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Project Details

Fabric 1

Serge Ferrari Alphalia AW
Producer/Manufacturer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Tensioning Hardware (Extrusion)
Producer/Manufacturer: Vulcan/Ullrich Aluminium
Primary Use: Hardware/Findings

Fabric 3

Nuts and Bolts
Producer/Manufacturer: Steelmasters
Primary Use: Hardware/Findings

Design Name
Xiang Du

Design Company
Fabspan PTY Ltd (Brisbane)

Please describe the project specifications

We were asked to design, engineer and build an internal acoustic ceiling to be positioned mostly around the pools edge, to compliment the main roof above the pool which was a new ETFE membrane, recently installed in an existing community aquatic centre.
The architect required a seamless looking sail solution which highlighted the contrast between the acoustic sail membranes, Glulam frames and ETFE membranes.

What is unique or complex about the project?

We entered this project as there was complex geometry that we had to ensure was accurate before starting on the patterns, then fabrication of the 36 PVC acoustic panels. Then half way through the project an unforeseen problem was discovered with a missing 16mm steel rail, meaning the main contractor was going to be out of pocket and the client would not accept any further variations.
This meant half way through the process we had to move to using one of our own extrusions to tension the project, and essentially committed to be able to complete the project for the originally accepted price (less the missing steel rails). This meant considerable commercial risk to the project as the previously calculated quantities of the components were essentially null and void, meaning we only had an end 'total' price to work towards and make a profit from.
Summary - At the end of the project, despite all of the changes in scope and installation methodology, we made the same profit as we had hoped to from the original scheme.

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