SAINT-GOBAIN
ENHANCING
BUILDING
PERFORMANCE
such as Saint-Gobain’s Sheerfill Architectural
Membranes for roofing and façades (PTFE is more
commonly known as Teflon, and is the coating that
is virtually unaffected by UV, pollutants or climate).
Membranes allow for lightweight construction, with
the ability to cover large expanses with minimal steel
supporting structure. With life expectancy for these
membranes now exceeding 30 years, and some
approaching 50 years of age, it is possible that a
Sheerfill roof will outlive the stadium on which it
is installed. The first permanent PTFE membrane
structures were installed in La Verne, California,
USA, in 1973, and today still feature the original
Sheerfill I membrane.
The PTFE surface coating has very low surface
energy, therefore most dirt and contaminants are easily
rinsed away by natural rainfall. Another benefit to this
is that it also means the surface stays bright and white,
helping to maintain high solar reflectance of the
membrane. This allows the membrane to deliver on
other important sustainability criteria, as it lets in
natural diffuse daylight with up to 16% light
transmission, while rejecting up to 75% of the sun’s
With sustainability and fan experience two
key areas of focus for stadium designers and
architects, choosing the right structural material
is a crucial component of the building process
oday, it is not enough to build a stadium
that meets the basics of safety and
logistical considerations. The venue must
first deliver on the client’s design
ambitions, which not only include the
architectural features of the structure, but also a holistic
view when creating venues that will host sports and
entertainment events for decades to come. Among the
many criteria used to assess designs for stadia is the
overall building performance. There are many aspects
to building performance, though a primary
consideration for many is sustainability and long-term
maintenance. For the designer, flexibility is critical
to deliver a project that meets expectations for both.
When addressing sustainability, there is much to
consider firstly with the construction of the stadium
itself, and the building materials selected. When the
building is operational there are then factors such
as energy costs, maintenance costs, component life
expectancy, replacement frequency and costs, over
the useful service life of the structure.
For many stadium designers, sustainability concerns
influence their decision to choose PTFE-coated fabrics
ROOFING
140 www.stadia-magazine.com Showcase 2020
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