From local recreational arenas to major-league sports stadiums, architects and designers are increasingly enjoying the versatility and durability of tensile facades and other types of tension structures.
Tensile facades act as a second skin for traditional structures and most commonly leverage high-strength aluminum framing to tension a membrane vertically along the exterior. Tension membrane structures are most commonly applied in either an open-air canopy system or enclosed skylight structure and use a similar tensioning process while allowing more freedom in architectural design-forms. Both provide valuable solutions for weather protection, shading, improved aesthetics, and team branding.
Benefits of Tensile Membrane Facades for the Exterior of Sports Facilities
Wrapping the exterior of your sports arena in a mesh or solid PVC membrane or PTFE-coated fiberglass membrane instantly updates the look of your building, creates shade for walkway ramps that may hug the exterior of a stadium, and provides an exceptional opportunity for branding – for either home team support or profit-generating sponsorships.
So often, the interior of a sports stadium looks clean and well-designed, while the exterior of the facility has visible metal beams and supports. While this is a functional way to design this type of building, it’s not always the most welcomed look for the surrounding community. The latest trends in tensile facades, including 3D designs and graphic printing, empower designers to turn otherwise unsightly stadium exteriors into truly iconic structures that are well received by a city.
Benefits of Tension Membrane Structures for Sports Facilities
The options for tensioned membrane structures extend beyond tensile facades. From roof systems to freestanding canopies, tensioned structures provide nearly endless design opportunities for protecting athletes and spectators alike.
Tensile membrane structures are an economical way to cover large expanses, and they can be designed to address specific challenges. For example, with the USC Marks Tennis Stadium Renovation Project in Los Angeles, California, the team was concerned that the athletes would be at a disadvantage if any sunlight were to hit the court from between the shade structure and the stadium wall. As a solution, Eide Industries designed and fabricated a vertical mesh screen, and installed it between the canopy columns to compliment the original architectural design.
From functional benefits to aesthetic ones, tensile facades and tension structures provide endless opportunities for improving your sports arena, recreational center, or stadium.
Are Tensile Facades and Tensioned Membrane Structures Right for Your Next Project?
In the Tension Structures Division of Eide Industries, we specialize in design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of structurally complex and creatively challenging commercial, government, and prototype design projects. Our expertise with tensile facade systems and tension structures supports architects, designers, general contractors, and building owners in their efforts to bring custom tensile membrane projects to life.
Explore the options for your next project by calling 800-422-6827.