Ryde Aquatic Centre PTFE Shade Structure
Project Details
Location: Ryde, NSW
Completion Date: July 2014
Size: 650 sqm
Fabric: PTFE - Chukoh FGT800
Client: City of Ryde
The Ryde Aquatic Centre PTFE Shade Structure is a bespoke architectural feature roof that covers a unique surf wave machine at the local council aquatics centre in the City of Ryde.
The 650 sqm PTFE feature roof over the Surf Ryder was centrepiece of 2014 aquatic centre development.
The Brief
Looking to install a unique architectural element that would enhance the experience of the the unique inner-city surf simulator, while still providing sun protection for thrill seekers, a range of options for the Ryde Aquatic Centre were proposed. With options ranging from an air-filled 2-layer ETFE structure, to a simple PVC shade sail, the City of Ryde ultimately settled on our proposal for a PTFE shade structure. PTFE is a durable, long-lasting, membrane material that will look bright and white for years to come.
The Concept
Shaped to evoke the undulating ocean waves, the entire roof structure, including all primary steel elements were designed to align on the surface of a sphere. The edge beam geometry is therefore extremely complex and required special attention during design and fabrication.
The Materials
Each rafter is formed from the same radius, inherent as they are aligned on the sphere surface, but the edge beams would need to be continually varying radii to achieve a perfect fit with the spheres surface. A method of approximation was chosen to form the edge beam from singly curved rafters cut and joined together at tangent points to closely approximate the true form of the theoretical curved beam across the spheres surface. This made fabrication far simpler while matching architectural intent.
One of the key design innovations was to reduce the number of columns and fixing points originally proposed by the architect. Additionally, we were able to hide several of the fixing points behind retaining walls, which really made the structure look as though it was floating above the surf attraction.
The Result
The pictures from Ryde Aquatic Centre PTFE shade structure speak for themselves, with a unique eye catching form that was well received in local news.
