Tension facades, also called tensile membrane facades, help architects, designers, and contractors overcome many challenges, such as energy efficiency, building functionality, and refreshed aesthetics. The tensioned membrane acts as a second-skin to the building, wrapping it in a high-tech and highly durable fabric that helps to block UV rays without blocking the view, to reduce glare for those inside, and to update an outdated exterior.
Beyond these fundamental benefits, tension facades provide solutions for complex design challenges, branding objectives, and security concerns.
Tension Facades for Improving Aesthetics without Limitations
Every renovation project comes with its own set of limitations. From historical sites to uniquely shaped structures, architects, designers, and contractors are often left finding a compromise between their vision and the realities of the building. Tension facades open a world of design opportunity that surpasses these common restrictions. Because the facades use minimally invasive extrusions to attach to the building along the perimeter, the impact on the structure is significantly reduced.
Additionally, the tension facade does not need to run perfectly parallel to the building’s exterior, empowering the architect or designer to create a new silhouette for the building.
Tension Facades for Creating a Building Identity
With PTFE Coated Fiberglass and PVC Coated Polyester fabric options, tension facades provide the opportunity for creating an iconic building identity for new builds and retrofit projects. The membrane you choose for your tension facade gives you the opportunity to brand your building with your corporate colors, logo, or other associated visuals. By working with a lighting designer, you can also create a distinctly different day and night identities.
Tension Facades for Spanning Long Distances
With a small mass compared to its span, tension facades have the ability to cover long distances while remaining stable. The goal of a tension facade is to provide motionless coverage over an extended expanse. Your tension facade consultant can discuss the benefits of customized field assembly facades or modular pre-tensioned panel facade systems.
Tension Facades for Adding Texture and Shape
Advances in the technologies associated with tension facades, including the incorporation of 3D designs, has created exceptional new opportunities for unique designs. Facades can now transform ordinary buildings into memorable structures by manipulating the framework to create geometric shapes, tensioning the membranes with sweeping arches, and creating pitches to otherwise simple lines. This results in a building renovation that will impress both the owner of the property and those in the surrounding neighborhood.
Are Tension Facades 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.