Vector Foiltec are delighted to announce that we have completed our
contract to design and build the National Aquatics Centre for the 2008 Olympics
in Beijing.
This prestigious project with the Head Contractor, China
State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), comprises over 100,000sqm
of ETFE foils making this the single largest ETFE structure in the world to
date.
Designed by CSCEC International Design and
Australian Architects, Peddle Thorp Walker, in conjunction with Arup Engineers,
The Beijing National Aquatics Centre has already been the focus of major
international interest and accolade.
The National Aquatics Centre is located in the
heart of Beijing
and will be directly opposite the main stadium complex. It will host the
swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming competitions and other
events for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Vector Foiltec has pioneered the use of Texlon
ETFE, the climatic envelope, successfully developing and promoting the use of
this innovative technology Worldwide.
The Texlon ETFE Cladding System offers designers unparalleled
opportunities in the development of the climatic envelope.
Texlon ETFE consists of pneumatic cushions
restrained in aluminium extrusions and supported by a lightweight structure.
The cushions are inflated with low-pressure air to provide insulation and
resist wind loads.
The cushions are manufactured from multiple layers of a modified
co-polymer called ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (ETFE). Originally developed
for the space industry, the material is unique in that it does not degrade
under ultra-violet light or atmospheric pollution.