THE CHALLENGE – TURN A FUNCTIONAL WHARF INTO AN ELEGANT ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENT
The Matiatia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island, New Zealand is the main arrival point for passenger ferries from Auckland. The terminal serves commuting residents, as well as a constant stream of tourists.
In 2003 the ferry terminal received a major upgrade to provide better facilities for passengers, including shelter from the sun, rain and wind. The upgrade also aimed to improve the appearance of the terminal, helping to lift Waiheke Island’s profile as a popular holiday destination.
THE SOLUTION – A SERIES OF SOARING TENSION MEMBRANES THAT PROVIDE SHELTER AND STYLE
In close consultation with the architect, Structurflex designed a series of tension membrane structures that are both highly functional and visually appealing. The nautically-themed shapes slope up on the sea side, allowing a clear view of the bay, while the other side is low to provide effective cover for pedestrians moving between the road and the ferries. Off-site pre-manufacturing insured installation was very quick and passenger services weren’t disrupted in any way.
Because the membranes are translucent, the walkways receive the benefit of natural light and passengers can enjoy the feeling of being outside without having to contend with weather discomforts. The membrane’s self-cleaning properties keep the canopies looking clean and crisp. In 2011, extra canopies were added along the foreshore to provide shelter for people waiting for road transport.
We are pleased to have collaborated with KieranTimberlake and the outfit of a parking structure on the Rice University Campus. In their blog post, they describe the concepts they employed to create an iconic sculptural element. For more details see the KieranTimberlake blog post.
The Increasing Importance of DurabilityWhile tensile fabric has several distinct advantages over more traditional materials like glass, one of the most important may be its ability to withstand severe weather events. Our tensile structures and tensile facades in Miami, Jacksonville, Houston, Fort Worth, Waco, and Atlanta did not sustain any damage or require any repair despite enduring events ranging […]
