ORION Barrel Vault Fabric Canopies

ORION Barrel Vault Canopy

Barrel vault canopy at Isaac Newton Academy

Barrel vault canopy at St Peter's Roman Catholic High School

Barrel vault canopy at Wingham Wildlife Park, Penguin enclosure

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

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

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.