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Raising the Standard in Tension Fabric Construction.
Fabric Structure Construction: Structures in The Sky
Crafting innovative, lightweight structures with precision, expertise, and elegance.
Materials
PTFE: Durable Long Lasting Performance
(Polytetrafluoroethylene-Coated Fiberglass)
Durability and Performance: PTFE-coated fabric is widely recognized for its exceptional strength and long-lasting durability. With a lifespan of over 30 years, it’s a popular choice for large-scale, permanent structures. The material is non-combustible, UV-resistant, and performs exceptionally well in extreme weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor environments.
Key Features:
- Self-cleaning: PTFE is highly resistant to dirt and pollutants, maintaining a clean appearance with minimal maintenance.
- Weather and chemical resistance: The material holds up against harsh climates, chemicals, and corrosion.
- Aesthetic appeal: PTFE fabric offers a smooth, luminous surface that can enhance the architectural design with a sleek, modern look.
ETFE: Lightweight Versatile Transparency
(Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene)
Lightweight and Versatile: ETFE is a high-performance fluoropolymer that is incredibly lightweight, weighing a fraction of what traditional glass does, while offering similar transparency. ETFE can be used as a single layer membrane or in multi-layer systems, inflated to create cushion-like structures.
Key Features:
- Transparency: ETFE allows for high light transmission, making it an excellent option for spaces where natural lighting is desired.
- Lightweight yet strong: It’s up to 100 times lighter than glass, reducing structural support costs while maintaining durability.
- UV stability and longevity: The material is highly resistant to UV rays, with a lifespan of 20-30 years.
- Energy efficient: ETFE cushions can offer excellent thermal insulation properties when used in a multi-layer format.
PVC: Cost Effective Flexibility
(Polyvinyl Chloride-Coated Polyester)
Cost-Effective and Flexible: PVC-coated polyester is one of the most common fabrics used in tension structures due to its affordability and flexibility. While not as durable as PTFE, it offers a good balance between performance and cost for medium-term structures.
Key Features:
- Variety of finishes: PVC can be coated with PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) for enhanced UV protection, dirt resistance, and improved longevity.
- Versatile and customizable: PVC fabrics come in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing for customization in design.
- Good tensile strength: While more flexible than PTFE, PVC still offers reliable strength and durability for tension structures.
- Cost-effective: Ideal for temporary or medium-term structures, PVC fabric is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance.
HDPE: Lightweight Breathable Shade
(High-Density Polyethylene)
Lightweight and Breathable: HDPE is a woven fabric made from high-density polyethylene fibers, commonly used in shade sails and other lightweight tension structures. This fabric provides excellent shading properties and is often chosen for environments where airflow is essential.
Key Features:
- Cost-efficient: HDPE is an economical option for temporary or semi-permanent shade structures.
- Breathability: HDPE allows for air circulation, making it perfect for shade structures that require ventilation while still providing sun protection.
- UV protection: HDPE fabrics can block up to 98% of harmful UV rays, providing effective protection in outdoor spaces.
- Durability: While not as long-lasting as PTFE or ETFE, HDPE is resistant to tears and abrasion, offering solid performance in harsh environments.
FAQ’s
How Long do Fabric Structures Last?
That depends, the steel structures that support the fabric may endure for generations to come. Once the fabric eventually starts to wear out, the fabric can generally be replaced, using the same structural components and the structure, with a little attention here and there can easily last over 100 years.
PTFE fabric is VERY durable and long lasting and has a lifespan of 30+ years if well taken care of.
ETFE foil is generally thought to have a similar life expectancy of 30+ years though some estimated it likely to last 35-100 years!
PVC membrane is generally expected to last around 15 years before needing replacement, though newer PVDF lacquer coatings provide incredible protection for the material and accelerated testing has shown it may last closer to 30 years if well designed and taken care of.HDPE shade cloth has a life expectancy of 10-15 years before needing replacement.
What Benefits do Fabric Structures Offer?
Tension fabric structures offer numerous benefits over traditional buildings. They are lightweight, which reduces the need for heavy foundations, and they provide flexibility in design, allowing for stunning architectural features like curves, skylights, or large open spaces. Additionally, they can be installed more quickly and cost-effectively than conventional structures. Tension fabric structures are also environmentally friendly, as they use fewer materials and are energy efficient, often incorporating daylighting features to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Our team offers consultation and design-assist services to help you explore how these benefits can be tailored to your specific project needs.
What about extreme weather conditions?
Fabric structures are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snow loads, and intense UV exposure. Materials like PTFE, ETFE, and PVC are chosen for their ability to remain durable and flexible in various climates. For instance, PTFE and ETFE are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and have long lifespans, even in challenging environments. Proper design and material selection ensure these structures meet all relevant safety codes and perform optimally for decades.
We provide expert consultation and design services to ensure your structure is optimized for local weather conditions and meets all necessary performance standards.
What maintenance is required for fabric structures?
While tension fabric structures are designed to be durable, regular maintenance is key to extending their lifespan. Routine inspections help identify any wear or damage early, allowing for timely repairs. Cleaning to remove debris, dirt, and organic growth also keeps the fabric looking sharp and functional. Additionally, components like tensioning systems may need occasional adjustment to maintain proper structural integrity.
Sky Crew Construction offers ongoing maintenance services to ensure your fabric structure remains in peak condition, extending its life and preserving its aesthetic and functional qualities.
About Us
Sebastian Collet
Owner & Director
With over a decade of experience in the tension fabric structure industry, Sebastian is the visionary and leader behind the company. Combining his background in architecture with hands-on construction expertise, Sebastian has been instrumental in designing and building innovative fabric structures since 2010. His technical skills span drafting, rigging, climbing, and training teams to execute complex projects with precision and safety.
Sebastian has led the installation of award-winning projects across the U.S. and internationally, including the iconic Riverfront Park Pavilion in Spokane, WA, and the stunning Rady Shell Amphitheater in San Diego, CA. His unique approach to blending design, construction, and leadership ensures that every project is delivered with efficiency, attention to detail, and elegance. Passionate about safety and craftsmanship, Sebastian drives the company’s mission to build world-class structures while creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Jeanna Collet
Administrative Director
As the Administrative Director, Jeanna brings over a decade of diverse experience in community engagement, event coordination, and financial management. Her career has been driven by a passion for building strong community connections and creating positive, inclusive environments. She has successfully led strategic fundraising and engagement initiatives, managed volunteer programs, and supported nonprofit events across the country. With a strong background in administration, she ensures smooth operations, from budget management to event planning.
In her previous roles, Jeanna has developed comprehensive fundraising plans and nurtured relationships with investors and local partners. She has also managed a variety of community-focused venues and events. Her experience extends to large-scale event production, where she oversees the coordination and success of regional nonprofit events.
With a commitment to integrity and a keen eye for detail, she is dedicated to supporting the company’s mission and vision, ensuring a seamless experience for clients and partners. Outside of work, she enjoys music, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Our Services
At Sky Crew Construction, we provide a full range of specialized services to ensure your project runs smoothly from the initial concept through to completion. Our expertise in tension fabric structures means that you can count on us for innovative and dependable solutions every step of the way.
Consultation & Conceptual Design
With extensive experience working on complex, award-winning projects, we offer valuable insights during the initial stages. Whether you’re exploring ideas or tackling design challenges, we collaborate with you and your team to find the right solutions. Additionally, we have strong relationships with preferred partners in the niche fabric structure industry, allowing us to bring in top-tier specialists to support any aspect of your project.
Design Assist & Pre-Construction Services
As your project moves forward, we provide comprehensive Design Assist and Pre-Construction Services to ensure that every detail is planned to perfection. These services include:
Design/Build Proposals: We offer a seamless transition from the design phase to construction, delivering comprehensive Design/Build Proposals tailored to your specific project.
Design Consulting: Refining and optimizing your design concepts for practical application.
Preliminary Engineering: Offering early-stage engineering analysis to ensure the structural soundness of your design.
Estimating & Budgeting: Providing detailed cost estimates to help manage your budget and align it with project goals.
Full Construction Services
Sky Crew Construction provides complete construction services, ensuring that your project is built to the highest standards. From the installation of tension fabric structures to building complex steel frameworks, our experienced crew brings expertise, safety, and professionalism to every job. Furthermore, thanks to our extensive network of trusted industry partners, we can bring in the best specialists to enhance any stage of the construction process, ensuring that your project benefits from the top talent in the field.