2026 Archive : Hobsonville Secondary School

Project Details

Fabric 1

Serge Ferrari
Producer/Manufacturer: Pacific Membrane Group

Design Name
Phillip Morrissey

Design Company
Pacific Membrane Group

Fabrication Company
Pacific Membrane Group

Installation Company
Pacific Membrane Group

Please describe the project specifications

This project differed from a standard barrel vault structure. The client required maximum weather protection without utilizing a conventional end panel. To achieve this, the design incorporates a unique tortoise-shell aesthetic. The structure features integrated LED lighting & a wireless Bluetooth sound system.

What is unique or complex about the project?

We participated in this project after being invited to tender. Our objective was to deliver a unique architectural design that provides maximum weather protection for students and players on the tennis courts.

This project stood out due to its extreme logistics and restricted site access, which required us to pivot from standard construction methods. Unlike our other projects this past year, we could not rely on large, heavy machinery to streamline the installation. Instead, we adapted by managing a highly complex assembly process, carefully installing the structure piece by piece using specialised, smaller-scale equipment. This demanded a much higher level of precision, tactical planning, and hands-on problem-solving than our standard operations.

This project also broke the mold of standard school court covers by moving away from generic, one-size-fits-all designs. While standard covers focus purely on basic utility, this project embraced structural innovation to deliver a unique visual identity. The restricted layout forced us to think creatively, resulting in a bespoke architectural solution rather than a repetitive blueprint. We proved that tight logistical constraints can actually drive superior, customised design outcomes.

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