ETFE in Hong Kong: Ocean Park Water World’s 3,000 m² ETFE roof and skylight system combines lightweight structure, weather resilience and daylight-flooded comfort for an all-season resort environment.
Ocean Park Water World
Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific managed the full scope of supply: design, engineering, fabrication, delivery, and installation of both ETFE components and supporting steelwork. The integrated approach ensured compliance with local building regulations, structural approval, and coordinated delivery – delivering a robust, elegant roofing solution for a major leisure facility.
Project Overview
Hong Kong
Country
2950
m²
of ETFE
2021
Completed
Aedas
Architects
At a Glance – ETFE at Ocean Park Water World
- 2,950 m² of ETFE roof and skylight coverings for indoor Water World zones
- Three-layer ETFE cushion system including 40 integrated smoke vents
- Lightweight, curved steel-beam structure – shell-like geometry without bulky trusses
- Designed for typhoon wind loads and coastal climate conditions with cable-reinforced restraints
- Print-patterned ETFE surface balances daylight, shading, and glare control for guest comfort
- Delivered turnkey by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific – from concept to installation
2,950 m²
of ETFE
ETFE Roof Elevates Hong Kong’s All-Weather Waterpark
The Water World in Ocean Park, Hong Kong, features a new roof system built with ETFE, covering key indoor attractions and facilitating an all-weather, year-round water-park experience. As part of the expansion into a resort with 20 attractions, the project includes two large curved roofs and skylights totaling to 2,950 m².
Lightweight Roof and Structural Efficiency
The ETFE roof system consists of a three-layer cushion configuration, including integrated smoke vents, contributing both transparency and safety. Supported on a built-up steel beam structure with varying radii, the roof achieves an open, shell-like geometry — no heavy trusses required. This enabled substantial steel savings and a clean architectural expression, ideal for large-span roofs in leisure architecture.
Do you want to talk about your project?
We are happy to assist you in every stage of your project, from design, engineering and structural engineering.
Matthew Penrose
Executive Vice President | Asia Pacific
Resilience Under Typhoon Conditions & Climate Adaptation
ETFE foils are the perfect choice for areas with typhoon wind loads.
Given Water World’s exposed coastal location, the roof was engineered to meet strict wind-load and environmental criteria. The ETFE cushions are restrained by a combination of steel and stainless-steel cables to resist uplift and ensure stability under typhoon wind loads.
This ensures visitor safety and long-term durability in Hong Kong’s marine environment.
Visual Journey
Aerial view of the Ocean Park Water World.
A close-up from our ETFE cushions.
Work in progress: Take a look behind the scenes.
Click on the pictures to see the full size
Comfort, Light, and Guest Experience
The roof’s outer ETFE layer uses a dot-matrix print to control sunlight and minimize glare, while still allowing abundant diffuse daylight. This balance creates a pleasant, sheltered atmosphere for guests – giving the feeling of being outdoors while protected from weather and harsh sunlight.
Integrated Delivery & Turnkey Execution
Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific managed the full scope of supply: design, engineering, fabrication, delivery, and installation of both ETFE components and supporting steelwork. The integrated approach ensured compliance with local building regulations, structural approval, and coordinated delivery – delivering a robust, elegant roofing solution for a major leisure facility.
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