Port Macquarie Base Hospital

A large Double Conical structure protects patients, staff and guests on arrival and departure from Port Macquarie Base Hospital and has also provided an iconic look for the existing building.

The Double Conical Membrane Structure was required to be high enough to accommodate large delivery trucks but have that light airy feeling only a tension membrane structure can give. The two centre columns are 16 metres high to allow for this clearance. The translucency of the fabric has still permitted an abundance of ambient light, keeping lighting and electrical costs to a minimum. In the evening lighting directed up into the fabric creates a soft glow to the entry.

One of our robust and engineered membrane structures was required and will tolerate severe weather, lasting decades. Its innovative design allows the structure to stand independently from the existing building, not to impose any of its loads on the buildings structural integrity. The structure has been designed to have downward water run off onto the existing grassed area, acting as a directed natural watering system.

The use of one continuous membrane skin although more complicated during installation, gives remarkably higher weather and visual performance than attempting to link separate structures together. The translucency of the fabric has allowed for natural light to disperse though, whilst still maintaining 100% UV grade.

This impressive tension membrane structure has a 20-year warranty and is manufactured from the highest quality PVC fabric, stainless steel catenary wires, and hot dipped galvanised, powder coated steel for ultra-corrosive protection.

The hospital’s entrance now has an aesthetically pleasing yet functional feature to welcome patients and their guests.