The new cancer
research centre, called "AGORA", is located in the centre of
Lausanne, Switzerland, and is built adjacent to an existing building. Within
the framework of this new centre, our project consists of covering the
courtyard that connects the two buildings with a sloping ETFE roof. The entire
courtyard has been covered with 14 ETFE cushions, each in different sizes
covering an estimated surface area of 745m2, which adapt to the shape of the
metal structure. This transparent roof will allow the passage of light
throughout the courtyard, creating an outdoor recreation area. The novelty of
the project is the application of a 5-layer cushion that creates 4 air chambers
inside, thereby providing better results in terms of thermal insulation.
The roof has 14
ETFE cushions positioned transversely across the entire area, with the aim of
achieving a thermal resistance value equal to 1.3 W/m²K. A 5-layer cushion is
thereby created, with screen printing on the outer layer, together with the
modification of the aluminium frame.
One feature is
that the cushions have a double anchorage on the perimeter formed by the
combination of a 4-layer cushion and the top layer, thus creating 3+1 air
chambers with thicknesses of 100 µm and 300 µm. This includes a single air
inlet with outlets on both outer layers.
Another prominent
feature is that the aluminium frame is adapted to the requirements of the
project and to the new creation of the cushion. In particular, new EPDM and
insulation sections are included along with a new aluminum frame for a double
anchorage of the cushioned perimeter.
This engineering
work represents an improvement in the ETFE cushion system and its use in more
demanding conditions.
