‘The Market Canopy’ at The Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park, Sydney is the ideal space for those wanting the atmosphere of an outdoor event space, while avoiding the risk of inclement weather. The new tree-like fabric structure installed by MakMax Australia makes a stunning architectural statement that transforms the outdoor area into a dynamic event space suitable for events, outdoor dining and the weekly farmers’ markets.

The Brief

Located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, The Entertainment Quarter (EQ) is Sydney’s iconic entertainment, dining and leisure precinct.

As part of EQ’s vision to revitalise and transform the precinct into a world-class community, entertainment and media district, MakMax was approached to refurbish ‘The Market Canopy’, located on the Showring.

An existing structure (a series of inverted conical structures designed and installed by MakMax Australia in 1999) covered the outdoor event space to create a light, open-air, undercover area suitable for family days, outdoor dining, cocktail parties, banquets, markets, functions and exhibitions.

MakMax Australia demolished the existing structure and installed a new unique tree-like canopy design to create a visually exciting shade structure over the outdoor event space while providing shade and weather protection for people to gather, eat and enjoy.

The Concept

The new PVC fabric structure is a unique design, consisting of 36 inverted conical structures linked together to form a 9 x 4 array. This design allowed for the membrane panels to be installed as ‘rows’ as opposed to individual units to create a seamless canopy. As part of this design, the lightweight steel framework is positioned beneath the membrane fabric, replicating the shape and form of trees.

This unique architectural structure transforms the outdoor space into an enchanted forest experience for visitors as they sit under the canopy of tree-like structures, enjoying the fresh air and natural light without the risk of inclement weather.

Canopy

Integrated lighting reflects off the underside of the canopy

In a design inspired by our St Tropez modular shade structure, the inverted conical shapes are designed to channel stormwater runoff into the central columns of each umbrella and then into an internal drainage system. The flags and flagpoles that featured in the original structure design were not included as part of this design for the new structure.

The Materials

The 1,300sqm canopy is created using premium quality architectural PVC fabric with a nano-particle PVDF coating (Mehler FR700N).

Mehler was chosen for strength, durability, weatherability, flexibility and translucency.

The bright white fabric membrane reduces radiant heat gain, keeping the temperature cooler during warmer weather conditions, perfect for outdoor markets. The translucency of the PVC canopy allows glare-free natural light to fill the outdoor event space.

Project Details

Location: Sydney, NSW

Completion Date: February 2022

Size: 1,300sqm

Fabric: PVC - Mehler FR700N

Client: Entertainment Quarter

Architecture & Design Team

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MakMax Australia

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