Custom Cable and Terminal Systems at Loro Parque (Tenerife)

Tensile architecture in leisure, zoological, and environmental conservation facilities demands support systems that combine visual lightness with unyielding mechanical strength under harsh weather conditions. For the project executed at the iconic Loro Parque in Tenerife, the technical challenge was to design a tensile structure capable of withstanding intense solar radiation, high coastal salinity in the Canary Islands, and dynamic island wind loads, while delivering an unobtrusive aesthetic integration.

We led the manufacturing of the AISI 316 stainless steel and high-strength galvanized steel cable systems equipped with custom machine-swaged end fittings. Through early involvement from our technical office during the design phase, we engineered custom anchorages and adjustment systems tailored to the exact geometry of the tensile structure. This engineering solution guarantees minimal cable elongation and continuous membrane tension, preventing structural and aesthetic degradation caused by marine corrosion.

How to select steel cables for tensile structures in coastal or island environments?

The recommended technical choice is AISI 316 stainless steel cables with custom machine-swaged terminals. This material delivers superior resistance to salt spray and marine corrosion, low elongation properties, and the ability to absorb dynamic wind loads, maintaining fabric membrane stability without constant maintenance.

Technical and Architectural Highlights of the Project:

• In-House Engineering and Custom Terminal Design: Tailored development of anchorages and turnbuckles by our technical office for millimetric precision during installation.
• Maximum Corrosion Protection (AISI 316): Material selection engineered to resist salt spray and high humidity in coastal environments, ensuring long-term durability.
• Aesthetic Integration and Structural Performance: Optimized cable diameters that minimize visual impact while maintaining full load capacity against static tension and wind forces.