How Tensile Structures Can Improve Your Office Building

Contrary to the common designs of the past decades, office buildings don’t need to be boring to be cost-effective and functional.  With technological advances in building materials and techniques, office buildings can incorporate iconic shapes, interesting textures, and valuable outdoor spaces without the budgets that were once required to accomplish similar goals.  Tensile structures are one of the most versatile building products available to architects, designers, and owners/developers.

Modern Designs

Whether you’re working on a new construction or a renovation, tensile structures can open up a world of design opportunity.  Among the many options, tensile membrane structures can create beautiful indoor/outdoor spaces, such as enclosed or open-air atriums, or unique entryways that add dimension and aesthetic appeal while shielding visitors from the elements.

Tensile fabric facades, a tensile structure that acts as a second skin to the building, can be used to add color, texture, and shape to an otherwise flat building design.  From 3D geometric shapes to a visual expansion of the building’s envelope, tensile fabric facades can bring a building to life.

Energy Efficiency

Whether you’re targeting LEED certification or are simply working towards creating a more energy efficient building, PTFE-coated fiberglass membrane or PVC membrane tensile structures can help. For example, tensioned membrane structures can provide shade and solar protection to help reduce urban heat island effect, while tensile fabric facades can more directly address solar heat gain.  Additionally, tensile structures can help minimize artificial light needs, decrease your carbon footprint, and reduce waste and costs because of their incredibly durable nature.  For an in-depth look at the energy efficiency benefits, check out this post: How Can Tension Structures Help with LEED Certification.

Functional Outdoor Space

As more businesses focus on supporting work/life balance for their employees, creating functional outdoor space becomes more important.  Tensile structures built over seating and break areas give office staff a place to relax where they are protected from the hot sun or cool rains.  Additionally, many office buildings are using tensile structures to protect walkways, carpool and public transportation waiting areas, and parking garages.

Are Tensile Structures Right for Your Next 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.  We provide expertise and support for architects, landscape designers, general contractors, and property owners to develop their custom tensile membrane project ideas and construct iconic structures.

Explore the options for your next project.  Contact one of our experts today by calling 800-422-6827.