This unique mesh fabric sun shading system was designed specifically to suit the requirements of the ADC data processing centre in Phoenix, Arizona.
The PVC panelling provides shade protection to the air handling units whilst screening them from view and turning a utilitarian industrial unit into an architectural feature.
Base Structures UK designed, manufactured and supervised the installation of the mesh panels over critical areas of the centre.
To devise a fabric cladding system for our clients space frame roof to the new Adamstown railway station. Fabric cladding is a great choice for this impressive and innovative structure because it allows more light into the interior space than traditional cladding materials.
We designed, manufactured and installed the fabric cladding to the existing steel space frame.
Patrick Reilly, Resident Engineer of Iarnrod Eireann, recently commented on our outstandingly safe working practices on site:
“Adamstown was executed with professionalism and the safe working practices shown by these operatives was a credit not only to themselves but also to your company. It is not often that one can be at ease, especially when working next to live operational railways, but the confidence installed in me by the operatives carrying out this job was welcomed – the way in which they ensured at all times the safety of the traveling public was again to be commended.”
Clever, simple, functional and high spec – all the buzz words that Abito attribute to their Salford Quays waterside development. So they thought, what better than to literally top off their brand new residential apartment building than a dramatic and striking tensile fabric architectural centrepiece.
Elegantly perched on the rooftops like a proud toupee, our fabric roof structure covers the central atrium with the tensioned fabric allowing a diffused light into the well of the development. Defining themselves as the creators of affordable yet chic urban living, it is these aesthetic finales that create the talking points Abito rely on to keep their buildings one step ahead of their market competitors.
Construction firm, Morgan Sindall, secured a £1.7m contract in 2012 to undertake a 9,000 sq ft commercial redevelopment of an abandoned office space in the centre of Cambridge. Spread over three floors and boasting a second floor roof terrace overlooking Cambridge University’s Botanical Gardens, the development has created a cutting edge office space in an unrivalled central location of the UK’s leading academic city.
A Malvern structure from our pre-designed fabric canopy range was adapted to fit within the restrictive space, reducing the size by approximately 70%. Galvanised steel posts and tie-rods perfectly coordinate the structure with the rest of the high-end redevelopment where attention to detail is evident throughout.
As a crowning flourish to the modernising yet sympathetic redevelopment, the second floor roof terrace not only features outstanding views but an eye catching tensile fabric shade sail. Whilst it may be a stunning breakout area, it looks like the perfect place for a roof top cocktail party to us!
Beaufort School required a tensile fabric roof canopy between two buildings in the school grounds to serve as a break time area. The structure needed to provide shelter for students and staff as well as being a striking architectural feature enhancing the school environment.
Our scope of works were design, manufacture and installation of the canopy. This included the fabric, steel structure and associated fittings.
To compliment the state of the art facilities set in the spacious nine-acre estate at Bootham School in York, a canopy solution was needed to cover a series of external lockers. The client also wanted to be able to install lighting onto the canopies to illuminate the lockers after evening sports events. In addition, the project needed to be completed within the school’s time constraints, which was the October half term to avoid disturbances to teaching.
By using two of our pre-designed Mendip 4-Bay cnaopies, Bootham School were able to cut out design and engineering costs, whilst retaining good style! To ensure that the project would be completed in time, our team worked efficiently through the weekend, ready for the canopies to welcome back the schoolchildren after a short break.
This playful canopy, with it’s sweeping structural masts, tastefully blends the link between old and new amongst the Georgian town houses that make up the school campus. Not only that, but they also provide a practical solution to keeping the lockers – supplied by Aaztec – sheltered and illuminated.
Battersea’s Power Station is an iconic Grade II* listed building which is being brought back to life along with regeneration its surrounding areas. Included in this exciting and innovative redevelopment is the Archlight Cinema, a small independent picture house. In keeping with the boutique feel, Arc Cinema Solutions Ltd approached Base Structures to dress the exterior of their premises.
Base designed, manufactured and installed three main canopies & two infill canopies over each of the railway arch cinema entrances.
Due to the nature of the arches’ structure, there were several design challenges that required overcoming due to construction constraints imposed by Network Rail. As well as a requirement for the canopies to be demount-able at short notice, these also included how to physically link the three fabric arches to the ageing Victorian brickwork. Several designs were developed and considered to meet both the client’s brief and satisfy the challenging conditions.
Programme was another significant consideration. Archlight were primed to open, but without an entrance canopy solution. With Base engaged, we were eager to identify and develop a proposal which both fulfilled the technical criteria and visually impress.
Abbey Wood Retail Park in North Bristol commenced a £10 million revamp in March 2013, creating in excess of 100,000 square foot of retail space in an area located near offices, a University campus and a soon-to-be built football stadium for Bristol Rovers. With such an exciting mix of shoppers and future regeneration planned in the area, it was a key criteria for the new development to reflect the vibrancy and sophisticated expectations of local shoppers, which is where the idea for a feature canopy was born.
Adapted from one of our pre-designed canopy structures, the Malvern 4P 700, this example dwarfs the original at nearly twice the size. Measuring 12m across, the fabric canopy provides plenty of shelter from both sun and rain, covering a large seating area for weary shoppers. Specified with grit polished stainless steel masts and a PTFE canopy, this structure will retain it’s good looks for many, many years to come. A colour changing LED lighting system embedded in the floor also transforms the structure after dark, bathing the canopy in a changing spectrum of colours visible to commuters on surrounding roads and railway lines.
Standing proud with a large sweeping sail, the fabric canopy greets shoppers like an old friend with outstretched arms as they enter the retail park.
London’s Camden Market’s carnival atmosphere famously attracts people from all walks of life and is popular with Goths and Punks who live and work alongside the traditional antiques and clothing traders. Due to increased visitor numbers, this borough of London has recently attracted substantial development funding enabling a gradual and sympathetic facelift to take place. How apt that this beautifully crafted walkway canopy should adorn a building that sits at the heart of London’s bohemian arts and crafts district.
We decided to use Tenara material which is 100% PTFE and is manufactured to very high quality standards. Accordingly, it benefits from high levels of translucency such that the light striking the smooth curves of the canopy is evenly diffused, lifting the whole structure and making it appear to fluoresce. The twisted, eccentric steel framework which carries the fabric is constructed of many irregular curves making the geometry of each bay completely unique. Needless to say the patterning of the fabric was a monumental task, and yet it fits so well.
Set as it is against a backdrop of muted coloured glass curtain walling set in steel grey frames, this installation promotes the fabric so that it appears to shine like a pearl unearthed in this most unlikely of habitats. The completed project is a true testament to the combination of visionary artist and engineer.
The Cheshire Oaks designer outlet centre in Elsmere Port, wanted a tensile fabric canopy to provide a venue for outdoor events. This would also add to the ambiance and improves the shopping experience as well as acting as a meeting point for shoppers.
We adapted and repeated our Chiltern 3P 600 canopy from our pre-designed range, to extend the coverage and create a canopy to suit the clients needs. We also manufactured and installed the fabric courtyard canopy, its supporting steel structure, foundations, paving and lighting.
This was a turnkey project which satisfied the clients needs whilst causing them minimum disruption.
in Bristol
