Fabric structures have come a long way: from serving as simple shelters for primitive cultures of the past to becoming large-scale construction masterpieces of modern times.
Once made from animal skins draped between sticks or bones, the latest structures now feature architectural fabric covers supported by internal metal frames and cables. Their aesthetic design makes them impressive roofs in all shapes and sizes. Fabric structures can also serve as temporary or permanent structures such as remote offices, recreation centers, shopping malls, outdoor auditoriums, airport hangars, and the like.
But more than their modern function and design, contractors and customers prefer fabric structures for several reasons. Want to know if a fabric structure is right for your next project? Read on to understand why this innovation goes beyond being an energy efficient fabric structure to being recognized as one of the most sustainable building options.
What Makes Fabric Building Structures Sustainable
Sustainable building aims to reduce the impact of new construction on the environment. A fabric structure fits this criterion in the following ways.
· Fabric Structures Are Made With Fewer Raw Materials
Raw materials serve as the foundation of any building process. Compared to traditional buildings that require several materials, fabric structures need only two—fabric and metal.
The architectural fabric made from polyester and fiberglass makes it an ideal roofing material and can even cover the entire building.
On the other hand, the fabric structure’s support is built mainly from metal. Metal is very advantageous as they’re lightweight, highly customizable, and very strong. The mast, cables, and columns can be either made from aluminum or steel.
· Fabric Structures Require Less Energy To Construct
Using lesser raw materials translates to a smaller carbon footprint too. It takes less time and energy to produce high-performance fabric or metal parts. Lesser materials, in turn, lead to reduced fuel consumption and efficient product delivery.
Another advantage of fabric structures is that some or all of its parts are already assembled before delivery. It then takes less time and energy to set up a fabric building than completing a construction project requiring lots of workers and equipment. You can even finish one in several hours, while large-scale projects can take as little as a few months to complete.
· Fabric Structures Are Low Maintenance
A sustainable building not only aims to reduce its energy usage during construction but also when it’s already operational. Builders need to check their carbon emissions during delivery and when the project is finally complete.
Fabric structures generally meet low energy requirements thanks to their innovative materials. Their translucent roofs and walls allow natural light to permeate the entire building. This translates to reduced electricity use to light the whole building.
What’s more, fabric structures are capable of creating an ideal indoor environment too. They ensure cool temperatures during summer and provide warmth during colder months. Fabric buildings work well with or without additional lighting, heating, or cooling sources.
· Fabric Structures Are Long-Lasting
Longevity is another feature of a sustainable building. Structures should last for several decades and perhaps even a lifetime without harming the environment.
Fabric structures, much like other eco-friendly building materials, also have a long lifespan. The coated architecture fabric blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun so they won’t fade over time. The coating also doubles as a self-cleaning agent, which keeps dirt, stains, and pollutants at bay. The building’s metal components last even longer for decades to come.
· Fabric Structures Are Recyclable
Recyclability is another feature of sustainable buildings. Construction materials at the end of life shouldn’t end up in landfills. They should be appropriately disposed of and recovered as much as possible.
Regarding fabric structures, you can repurpose the fabric cover into paper products or some other practical application. Likewise, you can recycle the metal components of a fabric structure.
Meanwhile, steel is highly recyclable and this metal can be used to create new metal-based materials without losing its strength and durability.
Since its components are reusable, there’s little waste in dismantling a fabric structure. Owners can recycle them on their own or send them off to a materials recovery facility for proper disposal. Hence, fabric buildings effectively eliminate construction waste.
Conclusion
In summary, fabric structures fulfill the sustainability criterion in several ways. The fabric and steel mainly used on fabric structures make excellent building materials since they’re durable and recyclable at the same time. Some manufacturers may even use recycled materials in their structure offerings.
Furthermore, prefabricated fabric building components require less energy. As the building becomes operational, fabric structures remain energy-efficient with their translucent cover and temperature regulating abilities. Lastly, tensile fabric structures can last longer without requiring considerable maintenance.
The abovementioned make fabric structures sustainable building options now and in the future.
Article Submitted By Community Writer