ETFE roof structures provide covered areas for schools

Architen Landrell Associates | Chepstow, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom

The project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the architectural structures category of the 2008 International Achievement Awards, included two single ply ETFE roof structures installed at two schools in Oldham, Lancashire, United Kingdom (Radclyffe School and Failsworth School). At both locations, the roof provides a covered area that links all school buildings together to create a weatherproof place for recreation and learning activities within the school. At Radclyffe School, Architen Landrell Associates also manufactured and installed side screens to fill the space between the roof and the top of the building structure to protect the space from wind and rain. Both roofs are designed to provide cover, but also retain a high light transmission into the space below. The transparent fabric allows full daylight into the area which means it can be used as an inside/outside area. ETFE was the perfect choice because not only is it lightweight and durable, but its high transparency allows the same light transmission as glass.