Company:
Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures Inc. Saint Louis, MO

Project Details

Fabric 1

Comtex
Producer: Polyfab USA
Supplier: Trivantage LLC


Architect Name
Andrew Gayer

Architect Company
HOK

Fabrication Company
Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc.

Subcontractor Company
Concrete Strategies

Project Manager Name
Brian Moriarty

Project Manager Company
Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc.

Installation Company
Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc.


Please describe the project specifications

A custom tensile shade structure that consists of 6 steel posts, (2) 12” diameter Sch 80, (3) 10” Sch 40, (1) 10” Sch 80 all with capped ends. There are 6 connection points, 3 @ 15’tall and 3 @ 10’ tall. All steel posts and base plates are painted white. Four Red Comtex Mesh triangular fabric sails approximate 30’ per side. Galvanized 3/8” wire cable on all perimeter fabric. The fabric structure is designed to accommodate snow/wind loads to remain in place year round.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The tensile structure purpose was to add sun shade protection to the free space on the playground area for the preschoolers. The client requested the structure be designed with limited amount of posts for the safety of the children.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Midway through the process, it was decided that the fabric would be left up year round requiring additional reinforcement and redesign of posts/piers to accommodate the increased loads. The sheer size of the 4 triangular fabric sail panels and the specific design requiring minimal amount of posts and snow load bearing was challenging.


What were the results of the project?

The school faculty was very happy with the aesthetically pleasing view of the tensile structure and they were excited to be able to watch the children on the playground equipment without being obstructed from the canopy system. The fabric structure added shade, character and color to the school facility.


Content is submitted by the participant. IFAI is not responsible for the content descriptions of the IAA award winners.