Tensile membrane structures are characteristically “lightweight” & characterised by having small mass to an applied load and are of the following types:
-Tensile Structure – characterised by the tensioning of the membrane.
-Frame Supported – comprises a membrane over a load bearing frame or structure.
-Air-Supported – a membrane structure supported by the pressurisation of the interior.
-Air-Inflated – uses air-pressurised membrane support members.
-Cable Net Structure – uses closely spaced cables to provide support for a membrane.
-Geodesic Dome Structure – Spherical, single or double layered shells made up of hexagons and pentagons.

Fabrics Types
There are 5 main types of fabric used for tensile fabric structures. These being:
-PVC polyester fabric is the most widely used &  cost effective fabric with 10-20 year life span. Have fire rating & light translucency properties.
-PTFE glass fabrics have 30 year life span, completely inert, not susceptible to UV degradation & non-combustible. Used for permanent structures only.
-ETFE foils are used in inflatable structures where thermal properties are important. Used for permanent structures.
-PVC glass fabrics are used for internal feature tensile sails.

Characteristics:
-Specific properties – non-flammable, UV resistant, opaque to transparent, self cleaning, etc
-Long Life – 25+ years
-Redeploy able
-Acoustic qualities
-Recyclable at end of product life
-Ecologically efficient
-Rapid construction – through high degree of off-site pre-fabrication
-Ease of transport and storage