Efficient, Aesthetic, Sustainable, and Cost-Effective: The Future of Membrane Facades

    Membrane materials have increasingly been used for building facades, offering a range of benefits such as fast installation, low construction costs, and effective surface coverage that enhances both aesthetics and signage. As a result, mesh membrane materials are commonly found in commercial centers, cultural hubs, exhibition halls, and sports venues.

     One popular option is the use of perforated mesh membrane, which features a wider spacing between base fibers and a partial coating, resulting in a certain perforation rate (20–70%). This material has high transparency (30-70%), allowing natural light to penetrate while maintaining excellent shading and decorative effects. Alternatively, semi-transparent membranes can be used for different applications, offering a balance of light diffusion and energy efficiency.

Project Case 1: Germany Pavilion at Expo 2010, Shanghai
    The Germany Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo covered an area of 6,000 m². The facade was constructed using high-strength PTFE membrane with a Ferrari metal silver coating and 28% perforation. Approximately 21,000 m² of membrane material was stretched over the pavilion’s roof and surrounding walls. This membrane effectively blocked up to 80% of sunlight radiation, significantly reducing the building’s cooling load while allowing natural light to enter. As a result, the pavilion's energy efficiency was greatly improved.

Project Case 2: Germany Pavilion at Expo 2015, Milan
    At the Milan Expo 2015, the Germany Pavilion also utilized membrane structures as a key material in its design. This highlighted the growing recognition and use of flexible textile technology in architectural design, demonstrating its adaptability and sustainability for global expos.

Project Case 3: Xinhe R&D Design Center
    The Xinhe R&D Design Center, with a total building area of 61,000 m², features a semi-transparent membrane facade that allows 40% of light to pass through. The PTFE membrane is installed at a distance from the building, reducing sunlight intensity and providing ventilation during hot seasons, while still allowing for natural light inside. This innovative facade design ensures both energy efficiency and comfort for office spaces.

Foshan Century Lotus Sports Center: A Masterpiece of Membrane Roof Design

The Foshan Century Lotus Sports Center, located in Foshan New City, Guangdong Province, was built for the 12th Guangdong Provincial Games and has become a landmark of the city. The center, designed by the German firm GMP, covers 42 hectares and includes a stadium and a swimming and diving hall. The stadium, named "Century Lotus" for its lotus-shaped design, features a membrane roof that is both striking and functional.

The roof, which was completed in 2006, spans 310 meters in diameter and is made of PVDF membrane material. The structure includes a double-ring design: an inner tensile ring made of steel cables and an outer compression ring supported by concrete-filled steel pipes. The roof is designed to withstand the high humidity and tropical climate of Foshan, which is characterized by hot and damp conditions. The membrane's excellent durability and UV resistance are essential for enduring the region's challenging weather, with wind speeds reaching up to 28m/s.

The membrane structure not only provides superior environmental resistance but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the stadium, making it a recognizable symbol in Foshan. The roof's unique design allows for easy maintenance while offering optimal protection from the elements, contributing to the stadium’s long-lasting functionality and iconic status.