Australia's Leading Tensile Membrane Structure Company
Maximising What Membranes Can Do or Be.
The MakMax Australia brand name is a combination of the Japanese word “膜(maku)” meaning membrane, and maximize. Together they represent the limitless possibilities of membrane architecture.
Design, Engineering, Fabrication and Installation Under One Roof
For more than 40 years, MakMax Australia has delivered many of Australia’s most recognised tensile membrane structures, from iconic stadiums and public infrastructure projects to our industry-leading bowling green canopies and school COLAs.
While our structures are seen throughout Australia, the expertise behind every project is what truly sets MakMax apart. As a design and construct specialist contractor, we provide architects, builders, sports clubs, schools, and asset owners with a complete tensile membrane capability under one roof.
From initial design concepts and membrane form-finding through to expert in-house engineering, fabrication, installation and ongoing support, our multidisciplinary team manages every aspect of the tensile membrane package. This integrated approach provides a single point of responsibility, allowing projects to be delivered more efficiently, with greater technical certainty and a seamless client experience.
Our Design, Engineer, Fabricate and Install approach to projects provides clients with a single specialist partner throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Design
- Concept design and feasibility advice
- Design workshops with architects and developers
- Dsign & development contracts
- Concept artwork and visual renders
- Portfolio of proven tensile membrane concepts adaptable to new projects
- Parametric membrane form-finding
- Material selection and membrane specification advice
- CPD presentations focused on tensile membrane design in architecture
Engineer
- 3D modelling using specialised tensile membrane software
- Advanced CAD and BIM-compatible modelling
- Parametric membrane form-finding and load analysis
- Wind analysis and structural modelling
- Structural steelwork design
- Connection and fixing design
- Footing and foundation design criteria
- Membrane specification and detailing
- Integrated drainage and water management design
- Engineering certification
- Construction documentation including plans, sections and elevations
- As-built drawings
Fabricate
- Detailed drafting and workshop drawings
- Membrane patterning and manufacturing documentation
- Prototype and sample development
- Quality assurance reviews prior to fabrication
- Membrane fabrication through the global Taiyo Kogyo manufacturing network
- Specialist membrane fabrication partners in Australia
- Steel fabrication partners across Australia and internationally
- Factory inspections and quality audits for every project
- Logistics and fabrication coordination
Install
- Dedicated project manager assigned to every project
- Construction planning and delivery Australia-wide
- In-house construction management and quality oversight
- Specialist membrane installers and riggers operating nationwide
- Coordination of local contractors including footing, drainage and electrical trades
- Site-specific WHS documentation and SWMS preparation
- Construction quality assurance and inspections
- Practical completion and project handover
- Ongoing maintenance and asset management support
- FSC Accredited (Australian Government WHS Accreditation Scheme)
- Certified management systems:
- ISO 9001 Quality Management
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management
- ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety
The MakMax Australia Full Circle of Support
MakMax Australia offers our clients a full circle of comprehensive professional service and support;
- In-house designers, engineers & fabrication.
- In-house project managers & construction managers.
- Agents, partners & installation crews in every State and Territory.
- In-house RPEQ/NER qualified engineering inspectors for regular routine maintenance programs.
- In-house maintenance, cleaning and technical support.
Research & Development
MakMax Australia is proud to be part of the Taiyo Kogyo Group, ensuring our clients benefit from the global experience, knowledge and technology of the largest tensile membrane structure company in the world.
Research and development is invested in new materials, technologies and innovations at the Taiyo Kogyo testing facility in Japan, the latest developments can be seen first-hand at the MakMax Flex Experience Centre in Osaka and the group directly employs academic staff who lecture at leading universities.
40 Years Of Australian Innovation;
100 Years Of Tensile Membrane Knowledge.
MakMax has been continually operating in Australia for over 40 years. Originally formed in 1984 as Shade Structures Pacific, MakMax Australia pioneered the tensile membrane industry in Australia. Some of our earliest projects were the innovative shade structures for the 1988 World Expo in Brisbane and at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
In 2001, Shade Structures Pacific merged with US tensile membrane leaders Birdair, with both companies then becoming members of the Taiyo Kogyo group two years later. Founded in 1922 in Japan as the Nohmura Tent Company and rebranding as Taiyo Kogyo Corporation in 1947, TKG is the largest membrane company in the world. Taiyo Kogyo has a global reputation for technical innovation, with worldwide offices and fabrication facilities, as well as a cutting-edge R&D testing centre in Japan. United under one global company, the group shares an extensive expertise, testing, knowledge and resource base.
Initially known as Taiyo Membrane Corporation when we joined Taiyo Kogyo, the MakMax Australia brand name was adopted shortly after. We still maintain our strong local expertise, and today, MakMax Australia is the market leader in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of custom fabric structures and commercial umbrellas. We create unique award-winning tensile membrane structures in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and take an active role in many global projects as part of TKG.
What Our Clients Say
MakMax Australia partners with architects, consulting engineers and directly with clients to develop concepts into bespoke designs. Our clients range from developers and construction companies to government departments and municipalities.
We work directly with organisations from many market sectors including hospitality, tourism and entertainment venue owners, building and retail centre management companies, mining and agricultural corporations and commercial vehicle distributors.
Wahroonga Adventist School
“We had been delighted with every step of the way. MakMax were very professional and also very timely. They were able to work within the restrictions that we had and constraints, and the actual construction time was very short. I would highly recommend Mack Max if you are considering something like this for your school.”
Julia Heise, Wahroonga Adventist School Principal
Perth Airport Premium Carpark
“I’d like to express my gratitude for the outstanding work MakMax has delivered throughout this project. The meticulous planning, organization, adherence to timelines, and the consistent delivery of high-quality results have been truly commendable.
MakMax performance has been exemplary and, without a doubt, sets a standard for future projects.”
Lizeth Gomez, Commercial Lead / Senior Engineer, West Coast Civil
City of Geelong Bowls Club
” In my estimation MakMax Australia has the most superior product on the market, their engineering is far superior to what is available in the market and their dome cover product has an exceptional life span, their after sales service is excellent.
The installation of the MakMax Australia bowling green canopy dome at the City Of Geelong Bowls club has enabled the club to play night-time pennant matches and also carry out evening barefoot bowls sessions, which are a great revenue source for the club. The club is also able to conduct bowls sessions irrespective of the weather once again the club is able to continue to have a revenue stream when other clubs have to cancel events.
The dome has given the club a high profile within the district, as it has become a highly recognizable structure and it is easy to market the club using the dome as a marketing tool; for example, we are now the City Thunder taken from the thunder dome.”
Daryl Marendaz, City of Geelong Bowls club
Merthyr Bowls Club
“We met with MakMax to help us configure a new customized design that would both not only protect every customer from the elements, but enhance their enjoyment of this historic boutique setting. They presented a single modular shade and waterproof structure that created such a beautiful shade canopy, we highlight this as a feature on our promotional materials. MakMax’s shade structure has allowed Merthyr bowls to offer year round functions. Their assistance with DA, BA and city council in guiding us to our new look was invaluable“. Read more on the Merthyr Bowls Club Case Study …
Phil Shilvock, General Manager
Moama Bowling Club
“When Moama Bowling Club made the decision to engage MakMax Australia to deliver our Bowling Green Shade Cover, it was based on their ability, experience and reputation within the industry. It was also became evident to us, when discussing the finer points of construction, engineering and project detail that MakMax would deliver a superior service and product. MakMax have an in-house team of qualified engineers, drafts people and architects. They were responsive to our club’s needs, capable of customising our structure, delivering a final product that would enhance our club, maximise green usage and with the best price.”
Liam Fleming, Operations Manager
Torrensville Bowling Club
“The dome cover has given us surety of play during the winter months after resuming from COVID-19. It has also given us surety of play for events/tournaments we plan for the future”.
Brenton Rolton, Secretary – Torrensville Bowling Club, South Australia
Would You Like More Information?
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements. We are the market leader in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of custom fabric structures for a wide variety of applications and industries. We have extensive project experience and offer endless possibilities when it comes to custom design solutions to meet your needs.