Nudgee College Marquee
Project Details
Location: Nudgee, Queensland
Completion Date: December 2014
Size: 378 sqm
Fabric: PVC - Mehler FR900N
Client: Peter Fardoulys Constructions
Photography: © Christopher Frederick Jones & MakMax Australia
The Nudgee College Marquee is an architecturally unique, inverted-cone shade structure was built as part of a redevelopment project of the boarding houses which enhanced the learning environment and transformed the space of the exclusive Brisbane private school.
The Brief
Located in Brisbane’s inner suburbs, the Nudgee College Boarding House redevelopment project included a new 4-storey boarding wing and extension of the existing boarding accommodation, including the construction of an additional level on top of the original 1970’s block. Additionally, the transformation of the existing paved courtyard into a welcoming garden with a central shade element framing the amphitheatre and BBQ area.
The architect’s vision was to re-imagine the Boarding House into a ‘castle-like’ space. The design of the courtyard space was deliberately different, providing a sense of physical and psychological separation from the day school.
The Concept
MakMax Australia worked collaboratively with the client and architect to design the unique funnel-like shaped membrane shade structure in the courtyard of Nudgee College Boarding Houses.
The eccentric design and alignment of the inverted cone introduced some complexity in design. The fabric pre-stresses needed to be achieved in such a way that the design maintained a wrinkle free result. Furthermore, the proximity of the inverted apex to ground level was such that access to the topside of the structure could be easily obtained. This required an aesthetically pleasing solution to make the structure inaccessible to students and/or public.
MakMax Australia proposed and implemented a custom fabricated cable system to the bale ring which prevented access to the topside of the structure. It can be removed easily for maintenance and is aesthetically pleasing.
The Materials
MakMax Australia designed, fabricated and installed the PVC custom inverted conical supported on painted steel.
The marquee canopy is created with the hard-wearing Mehler FR900 ’N’ PVC fabric with a PVDF coating. The white PVC membrane was chosen for its lightweight and flexible properties, the ability to provide a uniform 8% (approx) translucency to optimise natural lighting, very good resistance to UV and extreme atmospheric conditions and it’s highly-concentrated PVDF dirt-resistant surface treatment.
The Result
The project fulfilled all the requirements as set out by the client and their architect.
With extensive experience in fabrication, construction and design development, MakMax Australia was able to provide full-circle of support throughout the entire course of the project. The concept of the design was unique and innovative requiring perspectives and solutions that were not necessarily commonplace.
