One of the main advantages of a bespoke tensile fabric canopy is the flexibility it gives the designer. Tensile fabric can be stretched and manipulated to create complex shapes and forms that very few other building materials can achieve, allowing architects and designers to create unique and visually stunning spaces. It can be equally effective for enhancing small spaces as well as larger scale structures such as sports arenas, exhibition halls, and airports.
In this blog post, we’ll focus on one of the main uses of tensile fabric in small to medium-sized projects, covered courtyard canopies.
The main benefit of a retro-fitted courtyard canopy, is that by infilling spaces between buildings it can turn disused, under-utilised areas into useful protected circulation routes and breakout spaces. And all within the existing footprint of the building.
A good example is the break-time area created with our project at Beaufort School – a roof structure that is not only a striking architectural feature but also transforms the use of space by providing shelter for students and staff between moving between around the school. As well as providing protection from the elements, the low mass of the fabric also means that it requires less supporting structure, which can result in significant cost savings compared to a glass roof.
For even greater flexibility we can offer retractable fabric roof structures, as illustrated in our project at Raddison Guildford. The courtyard is used for outdoor dining and the client now has the opportunity to respond to the weather conditions and provide the optimum outdoor experience for their guests.
Other projects that illustrate the concept of naturally lit covered spaces are the courtyard at Hounslow School and the ETFE covered internal street at Samworth Academy.
If you’re thinking of using tensile fabric to transform an existing courtyard space in your next project, we have experts on hand to answer questions and guide you through the process. We specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke canopies for tricky sites, and can advise on the best course of action in the early stages of your project. Contact us using the form below for more information and we’ll get in touch.
If you’re interested in our bespoke canopy services, fill out the form here and one of our tensile fabric experts will be in touch soon to discuss your needs.
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