Fabric Architecture:Material Choices

• Indentify and compare a variety of architectural fabrics for designing fabric structures

MaterialsForFabric StructuresIt’s all about the coating…

• It seals the fabric against weather• provides resistance to ultraviolet light• functions as a medium for joining panels• fire-rated (Class A,B,C, NFPA 701)

Today’s Materials come…

different widths

variety of colors

some can accept graphics

different light transmission

vary in life span

Other issues include… 

Selecting the proper Fabric

Size

Form

Span

Function

Availability

Economics

Sustainability 

Today’s fabrics include:

Teflon coated fiberglass (PTFE)

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)

Vinyl coated polyester (PVC/PVDF)

High density polyethylene (HDPE)

Laminated Products

Theatrical Draperies and Stretch Fabrics

Make Mine Non Combustible… 

Teflon Coated Fiberglass (PTFE) 

large scale permanent structures

Non Combustible (Class A)

life span of over 25 years

off white color during installation

Colors now available

membrane bleaches to milky white

2009 Pricing: $75-125 /sqft.

Other “Non-combustibles”…

•Silicon Coated Fiberglass•Hybrid PTFE (Gore brand Tenara)•TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) Photocatalyst membrane• 2009 Pricing: $85-150 /sqft.

Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) 

high transparency (97%)

more than 25 year life span

self cleaning

single or multi-layers

100% recyclable

2009 Pricing: $100-150 /sq.ft.

Make mine PVC

Vinyl Coated Polyester (PVC/PVDF) 

most cost effective

temporary and permanent structures

soft, pliable and easy to handle

less expensive than PTFE and ETFE

variety of colors, weights, topcoats and textures

Fire resistant (Class C, NFPA 701)

life span of 20+ years

2009 Pricing: $50-75 /sq.ft

What’s not to like…

•Perforations, translucency•Stretches nicely•Different seam width•A variety of manufacturers•10-15 year warranties• Recyclable

Made for the Shade 

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

shading only (UV stable)

variety of styles, colors & shade factors

high tensile strength

Fire and non fire resistant

well suited for dry/hot climates

protection from sun and hail

2009 Pricing: $25-50 /sq.ft

Mesh is hot so you can stay cool

If you want to keep it simple… 

Acrylics, Coated and Laminates

Tent and Awning Industry

variety of styles, colors & patterns

low tensile strength

Fire and non fire resistant

Exterior Shading Devices

2009 Pricing: $35- 50 /sq.ft

A little bit of this, a little bit of that…• Textile Facades• Graphics• Textures• Digital Printing• Truly unique patterns

Keep it inside… 

Theatrical Drapery and Stretch Fabrics Interior Applications and Lighting Fixture

variety of styles, colors & patterns and cost!

low tensile strength

Fire resistant

Self supporting, tensioned or draped

No snow load!

2009 Pricing: $30-100 /sq.ft.

Soft Spaces…• Hides mechanical systems• Acoustical helper• Light reflector• Transforms spaces

 Photo Voltaic and Custom Fabrics

Thin film PV

Sustainability

multi-purpose structures

custom colors, textures, patterns

Form follows Fabric, Fabric follows form

2009 pricing: Unknown

Anatomy of a Fabric Structure (% varies)

Plan Area (Length x Width) X Shape Factor (H) = Surface AreaSurface Area X Cost per SQFT= Budget

Design (DD to CD)

Engineering (awning to dome Stadium)

Project Management (scope of work)

Steel Fabrication (large variable)

Membrane Fabrication (based on complexity)

Installation (location, location, location)

Shipping (dedicated truck, gas prices)

Teflon coated fiberglass (PTFE): $75-125Other “non-combustibles”: $85-150Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene film (ETFE): $100-150Vinyl coated polyester (PVC/PVDF): $50-75High density polyethylene (HDPE): $25-50Laminates and Interior Fabrics: $35-50Future “Fabrics” unknown

Are you ready for a quiz?

Question 1

Which material is best used for permanent structures requiring a Class A rating or is “non combustible”?

A. Teflon Coated Fiberglass (PTFE)

B. Vinyl Coated Polyester (PVC)

C. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Question 1:Answer: A, Teflon Coated Fiberglass. PTFE is a Class A non-combustible material used for permanent applications.

Question 2

The best material for applying graphics to is:

A. Teflon Coated Fiberglass (PTFE)

B. Vinyl Coated Polyester (PVC)

C. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Question 2Answer: B, Vinyl coated polyester. PVC is the most common material used for background to vinyl applied digital printing and screen printing ink.

Question 3

A. True or B. False

Architectural Fabrics vary in color, weight, light transmission and cost.

Question 3Answer: True. Yes, Architectural Fabrics vary in color, weight, light transmission and cost.

Question 4

The overall cost of a fabric structure is most effected by:

A. The fabric chosen.

B. The amount of steel required.

C. The material finishes.

D. The size of the project.

E. All of the above.

Question 4Answer: E. All of the above. The chosen fabric, the amount of steel and the finish specified for the steel, fabric and cables effect the overall cost. The size can play a major role too. As the larger the structures becomes, the lower the overall cost becomes on a square footage basis.

Contact Information

www.fabricarchitect.com

www.fabritecstructures.com

Samuel J, Armijos, AIA

89 Glenroy Road East

Fairfield, NJ 07004

973.244.5871