Futuristic ETFE Membrane Structure of Olympic Sports Center, Wuxi

Nestled in a prime location along the shores of Taihu Lake, adjacent to the ecological barriers of Gonghu Bay and Shangxian River "double wetlands," the Wuxi Olympic Sports Industry Center rises in the central area of Wuxi Economic Development Zone, Jiangsu Province. Spanning approximately 49,900 square meters of land with a total construction area of 63,500 square meters, the project resembles a sports pearl inlaid within a natural landscape painting. It not only occupies a uniquely advantageous natural environment but also has become a highly anticipated new urban landmark in the Yangtze River Delta region due to its landmark-scale architectural volume. 

Among the many highlights of this building, the ETFE air cushion structure.on the inner roof ring, deeply designed and installed by Wanhao Space Structure, is particularly striking. With a projected area of approximately 20,000 square meters, it serves as the crowning touch of the entire structure. As a core component of the spoked cable-membrane structure system, the ETFE air cushion breaks through the limitations of traditional building materials through innovative design. Using lightweight membrane materials, it creates a super-large-span spatial coverage, endowing the building with a dynamic modern aesthetic while achieving the perfect unity of structural mechanics and visual aesthetics. It has become a key link connecting the external ecosystem and internal functional spaces.  

The exceptional performance of the ETFE membrane.is fully demonstrated in this project. With a light transmittance of up to 95%, it allows natural light to fully filter into the interior, creating a bright and transparent spatial atmosphere. At the same time, it effectively filters over 90% of ultraviolet rays, reducing artificial lighting energy consumption by 60% while providing thoughtful protection for indoor personnel and facilities. Extremely lightweight, it weighs only 1% of traditional glass, with less than 0.15 kilograms per square meter, significantly reducing the building's structural load. This enables the spoked cable-membrane structure.to achieve a mechanical marvel of a 20-meter cantilevered column-free space, making the building appear even more light and agile. Additionally, the self-cleaning properties of the ETFE membrane surface and its ultra-long service life of over 15 years are more in line with the concept of green environmental protection, reducing maintenance costs from the material source and practicing the architectural philosophy of sustainable development. 

The ETFE membrane structure of the Wuxi Olympic Sports Industry Center is not only an innovative breakthrough in architectural technology but also a perfect fusion of natural landscapes and modern technology. When the shimmering waves of Taihu Lake and the greenery of the wetlands shine through the membrane, and the building displays a transparent texture under the caress of natural light, this place is no longer just a sports venue but a "breathing" urban living room. By day, it reflects the ecological picture of water and sky merging as one; by night, it transforms into a luminous landmark illuminating the shores of Taihu Lake. 

With its cutting-edge design language, it adds unique charm to Wuxi and has become a model of technology empowering ecology in urban development, attracting countless people eager to witness this future scene of coexistence between nature and architecture.