The significant logistical challenges which had to be overcome during the construction of the atrium fabric structure to the Genesis building, finally contributed to make this project a huge success.

The first challenge was the short time constraints of the installation. Due to the unpredictable winds in Gauteng, the installation of this enormous atrium membrane had to be executed in one day.

Secondly, the size and layout of the building necessitated the use of a very large crane to lower the heavy fabric into the building atrium from an open area behind the building, 50m away. Because of the existence of an underground parking garage, the entrance to the building could not be the used as the access point for fabric installation. Once the crane was positioned correctly, the next challenge was to lower the large fabric membrane and flying masts carefully into the atrium area. To assist with the lowering of the fabric, Tension Structures built a truss which was attached to the two lattice masts to keep the correct distance between the cones while the fabric was being lowered into the atrium.

As the fabric was lowered down, it was met by most of the installation team on the surrounding roofs to attach the fabric to the side walls, while two of the team were suspended from ropes to stabilise the masts from below.

A flying mast and cable system was used to support and tension the fabric from the lattice mast bases to the perimeter walls. The flying masts form an interesting design feature to the tensile fabric structure, while also performing an important structural function.

Although the job was technically challenging, the aesthetic result of introducing a powerful fabric structure component enhances the unique ambiance of the building, as well as being friendlier to the environment by saving electricity on the atrium lighting.