ETFE system case studies

By Edward M Peck, AIA, LEED AP

Boca Raton Resort and Club

Image credit: Edward M. Peck (author)
Location: Boca Raton, Fla.
Architect: Office of Thierry W. Despont Ltd.
VF project director: Edward M. Peck
Specialty design/fabricator: Vector Foiltec
Engineer: KPFF
Date completed: 2008
Total area of ETFE: 14,000 ft²

The design concept was to remove part of the roof of an existing space within the resort and to create a transparent canopy that would float above a grid of steel columns that branched up and out inspired by palm trees.

ETFE was utilized for its transparency and ability to mold to the complex geometry as the panels followed the form of the steel branches developing a series of twisted and inverted umbrellas linked together in a manmade forest of palms. Custom attachment details were developed and tested at hurricane test facilities and several steel mock-ups were constructed to test fabrication and constructability. The result is an enlivened and signature space with incredible light that pulls guests out of adjacent spaces to bask in the light and atmosphere.

Hull History Center

Image credit: Novum Structures
Location: Hull, U.K.
Architect: Pringle Richards Sharratt
Specialty design/fabricator: Novum Structures
Date completed: 2010

Vitam Parc

Image credit: Reithmeier/Seele
Location: Neydens, France
Architect: L35 Arquitectos
Specialty design/fabricator: Seele
Date completed: 2010

Edward Peck has been working in the field of architecture for more than 15 years, specializing in the design and engineering of innovative building skins and ETFE systems. He has been integral in the development of sophisticated and innovative ETFE projects around the world both as a design director at one of the leading ETFE design/manufacturers and currently as a specialty consultant within the Building Skin practice at Thornton Tomasetti.
© Thornton Tomasetti, used with permission.