Completed in 2020 in Adelaide, Ronstan Tensile Architecture was involved in the design and construction of the Regency Road to Pym Street pedestrian bridge as part of the Regency to Pym Alliance (R2P Alliance). The pedestrian bridge was one component of a larger scale infrastructure project which had an overall goal of “Linking South Australia”. The full project put forth by the R2P Alliance also included new roadways and traffic patterns, greatly improving both travel efficiency and access to the surrounding community and local businesses.
Ronstan Tensile Architecture had existing relationships with various members of the R2P Alliance including Cox Architects and Mott McDonald, both of whom had previously worked with Ronstan on another pedestrian bridge at Flinders University. Happy with the results of the mesh used at Flinders, Cox Architects suggested that Carl Stahl X-Tend® tensile mesh would be a good choice for the Pym Street Bridge as well.
Traditionally, a pedestrian bridge would utilize a rigid safety barrier such as a weld mesh. Unlike a rigid mesh or barrier, Carl Stahl X-Tend® Mesh is a flexible mesh that works in tension and will deflect significantly under load. However, with proper engineering and specified aperture, the tensile mesh can withstand the same applied loads as a rigid mesh could and satisfies all safety and compliance. It acts as a flexible net and can span larger areas than a rigid panel, providing a clean, seamless appearance. After extensive review, South Australia’s Department of Planning, Transport, and Infrastructure (also known as the DPTI) approved Carl Stahl X-Tend® Mesh for use as safety barrier on the Pym Street Pedestrian Bridge.
The final result was one to be proud of: a 57m long walking bridge spanning across the North-South Motorway and the largest bridge span ever to be built offsite and moved for installation in South Australia. Further details unique to this project include the use of stainless steel strips woven through the mesh on one side of the bridge overlooking private residences. The stainless strips provide privacy for the homeowners while retaining the overall appearance and transparency of the mesh safety barrier. Ronstan Tensile Architecture is the exclusive distributor of Carl Stahl X-Tend® Mesh in Australasia.
For more information on Carl Stahl X-Tend® Mesh, please download the online catalogue or contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss your upcoming project with you.
All images and video © Harry Fisher, Down Under Sail
