The Foshan Century Lotus Sports Center, located in Foshan New City, Guangdong Province, was built for the 12th Guangdong Provincial Games and has become a landmark of the city. The center, designed by the German firm GMP, covers 42 hectares and includes a stadium and a swimming and diving hall. The stadium, named "Century Lotus" for its lotus-shaped design, features a membrane roof that is both striking and functional.

The roof, which was completed in 2006, spans 310 meters in diameter and is made of PVDF membrane material. The structure includes a double-ring design: an inner tensile ring made of steel cables and an outer compression ring supported by concrete-filled steel pipes. The roof is designed to withstand the high humidity and tropical climate of Foshan, which is characterized by hot and damp conditions. The membrane's excellent durability and UV resistance are essential for enduring the region's challenging weather, with wind speeds reaching up to 28m/s.

The membrane structure not only provides superior environmental resistance but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the stadium, making it a recognizable symbol in Foshan. The roof's unique design allows for easy maintenance while offering optimal protection from the elements, contributing to the stadium’s long-lasting functionality and iconic status.

Membrane structures, especially those made with PVDF membrane materials and tensile membranes, have become a popular choice in modern architecture due to their unique aesthetic appeal and outstanding performance. However, like any complex construction process, the installation of membrane structures requires careful attention to detail to avoid common mistakes that can affect their appearance and longevity. In this article, we will explore the key points to consider during membrane structure installation, highlight typical installation errors, and provide guidance on how to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

One of the most frequent issues encountered during membrane structure installation is membrane scratching. This typically occurs due to mishandling or improper use of tools. Scratches not only detract from the appearance of the membrane structure but can also reduce the durability of the material and potentially compromise its structural integrity. It's crucial that workers handle the material carefully and avoid contact with sharp objects or excessive force that could damage the surface.

A key feature of membrane structures is that the membrane must be tensioned correctly to maintain its shape and functionality. If the tension is too low, the membrane may become wrinkled or sag, which can negatively affect the aesthetic and stability of the entire structure. Proper membrane tensioning is vital to ensure the structure looks sleek and performs as intended.

The stability of the support frame is crucial for the overall integrity of the membrane structure. If the frame’s joints are loose or there are any signs of instability, the tension applied to the membrane may be uneven, resulting in deformities or, in severe cases, structural failure. Ensuring that the support frame is securely anchored and stable before beginning the installation process is essential.

Before starting the installation, thoroughly inspect both the membrane material and the support frame. Check the membrane for any scratches or damage, and ensure that the PVDF membrane is smooth and undamaged. It’s also important to verify that the support frame components are secure and all joints are properly connected.

Having the right tools is crucial for a successful installation. Make sure the tensioning equipment and other necessary tools are ready for use. The tensioning equipment should be capable of applying the correct force to achieve the desired level of membrane tension, ensuring that the material is taut and properly aligned.

The first step in the installation process is to gently unfold the membrane. This must be done carefully to avoid any rips or contamination. It's important to spread the membrane on a clean, flat surface to avoid dirt or debris from sticking to the material.

Once the membrane is unfolded, secure the edges using clamps or other fixing devices. This step ensures that the membrane remains in place without being overly stretched or too loose. The membrane should be slightly taut, but not yet fully tensioned.

he final step is to apply tension using the tensioning equipment. This must be done gradually to ensure that the membrane is evenly stretched across the frame. Take care to avoid over-tightening, especially in certain areas, as this can lead to wrinkles or sagging. Adjust the tension gradually, checking that the entire surface is uniformly taut.

Installing membrane structures successfully comes down to three key steps: "Inspect, Fix, Tension." Paying attention to detail in each of these stages is crucial to achieving a high-quality installation. Inspecting the materials for damage, ensuring the support frame is secure, and carefully tensioning the membrane are all fundamental to the long-term success of the project. With proper planning and attention to detail, you can ensure that your membrane structure is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and functional.

A tensile fabric structure is a lightweight architectural solution that relies on the balance of tension and compression. Unlike traditional buildings, it uses fabric materials like PVC, PTFE, and ETFE, supported by cables and steel frames, to create elegant, durable, and cost-effective shelters. These structures are widely used in stadiums, canopies, exhibition halls, and shade structures due to their unique aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility.

To ensure the stability and safety of these structures, load analysis is essential. This analysis evaluates the forces acting on the structure, such as wind load, snow load, live load, and temperature load, to prevent issues like sagging, tearing, or collapse.

Wind Load: Wind creates pressure that can push, pull, or lift the fabric. Proper design reduces wind resistance by shaping the fabric to deflect airflow. BDiR uses advanced software to simulate wind forces and ensure the stability of the structure.

Snow Load: In colder regions, snow accumulation can increase weight on the roof, leading to sagging or collapse. Proper slope design ensures snow slides off, while fabric tensioning increases load capacity.

Live Load: This refers to temporary loads like maintenance workers walking on the structure or hanging decorative items. Load capacity is built into the design to ensure the structure remains stable under such loads.

Temperature Load: Temperature changes cause fabric and metal components to expand or contract. BDiR selects materials with high thermal resistance and designs tension systems to adapt to these shifts, ensuring long-term stability.

Load Calculation: BDiR's engineers collect environmental data (wind speed, snow density, temperature) and apply load coefficients. Advanced software simulates forces, and adjustments are made to the fabric shape, pre-tension, and anchor points.

Custom Design: Each project is tailored to the site's unique climate conditions. BDiR’s designs feature optimal slope, fabric curvature, and reinforced anchor points to resist wind, snow, and live loads.

Material Selection: Using materials like PVDF and PTFE, BDiR ensures resistance to UV, weather, and thermal expansion.

Pre-Tensioning: The fabric is stretched to the correct tension before installation, preventing sagging and ensuring a taut, smooth surface that resists external forces.

BDiR offers custom design, load analysis, and premium materials to deliver durable and aesthetically appealing tensile fabric structures. Our team ensures that every project is tailored to local climate conditions, with a focus on wind load, snow load, and live load stability. With experience in stadiums, exhibition halls, and large public canopies, BDiR is your trusted partner for safe, durable, and elegant tensile structures.

If you're planning a tensile fabric structure project, contact BDiR for professional load analysis and custom design services.

Tensile Membrane Structure: The Perfect Combination of Innovation and Aesthetics

Tensile membrane structure is an innovative architectural form that uses high-strength flexible membrane materials combined with auxiliary structures to create a stable space through pre-tension. It breaks the framework of traditional architecture with its unique curvilinear beauty and exceptional mechanical performance. Since its development in the mid-20th century, tensile membrane structure has been widely applied in modern architecture, especially in large public buildings, sports facilities, commercial centers, and exhibition halls.

Why Choose Tensile Membrane Structure?

Tensile membrane structure not only meets the need for large-span spaces but also creates a unique architectural charm through its distinctive design language. Whether it’s innovative shapes, fast construction, or outstanding durability, tensile membrane structures have secured an important place in the architectural world. Below are the key advantages:

1. Lightweight and High Strength: The Ideal Choice for Large Spans

The membrane materials used in tensile structures are not only lightweight but also strong enough to cover large spans, significantly reducing the weight of the building. This gives tensile structures a clear advantage in scenarios that require large-area coverage and free-form design. Whether it’s a sports stadium, exhibition center, or shopping mall, tensile membrane structures offer flexible space solutions.

2. Versatile Shapes: A Combination of Art and Function

The flexible nature of membrane materials allows for the creation of various unique shapes, from streamlined curves to complex geometries, enabling architects to freely explore creative designs. Its beautiful curves not only possess strong aesthetic appeal but also blend perfectly with the surrounding environment and architectural style, becoming an artistic highlight in the building.

3. Quick Construction: Efficient and Convenient Building Method

Compared to traditional construction, the construction cycle of tensile membrane structures is greatly shortened, and the installation process is simple and convenient. The membrane materials can be pre-fabricated in factories, and on-site, only the auxiliary structure needs to be fixed and tensioned, significantly reducing construction time and costs. For projects that need to be completed quickly, tensile membrane structures provide an effective solution.

4. Strong Durability: Adapting to Extreme Environments

High-quality membrane materials are specially treated to offer excellent weather resistance, protecting against ultraviolet rays, rain, and other natural factors. The durability of membrane structures has been proven in extreme climates worldwide, whether in deserts, coastal areas, or cold regions, tensile membrane structures maintain stable performance.

If you would like to learn more about tensile membrane structures or consult us on how we can provide customized solutions for your project, feel free to contact us at any time. We will offer you professional design and high-quality construction services to help you achieve your ideal architectural results.

The China Mobile Guangzhou HQ tennis court is an exemplary showcase of modern membrane structure technology. Spanning 40 meters in length and 38.5 meters in width, the structure provides a minimum clear height of 10 meters, ensuring ample space for both casual games and professional tournaments. The eaves are equipped with a protective enclosure for enhanced functionality and safety. The roof is constructed using 1100gsm PVDF membrane material, offering waterproof, UV-resistant properties with a B1 fire-retardant rating. Designed to withstand up to 17-grade wind loads, this innovative structure has a service life of 20 years.

Features of Membrane Structures
Membrane structures like this tennis court provide a blend of aesthetics and durability. The lightweight yet strong materials allow for large spans without requiring heavy frameworks, making them ideal for sports and recreational facilities. They also provide excellent natural lighting, reducing the need for artificial illumination during the day. Additionally, membrane materials are weather-resistant and easy to maintain, ensuring a cost-effective solution over time.

Efficient Construction Process
The installation of membrane structures is significantly faster compared to traditional buildings. This project demonstrated the streamlined process, including steel framework assembly, membrane tensioning, and final adjustments, all completed in a matter of weeks. Such efficiency minimizes disruption to the surrounding environment and accelerates project delivery timelines, making membrane structures a preferred choice for time-sensitive projects.

A Sustainable Solution
By combining innovative design with environmentally friendly materials, membrane structures align with sustainable construction goals. The PVDF membrane used in this project not only ensures long-term performance but also supports recycling at the end of its lifecycle. As membrane technology continues to evolve, it offers a practical and sustainable solution for modern architectural demands.

This project highlights BDiR Space Structure's expertise in delivering high-quality, custom-designed membrane structures tailored to client needs.

1. Initial Consultation
    Discussion: We start with a detailed conversation to get a sense of your vision for the tensile structure. We want to understand not just the purpose but also the functional requirements that matter to you.
    Questions: We’ll ask about how you plan to use the tensile fabric structure, where it will be located, and any specific preferences or constraints you might have.

2. Site Assessment
    Information Provided: We ask clients to provide site information, such as photos and relevant drawings. This helps us assess the physical environment where the tensile structure will be installed, considering factors like terrain, climate, and surrounding architecture.
    Measurements: Accurate measurements of the site are crucial. They help us identify space limitations and opportunities for your tensile structures.

3. Functional Requirements
    Purpose: We’ll determine what you want the tensile structure to achieve—whether it’s providing shelter, serving as an aesthetic feature, or creating a recreational space.
    Capacity: Understanding how many people you expect to accommodate helps us design a structure that fits your needs.

4. Design Preferences
    Style: We’ll discuss your design preferences, including shapes, colors, and materials. Your input is vital to creating a tensile architecture that you love.
    Inspiration: If you have any inspiration images or previous projects that resonate with you, we’d love to see them. They help guide the design process.

5. Technical Specifications
    Load Requirements: We’ll calculate the structural load requirements for your tensile structures, factoring in wind, snow, and other environmental conditions. Safety is our top priority.
    Materials: Let’s talk about material options for the fabric and supporting structure. We want to consider durability, aesthetics, and maintenance needs to ensure tensile fabric structure lasts.

6. Budget Constraints
    Cost: Understanding client's budget is essential. We aim to propose design and material options that fit within the financial plan for the tensile fabric structure.
    Flexibility: We’ll discuss whether there’s any flexibility in your budget for higher-quality materials or extra features that could enhance your structure.

7. Regulatory Compliance
    Permits: We’ll make sure that your design complies with local building codes and regulations. It’s important to keep everything above board.
    Standards: Adhering to industry standards for safety and durability is something we take seriously in our tensile architecture designs.

8. Timeline
    Schedule: Establishing a clear timeline for the design, manufacturing, and installation phases is key to keeping everything on track.
    Deadlines: We’ll discuss any critical deadlines or project milestones to ensure the tensile fabric structure is completed on time.

9. Review and Feedback
    Proposals: We’ll present initial design concepts and proposals to you for feedback. Your thoughts are crucial in this stage.
    Revisions: Based on your input, we’ll make any necessary revisions to finalize the design, ensuring that the tensile architecture perfectly meets your expectations.

10. Conclusion

    By following these steps, we strive to understand your needs thoroughly and deliver a custom tensile fabric structure that aligns with your vision.

A tensile structure is a lightweight fabric structure that carries loads by utilizing tension. Stretch Structures Fabric Structures describe various stretch film structures and the current state of knowledge. Tensile fabric structures are commonly used in transportation facilities, buildings, and other applications that require a high degree of sustainability and aesthetics. They can also be used as a lightweight alternative to steel frames, such as skyscrapers, playground shade structures, garden shade structure, etc.

The design of tensile structures can vary depending on the needs of a specific project. They are often used to provide shade or shade to buildings. The beauty of tensile structures makes them an attractive option for many types of facilities. They also offer a unique combination of reliable functionality and aesthetic appeal. These benefits make them very popular structural systems. Some examples of tensile structures are listed below.Tensile structures can be designed with large or small areas. It can cover large spaces such as event venues, stadiums, performance venues or military structures. Smaller examples include outdoor restaurants, rooftop bars, tension shade sails, and more. Tensile construction is an excellent choice for outdoor applications because it gives an outdoor feel and is weather resistant.Due to its unique membrane tension properties, the tensile fabric structure has a uniquely elegant form. Its translucency also provides soft, diffused natural light. Artificial lighting can also be used to generate external lighting. Tensile structures can be used to create prefabricated modular buildings or as lightweight elements of existing structures. They are one of the most cost-effective options on the market. When properly designed and constructed, tensile fabric structures can be very durable.

German architect Frei Otto was a seminal figure in the development of tensile architecture. Frei Otto's pioneering work demonstrates that the relationship between architectural and structural form is intimate and mutually beneficial. Frei Otto's monumental tensile building, the Hangende Dach in Munich, won the 2015 Pritzker Architecture Prize. It redefines structures and prefabricated systems and shows that they are compatible with sustainable design.Stretch fabrics are typically combinations of fibers used in various applications. Tensile structure details have many advantages, including the ability to minimize the surface area between the dots. Plus, it's very efficient and maximizes the use of expensive, high-strength fibers. And because it's light, it's also durable. If you are looking for tensile structures for your project, please contact us today!

Tension structures are more cost-effective and use less material than tension fabric buildings. Tensile structures can create entire buildings, making them the first choice for complex design work. tensile fabric structures are typically made of thin fabrics that are pulled in opposite directions to create a double curvature. The double curvature doubles the stiffness of the fabric. Tensile structures can span great distances without intermediate supports.

The basic concept behind tensile structures is the use of fabrics to create strong structural systems. These structures can be reinforced with high-strength cables at a much lower cost than traditional steel or concrete structures. While some fabric structures rely on mechanical devices to keep their structures in place, their reliance on these devices can lead to troubling deflation and other problems. The increasing acceptance of fabric structures makes tensile fabric structures a less controversial structural system.

While tensile architecture is better known today, its roots can be traced back to the Ice Age. The Siberian steppe is home to primitive human settlements made of animal skins draped between wooden sticks. This may be the first tensile structure because it is lightweight and easy to transport. Eventually, humans will develop ways to replicate these structures using more efficient and sustainable materials. Today, the process is widely used in large buildings. Tensile buildings can be used as general storage or waste management facilities. However, tensile buildings cannot be designed to include windows or support a solid roof. However, this does not limit design options. Instead, the steel frame of the structure can be adjusted to create dramatic shapes. Fabric can also be manipulated for interesting visual effects. This allows for a wider variety of applications than conventional construction.

Another name for tension structures is tension fabric structures. retractable pergola shade cloth Tension fabric buildings are lightweight structure, easy to install, and can span great distances without the need for internal columns or poles. Tension fabric buildings typically include a steel frame for structural support, and the fabric acts as a protective covering that lets in natural light and protects from the elements. While this construction has the advantage of being able to span great distances, the fabric has little room for folds and is still durable. Now many scenic spots will have buildings that can also be used as permanent gazebo structures. The style is changeable and it is also an iconic building. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, stretch fabric construction is also a very economical option. Tensile structures are easier to build and less expensive to maintain than traditional steel or concrete structures. Tensile fabric structures can be used in many different applications, from existing buildings to freestanding structures. Its unique geometry makes it one of the most versatile and affordable structures on the market.

Another benefit of the types of tensile structure is that it is highly reflective. It provides more efficient lighting at night and significantly reduces demands on the HVAC system. Additionally, the highly reflective surface of the stretch fabric makes it ideal for shading façades and ceiling planes. The benefits of this structure are countless. You can use it as a facade for buildings, parking lots or sports fields.The basic components of a stretch fabric construction are the saddle and the cone. These are asymmetrical forms that can be combined to meet specific needs. By combining these two components, the tension structure can achieve any desired shape. This type of structure is called prestressing and can be used in a variety of applications. If you are looking for a simple yet versatile tensile structure, a bulletproof saddle will serve you well.

A tension fabric structure is a building that uses fabric as a structure to support weight. Often called tensile façades, these structures can be used to cover the exterior of buildings, car parks or sports fields. The stretch construction is also great for incorporating brand messages into fabric graphics. Here's a closer look at the benefits of stretch fabric construction.

tension fabric structures uses two basic building blocks: saddle and cone. Both shapes are very versatile and can be used to create structures that suit your requirements. The saddle can be thought of as a twisted grid of rectangles, while the cone is more like a volcano. Two types of fabric tension structures can be stacked to create efficient designs. What's more, the stretch fabric construction can last 45 years!

Frei Otto was an early pioneer of tensile construction. Frei Otto discovered that many natural forms have perfect tension and developed a method to connect them. He later developed a model with soap. The process of developing this architectural model has led to numerous innovations in tensile architecture. In the years that followed, more and more architects and designers began to incorporate tensile structures into their work.

Tensile structures are a good alternative to traditional buildings. As the name suggests, they consist of a metal frame and fabric shell. Compared to traditional buildings, tensile structures use less material and are more environmentally friendly. Steel is an excellent skeleton material and requires less material for the structure than conventional construction. In 2014, a steel framed tensile building was able to withstand 130 mph winds!

The earliest tensile structures were used for portable outer shelters, such as tents, shelters. Since then, they have continued to evolve as different people used different materials, climates and architectural styles. Bedouins and Berbers use black tents, while Moors and Kurds use tent-like structures for shelter. So what are the advantages of tensioned structures over traditional buildings?

The tension fabric structure has a highly reflective surface for better lighting even during the day. This results in a significant reduction in the energy required for lighting and HVAC systems. This means lower utility bills for homeowners. The highly reflective surface of the tensile structure is a great advantage for energy efficient buildings! This makes it perfect for buildings and parks. If you plan to place tensile structures on your property, consider the following benefits:
Tensile structures use less material than tensile fabric buildings, and it can be used to construct entire buildings. It is easier to install and requires fewer internal struts than tension fabric construction. Tension fabric buildings typically use a steel frame as structural support and fabric as a protective layer to keep out the elements. You get all the benefits of tension structures without the high cost of interior construction.

China's first cable membrane structure, Sunshine Valley, is located at the Expo source in the core area of Shanghai World Expo Park. "Aorta".Speaking of the 6 giant "Sunshine Valleys", "it is composed of 13 large masts, dozens of cables and huge membrane fabrics. It is definitely the first cable-membrane structure building in China and rare in the world." 6 "Sunshine Valleys" ”, the largest of which is 97 meters in diameter, and the lower one is 20 meters in diameter, so that the underground pedestrian walkway of the 1000-meter Expo axis borrows natural light. The special structure composed of huge masts and stay cables is natural with the giant white membrane cloth.

The 250-kilometer-long pipeline is warm in winter and cool in summer. The Expo Axis is also an "experimental field" for Shanghai's circular economy. Xu Jun, Executive Manager of the Expo Axis Project, said that a 250-kilometer-long pipeline was laid under the Expo Axis to form a ground source heat pump, which was introduced into Huangpu. river water. In summer, filtered river water is used to form a cooling system, and in winter, a heating system with ground source heat as the main source and Huangpu River water as a supplement is used, so that this huge public channel uses natural resources to achieve warmth in winter and cool in summer.

The basic construction of Sunshine Valley uses square steel pipes instead of round pipes. Several square pipes meet at the same point, which are called "nodes". The mesh shape of the appearance of Sunshine Valley is connected by "nodes" of different sizes. And each Sunshine Valley has about 3,000 "nodes", which can be calculated but cannot be drawn on the drawings. The membrane structure on the top adopts the highest strength membrane material in the world, and its design tension is 5 tons per meter. Since there are no pillars on the Expo axis platform, the membrane material relies on 31 outer masts, 19 inner masts and 817 inner masts. Wire rope to pull, and to pull evenly. At the same time, due to the different sizes and shapes of the Sunshine Valley, the node positions of the cables are also different, which brings about changes in the orientation and angle of the cables, which need to be solved one by one during the construction.

As the largest single building in the "one axis and four halls" permanent buildings in the Expo site, the Expo axis project has been transferred from the main structure construction to the decoration construction stage, and the cables and lamps for landscape lighting have been arranged outside the steel structure of the Sunshine Valley. The Expo Axis and Sunshine Valley at night will be more exciting.