Project Overview: Double-layered Beach Restaurant Canopy at Sofitel Hua Hin
Project Beach restaurant canopy at Sofitel Hua Hin is a unique architectural solution, applying a double-skin roof system to create a coastal culinary space that is both transparent and has effective sun protection. The project combines transparent ETFE membrane and PVDF membrane, simultaneously solving the problem of visibility, shielding and heat control in harsh marine environments.
- Investor: Sofitel Hua Hin
- Category: Double layer canopy for coastal restaurant
- Structure: Steel structure system supporting ETFE membrane and PVDF membrane
- Main materials: ETFE membrane (inner layer), PVDF stretch membrane (outer layer)
- Location: Hua Hin, Thailand
Technical Requirements Analysis & Project Context
The project was set with a very complex technical requirement: to create a restaurant space that feels like being outdoors (transparent, sea view) but still has to be a closed space, can be air-conditioned and effectively shaded during the day. The main requirements include:
- Closed & transparent space: A completely transparent shell like glass is needed to create a closed space for air conditioning, while allowing customers to enjoy unlimited views of the sky and seascape.
- Heat control and sun protection: There must be an effective solution to block heat radiation and UV rays from sunlight during peak hours, ensuring the interior space is always cool.
- Minimalist, over-span structure: To maximize visibility, the load-bearing structure must be designed to be compact, capable of large spans without the need for many supporting columns.
- Marine environment resistance: The entire system must be durable, resistant to high winds and salt corrosion.
Technical Solutions and Implementation Process
To meet these seemingly contradictory requirements, a breakthrough technical solution, a two-layer roofing system, was designed and constructed, with each layer performing a specialized function.
Layer 1: Sealed Space with Transparent ETFE Film
The lower roof layer, which creates a sealed space, uses an ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) membrane. ETFE is a high-performance, ultra-lightweight polymer that is as transparent as glass but weighs only 1% compared to glass. This technical feature allows ETFE to span large spans with a minimalist frame (a main shaft and braces), creating an open, unobstructed interior space with panoramic views. This membrane ensures waterproofing and maintains temperature stability for the air conditioning system.
Layer 2: Sunshade with PVDF stretch film
Above the ETFE roof layer is an independent roofing system made of PVDF membrane in a conical shape. This second roof layer has the main function of heat insulation and UV radiation blocking, preventing harsh sunlight from shining directly on the ETFE membrane and the space below. This solution helps keep the interior space cool during the day. In the evening, this sunshade can be lit up, creating a beautiful visual effect without losing the view of the starry sky from inside. This is a high-tech application of architectural stretch canvas.
Results and Performance Evaluation
Project Beach restaurant canopy The two layers at Sofitel Hua Hin have created a unique culinary space that delivers outstanding results in many ways:
- About function: Successfully meeting the dual requirements of being both an air-conditioned indoor space and a completely open-to-nature feel, the restaurant can operate at full capacity in all weather conditions.
- About customer experience: Offering a unique dining experience, allowing diners to dine “under the stars” at night and in a bright, cool space during the day.
- On energy efficiency: The outer PVDF sunshade layer acts as a heat shield, significantly reducing the load on the air conditioning system, saving energy costs.
- In terms of architecture: The project has become a unique architectural icon, enhancing the value and distinction of the Sofitel Hua Hin brand.
Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform specializes in providing complex tensile membrane architectural design and construction solutions that require highly technical solutions. For detailed advice on your project, please contact our engineering team directly.
Contact information:
Company: Flexiiform
Website: https://flexiiform.vn
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