Tensile fabric structures can be environment friendly. It may achieve several LEED points. LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design which is created by United States Green Building Council as a guideline and certification tool for energy efficient sustainable buildings 1.
Tensile membrane structures can be translucent. Translucency can vary from 10 to 20 percent depending the material of membrane but there are membranes with 40 percent translucency 2. As a result daylight is enhanced in interior reducing costs for electrical lighting.
There are membranes like Tensotherm, which can act as insulator. It prevents solar gain in summer and preserve heat in winter 1. Multilayer membrane construction also has the same effect 2.
Tensile membrane structures are very flexible in shape. Various convertible and umbrella structures can be constructed using membrane 2. Fabric structures can be adapted in various site conditions.
Tensile membrane structures involve fewer components in construction like steel and cable rather than traditional building construction. As a result it saves expenses 1. For example large stadium roofs can be cover by membranes using cables.
References:
1.http://www.birdair.com/sustainableDesign/reduced_material_usage.aspx
2. European Design Guide for Tensile Surface Structures.
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| Translucent membrane. Source: European Design Guide. |
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| Reflection of Solar radiation. Source: European Design Guide |
There are membranes like Tensotherm, which can act as insulator. It prevents solar gain in summer and preserve heat in winter 1. Multilayer membrane construction also has the same effect 2.
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| Medina Umbrella. Source: European Design Guide |
Tensile membrane structures are very flexible in shape. Various convertible and umbrella structures can be constructed using membrane 2. Fabric structures can be adapted in various site conditions.
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| Supporting cable and steel structures. Source: European Design Guide |
Tensile membrane structures involve fewer components in construction like steel and cable rather than traditional building construction. As a result it saves expenses 1. For example large stadium roofs can be cover by membranes using cables.
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| Cable & beam supported membrane. Source: European Design Guide |
References:
1.http://www.birdair.com/sustainableDesign/reduced_material_usage.aspx
2. European Design Guide for Tensile Surface Structures.
