Project overview: Construction of 7-Eleven PTT Ramintra convenience store canopy
Project Convenience store canopy The 7-Eleven at PTT Ramintra Gas Station is a unique tensile membrane architectural solution, using a 'flying mast' structure. The project is designed to create an impressive architectural highlight for the facade, while solving the problem of open space, providing a completely covered area unobstructed by supporting columns, optimizing access for customers.
- Investor: 7-Eleven (Thailand) / PTT Group
- Category: Architectural canopy for lobby area
- Structure: Conical membrane with flying mast structure
- Main materials: PVDF stretch film, steel structure, high strength steel cable
- Location: Ram Inthra, Bangkok, Thailand
Technical Requirements Analysis & Project Context
The project is implemented for a small-frontage convenience store, located in the context of a high-traffic commercial area or service station. The main technical requirements include:
- Maximize Open Space: The most important technical requirement is that the lobby area must be completely column-free to ensure clear and safe passageways and parking areas.
- Create Aesthetic Highlights: Canopies must have a modern, eye-catching design to create a strong brand identity element, attracting customers in a competitive environment.
- Cost Effective Structure: The solution must be economical and suitable for the investment scale of a retail business model.
- Durability and Low Maintenance: Structures and materials must have a long life (over 10 years), be weather resistant and require little maintenance.
Technical Solutions and Implementation Process
To solve the problem of space and aesthetics, a "flying column" tensile membrane structural solution was selected and deployed.
Flying Mast Structural Solution
The project’s groundbreaking technical solution is a ‘flying mast’ structure. A central steel column is used to support the top of the cone-shaped tensile membrane. However, instead of being anchored to the ground and obstructing the view, the steel column is suspended and stabilized by a system of high-strength steel cables, anchored to the solid structure of the building. This solution completely eliminates the ground support column, creating a completely open covered space and a unique ‘floating’ visual effect.
PVDF Engineering Materials
The stretch film material is high-grade PVDF, with a design life of over 10 years, fire resistance, UV resistance and anti-fading. The PVDF coated surface has self-cleaning ability, reducing maintenance costs. This is the optimal material solution for projects. architectural stretch canvas commerce.
Structural and Anchoring Systems
The edges of the tensile membrane are anchored directly to the storefront. The suspension cable system and anchor points are carefully calculated using specialized software to withstand the tensile force from the membrane and wind loads, ensuring safety and stability for the entire structure.
Results and Performance Evaluation
Project Convenience store canopy 7-Eleven has brought about a highly innovative and effective architectural solution:
- On space efficiency: The 'flying column' solution has completely solved the space problem, creating a spacious, safe and unobstructed lobby area.
- In terms of aesthetics and branding: The unique design has become an architectural highlight, helping the store stand out, attract customers and enhance the brand image.
- Technically: The project is a testament to the ability to apply complex tensile membrane structural solutions to small-scale but highly technical projects.
- About investment efficiency: Providing a sustainable, low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing solution at a reasonable cost, bringing long-term value to the investor.
Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform specializes in providing architectural design and construction solutions.
