The Materials

While multi-directionally curved tensile membrane structures offer stunning aesthetics and design freedom, they also pose significant engineering and construction challenges. MakMax successfully tackled these obstacles through our expertise in tensile membrane engineering and the use of specialised parametric modeling software.

Designing multi-directionally curved membranes demands sophisticated form-finding software to ascertain the optimal cutting pattern and pre-stress loads necessary for achieving the desired final form while ensuring proper tension distribution.

Fabric selection is another critical aspect in constructing multi-curved structures. Fabrics with higher elasticity and flexibility are often essential to accommodate the complex shapes without generating excessive stress concentrations.

For the Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre Roof, we selected Serge Ferrari Flexlight Xtrem TX30-II, an architectural PVC renowned for its high performance in tensile architecture applications such as roofs. With its crosslink technology, TX30-II boasts exceptional durability, ensuring a prolonged lifespan, making it ideal for permanent outdoor structures like amphitheater roofs. Thanks to Serge Ferrari’s Precontraint technology, TX30-II maintains its shape effectively, enduring wind and minor temperature fluctuations with ease. This dimensional stability is paramount for a large multi-curved roof structure.