Project Overview: Construction of large-span square canopy at Air Asia Headquarters
Project square canopy at Air Asia Headquarters is a large-scale tensile membrane structure designed to cover the central atrium space. The project applies a large-span steel arch structural solution, creating a covered, multi-functional and naturally lit common space that acts as the “heart” of the entire office complex.
- Investor: Air Asia Group
- Category: Architectural canopy for central plaza/atrium
- Structure: Steel vault truss and membrane structure system
- Main materials: High performance PVDF/PTFE stretch film, steel truss structure
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Assumed)
Technical Requirements Analysis & Project Context
The project was implemented with the goal of creating a large-scale covered common space, a place for communication, event organization and a connecting center for the entire headquarters. 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 multi-level atrium space without any supporting columns in between, creating a large and flexible common space.
- Ultra-lightweight and Economical Construction: For such a large span, the use of a structural solution with low self-weight is extremely important to optimize the building's main load-bearing structure and reduce foundation costs.
- Optimizing Natural Light: The canopy must be translucent to allow natural light to diffuse deep into the building, creating a bright and pleasant working and living environment.
- Effective Construction: The construction process needs to be optimized in terms of time and logistics to fit the overall schedule of a large-scale construction project.
Technical Solutions and Implementation Process
To meet the above requirements, a steel arch structural solution combined with a high performance tensile membrane was selected.
Barrel Vault Truss Structural Design
The technical solution chosen was a barrel vault. The canopy is formed by a series of curved steel trusses, placed parallel to each other to span the large aperture of the skylight. The truss design optimizes the load-bearing capacity, allowing the steel vaults to span large spans while maintaining architectural elegance. Tension membrane panels are installed and stretched between these steel trusses.
High Performance Stretch Film Materials
The cladding material is a high-grade architectural tensile membrane (PVDF or PTFE), which is lightweight and designed to last for decades. The translucent properties of the material allow natural light to diffuse into the space below, creating a bright working and living environment, significantly saving energy costs for lighting. The surface coating is self-cleaning, minimizing maintenance costs for a large roof system.
Construction and Assembly Process
All steel truss components and membrane panels are precisely machined at the factory. The erection process at the construction site is carried out by assembling each dome module, ensuring safety and precision for a large-scale structure. The use of architectural stretch canvas significantly shortens construction time for the covering part compared to traditional roofing solutions.
Results and Performance Evaluation
Project square canopy at Air Asia Headquarters has created a successful and effective architectural space, bringing many values to the project:
- On structural and economic efficiency: The ultra-lightweight tensile membrane solution has proven to be highly effective in economically constructing large span structures, helping to reduce the load and cost of the main structure.
- About space quality: Create an atrium space filled with diffused natural light, providing a high quality working and communal living environment.
- About function: Providing a large, flexible, covered communal space, ideal for internal events, exhibition areas or social activities.
- In terms of architecture: The canopy has become an architectural symbol, demonstrating the modernity, dynamism and stature of the Air Asia brand.
Contact Technical Consulting
Flexiiform specializes in providing architectural design and construction solutions for tensile membranes for large-scale projects, requiring over-spans and complex 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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