Architectural Membrane Systems
Shape the space.
Architectural shade systems designed, simulated and engineered from one coordinated model.
01 Design yours
Four points.
Infinite forms.
Move a point and the membrane between them is solved again, live, by the same form-finding engine that runs the ARCVEIL Studio.
- Form
- Solved
- Surface
- 31.3 m²
- Plan shade
- 30.9 m²
- Cloth high / low
- 3.82 m / 2.58 m
02 Form found
Not drawn. Form-found.
A membrane cannot be stretched flat between arbitrary points. Its shape is the equilibrium of its own tension, set by the supports, their heights, the edge cables and the prestress. ARCVEIL solves that equilibrium before anything is drawn.
03 Follow the sun
The sun moves. Your shade should be designed for it.
A shadow lands somewhere new every hour and every month. A sail that covers the deck at midday can leave it in full sun by mid afternoon. Drag the time, or play the day: the shadow below is cast by the solved membrane under the real Perth sun.
- Time
- 15:00
- Sun azimuth
- 273°
- Sun altitude
- 53°
Perth, WA, plan north up. Geometric shadow of the membrane only: buildings, trees and terrain are not modelled. Sun position by the NOAA method.
04 Engineered to the ground
Wind doesn’t stop at the fabric.
Every force has to reach the ground. Each part on the way is specified, not picked from a catalogue at the end.
- 01MembraneWind pressure and suction become tension in the fabric.
- 02CornerTension gathers into the reinforced corner.
- 03HardwarePlate, shackle and turnbuckle carry it to the cable.
- 04MastThe mast takes the pull in bending.
- 05BaseBase plate and anchor bolts hand it down.
- 06FootingThe footing resists overturning and uplift.
- 07GroundThe soil takes the last of it.
Conceptual load path. Not a structural analysis.
05 Systems
One method. Every scale.
From a three point sail over a courtyard to a membrane roof over a public space, every system is form-found, engineered and detailed the same way.
- 01Sail
Three to eight fixing points and tensioned shade fabric. Pools, patios, courtyards and play spaces.
- 02Hypar
Four points, two high and two low. The simplest form with true double curvature.
- 03Canopy
Membrane on a steel frame with defined edges. Entries, walkways and outdoor dining.
- 04Cantilever
Supported from one side, with clear space beneath. Car spaces, pool edges and frontages.
- 05Pavilion
Freestanding multi-mast forms for hospitality, schools and public places.
- 06Waterproof
Architectural PVC membrane with designed falls, so rain runs where it is meant to.
- 07Large span
Membrane roofs over sport, recreation and public space, engineered as building structures.
06 ARCVEIL Studio
Design the shade before the steel is cut.
The Studio is where an ARCVEIL project starts. Place three to eight fixing points, set their heights, the edge sag and the hardware, and the membrane is solved as you work. Surface area, edge cable lengths and clearances come straight from the solver. Geometry checks explain what to change and why.
Open the StudioConcept geometry only. Structural design required before fabrication.
07 For professionals
Your geometry. Engineered without losing the idea.
Architects and landscape architects
Bring a sketch, a model or a set of points. We find the form that holds your intent, then engineer and detail it without redrawing your idea.
Installers and fabricators
You build. ARCVEIL engineers. Geometry, masts, footings, connections and documentation, issued in a form your workshop can use.
08 Process
From four points to a buildable structure.
- Discover
Site, use, access, sun and existing structure. Site brief
- Design
Points, heights and form, worked in the Studio. Concept geometry
- Simulate
Where the shade falls through the day and the year. Shade study
- Engineer
Wind, prestress, masts and footings, designed to the Australian Standards that apply. Structural design
- Detail
Corners, cables, mast heads and base plates. Connection details
- Fabricate
Membrane patterned and cut, steel and hardware documented. Cutting patterns, shop drawings
- Install
Footings, masts, lifting and tensioning in sequence. Installed structure
- Verify
The built structure inspected against the design. Completion record
Before steel. Before fabric. Before cost.
Get the geometry right.
Concept visualisation. Hospitality courtyard