www.vector-foiltec.com

Vector Foiltec invented the use of Texlon, the climaticenvelope over twenty five years ago and hassuccessfully developed and promoted the use of this innovative technology worldwide.

We offer clients a complete design and constructionservice from initial concept through to scheme design, production, installation and facilitiesmanagement. Our scope of services frequentlyincludes the design and engineering of supportstructures and adjacent cladding.

Vector Foiltec develops and supports a number of research programmes throughout the world. This coupled with our extensive experience enables us to offer clients unparalleled expertise.

Such expertise is clearly demonstrated in the adoptionof the technology by leading Architects and Engineersaround the world for projects which range fromOlympic venues and public spaces to corporate atria.

Vector Foiltec

1. The TreasuryLondon, GB

2. Jean-Paul-GaultierParis, FR

Main image: Oval am Baseler PlatzFrankfurt, DE

The Texlon cladding system offers designersunparalleled opportunities in the development of the climatic envelope.

Texlon consists of pneumatic cushions restrained inaluminium extrusions and supported by a lightweightstructure. The cushions are inflated with low-pressureair to provide insulation and resist wind loads.

The cushions are manufactured from multiple layers of ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (ETFE), a modified co-polymer. Originally developed for the space industry, the material is unique in that it does not degrade under ultraviolet light oratmospheric pollution.

As Texlon is extremely long lasting, it can be used as part of the permanent building envelope.Furthermore, as the surface is very smooth and hasanti-adhesive properties, the envelope self-cleansesunder the action of rain.

Texlon combines exceptional light transmission withhigh insulation. Each layer can incorporate differenttypes of solar shading enabling the designer tooptimise the aesthetic and environmental performanceof the building envelope. We also create claddingsystems that react to the sun and change their solartransmission and insulation throughout the day.

These properties coupled with Texlon’s very low levels of embodied energy and outstandingenvironmental characteristics result in an ecologicallybenign climatic envelope.

Through sophisticated load analysis and patterning we can engineer Texlon to virtually any size or shape.This coupled with Texlon’s innate flexibility allowsdesigners the opportunity to create structures ofunusual lightness and elegance.

Texlon, the climatic envelope

1. National Swimming CentreBeijing, CN

2. Swinburne UniversityMelbourne, AU

3. US Federal BuildingWashington DC, US

Main image: National Swimming CentreBeijing, CN

Structural conceptsTexlon cushions can be manufactured in large sizes and can span much greater distances thanconventional cladding technology. This providesdesigners with the opportunity to integrate the design of the cladding with the primary structure developingaesthetics of simplicity and rationality.

The technology is ideal for use where bomb blast or hurricane loadings need to be incorporated in the design.

The material’s innate toughness, high resistance totearing and ability to work harden over a 300-400%elongation range means that Texlon can naturally dealwith very large deflections in the support structure.

As the Texlon cushions are large and pneumaticallypressurised the air acts as a fluid, damping short term loads, reducing their intensity and decreasing the overall loads imposed on the primary structure.This has enabled the development of ultra lightweightstructures such as uni-axial cable nets and large scale geodesics.

All load cases need to be considered includingpotential water ponding loads for cushions athorizontal or near horizontal orientation.

The membrane stresses generated by inflation andexternal loads define the overall geometry of the form, the maximum span, the radii of curvature andthe thickness of the foils making up the cushion.

The engineering of Texlon is a highly specialist area as the material’s qualities and performance makeit unique. Vector Foiltec provide a full engineering andpatterning service, including proprietary non-linearload analysis and patterning software. In addition wefrequently design, engineer and erect the entireenvelope including all support structures, openingpanels for ventilation and adjacent cladding.

We recommend an early consultation with our engineersin the development of design proposals in order totake full advantage of the opportunities offered byTexlon’s unique properties and allow early definition of an economic structural grid and design concept.

1. Wild Screen WalkBristol, GB

2. DomAquaréeBerlin, DE

3. US Federal BuildingWashington DC, US

Main image: Khan ShatyryAstana, KZ

1. DomAquaréeBerlin, DE

2. Tomorrows WorldLive BBC broadcast, GB

3. Southern Cross StationMelbourne, AU

The Transparent Envelope

Texlon cushions are highly transparent with each layer of foil having a transparency of between 90-95%. The transparency occurs over most of the solar spectrum.Recent developments in material production haveenabled the development of optically clear foils suitablefor facades.

The Graphic Envelope

Texlon cushions can be printed with graphic patterns oftranslucent or opaque fluoro-polymers. A wide range ofpatterns, visual effects and solar shading can be achievedwhile retaining the visual transparency of the envelope. We have also developed appliqué graphics which can beinstalled and replaced allowing the use of the envelope tobrand, theme or advertise.

The Variable Envelope

Texlon cushions can be produced with a wide range ofembodied colours, prints and patterns. The colour,translucency, density and number of layers can be varied, and moved in relation to each other to allow aninfinite number of effects. The surface of the foils can bemanipulated to capture projected light, colour and imagesenabling the environment to react and change on demand.

The Engineered Envelope

Texlon cushions can be engineered to selectively transmit orreflect different wavelengths of the solar spectrum allowingthe overall performance of the envelope to be engineered tosuit any application. Both UV and IR filters are available aswell as a wide range of treatments which affect the surfaceemmisivity or ability of the cushion to radiate energy.

Solar controlTexlon’s multi-layered construction offers the designernumerous opportunities to control the amount of solarshading and manipulate the visual transparency of thebuilding envelope. This has enabled the development of low energy naturally engineered environments.

1. FestoParis, FR

2. Wembley Park StationLondon, GB

3. NocturamaKerzers, CH

Main image: Art Center College of DesignCalifornia, US

Texlon’s multi-layered construction can be exploited toallow intelligent control of solar energy.

Vector Foiltec can create climatic envelopes that sensetheir environments and change their insulation andsolar transmission as required.

By printing overlapping gestalt graphics on multiplelayers and integrating the cushions with sophisticatedpneumatics, we can move the different graphicstogether and apart from each other. This enables us to vary the amount of light and solar energypenetrating the building and the visual appearance of the envelope.

Not only can this phenomenon be exploited to controlthe amount of solar transmission through theenvelope, it can also be used to vary the number of air chambers within a cushion, thereby changing its insulation.

These unique properties enable designers to createbuildings that are energy efficient, cost effective andvisually responsive to changing climatic conditions.

Variable skins

1. SolarluxBissendorf, DE

2. Festo (shut)Esslingen, DE

3. Festo (open)Esslingen, DE

Main image: Kingsdale SchoolLondon, GB

Open

Solar and temperature sensorscause the upper air chamberto be pressurised allowinglight to penetrate through the gestalt graphics

Closed

As internal temperatures andsolar gains increase the lower airchamber is pressurised reducingthe level of light and solar gainpenetrating the space

1. DSD CyclebowlHannover, DE

2. Kindertagesstätte, “Plappersnut”Wismar, DE

Texlon Solar integrates photovoltaic cells with Texlon cushions allowing harvesting of solar energy to create pollution-free electrical energy. This minimises the building’s energy usage andimproves the ecological footprint of the development.

The Texlon Solar cells are made in a continuous rolldeposition process and laminated into the upper foilsof the Texlon cushions. The result is unique flexiblelightweight solar cells encapsulated in the Texloncushions ensuring an exceptionally durable and long life technology.

Bypass diodes are connected across each cell allowingthe modules to produce continuous power even whenpartially shaded. Each cell is composed of threestacked semi-conductor junctions. The bottom cellabsorbs red light, the middle cell green light and thetop cell blue light. Texlon’s high light transmissioncoupled with the cells’ spectrum splitting capability isthe key to enhanced efficiency.

Texlon Solar can be metered into the national powersupply grid via inverters or can complement an existingphotovoltaic system.

Texlon SolarTexlon Solar can be integrated with Texlon Variosystems to allow the development of dynamic climaticenvelopes that harvest solar energy, manipulate lightand solar transmission and change insulation tofurther reduce human reliance on fossil fuels.

Vector Foiltec have been building Texlon ETFEenvelopes for over 25 years. The material is unaffected by UV light and atmospheric pollutants.Texlon ETFE is chemically inert and has anexceptionally long life. The extruded surfaces of the foils are absolutely smooth and actively deter dirt or algae sticking.

In climates where rain occurs the external surface self-cleanses under the action of rain. This featurecoupled with Texlon’s classification as a non-fragileroof assembly means that external access gantries are not required.

In sandy and dusty environments Texlon’s low frictioncoefficient deters dirt and dust from settling andadhering to the surface.

Internally Texlon’s outstanding anti-adhesive propertiesmean that internal soiling is minimised with a cleaningcycle between five and ten times longer than anequivalent glass envelope.

Unlike conventional cladding systems, thermal andstructural movement is accommodated right across the

Durabilityflexible envelope, rather than being concentrated atjunctions. This key feature revolutionises claddingdesign and vastly extends gasket life. Moving parts areminimised and inflation systems are designed to beextremely efficient and long lasting with only periodicfilter replacement required.

We offer a full maintenance service from our dedicatedservice teams to ensure that the Texlon claddingdelivers optimum performance for future generations.

1. Classroom of the futureLondon, GB

2. Classroom of the futureLondon, GB

1. John Wheatley CollegeGlasgow, GB

2. John Wheatley CollegeGlasgow, GB

3. Vegesack T.BBremen, DE

1. Paris ExpoParis, FR

2. Pembroke TechniumPembrokeshire, GB

3. Burger’s ZooArnheim, NL

1. British EmbassyIstanbul, TR

2. Natural History MuseumLondon, GB

3. AqualandKöln, DE

School of Slavonic & EasternEuropean StudiesLondon, GB

John Wheatley CollegeGlasgow, GB

Texlon ColourIn a world increasingly reliant on the need tocommunicate, the Texlon envelope can be integratedinto the visual and aural design of public spaces.

Texlon’s multi-layered construction and the ability toprint graphics, embody colour, manipulate surfacequality, and laminate LEDs and light tapes to eachindividual foil layer allows the creation of envelopes of almost infinite visual variety and interest.

The surface can be designed to capture projected lightfor displaying images, video or colour. Each layer canbe manipulated to transmit, reflect or scatter the imageallowing the full exploitation of the envelope to operateas a visual panorama.

Low voltage light tapes and LEDs of different colour,intensity and size can be laminated into the cushionsallowing the envelope to become both a light sourceand a method of communication.

1. Bubble BridgeMelbourne, AU

2. Bubble BridgeMelbourne, AU

3. Bubble BridgeMelbourne, AU

Main image: St Jakob StadiumBasel, CH

1. Eden ProjectCornwall, GB

2. St Jakob StadiumBasel, CH

3. Toyota EggParis, FR

4. Heron Quays StationLondon, GB

1. DomAquaréeBerlin, DE

2. Meteorit sculptureEssen, DE

Texlon cushions have outstanding insulation properties that enable the use of large areas of transparent cladding without compromisingenvironmental objectives.

Texlon cushions are fabricated from multiple layers of foil. As each layer of foil encloses a layer of air the U value of the envelope is very low and can beoptimised to suit each application.

For high latitudes Texlon’s superb insulation qualitiesand high transparency can be used to reduce winterheating costs by harvesting solar energy. For thetropics, shading and insulation can reduce coolingloads while retaining good daylight levels.

Texlon, unlike glazing, is a good insulator. The innerlayer of foil is generally engineered to be at atemperature of ambient adjacent, meaning that thermal comfort is significantly better due to thereduction of cold or hot surface radiation.

Texlon cushions are restrained at their perimeters by our large range of extrusions designed to suit everyapplication. All our extrusions incorporate thermalbreaks. The system can be further enhanced by

Insulation

1. Elypso GanzjahresbadDeggendorf, DE

2. JohannisbadFreiberg, DE

3. Six Flags Aquatic CentreNew York, US

Main image: Massanutten ResortVirginia, US

1. National Aquatic CentreDublin, IE

2. Jussieu UniversityParis, FR

3. Frøsilo Copenhagen, DE

specifying our patented Texlon Thermo© incorporatingan additional thermal break within the cushion edge.

For very high performance installations, theincorporation of Texlon Nano can achieve U values as low as 0.3 Wm-2K.

Vector Foiltec has pioneered the use of selectiveradiation coatings to Texlon cushions including UV and IR filters. These allow the designer the opportunityto further enhance the high insulation qualities of the envelope.

Texlon cushions not only have exceptionally low Uvalues, but the pressurisation of the system forms aprotective enclosure around the building, reducing heatloss due to air infiltration to near zero. This has theeffect of further reducing the effective U value by 15%.

Technical information:

No of foils U Value R Value

2 2.94 Wm-2K 1.9 F0/Btu/h Ft2

3 1.96 Wm-2K 2.9 F0/Btu/h Ft2

4 1.47 Wm-2K 3.8 F0/Btu/h Ft2

5 1.18 Wm-2K 4.8 F0/Btu/h Ft2

Texlon’s lightness and flexibility allow new engineeringapproaches in the design and engineering of openingvents and moving structures.

The material’s high elongation and flexibility meansthat supporting steel structures can be designed forstress rather than deflection. This enables very largeopening vents to be engineered without risk of thecladding cracking or breaking.

Frequently it becomes cost effective to design a wholeroof to hydraulically open rather than incorporateopening vents around the perimeter.

Completely new design approaches can be taken inthe roofing of transparent space using approachesmore commonly encountered in the automotive or ship building industries.

Ventilation

1. Eden ProjectCornwall, GB

2. Braun AG

Kronberg, DE

3. Piccadilly StationManchester, GB

Main image: Duisburg Freilichtbuhne Opening cinema roof ©

Duisburg, DE

OCDEM, opening ventOxford, GB

1. Brunel UniversityUxbridge, GB

2. Victoria HouseLondon, GB

FireTexlon has been extensively tested at various institutions around the world and complies with all national codes. The technology has the uniqueproperty of self-venting the products of combustion to the atmosphere.

Under fire conditions any hot gases impinging on the cushions at a temperature above 200ºC will causethe foil to soften and lose strength. As the foil is undertension from inflation, it fails and shrinks back fromthe plume, venting the fire to the atmosphere.

Any fragments of Texlon Foil still present will be swept upwards by the plume. As the quantity ofmaterial used in the roof is so small and the ETFE isself-extinguishing, any drips of molten ETFE are nonburning and prevented from falling to the ground.

This self-venting and self-extinguishing feature ofTexlon prevents the build up of high temperaturesunder the roof and catastrophic structural collapse of the primary structure is prevented.

In situations where the plume does not reach 200ºC,we are able to fit the Texlon system with operablesmoke vents to ventilate the products of combustion.The vents are operated by the building managementsystem and fire alarm systems.

An advantage of this light and flexible system is the ability to engineer very large openable systems which enables atria to operate as light-wells under fire conditions.

Alternatively Texlon cushions can be fitted with VectorFoiltec’s patented Texlon SV©. This technology allowsthe cushions to self-vent on demand. By removing partof the roof in the event of a fire, the enclosed spacecan be redefined as an external space, enabling largecost savings to be made by negating the need forsprinklers, mechanical smoke extract systems, firerated facades and structures.

This fire engineered approach can enable internalspaces such as atria and shopping malls to bereclassified as light wells and streets thus enablinglarge savings to be made to the base building cost.

1. Hannover Social HousingHannover, DE

2. Imperial CollegeLondon, GB

3. Queen Street PlaceLondon, GB

Main image: Kensington AcademyLiverpool, GB

1. Fire testsTexlon self vents at 200ºC

2. Fire testsTexlon is self extinguishing

3. Smoke vent test Texlon SV© self vents on demand

Texlon’s efficiency and lightness allow the creation of cladding envelopes that use less than 1% of theembodied energy of comparable technologies for abetter environmental performance.

The raw material is permitted under the MontrealProtocol and is not a petrochemical derivative. The production process is an enclosed water basedprocess and does not involve the use of any solvents.

Texlon is recycleable and many components arefabricated from recycled material.

Texlon is unaffected by atmospheric pollution and UV light. The material does not harden, yellow, ordeteriorate over time. This makes its use ideal for long-life, low maintenance buildings such as hospitals,railway stations, leisure centres and botanical houses.

Proprietary detailing strategies and our range of patented extrusions ensure that building movement is accommodated across the whole surface of the cladding.

This strategy reduces stress concentration at movementjoints and vastly increases gasket life. Texlon’s ability to self-cleanse under the action of rain further reduceslife cycle costs to very low levels.

Texlon cladding is therefore a very long life, highlyenergy efficient and environmentally friendlytechnology. This is due to its low U values, optimized solar control and low embodied energy.

Ecology

1. Elephant House, Dresden ZooDresden, DE

2. SaphirkammerJülich, DE

3. Tropical Hall, Burger’s ZooArnheim, NL

Main image: Eden ProjectCornwall, GB

Above: Rainforest House, Hannover, DE Below: Earth Centre, Doncaster, GB

Texlon is acoustically transparent with a mass of lessthan 1 kg/m2. As a consequence it does not reflectinternally generated noise back to the occupants. The internal environment is considerably morecomfortable with shorter reverberation times than if thecladding had been constructed from an acousticallyhard material such as glass. This is particularly evidentin spherical domes or other structures where thefocussing effect of hard acoustic cladding can makespeech almost unintelligible.

This innate feature of Texlon cladding means that costintensive counter measures such as the integration ofacoustic absorbers into the internal walls are usuallyunnecessary. Furthermore with a sound reduction index of less than 10dBA, people are encouraged tospend more time in the building due to the increasedcomfort levels.

For applications where reverberant noise is particularlycritical we can fit the Texlon with Helmholtz resonators,which can be engineered to selectively increase highfrequency absorption.

As an acoustically soft material, Texlon cushionstransmit internally the sound of rain falling on theouter surface. Many clients consider this a positiveattribute, increasing an awareness and connection with the natural environment. Rain noise can however be intrusive to spaces such as quiet offices,call centres and libraries. In these situations werecommend the use of our patented Texlon RS© rainsuppressors, which absorb the impact of rain dropsfalling on the upper membrane.

Texlon’s unique acoustic qualities allow the positive reclamation of the natural world into the built environment.

Acoustics

1. OCDEMOxford, GB

2. Metro CentreNewcastle, GB

3. GerdauringHamburg, DE

Main image: The MallAthens, GR

Above: South East Essex College, Southend, GB Below: MCC Lords shop, London, GB

Texlon theuniversalenvelopeThe Texlon cladding system has demonstrated itseffectiveness in numerous projects around the world.The technology is appropriate for use across allbuilding types where a high performance, low energy,cost effective alternative is required to conventionaltransparent cladding systems.

Vector Foiltec invented the technology over twenty five years ago and has been responsible for all themajor technical developments and inventions many of which are patented. The group operates around the world with realised projects from the Arctic Circleto the Tropics.

We continue to build on the expertise gained from over twenty five years of developing Texlon claddingtechnology and can offer a wide range of innovativesolutions to suit every application.

Vector Foiltec continue to support a wide range ofresearch and development programmes around the world and gain inspiration from solving design andconstruction problems intelligently. This is just one ofthe reasons why over three quarters of our clientsreturn to commission further buildings from us.

If you would like to develop a project, seek aconsultation, or find out more about how we can help you in realising your financial, aesthetic andenvironmental objectives please contact one of ourlocal offices. We look forward to meeting and working with you.

www.vector-foiltec.com