Span News

Newport News Transit Center Platform Canopy Installed

NEWPORT NEWS, VA Installation was completed on the train platform tensile membrane canopy for the new Amtrak station in Newport News VA. The station itself is still under construction. This custom tensile structure was first designed by Span Systems for this project seven years ago. After several delays construction is now well under way for this new transit hub. The structure extends to shield passengers from the station doors onto the platform. Two central gutter/beams provide structural strength, and drainage for the entire 2000 sq ft tensile roof.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Playdeck Canopy

COLUMBUS, OH. Installation was completed on the Nationwide Children’s Hospital rooftop Playdeck Canopy, in Columbus, Ohio. Playspaces and playground equipment, protected by a custom, permament tensile membrane structure will be available to hospital patients in the adjacent areas. This upgrades an amenity making use of the outdoor, rooftop space near the treatment areas. For Span Systems the challenges included the design and installation of a lightweight permanent structure placed on a hospital rooftop not originally designed for such a structure. The result is an exciting and visually dynamic addition to the hospital building, that also provides real benefits for patients, their families and doctors. This PTFE fabric structure was designed in partnership with Elevar Architects and the General Contractor was Unisan.

JM Family Enterprises Corporate Campus Courtyard and Amphitheater

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL Installation was completed on the Amphitheater and Courtyard Feature Structures at the JM Family Enterprises Corporate Campus in Deerfield Beach, Florida. In addition to a large complex of Walkway Canopies, Span Systems deisgned a PTFE tensile, amphitheater shade roof, seen in the photo above. In addition the courtyard area features sets of two different custom shade structures to be used as gathering spots for employees or any variety of uses. Called “Café” and “Cabana” they are Intended to encourage employee use of the landscaped outdoor spaces these custom amenities add a signature architectural flair and real practical benefit to the employees experience for years to come. Cabana structures are pictured in the photo below.

JM Family Enterprises Corporate Campus Walkway Canopies

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL Span Systems designed, engineered, fabricated and installed over 900 linear feet of custom PTFE walkway canopies for the JM Family Enterprises Corporate Campus in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Pictured above, this unique canopy system provides shade and rain protection while encouraging employee use of the landscaped courtyard features. The two-tier system allows the canopy to continue across roadways while still allowing truck clearance, and connection all the way to the building entrances.

Wright Patterson Air Force Base Gate 15A

DAYTON, OH Installation was completed on the fifth Entry Gate Structure at Wright Patterson Air Force Base designed, fabricated and installed by Span Systems. The signature wing-shaped structure was installed in May by American Tensile Structures, Span Systems' installation partner for this project. Although this lightweight structure is similar in its architectural design and intent to the other gate structures, like the others it is unique and custom designed for its location. It is a priviledge to provide yet another iconic gate structure to the US Air Force, and this world-reknowned air base.

Sand Hollow Aquatic Center Tensile Roof is Re-Designed and Replaced

ST. GEORGE, UT Span Systems re-engineered, re-designed and replaced the Roof Membrane, liner and attachment system for the Tensile Membrane Roof system at the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center in St. George, Utah. This complex design and installation resolved several previous issues with the roofing system originally designed by others, including improving the overall structural steel, more robust connections, better adjustability, improved handling of condensation and a completely redesigned system peak. The technical challenges of installing a new roof membrane above an existing swimming pool - while keeping the facility open for users to the greatest extent possible were just some of many engineering and planning challenges on this project for which Span Systems also served an General Contractor.

Yuma MCAS Entrance Gate Roof Redesign & Replacement

YUMA, AZ The shade structure for the entrance gate at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma Arizona was re-engineered and re-installed by Span Systems. Deficiencies in the original design, fabric and attachment resulted in poor performance. These were corrected with new attachment points and increased fabric pre-stress. The project included adding new reinforcing to the structure. All constrction work was performed at night to prevent daytime closure of the gate.

Boatwerks Restaurant Tensile Structure Installed at Terrace Dining Area

HOLLAND, MI. Span Systems traveled to Western Michigan to complete our design build project for a new tensile roof canopy for a newly built terrace dining area. The assymetrical central peak structure covers a plan area of over 2200 square feet. The narrow access and need to work around complex bulkhead tie-backs made the installation challenging. To limit travel during the Covid situation our crew was supplemented with local construction workers for this project.

Legacy Park Community Amphitheater is Complete

ALACHUA, FL Span Systems completed the design, fabrication and installation of the Community Amphitheater at Legacy Park, in Alachua, FL. This unique, twin-arch design had some challenges - the truss-arches required as little site assembly as possible while still allowing for truck transport. The compound-angled baseplate orientation required a great deal of precision in installation. The PTFE-coated fabric for this tensile membrane shape is high performance Verseideg. This efficient, lightweight structure has a covered plan area of 1,975 sq. ft. This unique community amphitheater structure will be a venue for community activities, concerts, school events, and will serve as a multi-purpose centerpiece for Legacy Park.

RFK Campus Redevelopment: Multi-Use Pavilion Completed

WASHINGTON, DC Span Systems completed the design, fabrication and installation of the Multi-Use Pavilion, the centerpiece of "The Fields at RFK Campus," a recently completed development in Washington, DC. The PVC-coated fabric for this classic tensile membrane shape is high performance Ferrarri TX-30. This efficient, lightweight structure has a covered plan area of 6,100 sq. ft. The simple roof structure is adaptable for many planned uses, shelter for the users of the adjacent soccer fields, local events, vending, concerts, and educational and sports related uses of any type. Span Systems was a subcontractor to MCN Build on the project, which is owned by Events DC.

Hard Rock Stadium "Confetti" Scrim Enhances Miami Open Tennis Tournament

MIAMI, FL Span Systems completed the design, fabrication and installation of the "Confetti" cable-net & fabric panel scrim system used in conjunction with the temporary seating system installed inside Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The intention is to turn the vast football stadium into a more intimate venue for championship tennis on a yearly basis. From concept discussions in November to complete installation in March this expedited process required close coordination with the seating contractor, stadium engineering and logistics and venue ownership. The North, East, and West cable net/scrims are nearly 46,000 square feet - suspended nearly twenty stories above the field. They include 178 fabric panels and over 3,900 feet of cable elements. The reception has been very positive, enhancing the experience of the event attendee as well as the television viewer. Expansion of the scrim in future years has been discussed.

Lakewood Heritage Center Amphitheater Receives New Fabric and System Overhaul

LAKEWOOD, CO Span Systems completed the re-skinning & refurbishment of the Lakewood Heritage Center Amphitheater in Lakewood, CO. Span Systems re-engineered some perimeter tie-downs and changed the fabric pattern and cable system to make the structure less susceptible to vandalism and better able to perform under typical Denver area winter snows. Other aspects of the amphitheater area were renovated as well to ensure the residents of Lakewood get to enjoy this local amenity for many years to come.

Pier Six Pavilion: Complete Structural Refurbishing Nears Completion

BALTIMORE, MD Span Systems completed the major portion of the structural refurbishment of Baltimore's popular Pier Six Pavilion and the facility opened for its summer concert season on June 2, 2018. The project involved a complete engineering review and partial redesign of the 20-year-old waterfront performance venue. A new architectural fabric system was designed and installed - including a partial liner designed to improve acoustic performance.

Two New Custom Small Structures Installed

WICHITA, KS (Top Photo) This triple-peak, 500 square foot bus shelter was designed, fabricated and installed by Span Systems last Fall in anticipation of this year's opening of the New Wichita Library Advanced Learning Center. This dynamic tensile shelter complements the state-of-the-art new library facility, contributing functionality and visual interest with this elegant and lightweight amenity.

COLUMBUS, OH (Bottom Photo) These two new picnic shelter / shade structures were custom designed, fabricated and installed by Span Systems for the Plaza of the Shipley Building, a government office building in downtown Columbus. These simple. Lightweight structures are ideal public space amenities.

Modeling Complete for Pier Six Wind Tunnel Testing

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY The modeling team has completed its work and the wind tunnel testing has begun for the Pier Six Amphitheater in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. This work is being done by the Budapest Technical University's Department of Fluid Mechanics at the Theodore von Kármán Wind Tunnel Laboratory. This analysis is essential to ensure top performance of a large Tensile Membrane Structure, especially at a site like this, on the waterfront, in a built urban environment. Note the detail of the surrounding area including a model of the 30-story Marriot Hotel beyond which will affect the behavior of wind in the area.

Span Systems is refurbishing the structural steel and installing a new tensile membrane on this - now 20-year-old iconic structure. A new engineering analysis is being performed to ensure continuing compliance with building codes. The refurbished structure will maintain its status as one of the treasured sites on Baltimore's popular Inner Harbor Waterfront.

Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater Nearly Complete

MIRAMAR, FL The newest amenity at the Miramar Regional Park, the Miramar Amphitheater, designed and built by Span Systems is nearing completion. Construction of the twin-mast structure began late last yearand the fabric erection started January 2. Designed to hold an audience of over 3000, this dramatic, lightweight structure will be the centerpiece of this regional park serving the residents of Miramar, Pembroke, Miami Gardens and other communities in this area between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.

To accommodate a large stage house and proscenium the roof appears to tilt back, providing a unique and attractive silhouette that has been well-received by the City of Miramar. A main design and construction challenge was to incorporate the high stage house roof under the fabric envelope while managing the wind loads necessary for such a structure in South Florida. The look of the structure was inspired by the St. Augustine Pavilion, also designed and built by Span Systems, 300 miles up the coast of Florida.

Platform Canopies at 9th St. Station Installed

CHARLOTTE, NC Span Systems' installation of ten freestanding platform canopies at the LYNX 9th St. Station is nearing completion. This project, for the Charlotte Area Transit System's light rail network, will be a prominent public transit amenity in downtown Charlotte. These custom platform furnishings have three basic roofshapes. They will protect passengers from the elements as well as providing a unique and iconic visual presentation for passengers, local workers, and residents.

Span Systems' challenge was to engineer the complex, assymetrical roof shapes designed specifically for this station by the owner. In addition to elaborate fabric patterning requirements, the roofs involved steel frames rolled at several different radii and unusual structural support geometry that made these structures, although relatively small, a complicated task to engineer, fabricate and install.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Edison Foard.

Blue Hills Bank Pavilion: Fabric Replaced, Structure Refurbished

BOSTON, MA The Span Systems designed and built Tensile Structure, known these days as The Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, has been Boston's premiere summertime concert venue for over 20 years. The current structure was installed by Span Systems in 1997. In 2015 Span Systems was contracted to replace the fabric which had reached its designed end-of-life. The owners also took this opportunity to have Span Systems to completely refurbish all steel components and redesign some critical connection points to provide greater structural efficiency and longer life span.

Span Systems replaced the original roof material with state-of-the-art Ferrari TX-30 PVC coated polyester for another 20 years of exceptional performance. Span Systems began dismantling the structure in October of 2015 after the final performance of the year. The tripod supports were removed and sent to Texas for sandblasting & repainting. The refurbished building was open for business for local school graduation ceremonies in May 2016, and hosted a full schedule of summer concerts.

Phillip S. Miller State Park Amphitheater Officially Opens

CASTLE ROCK, CO Earlier this month the Grand Opening of the new Phillip S. Miller State Park Amphitheater took place at this popular state park south of Denver. Span Systems completed the structural installation in February. This new venue for events of all kinds is nestled into a beautiful mountain setting. It was in active use even before the official opening and has already proved to be a hit with park goers.

Span Systems designed, engineered, fabricated and installed this structure which is similar in many ways to Span Systems' 'Peace Center' Amphitheater in Greenville SC. This structure is unique in that it was designed with extra high columns to allow additional headroom for PA speakers and lighting when necessary. It is extensively wired for performance needs and features the non-structural "pixie sticks" columns at the sides as a design element. ARCHITECT: BHA Associates GENERAL CONTRACTOR: MW Golden.

North County Transfer Station Open to the Riding Public

FERGUSON, MO The new bus transfer center has opened on Pershall Road in Ferguson, MO, part of the greater Metro St. Louis area. It features ten iconic Tensile Membrane Structures, designed, engineered and installed by Span Systems. They are arranged in two rows of five tensile roofs designed to provide to shelter for bus passengers. The structures are a useful and attractive public amenity destined to become a landmark for the general bus riding public throughout the greater St. Louis Metro region.

The design of the structures is meant to invoke the look of 19th century wagon trains as settlers headed west to the American frontier. This is especially appropriate for the City of St. Louis, long known as the "Gateway to the West." It was the jumping-off-point for so many pioneers of the west. The structures pay homage to the many thousands who passed through the city on their way west. ARCHITECT: STV/KAI Joint Venture GENERAL CONTRACTOR: C. Rallo

Harper College Stage Roof Installed

PALATINE, IL The stage roof structure for Harper College is nearing completion. This 1250 square foot stage roof is supported by two parallel arches, canted away from each other with a PTFE Tensile Membrane roof. The structure is notable in that it has been designed and built with removable PTFE side wall panel and rear panel elements. The owner will be able to configure the structure for different applications.

Span Systems robust design and fabrication of the removable walls allows the owner to plan and leave in place different configurations and remain in compliance with all local code requirement regarding the wind and weather resistance. The structure's first use will be the Harper College 2016 Commencement Ceremonies. The side walls will be removed to allow the graduates to pass from one side to the other up and down the ramps at the side of the stage. ARCHITECT: Eriksson Engineering Associates GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Power Construction

Span Systems Wins IFAI Award

TAMPA, FL Span Systems' work on the Tampa Riverwalk project was recently honored by the Industrial Fabrics Association International. The project, which includes six separate Tensile Fabric Structures received the presitigious2015 International Achievement Award for Tensile Structures with a covered area of less than 600 square meters. The project, open since April has been very popular with residents and visitors to the Tampa riverfront area.

The award itself will be presented next month at the IFAI annual trade show, held this year in Anahein, CA. This is the second International Achievement Award won by Span Systems. The IAA Awards honor work in fabric architecture, design and construction in a number of categories. The Tampa Riverwalk Tensile Structures were designed, engineered, fabricated and installed by Span Systems. Keith Greminger of Kimley-Horn & Associates was the Architect. The fabric used in the structures is VerseidagDuraskin B18039 PTFE coated fiberglass.

Portals and Junctions

TAMPA, FL Since January Span Systems’ Install Team has been involved in a complex Tensile Structure installation along the new Tampa Riverwalk boardwalk promenade over the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The six separate structures have a modern, organic look and serve as partial tunnels. They provide shade and shelter at various points along the winding walkway out over the river itself. These high-profile structures are along the East Side of the river, between Curtis Hixon Park and MacDill Park, directly across the river from the University of Tampa.

Part of the design calls for one side of the supporting hoops to wrap around the boardwalk itself and mount to the underside of the walkway. This installation challenge required the Span Team to work from boats below the walkway. It is a unique working platform, but not the first time we have done installation from the water. The structure is expected to be completed later this month.The Architecture is by AECOM with Design and Engineering by Span Systems. Johnson Brothers is the General Contractor for the Riverwalk Project.

Cleveland Cares

CLEVELAND, OH The new tensile fabric canopy structure for the Cleveland Cares Pavilion, part of the Cleveland VA Medical Center, is nearing completion. The six PTFE Fabric panels in a radial, adjacent hy-par configuration and their large supporting cantilevers and columns were designed fabricated and installed by Span Systems in Fall 2014. The structure will provide a shaded outdoor area for patients and employees alike. It also provides a striking visual addition to the iconic Southwestern Façade of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood.

Of engineering interest are the nearly 20-foot cantilever beams supporting the fabric panels. Designed for the Cleveland area snow-load requirements the beams receive additional support from rear guy cables and despite their large size still achieve a lightweight appearance and elegant look. The fabric corner plates incorporate spherical bearings to create an ideal fit for the fabric panels. The Architect for the Tensile Structure was CBLH Design and the General Contractor for the Cleveland Cares Plaza was Veteran’s Contracting.

Bon Voyage

PORT CANAVERAL, FL Span System’s crew substantially completed the installation of this dramatic new entrance canopy in November ‘14. Designed by BEA Architects and engineered by Span Systems, this unique feature of the new Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminal provides a visual centerpiece, a way-finding point and a place for travelers to meet their parties pre- and post-cruise. The 27-foot-high peak and organic shape provide an inspiring architectural counterpoint to the surroundings.

In profile, the look of a sail setting in an ocean breeze sets the tone for the journey to come. This singular architectural feature is sure to become an iconic landmark for the thousands of travelers embarking or debarking at the Port Canaveral Cruise Ship Terminal. This is Span Systems’ second Tensile Membrane Structure designed and built for the terminal complex. The structural fabric used is PTFE, Teflon coated fiberglass manufactured by Verseidag GMBH. Hydraulic rams were used to provide the high tension necessary to give the fabric the correct biaxially curved shape necessary for tensile structures.