Textile architecture is a branch of design which is characterised by the use of a construction system that transforms textile membranes into structural elements. It provides exceptional conditions concerning the lightness of the covering of large spans, the treatment of the brightness of the spaces, and the formal results obtained - organic and with high complexity potential.
Eugreb develops several types of constructive solutions, among which the tensile structures, the façades, the sails or triangles, and the standard modules. The key agent for the creation of complex forms is the tensile structures or tension structures.
In the domain of textile architecture, textile membranes are the key agent for the formal characteristics of the spaces built, and so they require special attention when defining the project. Normally they are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene). All these materials have fire-retardant properties for avoiding flame propagation in case of fire. These materials have a long life span, are easy to clean and 100% recyclable. The material that is used more often is PVC-coated polyester, given that it is affordable and features high UV protection, antifungal protection, low capillarity, and a wide range of colours. The materials supplied by Eugreb have a 10-year warranty. PTFE is mainly characterised by the average rate of light transmission (it is more translucent than PVC and more opaque than ETFE).
Structures covered by a PTFE membrane will receive a diffuse interior natural light without shadow during the day, and benefit from a luminous architectural profile thanks to the transmission of an interior artificial light during the night. ETFE is characterised by its high rate of light transmission. ETFE is 100 times lighter than glass, thus allowing for a higher light transmission.O ETFE é um material que se distingue pelos elevados índices de transmissão de luz. Possui uma elevada resistência aos raios UV, que faz com que mantenha o aspecto de origem durante muito mais tempo que outro qualquer tipo de polímero. O ETFE pesa 100 vezes menos do que o vidro e permite uma maior transmissão de luz. Tal como o PTFE, é um material leve e de longa duração, com garantias até 50 anos.
Membranes take shape through tensile, compressive and cutting forces, exerted by rigid metal elements. Our structures are manufactured with prime quality steel (carbon steel or stainless steel), they are sized for each project and present a corrosion treatment and protection. They could be galvanised or metallised, lacquered or painted in the colour of your choice.
"Connection elements" are defined as all those enabling communication between structural components, including: cables, attachment plates (membrane/structure connection), tensioners, lashing points and screws (specifically designed for textile architecture). All these accessories are made of AISI type 316 stainless steel, decisively contributing to the quality, durability and safety of the proposed solutions. The technology used for connecting cables and terminals is of "SWAGE" type.
The final form of textile membranes is obtained through specific software, which gives them the most suitable size and configuration according to their structural context. Due to the standardised nature of the rolls where they are packed, a covering is normally divided into several parts, which are then joined together through the process of high-frequency welding. The welding is made through a local melting process using a metal electrode. After the melting, the zone cools down and the hardening of the material forms a permanent weld joint or line.
This type of structures requires the use of specific and modern software in order to obtain the final "forms". The creation process of the production designs is carried out in three phases: the modelling through the main structural points, the Form Finding and the Linear Analysis, the creation of the membrane cutting plan and the definition of the final details, such as the creation and sizing of sheaths for cable passage and the management of compensations, given that the membranes will be deformed during the structure's assembly process.