The Design-Build Process for a Tensioned Membrane Facade

A tensioned membrane facade can address many design challenges, including energy efficiency, interior comfort, and exterior aesthetic improvements, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.  Each project is unique, and every facade is carefully crafted to best-suit the project’s needs.  Therefore, the process for creating a tensioned membrane facade requires well-established expertise at every step along the way.

With full-service design-build capabilities, our team of designers, engineers, manufacturers, and installers at Eide Industries ensures a finished project that surpasses your expectations.  Starting with your vision, we guide you through the four-stage process with ease.

Design

It all starts with your idea, concept, or unique challenges.  Our designers help to channel your imagination, and we use our expertise to transform your thoughts into a visual concept that fuses beauty with functionality.  From incorporating 3D designs to expanding the facade beyond the confines of the building’s envelope, the opportunities are nearly endless. Whether we’re working directly with you or your artists, designers, or architects, we partner with your team to configure the most efficient, economical, and attractive tensioned membrane facade possible.

Engineering

Regardless of whether the design calls for customized field assembly or modular pre-tensioned panel facades, each design undergoes an engineering analysis to ensure all structural aspects are efficient, feasible, and certified.  The resulting engineered drawings are generally required by the permitting authorities, and the detailed shop drawings are needed for the manufacturing of the frameworks and PVC or PTFE-coated fiberglass membranes.

Manufacturing

During the manufacturing stage of the process, we handle all steel welding, aluminum welding, fabric patterning, fabric sewing, custom tailoring, and PVC or PFTE heat sealing. Once the manufacturing of the membrane, extrusions, and frameworks are complete, we package the materials carefully for shipping and unpacking at the job site.  Operating from our California-based 41,000-square foot manufacturing facility with over 70 years of experience, our shop has the ability to fabricate and build for various sizes and complexities of tensile structures and tensioned facades.

Installation

The installation phase of a tensioned membrane facade is critical for maintaining the integrity of the building and creating a durable facade.  Depending on the design specifications, the installation process can vary greatly.  Field assembly designs require more onsite customization, while modular designs limit the onsite labor required. Regardless, we employ an elite team that is certified to construct every facade safely and efficiently.  As a design-build specialty contractor, Eide Industries dedicates time to the planning process and pays attention to every detail when creating installation procedures and methodologies that utilize the necessary equipment and manpower for each project.  Typical equipment that may be operated to assist in tensioned membrane facade installations includes cranes, construction forklifts, hydraulic jacks, booms, zoomers, and scissor lifts.

Is a Tensioned Membrane Facade Right for Your Project?

In the Tension Structures Division of Eide Industries, we specialize in design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of structurally complex and creatively challenging commercial, government, and prototype design projects.  Our expertise with tensile facade systems and tension structures supports architects, designers, general contractors, and building owners in their efforts to bring custom tensile membrane projects to life.

Explore the options for your next project by calling 800-422-6827.