Whether it’s an extreme weather event or exposure to extreme climate temperatures, there’s no doubting that the durability and performance of architectural tensile fabric facades and other tensioned membrane structures is important and necessary for the longevity of a tensioned fabric system.
Tensile fabric facades use a structural framing system with brackets that hold and stretch a tensioned fabric or membrane to create a secure “second-skin” to the building’s exterior. Depending on the design and unique needs of the project, this framing can either attach directly to the face of the building or to a steel standoff system.
Continual advances in the technologies associated with tensile building facades has allowed our team to continue to offer some of the most durable tensioned membrane facades on the market. Here are some of the essential elements to consider when thinking about incorporating architectural tensile fabric facades into your new construction or retrofit design.
Membrane Options – The type of membrane for any tensile fabric facades project should be selected as a result of the projects overall performance criteria coupled with the design load required. While there are many types of fabric that can be used for tensile facades, PTFE-coated fiberglass and PVC-coated polyester fabrics are the most common. PTFE membranes remain some of the most durable and longest lasting in the industry. PVC membranes offer a great balance of price, variety of color options, graphics printing, and performance. Both PTFE and PVC are offered in either a mesh or a solid option. Specifically for parking garage applications, mesh fabrics are often used due to their help with increased air flow and ventilation capabilities.
Supporting Frame Structure – From the welding of the supporting structure to the frame’s bracket or clip system technology, the tensile fabric facade panels rely on a high-quality framed system to hold them in place. With options for customized field assembly facades or modular pre-tensioned panel facade systems, our team uses reliable manufacturing techniques, while managing the quality of each build at our Southern California manufacturing facility.
Engineering Software – Industry-specific engineering software allows designers to analyze the design loads based upon the location of the specific project. This data is essential for ensuring the tensile facade system is designed and engineered to withstand the weather conditions for the project’s location.
Regardless of your project’s location, the team of designers, engineers, manufacturers, and installers at Tension Structures can design and build turnkey architectural tensile fabric facades that provide both functional and aesthetic benefits, while ensuring durability you can depend on.
Are Architectural Tensile Fabric Facades Right for Your 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.