TEXLON®-System, Watercube

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 Corpora

tion (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 Beijin

g 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 mat

erial is unique in that it does not degrade under ultra-violet light or atmospheric pollution.

All Pictures: Natural Aquatics Centre, Beijing, China
Architect: China Construction Design International (CCDI) and Peddle Thorp Walker (PTW)

Photo © MCMILLAN