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Project Details

Fabric 1

Soltis FT381
Producer/Manufacturer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Mehatop FR700N
Producer/Manufacturer: Mehler Texnologies GmbH
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Engineer Company 1
MakMax Australia

Architect Company
Burling Brown

Fabrication Company
MakMax Australia

Subcontractor Company
OzRig Pty Ltd

Project Manager Company
MakMax Australia

Installation Company
MakMax Australia

Please describe the project specifications

Wet’n’Wild, a themepark on the Gold Coast recently launched a new state-of-the-art Slide and Splash Precinct. The new attraction includes Australia’s highest slide tower with three mega waterslides and the new H2Oasis Splash Pad, an aquatic play zone for all ages and abilities. The H2Oasis is a unique ocean-themed water wonderland filled with towering jellyfish, seahorses, palm trees and conceptualised sea grass and coral. The tropical splash zone stretches across 870sqm, creating an immersive waterplay experience with fountains, movable water cannons and things that go SPLASH!

The brief called for some unique shade canopies that were themed to enhance the H2Oasis design and transform the space. The client requested an array of seating and shade options surrounding the Slide and Splash precinct, covering picnic facilities, queuing areas and the splash zone to protect park visitors safe from the Queensland sunshine.

Two different PVC fabrics were used on the structures to differential between full UV and weather protection on 3 of the structures and sun protection only on the main canopy.

Structure 1 was a 270sqm large cantilever PVC mesh shade canopy designed to represent a Manta Ray. The cantilever design allows for maximised shade-protected play area underneath the canopy without requiring centre or corner poles. Soltis FT381 (28% Porosity) mesh from Serge Ferrari was chosen for structure 1 and 4. Durable and flexible, Soltis FT381 is a high translucency mesh that allows natural light to enter, while still protecting patrons against harmful UV rays.

Structures 2 and 3 are a pair of curved cantilever shade awnings surrounding the splash pad. Designed as a shaded seating area, these structures employ a solid PVC canopy to provide maximum UV protection. These structures feature a wave-like style front and rear edge beams to match the overall water-theme. Mehler FR700N, a solid (weatherproof) PVC fabric was chosen for structures 2 and 3 surrounding the splash pad. This premium quality architectural PVC has a nanoparticle PVDF coating. The translucency of the PVC canopy allows glare-free natural light to fill the outdoor play space. The membrane diffuses the light creating even light under the canopy.

Structure 4 is a series of 5 independent PVC shade canopies over the waterslide queuing area. Like a string of seashells lining the beach, the alternating curved shade structures provide sun protection for thrill seekers waiting to glide down the mega waterslides. Mehler FR700N was used for maximum sun protection for patrons waiting in line.
With graceful water-like curves on all the structures, the geometry design of the supporting steel was reasonably complex. Particularly challenging was the wing-like cantilever sections on central Manta-Ray shade structure. Engineered like a suspension bridge, the long support beams which hold the curved membrane sections are supported by twin steel columns and stiffening trusses above the canopy. A third anchor-column is set behind the two main columns to connect the backstay trusses.
Another challenge, particularly with the solid-PVC shade structures was drainage. The undulating waves of the structure main a continuous gutter was out of the question. The solution was a series of half-moon gutters in the convex sections of the shade structure to capture rainwater and funnel into downpipes aligned with the supporting columns.

With a year of COVID border closures and disruptions to the tourist industry, it was vitally important for the Village Roadshow Theme Parks and Wet’nWild Gold Coast to open their new H20asis precinct and slide complex to the public on time (December 2021) and without any delays that would impact the start of the summer holiday tourist season.

During the installation, we experienced heat extremes and adverse weather. The site team worked through torrential SE Queensland storms, steamy summer days and ultra-tight deadlines to get newest Wet'n'Wild attractions ready for opening day.

This meant tight deadlines and an incredibly congested site with all trades getting their works done in time. Simple tasks like bringing steel into the work area, setting up a crane or just moving machines around the work areas required a high-degree of co-ordination.

What is unique or complex about the project?

We love this project and were fortunate to have been part of it. Creating a brand-new theme-park attraction with integrated free-standing sun protection structures allowed us to flex our creativity. The underwater-themed play area gave us the opportunity to work in unique and interesting geometries and the 4 shade structures shows the ability of lightweight fabrics to create exciting and sun-safe environments.

Overall, our client was very happy with the result, with the principal contractor for the whole project issuing the following statement: “This opening, throughout preceding weeks of adverse conditions, could not have been achieved without the dedicated support, drive, commitment and application from the fantastic team of Designers, Contractors and Suppliers on this project. We thank each and every one of you including all your staff, theirs and your families, and all others who made personal sacrifices in order for this to be achieved.”

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