When designing a technologically advanced parking garage, it only makes sense to incorporate a state-of-the-art tensioned membrane facade into the design. Architect Richard Keating took an innovative approach for solving the capacity problems at the Walter N. Marks Helms Bakery complex. AUTOParkit™ LLC provided the technology for the fully automated valet parking system, and Tension Structures (a division of Eide Industries) designed and installed the tensile fabric parking structure facade.
What Were the Project Goals?
The Helms Bakery Parking Structure Facade was proposed to provide UV protection and environmental protections to the vehicles inside while improving the aesthetics of the four-story, steel framed parking garage. The tensioned membrane facade system needed to cover approximately 15,000 square feet, adhere to strict local building regulations, and maintain the natural air flow inside the garage.
For a deeper look into the many benefits of a parking structure facade, click here.
How Was the Helms Bakery Parking Structure Facade Designed?
The design and engineering team at Tension Structures used Facid Systems receiver brackets and hardware attachments to create facade panels that were engineered for 110 MPH wind-loads. Non-combustible Serge Ferrari STAMISOL FT P35, a Teflon™(PTFE)-coated fiberglass fabric, was selected as the membrane due to its durability and 30+ year lifespan.
Seventy-two tensioned membrane panels were created in various sizes – with the 7’10” high panels ranging in widths from 17’ to 32’. The Palladium color choice complemented the extrusions and provided a uniform daytime appearance to the structure. However, a key element of the design was to create a unique nighttime identity for the structure, too. The blue LED lighting transforms the parking garage into an iconic structure after the sun goes down, while helping to reduce light pollution in the area.
How Was Helms Bakery Parking Structure Facade Installed?
The expert installation team at Tension Structures designed an installation plan that would minimize the impact of the construction project on the surrounding property. Using standard boom lifts and articulating “knuckle” booms, our team secured the extrusions and receiver brackets, and then secured the pre-stressed membrane panels.
Check out the time-lapse video of the installation process.
Is a Parking Structure Facade 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.