Project name

Unilever

City I Country

Hamburg / Germany

m2 I Application

6454 m² / 69470,28 ft²

Unilever Hamburg – A Landmark of Sustainable Design

The Unilever architecture showcases how innovative architecture combines sustainability and user-focused design. Located in Hamburg, Germany, the Unilever headquarters is a cutting-edge office building that integrates modern design, energy efficiency, and employee well-being. Lightspan’s Texlon® ETFE cladding systems were implemented to create a lightweight, transparent façade that maximizes natural daylight while maintaining thermal comfort and visual appeal.

Intelligent ETFE Façade for Comfort and Efficiency

The Unilever architecture sets new standards in efficiency and environmentally friendly construction. The building features multi-layer ETFE cushions designed to control solar gain, reduce energy consumption, and provide consistent natural lighting throughout the interior. Lightspan’s ETFE system combines printed and semi-sheer layers, delivering both aesthetic excellence and functional performance for offices, meeting areas, and communal spaces.

Innovation in Corporate Architecture

Unilever Hamburg demonstrates how ETFE technology can enhance modern workplace design. The use of Lightspan ETFE cladding allows for flexible, lightweight façades that integrate seamlessly with the building’s structure. Employees benefit from bright, airy spaces that foster collaboration and productivity, while the sustainable façade system reduces the building’s ecological footprint and supports long-term energy efficiency.

Benchmark for Future Corporate Buildings

With forward-thinking solutions, the Unilever architecture represents a benchmark for future projects worldwide. By incorporating advanced ETFE solutions, Lightspan shows how modern corporate buildings can combine sustainability, design freedom, and occupant comfort. The Unilever Hamburg headquarters stands as a reference for how innovative ETFE architecture can transform office buildings into environmentally responsible, visually striking, and highly functional spaces.

ETFE Roofing Systems – Global Expertise by Lightspan Lightspan is a leading specialist in advanced ETFE roofing systems, delivering high-performance architectural solutions across Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Our expertise covers the full spectrum of ETFE foil roofs, ETFE cushion systems, ETFE skylights, and ETFE canopy structures, designed for modern, sustainable, and lightweight construction. As a technology-driven partner with deep industry knowledge, Lightspan provides innovative alternatives and collaborations within the global ETFE market, including solutions comparable to companies such as Vector Foiltec and advanced Texlon ETFE cushion systems.What is an ETFE Roof System? An ETFE roof system is a lightweight, high-transparency roofing solution made from ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) foil. These systems are commonly used in stadiums, airports, shopping centers, and large-span architectural projects. Lightspan develops and delivers: ETFE cushion systems, ETFE panel systems, ETFE foil roofing solutions, ETFE cable roof structures.  Why Choose ETFE Roofing? ETFE roofing offers significant advantages over traditional materials like glass: High light transmission (up to 95%), Lightweight structure reduces steel requirements, Excellent durability and weather resistance, Energy-efficient and sustainable, Ideal for complex architectural geometries. This makes ETFE roofs and ETFE foil roofs the preferred solution for innovative building envelopes worldwide.Where Are ETFE Roofs Used? Lightspan supports ETFE projects globally, with strong focus regions: Europe (including Germany & UK), In Europe and the UK, ETFE roofing is widely used in: Stadiums, Transportation hubs, Commercial buildings. 
ETFE roofing Europe, ETFE roof system UK, ETFE skylight Germany. United States (USA) In the United States, ETFE systems are increasingly used in: Sports arenas, Entertainment venues, Urban redevelopment projects, Keywords targeted: ETFE roof USA, ETFE canopy USA, ETFE cushion system America Middle East (High Priority Region) The Middle East is a key growth market for ETFE due to climate advantages: Heat-resistant ETFE foil, Solar control through multi-layer cushions, Ideal for large-scale canopy and roofing systems. Applications include: Airports, Luxury developments, Public spaces ETFE roofing Middle East, ETFE skylight Dubai, ETFE canopy UAE, ETFE roof system Saudi Arabia What ETFE Solutions Does Lightspan Offer? Lightspan provides a full range of ETFE systems: ETFE roof systems, ETFE skylights, ETFE canopy structures, ETFE foil roofs, ETFE cushion systems, ETFE panel systems, ETFE cable roof solutions.We also support digital planning and engineering through Lightspan Digital, enabling efficient project execution worldwide.Is Lightspans ETFE foil an Alternative to Glass?Lightspan operates within the same high-performance ETFE sector as Vector Foiltec, offering comparable expertise in ETFE Texlon systems, ETFE cushion technology, and advanced foil structures.With a focus on innovation, flexibility, and global project delivery, Lightspan is positioned as a strong partner for modern ETFE architecture. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is ETFE foil? ETFE foil is a transparent, durable plastic material used in modern roofing and façade systems. It is lightweight, self-cleaning, and highly مقاust (typo avoided).What is an ETFE cushion system? An ETFE cushion system consists of multiple layers of ETFE foil inflated with air, providing insulation, structural stability, and solar control.What is the difference between ETFE and glass roofing? ETFE is significantly lighter, more flexible, and more cost-efficient than glass, making it ideal for large-span and complex structures.Where can ETFE roofing be used? ETFE roofing can be used globally, especially in regions like Europe, the USA, the UK, and the Middle East, for stadiums, skylights, canopies, and large architectural projects. How long do ETFE roofs last?ETFE roofing systems typically have a lifespan of 25–35 years or more, depending on design and environmental conditions.Global ETFE Expertise With projects and expertise spanning Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, Lightspan is a trusted partner for advanced ETFE roofing systems, ETFE foil roofs, and ETFE architectural solutions. Lightspan, Texlon® ETFE system, ETFE roof, ETFE foil, ETFE material, ETFE cushions, ETFE foil roof, ETFE architecture, ETFE buildings, building skin, cladding, Texlon® roof, ETFE façade, ETFE cladding, Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, cladding suppliers, ETFE cladding system, most trusted brand, inventor of the system, global market leader, partner, solutions, contractors, membrane, transparent cushion, transparent roof, structure, ETFE roofing, specialists, engineering, supplier, worldwide, project, projects, sustainability, sustainable, insulation, acoustic, acoustic comfort, acoustic comfort in buildings, multipurpose, architecture, building, building envelope, general contractors, architects, investors, flexible, efficient, fast, general contracting, construction management, design-build, design service, installation, fabrication, ETFE service, ETFE Design, ETFE Maintenance, ETFE Service Why choose VF Lightspan?
Expert for small and large-scale projects, design and engineering competence in ETFE and structures, in-depth understanding of the interface between cladding and structure, deep understanding of construction processes and schedules, support in acoustic, climate and lighting design, largest ETFE fabrication capacity for large-scale projects, worldwide presence, we deliver a whole range of sizes, structures and possibilities, ongoing Research and Development, newest technology, biggest ETFE turnover in the world, Market leader in ETFE applications, two largest fabrication plants in the world What is ETFE?
anti-adhesive surface, UV-resistant, recycle, no discoloration, without discoloration, does not become brittle, no change in molecular structure, in most cases: a multi-layered, pneumatically supported cushion construction, cushion chambers are filled with air, air blow station, air supply unit, constant air pressure, the cushions can carry external loads such as wind and snow, ETFE heat insulation, acoustic properties, chemical structure, ETFE weight, ETFE melting point, ETFE abrasion point, ETFE density, large spans possible, lightweight, exceptional light transmission, UV-transparent, UV spectrum, printing possible, g-value, all patterns and colors possible, tensile strength, ETFE is weather resistant, hardly ages, lifespan, energy efficient compared to glass, cost-effective: due to the low weight of ETFE costs can be saved in the building’s structure, recyclable material, self-cleansing under natural acts of rain, benefits of ETFE, Why ETFE? The Texlon® System
Texlon roof system, Use of ETFE, ETFE roof construction, architecture, cushion thickness, cushion size, cushion span, The Texlon® system consists mainly of two components: ETFE foil and aluminum profiles. The ETFE foil can be used as a single-layer or multi-layer system. If it is used as a multi-layer (two to five layers) system, it is welded to so-called cushions and filled with air. A keder is welded around the perimeter of the cushions. Both the single-layer ETFE system and the ETFE cushions are mounted in the aluminum profiles, with the help of the keder. The aluminum profiles themselves are attached to the building structure. The structure can, for example, be made of steel, wood or even cable.
Suitable for LEED, BREAM and DGNB certifications, suitable for every climate and environment, design flexibility for iconic architecture, efficient and light-weight structures with maximum free span, transparent cladding solutions,Sustainability, sustainable, plant growth, UV-transparent, UV-transmission, transparent is the new green, climate control, low-maintenance, fast growing visitor numbers, acoustic comfort, light-flooded, the UV impact is high enough to work without artificial lights and pesticides, healthy plants without pesticides, Climate control, low-maintenance, acoustic comfort, light-flooded,Climate control strategies, printings, g-value, u-value, variable shading systems, insulation, solar control, solar gain, light transmission,ETFE in architecture, ETFE sustainable design, technology and design, roof design, façade design, canopy design, canopies, solar control, sustainability, feeling of being outdoors, aesthetics, iconic, creative, bold, beauty, efficiency, smart solutions, design concepts, structural engineering, visually appealing, eye-catching, printing, pattern, LED lights, lighting concepts, illumination effects, recognizable, unique, complex, variety of structures such as steel, cables or wood, timber, fast, efficient, flexible, acoustic comfort, long spans, different sizes and shapes, variable shading systems, no limits on architectural creativity, innovative structures, new material, alternative to glass, design-build, design service,Low-maintenance, fast, efficient, design possibilities, transparency, light-weight, durable façade, LED lights,Beauty, efficiency, smart solutions, climate control strategies, low-maintenance, create more turnover, achieve better rents, fast, efficient, acoustic comfort, light-flooded, steady flow of customers,Low-maintenance, fast, efficient, effects the day-to-day life of the people, positive effects, light-weight design allows innovative structures, bus stop, bus station, train station, public, public sector, school, hospital, community center,Productivity, well-being, working environment, feeling of being outdoors, acoustic features, create new spaces (like atria), variable shading systems, increase productivity, increase well-being,Skylight, skylight system, skylight supplier, skylight systems, large skylights, low-maintenance, acoustic comfort, light-flooded, variable shading systems, acoustic properties,Stadium roof design, ETFE roof stadium, moveable structures, operable roof, climate control, low-maintenance, acoustic comfort, natural turf pitch, enclosed stadium, Sustainability, sustainable, solar control, recycling, recyclable, eco-friendly solutions, long-term durability, energy savings, reducing the overall carbon footprint, building’s lifecycle, less environmental impact, eco-friendly construction material, Environmental Product Declaration, Health Product Declaration, UL certification, LEED credits, DGNB
EPD: Texlon® inflated panels that have reached the end of their useful phase, and ETFE offcuts are recycled. The material is made into valves and other small components that are used in the manufacture of new ETFE systems. The aluminum cap and base profiles can be re-used for new buildings and refurbishment projects or recycled. Following two years of empirical data collection, comprehensive life cycle analysis and third party evaluation, the Texlon® ETFE system was the first ETFE System in the world to be awarded an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Our efforts have been recognized by the Eco Platform which promote EPDs in European and international markets.
• We pride ourselves on being the first ETFE manufacturer in the world with an independently-verified EPD
HPD: HPDs are basically material content lists with associated human and environmental health hazards, Safety is our priority., Our buildings are the most secure environments, people can work, play and live in., fast, efficient, safety concept, Welding, Engineering, printing possible, industrial level welding technique, Quality Management Process, foil, ETFE foil, cushions, foil layers, air supply unit, air supply, air filled cushion, ETFE layers. Air, cushion, air blower, air supply, air supply unit, maintenance work, servicing, air cushion maintenance, cushion façade system maintenance, cushion roof system servicing, cushion roof service upkeep, air cushion pressure repairing, cushion roof pressure measurement, ETFE servicing, to prevent failure, ETFE system servicing, repair of ETFE, ETFE façade service, ETFE roof service, after sales service, self-cleansing effect – ETFE foil constructions never have to be cleaned, annual maintenance of the air supply recommended, repair, replacement, ETFE replacement, renovation, refurbishment• Lightspan maintenance service includes: check-up twice a year, visual check of the installation, checking and cleaning filters, inflation units, pressure switches, change of the air filters, check of the gaskets, qualified test report for the client • We check all ETFE roofs! VF Lightspan Installation
ETFE installation, ETFE servicing, cushion façade industrial construction service, cushion roof industrial construction service, Engineering, ETFE roof construction, we offer the whole package, highly experienced in-house team, rope access technicians, roof extension, new build, new façade, new roof, project management, professional, reliable, solution, construction professionals, construction management, building and construction trades, mechanical trades, administration, on-site, structural engineering, safety licenses