ETFE in Middle East – ETFE used for Iconic Greenhouse
In collaboration Oof ETFE with Leeser Architecture, the Iconic Greenhouse emerges as a beacon of agricultural innovation, located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. This groundbreaking project aims to replicate the diverse growing conditions needed for Mediterranean and Tropical climates, exclusively catering to a private clientele by providing freshly sourced produce.
Biome Complex Overview
The greenhouse complex features three biomes, each sprawling approximately 3300 square meters across various levels, interconnected through a centralized core. Constructed with reinforced concrete and adorned with an ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) wall and roof structure, it stands as a paradigm of lightweight and efficient design, suitable for extensive agricultural endeavors.
Climate Varieties
- Mediterranean Climate: Mimics the temperate conditions favorable for the growth of region-specific flora and ETFE is also durable for climate.
- Tropical Environment: Recreates a humid, rainforest-like atmosphere for exotic plant species.
- Vernalized Zone: Specialized for the cultivation and flowering of fruits that are not native to the region, requiring controlled temperature regimes.
Ventilation and Environmental Control
An advanced ventilation system is key to sustaining these micro-environments, featuring a minimum fresh air system and ETFE allows for transmission of light that circulates through towers fed from an undercroft beneath the planting beds. This innovative approach not only stimulates plant growth but also enhances structural resilience against varying climatic conditions.
Special Features
The Tropical biome is further enriched with water features like ponds and a waterfall, complemented by a misting system to maintain optimal humidity levels. A sophisticated water harvesting system ensures the ecological balance of these aquatic elements.
Technical Innovations
The Vernalized biome incorporates a dedicated chiller to maintain ‘chilled’ hours essential for fruit tree flowering, achieving temperatures as low as 7°C for up to 900 hours. The entire complex operates on 5Mw of cooling and 1Mw of power, optimizing the environmental conditions across all biomes.
Daylight and Temperature Management
To mitigate heat gain and control daylight penetration, the ETFE structure incorporates an internal shading element. Artificial lighting is efficiently managed through a Lutron EA Lighting control system, ensuring the well-being of plant life while maintaining energy efficiency.
Why ETFE ?
Iconic greenhouses can benefit significantly from utilizing (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) membranes by MakMax Taiyo for several compelling reasons:
1. Lightweight and High Strength: Membranes are exceptionally lightweight yet possess high tensile strength, allowing for the creation of expansive, column-free spaces. This enables architects to design iconic greenhouses with large, uninterrupted areas for plant cultivation and visitor enjoyment.
2. Transparency and Light Transmission: Our membranes offer excellent light transmission properties, allowing ample natural light to penetrate the greenhouse interior. This promotes healthy plant growth and creates a bright, inviting atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, our membranes can be treated to regulate solar heat gain, ensuring optimal thermal comfort within the greenhouse.
3. Durability and Weather Resistance: MakMax Taiyo’s ethylene tetrafluoroethylene membranes are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and heavy wind loads. This durability ensures long-term performance and minimizes maintenance requirements, making ethylene tetrafluoroethylene an ideal choice for iconic greenhouses located in diverse climates.
4. Design Flexibility: Our membranes can be manipulated to create complex geometric forms, enabling architects to realize innovative and visually stunning designs for iconic greenhouses. MakMax Taiyo’s expertise in tensile membrane structures allows for custom solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each project, whether it be a futuristic dome or a sweeping canopy.
5. Sustainability: MakMax’s membranes are inherently sustainable, as they are recyclable and contribute to energy efficiency through daylighting. By maximizing natural light penetration, ETFE membranes reduce the reliance on artificial lighting and minimize energy consumption, aligning with the principles of sustainable design.
6. Versatility and Adaptability: Our companies membranes can be used in a variety of greenhouse applications, including roof coverings, facades, and skylights. Their versatility allows architects to integrate ethylene tetrafluoroethylene seamlessly into existing structures or incorporate it into new construction projects, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.
In summary, MakMax Taiyo’s ETFE membranes offer a compelling combination of lightweight construction, exceptional transparency, durability, design flexibility, sustainability, and versatility, making them the ideal choice for creating iconic greenhouses that inspire awe and foster connection with nature.
