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Project Details

Fabric 1

FGT-800 PTFE
Producer/Manufacturer: Chukoh Chemical Industries Ltd.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Engineer Company 1
Allrise Projects; WADE Engineering

Design Company
Winarch Capital, Fabritecture

Fabrication Company
Confidential

Subcontractor Company
Fabritecture

Graphics Company
Confidential

Project Manager Company
Fabritecture

Installation Company
Fabritecture

Please describe the project specifications

The Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie Amphitheatre is a landmark tensile structure designed to host large-scale concerts and cultural events in Morisset of New South Wales, Australia. Completed in June 2024, the project involved the full-service design, engineering, fabrication and installation of a 5,332m² PTFE membrane roof, supported by a custom structural steel frame. The canopy’s shell-like form delivers an iconic visual signature while enhancing acoustic performance and creating a distinctive public gathering space.

The tensile roof system utilises FGT-800 PTFE membrane, selected for its exceptional durability, light transmission, and weather resistance, which is critical for an outdoor amphitheatre exposed to high wind, humidity, and environmental conditions typical of the Lake Macquarie region. The fabric’s self-cleaning properties reduce maintenance requirements, while its acoustic performance and natural light diffusion significantly improve the live audience experience. With a lifespan exceeding 30 years, PTFE offers long-term value, aligning with the client’s need for durability and low operational costs.

The client sought a high-performance, visually striking structure that would enhance the precinct’s entertainment offering while withstanding environmental exposure and improving the acoustics for live music events. A lightweight tensile membrane solution was proposed to meet these criteria, allowing for design flexibility, rapid installation, and efficient long-span coverage.

The most significant challenge was the integration of complex structural steel geometry with the tensile membrane system. Each element had to align precisely under tension to achieve the architectural form and maintain membrane performance. Compounding this were site conditions that included wind exposure and variable weather during installation. These challenges were resolved through advanced 3D modelling, which allowed for tight fabrication tolerances and minimal on-site adjustment. Real-time collaboration between the design, engineering, and installation teams ensured seamless execution.

To further enhance durability, the steel structure was finished with a three-coat protective paint system engineered for regional weather conditions, ensuring long-term corrosion resistance and structural integrity.

The completed structure now provides a dramatic, functional centrepiece for a major entertainment precinct. It offers generous weather protection and amplified sound clarity in a light-filled, open-air environment, optimising both performer and audience experience, and exceeding the client’s expectations.

This project showcases how high-performance tensile architecture can blend engineering, acoustic optimisation, and visual impact, delivering a durable, iconic venue that will serve its community for decades to come.

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