As cities become more crowded and sweeping views continue to raise property values, rooftops are playing a more substantial role in today’s architectural designs. Depending on the project’s primary goals, rooftop patios are increasingly being considered as a solution for urban outdoor living trends and the 5th facade is often being considered as an opportunity to incorporate more passive cooling solutions. Tensile roof structures and other types of tensioned membrane architecture are empowering architects, contractors, and property owners to explore new ideas for solving today’s challenges.
Addressing Outdoor Trends – Angie Fowler Cancer Institute
“Angie’s Garden” which sits atop the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at the University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is a perfect example of how an inner-city facility has transformed the rooftop into a functional (and healing) space. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, this space was designed to maximize inspiration and hope with a myriad of landscape and architectural features.
To provide essential shade protection, the team at Tension Structures designed three Sequoia Modular Tensile Roof Structures. The PTFE-coated fiberglass canopies provide superior light transmission and have a life expectancy of over 40 years – providing a safe and comforting place for patients and visitors to enjoy some fresh air during their hospital visit.
Solving Environmental Challenges – Condominium Property
In the heart of Washington DC, a new condominium building project was looking for a solution to their combined goals of energy efficiency and functionality for their 10th floor rooftop patio.
The building was working towards its Silver Level LEED Certification by the US Green Building Council. The team at Tension Structures designed, engineered, fabricated, and installed a tensile roof structure that offered two specific environmentally friendly qualities.
- First, the PVC fabric membrane that was chosen was 100% recyclable.
- Second, with a solar reflection factor of 78%, the membrane helped to reduce the city’s “heat island effect” while also blocking heat-inducing UV rays.
The result was a significant reduction in the building’s air conditioning needs during the hot summer months.
Are Tensile Roof 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.