Matagarup Bridge Soffit

The Matagarup Bridge Soffit is a fabric façade installed beneath the concrete and steel deck of the bridge.

The pedestrian bridge over the Swan River, named Matagarup Bridge after the Nyungar name for the area, was originally proposed and planned to feature elegantly curved support sections fully enclosed in alternate black and white PTFE membrane. The design was changed mid-project to hero the exposed curved steel elements of the bridge.

The design team however, retained the planned PTFE membrane soffit below the concrete and steel walking deck. The membrane soffit completes the smooth, unbroken the profile of the bridge.

This innovative use of a tensile membrane soffit along the underside of the walkway helps to hide the bridge’s steel formwork and services. The Matagarup Bridge Soffit is easily replaceable in case of damage, and the membrane panels also allow access to the underside of the bridge for safety inspections.