Fabric shades protect ice rink

August 1, 2015  |  Case Studies, Exteriors

A goal of the restoration of New York City’s Riverbank State Park ice rink, completed in December 2014, was to extend the season of the ice by protecting it from increased sun exposure it experiences in late winter. Considering the facility’s high visibility due to its location—69 feet above t…
Read More
Shade goes to work for Walgreens

June 1, 2015  |  Case Studies, Exteriors

HDPE shade structure meets requirements for sun protection. By Kathy Carlson It is long, shallow and the only shade in sight. A&R Tarpaulins Inc., Fontana, Calif., installs shade cloth for many residential and commercial applications, but less frequently gets requests to shade industrial spaces,…
Read More
Function meets beauty

May 4, 2015  |  Case Studies, Exteriors

Torch-shaped fabric canopies light way for Staten Island commuters. By Kathy Carlson The elegant array of 12 torch-shaped canopies glowing with diffused lights has made the St. George Staten Island Ferry Terminal a more functional–and beautiful–way for commuters to experience New York’s landsc…
Read More
Powerful fabric

April 1, 2015  |  Exteriors, Features

Tensile structure featuring photovoltaics creates positive energy for carpark. The Solar Cloth Company, based in Cambridge, UK, has developed a unique architectural solution for tensile structures that combines visually striking design with high-yield Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). These …
Read More
Fabric shades are in, outside

January 1, 2015  |  Exteriors, Features

Screens and shades that protect from sun, wind and insects bring indoor comforts to outdoor living. By Barb Ernster Outdoor living is a growing trend for homeowners seeking to relax and entertain outside with all the comforts of indoor living. Restaurants and hotels are also extending guest areas to…
Read More
Frame-supported fabric structures: codes and loads defined

September 25, 2014  |  Exteriors

It is always prudent to research and develop a thorough understanding of the design and code criteria of any project. Produced by the Fabric Structures Association The origins of frame-supported fabric structures predate historical records. They are arguably among the oldest of man-made structures a…
Read More
Outdoor pavilion with indoor feel

September 25, 2014  |  Exteriors, Features

All weather, climate-controlled convertible event space for leading golf resort. By Jake Kulju In addition to being a PGA Tour tournament site and 36-hole Palm Springs golf resort ranked in the Top 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California by Golfweek magazine, Indian Wells Golf Resor…
Read More
Retractable fabric structures expand market growth

August 28, 2014  |  Exteriors, Features

Retractable fabric systems are poised to effectively transform and commercialize outdoor space. By Mason Riddle So you thought retractable fabric structures were a late 20th century phenomenon sheltering sports stadia, outdoor shopping malls, and en plein air cafés? Think again. Forms of retr…
Read More
High-end fabric canopy for high-end shopping mall

August 28, 2014  |  Exteriors, Features

High-performing retractable fabric canopy offers strength, pliability, style and comfort. By Peter Katcha Bal Harbour Shops in Miami Beach, Fla., is superlative in every respect. The prestigious open-air shopping mall has the highest sales per square foot of any shopping center in the world. It feat…
Read More
Fabric “skins” for building exteriors

August 1, 2014  |  Exteriors, Features

The challenge is finding the right materials in architectural applications. By Bruce N. Wright, AIA Is the building cladding going to be massive and highly insulated, or is it going to be layer upon layer of thin insulating materials? Will the south and west sides be completely glazed or mostly opaq…
Read More