Mesh membrane facade completed for large livestock pavilion at agricultural event

MakMax Australia/ Taiyo Membrane Corporation has completed a membrane facade for a large livestock pavilion to be used at the Royal Queensland Show (commonly known as Ekka ). The pavilion will serve as a livestock display area during the show and as a parking lot during the off-season. Ekka is the largest agricultural festival in Queensland, Australia, and since 1873 has been a major regional event, attracting 400,000 visitors each year to the event organized by the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA). The event is a major regional event. In response to the client’s request for a multi-functional facility that would serve as a large livestock pavilion during the event and as a parking lot after the event, a “porthole” was created on the façade of the building to provide a comfortable environment for animals and visitors, and a 50% opening ratio was provided. The facility is also located near the main entrance to the park, which is open year-round. The facade was designed not only for functionality but also for aesthetics, as the area around the facility is used for festivals and events throughout the year. MakMax Australia/ Taiyo Membrane Corporation was contracted to design, fabricate, and construct the facade. The architect and client’s expectations were meticulously planned and fabricated from full-scale prototypes, including the location of openings, steel-frame connections, membrane detailing, welded detailing, and double membrane sections. In addition to the construction method developed uniquely for this project, the construction procedure was carefully planned and coordinated with the multiple contractors coming and going to the site as the event date was approaching.

The façade is made up of 1,400 square meters of PTFE mesh membrane with a 50% aperture ratio and 650 square meters of PTFE membrane, with portholes in the PTFE mesh membrane accentuating the façade and the uneven surface of the PTFE membrane creating a shadowy impression.

The structure received the “Award of Excellence” in the glass and façade category from the Lightweight Structures Association Australia.

This year’s Ekka will be held from August 9 to 18.

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For more information about the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), please visit