Highest green-faced slope in U.S. provides economical construction option

July 1, 2008  |  Landscapes

TenCate Geosynthetics | Pendergrass, Ga., United States The 1H:1V geosynthetic-reinforced steepened slope, which won an Award of Excellence in the geosynthetic projects category of the 2007 International Achievement Awards, as constructed at the southwest end of Runway 5 to extend it approximately 1…
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Polyester geogrids used to build large retaining walls

July 1, 2008  |  Landscapes

ML Ingenieria | México, D.F. Recently, this company bought inexpensive land in order to build houses for its employees. However, the land had very irregular topography, with huge level differences. This project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the geosynthetic projects category …
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Wind dam designed to deploy fabric sail

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies, Features

A fabric sail-fan combination aims to take advantage of a unique geological setting for sustainable purposes. By Helen Elias When it comes to the latest thinking in new ways to provide renewable power, it all comes down to the fabric specified —in this case, a large wind dam designed to deploy…
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Recycling is new priority for vinyl roofing industry

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies

Following its European counterpart, the Vinyl Roofing Division of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association, has launched a new phase in its commitment to environmental sustainability through recycling. The North American vinyl roofing manufacturers are developing the infrastructure to establish a v…
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Fabrics in an era of global warming

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies

A look at our changing climate. By Matthys Levy For millennia, growth in population and knowledge advanced slowly. Suddenly, in the early 19th century, population zoomed upward crossing the billion mark, and is now climbing above six billion (fig. 1.) By the end of the current century, it is expecte…
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Sustainable views and fabric structures

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies

Three ways to look at their benefits. By Samuel J. Armijos With sustainable design as the most important issue in architecture today, designers are not only focusing on environmentally friendly materials but also educating their clients on the benefits of their design approach, their use of material…
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Awnings create buildings that fight global warming

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies

Will the awning industry take advantage of growing worldwide awareness and concern for environmental preservation–and how much of a part can they play? By Isako Takizawa In spite of the extensive efforts by the Japan Awning Association (JAA) and IFAI Japan, awnings have not yet reached their p…
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Olympics feature top-to-bottom membrane structures

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies, Exteriors, Features

As the world’s first public top-to-bottom membrane structure, the ETFE infused Watercube gets its moment in the sun this summer in Beijing. For almost five centuries, the Forbidden City—located in Beijing, and home of the imperial palace—has been the symbol of China’s distinc…
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Brewer distribution center acclaimed as Britain’s greenest warehouse

May 1, 2008  |  Case Studies, Features

The Adnams Distribution Centre in Suffolk, England, instills the green approach to building throughout. By Helen Elias Designed by architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson and structural engineer Faber Maunsell Aecom, the 90m long, 45m wide new central distribution center for the Suffolk brewer Adnams is …
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Structure, awnings and umbrellas create inviting look

May 1, 2008  |  Exteriors

Tropical Js Inc. | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States The Miramar Hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii, desired a centerpiece structure, awnings and umbrellas, which won an Award of Excellence in the multiple fabric structures category of the 2007 International Achievement Awards, over its bar and special events r…
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