Project Overview: Construction of walkway canopy for Robinsons Place Manila building
Project building walkway canopy Robinsons Place Manila is a tensile membrane architectural solution specifically designed to be installed on an existing structure with many structural constraints. The project uses a lightweight structural system, supported by suspension cables, to create a continuous covered corridor without overloading the existing structure, while ensuring aesthetics and rapid construction progress.
- Investor: Robinsons Place Manila
- Category: Architectural Canopy for Outdoor Walkways
- Structure: Hypar tensile membrane system with cable-supported boom structure
- Main materials: PVDF stretch film, steel structure, high strength steel cable
- Location: Manila, Philippines
Technical Requirements Analysis & Project Context
The project was implemented on an existing commercial center, thus facing many strict technical limitations and challenges:
- Load Limitations: The existing balcony structure has a thin cross-section and is not designed to withstand the additional heavy load from a traditional roofing system (concrete, glass). Therefore, the new solution must have a minimum self-weight.
- Installation Space Limits: The area below the canopy is another walkway, so using large columns or beams to support it from below is not feasible.
- Fast Construction Requirements: Installation needs to be done quickly and simply so as not to disrupt business operations and customer movement at the shopping mall.
- Harmonious Design: The new canopy should have a curvaceous shape, following the curved contour of the existing balcony to create a unified architectural whole.
Technical Solutions and Implementation Process
To simultaneously solve the above complex problems, Flexiiform has come up with a smart technical solution, taking advantage of the advantages of tensile membrane architecture.
Cable Supported Lever Structure Design
The core technical solution is a structural system consisting of steel outriggers extending from the existing balcony boundary. Due to the thin cross-section of the balcony, which is not capable of withstanding large bending moments, these outriggers are supported by a system of high-strength steel cables suspended from anchor points on the upper floors. This solution helps to effectively transfer the roof load to the main load-bearing structure of the building without the need for supporting columns below, completely freeing up the space for walkways.
Hypar Stretch Film with Fixed Edge
The membrane is designed in the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid (hypar) and follows the curved contour of the balcony. One edge of the membrane is directly and continuously attached to the balcony edge (Fixed Edge attachment). The remaining corners are stretched to the ends of the lever system. This design not only creates a beautiful architectural shape but also ensures tension and stability for the membrane surface.
Lightweight and Sustainable Materials
The tensile membrane material is PVDF which is lightweight but has high tensile strength. The frame and arm system uses structural steel with anti-corrosion surface treatment. The cable and accessory system uses stainless steel to ensure longevity. This combination creates an ultra-light roofing system that perfectly meets the load requirements. This is a smart application of Stretch canvas structure.
Results and Performance Evaluation
Project building walkway canopy at Robinsons Place Manila successfully solved complex engineering challenges, delivering an optimal solution in all aspects:
- Technically: The ultra-lightweight, cable-supported structural solution has been successfully installed on a structure with limited load capacity, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the solution.
- About construction efficiency: The quick and neat installation process met the requirement of not interrupting the operation of the shopping center.
- About function: Provides effective sun and rain protection for walkways, enhancing customer comfort.
- Aesthetically: The new project creates a modern, elegant, harmonious architectural highlight and enhances the value of the building's facade.
Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform specializes in providing solutions for the design and construction of tensile membrane architecture, especially for renovation projects or installations on existing structures with complex technical requirements. For detailed advice on your project, please contact our engineering team directly.
Contact information:
Company: Flexiiform
Website: https://flexiiform.vn
Hotline/Email: [Your contact information]
