The spectacular Cutty Sark deserves to welcome its visitors in a spectacular venue. Therefore, this multi-cone tensile fabric structure had to be one of the most unique architectural fabric creations in the country. By day, its peaks resemble crisp meringue; by dusk, the detail in the beautifully lit cones truly comes alive.
The seventeen tensile hexagonal cones have a unique relationship with their timber grid below. In short, one cannot survive without the other. The fabric locks the grid in place, providing the awesome strength needed to hold this beautiful beast in place. A true example of collaborative working processes, from conception to completion, the engineering, timber and fabric all had to work in perfect harmony.
Conceived by innovative architects Youmeheshe, the fabric structure strikes an arresting mark on the landscape. It is not just its visual form that breaks new ground.
Having approached Base structures about a similar scheme at the outset of the works, Dublin Airport came back to us in October 2008 with a proposal to close off the southern elevation of the building with two and a half thousand square metres of weatherproof fabric.
After receiving the brief Base set about designing, manufacturing and installing this completely bespoke and fully engineered solution in less then seven weeks, with the site install time barely exceeding two of these.
This speed of service, combined with the durability, weatherproofing and reliability of the installed scheme enabled the construction team to recover time on the €609m project and made a significant contribution towards completion on the May 2010 deadline.
Our brief was to install a tensile fabric roof structure to the new ice rink and events arena at the Eden Project in time for the National Lottery’s 10th Anniversary celebration 2004.
Our scope of works was to pattern, manufacture and install the fabric membrane over the steel frame supplied by ESS. This was a large project with an immovable deadline and it took a huge team effort to get it done on time. It was a very rewarding job to be involved in and it looks great.
The fabric structure serves not only as a roof but as a new feature attraction at the site. Choosing a fabric building has allowed the client to go for a unique, contemporary and impacting design. It also compliments the existing Eden Project structure and ESS were delighted with our quick and professional installation.
Base Structures were extremely proud to be working together with Caddick Construction on the plans to transform the Emerald Headingley Cricket Ground.
Much has changed since the crowds poured in to watch the first Test at this truly iconic and world-famous sporting venue in 1899. The addition of the new 4,300 seater main stand will make Headingley one of the finest cricket venues in the world.
Base were tasked with the design, manufacture and install of the fabric roof and bespoke gutter system on the new Emerald main stand, the centrepiece of the Headingley redevelopment project.
The cantilever stadium roof comprises of ten bays, each of which is covered by Ferrari’s high performance membrane, TX30-II, which benefits from a 30 year lifespan.
Fabric installations can be a tricky game at times due to inclement weather, especially at height and when conducted solely by Rope Access Technicians. However, our installation was unhampered and benefitted by the long, hot and settled summer weather. It was a touch too warm at times up there…due to the fabric glare, temperatures peaked at 48°C!
Every year a covered green space in which to relax is generated within London’s famous Square Mile as a place where executives and their clients can go to view dinner time theatrical and musical events. Base Structures were commissioned by the client to replace the existing tensile fabric covers in Exchange Square, which were starting to look tired.
In order to reproduce the existing covers Base Structures design department had to survey the steel and cable net structure from which they could generate the ‘form’ of the new structures.
As you can see from the pictures, this was achieved very successfully and the new fabric structure once again looks fit for purpose.
Base Structures won the bid to design, manufacture and install Denmark’s most extensive tensile fabric project in the country. The deal was to deliver a striking, multifaceted fabric facade and walkway metro link for Copenhagen’s flagship shopping centre, Frederiksberg, working alongside FlexCover and main contractor Hoffmann.
The edgy, geometric design by architect KHR comprises of fabric slabs at varying angles and planes to form a unique textured fabric wrap. Base Structures’ role comprised of the design of both the steel and fabric elements as well as the fabrication and installation of all the fabric and fittings. To ensure a smooth installation programme, Base elected to prototype several panels to test and iron out any unforeseen technicalities.
The fabric wrap brings a cohesive visual look to the new shopping centre which will see the existing building extended by two floors, linked to the metro with the addition of a roof top car park.
The sports hall situated in Fynshav, Denmark were after a mesh vaulted interior ceiling, so partnering up with BK Teknik – our preferred partner for Danish construction projects, we got started with the single membrane measuring approximately 20m x 42m.
The tensile fabric is supported by a series of suspended headrings in the centre of the roof structure which is then pulled down and tensioned to a series of timber glulam beams via a traditional membrane plate and cable perimeter edge.
The purpose of this membrane is not only to improve the appearance of the internal space but also to diffuse the natural light which enters the building via the extensive sky-lighting. Both certainly are the case for this project!
This new restaurant in the high profile area of Camden required a retractable roof system for open air dining in the summer months. The tensile fabric membranes needed to allow natural light into the restaurant when the roof is closed, enhancing the interior space as well as being a dynamic feature.
We designed, manufactured and installed the motorised retractable roof system and the fabric membrane.
Home to Dim sum, sushi and cocktails, the roof system perfectly compliments the elaborate Indian-chic setting with wood carvings and an open kitchen.
A new generation of temporary mobile structures was to be developed for the festival and entertainment sector, starting life at Glastonbury Festival 2007 as the Glade Stage.
We made the fabric roof canopy in PVC and the steel in a light weight lattice structure that has the ability to cope with different ground conditions, depending on the location of the event or festival.
A practical and visually appealing solution to temporary event stages within the entertainment industry.
This luxury hotel were looking for a retractable awning system for their central terrace in order to make the space ideal for al fresco dining and outdoor events. With a prime location in the heart of Guilford, the retractable awning had to compliment their 4-star rating, so an En-fold system was chosen from our retractable range, fitting the clients needs perfectly.
With the En-fold system already pre-designed by Uni Systems, Base were employed to design and provide the structural steel support as well as completing the manufacturing of the fabric panels.
For this project, Tenara fabric was used, which is ideal for folding fabric systems as well as offering a boastfully long life span and a high level of translucency.
With guttering incorporated into the system, the En-Fold was ideal for Radisson to provide shade in extreme sunshine conditions as well as an al fresco dining experience, even in light rain showers.
in Bristol
