Fabric Structures
Fabric Structures Ltd, formerly Fabric Shelter Systems, was established in 1990 by Warwick Bell and Graham Griffin and joined by James Mizen in 2010.
In 2015, Fabric Structure Systems and Structurflex merged their tensile architecture businesses to create Fabric Structures Ltd, combining over 60 years’ industry experience and knowledge, with James Mizen continuing as Managing Director.
Our highly-skilled, multidisciplinary team (based across two sites in Whangarei and West Auckland), provides expertise across every aspect of production, from a technical understanding of specialist textiles, best practice design/engineering processes, through to building consent applications and project delivery.
Innovation is at the heart of our culture, demonstrated through our award-winning bespoke local and international solutions, ranging from purpose-built architect-led solutions to design-led permanent structures.
At Fabric Structures, we collaborate with other industry-leading experts, including specialist tensile engineers, leading fabric suppliers, steel fabricators, local civil contractors and professional riggers.
Big enough to execute with excellence, but small enough to know you.
We build sustainable working relationships with our clients, collaborating closely with them to understand their needs and issues so that we can provide the best solutions. Read testimonials
Our Team
James Mizen
Managing Director
James’ expertise lies in general management and governance, with his true passion being business development. Prior to Fabric Structures, his career experience spans across property, finance and farming sectors.
James oversees the strategic direction of the business. He leads all major projects: establishing client relationships, commencing preliminary engineering, delivering project quotes and contracts. He is also responsible for Human Resources.
Graham Griffin
Project Engineer
Graham has 45 years’ manufacturing industry experience and 30 years’ specifically honing his fabric engineering expertise. Graham is involved in developing creative ideas and facilitating all design disciplines, through to project delivery.
He has vast CAD knowledge and is supported by a full design team. Graham is passionate about the industry, which has led to a track record of successful prestigious award-winning projects both in New Zealand and internationally.
Hamish
Designer Manager
Hamish joined Fabric Structures in 2003 after gaining a Diploma in Technology -Mechanical Engineering. His role at Fabric Structures involves liaising with local and international engineers, fabricators and subcontractors as well as managing factory resources through to the completion of projects.
Hamish is highly experienced with a wide selection of materials, including PVC and stainless-steel mesh and is proficient in a variety of different CAD programs including Form Z, AutoCAD and Form finder.
Kayne
Project Engineer
Kayne joined Fabric Structures in 2009.
With a background in Architectural Drafting, Kayne has successfully bridged the natural progression from concept design through to detailed solutions; instrumental in the execution of architectural projects.
Over the years Kayne’s knowledge has extended to new CAD technologies and through the application of these new technologies, Kayne is also able to conduct electronic site surveys.
Kane designs and manages projects from inception through to installation. He champions the prioritising of design sequences with regards to critical paths to project delivery. His most notable recent work is the intricate design, construction, and installation of three membranes covering classrooms at Green School in Taranaki, where traditional historic aspects are elegantly married to modern Tension Membrane technology.
Harry Kleyn
Design Engineer
Harry is deeply involved with the design processes of Fabric Structures, his multidisciplinary input helps to meld brave design concepts with the practicalities of robust engineering.
Watching progress from the “drawing board” to launch day is a satisfying experience for Harry, as is promoting the extraordinary versatility of Tension Membrane Structures.
Before being involved with Fabric Structures, Harry ran his own design consultancy and achieved a degree of national fame for Solar Energy design.
He holds a post graduate MTS Diploma in Building Techniques (Amsterdam) and a Diploma Architect IVA-SBA (Utrecht).
Harry regularly lectures on the use of Tension Membrane Structures in Architecture and is also a Professional Teaching Fellow at The School of Architecture, University of Auckland.
James Bunn
Project Engineer – Structurflex
James joined Structurflex in 2001 and has worked on all major local and overseas projects managing them from inception through to completion. These include engineering liaison, building consent management, procurement and site supervision.
To date James has worked on over 200,000 sqm of projects. The most notable projects for this tender would be the metal mesh projects for Auckland Zoo (Tasmanian Devil and Africa Escarpment), and currently the Wildbase Recovery Aviaries. Equally relevant is the recent carpark façade at The Crossings in Christchurch.
Our Partnership
Structurflex is one of the world’s leading producers of fabric and membrane products for transport, architectural, environmental and event use. We design and manufacture PVC, PTFE and ETFE solutions that set the global benchmark for performance.
FlexFacades by Structurflex offers a turnkey solution for architects, developers, and owners looking for a cost-effective way to create a signature exterior facade.
Palmer Canvas – Whangarei, New Zealand, specialize in one-off designs and are geared to mass-produce items to your specification using quality industrial fabrics and colour choices.
Membership
IFAI accepts as members companies from all over the world and from all aspects of the specialty fabrics industry value chain. Be connected with this organization that is committed to its members as well as the support and expansion of the speciality fabrics industry.
Site Safe New Zealand is dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries in construction. Incorporated in 1999 Site Safe is an independent, not-for-profit industry-wide organisation whose aim is to promote improvements in the health and safety practices of the construction industry.
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