Project overview: Construction of sun and rain shelter system at UD Town Shopping Center
Project sunshade at UD Town Shopping Center, Thailand is a large-scale, complex tensile membrane architectural work. The work is designed as a giant dome system, covering the entire central square area, combining the main load-bearing steel dome structure and the auxiliary tensile membrane system, creating a multi-purpose public space and an architectural symbol for the area.
- Investor: UD Town
- Category: Architectural canopy for central square
- Structure: Steel arch structural system and suspended inverted funnel-shaped tensile membrane modules
- Main materials: PVDF membrane, space steel truss structure
- Location: Udon Thani, Thailand
Technical Requirements Analysis & Project Context
The project was developed with the aim of creating a covered plaza space that can be used for a variety of major events and community activities in all weather conditions. The main technical requirements include:
- Overshoot Extreme: The most important requirement was that the roof structure must be able to span the entire span of the plaza without any supporting columns in between, creating a completely open, flexible space.
- Creating Iconic Architecture: The canopy must be a unique and impressive design, acting as an architectural highlight and an identifying symbol for the UD Town shopping center.
- Full Coverage Function: Must ensure effective sun and rain protection for a large area, protecting visitors and activities taking place below.
- Optimizing Natural Light: Despite the cover, the canopy still needs to allow natural light to diffuse through, keeping the space below bright and vibrant during the day.
Technical Solutions and Implementation Process
To solve the above complex technical problem, a unique two-layer structural solution was designed and constructed.
Main Structural System: Truss Arch
The core technical solution is to use a system of truss arches to span the large span of the square. The truss design optimizes the load-bearing capacity of the steel structure, allowing for large-span arches while maintaining their elegance. This is the main load-bearing structure for the entire roof, ensuring stability and safety.
Secondary Structure System: Inverted Funnel Tension Membrane Suspended
The direct roof is made up of a series of inverted funnel-shaped tensile membrane modules. Rather than being supported from below, the modules are suspended from the main steel arch above. This solution creates an interesting geometric ceiling surface, while integrating an efficient drainage system at the center of each funnel, ensuring the space below remains dry.
PVDF Engineering Materials
The stretch film material is high-grade PVDF, which is UV-resistant, waterproof and has a long service life. The translucent properties of the material help diffuse natural light, creating a bright and pleasant space. This is the standard material for projects architectural stretch canvas large scale
Results and Performance Evaluation
Project sunshade UD Town has succeeded in creating a multi-functional and iconic public space, bringing many practical values:
- In terms of architecture and identity: The project with its unique design has become a modern architectural icon, significantly enhancing the value and appeal of the shopping center.
- About function and versatility: Providing a large, flexible covered plaza space, allowing for large-scale events such as fairs and concerts in all weather conditions.
- About user experience: Create a comfortable, cool and attractive public space, encouraging customers to spend more time sightseeing, shopping and entertaining.
- On technical efficiency: The double-layer structural solution has proven to be highly effective in constructing extremely large span structures safely and aesthetically.
Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform specializes in providing architectural design and construction solutions for tensile membranes for commercial, public and large-scale projects with complex technical requirements. For detailed advice on your project, please contact our engineering team directly.
Contact information:
Company: Flexiiform
Website: https://flexiiform.vn
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