Tensile Membrane Structures
Big Span is a leader in Concept-to-Completion Solutions for Signature Lightweight Tensioned Membrane Structures
Tensile membrane structures have a signature visual character and give designers, architects and engineers the ability to experiment with form and create new exciting solutions to conventional design problems. Some of the many natural applications for tensile architecture include: tensile cable-supported domes, mast or flying mast supported, arch supported, radial conical designs, folded plate and saddle roof structures.
These options may not only be free-standing, but can also serve to expand the usable square footage of existing structures. Tensioned membrane structures by Big Span present an architecturally attractive method of spanning large distances without relying upon conventional geometric profiles, evenly-spaced visual obstructions such as columns, or other traditional design constraints. Using architectural fabrics like PTFE-coated fiberglass membrane, PVC membrane or ETFE film, this construction method provides the creative architect with a great degree of design flexibility for enhanced visual appeal due to the very broad range of available dynamic shapes and curvatures.
Big Span’s tensile membrane structures have fulfilled such customer needs as: stadium and athletic facilities, massive portable and permanent entertainment pavilions, and amphitheaters, exposition and trade show center construction, retail centers, entry commercial atrium spaces, existing covered area expansion, transportation airport terminals, aesthetic enhancement of traditional designs, and a wide variety of additional applications.
Big Span Structures has an excellent track record of designing and building customized tensile membrane solutions for our clients’ unique construction requirements.
We can develop the right solution for your unique construction needs such as: large clear span climate-controlled sites, traveling temporary and permanent pavilions, expo centers, temporary offices, retail spaces, auto dealership lot / inventory protection, showrooms, and airline terminals.
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Benefits of Tensile Architecture
Flexible Design Aesthetics
Tensile fabric structures provide virtually unlimited designs of distinctive, elegant forms that can be realized because of the unique flexible characteristics of the membrane, resulting in an iconic and unique structure or feature for any building owner, city, or even region.
Outstanding Light Translucency
In daylight, fabric membrane translucency offers soft diffused, naturally lit spaces reducing the interior lighting costs while at night, artificial lighting creates an ambient exterior luminescence.
Lightweight Nature
The lightweight character of membrane is a cost effective solution that requires less structural steel to support the roof compared to conventional building materials, enabling long spans of column-free space.
Exceptional Durability
With several different membranes in the market place such as PTFE fiberglass, ETFE film, PVC and ePTFE, the durability and longevity of tensile membrane structures have been proven and built in climates ranging from the frigid artic to the scorching desert heat.
Minimal Maintenance
Tension fabric structures are somewhat unique in that they require minimal maintenance when compared to an equivalent-sized conventional building.
Cost Effective
Most tensile membrane structures have high sun reflectivity and low absorption of sunlight, resulting in less energy used within a building and ultimately reducing electrical energy costs.
Code Compliance
Depending on the type of membrane and overall project design, tensile membrane systems appropriately meet the various associated building code requirements.
Variety of Membranes
Whether it’s a permanent durable structure that needs to last longer than 30 years, an insulated membrane system for thermal performance or a deployable flexible application, there are a variety of tensile membranes to choose from to meet specific performances for your next building project.
