Ronstan Tensile Architecture Lends Expertise to Tensile Façades

Nov. 11, 2009 - PRLog -- MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA…Leading Australia-based specialty contractor Ronstan Tensile Architecture is now introducing the North American architectural/engineering community to its end-to-end contracting services. As part of its range of full-service tensile architecture solutions, Ronstan lends its expertise to artistic tensile façades for small to midsized structures.

An expert on the art and science of tensile architecture, Ronstan understands how lightweight yet extremely strong materials, such as cables, rods, fittings and other tensile components, can be combined to form unique façades that fulfill both functional and aesthetic requirements. Ronstan partners with project teams to develop creative architectural concepts while providing its specialized technical expertise throughout the design-build process. Ronstan also manufactures a wide range of high quality rigging components used for its façade applications, further solidifying its involvement in every project from beginning to end.

“Ronstan Tensile Architecture takes pride in seeing our projects from concept to completion,” explains Rowan Murray, Ronstan general manager, architectural and industrial. “Our in-depth understanding of façade components paired with our experience as a specialty contractor makes Ronstan a valuable asset when specifying a tensile façade structure.”

Like most tensile architecture installations, façade applications can be highly technical, involving numerous system components. Ronstan’s intimate knowledge of tensile architecture ensures that all factors of the design and installation process are carefully considered, such as span, tension, deflection and the capacity of the mating structure to support the system.

Ronstan Tensile Architecture can help to customize façades for a variety of building exteriors and design specifications. Aesthetically, a façade can enhance the building envelope or accent a facility’s point of entrance. Rods and cables can be combined to create a three-dimensional structure that delivers horizontal and vertical support to the façade and produces shade without overpowering the view.

Depending on the project, façade systems can be designed to feature a variety of building elements, including glass, membrane, timber and floating panels. “Ronstan can even integrate landscaping with a façade to create a greening application,” Murray elaborates. “The tensile framework provides a climbing structure for plant life, resulting in a unique vertical garden.”

In addition to the artistic advantages, Ronstan’s façades contribute toward sustainable design, controlling temperature by reducing heat gain and providing shading for building occupants.

One example of Ronstan’s work on a sustainable façade surrounds the entrance to Whitten Oval in Footscray, Australia. Formerly an official AFL stadium, Whitten Oval remains the training base and administrative headquarters for the home team and also serves as a mixed-use space for medical facilities, a function center, community office space and associated parking and parkland areas. Peddle Thorp Architects approached Ronstan Tensile Architecture to assist with the exterior of the redeveloped Whitten Oval entrance. The scope of work required Ronstan to manufacture, supply and install a cable net, suspended panels and the associated hardware.

The cable net façade feature extends from the first floor to the roof and displays floating panels in the team’s colors, providing shading for the glazed façade of the entrance.

When specifying cables for a façade application, it is important to consider the necessary level of corrosion protection. Ronstan provides expertise on corrosion resistance to help designers achieve the desired aesthetic appeal, structural performance and longevity. By partnering with Ronstan Tensile Architecture, the details of the specification process are simplified, giving the designer the freedom to focus on the creative vision for the façade application.

In addition to façade applications, Ronstan offers a range of full-service tensile architecture solutions. Murray adds, “As an established end-to-end specialty contractor, we look forward to expanding our presence in the North American market and introducing the architectural/engineering community to Ronstan Tensile Architecture.”

Visit www.RonstanTensileArch.com to learn more.

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About Ronstan Tensile Architecture: Ronstan Tensile Architecture provides the architectural/engineering communities of North America and the Australasian region with end-to-end specialty contracting services, technical expertise and bold imagination that have resulted in some of the world’s most intriguing examples of tensile architecture. Ronstan maintains the unique capability to provide comprehensive services for small to midsize projects incorporating principles of tensile architecture, including concept development, design assistance, cable and fitting selection, structural analysis and installation. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Ronstan Tensile Architecture operates offices internationally. For more information, visit www.RonstanTensileArch.com.