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Project Details

Fabric 1

Fluon P46D16 ETFE
Producer/Manufacturer: AGC Chemical Company Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Architect Company
Hodge Collard Preston

Subcontractor Company
Sky Skills Industries

Please describe the project specifications

Nestled along the picturesque Perth riverside, the Link@Langley ETFE Atrium stands as a testament to innovation and design excellence. This custom-designed, 1665 sqm single-layer ETFE canopy crowns the central atrium of a revitalised shopping, dining, and entertainment district, transforming a former office block into a contemporary urban hub.

Massive in size and scope, the Link@Langley ETFE Atrium structure is 65 meters long and 40 metres wide and sits atop a former office building between seven and eight storeys above the atrium floor. The frame supporting the ETFE canopy has been integrated into the existing buildings, offering a captivating architectural aesthetic.

The architectural vision for the Link@Langley ETFE Atrium was clear (in more ways than one). The clear purpose was to create a visually striking, yet functional feature skylight element to enhance the appeal of the riverside redevelopment. The aesthetic vision was to have a visually clear atrium roof, to create a sense of open sky, while still protecting patrons and visitors from the elements. We worked closely with the project architect to design the atrium structure, ensuring a light, transparent, and waterproof atrium for the new entertainment precinct.

The undulating canopy of the Link@Langley ETFE Atrium mimics the fluidity of a breaking wave, adding a unique and dynamic dimension to the redevelopment project. Our initial design challenge was to seamlessly integrate the frame of the canopy structure with the existing buildings, in order to create a light, transparent and waterproof atrium for the new entertainment precinct. We were extremely limited in locations where support columns and braces could be fixed back to the original structures, which dictated some of the design and geometry decisions.

Even with the ultra-lightweight ETFE cladding, the massive area covered by the atrium required a frame structure comprised of 74 tonne of structural steel. Fixing steel to existing structures required detailed loading analysis to avoid damaging the buildings. Using parametric modelling software, we designed a full 3D model of the ETFE structure, including the surrounding buildings in order to test the loading on anchor locations and to confirm the HD bolt set-out points. The fixing points were an interesting design and install challenge, with 80% of the canopy affixed to the roof (floating slab) of the former Fortescue Metals HQ, while the other 20% of connections required vertical fixing points to the adjoining Hyatt hotel.

Executing the installation of tensioned membrane panels eight storeys above an open void demanded a highly skilled rigging and installation crew. A tower crane was used to raise the pre-fabricated steel sections up to the Level 7 rooftop. Once the steel skeletal formwork was installed, we progress to ETFE install. The ETFE panels are supported by almost 200 GR316 stainless steel cables, threaded through specially designed and fabricated cable pockets welded to the underside of the ETFE. The cables are attached the steel rafters and then tensioned to create a solid exoskeleton to support the equally membrane.

The structure was finished with custom-designed Zincalume steel gutters around the entire perimeter and downpipes connecting into exiting stormwater drains.

The result is a harmonious blend of form and function and a symbol of innovation, seamlessly integrating into its surroundings while offering a captivating architectural aesthetic. With a design that reflects the flowing tranquillity of the Swan River, the Link@Langley ETFE Atrium not only enhances the visual appeal of the Perth riverside redevelopment, but also exemplifies the power of thoughtful design and cutting-edge materials in shaping the future of urban architecture.

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