Abstract: An architectural membrane assembly including an interior membrane layer having a first inner surface, an exterior membrane layer having a second inner surface, an aerogel material disposed between the interior membrane layer and the exterior membrane layer, wherein the first and second inner surfaces are adjacent to the aerogel material and a vapor barrier deposited on one of the first and second inner surfaces.

Abstract: An architectural membrane assembly including an interior membrane layer having a first inner surface, an exterior membrane layer having a second inner surface, an aerogel material disposed between the interior membrane layer and the exterior membrane layer, wherein the first and second inner surfaces are adjacent to the aerogel material and a vapor barrier deposited on one of the first and second inner surfaces.

Abstract: An architectural membrane structure preferably includes an aerogel material disposed, for example, between two outer layers. The aerogel can be in monolithic or granular form or can be present in an aerogel composite. A method for manufacturing an architectural membrane structure includes securing an insert, e.g., an aerogel blanket, composite or granular aerogel, between a first and second layer. The architectural membrane structure can be used as a tensioned panel in envelopes such as roofing, overhangs, canopies or in other architectural or structural fabric applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a tension braced dome structure comprised of a top ridge having at least one upper ridge radial member and at least one circumferential member which is concentric with an edge member; wherein the upper ridge radial member and the circumferential member are capable of carrying compressive and tensile loading; and further comprising a tensegrity grid having at least one diagonal member, and at least one lower compression member, and at least one lower cicumferential member; wherein said diagonal member extends between the upper ridge radial member and the compression member; and still further having a means for resolving internal stresses as an integral part of the top ridge; and a means for adjusting tension in the diagonal member.

Abstract: A doubly curved structure which is clad with a tensioned, fabric-containing membrane which is disposed above but not contiguous with the exterior surface of the structure. The two ends of the cladding membrane are each connected to an attachment member which, in turn, is attached to the exterior surface; and the intermediate portion of the membrane is contiguous with a standoff member which is disposed between the cladding membrane and the exterior surface. An arc with a substantially concave curvature is formed by such membrane between at least one of the attachment members and the standoff member.

Abstract: The present invention is system for covering structures that have complex surfaces using tensioned membrane panels which exhibit maximum flexibility over multiple curvatures of the structure's surface. The system includes a means for supporting the cladding membrane over the structure, a means for tensioning the cladding membrane and a means for securing the tensioned cladding membrane to the structure. Generally, ribs are mounted to the structure wherein the ribs provide support for the cladding membrane. Attached at least one of the ribs are clamping channels which secure the tensioned cladding membrane to the structure. The ribs can be thermally isolated from the building surface to minimize directly conducted heat loss. Additionally, the tensioned membrane cladding system usefully accommodates various methods of applied insulation between the cladding membrane and the structure.