Jewel Changi Airport

Project Overview

Read about how our clients used ETFE for their infrastructure project! ETFE foil cushions are used as canopies and “Oculus” for light and protection.

Singapore

Country

7500

m²

of ETFE

2019

Completed

Safdie Architects

Architects

At A Glance – ETFE at the Jewel Changi Airport

7,390 m² ETFE drop-off canopies provide lightweight, weather-resistant shelter outside the terminals.
110 m² ETFE cushion above the Rain Vortex channels daylight into the indoor garden while reducing heat and glare.
Lightweight material allows slimmer steel structures and faster installation compared to glass.
Long-term durability: ETFE resists UV, humidity, and pollution, keeping maintenance needs low.
Sustainable choice: recyclable material with a long lifespan, designed for heavy daily use.

7,500 m²

of ETFE

The Story of the Project

Jewel Changi Airport – ETFE Canopies and Oculus for Light and Protection

Jewel Changi Airport is one of Singapore’s most ambitious developments, combining nature, leisure, and transport in a single destination. ETFE was used in two distinct ways here: as large canopies outside the terminals and as a single cushion integrated into the glass roof above the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

7,390 m² of ETFE Drop-Off Canopies

Stay dry under ETFE canopies!

Outside the terminals, a series of ETFE canopies provide 7,390 m² of weather protection at the drop-off zones. These lightweight structures shelter passengers and visitors from rain and sun while keeping the areas bright and open. Because ETFE is so light, the steel support structures remain slim, reducing material use and simplifying installation. The result is a canopy system that is functional, durable, and easy to maintain in Singapore’s tropical climate.

Visual Journey

Click right to see the ETFE oculus right in the center of the waterfall.

The waterfall is the center peice of Jewel Changi Airport.

Drop-Off canopies keep travelers dry.

ETFE canopies at night.

Click on the pictures to see the full size

110 m² ETFE Cushion Above the Waterfall

At the heart of Jewel, a 110 m² ETFE cushion sits within the glass roof directly above the Rain Vortex. This element plays a key role in the building’s atmosphere, allowing natural daylight to pour into the Forest Valley garden while protecting the space from heat and glare. The ETFE cushion transforms the oculus into a controlled light source, enhancing both the comfort and the dramatic visual effect of the waterfall.

Built for Longevity in Singapore’s Climate

ETFE was chosen for its resilience in humid, tropical conditions. It is resistant to UV radiation, corrosion, and pollution, meaning that both the canopies and the roof cushion will maintain performance and clarity with minimal cleaning or maintenance. Combined with its long lifespan and recyclability, ETFE delivers both practical and sustainable benefits for a project designed to welcome millions of visitors every year.