Company:
Fabritecture

Project Details

Fabric 1

ETFE
Producer/Manufacturer: OTHER
Primary Use: Main Fabric


Engineer Company 1
Maffeis Engineering

Design Company
Fabritecture; ADCO Constructions via Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW)

Architect Company
supermanoeuvre

Project Manager Company
Fabritecture

Installation Company
Fabritecture


Please describe the project specifications

The Canopy at Rosenthal complex redevelopment features over 6,000 square meters of public space, including parks and landscaping, playgrounds, retail services such as Coles and ALDI, entertainment areas, amenities and BBQ’s. Our scope was the design and construction of a custom architectural ETFE link canopy as part of the larger collaborative project by ADCO Constructions, Lane Cove Council, and the local community. The Canopy project was designed by supermanoeuvre, who were the winners of an international competition to provide an iconic entrance experience to a new public car park and restaurant destination in Sydney’s Lane Cove.

The canopy structure is made from two ETFE pneumatic cushions, designed to follow the rolling curvature of the main roof. The pneumatic cushions are constructed from two layers of clear ETFE film. The cushions are connected to secondary steel angles that follow the perimeter of the rolling roof structure opening. The geometry of the ETFE canopy structure was governed by the snake-like roof design.

The unique ETFE cushion shape fills the void and encloses the space below, allowing for weather proofing. The ETFE cushions had to fit into the spaces created between the roof so that water could shed onto the main roof. A clear ETFE system without frit in a two-layer cushion was chosen in order to maximise light transmission through the skylight. Clear ETFE provides high light transmission, creating a bright ambience below in addition to the very aesthetic bespoke look and feel of the roof. The design was finalised through design consultation and installed using best practice techniques.


What is unique or complex about the project?

The ETFE roof design is extremely eye catching and is actually quite unique. The ETFE cushions were installed between the curving and rotating roof, which was very complicated in geometry. The ETFE extrusion connection details are faceted at ~400mm lengths to achieve the complex radii. Change to the upstands allowed for a continuous steel angle that our connection detail attaches to. The client was incredibly pleased with the end result of The Canopy project. Our customer survey results from the client were fantastic and we received a positive testimonial.


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