Together with its partner Highpoint Structures Buitink Technology designed, produced and installed ETFE panels for the new facade-construction of Pavilion 6 of Parc des expositions de la Porte de Versailles.

Total surface area of the ETFE panels comprises about 1200 m² having 78 panels, each one filled with ETFE foil.

Canopy with ETFE panels

The canopy, having a triangular shape, has 3 sides with a length of resp. 41 m, 59 m and 67 m. The full canopy construction can be moved through hydraulic cylinders. It has 2 fixed positions at 20 and 45 degrees relative to horizontal.

Design of Jean Nouvel

The facade is a design of Jean Nouvel, Ateliers Jean Nouvel in Paris. Several vertical beams with text screens are attached to the canopy. Info about events is given on the screens using various text and colors.

Engineering

Extensive strength and deformation calculations related to the ETFE panels have been performed, according to European legislation. During production Buitink Technology continuously monitors the quality and strength of the foil and welds.

Example strength calculations on ETFE panels

Tensile strength test of ETFE foil

Mock-up ETFE panel

Prior to production a mock-up is made for approval.

Production

Buitink Technology designed and produced all polished SS frames for the tensioned ETFE foils in house, as extreme accuracy was required for this complex 3D construction.

Installation

Buitink Technology designed special aluminum profiles for this project to keep tension on ETFE foils inside the panels.

Project data

Surface area:	Approx. 1,200 m2, consisting of 78 ETFE panels
Material:	Transparent ETFE film, aluminum profiles and stainless steel polished frames
Project:	Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles, Façade du nouveau pavillon 6
Client:	Viparis Holding
Design:	Jean Nouvel, Ateliers Jean Nouvel in Parijs
Location:	Parc des expositions de la Porte de Versailles 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris
ETFE panels:	Buitink Technology and Highpoint Structures
Year of installation:	2019

Location

Parc des expositions de la Porte de Versailles 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris