What is a Fixed Edge Cone?
The fixed edge cone represents the most structurally disciplined and spatially precise form within the conical membrane family. Where the cable edge cone embraces the freedom of a flowing catenary boundary, the fixed edge cone is governed by a different design logic entirely — one defined by rigid, physical boundary edges that determine the perimeter geometry of the membrane with absolute precision.
In a fixed edge cone, the boundary of the tensile membrane is not shaped by cable tension or catenary geometry. It is shaped by the physical structural frame — tubular steel members, aluminium extrusions, catered lock profiles or other rigid fixing systems that define the exact perimeter of the covered space.
The membrane is mounted directly onto these fixed edges, taking the form of the structural frame rather than expressing its own natural tensile curvature.
The result is a conical membrane whose boundary geometry is clean, defined and architecturally controlled — a square, rectangular or triangular plan perimeter from which the conical form rises with precision and purpose.
Twin Cone Curved
Where twin peaks and flowing curves unite to create a tensile structure that balances engineering precision with architectural elegance.
The Geometry — Defined by the Space, Shaped by the Cone
The fixed edge cone begins not with the cone itself but with the space it must cover. The plan geometry of the available ground area — whether square, rectangular or triangular — defines the boundary within which the conical form is designed and engineered.
This is a fundamental distinction from the cable edge cone: in a fixed edge installation, the roofing area cannot be compromised. The membrane must cover the full extent of the defined boundary — edge to edge, corner to corner — without reduction or adjustment for tensile curvature preferences.
This makes the fixed edge cone the preferred — and often the only — solution for:
- Spaces where the full plan area must be covered without exception
- Atrium openings and building apertures where the structural boundary is already defined by the architecture
- Landscape zones and outdoor areas with rigid perimeter constraints
- Modular and standardised product applications where consistent, repeatable geometry is required
The design process for a fixed edge cone at MECANCO begins with a precise understanding of the plan boundary and the structural fixing conditions — followed by the engineering of the conical geometry, the fixing detail design and the selection of the appropriate edge profile system for that specific installation.
Edge Fixing Systems
The fixed edge detail is one of the most technically considered aspects of every fixed edge cone installation. At MECANCO, the appropriate fixing system is selected and specifically workshop-detailed for each project — with options including:
Tubular Steel Edge Members
Structural steel tubes defining the perimeter frame onto which the membrane is mounted and tensioned.
Aluminium Extrusion Profiles
Precision-extruded aluminium edge profiles that provide a clean, refined fixing detail with a high-quality architectural finish.
Catered Lock Systems
Specialist locking profiles that secure the membrane edge with consistent tension and a concealed fixing appearance.
Custom Workshop-Detailed Fixing Profiles
Where standard fixing systems do not meet the specific requirements of a project, MECANCO's design studio develops custom edge profiles engineered precisely for that installation.
In every case, the fixing detail is designed to secure the membrane correctly, maintain the appropriate tension across the conical form and deliver a finished edge that is as architecturally refined as the structure it borders.
Applications & Utility
Fixed edge conical membranes serve a wide range of applications — particularly those where spatial precision, full coverage and architectural control are the governing requirements.
Atrium & Building Aperture Covers
Fixed edge cones are ideally suited to covering atrium openings, courtyard apertures and internal building voids where the structural boundary is defined by the existing architecture and the full opening must be covered without compromise.
Modular Gazebo & Pavilion Structures
Many of MECANCO's modular product offerings incorporate fixed edge cone geometry — delivering consistent, repeatable and easily deployable covered structures for residential, commercial and hospitality environments.
Landscape Zone Coverings
Outdoor areas with defined perimeter boundaries — garden zones, terrace areas and public plazas — where the full plan area must be sheltered within the given boundary.
Commercial & Retail Entrance Canopies
Fixed edge cone canopies above entrance zones where the architectural language demands a clean, defined overhead form rather than a free-flowing tensile expression.
Residential Pergola & Terrace Coverings
Fixed geometry conical coverings for private outdoor spaces where the boundary is defined by walls, columns or landscape elements.
Institutional & Public Facilities
Covered gathering spaces, walkway canopies and outdoor shelters where the fixed edge form delivers a controlled, maintained and easily understood architectural statement.
Technical Specifications
Structure Type
Fixed edge conical membrane — single cone, twin cone or modular series configurations.
Boundary System
Rigid fixed edge — tubular steel, aluminium extrusion, catered lock or custom workshop-detailed profiles.
Plan Geometry
Square, rectangular or triangular — defined by site boundary or structural frame.
Edge Detail
No cable components on boundary edges — membrane mounted directly onto fixed structural frame.
Mast System
Central mast configuration — single or twin mast depending on application.
Membrane Material
Type 1 or Type 2 PVDF coated tensile fabric — selected per project requirements.
Membrane Fixing
Aluminium extrusion profiles, lock systems or custom profiles — workshop-detailed per project.
Coverage
Full plan area coverage — boundary edge to boundary edge, no tensile curvature compromise.
Modular Options
Available in standardised modular configurations for gazebo, pavilion and repeatable installation applications.
Customisation
Bespoke geometry, edge profile, mast height and membrane colour available for all non-modular applications.
Our Edge
At MECANCO, this is a challenge we approach with the same rigour and design sensitivity we bring to every tensile form. Our workshop detailing for fixed edge installations is particularly precise — because the quality of a fixed edge cone is ultimately determined by the quality of its edge detail.
Every profile selection, every fixing method and every membrane mounting sequence is specifically engineered for the project at hand — ensuring that the finished installation is as clean in its edge detail as it is considered in its overall form.
Whether it is a modular gazebo, a building atrium cover or a bespoke architectural installation, the objective remains the same: to create a tensile structure whose engineering discipline is visible in every edge, every connection and every carefully resolved detail.