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Knowledge base

Insights and inspiration from the world of tensile membrane, steel and tent structures

Branded event tents as an investment in brand visibility

Branded event tents as an investment in brand visibility

A branded event tent is one of the most cost-effective mobile billboards in event marketing. Learn what to look for when choosing one.

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How to pick the perfect canopy for an urban amphitheater

How to pick the perfect canopy for an urban amphitheater

Designing an amphitheater canopy: what to assess, which materials to consider and how to balance architecture, engineering and acoustics.

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Innovative membrane canopy competition — results and inspiration

Innovative membrane canopy competition — results and inspiration

Abastran and the Silesian University of Technology ran a student competition for innovative membrane canopy designs. Results and takeaways.

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When to choose a tensile membrane roof over a traditional one

When to choose a tensile membrane roof over a traditional one

Tensile membrane roofs are a real alternative to steel, concrete and conventional roofing. Learn when membranes win and when traditional is better.

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Selecting a PVC membrane for Poland's climate conditions

Selecting a PVC membrane for Poland's climate conditions

A practical guide to PVC roofing membranes for the Polish climate — thickness, reinforcement, colour and how PVC compares to TPO/FPO and bituminous felt.

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Standards and certifications for ETFE structures — what to know

Standards and certifications for ETFE structures — what to know

Planning an ETFE roof or facade? A practical guide to the standards, certificates and documentation engineers and architects need to check.

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Air-supported dome vs traditional tent hall — which one to choose?

Air-supported dome vs traditional tent hall — which one to choose?

Air dome vs tent hall — a practical engineering comparison covering load-bearing principle, energy use, snow performance and ideal use cases.

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How to choose the right roofing structure for sports facilities?

How to choose the right roofing structure for sports facilities?

Guide to sports facility roofing: steel, aluminium, glulam, tensile membrane and pneumatic structures compared to help you choose.

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Canopies for technical back-of-house areas on outdoor stages

Canopies for technical back-of-house areas on outdoor stages

Back-of-house areas on outdoor stages need canopies that combine function with visual coherence. A guide to making them part of the design.

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Key standards and regulations for temporary event structures

Key standards and regulations for temporary event structures

Key 2025 regulations for temporary event structures: EN 13782, Eurocodes and fire safety requirements for tents, stages and pavilions.

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Pneumatic tents in special applications — rescue, medical, military

Pneumatic tents in special applications — rescue, medical, military

Pneumatic tents in rescue, medical and military operations — fast deployment, mobility and reliability where every minute counts.

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How do tensile membrane structures affect sound?

How do tensile membrane structures affect sound?

How do PVC, PTFE and ETFE membranes interact with sound? Learn how to design good acoustics under a tensile membrane roof.

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Fire resistance of membrane structures (PVC, PTFE, ETFE)

Fire resistance of membrane structures (PVC, PTFE, ETFE)

How do PVC, PTFE and ETFE membranes behave in fire? Guide to fire ratings, EN 13501 classes and specifying safe membrane envelopes.

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How to care for a membrane canopy so it lasts for years

How to care for a membrane canopy so it lasts for years

Practical guide to membrane canopy maintenance: inspections, cleaning schedules and the most common mistakes that shorten service life.

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How to read technical canopy design documentation

How to read technical canopy design documentation

How to read technical documentation for membrane, ETFE and pneumatic canopies. Key differences from traditional construction drawings.

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How to select a sports facility roofing system

How to select a sports facility roofing system

Air domes, steel-frame halls, ETFE roofs and hybrid systems compared. How to evaluate and pick the right sports facility roofing system.

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Steel structure certifications — what to watch for

Steel structure certifications — what to watch for

A practical guide to steel structure certifications — EN 1090 execution classes, ZKP factory production control and what owners should verify.

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Key phases of steel structure design

Key phases of steel structure design

Five key phases of steel structure design, from concept through fabrication to assembly. Focus on membrane and tensile structure projects.

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Geotechnical categories in lightweight structure design — what you need to know

Geotechnical categories in lightweight structure design — what you need to know

Geotechnical categories GC1, GC2 and GC3 explained for tensile membrane canopies, air domes and lightweight steel halls. A practical design guide.

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ETFE vs PVC — comparison of membrane materials

ETFE vs PVC — comparison of membrane materials

ETFE vs PVC: compare mechanical properties, durability, applications and energy performance to choose the right membrane material.

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Which canopy to choose for a summer theater

Which canopy to choose for a summer theater

An open-air theater needs a canopy that protects against weather, integrates technical systems and supports acoustics. A guide to picking the right one.

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Membrane canopies for restaurants — a year-round solution

Membrane canopies for restaurants — a year-round solution

A tensile membrane canopy gives a restaurant terrace year-round weather protection, longer trading hours and more covers per square metre.

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How to pick an event tent to fit the event scale

How to pick an event tent to fit the event scale

How to pick an event tent: practical guide to sizing, technical parameters and matching the tent to the type and scale of your event.

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How to protect a membrane structure from extreme wind

How to protect a membrane structure from extreme wind

How to protect a membrane structure from extreme wind. Design and anchoring strategies that ensure safety in severe weather.

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Biogas domes as a source of renewable energy

Biogas domes as a source of renewable energy

Biogas plants produce energy 24/7 regardless of weather. Learn how membrane domes store the gas and why they are critical to every biogas facility.

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Restaurant canopy — which one to choose for your venue

Restaurant canopy — which one to choose for your venue

A practical guide to restaurant terrace canopies — permanent, louvre and membrane options with the trade-offs that matter for operators.

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Designing steel plate girder halls — how it works

Designing steel plate girder halls — how it works

Steel plate girder halls deliver up to 30% steel savings over standard solutions. Learn how the design and fabrication process works.

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Which canopies work best for outdoor events

Which canopies work best for outdoor events

Outdoor events need reliable canopies that combine weather protection with visual presence. A guide to the main categories and what to look for.

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What to watch for when designing a tent hall

What to watch for when designing a tent hall

Designing a tent hall requires attention to technical parameters, materials, regulatory compliance and site preparation. A guide to what matters most.

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Tent halls for trade shows — are they worth it?

Tent halls for trade shows — are they worth it?

Modular tent halls offer flexible, mobile, fast-to-deploy exhibition space for trade shows. Learn why they work and what to look for.

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Steel hall vs masonry hall — which to choose?

Steel hall vs masonry hall — which to choose?

Steel hall vs masonry hall — a practical comparison covering cost, build time, durability and adaptability for industrial and warehouse projects.

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How tent structures are used in industry

How tent structures are used in industry

Industrial tent halls are a proven alternative to traditional construction for warehousing, production and logistics. See how they work.

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Timber structures in membrane canopies — modern design and function

Timber structures in membrane canopies — modern design and function

Timber framing combined with tensile membranes creates a distinctive architectural language. Learn how the combination works and where it shines.

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Temporary construction — everything you need to know before building

Temporary construction — everything you need to know before building

Temporary structures must meet strict safety and regulatory standards. Learn about permits, technology and safety for temporary buildings.

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How to choose a hall cover for a sports facility

How to choose a hall cover for a sports facility

How to pick a hall cover for a sports facility. Compare tent halls, steel halls and hybrid options for functionality, durability and cost.

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ETFE foil applications in modern architecture

ETFE foil applications in modern architecture

ETFE foil has become a defining material in modern architecture. Discover where it is used, why it works, and what it makes possible.

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Damaged membrane — how to repair it?

Damaged membrane — how to repair it?

Learn the most common causes of membrane damage, proven repair methods and when full membrane replacement is the only option.

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Tent halls — building permit or notification, what you need

Tent halls — building permit or notification, what you need

Planning a tent hall? Find out whether notification is enough or you need a building permit, and what formalities apply in each case.

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How long does it take to build a tent hall — step by step

How long does it take to build a tent hall — step by step

Tent halls go from sign-off to handover in 3-6 weeks. Step-by-step guide to each build phase and why prefabrication is the key to speed.

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What is a tent hall cover made of?

What is a tent hall cover made of?

The cover is the most important part of any tent hall. A guide to the main cover materials — PVC, PTFE and shade nets — and how to pick the right one.

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PVC membrane durability — what makes them last

PVC membrane durability — what makes them last

PVC architectural membranes last 25-30 years. Learn what drives durability — material grade, thickness, fabrication quality and maintenance.

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Military tent cover applications — durability and versatility

Military tent cover applications — durability and versatility

Military tent covers — durability, mobility and resistance to harsh conditions. A guide to the technology and field applications.

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Shade net applications in urban architecture

Shade net applications in urban architecture

Shade nets are gaining popularity in urban architecture. Learn how they transform public spaces and what to look for when picking them.

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Temporary canopies in agriculture — the ideal solution for farms

Temporary canopies in agriculture — the ideal solution for farms

Temporary canopies are a practical, economical solution for farms that need to protect crops, livestock and equipment from variable weather.

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HF technology in practice — key advantages for large-scale projects

HF technology in practice — key advantages for large-scale projects

High-frequency welding built the modern membrane industry. For large-scale projects, it delivers strength, speed and unmatched reliability.

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CNC membrane cutting services — what you gain

CNC membrane cutting services — what you gain

CNC plotter cutting guarantees millimetre accuracy, minimises waste and shortens lead times in membrane fabrication. See how the service works.

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Tent structures as a solution for outdoor events

Tent structures as a solution for outdoor events

Tent structures combine flexibility, aesthetics and weather protection for outdoor events. A practical guide to picking the right one.

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How to prepare for a steel structure build — investor checklist

How to prepare for a steel structure build — investor checklist

Practical investor checklist for building a steel structure, from setting project goals through to final handover.

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How to choose the right fabric for tent halls

How to choose the right fabric for tent halls

PVC-coated polyester, polyethylene or canvas? Practical guide to tent hall fabrics, their durability, weather performance and best applications.

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How to use flexible tanks in agriculture

How to use flexible tanks in agriculture

Flexible tanks for storing water, liquid fertilisers and slurry on farms. Practical guide to agricultural applications and benefits.

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What is a PVC membrane?

What is a PVC membrane?

PVC-coated polyester is one of the most widely used architectural membranes — strong, flexible and weather-resistant. Learn what makes PVC membrane work.

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PVC vs PTFE welding — which technology fits your project?

PVC vs PTFE welding — which technology fits your project?

PVC vs PTFE welding — a practical comparison of the two main thermoplastic joining technologies in technical fabric fabrication.

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Tent hall covers made from PVC tarpaulins

Tent hall covers made from PVC tarpaulins

PVC-coated polyester tarpaulin is the workhorse material for tent hall covers. A guide to its properties, applications and what to watch for.

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Modern roofing solutions for terraces and gardens

Modern roofing solutions for terraces and gardens

From event canopies to permanent PVC membrane roofs — a practical guide to modern terrace and garden cover options for your project.

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Advantages of CNC plotter membrane cutting

Advantages of CNC plotter membrane cutting

CNC plotter cutting delivers millimetre precision, panel repeatability and significant material savings in membrane fabrication. The technical case.

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PVC welding with HF (high-frequency) technology

PVC welding with HF (high-frequency) technology

HF welding is the gold standard for joining PVC membranes — seams as strong as the parent material, in seconds, without adhesives.

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ETFE vs glass — comparing transparent construction materials

ETFE vs glass — comparing transparent construction materials

ETFE and glass are the two main options for transparent roofs and facades. A practical comparison to help architects pick the right material.

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What is ETFE?

What is ETFE?

ETFE foil is light, transparent, self-cleaning and remarkably durable. Learn how it works and why architects choose it for stadium roofs and facades.

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Steel or concrete structure — which to choose?

Steel or concrete structure — which to choose?

Steel vs concrete — a practical comparison of strength, cost and build time to help architects and clients pick the right structural material.

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The steel structure design process from A to Z

The steel structure design process from A to Z

How does the steel structure design process work? A walk-through of every phase, from requirements analysis through documentation to assembly.

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What to watch for when designing steel structures

What to watch for when designing steel structures

Steel structure design demands precise calculations and technical know-how. A guide to loads, stability, standards and material selection.

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What is a steel structure and where is it used?

What is a steel structure and where is it used?

Steel structures are the backbone of modern industrial and commercial construction. Learn what they are, why they are chosen and where they are used.

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Are tensile membrane roofs suitable for sports facilities?

Are tensile membrane roofs suitable for sports facilities?

Stadiums, tennis courts, pools and grandstands increasingly use tensile membrane roofs. Learn why they are the default choice for sports facilities.

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How to choose the right material for membrane structures

How to choose the right material for membrane structures

PVC, PTFE or ETFE? How fabric choice defines the performance, cost and aesthetic of every membrane structure. A practical selection guide.

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Tensile membrane structures: modern solutions for roofs and canopies

Tensile membrane structures: modern solutions for roofs and canopies

Tensile membrane structures are reshaping modern architecture. Lightweight and sustainable, membrane roofs suit projects from stadiums to parking lots.

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Construction cost comparison: steel halls vs traditional buildings

Construction cost comparison: steel halls vs traditional buildings

Steel hall vs traditional building: compare construction cost, build time and lifetime maintenance across materials, design and operations.

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Tensile membrane roofs — types and applications

Tensile membrane roofs — types and applications

Explore the main tensile membrane roof types, fabric options and applications. A practical guide to choosing the right canopy for your project.

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ETFE foil canopies for stages and sports grandstands

ETFE foil canopies for stages and sports grandstands

ETFE foil has revolutionised stage and grandstand canopy design. A guide to what makes the technology work and where it is best applied.

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What is made from technical fabrics — products and applications

What is made from technical fabrics — products and applications

An overview of products made from technical fabrics — main categories, materials and applications in industry, medicine and architecture.

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10 advantages of tensile membrane roofs in modern architecture

10 advantages of tensile membrane roofs in modern architecture

Tensile membrane roofs combine engineering performance with design freedom at competitive price points. Ten reasons architects keep choosing them.

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Manufacturing tensile membrane roofs from technical fabrics

Manufacturing tensile membrane roofs from technical fabrics

How a tensile membrane roof is made — from form-finding and material selection through CNC cutting, HF welding and on-site installation.

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Advantages of steel structures in industrial construction

Advantages of steel structures in industrial construction

Steel structures lead modern industrial construction. Discover their durability, design flexibility, fast installation and economic efficiency.

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