San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Phase 1

ETFE Canopies for Safety and Security

Vector Foiltec installed the primary and secondary entrance canopies during the first phase of construction
of the new San Ysidro Land Port of Entry. The Texlon^® ETFE canopies act as a shield from both rain and sun and the translucent properties provide natural light. It was important that the canopies provided shade to the officers, but unlike solid roof structures, also allowed natural light through for enhanced visibility.

The US General Services Administration (GSA) hired Miller Hull to create a master plan for three phases of
development and set ambitious ‘green’ targets. On a net annualized basis, the buildings will provide as
much power as they consume in all the occupied spaces, the first facility open 24 hours a day, seven days
a week, 365 days a year, to achieve this in the United States.

Spanning Long Distances

The choice of Texlon^® ETFE for the two canopies, one long and shallow at 750ft x 60ft, and one 300ft x
180ft, also contributed to the green building certification program LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) goals of this project. Texlon^® ETFE has low levels of embodied energy,
combined with adaptability in terms of natural ventilation, thermal insulation and light transmittance.
The architect was able to keep the structure as thin as possible at just two feet deep, while also spanning
the very long distances without intermediate structures.

Material Success

This port of entry is the busiest port of entry in the Western Hemisphere. Modernizing the port was essential in keeping a fluid flow of traffic into and out of Mexico without impeding daily transit. In addition, the material was such success that it was also incorporated into Phase 2: East Pedestrian Building (PedEast) – Completed August 2018 and Phase 3: Southbound I-5 Realignment & Northbound Vehicular Inspection – Completed Winter of 2019.

Are you looking for an effective solution to your port of entry project? Let us know how we can help. Click here for more information about Texlon^® ETFE.