The new trends: tensile membrane structures

Tensile membrane structures are exciting, feasible and affordable options for roofing or providing shade and shelter to an area. They are lightweight, collapsible structures and can be formed into any shape and size to suit the particular environment. Tensile membrane structures are often used as roofs because they are cost effective and command attention from a distance. It can also be used as canopies, skylights, covered walkways, sun shade covers or membrane covers and motorized retractable covers.

The tensile fabric structure is not an advanced technology or concept, but it is one of the ancient practices used to provide shelter and security from adverse weather conditions. Documentation and data showed that people have been making tents for at least 15,000 years, although they originally used animal skins. Eventually, man learned to use woven cloth to survive. The military, for example, has been commonly known to use tents as the most prized structures on battlefields. The tents are easy to set up or build and take down or dismantle, somewhat weather tight, and you can take them anywhere thanks to their light weight.

Ancient Egypt was one of the most influential civilizations throughout history and its architecture was diverse structures. The ancient Egyptians were the first civilization to use fabric frame pieces for shade. They also discovered effective navigation to control wind power by sailing ships, back in 3500 BC. The Greeks and Romans also adopted the architecture of Egypt and used large pieces of cloth in their architecture and buildings. The Romans used large canvas “cruisers” to provide shade for spectators in the Roman arena.

Today’s modern technology has extremely transformed the way these tensile fabric structures are built. It’s more weather-resistant and lighter than sticks and animal skins, and modern fabrics are coated with materials that resist UV degradation and offer more benefits, such as protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and strong wind resistance.

A tensile tent membrane structure can be thought of as an umbrella and generate tension in many ways, depending on the area that needs an architectural roof. In a fundamental tent, the tension is built by the poles that the body of the tent establishes or on which it depends. Also, in larger structures; Industrial-strength materials such as fiberglass-coated polyurethane are used for an indestructible and durable structure. Some tensile fabric structures do not need a supporting frame or pillar. Using that, pressurized air is applied to create the necessary tension.

Membrane material is treated as the fifth building element after metal, stone, glass and concrete. Currently the popularity of this material is increasing rapidly throughout the world. Modern fabric framing materials in modern architecture can shape space, allowing architects to sculpt three-dimensional space that is not possible with any other type of material. Selection of a membrane roofing system material is always a balance between design criteria, performance requirements and cost. Membrane roofing from the Philippines is now a new trend in the country.