ETFE building – Lightspan ETFE System Solutions
An ETFE building is a structure that uses ETFE foil systems for façades or roofs instead of traditional glass. In many projects, ETFE buildings are better than glass buildings because they are lighter, allow more natural light, and reduce structural load. Typical applications range from stadiums to airports and large public spaces.
Lightspan develops ETFE system solutions based on decades of engineering experience and global project delivery.
The Shed
Allegiant Stadium
The Avenues
Service Station of the Future
Assiniboine Park
Sandton City
Baku Olympic Stadium
Eugene Hayward Field
Amsterdam Arena
DFB Campus
Zurich Zoo Elephant House
Zoo Cloud Forest
Kocaeli Shopping Mall
Tórshavn College
Jönköping Werket
New Gymnasium
ARTIC
Bevis Marks
Devonshire Place EC2
Khan Shatyr Swimming
New Street (BGP)
Eager Park Pavilion
Mechelen Train Station
Victoria Station
Herdergebäude Atrium
Grasjochbahn Station
MCH Trade fair
Unilever
Naturkraft
Médiacité
HOLM
MediaTIC
Łódź Old Market
Center Parcs
River City Amazon Court
UCLA Basketball
Tottenham Hale Bus Station
Frosilo
Fiere
Salincarré
Plant Science Centre
Cologne Trade fair
Grugapark
CFEL
Arrivals Canopy
Burgers Zoo
Resort & Club
Gränby Gränbystaden
Sliparen 2
Jotron
Origo
Sports and Wellness Center
Aqua Park
Afrykarium
SVGS Courtyard
Moldova Mall
Al Jawhara Mall
ETFE building - What is an ETFE roof and where is it used?
An ETFE building usually integrates an ETFE roof or façade system. ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a transparent polymer used in cushion or foil systems.
ETFE roof systems vs glass roofing
ETFE roofs are significantly lighter than glass roofs. This allows larger spans and more flexible architectural designs.
ETFE building applications in practice
ETFE buildings are often used in:
- Stadium roofs
- Airport terminals
- Shopping atriums
- Exhibition halls
- Cultural landmarks
ETFE building – What typ of buildings use ETFE?
ETFE is mainly used in large-span architecture where weight and daylight are critical factors.
ETFE building – What is an ETFE roof and where is it used?
ETFE building expertise at Lightspan
Lightspan combines engineering, design, fabrication, and installation under one system approach for ETFE buildings. The company emerged from the merger of BEMO-Lightspan USA and ETFE expertise from the former Vector Foiltec team.
We operate production facilities in Germany and work with the Texlon® ETFE system, used in major international projects.
Concept, Design, Engineering, Fabrication, Installation
Our ETFE building workflow is structured across five phases:
- Concept: feasibility and material strategy for ETFE roof systems
- Design: digital modelling of ETFE building envelopes
- Engineering: structural validation and optimisation
- Fabrication: production of ETFE cushions and foil elements
- Installation: on-site assembly of ETFE roofs and façades
Each phase is aligned to ensure technical clarity from the start.
Why ETFE buildings are used instead of glass
ETFE buildings are chosen when projects require:
- Lower structural weight
- High light transmission
- Flexible geometry options
- Reduced material use compared to glass systems https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects/categories/etfe
ETFE building projects worldwide
Lightspan has contributed to more than 1,500 projects globally, including stadiums and landmark architecture. ETFE roof systems have been used in large-scale venues such as sports arenas and cultural complexes.
