Barrel Vault Fabric Canopies

ORION Barrel Vault Tensile Structure

ORION Barrel Vault tensile membrane canopies use clever engineering to create clear span covered space suitable for a wide variety of uses. The tall centre line creates a spacious feel under the canopy, and the soft membrane provides an ambient environment as well as absorbing the sound of rain, voices and echo to a greater extent than a hard roof covering such as polycarbonate or steel.

The flexible design aesthetic and distinctive elegant form of a tensile fabric canopy results from the characteristics unique to membrane tension. In daylight, fabric membrane translucency provides diffused, naturally lit spaces, while at night, artificial lighting can be used to create an ambient exterior luminescence. The lightweight nature of tensile membrane design requires less structural steel compared with conventional roof coverings, enabling clear spans of column-free space.

The durability and longevity of tensile membranes is well proven with fabric structures installed in widely varying climates. Tensile membranes comply with all relevant national regulations for fire resistance. The ORION Barrel Vault fabric canopy uses a PVC-based architectural fabric with a PVDF self-cleaning outer layer. These advanced fabrics have a lifespan equal to alternative covering materials with a 25-year design life, covered by a manufacturer-backed warranty for up to 15 years dependent on specification.

The versatility of ORION Barrel Vault canopies can be further enhanced with the addition of sides – glass, polycarbonate or mesh facade – lighting and heaters; providing opportunities to increase covered outdoor dining capacity and social areas, often doing double duty as outdoor classrooms and learning space.

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ORION Barrel Vault Design Features

  • High Sunlight Reflectivity

    High sun reflectivity results in a lower energy requirement to maintain room temperatures of adjacent buildings.
  • One-Piece Fabric Membrane

    No joins to trap dirt or moisture and advanced fabric coatings provide a smooth, low maintenance surface.
  • All Weather Protection

    Shade and inclement weather protection is increased with the hipped roof option providing a continuous eaves height to ends.
  • Tall Centreline

    Free from lattice beam obstructions, the clear span rafter design is ideal for sport and creates a spacious feel.
  • Sound Absorption Qualities

    Soft membrane fabrics absorb echo, the sound of rain and voices to a much greater extent than a hard roof.
  • Positive Light Transmission

    The combination of ‘no-glare’ ambience with excellent light transmission eliminates the need for lighting during the day.

ORION Barrel Vault Model Variants

  • Cable Edge Barrel Vault

    Cable Edge Barrel Vault

    For the classic tensile fabric look, ORION Barrel Vault canopies can be specified with the membrane terminating in a cable edge which gives a scalloped effect between tensioning points. If this visual aesthetic is required as well as rainwater management, flow diverters can be specified to divert water to hoppers at specific points on the perimeter.
  • Straight Edge Barrel Vault

    Straight Edge Barrel Vault

    ORION Barrel Vault canopy with a straight edge enhances the weather protection, with galvanised gutters and downpipes coated to match the steelwork being fitted as standard.

ORION Barrel Vault Specification & Options

  • Product Specification

    ORION Barrel Vault fabric canopies can be designed in different forms, with multiple support options available. The opportunity for flexibility of design with tensile membrane structures means irregular shapes can be accommodated, making the most of space available.  

    Canopy Form

    ORION Barrel Vault structures can be specified in both symmetric or asymmetric forms to suit all types of sites. Asymmetric structures are particularly suited for locations against existing buildings.

    Canopy Support

    ORION Barrel Vault canopies are available with both single or double rows of columns. In structures with a single row of columns these can be positioned centrally or offset for a more cantilevered structure.

    Canopy Width

    ORION Barrel Vault canopies can be constructed in clear span widths of up to 15m and greater.

    Canopy Length

    There is no limit on the length of ORION Barrel Vault canopies. Standard post centres are between 3.5m and 7.5m with variations within the structure possible to avoid doorways, access routes or underground services.
  • PVC Fabric Colours

    ORION Barrel Vault canopies are specified with the FTO Series Architectural PVC Fabric which is an advanced, high quality and hard wearing product, with a smooth PVDF surface coating that stops dirt getting ingrained in the fabric, reducing the level of maintenance required to keep the roof clean.
    • White

    • Light Grey

    • Grey

    • Yellow

    • Green

    • Lagoon

    • Champagne

    • Vanilla

    • Aniseed

    • Red

    • Ocean Blue

  • Frame Finishes

    Highly durable polyester powder coatings are applied as the standard finish on steel frame ORION canopies with colours selected from a basic range or from the RAL colour selector. Steelwork is cold grit-blasted to SA2.5, with a zinc coating and anti-corrosive primer, followed by the high gloss polyester colour powder coat finish. Alternatively, hot-dip galvanised coatings can be specified for the harshest environments where a decorative finish is not required.   The colours and finishes depicted on this website are representations and should not be taken as accurate.
    • Hot – Dip Galvanised

    • Colour Polyester Powdercoat

  • Canopy Options

    Adding options to your ORION canopy allows even greater flexibility for extending the use of the covered space.  

    Lighting

    Various lighting solutions are available to extend safe use of your covered space or walkway outside of daylight hours.

    IR Heaters

    External grade radiant electric heaters can be fitted to ORION canopies to provide warmth to users in colder weather.

    Post Protector Pads

    Foam protector pads with heavy duty PVC covers can be fitted to canopy posts for structures situated in play areas.

    Rainwater Systems – Guttering

    TRITON canopies are designed with integral steel guttering, colour powder coated to match the canopy steel frame for long term durability and ease of maintenance.

    Rainwater Systems – Downpipes

    Aluminium downpipes custom manufactured for each canopy with integral connections for maximum durability. Colour powder coated finishes match the guttering and steel frame.

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