Our brief was to provide a replacement architectural fabric canopy with a new and improved design to their established market courtyard.
We adapted the Chiltern design from our pre-designed canopy range and provided the fabrication and installation of the twin coned fabric canopy, supporting steelwork and fittings.
The canopies are in place to allow the market to provide a sheltered outdoor eating area for Dolphin Square’s shoppers and diners. It also acts as a meeting and focal point for the square.
The new Digital Technium building at Swansea University required a terrace canopy to the 5th floor Science and Technology department which needed to be both functional and aesthetic.
We designed, manufactured and installed the inverted barrel vault structure, including the fabric, branch-frame steelwork and associated fittings. This project was great to work on as it is a perfect example of a classic tensile structure. It went in well and on time for the buildings opening.
The fabric structure provides a sheltered terrace area and is a dynamic addition to the futuristic impact of the building.
Working directly for the client, Base Structures were asked to replace the existing multi-cone tensile structure which was damaged during a severe local weather event.
Our design department replicated the original architectural design for the tensile fabric and changed some of the detailing to ensure it would no longer be liable to damage.Our installation team spent two weeks on site, de-rigging the old and then reinstalling the new canopy. During this period we successfully managed the interface with the public so that as little inconvenience as possible was encountered by public and shop keepers alike.
A visually stunning and practical, weather tight canopy structure that adds to the sophistication that is Dalton Park.
Located in Crown Square, Manchester, this 196m2 single inclined conic fabric canopy structure was to feature as the latest part of the Spinningfields development – an area that is fast becoming known as the ‘Canary Warf of the North’. By providing both a focal point and shelter for outdoor events, the tensile fabric canopy needed to lend an entirely new identity to an area surrounded by tall, modern buildings.
Highlighting the benefits of using tensile fabric structures for exterior performance areas, this bespoke fabric canopy structure demonstrates the versatility, practicality and aesthetic possibilities of tensile fabric for extending the use of public spaces. Designed to fit onto existing foundations located at different levels, the undulating fabric perimeter and inclined steelwork present a lively aesthetic in keeping with the vitality of the wider location.
Running for a number of weeks during the month of June, Creative Common was a creative initiative in the heart of the city of Bristol showcasing a spectacular array of music, performers and artists, coupled with bars and eateries. Base is proud to have played its part in supplying a PVC canopy to WH Bence, working on behalf of Inside Out Events, for The Goods Yard container bar as well as three yurt structures for Tipi Events.
The Goods Yard bar was creatively imagined with two industrial containers serving an open-air decking area. We manufactured a PVC fabric canopy to envelope and extend from the containers to create a sheltered alfresco drinking area, allowing customers to enjoy the facilities whatever the weather. Base also manufactured the fabric roofs and sidewalls for three traditional yurts in the Creative Common area.
The cultural installation opened with the critically acclaimed BIANCO circus. Esther O’Callaghan OBE, Acting Creative Producer for Creative Common commented “Creative Common 2013 will showcase the best of Bristol and welcome artists and audiences both local and international to the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone in a clear demonstration of how creativity can bring these public spaces to life”.
Our brief was to install a tensile fabric entrance canopy to the Ashley Down college building as part of the re-development at the site. The tensile structure needed to provide not only a dramatic and welcoming entrance but it also needed to be a functional sheltered area for students to congregate or as a meeting point.
We designed, manufactured and installed the entrance canopy, including fabric, supporting steel structure and associated fittings.
Our brief was to build a sun shade shelter and feature for the recreational terrace at the Cardiff children’s hospital. The tensile fabric structure needed to provide a sheltered area for outdoor eating and patient relaxation.
We designed, manufactured and installed the series of PVC sails including the supporting steel structures and rigging cables. A large part of the installation of this project was by rope access at high level. Thorough planning and pre site preparation ensured a smooth and successful installation
Base Structures were originally approached by the Zoo to offer their expertise to design an enclosure and aviary solution for a number of new home’s for Sumatran orangutans, Sulawesi macaques, Rhinoceros hornbill’s and Bali starlings, on the new £40m development, Island Projects, at Chester Zoo.
The main focus as always with any type of zoo enclosure is on the animal welfare, therefore very careful consideration was given on the selection and approach for the mesh netting, to ensure these critically endangered and beautiful species were provided with a safe and secure environment.
Utilising our network of specialist suppliers, we were able to select the appropriate stainless steel mesh product, and design an interface solution with other substrates on the enclosure, in a way that the orangutan in particular could not unpick or find a weakness.
The macaque enclosure, and hornbill and Bali starlings aviaries although less challenging, specific detail still had to be considered with regard to minimal visual impact, and a protective and secure environment for the apes and birds.
All of the enclosures and aviaries were delivered on time and to programme, through some challenging weather conditions, and the end client was extremely satisfied with the end result, that is the animals of course!
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in Fulham Road, London, wanted to transform a new patient seating area into a comforting space which has a private and cocooned feel. To do this, Base needed to complete a suspended lighting rig that could also carry privacy screening into the seating area within the heart of the hospital.
Base were employed to design, manufacture and install the fabric sails and lighting. We could not suspend anything directly from above the seating area and so we had to use tension cables which were rigged horizontally to fix tubular steel frames within a spider’s web of tensioned steel cables. These steel frames allowed us to form a geometric grid within the space, into which we could suspend a series of Hypar feature sails. The spaces between the sails were then used to incorporate the lighting assemblies.
The fabric sails create a contemporary yet comforting feel in the seating area and brighten up the heart of the hospital.
Famed for it’s bicycle riding academics, Cambridge University required a cycle shelter for the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Electronics. This particular shelter needed to be top of it’s class as well as excellent value for money.
For this project, a curvaceous double cone form is one of the most efficient uses of fabric, minimising the steel content in the structure and thus minimising costs. The 165m2 footprint of the canopy provides plenty of room to keep over 50 bicycles dry and the built-in up-lighters diffuse light off the interior of the fabric creating a welcoming terminus for commutes in the darker winter months. Clear sky lights built into the top of the cones ensure natural light can easily penetrate to the ground below too.
This structure forms part of our pre-designed range and is called a Cairngorm 2P 16-12 which is easily made to order with reduced design costs compared to a bespoke structure. It has a multitude of uses including cafe seating, point of sale and of course an excellent bicycle shelter!
in Bristol
