Blacktown Village Green Custom Shade Structure
Project Details
Location: Blacktown, NSW
Completion Date: July 2010
Size: 245sqm
Fabric: PTFE - Chukoh FGT600-TiO2
Client: Project Corp Pty Ltd
The Blacktown Village Green
The Blacktown Village Green shade structure project embarked on a visionary quest to transform the heart of Blacktown city centre into a welcoming and dynamic public recreation area. Tasked with this ambitious goal, the architects conceived a design centered around a tensile membrane roof, a choice driven by the desire to meld functionality with aesthetic appeal. The primary objective was to erect a shade structure that not only offered respite from the unpredictable weather conditions but also maintained the influx of natural light, ensuring the space remained bright and inviting.
The architects opted for a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) tensile membrane, renowned for its durability and translucency, to achieve this delicate balance. However, the project took an innovative leap forward by incorporating a TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) coating on the PTFE membrane, marking the first use of this technology in Australia at the Blacktown Village Green. This pioneering approach aimed at enhancing the self-cleaning properties of the membrane, thereby reducing maintenance costs and ensuring the structure’s longevity and aesthetic integrity over time.
Installed in July 2010, the Blacktown Village Green shade structure has since stood as a testament to the innovative spirit of its creators and the city’s commitment to providing high-quality public spaces for its residents. The tensile membrane roof spans a significant area, casting a protective yet light-permeable canopy over the green, creating an all-weather public space that encourages community interaction, leisure, and events. The design carefully considers the space’s multifunctional nature, allowing it to host a wide range of activities, from casual gatherings to organized events, enhancing the social fabric of Blacktown.
The inclusion of TiO2 coated PTFE not only set a new standard for architectural innovation within Australia but also showcased the potential of combining traditional materials with advanced technologies to achieve superior performance and sustainability. This aspect of the project reflects a broader trend in urban development, where the value of public spaces is increasingly recognized, and the integration of innovative materials and designs plays a crucial role in their realization.
In essence, the Blacktown Village Green shade structure project represents a harmonious blend of form, function, and innovation. By creating a shaded, weather-protected, yet naturally lit public space, the project has significantly contributed to the revitalization of the Blacktown city centre, offering a versatile and aesthetically pleasing area that caters to the diverse needs of the community. This initiative not only enhances the quality of urban life in Blacktown but also serves as an inspiring model for future projects aiming to enrich public spaces through thoughtful design and material innovation.
The Brief
The Blacktown Village Green project was not just about constructing a weather cover over a public space; it was an endeavor deeply rooted in environmental mindfulness and community well-being. From the initial discussions with our sales team at the tendering stage, it became evident that the project harbored a significant environmental component alongside its functional objectives. In response to this insight, a custom shade structure design was meticulously developed to align with and bolster the broader vision for Blacktown Village Green.
This initiative to craft a bespoke shade structure for Blacktown Village Green underscored a commitment to creating a space that was both practical and environmentally responsible. The design process took into consideration the unique characteristics of the site and the community’s needs, aiming to deliver a solution that offered protection from the elements while enhancing the environmental quality of Blacktown Village Green. The project team, leveraging their expertise and creativity, introduced innovative features and sustainable materials that mirrored the project’s dual focus on utility and ecological sustainability.
As Blacktown Village Green evolved through this project, the custom shade structure became a pivotal element in transforming the area into a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable public space. It stood as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and strategic planning in achieving a harmonious balance between human needs and environmental considerations. The structure not only provided a sheltered area for community activities and social gatherings but also contributed to the green identity of Blacktown Village Green, reinforcing its status as a key community asset in the heart of Blacktown.
In essence, the Blacktown Village Green custom shade structure project represents an exemplary approach to urban development, where every design decision is infused with an awareness of its environmental implications. By meticulously developing a structure that complements the natural and social fabric of Blacktown Village Green, the project highlights the potential for architectural endeavors to enrich public spaces in ways that are innovative, functional, and, above all, sustainable. Through this initiative, Blacktown Village Green has been enhanced not just in terms of physical infrastructure but also as a symbol of community pride and environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for future projects in the area and beyond.
The Concept
The purpose of the Blacktown Village Green Project, according to developers, was to create an inviting public recreation area. The architects specified a tensile membrane roof in order to cover the area while allowing natural light to enter the space.
In response to our client’s brief we provided a shell-like structure comprising of four curved panels of fabric. The Green credentials of this development meant that the design, fabrication and installation must meet with best practice sustainability guidelines.
The Materials
TiO2 coated PTFE fabric is used for this custom shade structure, this particular fabric is something the Taiyo Group has developed through our research the Japanese based development department. This is the first time this fabric has been used by MakMax in Australia, with great success. Although PTFE fabric is a unique aspect of the project it also turned out to be the most challenging. Through trial and error MakMax developed a slightly altered manufacturing technique in order to yield the best result
The material chosen for this project was a Taiyo Group innovation, TiO2 (titanium Dioxide) which is a coating applied to some of the more common fabrics. TiO2 works though a photo catalytic reaction caused by the sunlight reacting with the titanium dioxide coating the reaction occurring between the contaminant and the surface of the fabric means dirt and contaminants don’t adhere to the surface easily. Membrane structures which utilse TiO² coating technology promise enduring beauty, translucence and ‘as new’ appearances for many years.
When PTFE membranes are coated with titanium dioxide (TiO²) photo-catalyst, they inherit self-cleaning properties that’s far superior to conventional membranes. It’s called the Photocatalytic Decomposition Process, a self cleaning action that occurs as the TiO² causes any organic matter (stain or pollutant) to decompose through simple oxidation. The residue does not adhere to the surface and is washed away by water or rain. Known as the Photocatalytic Hydrophilic Process, The ‘sheeting’ action of water across the surface assures no unsightly streaking is left behind due to beading. PTFE and PVC membranes treated with TiO² also remove significant volumes of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from the atmosphere.
The Result
As per the Blacktown Council’s requirements, the membrane roof delivers on all fronts. Natural light is able to pass through the fabric to the area below. We have been able to offer a green alternative in our own fabric, and the overall construction of the Blacktown Village Green custom shade structure is light weight and on budget.
Winner IFAI Award of Excellence 2011
Commercial Awnings & Canopies
