Why Are Fabric Structures Trending At Schools Across The Midwest?

Fabric structures, also known as tension fabric structures (TFS), interestingly enough are becoming a preferred choice for schools, universities, and educational institutions across the United States as a cost-effective indoor athletic facility option for their students and athletic program. Inside of Air-Supported Domes and Frame-Supported Structures schools are creating multi-purpose recreational facilities that provide a number of different benefits to their athletes and student body.

The interest in these structures has grown significantly over the past year, with potential customers typically falling into four categories: colleges without multi-million dollar budgets for facilities, school districts seeking year-round practice spaces, municipalities looking for parks and recreation sites, and private entities recognizing the potential for indoor sports facilities to hold a variety of different events in.

Our team at Byrne & Jones Construction is currently involved in the installation of a Legacy Building Solutions, Frame-Supported Structure, at Sterling High School in Sterling, Illinois. The information in this blog is made up of information we have learned throughout this process as well as questions we have received from owners and additional interested schools.

What Are Tension Fabric Structures?

Tension Fabric Sports Structures are cost-effective, high-performance buildings that athletic departments are increasingly choosing for their versatility and speed of construction. These innovative facilities are defined by a durable, tensioned fabric membrane that acts as the roof and walls, all supported by an underlying framework, typically structural steel or air pressure (in the case of domes). Their key competitive advantage is the ability to create vast, column-free interior spaces, making them ideal for covering full-sized basketball courts, indoor soccer fields, or even entire track and field complexes.

Unlike traditional construction, these structures offer a wide spectrum of solutions, from quick-install seasonal domes to robust, permanent, fully engineered buildings designed to meet or exceed all local and state building and snow-load requirements. They deliver a well-lit, protected environment, often utilizing the fabric’s translucence to provide natural daylighting that reduces energy costs.

What Are The Different Types of Fabric Structures Available?

To best meet the diverse needs of an educational campus, fabric structures generally fall into three primary categories, each offering distinct advantages in terms of permanence, span size, and flexibility:

Air-Supported Domes: These structures utilize low internal air pressure to inflate and support the fabric membrane, much like a balloon. They are best known for providing exceptionally large, open spaces with no internal columns and are often used as removable, seasonal covers for sports fields during the colder months.

Frame-Supported Structures: This is the most common and versatile type. A durable fabric membrane is stretched over a pre-engineered, rigid frame (usually constructed of steel or aluminum trusses). These are considered permanent or semi-permanent buildings that provide clear-span interiors and are engineered to meet all local building codes for year-round use as gymnasiums, field houses, or covered playgrounds.

Tensile Structures: Often the most architecturally striking, these structures rely on the fabric membrane being highly tensioned over a system of steel masts and cables. The shape of the structure is derived from the forces applied to the fabric. They are typically used for more aesthetic applications like covered outdoor playgrounds, walkways, amphitheaters, and distinctive, open-air canopies. While the focus of this blog is not centered around Tensile Structures, Byrne & Jones has installed this specifc fabric structure at playgrounds across the Midwest.

Key Advantages of Fabric Sports Structures for Schools

Fabric sports structures offer compelling operational and financial benefits that make them an appealing alternative to conventional construction for schools:

1. Significant Cost Savings

For large-scale facilities like turf complexes or football fieldhouses exceeding 200 feet, schools can realize substantial savings, often between $1 million and $5 million compared to traditional construction methods.

2. Rapid Construction Timeline

3. Energy Efficiency and Natural Lighting

The specialized, translucent fabric covers are designed to maximize natural daylighting. Allowing sunlight to pour into the structure provides $16 to $19 light translucency, which can potentially reduce the school’s electricity usage for lighting by up to $90 during daytime hours. This abundance of natural light creates a superior, bright environment while delivering significant energy cost savings.

4. Versatility and Clear Span Design

5. Durability and Low Maintenance

Unlike traditional facilities that require frequent painting or re-roofing, fabric structures require minimal maintenance, usually just occasional cleaning with soapy water.

Photo Credit: Legacy Building Solutions

Common Questions That Schools Have About Fabric Structures

Building Codes and Permits

Are fabric buildings considered permanent structures, and do they meet building codes?

Yes. Modern fabric structures are fully engineered to adhere to the same stringent standards as traditional metal buildings, including compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) and other local regulations. Schools must partner with experienced manufacturers who custom-engineer the structure specifically for the site, taking into account critical factors like local wind loads, snow loads, and seismic requirements.

Weather Resistance

How well do these structures stand up to extreme weather, like high winds or heavy snow?

Modern fabric buildings are designed to handle challenging environments. They are engineered to withstand significant snow loads and high wind speeds often exceeding 100 mph. Unlike rigid materials that might crack under stress, the inherent flexibility of the fabric is an advantage, allowing the structure to flex and absorb environmental stresses without compromising its integrity.

Maintenance Requirements

What kind of ongoing maintenance do they require, and how expensive are repairs?

Maintenance is generally minimal. It primarily involves periodic inspections of the fabric integrity, checking the tension, and confirming connection points are secure. The fabric cover typically requires only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. If damage occurs, fabric repair costs are remarkably low, averaging as little as $2 per square foot for repairs, compared to up to $7 per square foot for replacing damaged steel sheeting.

Foundation Options

What type of foundation is required, and does it limit where we can build?

Fabric structures offer significant flexibility in foundation options, making them adaptable to various site conditions and budgets. They can be mounted on traditional foundations like concrete blocks and pads. Alternatively, options like helical anchors allow for easier relocation, and even repurposed shipping containers can serve as foundations, offering the added benefit of on-site storage space.

What Are Schools Putting Inside of Their Fabric Structures?

Common athletic applications include:

• Basketball & Volleyball Courts
• Multi-Purpose Turf Training Field
• Tennis & Pickleball Courts
• Indoor soccer and football practice fields
• Swimming pool enclosures (natatoriums)
• Indoor Track Facility

Financial Considerations When Looking Into Fabric Structures

Initial Investment vs. Long-term Savings

Fabric structures offer significant long-term operational savings that make the initial investment more appealing:

• Sustained Energy Savings: The use of naturally translucent fabric covers maximizes natural daylighting, dramatically reducing the need for costly artificial lighting during the day.
• Reduced HVAC Operating Costs: Many fabric membranes offer superior insulation efficiency compared to single-skin metal buildings, leading to lower heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operating expenses year-round.
• Minimal Maintenance Requirements: As detailed previously, the lack of traditional roofing or painting needs translates directly into minimal long-term maintenance costs compared to conventional buildings.
• Potential Tax Advantages: Depending on the classification by local municipalities, certain structures may qualify as temporary or relocatable assets, potentially offering beneficial tax and depreciation advantages that should be discussed with a school’s finance team.

Funding and Financing Options

Securing the capital for a new athletic facility requires exploring multiple avenues. Schools looking to fund their new fabric structure can explore various opportunities:

• Grants for Community Development and Sports: Actively pursue federal, state, and local grants specifically aimed at improving school facilities, community outreach, or youth sports programs.
• Local Business Sponsorships: Cultivate strong partnerships with local corporations and businesses who can provide corporate sponsorships in exchange for visible signage or naming rights on the new facility.
• Cost-Sharing Partnerships: Partner with other community organizations, such as local sports leagues or municipal parks departments, to share both the upfront facility cost and long-term operating expenses.
• Crowdfunding Campaigns: Launch community-driven campaigns to rally local support and raise funds, positioning the new facility as a shared asset benefiting the entire community.

Furthermore, many fabric structure manufacturers understand the capital constraints of schools and offer flexible financing solutions, including options for full financing or deferred payment plans.

Key Stages of Building a Fabric Structure

Planning Phase

Schools should begin by conducting a thorough needs assessment, identifying all sports and activities that will utilize the space. Consider both current and future program needs, as fabric structures can be expanded or modified more easily than traditional buildings.

Vendor Selection

Choose manufacturers with proven track records in educational facilities. Look for companies that offer comprehensive services including engineering, manufacturing, and installation. Ensure they can provide structures that meet all local building codes and can handle your region’s specific weather challenges.

Environmental Factors

Consider your local climate conditions carefully. While fabric structures perform well in various environments, specific features may be needed for extreme conditions. For instance, facilities in heavy snow areas may require steeper roof pitches or additional structural reinforcement.

Summary – What does this new option provide schools with?

Fabric structures represent a versatile alternative to traditional construction methods, especially for athletic facilities requiring large open span areas, offering rapid deployment with lower costs while delivering premium amenities and performance. For schools facing budget constraints, limited construction timelines, or the need for flexible, multi-purpose athletic spaces, these innovative structures provide a compelling solution that has already proven successful at educational institutions across the United States.

The combination of significant cost savings, rapid installation, energy efficiency, and long-term durability makes fabric structures an increasingly attractive option for schools looking to expand their athletic facilities without the financial burden and time commitment of traditional construction. As more schools successfully implement these solutions, fabric structures are likely to continue their growth as the go-to choice for educational athletic facilities.

Whether your school needs a practice facility for multiple sports, a competition venue, or a year-round training space, fabric structures offer a proven, cost-effective solution that can be operational in a fraction of the time required for traditional construction. The technology has matured to the point where these structures are no longer seen as temporary solutions, but as legitimate, long-term alternatives to conventional buildings that deliver superior value and performance.