Magical ETFE membrane of the 'Water Cube' saves energy and cleans itself

The interior look of the 'Water Cube'

(BEIJING, Jan. 28) -- The National Aquatic Center has a beautiful nickname -- the "Water Cube." This is an architectural building that literally embodies the water theme. The blue "bubbles" made by the ETFE membrane fully showcase the grace and sensitivity of water.

The design feature of the "Water Cube" is the "bubbles." The membrane structure of the "Water Cube," which is composed of more than 3000 pneumatic die cushion with a coverage area of 110, 000 square meters, is the largest in the world. The "Water Cube" is also the only public building that is fully made of a membrane structure.

The advantages of the ETFE membrane are numerous:

Each of the 3000 bubbles can resist the weight of a car.

The outer wall of the "Water Cube" is composed of 3000 irregular "bubbles," which make up the ETFE membrane structure. The ETFE membrane has good ductility and crushing resistance. After aeration, every piece of membrane can resist the weight of a car. It also has good resistance against fire and intense heat.

The "Water Cube" can breath

Eight fans which discharge the air naturally are set on the roof and the body of the "Water Cube." After fresh air enters the building, it can be discharged through the cavum in the roof. This is how the heating within the building is released.

The "Water Cube" can "wash its face" by itself

The ETFE membrane is self-cleaning in nature. Since the friction coefficient of the material is small, dust does not easily attach onto the structure. Even if dust does collect on it, as long as it rains, the surface is washed by rain water.