Ayers Rock Resort, Longitude 131

‍The brief:  Longitude 131 Luxury Tents is an exclusive five-star resort located on a sand dune approximately 16km from Ayers Rock (Uluru). Due to the sensitive nature of the environment, the stability of the sand and the close proximity to Aboriginal Land, stringent constraints were placed on the project to ensure minimal environmental disturbance. Taiyo Membrane Corporation (formally Shade Structures Birdair) was commissioned to provide shelter solutions to create aesthetically attractive structures which would also adapt to extreme climate conditions. 

TMC approach:  This resort consists of 15 luxury tent structures, each spanning an area of approximately 180m2 and a double conical structure with an area of 600m2. A three-layer structure was used. The interior roof of the tents had an “Arabian-style” drape to the fabric for an aesthetic appeal. The two inner fabric layers are clamped to provide a thermal roof seal to the air-conditioned tent. The outer fabric layer has catenary edges to provide flow through ventilation and enhance cooling.

Facts at a glance: 
Architect: Cox Richardson
Architects Client: Bovis Lend Lease
Size: 15 x 80m2 and 1 x 600m2 
Date of installation: May 2002