ORION Conic™ Tensile Structures

Overview: ORION Conic™ Tensile Structures

The high centre point of ORION Conic™ tensile structures is a striking aesthetic form that also creates a sense of spaciousness under the canopy, while the low perimeter provides great all-day cover without compromising weather or sun shade protection. An immensely strong single column support at the centre of each cone provides excellent usability within the covered area and a cable or fixed edge perimeter accommodates the canopy rainwater management.

ORION Conic™ tensile structures can be used to create additional dining space for schools, provide playground shelter or present a stylish entrance canopy, for example. However, the design flexibility offers a diverse potential application of these outdoor shelters that is not just limited to canopies for education.

The flexible design aesthetic and distinctive elegant form of a tensile structure 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 membrane design is well proven with canopy structures installed in climates ranging from arctic cold to scorching desert heat. ORION™ fabric membrane manufacture complies with all relevant national regulations for fire resistance. ORION™ tensile structures use a PVC-based architectural fabric manufactured with a PVDF self-cleaning top lacquering 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 10 years dependent on specification.

Case studies of tensile structure canopies in Kent include Herne Bay Pier, Skinners Kent Academy and Kent College.

Learn more about FTO SERIES Architectural PVC for ORION Canopies.

What Our ORION Conic™ Tensile Structure Customers Say:

“We are absolutely delighted with our new outside canopy. It has transformed an otherwise lightly used area of the school, into a
highly useable and versatile space.”

Dominic Burke

Headteacher, Balcarras School

Why Specify ORION Conic™ Tensile Structures?

Streetspace design, manufacturing and construction processes are accredited to ISO9001:2008, ISO14001 and BS EN 1090 CE EXC 2 giving you confidence in each element of the project realisation. We take the worry out of your canopy installation with comprehensive project capability to undertake enabling groundworks, surfacing and landscaping. This single point accountability results in less projects for you to manage.

Project handover issues all completion documents; O&M Manuals, H&S File and Warranty. Opting for our annual inspection and report programme provides you with peace of mind that your canopy is maintained correctly over the long term. Offsite manufacture enables your project to be installed with minimum disruption. ORION™ structures are typically installed in 2-3 days and site fitting over two subsequent weekends can be accommodated.

UV Protection
The textile coating on our PVC membranes protects from more than 99% of the
sun’s UVA and UVB rays ensuring the valuable time spent outdoors is safe from this
potential harm.

One-Piece Fabric Membrane
With a one-piece element ensuring there are no joins in the cover to trap dirt or
moisture and advanced fabric coatings providing a super smooth surface, the level
of maintenance required to keep these structures looking their best is reduced.

Great Aesthetics
The striking design form, minimal steel frame and smooth architectural membrane delivers a modern, stylish look to break the hard surfaces of conventional materials.

Sound Absorption Qualities
With membrane fabrics providing a soft element within the canopy design, the
sound of rain, voices and echo are absorbed to a much greater extent than a hard
roof covering such as polycarbonate or steel sheet.

Rainwater Management Options
In fixed edge design, ORION Conic™ is fitted with galvanised and powder coated steel guttering to the canopy perimeter providing rainwater control with outflow
position options. Cable edge perimeter design channels rainwater to the membrane
tension points for dispersion.

Positive Light Transmission
The combination of ‘no-glare’ ambience with excellent light transmission is a great
feature of fabric membranes, allowing natural light to illuminate the area beneath
the canopy and eliminating the need for lighting during the day.

High Sunlight Reflectivity
Where tensile membrane structures are located close to adjacent buildings, high
levels of sun reflectivity and low absorption of sunlight under the canopy, result in
a lower energy requirement to maintain room temperatures.

Minimal Column Interference
The single, central support column of ORION Conic™ design provides excellent
usability from the space under your new canopy. Where similar products are based
on a corner post design layout this benefit is greatly reduced.