Today’s travelers want more than utilitarian hubs, and more airports are making significant upgrades and expansions – both internally and externally. Architects and designers who are working on exterior airport renovations face a broad range of challenges that require innovative solutions. Tensile membrane facades are highly effective tools that can help architects address concerns related to energy efficiency, visual presence, noise pollution, privacy, and interior comfort.
Challenge: Addressing Energy Efficiency in Older Airport Buildings
Solution: As with most renovation projects, upgrading airport buildings nearly always involves improving energy efficiency. Tensile membrane facades are widely celebrated for their contributions in reducing the energy necessary to keep buildings cool by blocking solar heat gain.
Challenge: Upgrading the Exterior with Minimal Interior Impact
Solution: As a second-skin to the existing building, tensile membrane facades offer an impactful upgrade in a fraction of the time compared to a traditional exterior renovation. If a simple installation process is important, explore the modular panel facade system options.
Challenge: Masking Certain Unattractive Features
Solution: Whether it’s an unsightly traffic control tower or a visible maintenance area, tensile membrane facades can be used to mask certain features on the property. Facades can be designed to stretch significant distances with minimal support, and they offer the additional benefit of still allowing a natural flow of light through the membrane.
Challenge: Supporting Privacy and Security Requirements
Solution: Especially important for projects like airports, tensile membrane facades can help with privacy and security by limiting the view into the building without damaging the view out of it. If this is a priority for your project, then explore how LED lighting can be used to maximize the one-way-mirror-effect during the nighttime hours.
Challenge: Creating a Visual Presence that Supports Branding
Solution: Generally speaking, the decision to renovate an airport means there is a renewed focus on differentiating the location from others. Tensile membrane facades not only offer functional and aesthetic upgrades to the property; they can also provide an important branding opportunity for the airport itself or the local tourism agency.
Explore the Opportunities with Tensile Membrane Facades
In the Tension Structures Division of Eide Industries, we specialize in design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of structurally complex and creatively challenging commercial, government, and prototype design projects. Our expertise with tensile facade systems and tension structures supports architects, designers, general contractors, and building owners in their efforts to bring custom tensile membrane projects to life.
Explore the options for your next project by calling 800-422-6827.