Artic Roof – ETFE Roof by Lightspan
The artic roof at Artic Anaheim, California, is an example of how ETFE roofing can be used to create large, lightweight roof structures with high light transmission. If you are asking, “What is ETFE artic roof?”, the answer is simple: it is a roof system made from ETFE cushions that cover the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), providing daylight, weather protection, and energy efficiency.
The ARTIC project is widely recognized for combining structural steel with ETFE membrane technology to create a bright and open public space. Lightspan has extensive experience delivering ETFE roof solutions for transportation hubs, sports venues, and public buildings.
What Is the Artic Roof and Why Was ETFE Chosen?
The artic roof consists of ETFE cushions supported by a steel framework. Compared with conventional glazing, ETFE is significantly lighter while still allowing a high level of natural daylight to enter the building.
This reduces the structural load and helps create spacious interiors with fewer supporting columns. Learn more about our ETFE roof systems and architectural membrane structures.
ETFE Roofing Systems
ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) is a fluoropolymer membrane widely used in contemporary architecture. It is resistant to UV radiation, corrosion, and harsh weather conditions while requiring relatively little maintenance.
Lightweight Roof Structures
Large-span ETFE roofs allow architects to design open spaces that would be difficult to achieve using conventional glass roofs.
How Does an Artic Roof Perform?
The ETFE cushions used for the artic roof provide thermal insulation through multiple air-filled layers while maintaining excellent light transmission.
Natural Daylighting
The transparent membrane allows daylight to enter the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours.
Energy Performance
Depending on the cushion design, printed patterns and multiple foil layers can help manage solar gain and indoor temperatures.
Where Is the Artic Roof Located?
The artic roof is located at the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) in Anaheim, California, USA. The building serves as one of Southern California’s major transportation hubs and is known internationally for its ETFE façade and roof system.
Related ETFE Projects
Lightspan also supplies ETFE roofing solutions for airports, railway stations, stadiums, botanical gardens, and commercial buildings around the world.
Why Is the Artic Roof Referenced in ETFE Architecture?
The ARTIC project demonstrates how ETFE technology can span large areas while keeping the overall roof weight comparatively low. The material also allows architects to create curved geometries that would be challenging with traditional glazing systems.
ETFE vs Glass Roofs
While both materials provide transparency, ETFE weighs only a fraction of glass, making it suitable for large-span roofs where structural efficiency is important.
Is the Artic Roof Durable?
Yes. ETFE membranes are designed for long service life, resist UV exposure, and feature self-cleaning properties due to their smooth surface.
Does the Artic Roof Save Energy?
The use of natural daylight and multi-layer ETFE cushions can contribute to lower lighting demand and improved thermal performance, depending on the building design.
For further technical information about ETFE materials, visit the ETFE information pages at https://www.vector-foiltec.com, the American Institute of Architects (https://www.aia.org), and the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (https://iass-structures.org).
