Company:
Span Systems Inc.

Project Details

Fabric 1

Flexlight 1302
Producer/Manufacturer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric


Engineer Name 1
Laszlo Torma

Engineer Company 1
Span Systems Inc.

Design Company
Gafari Concept Design

Architect Company
Gafari Concept Design

Fabrication Company
Span Systems Inc.

Installation Company
Span Systems Inc.


Please describe the project specifications

Boatwerks, a waterside restaurant in Holland, MI wanted to add an open-air pavilion roof to their patio dining area. A circular, peak structure was envisioned and Span Systems designed & engineered a permanent Tensile Membrane Structure that met the snow and wind loading requirements for a lakeside structure in Michigan. A series of radial beams allowed for a very lightweight structure, that preserved the views while providing protection from the elements, extending the outdoor dining season and creating an iconic presence on the water.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Restaurant dining is not a typical application for a permanent tensile structure -- especial in Central Michigan. The uniqueness of this challenge made it an appealing project. It was constructed in the spring of 2020 during lockdowns and COVID protocols making it an unusual challenge for construction. Additionally the dining patio is located on a small bulkhead promontory making equipment access a challenge, and the bulkhead construction required detailed coordination with foundation design & installation to work around bulkhead tiebacks throughout the installation site.


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