Royal Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur features a 1,700 m² ETFE canopy spanning 36m, offering light, weather protection and an efficient structure.
Royal Pavilion Hotel
The Royal Pavilion Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is built above the successful Pavilion KL mall. On its rooftop, a striking roof system spans 36 metres, using a lightweight ETFE canopy to provide shelter and thermal protection for hotel guests and visitors alike.
Project Overview
Malaysia
Country
1700
m²
of ETFE
2018
Completed
KLPDS and GDP Architects
Architects
At a Glance – ETFE at Royal Pavilion Hotel
- 1,700 m² canopy spanning 36 m over Pavilion KL mall hotel rooftop.
- ETFE cushions sized 4.2 m × 18 m, printed on the upper layer for solar shading.
- Slim steel trusses installed above live city traffic – prefabricated in sections for crane access.
- Daylight-permitting ETFE roof maintains openness while protecting against sun and rain.
- Lightweight cladding reduced structural requirements and embodied energy.
- Designed and installed by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific.
1,700 m²
of ETFE
Solar control meets daylight transmission
The canopy cushions measure 4.2 m wide by 18 m long and consist of two layers of ETFE: a printed top layer for solar control and a transparent bottom layer for daylight transmission.
The design delivered high light levels while reducing glare in the tropical Malaysian environment.
Do want to build an ETFE project in Malaysia?
We offer local support and are happy to assist you in every stage of your project: From design, engineering to structural engineering.
Matthew Penrose
Executive Vice President | Asia Pacific
Teamwork makes the dream work!
The teams finished the project despite the challenging situation on site.
Installation faced complex logistics, as work took place 18 stories above bustling roads and with limited lay-down space.
The steel trusses were prefabricated in three sections and lifted into place by tower cranes, while a dedicated safety platform of nets and lifelines supported the craftsmen at height.
The collaboration of hotel owner, architects KLPDS & GDP Architects, and the ETFE supply team enabled on-schedule delivery under constrained conditions.
Visual Journey
Aerial view of the ETFE canopy.
The translucency of the ETFE foils works like sunglasses!
1,700 m² of ETFE foil compared to the tiny cars on the ground.
Click on the pictures to see the full size
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Because ETFE is extremely light, the supporting steel structure could be kept lean, reducing both material cost and carbon footprint. The result is a clear-span roof that offers shelter, daylight, and aesthetic refinement for a rooftop hotel environment.
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