In recent years, the use of ETFE has been particularly popular in the construction of new build schools. Hailed as environmentally friendly, architecturally aesthetic and cost effective it is not surprising that it has been included in both single ply and cushion form. The atrium area, which forms the intersection of five school buildings, needed to be covered for one simple reason to provide an open but dry space for students and staff to gather, socialize and learn.
Without a requirement for insulation, with a need to keep costs down and with a desire to maintain natural light, single ply ETFE provided a good solution. Although Architen Landrell was not involved in the original design of the scheme, the design team worked extremely hard on the detailing of the structure. We carefully analysed the ETFE membrane and made some improvements to the form to address some initial design issues. We worked hard to improve the perimeter detailing in the areas of the cable connections and ensure that the ETFE would fit onto the steelwork accurately.
The ETFE was supported by a cable net to accommodate the larger spans. These were inserted through pockets on the underside of the fabric and the intertwining of the lateral and longitudinal cable mesh helps the fabric resist snow loads and wind uplift. Additionally, a study was carried out on the support cable locations which found that additional cables were needed in certain locations again to avoid problems with ponding.
The perimeter of the ETFE is fixed to the steelwork using aluminium and silicon rubber extrusions attached with stainless steel fixings developed by Architen Landrell specifically for ETFE.
As a high level structure, the ETFE was installed over working nets to ensure safety at all times during the construction phase. Single ply ETFE has massive, and somewhat untapped potential for creating interesting and dynamic structures in a range of settings and with a variety of effects. The installed structure at Radclyffe School is proof that it is possible to create an ETFE roof using the simplest of shapes, even with minimal curvature, but without losing any of the architectural impact.
ETFE cushions are finally being recognized as a striking piece of architecture in themselves, not just being chosen to form roof structures and rooflights they can be used to create striking canopies. Blurring the division between the inside and the outside somewhat, they are as much a feature in themselves as a method of construction.
At the brand new Westfield White City Shopping development in East London, it was important to the client to achieve eye catching design as well as practicality.
The North West Bus Interchange forms one of the main entrances to the shopping complex and is a valuable location for boosting general awareness of the use of ETFE cushions. The two layer ETFE cushions form the main canopy and span approximately 60m by 18m and the two layers are continually inflated using high-tech inflation system to create the bubble-like cushion form. The translucency of the membrane proves the feeling of a traditional bus shelter is a long way from this reality, however the practicalities of weather protection are not lost.
The double skinned cushions include drainage to a central gutter and are supported by safety cables in case the power supply fails during storm conditions. Each individual cushion was specifically designed in order to be easily removable for replacement if necessary.
The even bubble-like look of the ETFE cushions is largely down to the detailed patterning of the separate skins. By increasing the diagonal length of the fabric, the curve of cushions at maximum inflation can be predicted and controlled and any creases can be avoided. At North West Bus Interchange , the inflation unit is the systems crowning feature. An intelligent system designed to provide maximum information and flexibility for us and for the client, it is simply not in the same league as the more traditional ETFE inflation systems.
Previously, a crude pressure switch would detect low pressure in the cushions and turn on all fans at maximum speed until optimum pressure was achieved.
Naturally, the pressure would decrease over time and the fans would constantly repeat this process, draining energy and putting unnecessary strain on the equipment. Pages Introduction: Pleasure, Power and Payload. Risk and Reliability. Soft Structure. The Performative Skin. Environmongery:The Variable Skin. Life safety. The communicative skin. ETFE foil has recently become an important material for the cladding of technologically sophisticated and innovative buildings.
This material is very thin and lightweight and, when used in air-filled cushion assemblies, has enormous strength and a range of adaptive environmental attributes. This book is conceived as an in-depth introduction to the characteristics of ETFE and its applications in construction. Project examples explore in detail the specific characteristics of ETFE building skins in the areas of structural behavior, light transmission, insulation, acoustics, fire engineering and environmental modification.
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