Current situation and Solution: Tensile Facade ETFE – Elevating architecture with smart materials
In modern architecture, the demand for building materials not only meets the standards of durability and safety but also optimizes natural light and brings high aesthetics. Traditional solutions often face limitations in balancing the ability to shield and transmit light. To solve this problem, Tensile Facade ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) has emerged as an advanced material solution, providing transparency and effective shielding, while optimizing costs and energy efficiency for buildings.
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Technical Requirements Analysis & Solution Context
Modern architectural works, especially large public spaces such as airports, train stations, and stadiums, require cladding materials to meet many complex technical requirements. These include the ability to block out rain and sunlight, maximum light transmission, light weight to reduce the load on the frame structure, high fire resistance, durability over time, and low maintenance costs. Traditional glass materials are often heavy, difficult to form complex shapes, and can break when subjected to large impacts. Therefore, an alternative solution is needed that is more flexible, safer, and more energy-efficient and economical.
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Technical Solutions
Tensile Facade ETFE is a transparent, highly translucent polymer membrane widely used in roofing systems, facades and other covering structures. This solution is based on a flexible air cushion structure, bringing many outstanding technical advantages.
Structure and Operating Principle
The design of a Tensile Facade ETFE typically consists of two or more layers of ETFE membrane, between which air is injected at a certain pressure. The injected air forms inflated cushion pockets, shaping the surface and maintaining the gloss of the roof or facade system. The internal air pressure gives the air cushions their lightweight properties, while providing effective insulation. This structure can be manufactured and constructed in any shape or size, limited only by local wind or snow loads.
Outstanding Advantages of ETFE Material
- Lightweight and Flexible Structure: With a much lighter weight than glass, ETFE significantly reduces the load on the frame structure and foundation, allowing the design of large span and complex shape structures.
- Fire Safety: ETFE is a low-flammability material with self-extinguishing properties, meeting high standards for fire safety. This is the main reason why this material is preferred for use in large public spaces such as airports, train stations, and sports centers.
- Cost-effective and highly durable: Tensile Facade ETFE stands out for its superior durability, with a lifespan of up to 30 years. This material is not affected by UV rays, weathering, or environmental pollution, and does not become brittle or discolored over time. This helps investors save maximum maintenance and upkeep costs throughout the life of the project.
- Maximum Light Transmission and Insulation: Despite providing minimal insulation properties, ETFE has the ability to transmit maximum natural light, creating bright and airy interior spaces. This helps to reduce artificial lighting costs and save energy.
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Application and Effectiveness Evaluation Project
Tensile Facade ETFE is an ideal choice for projects requiring abundant natural light and open space. Projects covered by ETFE roofing or facade systems will be very bright and airy, helping to maximize savings in steel frame size and foundation area. Typical global projects that have successfully applied Tensile Facade ETFE include:
- Allianz Arena Stadium (Munich, Germany): Famous for its ETFE roof system with multi-color LED lighting.
- Olympic Water Cube Arena (Beijing, China): Built for the 2008 Olympic Games, demonstrates the unique shaping capabilities of ETFE.
- Eden Project (Cornwall, UK): An ecological greenhouse complex using ETFE to create a controlled environment for flora.
These projects demonstrate the versatility, performance and architectural potential of Tensile Facade ETFE, which has attracted great interest from architects worldwide.
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Contact Technical Consulting
FlexiiForm is proud to be a prestigious and experienced unit in Vietnam in the field of design and construction of Tensile Facade ETFE projects and other tensioned fabric solutions. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, along with a team of skilled architects and engineers, trained according to international standards (formerly from FasTech company), FlexiiForm is committed to providing optimal technical solutions and the highest quality for all projects. To learn more about architectural tensioned membrane solutions and receive in-depth advice, please contact FlexiiForm via phone number +84 867 868 830 or visit our official website at FlexiiForm.vn.
