Start /// Texlon® Structures
The Holistic Approach
Most people think of Vector Foiltec as the expert in ETFE cladding solutions. Vector Foiltec has also been the major innovator for structures designed for Texlon® ETFE cladding systems.
Why should you talk to us?
We take care of the:
- Design,
- Delivery, and
- Erection of your structure.
Once you allow us to understand the architectural intent of your building, our holistic approach to solving structural issues will bring you one step ahead. We understand the interaction between ETFE cladding and structure better than anyone else in the business. We use the specific properties of the two components for a perfectly designed end product.
We will never tell you why a project is impossible, we will just make it a reality.
Dr. Stefan Lehnert, Founder of Vector Foiltec
Picking the Right Sizes.
First, we define the optimum size and geometry of the Texlon® ETFE cladding elements. Important factors are the architectural intent, wind and snow loads, and some critical aspects of snow and water ponding. Texlon® ETFE elements generally end up large when you compare them to other cladding systems.
It is a continual sequence of events when we are processing data to decide on the optimal combination of Texlon® ETFE element geometry and the structural concept. This optimization is done by our most experienced engineers only. Once optimized, an element can easily go up to a size of 200 to 300 m²!
An optimized Texlon® ETFE structure results in less:
- structural parts
- labour time
- installation time
- visual impact
- shading components
Many of our engineers have been working for us over 15 years and have seen all types of structural difficulties. We think: “Impossible? Great!”
The Vector Foiltec Team And Our Supply Chain Work To The Highest Standards.
We make sure that the structure fulfills the same standard that we achieve with our own Texlon® system. We work with theoretical data, which is being developed by our own team. That way we can shorten the actual construction process dramatically, as well as decrease the need for on site measuring. This is critical, especially with very large structures such as stadia. Here, we often design and supply the secondary structure to solve the tolerance and interface issues, and to shorten the installation process.
Movement in structures and moving structures
Any large structures or even cable structures need to cope with movement either caused by temperature or by different load scenarios. An even bigger task is to overcome the requirements of moving structures. This could be a moving roof over a stadium, a moving skylight, or a building on rails like “The Shed” in downtown New York City.
Vector Foiltec has the tools at hand to cope with these types of tasks. We make sure the building does not only work flawlessly on day 1, but for the whole duration of its expected lifetime.
The System That Adapts To Your Project.
The Texlon® system can cope with flexing structures and movement, be it temperature or load induced, better than any other cladding system. This allows for different approaches to ETFE specific structural engineering solutions. Our in-house experts have a long track record of structural designs, which adapt to the features of the Texlon® ETFE system.
What does that mean for you?
In many cases we have been able reduce the required mass of the structure by a factor of up to 10. This mass minimization results in:
- subtle, lightweight structures,
- less embodied energy. This is a step to less carbon footprint of your building!
- improved commercial efficiency
We can reduce the required mass of the structure with the use of the Texlon® ETFE system. You can reach your sustainability goals and save money along the way.
Think Globally And Act Locally.
We make ourselves familiar with the local supply chain and integrate it into our design, contracting and quality control processes. That way, we achieve shorter delivery times, very economic solutions and avoid shipping tax and duty issues. If needed, we can also spread our supply chain across the globe:
Steel from Turkey, opaque cladding from the Netherlands, Design support from California, ETFE from either our German or Chinese factory, and international installation teams who are trained by our own installation supervisors…
We will use whatever resources are best for your project.
