Business Details
48 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Construction Contractors in Sheffield
Special Structures Lab has been at the forefront of designing and engineering tensile membrane structures since 1978. Our expertise spans concept design, feasibility studies, structural analysis, and certification of lightweight fabric structures, portable bridges, and stage covers. We collaborate with clients and technical partners globally, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge software to deliver innovative solutions for the events and construction industries.Our team of chartered engineers and specialists has pioneered iconic projects, including the Millennium Dome membrane roof and structures for major film productions. We maintain rigorous safety standards through BS EN 13782:2015 certification and provide comprehensive technical documentation, including 'Tent Books' for event compliance. With a legacy of technical excellence and creative problem-solving, we continue to set benchmarks in the lightweight structures industry.
Services
Tensile Membrane Architecture
Portable Bridges
Stage Covers
Structural Certification
CFD Wind Load Modelling
Fabric Analysis
Event Venue Design
Temporary Works
Tent Book Production
On-Site Inspection
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Over 45 years of pioneering experience in tensile membrane structures
- Certified structural engineers with global landmark projects
- Advanced computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis
- Comprehensive BS EN 13782:2015 certification services
- Collaboration with film, TV, and event industries on iconic projects
Associations and certifications
- BSI Group
Services
Tensile Membrane Architecture
We design and engineer custom tensile membrane structures using advanced computational analysis. Our solutions combine aesthetic innovation with structural integrity for temporary and permanent installations. Clients benefit from our expertise in material selection, load calculations, and compliance with international safety standards.
Structural Certification
Our certification services ensure structures meet BS EN 13782:2015 requirements for temporary events. We produce detailed technical reports, 'Tent Books', and on-site emergency support documentation. This guarantees regulatory approval and client confidence in structural safety.
CFD Wind Load Modelling
Using industry-leading software, we simulate wind pressures and snow loads on complex structures. This enables precise force calculations for cables, masts, and membranes, ensuring designs withstand environmental stresses while optimising material efficiency.
Portable Bridges
We engineer modular bridge systems for event access and construction sites. Our designs balance rapid deployment with load-bearing capacity, incorporating safety features and compliance with UK infrastructure regulations for temporary installations.
Stage Covers
Our stage covers combine weather protection with aesthetic appeal for festivals and concerts. The structures integrate with existing infrastructure while meeting safety standards, ensuring uninterrupted events in all conditions.
People
Rudi Enos
Founder
Award-winning engineer and pioneer of portable tensile membrane structures since 1978. Recognised globally for designing iconic event venues and stadium roofs, including the Millennium Dome. Combines technical precision with creative vision.
Alex Prideaux
Technical Director
Specialist in membrane engineering with expertise in temporary and permanent textile architecture. Oversees technical delivery of complex projects, applying advanced computational methods to ensure structural performance and manufacturability.
Martin L Brown
Structural Engineer
Professional engineer with decades of experience in tensile membrane systems. Instrumental in landmark projects across Europe and America, including Denver International Airport's Great Hall Tent Structure.
Alan White
Consulting Engineer
Chartered civil engineer specialising in temporary works and access engineering. Former Scottish Executive advisor on bridge access, with expertise in structural design for challenging installations.
Lauri King
Art Director
Creative director responsible for conceptual vision in collaborative projects. Brings artistic direction to structural solutions, ensuring aesthetic coherence alongside technical excellence.
Questions
What industries do you serve?
We work with event organisers, film/TV productions, construction firms, and architects requiring specialist tensile structures and engineering solutions.
Can you certify existing structures?
Yes, we provide retrospective certification for imported or undocumented structures, ensuring compliance with UK regulations.
Do you operate outside the UK?
While based in Sheffield, we deliver projects globally, with engineers experienced in international standards and logistics.
What software do you use?
We employ industry-leading tools like NDN Membrane, TechNet Easy NT, and AutoDesk for structural analysis and design visualisation.
How do you ensure safety?
All designs follow BS EN 13782:2015 standards, with on-site testing, detailed 'Tent Books', and emergency support protocols.
Can you handle urgent projects?
Our team provides expedited feasibility studies and certification for time-sensitive events, leveraging decades of rapid deployment experience.
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