Solid and durable tension fabric buildings represent a significant investment for any business. Most buildings must withstand numerous challenges, whether it’s harsh weather conditions, corrosive materials, or regular use by workers or animals. While traditional buildings made of wood, steel, or concrete are the most common options, there is another alternative: fabric buildings.
Choosing a tension fabric structure can be optimal for many businesses. These durable and easy-to-install structures are useful for both temporary and permanent applications across a wide range of industries. While fabric buildings have existed in ancient societies, modern versions are innovative and contemporary, both in appearance and function.
Read on to learn more about the definition of fabric buildings, their typical applications, the key benefits of purchasing a fabric building, and important design considerations.
What are Tension Fabric Buildings?
A fabric building consists of a durable fabric membrane stretched over a structural frame. This frame is generally made of steel or another highly resistant metal. The fabric membrane can be made from various materials, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which provides enhanced protection against wear due to its high strength-to-density ratio.
There are two main types of fabric buildings:
- Tension Fabric Buildings: These thin-shell structures rely on a double-arched design for added rigidity. Although lightweight, they can support heavy loads and withstand harsh weather conditions due to the significant tension in the fabric. They are often used for temporary or architectural applications.
- Framed Fabric Buildings: Built with steel arches and fabric membranes, these buildings rely on their steel framework for strong, durable structural support. They are ideal for permanent uses, such as industrial applications.
5 Advantages of Tension Fabric Buildings
Tension Fabric buildings are affordable and durable alternatives to traditional constructions. Here are their main advantages:
- Energy Efficiency: Due to their translucency, fabric buildings allow natural light to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, they are non-conductive, making them cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Sustainability: Fabric buildings require less energy and raw materials to produce compared to conventional buildings, and they can be reused or recycled.
- Flexibility: Fabric buildings are easily modifiable and customizable, allowing businesses to quickly adapt the structure to changing needs.
- Low Maintenance: They require less upkeep than traditional structures, with durable, weather-resistant coverings.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Their initial cost and lower operating expenses make them an economical option in the long run.
Industries and Applications
Tension fabric buildings are versatile structures used across various industries due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. In agriculture, they serve as barns, equipment storage, and livestock shelters, offering ample ventilation and protection from harsh weather. Sports facilities benefit from their clear-span design, making them ideal for indoor arenas, training centers, and recreational spaces. In industrial and commercial settings, they function as warehouses, manufacturing plants, and temporary workspaces, providing flexible storage solutions with quick installation. The mining sector utilizes them for equipment storage, maintenance facilities, and worker housing in remote locations. Additionally, public works departments use fabric buildings for salt storage, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response shelters. Their ability to provide large, open spaces without internal supports makes them a practical and cost-efficient alternative to traditional construction.
Tension fabric buildings Cost
Tension fabric buildings are an affordable alternative to traditional structures, with costs varying based on size, frame type, and customization. On average, tension fabric buildings cost from $15 to $35 per square foot, significantly lower than steel or wood buildings. Their affordability is further enhanced by quicker installation times, minimal maintenance needs, and energy-efficient designs that reduce lighting and heating expenses. Additionally, their modular nature allows for future expansions at a fraction of the cost of conventional construction, making them a budget-friendly solution for industrial, agricultural, and commercial applications.