Tensilefabric.co.uk
Bespoke interior, exhibition and exterior fabric structures
Welcome to Tensilefabric.co.uk where we design, manufacture and install bespoke tensile fabric structures for interior, exhibition or exterior use. Included within our interior range Tensilefabric offers a new acoustic range targeting poor acoustic spaces.
Confident in our abilities, we respond quickly and effectively to all enquiries. From initial telephone consultation with a client our wide experience enables us to quickly form design ideas including any necessary steel structure, timber frame and rigging requirements.
As a company we aim to be as flexible with design criteria as far as the remit of fabric architecture allows; if the client needs their 'canopy to pack down into a snow board bag' in order to travel to exhibitions around the world then that is how it will be designed!
From design to inception with Tensilefabric.co.uk
Using examples of past installations to guide the process Tensilefabric will provide simple but sensible advice.
- Initial consultation with the client establishes an overall brief as to what the client is wishing to achieve. This may involve the request for visuals or architectural drawings from the client.
- With the above information to hand Tensilefabric will offer initial design concepts including fabric types, any timber or steel work required, installation layouts and any extra features such as printing.
- Once the client is happy with the design of the product Tensilefabric will provide budgets and quotations including confirming sketches or visuals.
- Once design and budget is approved we will manufacture the item which can require a number of processes for example fabric construction, aluminum or steel work, timber work and printing.
- Our riggers will then install the bespoke fabric item at a time appropriate to the client.
What does "tensile fabric" mean?
"Tensile fabric" is a term used simply to describe fabric that is under tension, i.e. being pulled in opposing directions. It can take many forms, though its generally based around the three shapes; the Cone (or fluted cone), Double Curve Barrel Vault and the Hypar (or hyperbolic shape).
Every canopy uses the curves and principles of these three forms and the three may be combined on a single canopy.
The fabric form is computer generated using a specific programme for the industry. This 'form' is then converted into flat panel which then can be cut out to create paper patterns or the information can be used to computer cut the panels on a plotter/cutter. Because of the nature of fabrics used, the presence of the double curve and the process of manufacturing, tensioning is always required in order to induce the correct shape and take out any minor creases in the fabric.
Rigging
All tensile fabric structures require rigging of one type or another - to tension them and hold them in place. Our rigging department therefore compliments our structures with a range of stainless steel tensioning devices as well as cabling for rigging and hanging structures into a space. Click here for further information on the types of rigging required.
Fabric Types
Tensilefabric makes use of a number of fabrics types dependent on the nature of the structure created, for example acoustic. Click here for further information on the fabrics we suggest, their fire ratings and their best uses.
Printing
Whether wanting to promote a brand or simply add pattern to a fabric structure, Tensile offers a range of printing techniques to suit the type of fabric used for the project. Click here for further information on the fabric types and printing techniques used.
Contact
If you'd like to know more about any of our projects, or you'd like to get a quote for a project you have in mind, then contact us.
Project News
Dentsu
Completed
Designed by architect Nigel Tresise, Tensile fabric has just completed the installation of rather a unique double curve fabric wall to the reception of a particularly prestigious Japanese advertising agency, just off Oxford Street, in central London.
Formed from eight bays, the fabric is held in place via a small aluminium extrusion that holds the fabric securely and very neatly.
Modelled in the 3D, the steel and fabric forms were fabricated concurrently - finally being brought to site and erected out of the normal office hours to minimize disturbance to the client, who are now occupying the space. The fabric used is a Firex product.
Pod
Completed
Tensile fabric has recently designed and manufactured a this Pod for the Conference Connection, for one of their well known high street retail clients, as part of a touring exhibition providing information to their staff.
The Pod is constructed from aluminum laser cut profiles which form the outline of the frame (these are 90 degrees to each other on plan), in filled with GRP glass fibre rods to form the skeletal frame. The finished frame was then skinned with a spandex type fabric chosen due to its stretch, its good qualities for staying clean and light transmission values.
Conference Connection incorporated the plinth, interior lighting and a full interactive 50 inch plasma screen to communicate the information.
Egypt - Sharm El Sheikh Canopy
Completed
This exterior courtyard canopy to be installed in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt will be designed to consider sun protection requirements whilst creating a visually stunning feature within the courtyard of a Hotel/Diving school.
Tensile fabric will be designing, manufacturing and delivering the canopy whilst the experienced client used to dealing with such products are happy to install the canopy themselves.
Further products at the same site are pending.
