First use of ETFE film on a large wall in Japan

　(Tokyo Head Office: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Osaka Head Office: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President: Yumi Nomura; hereafter “Taiyo Kogyo”), which is engaged in the manufacture of large membrane surface structures (tent structures), civil engineering and logistics materials, has installed highly transparent and lightweight ETFE film on the large walls of the recently completed new head office building of Duskin Kurihara Co. This is the first case in Japan where ETFE film has been used on a large wall surface as a full surface window or wall. We plan to use this case as a model and actively propose the use of ETFE film as a new method of application. The roof of the new building is made of PTFE glass fiber membrane material*1, which is transparent from the front and creates a space with soft light pouring in from the roof.

In planning architectural projects, we are always looking for highly functional materials, and this time we chose ETFE film for the windows of the atrium on the south side of the office. While being cost-conscious, ETFE was chosen as a material that is strong, does not break like glass, and transmits light, creating a bright space with guaranteed safety. Future possibilities for ETFE film in buildings include semi-outdoor spaces in kindergartens and nursery schools, bright spaces in factory cafeterias, offices and welfare facilities, and public spaces such as government offices, town halls, and transportation infrastructure. Basically, since it has high light transmittance and can adjust for ultraviolet rays, etc., it can be expected to be used in buildings where plants and animals are involved.

ETFEフィルムはフッ素樹脂をフィルム状に圧延したもので、ガラスに代わる新しい建築表現が可能な材料として注目されており、日本では現在、有明地区へ移設している新豊洲Brilliaランニングスタジアムの屋根や2024年2月にオープンした広島新サッカースタジアム（エディオンピースウイング広島）の庇（ひさし）に使用されています。
今回使用したETFEフィルムは、わずか500μm（マイクロメートル＝0.5㎜）の薄さで、重量874g/㎡と超軽量です。ガラスと比較すると製造工程でCO2排出を大きく低減できるほか、輸送による環境負荷も大きく減らすことができる素材です。膜構造の特徴である変形追随性に優れているため、建築躯体への負荷を軽減し耐震性に優れています。

(i) Durability
Despite its thickness of 0.5 mm, the durability is about 25 years. Since it has fire retardant performance, it can be used in Article 22 areas of the Building Standard Law depending on the application.
(ii) Transparency
Maintains high light transmittance (visible light transmittance of 86.8% at *500 NJ (transparent, 500 μm)) in all regions of ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared rays. Light transmitted can be controlled by using different film types (transparent, pearlescent, white, blue, dot print, etc.).
(3) Earthquake resistance
ETFE film (500 μm) weighs approximately 874 g/m2, which is lightweight compared to other common building materials. As with conventional membrane structures, it can reduce the load on the building frame and significantly improve earthquake resistance. It also has excellent deformation-following properties and does not break and shatter like glass, making interior spaces safer.

ZEB is an abbreviation for Net Zero Energy Building, which is an environmentally friendly building that has acquired ZEB certification. ZEB is defined as “a building that achieves significant energy savings while maintaining the quality of the indoor environment by controlling energy loads through advanced building design, actively utilizing natural energy through the use of passive technology, and introducing highly efficient equipment systems. The building is designed to have office space with high cross-fertilization.
In this building, the office portion is ZEB-enabled with high thermal insulation and high-efficiency heat exchangers, while the atrium is a semi-outdoor space using natural ventilation to create an enjoyable and event space. The rooftop is equipped with photovoltaic power generation and storage batteries, and is equipped with facilities that enable stipulated lifestyles for 24 hours even if lifelines are interrupted in the event of a disaster.

Owner: Duskin Kurihara Corporation
・Design: Shirae Architects & Engineers, Inc.
・Construction: Ita Technos Corporation
・Membrane structure: Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
・Start of construction: November 2022
・ Completion: January 2024
・Scale (building area): 585.57m2 (total area): 1321.12m2
・Structure: Steel frame, part Reinforced concrete, 3 floors above ground
・Scale (membrane area): walls 346 m2 (ETFE film), roof 268 m2 (PTFE glass fiber membrane)

＜注釈＞
※１　PTFE膜材（四フッ化エチレン樹脂コーティング膜）は、ガラス繊維織物にフッ素樹脂をコーティングした複合材料
※２　経済産業省資源エネルギー庁「ZEBロードマップ検討委員会とりまとめ」（平成27年12月）

Taiyo Kogyo is a leading manufacturer of large membrane surface structures that are economical, easy to install, translucent, and well designed. Under the corporate philosophy of “Unlocking the infinite possibilities of membranes to deliver an inspiring and comfortable environment to our customers. Under the corporate philosophy of “We will bring excitement and a comfortable environment to our customers by exploiting the infinite possibilities of membranes,” TSP Taiyo has been supporting the safety and security of society by utilizing the characteristics of light and strong materials to expand its business in various fields including construction, as symbolized by the roof of the giant dome, civil engineering, logistics, and environmental fields.
Together with group companies such as TSP Taiyo Corporation, which provides event consulting services, and ACTIO Corporation, which manages facilities, we are working to “make the world softer and the future warmer. We aim to “make the world soft and the future warm. TSP Taiyo Corporation, the event consulting firm, and Actio Corporation, the facility management firm.

Photos for the press can be downloaded from here.

Public Relations Department, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation Phone: 06-6306-3033