Advantages of the fabric footprint
June 30th, 2014
Why choose a fabric structure over traditional construction? By Bruce Wright, AIA Advantages of fabric structures over more traditional construction: Manufacturing and erection time is considerably less than with conventional construction. Many fabric structures do not require local planning agency consent if the structures are temporary in use. Structures can be packed and stored in […]
Phifer “Green” shade fabrics
June 30th, 2014
Made with DOW ECOLIBRIUM™ bio-based plasticizers, Phifer’s SheerWeave Style 4000 Series fabrics combine the durability of vinyl-coated polyester with the latest in green vinyl technology for a next-generation, eco-friendly shading solution that offers responsible light management and energy savings. This unique green technology is exclusive to Phifer for the window treatment industry. DOW ECOLIBRIUM™ Plasticizers […]
“Future of Shade” winners announced
June 30th, 2014
The winners of the second annual “Future of Shade” contest, sponsored by Sunbrella® fabrics and Architizer™, are from global shade innovators in China, Portugal and Mexico. Selected from more than 140 entries, the winning designs approach shade from humanitarian, leisure and commercial construction angles. The winner of this year’s top prize, $10,000 in cash, is […]
Fabric defense
June 30th, 2014
Fabric shelter systems protect valuable aircraft, equipment and military personnel in Afghanistan. By Clare Wilson Durable fabric relocatable military buildings, temporary hangars, aircraft shelters, storage warehouses, and sunshades are designed to be rapidly deployed and quickly constructed anywhere in the world. These engineered aluminum-framed structures are robust, reliable and field maintainable. They are designed to […]
Construction workers “stand down” to prevent falls
June 30th, 2014
General contractor Adolfson & Peterson Construction (A&P), conducted a coast-to-coast effort to participate in the National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction. The national stand-down event, held June 2–6 and initiated by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), encourages construction employers and workers to pause during the workday to […]
Automextrix automation of awning design and cutting
June 30th, 2014
Autometrix Inc. of Grass Valley, Calif., announced the development of a turnkey solution to facilitate the automation of awning design and cutting for awning shops large and small. The package includes Eclipse 3D, Autometrix’s exclusive awning design software. Eclipse 3D is used to create dome, waterfall and traditional awnings with features for stripe alignment and […]
Under the fabric roof
June 30th, 2014
Fabric structures designed for storage, warehousing and shelter can be as durable as brick-and-mortar structures, and far more flexible. By Bruce Wright, AIA With the construction of fabric structures consistently meeting—and often exceeding—stringent building codes, you’d think that more clients would opt for one of these highly engineered and efficient fabric-clad buildings. With clearspan and […]
Opera roof makeover
June 30th, 2014
The theater’s recently completed rebuilding program replaced a 1960s era roof with a 55,000 sq ft fabric tensile roof. By Frank Edgerton Martin Sopot Opera LeÅ›na (also known as the Forest Opera) is one of Poland’s most famous outdoor theaters and one of the most beautiful in Europe. Dating from 1909, Opera LeÅ›na is a […]
Phifer insect screening used in malaria research
June 26th, 2014
The Ifakara Health Institute, one of Africa’s eminent health research organizations, is using Phifer’s 18X14 fiberglass insect screening to cover structures for malaria research in Tanzania, East Africa. While building the structures, the IHI realized a need for durable screening with a specific mesh count, as well as UV resistance. “The screen houses allow us […]
William Rose to deliver keynote
June 26th, 2014
Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) announced that William Rose, pioneering building scientist, will deliver the keynote address at the 9th Annual North American Passive House Conference in San Francisco, during the opening plenary on Friday, Sept. 12. The conference will be held at the San Francisco Airport Waterfront Marriott Hotel. Rose, senior research architect at […]