ETFE foil in Central Europe

26 of June '23

Glasir Tórshavn College, proj.: BIG

Photo: Rasmus Hjortshõj © Vector Foiltec

From the series "Facade and wall materials—trends 2023"

In recent years, ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) foil has gained increasing popularity as an innovative building material in Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia and Finland. In the construction industry, ETFE provides a number of benefits.

One of the main uses of ETFE in Eastern European countries is for roofing public squares, zoos and shopping malls. Because of its high light transmittance, ETFE makes it possible to create bright interiors while protecting them from the weather. Especially in countries with colder climates, such as Latvia and Finland, ETFE provides effective thermal insulation that reduces heating costs.

Another application of ETFE in Eastern Europe is its use on the facade of buildings. It can be used in the form of pillows or panels to create attractive facade designs. This makes it possible to create lightweight, transparent but durable facades that give buildings a modern and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The advantage of ETFE in our region is its resistance to changing weather conditions. ETFE is UV-resistant and retains its transparency and strength even at low temperatures. This makes it an ideal choice for use in countries with large temperature differences and variable weather conditions, such as Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Another advantage of ETFE is its durability. It is a recyclable material and helps reduce the environmental impact of construction. In countries that are paying more attention to sustainable construction methods, ETFE is becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials.

In addition, ETFE's flexibility in shaping allows for unique architectural designs. It also offers daylighting capabilities and reduces the need for artificial lighting, leading to energy savings.

ETFE offers a number of advantages as a building material in our region, including high light transmission, weather resistance, sustainability and design flexibility. ETFE has become an innovative choice for architects in these countries and is expected to continue gaining popularity.

Our top projects in the region

Africarium

Afrykarium-Oceanarium in Wroclaw, Poland

UV-permeable cladding systems

Wroclaw's Africariumis a thematic oceanarium dedicated exclusively to exhibiting the fauna of the African continent. As part of the Wroclaw Zoo, the Africarium comprehensively represents selected ecosystems found in Africa. The Africarium houses many species of fish, hippos, African fur seals, manatees and many others. In addition, the zoo itself houses more than ten thousand animals, from insects to large mammals such as elephants. This is made possible by ETFE, a UV-permeable cladding system that allows flora and fauna to live naturally.

To provide a better experience for visitors and employees and to preserve the microclimate inside, we installed a Texlon^® ETFE roof.

UV-transparent and movable Texlon® ETFE roof

The Afrykarium is a modern, three-story building with five displays of African biotopes. The building is 160 meters long and 54 meters wide, with a roof spanning over 43 meters. The roof has long spans without additional supporting pillars, so people have an open view of the oceanarium. The structure is made of glued laminated wood. It is specially designed for this project, adding aesthetic value to the natural surroundings.

The roof of the Afrykarium in Wroclaw is covered with a 4,000 sq. m. Texlon^® ETFE foil cushion system. The ETFE transmits UV radiation and provides natural light, creating the right conditions for the microclimate inside, allowing more than 1,000 plants to grow naturally. Part of the ^Texlon® ETFE roof is also movable, allowing for adequate ventilation and airflow.

Why Texlon® ETFE? Why Vector Foiltec.

The Texlon^® ETFE roof we installed at the Africarium provides optimal conditions year-round. Zoos experience better plant growth under Texlon^® because of its UV-permeable properties. Some plants like humid and tropical conditions, while others require only high temperatures. Both requirements can be met thanks to ETFE's ability to transmit UV radiation, allowing plants and animals to grow healthily.

IGY shopping center in České Budějovice

The renovation of the IGY shopping center in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, included a stunning new Texlon^® ETFE facade. The two-layer ETFE cushions stretch over 1,000 m² and can be highlighted in a variety of colors. The new facade makes the IGY shopping center an eye-catcher, especially at night.

Sóstó Zoo

Sóstó Zoo, Hungary

At the Sóstó Zoo in Hungary, the Texlon^® ETFE dome forms the structural heart of the Green Pyramid, the habitat of the Komodo warriors. ETFE transmits all wavelengths of natural light and provides the right climatic conditions inside the building. This creates ideal conditions for the facility's occupants.