I did some experiments in Sketchup regarding the primary forces and shapes creates with tensile materials. Gravity is also a significant factor as the tensile fabrics are attached to either arches or hung from columns.I tried investigating using tensile materials for the whole central pavilion. However, the amount of steel and fotting required would be a significant cost to the project, as well as denying the East Timorese to build the structure.
Another aspect that turned me away from using this material for the large span was that the material itself is not a good insulator for the heat and is prone to producing condensation on the underside of the material in humid conditions.
Below are some picture of Zaha Hadid's Serpentine structure with the tensile material hung from an interior frame.
Hadid here has utilised the geometric forms derived when you pull the tensile fabric tight against the frame with a large diameter at the top and a much smaller diameter at the bottom.
In the end, I concluded that the thensile material could definately be included in the project, however not for large spans. Using it in conjunction with other materials will allow for an expression of structure and also create water tight roofing elements More information can be found on the project at the following address:
A great introduction to the design and use of tensile structures can be found here:
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