart of the Cotswolds, Fabric Architecture was pleased to be able to contribute to the arts and make a difference to a community we call home. www.wearableartpainswick.co.uk.

A photo below shows one of the models hitting the stage in style.  With the stunning backdrop of St. Mary’s Church and the Iconic Pagoda front and centre, you can see why the event was widely attended.  

 

 

FERRARI WORLD IS 'FINTASTIC':
Fabric Architecture were commissioned to design, engineer, manufacture & supply 2063 bespoke tensile wall mounted facade 'fins' for a prestigious new development in Abu Dhabi.Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, when it opens later this year will be the world’s largest indoor theme park with over 20 attractions including the world’s fastest roller coaster - accelerating riders from 0 to 60mph in just 2 seconds!  As close to the performance of a Ferrari formula 1 car as most of us will ever get! 

 

This amazing building spans over 200,000m2 with the exterior taking its design cues from the classic double curvature of Ferrari GT cars. 
 

 

The interior covers over 86,000m2 (or 13 full size football pitches!). The 'fins' are mounted to every internal facade and represent cooling fins on an engine. They vary in size from 5m to over 20m.The fin design is completely unique and each of the 2063 fins is different. They are constructed from extruded, formed and painted aluminum and clad in a tensioned silicon coated glass cloth. Over 100km of extruded aluminum, 50km of extruded plastic and 45,000m2 of fabric has been used in their manufacture - making this the largest internal tensile installation in the World!

 

Superb in house design expertise were combined with local specialists knowledge in order to realise the architects vision. New techniques and processes were developed and local suppliers and specialist subcontractors were used wherever possible. Without their hard work and dedication the project would not have been possible. Moving forward, this iconic project will form a launch pad for Fabric Architecture in the Middle East and we hope to take the 'fin' concept to new markets. A huge thanks goes to all involved in a successful, rewarding and prestigious project.
www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com 
 

June 2010

48 HOUR INSTALLATION:
Fabric Architecture was approached by the Railway Procurement Agency in Dublin with what seemed to be an impossible task. Installing a massive 10 mast 54m x 17.4 meter Bespoke Inverse Conic over Belgard Tram Station on the Luas Line in a mere 48 hour window of time. 

After months of meticulous planning, pulling together a ‘dream team’ installation crew and lining up all of the cranes, plant and kit needed to do the 48 hour installation – the day came and it was show time.  Trams came to a screeching halt on the morning of 12 June and crews at Fabric Architecture (having rehearsed and played out all scenarios and planned for any contingency) started the installation. 

Strong coffee and lights kept the various evening crews installing and passion for purpose in meeting the tight deadline kept the day crews pressing forward. By break of day on Monday, 14 June, plant was off site, the white Solar Glass Weave Inverse Conics were up, tensioned and trams were zipping through (business as usual) all under a stunning new canopy.

To view this ground breaking installation, be sure to watch the video link below of the 48 hour installation in 20 seconds. 

 

June 2010

GATESHEAD STADIUM:
After meticulously planning, and working through the engineering and logistic details for this 30m cantilevered canopy structure, we have made rapid progress on site and are now on the home straight! The steelwork is now completed which in itself makes an impressive sight.  The fabric canopy is now being carefully installed in a sequence of flying barrel-vault forms, creating a dynamic impact befitting the likes of Tyson Gay and a host of other Olympic and World Champions who will be gracing the Gateshead track for the televised Aviva British Grand Prix event next month.
 
Watch this space for photos of the completed structure...and if you’re lucky enough to be going to the British Grand Prix, make sure you book your tickets for the newly covered East Stand!!

Below is a construction picuture showing how the installation is progressing.

 

May 2010

FABRIC ARCHITECTURE'S HEALTH CHECK:
Fabric Architecture are delighted to announce the full Health & Safety approval achieved with main contractors Willmott Dixon.  This approval demonstrates competency and the addition of Fabric Architecture to Willmott Dixon’s approved database.

 

April 2010

TOP RIDE UPDATE:
Fabric Architecture’s support to the Top Ride Academy in Kenya continues to be a success.  With the introduction of several new classrooms housing the 2nd to 8th grade students along with the nursery children it is clear to see the outstanding impact and importance of the contributions made from the sale of every Fabric Architecture structure. Please click here to see how these contributions have played a part. 

 

March 2010

CHECKED IN AT GLASGOW AIRPORT:
Glasgow BAA have recently embarked on a phased development to re-orientate passengers between the terminal building to adjacent car parks, as part of ongoing improvements to the airport since it was subject to a terrorist attack in 2007.

BAA contacted Fabric Architecture directly to develop ideas for an extended 200m walkway with integrated lighting and advertising partitions.  After considering a number of options, a scheme based on our Classroom Signature Structure with an 8m diameter Single Conic feature was chosen.  Working to a very tight installation schedule, the structure is to be completed in early June in readiness for the upcoming holiday season.  We look forward to working with Raynesway (A Balfour Beatty Company) to ensure the structure arrives on time!

 

February 2010

SERVING IT UP AT THE  'DESIGN BAR':

Fabric Architecture showcased a modern interactive ‘Design Bar’ in our boutique exhibition stand at the Building Schools Exhibition & Conference,  held 24/25th February at Exel, London. 

Attendees and exhibitors visited the bar to view the many beautiful organic possibilities fabric can create both internally and externally.  Visitors were able to pick and choose structures of interest from the ‘wall of images’ and discuss projects with fabric experts on hand.  With Fabric being the 5th Building Medium (alongside Wood, Steel, Glass & Concrete), attendees left the stand feeling excited and energised about the possibility of using fabric as a building solution, while at the same time, able to visualise tensile structures in their upcoming projects.  

With over 200 completed projects in schools each year, Fabric Architecture knows how to transform schools by creating exciting sustainable outdoor learning spaces to be enjoyed by both the school and the wider community.  Most recently, we have provided beautiful tensile fabric structures to a number of BSF Sample Schools including Bulwell Academy, Hadden Park School (Notts BSF) and Allerton High School (Leeds BSF).

If you did not catch us at BSEC, be sure to visit us at BSEC MENA (Middle East and North Africa) in Abu Dhabi, 12/13th December, or back in London again for BSEC 23/24 the February 2011!

 

February 2010

GRAND PRIX COVERAGE AT GATESHEAD:

Fabric Architecture is delighted to announce its’ recent appointment for a prestigious canopy project at Gateshead International Stadium (GIS).  

GIS is globally recognised for International Athletic Grand Prix meets, but also hosts an increasing range of professional and amateur sporting events including football and rugby.  The design and build project is for a stadia canopy system which will initially cover over 2,500 square meters and forms a significant element of a wider refurbishment programme at the stadium.  This is a landmark project for the company and is scheduled to be completed in June this year.  We look forward to working with Main Contractors Willmott Dixon to deliver an exciting new feature to enhance this famous venue. 

February 2010

LUAS LINE (UPDATE):
Following our announcement last November of our appointment to the Belgard Tram Station (Luas Line) canopy project in Dublin, we are now reaching the end of the design phase and making plans for its installation in April.  The 48 hour installation requires intensely detailed planning.  We are pulling on all our resources to create teams working in shifts around the clock to ensure everything gets done in time, with our Senior Project Manager Andrew Thomson creating an hour-by-hour method statement to ensure everything works to military precision!

Look out for our pictorial update when the structure is completed!

PLAYSHADE LAUNCHES!

Fabric Architecture has pleasure in announcing the launch of a new division, Playshade!  Playshade provide a range of shade sail canopies available in a wide variety of brightly coloured, lightweight, shade-net material that provide a high level of UV protection.  These versatile, practical and easily maintained sails come complete with steel framework and a selection of practical, fun accessories.

November 2009

November 2009

October 2009

 

September 2009

 

September 2009

 

September 2009

September 2009

September 2009

August 2009

August 2009

Yas Island Abu Dhabi

Fabric Architecture has been awarded the contract for the design, manufacture and installation of 50,000 sq m of internal fabric decorative partitions for The Ferrari Experience Pavilion on YAS Island in Abu Dhabi.  Opening in 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be the world’s largest theme park; the contract value for the internal fabric systems is 1.8 million dollars.  This project launches our new Middle East office and we will have details to follow, however Click Here for a sneak preview of this amazing project. 
 

August 2009

August 2009

 

August 2009