Bodson Valley Project: Steel Membrane Structure for the Atrium

The steel membrane structure project for the atrium of the Bodo Sen Valley complex is located in the Liangzhu area of Yuhang District, north of Hangzhou’s city center. It falls within Liangzhu’s future core development zone and is within the western urban innovation district’s influence sphere. The project requires approximately 689 tons of steel, with an ETFE+mesh fabric membrane covering an area of 12,000 square meters.

Hangzhou Bodo Sen Valley is an industrial park focused on “milk tea” as its main business. The design of the atrium’s canopy was undertaken by the renowned domestic architectural firm “Daxiang Architectural Design Institute”. The design incorporates elements of traditional Chinese tea culture, as well as the symbolic meaning associated with “milk tea”. The design takes inspiration from the natural landscape of tea gardens, with layers of structures stacked atop each other in a pleasingly intricate pattern. The valleys between these structures meander like those found in the water towns of southern China. To accommodate seasonal weather changes, the roof surface is made of highly self-cleaning ETFE material (commonly known as “soft glass”). The color scheme transitions from a tender green in spring to a deep green in autumn. The ceiling also uses PTFE fabric membranes in complementary colors to those of the ETFE roof. The design features layers that gradually increase in height and size, with transparent ETFE double-layer air pillows used in the lower areas, creating a stunningly beautiful effect. 

This project stands out for several reasons: 

1. A simple atrium has been transformed into a vibrant and impressive masterpiece through the skillful design of talented architects. 

2. The canopy’s structural design combines complex primary and secondary steel frameworks to meet aesthetic and functional requirements. These elements interlace, overlap, and complement each other, making it one of the most challenging projects in the membrane structure industry in recent years. 

3. The use of differently colored ETFE and PTFE materials creates a visually striking contrast. Additionally, the transparent double-layer air pillow structure adds brightness and uniqueness to the overall design. 

4. At night, the lighting enhances the atrium’s appearance, creating a dazzling display of colors that allows people living nearby to enjoy the “Bodo Milk Tea” theme after a busy day. This innovative design can serve as a model for similar projects. The detailed design and construction were carried out by the Marriott team.