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London’s Canary Wharf regional tube station is a showpiece extension of its Jubilee Line that links the city’s business district, the West End and Heathrow. Located in London’s Docklands under Crossrail Place, this 300m long, tubular “superstation” was designed by architect Sir Norman Foster and features a distinctive arched lattice transparent roof that is made from Fluon® ETFE infrastructure film.

A timber structure holds the 778 two-layer, ETFE infrastructure film cushions that cover 10,000sqm. Austrian timber contractor WIEHAG noted that Crossrail Place’s roof was the largest timber project in the U.K. The triangular air-filled ETFE cushions create a stunning, translucent roof above the station, providing beautiful aesthetics to Crossrail Place at Canary Wharf station.

In addition to its architectural appeal, the ETFE infrastructure film lets in color, light, and views from the outdoors while maintaining an ideal temperature for an indoor environment.

ETFE Lattice Roof Covers Six Floors

Entirely surrounded by the water of the West India Quay dock, the station sits 18 meters below sea level. While

presenting significant design challenges, it provides access to the Canary Wharf Estate while retaining a navigable channel for boats.

The station features six floors: two plus a rooftop garden are above sea level while four are below grade and submerged underwater. (Pictured Right).

Serving as a transportation and trade network, the ship-like building is filled with retail and restaurant space. The durable, lattice roof shelters a roof-top garden that lets in light and rain for natural irrigation, while the transparent air pillows allow direct views in and out of the building.  They also ensure a comfortable environment for visitors to enjoy the garden throughout the year.

Beautiful Functionality

Fluon ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is the high-performance, fluorine-based plastic film that roofs the station. Lighter than glass, ETFE infrastructure film provides superior durability and a wide range of benefits for outdoor use including:

  • High tensile elongation (200 – 510)
  • Temperature resistance over 200°C
  • Light transmission higher than 90%
  • Superior tear strength
  • Long-term weatherability
  • Excellent mechanical properties
  • Low maintenance
  • Noise Absorption
  • Nonflammable

Different ETFE Grades Offer Greater Options

ETFE infrastructure film is available in various thicknesses and finishes from 12µm to 250µm with light transmission options of over 90%. The film has a thermal melting point of 260°C and a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 9.4. It does not easily scratch over time, even under the harshest weather conditions.

In addition to its standard grades, AGC offers product alternatives of ETFE film that diffuse light, reduce UV and haze, provide higher reflection and greater strength.  Read how ETFE infrastructure film is Revolutionizing the Building Industry.

 

 

The bottom line: ETFE infrastructure film provides a functional and cost-effective roof for the Canary Wharf station at Crossrail Place. The ETFE cushions address the desired weatherability requirements while creating a beautiful silhouette for the iconic structure

In addition to adding to the appeal of Crossrail Place at Canary Wharf station, ETFE infrastructure film has created beauty for other architectural structures including stadiums and greenhouses. Check out this flipbook to see how architects around the world are using ethylene tetrafluoroethylene film for world-class projects.

To learn more about the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station, click here.

 

 

AGC Chemicals