Over the years, we’ve made a name for ourselves installing iconic tensile fabric structures, whether canopies, facades, innovative weather-screening solutions or replacement roofs for groundbreaking structures like at the Castle Meadow Campus in Nottingham.
But there’s much more to Base in the creative realm of artistic structures, installations and unique special projects. Whether weird, wonderful or both, we love exploring the boundaries of where engineering meets imagination and taking on inventive projects that leave a lasting impression.
What makes this part of our work so exciting and rewarding is the way our expert teams use their considerable creative problem-solving skills to turn artistic concepts into something that’s buildable to a high degree of safety. Our experience in rigging and demanding environments means we can partner with creative talent to manage the build process and turn artistic concepts into real projects. Talk to us about any artistic project, whether large or small.
Our creative art installations service exists because Base has long standing links with and passion for the festivals, events and creative industries and often found it can provide a strong logistical and technical support system for creatives. Whether working with artists, designers, cultural institutions or event producers, we bring a unique blend of technical intelligence and creative flexibility to projects that can range from sculptural works to immersive spatial experiences. From the earliest sketches, through detailed design and engineering, to installation and finish, we collaborate with artistic teams every step of the way.
We understand that art installations are about concept and about transforming a space into something unexpected, fascinating and long-lived. We love helping to create an experience that resonates with an audience and create a beautiful space, and we’re always determined to deliver and accept a challenge!
If you’ve walked through an exhibition, a zoo, a museum or a public space in recent years, chances are you’ve seen installations that blur the line between art and architecture. We specialise in these kinds of projects, and we were delighted to deliver the construction and installation of ‘King Kong’ in 2022, which returned to Birmingham after 50 years.
King Kong was part of a creative initiative designed to delight audiences visiting Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games. Being 7 metres high, it was constructed in parts due to its size, and then erected on-site, within one day. We thrive on these kings of challenges in terms of time deadlines and logistical access issues. It is also a great example of our collaboration with technical teams. By listening to a client’s needs, we then offer multiple options and solutions to birth an idea – something
The gorilla became a talking point throughout the games, attracting plenty of press attention – a perfect example of our ‘weird and wonderful’ projects.
Some installations are grand in scale, occupying town squares, museum galleries, or cultural venues. Others are subtle inserts in existing architecture, like our work for Printworks Manchester or the NEC Birmingham, rejuvenating a space and adding surprise and delight without overwhelming the existing structure. The common thread is that we help bring artistic structures and creative ideas to life with structural integrity, technical precision and imaginative flair. It may involve bespoke engineering solutions and complex rigging challenges, but that’s part of what we love as it stretches our thinking and leads to structures that aren’t just built but brought to life.
One of the most exciting aspects of artistic installations is how they can transform public spaces. Art installations add an extra layer of engagement and experience to a space, giving people reasons to pause and connect. From town-centre regeneration projects to community events, these structures make spaces more vibrant, more playful and more memorable. You can view more about our public space artworks here: (LINK)
Our belief is that engineering and creativity are natural partners. Whether we’re tensioning a large canopy, bringing a giant gorilla to life or creating other kinds of artistic structures, we approach every project with a respect for craft and a willingness to problem solve and embrace the unusual. When you combine technical expertise with creative ambition, the result is a memorable experience.
If you’re dreaming up something a little out of the ordinary, let’s talk. Challenge accepted!
mail@basestructures.com
0117 911 5250
Base Structures has recently completed a distinctive new tensile canopy for E-ACT Montpelier High School in Bristol, delivered in close collaboration with Batterham Smith Architects, Tensys, and E-ACT. The project stemmed from a clear brief to turn an under-used rooftop into a multi-functional outdoor environment that could be enjoyed throughout the year.
The school and architects wanted to create a sheltered, flexible and attractive outdoor area where students could gather, learn or simply enjoy fresh air in all seasons. Base Structures designed and installed a tiered triple-conic tensile canopy, chosen for its coverage as well as the sense of lightness and space it brings to the rooftop environment.
The structure needed to provide sufficient shade and weather protection while acting as a standout architectural feature, and something that enhanced the school’s identity and provided a memorable focal point for pupils, staff and visitors.
To maximise the available footprint and retain as much usable space as possible beneath the canopy, Base collaborated with Tensys on a flying-mast solution. This approach allowed the structure to achieve its dramatic tiered form without compromising headroom or circulation.
Integrated drainage was incorporated into the design to ensure the canopy performs well throughout the year, keeping the rooftop comfortable and practical in all weather conditions.
View a timelapse of our installation below:
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Working in a dense urban environment always demands a highly considered approach, and E-ACT Montpelier High School was no exception. The site had limited access and its location meant that we had to install and manoeuvre large steel components from below.
The constraints required meticulous planning in the early design stages and by thinking ahead and modelling the logistics before arriving on site, the team ensured the installation proceeded smoothly and safely. Despite the tight constraints, the materials, steelwork and fabric were delivered and installed efficiently, which was testament to strong collaboration between all partners involved.
Beyond its functional role, the canopy was always intended to be a centrepiece. The tiered triple-conic form delivers a sense of scale and elegance that lifts the entire rooftop. The finished structure is practical and visually impressive, fulfilling the architects’ brief for a feature that would enhance daily school life while showcasing the possibilities of tensile design.
Vicky Fraser, National Project Manager at E-ACT, commented:
“Working with Base Structures and the team at Montpelier School has enabled us to create a truly valuable outdoor space for students. The new canopy provides much-needed shade and weather shelter, but more importantly it promotes outdoor learning, supports environmental stewardship and enhances student wellbeing. Despite the complexities of a tight, city-centre rooftop, the collaborative approach across all partners meant we could deliver a practical, beautiful space that will enrich school life all year round.”
Vanetta Spence, Headteacher at E-ACT Montpelier High School, said:
“Although installing the canopy during the school day was challenging, the result has been outstanding. It has transformed our outdoor area into a versatile, all-weather space that our students can enjoy every day, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment that enhances their school experience.”
As with all of Base’s year-round school canopies, the Montpelier School structure has been designed for longevity. To help keep the canopy performing and looking its best, Base offers a comprehensive range of cleaning and maintenance services, ensuring the school can enjoy its new space for many years to come. Find out more about these services here.
This autumn, Base Structures was delighted to return to RAF Museum Midlands at Cosford to support a project within the National Cold War Exhibition hangar. Almost twenty years after we first built the iconic curtain wall that encloses the space, the Museum contacted us with a request that called for the same careful planning and specialist expertise that shaped the original structure.
The Museum needed to move a historic Westland Whirlwind helicopter and an Armstrong Whitworth Argosy aircraft inside the hangar for permanent display. To make this possible, a temporary opening had to be created within the curtain wall, an architectural feature we originally installed in 2005.
The curtain wall at Cosford is an elegant example of fabric engineering – a light-filled façade designed to define the hangar’s interior environment while protecting the era-defining aircraft displayed within. Built in 2005, it has stood the test of time thanks to a robust tensioned-fabric system, steel structural supports and highly durable materials designed to withstand both environmental exposure and the demands of a busy, working museum. Returning to the site two decades later, our team had an intimate understanding of how the façade was assembled and how best to work with it.
The brief required us to remove four large fabric panels and three steel supports from the curtain wall, creating a temporary access route large enough for the aircraft movements to take place. The work demanded planning and methodical sequencing to ensure the integrity of the structure was maintained at every stage.
A team of four, supported by specialist machinery, spent four days carrying out the dismantling process. Each component was removed with precision and stored to allow for efficient reinstatement later in the programme. At the end of each shift, temporary bird netting was installed to safeguard the hangar from unwanted wildlife ingress overnight.
With the opening prepared, the Museum completed its aircraft movements in a single day, carefully guiding the Whirlwind helicopter and Argosy fuselage into their new homes. Once this phase was complete, our team returned to site for a further four days to reinstate the steel supports and re-tension the fabric panels, restoring the curtain wall to its original appearance and performance.
You can watch a timelapse of the whole process from RAF Midlands here:
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Projects of this nature rely on communication, trust and an appreciation of the value of a museum’s collection. Throughout the programme, our team worked closely with the Museum’s project managers, conservation specialists and curatorial staff to ensure the process was safe, efficient and fully aligned with their wider goals.
Grace Ries, Head of Exhibitions and Interpretation at RAF Museum Midlands, summarised the collaboration:
“Base Structures were pivotal to the Museum’s delivery of a complex aircraft moves project to relocate the historic Westland Whirlwind helicopter and Armstrong Whitworth Argosy aircraft fuselage into the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition for permanent display. Part of the Museum’s Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme, made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the successful delivery of this project supports the Museum’s mission to inspire our audiences with our incredible collection. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Base Structures’ specialist technical team throughout this exciting project.”
Working with the RAF Museum Midlands again has been a privilege and a reminder of the role that fabric engineering can play in supporting this country’s museum, cultural and heritage sites. We are proud to have contributed to this important project and look forward to future opportunities to help museums and exhibition spaces adapt, evolve and continue sharing their extraordinary stories with the public. Visit our blog on how we work with museum spaces for more information, or contact us for a discussion on how our expert team may be able to help you.
All photos credit: RAF Museum Midlands
At Base Structures, we’re always looking for smarter ways to support our clients on complex projects. One of the biggest challenges contractors face is keeping programmes on track while navigating the unpredictable nature of the UK climate and the logistical hurdles of large-scale construction. That’s where Base Screens come in. In this blog post, we sat down with Mark Smith, who leads our Base Screens projects, to talk about flexibility, savings and sustainability.
Base Screens are designed to be flexible. How do they work in practice when a project moves from one stage to the next?
Base Screens are essentially designed to give project teams breathing space when permanent cladding can’t be installed right away. They create a stormproof, rainproof temporary envelope that allows internal works to continue as planned. Typically, the screens are tensioned around existing columns or fixed securely into floors and soffits, meaning they can adapt to the geometry of the building without requiring additional support structures.
Once their job is done, they can be removed in whichever way suits the project – whether that’s detensioning and removing them in panels, or cutting them out quickly with a Stanley knife. Because the material is lightweight and easy to handle, removal doesn’t risk damage to completed finishes inside the building, and the whole process is far less disruptive than dismantling scaffold or more traditional solutions.
Where do clients tend to see the biggest savings when they use Base Screens instead of more traditional solutions?
The savings are threefold: time, cost, and reduced disruption. Firstly, Base Screens are fast to install and just as simple to remove, so projects aren’t held up waiting for weather windows or scaffold alterations. Secondly, they don’t require secondary scaffolding or additional support structures, which immediately removes a layer of cost.
Perhaps the biggest financial gain comes from programme flexibility. By using Base Screens, clients can progress interior finishes while exterior cladding is ongoing, decoupling the two processes and driving the overall schedule forward. Finally, when it’s time to remove the screens, there’s minimal impact on the building fabric, so clients aren’t facing additional repair or reinstatement costs. All of this adds up to significant savings compared to more rigid, traditional alternatives.
Weather protection is a big benefit of using Base Screens, but what other advantages do the screens bring once they’re up on site?
Beyond protecting works from the elements, Base Screens also reduce risk across the site. Sensitive interior finishes, equipment and materials are safeguarded from both weather and dust ingress, giving project managers peace of mind. In many cases, this reduces the likelihood of remedial works or replacement, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
Another advantage is the working environment they create. With the screens in place, teams can operate in a cleaner, safer, and more predictable space, which directly supports productivity. For clients, this reliability often proves just as valuable as the weatherproofing itself.
Can you think of a project where the adaptability of Base Screens really made a difference – maybe where they had to be moved, re-used or reconfigured part way through?
One of the main strengths of Base Screens is that they open up opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist with traditional methods. Historically, projects reliant on scaffold wraps or other temporary solutions would grind to a halt at certain points in the programme. With Base Screens, works can continue seamlessly, even in challenging environments.
Depending on the geometry of the project, there’s also no reason why screens can’t be reused. On multi-phase or staged projects, they can be relocated or re-tensioned in new positions, extending their value across different parts of the build. It’s this ability to adapt to evolving project demands that makes them such a versatile tool.
How do you see Base Screens helping the industry move towards more sustainable and efficient ways of working?
Sustainability is increasingly at the forefront of construction, and Base Screens are well placed to support that shift. They are fully reusable, which is a huge benefit on multi-storey buildings or large schemes with repetitive grid layouts. Instead of being single-use or needing to be discarded after one phase, the same screens can serve multiple functions across a site.
At Base, we’re also actively exploring more sustainable material options, with the aim of offering fully recyclable Base Screens in the near future. Coupled with the time and cost efficiencies they already bring, this makes them a strong fit for an industry under pressure to deliver greener, leaner, and smarter ways of working.
For more information about construction site screening, and how we can help keep your site on-time and on-track, find out more here, contact us today or explore our Project Resilience case study.
As demand grows for more sustainable, adaptable and cost-effective solutions in the built environment, fabric architecture is proving to be an increasingly valuable option. From products that reduce energy consumption, to lightweight fabric systems that extend the lifespan of existing buildings, Base is helping clients meet both design ambitions and environmental targets across the world.
We’ve been involved in projects ranging from landmark venues to sensitive heritage sites, where fabric has provided a practical and visually striking answer to complex challenges. To explore how these solutions are being used, and what trends are shaping the future, we spoke with our Architectural Design Manager, Vicki, about what clients are looking for and how our team helps deliver results.
When you look at projects like NEC Birmingham or the Ben Ainslie HQ, how has fabric been used not just as an aesthetic solution, but as a way of improving a building’s environmental performance/ environmental impact.
The recladding of NEC Birmingham has helped to extend the building’s life. The use of fabric not only creates a striking, eye-catching appearance appropriate to the venue, but also avoids the high embodied energy (total energy required to produce a product throughout its entire lifecycle) associated with demolition and rebuilding. This “light-touch” cladding solution at the NEC included 37 translucent pyramid structures, delivered in just five months from concept to completion, demonstrating the efficiency of fabric-based projects. Integrated lighting can further enhance the design and be adapted to suit the building’s changing needs.
The fabric cladding at Ben Ainslie HQ not only transformed the building’s appearance but also acts as a solar shading system, reducing direct heat gain. The structure provided is durable, with a long lifespan. The high-transparency fabric allows natural daylight and visibility, creating comfortable workspaces without the need for major alterations to the building.
Above: Innovative external solutions can extend the lifespan of an existing building whilst creative effective aesthetic improvements, such as in our work for the NEC Birmingham
From a business development perspective, what drives clients to consider fabric additions for existing buildings – is it sustainability goals, cost savings, design flexibility, or a combination?
Clients are often driven by a combination of sustainability goals, cost savings, and design flexibility. Textile facades have a low mass which means lower embodied energy. Fabrics can be used both inside and outside of buildings to conserve energy, making them a sustainable choice. A fabric mesh façade can block up to 93% of solar heat, improving visual comfort. This thermal protection reduces reliance on mechanical interventions, ensuring energy efficiency and the well-being of occupants.
Additionally, the materials used such as steel and fabric are recyclable, helping to avoid landfill waste. At Base Structures, we ensure durability of our structures using high-quality materials and expert detailing, and we advise clients on long-term maintenance to maximise lifespan.
Fabric facades are cost-effective. Structures can also be designed for demounting and reuse. This adaptability needs to be considered in early design to ensure that the fabric can be safely removed and reused.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes example where Base Structures had to balance visual impact with environmental performance. How did the team work through that challenge?
We have recently been working on a Grade II* listed building where the original glass specification is causing the building to overheat. One of the resulting factors is climate change. An intervention is required to avoid completely replacing the glass. Base Structures proposed a light-touch external shading solution that caused minimal disruption to the existing structure. The flexibility of our tensile structure has allowed us to tailor the design to blend seamlessly with the existing building. Our proposed solution is demountable, enabling ongoing maintenance and removal when required.
Above: A solar shading solution for our work with Ben Ainslie HQ
These projects often involve architects, engineers and contractors working closely together. How does Base collaborate with these different teams to integrate fabric solutions successfully?
Early engagement is key. We aim to be involved at the very beginning of a project, working closely with architects and designers to ensure fabric solutions are integrated seamlessly. On existing buildings, it’s often necessary to consult with English Heritage, Conservation, Local Authorities, and other statutory organisations at an early stage. Working collaboratively helps to achieve positive outcomes.
As a team, our engineers work closely with the client’s structural engineers to ensure that the loadings on foundations and existing structures (where applicable) can be achieved within the budgets given. Tensile structures can be built in relatively short timescales so it’s important that aesthetic, technical and cost requirements are all discussed openly & honestly throughout the duration of a project.
Looking ahead, what trends are you seeing in how architects, developers, or venue owners are approaching fabric as part of their sustainability strategies?
Tensile structures are very appealing due to their attractive appearance and low mass which allows for large spans with minimal material. This aligns with our sustainability and cost-efficiency goals. Many of our structures are demountable, making them ideal for both temporary and long-term solutions. We ensure that each structure can be maintained appropriately helping to increase its lifespan. Using efficient design and offsite manufacturing, we can streamline the build process and reduce waste.
Circular Economy is a key trend: wherever possible, we prioritise reusing and recycling materials to minimise landfill and waste. Fabric disposal is handled by accredited partners to ensure environmental compliance. Structures are designed to have long lifespans, especially when maintained correctly.
Above: An external solar shading solution for a listed building – reducing the need for more major, costly interventions
The Castle Meadow roof replacement project at the University of Nottingham was one of the most technically challenging jobs we’ve taken on in recent years. For this behind the scenes blog post, we’ve spoken to our Director and Project Manager Fraser Shirley, to find out more about how our expert team tackled the challenge. You can read our full case study here.
This project involved replacing what’s described as ‘one of the most complex roof structures in Europe.’ Could you walk us through your initial reaction when you saw the brief and how the team approached tackling such an unconventional and sensitive challenge?
When we first got confirmation of the project, my jaw genuinely dropped. I still remember the look our Installations Manager, Duncan Baird, and I exchanged. Half disbelief, half “yes, we are really going to do this!” It was daunting, to say the least.
Once the initial shock wore off, we felt excited to take the project on, and we knew the way forward was to immerse ourselves in the challenge. Our installations team spent significant time on site, carefully assessing how this monumental task could be achieved. Their engagement at an early stage was critical. After all, they were the ones who would ultimately deliver it on site.
From there, we worked meticulously with our engineers at Tensys Ltd, spending months refining the methodology, testing ideas, and problem-solving every detail. What at first felt impossible gradually became something we were confident we could achieve, thanks to the collective effort and determination of everyone involved.
The project involved some specialist and complex techniques to complete the job. What was the most critical technical challenge during this phase, and how did the team’s skills and collaboration with other teams help overcome it?
We had a good idea of how the works might be carried out thanks to photographs from the original installation. But when we studied them, our immediate thought was, “surely there must be an easier way to do this?”
The roof is supported by five ladder trusses, or oculi. Two are fixed at either end, while the three in the middle are “floating,” suspended by a complex tierod system spanning the entire structure and fixed to four corner masts. To detension the fabric roof, those three central oculi had to be lowered onto a purpose-built scaffold deck inside the building. That required bespoke spreader beams above and lifting beams below each oculi – twelve beams in total. The spreaders themselves had to be designed in five sections to carefully fit around the tierod system, which had to remain in place throughout. Because the fabric, tierods, and steel superstructure were all structurally interdependent, we had to keep that delicate balance intact while removing one of its key components: the fabric roof.
The lowering and lifting operation was painstakingly precise. Each oculi had to be lowered in 100mm increments, following a strict sequence. Even the slightest deviation risked overloading the highly sensitive tierod system above. To safeguard against this, we employed twelve load cells, one on each of the hanger rods, constantly monitoring the loads to ensure the structure’s limits were never exceeded.
A huge amount of credit goes to James Avis, our Technical Operations Manager at Base, who set up and oversaw this incredibly complex process.
You say that the roof’s age and historic significance made the task uniquely complex. What drove Base Structures to take on this project and how did that commitment to preservation and innovation shape your team’s approach?
What drove us was the significance of the roof itself, both as a pioneering piece of engineering and as an architectural landmark. It would have been easy to walk away, as others had, but we felt a responsibility to preserve it.
Andy Traynor, our Managing Director, was clear from the outset that Base could deliver this, and that belief carried through and motivated the whole team. Our approach was about respecting the original design while applying modern techniques to make the process safer and more efficient.
And while this was uniquely complex, Base has never shied away from challenging projects and our portfolio proves that, from Up at the O2 to Zaha Hadid’s Maths Gallery at the Science Museum. We’ve also got some other incredible projects currently on site too, so watch this space.
Can you share a specific moment during the project where you felt proud of how your team responded under pressure?”
Two moments really stand out. The first was safely getting the old canopy down, a huge milestone after months of planning and careful execution. The second was lifting and tensioning the new canopy, which demanded the same level of precision and focus.
Both operations being completed safely, and the finished product looking perfect, was a huge relief. There were no second chances here, and the fact that our site team, led by the vastly experienced Nick Crocker, delivered it so diligently made me incredibly proud.
Now that the new roof is complete, preserving the building’s architectural legacy, what lessons from this project do you think will stay with your team and how might they influence future projects?
The biggest lesson was the importance of belief and perseverance. At the start, even convincing ourselves it could be done was a challenge. Once the team understood the structure and committed to the vision, we proved what was possible.
Above all, it reinforced that when a building is truly special, it’s worth the effort to preserve it. I hope it inspires future generations to appreciate both innovation and conservation, and to see that with vision and commitment, we can continue to reimagine and reuse our architectural heritage rather than discard it. There are many remarkable tensegrity structures now reaching the end of their natural life, and we hope this mindset will guide their future. When that time comes, Base is the company to deliver.
The story behind creating a compelling museum space is one of multiple teams, creativity and ingenuity. If you’ve ever stood in a museum and wondered how their displays and exhibitions come to life, we’ll delve into the detail of some of our projects in this blog and investigate how using the right expertise in the right areas can help sculpt a compelling narrative around an exhibition space.
In recent years, many of the museums Base Structures has worked with have evolved their exhibitions beyond traditional displays, with many embracing immersive, interactive environments that bring stories to life. We work at the forefront of the construction of these displays, providing partnership solutions for museums seeking innovative, visually striking and technically complex installations.
Enhancing visitor engagement through design
At the heart of the service Base Structures provide is engagement and immersion. The installations we work on do more than fill space; they create environments that engage visitors on multiple levels by integrating lighting, projection capabilities and interactive elements. Our work transforms museum exhibits into dynamic experiences that resonate with diverse audiences, and we do so in a way that’s sensitive to location, geography and sustainability. By designing durable solutions that are also modular and reusable, we can also help you to design components that can be reconfigured multiple times.
Bespoke engineering and seamless integration
We work hard to translate artistic visions into tangible structures, and we bring with us years of experience in high-quality tensile fabric for large scale creative projects. Working closely with architects and artists means that we’re well placed to design bespoke solutions to create complex geometries and organic forms that many other solutions can’t achieve.
We understand the unique challenges of museum environments and will prioritise minimal disruption during installation. Adept at working within existing spaces, as we do on all our projects, means that our team ensures that new structures complement the existing integrity and feel of the venue.
Below are some links and more information about a selection of our projects that showcase our ability to work in the museum space.
The Science Museum
A Fusion of Art and Engineering
In collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, we played a pivotal role in the creation of the Winton Gallery at London’s Science Museum, which tells powerful stories about the work of mathematicians across history. The centrepiece comprises three fabric pod sculptures inspired by the airflow vortices generated by a vintage Handley Page aircraft which is hung in the middle of the display. The organic forms are constructed using tubular frames suspended from the ceiling and enveloped in dual layers of semi-translucent PVC-coated polyester. Integrated LED lighting between the fabric layers enhances the ethereal quality of the installation. The complexity of the design required innovative solutions, such as hidden zips and tensioning systems, to achieve seamless integration.
The National Museum of Denmark
Evoking the Viking Spirit
For the “The Raid” exhibition at the National Museum of Denmark, we engineered nine fabric wave sculptures that embody the essence of the sea, central to Viking culture. Utilising lightweight aluminium frames and double-skinned, inherently fire retardant Lyrca fabric, the structures create a dynamic flow guiding visitors through the exhibit. A blackout layer between the fabric skins allows for immersive projections, enhancing the storytelling experience. The modular design ensures reusability for future exhibitions.
Khalifa House Museum
Merging Tradition with Innovation
In the heart of Khartoum, Base Structures contributed to the Khalifa House Museum by designing a woven shade canopy for community gatherings. The structure features rolled steel arches fabricated locally, with a tensioned grid of steel cables supporting woven polypropylene strips. This design pays homage to traditional Baggara nomadic tents, blending cultural heritage with modern engineering. The success of this project has led to the replication of the design at other museum sites in Sudan.
Our track record working with multiple museum partners across the world demonstrates an ability to deliver complex projects that align with curatorial goals to enhance visitor experience and immersion. We employ a collaborative approach, which alongside years of experience, technical proficiency and creative problem-solving make Base Structures an invaluable partner for museums seeking to push the boundaries of traditional exhibition design. For more information on how we can bring your museum’s vision to life, visit www.basestructures.com and get in touch with us today.
At Base Structures, we have worked with zoos up and down the country for many years, and we are known for being the go-to experts in the zoo community for creating animal enclosures, aviaries and bespoke mesh structures to house animals of all shapes and sizes.
We design and build enclosures that seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape and enable zoos to provide animals with habitats that closely mimic their native environments.
We ensure a thorough workshopping process with all stakeholders to ensure animals, keepers and visitors have the best experience. Find more information and two recent case studies below.
Paradise Wildlife Park sought our expertise to design and build a robust enclosure for their ‘Jaguar Jungle,’ the UK’s first habitat featuring underwater viewing for jaguars and one of the only examples in the country that mimic’s the animal’s natural home in the wild. The innovative project required a structure that provided both safety and an immersive experience for both the animals and visitors.
We utilised stainless steel cable netting, creating a spacious and secure environment that allows the animals to exhibit natural behaviours, including swimming. The enclosure’s design incorporates elements that mimic the jaguars’ native rainforest habitat, such as dense foliage and water features, enhancing the animals’ well-being and offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe them in a setting that closely resembles their natural environment.
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View more in this YouTube video from George Cuevas
Drusilla’s Zoo Park embarked on an ambitious project to develop a state-of-the-art enclosure for their Colobus monkeys. The goal was to create a habitat that maximised living space and preserved natural elements. Our solution involved installing large steel posts to allow the monkeys to swing freely and enclose the existing trees with netting to maximise space and maintain an authentic environment for the monkey.
Our approach was to listen to the clients and understand the specific requirements of the species – Colobus monkeys have complex behaviours and sophisticated social groups; and providing space to cultivate these was important. The design solution not only provides the monkeys with ample space to exhibit natural behaviours, but also ensures strength, durability and safety for staff and visitors.
The use of high-tensile stainless steel web netting offers excellent visibility for visitors and protects the animals from external wildlife – a key challenge was integrating the netting with the existing trees and we developed a specialised finishing detail that accommodates the trees’ natural growth and movement, preventing damage to the netting while ensuring the monkeys remain secure. The result is a cutting-edge enclosure that offers the Colobus monkeys an expansive environment.
At Base Structures, we are proud to contribute to the creation of zoo environments that respect and reflect the natural world. For more information on our zoo enclosures and the work we do with tensile fabric structures, contact us today.
During the winter season, it’s important to keep your canopies and fabric structures well maintained. This improves their performance, but also leads to fewer long-term repair costs and ensures you can make the most of the product throughout each season.
Base Structures offer comprehensive maintenance packages for fabric structures and can work in difficult to manage locations or at height – contact us today to speak to our experts and find out more about keeping your fabric structure in great shape across the year.
Over the winter period, canopies can get covered with dirt, grime and leaves that needs to be periodically cleaned off. If the build up of this dirt gets too much, it can damage the lacquer on the fabric and compromise the fabric integrity and longevity. Cleaning a canopy not only improves its aesthetic qualities but also ensures its integrity, significantly enhancing its ability to withstand poor weather and making it a much better long term investment.
Over time, fabric structures can pick up small holes and rips created by flying debris or birds. If ignored, small weak spots like this can compromise the integrity of the fabric membrane and create bigger issues in the long run. As such, as part of scheduled or regular fabric maintenance, it makes sense to not only clean your canopy properly but also invest in minor repairs.
After years of use, the cables used to keep fabric structures in place can slacken, increasing the stress loads on the structure as a whole and causing more damage than if cables were kept taught. It’s wise to use the winter period and associated maintenance to check on the safety credentials of your structure more widely, ensuring they can still perform well in windy conditions. As part of a Base Structures maintenance plan, we can work with you to ensure any issues are identified and fixed ahead of causing any problems in wet and stormy conditions.
We offer free consultation and discussions to ensure you get the right maintenance for your fabric structure at the right time. We are experts in creating bespoke solutions to fit to your needs, and now is the perfect time to book in canopy maintenance.
This year, 2024, has been the year of University of Nottingham, which has been undoubtedly the most complex and interesting roof structure project we have ever undertaken; involving the replacement of a tensile fabric roof and associated skylight glazing to the Central Building on Castle Meadow Campus.
Having been on site since April this year, the project has involved several phases of work that have been intricately and expertly planned. Notwithstanding the initial safe removal of the glazing, the de-tensioning the fabric required a unique and complex methodology.
This fabric roof was never designed to be replaced, yet our talented team found a way. Such was the sensitive nature of the building and the highly utilised structure, the sequence for lowering had to be broken down into small and controlled movements so as not to overload the structure. The successful and safe removal of the fabric and glass was achieved with hard work from all involved.
The replacement main fabric roof canopy, North, South and West canopies are now in place, with the remaining work on site continuing to install the East canopy completing the fabric works in time for Christmas.
in Bristol