The Aspen Vision City development in Batu Kawan, Penang, Malaysia, integrates retail, leisure, and public space across a large mixed-use master plan. At the heart of the project lies a sweeping ETFE canopy – engineered by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific – that covers a major boulevard and pedestrian streets, combining shelter, daylighting, and structural efficiency under one roof.
Aspen Vision City
In regions like Southeast Asia where climate can be harsh and unpredictable, combining openness with protection is a challenge. The Aspen Vision City canopy demonstrates how ETFE systems can deliver: lightweight construction, structural efficiency, natural lighting, weather protection, and long-term durability – all in one integrated solution.
Project Overview
Malaysia
Country
12100
m²
of ETFE
2019
Completed
Arkitek LLA Sdn.Bhd.
Architects
At a Glance – ETFE at Aspen Vision City
- 12,100 m² ETFE cushion canopy over the main boulevard and shops
- Two-layer ETFE system on a 40-metre-span, column-free steel roof structure
- Shelter from sun and rain, while preserving daylight and openness
- Lightweight cladding reduced steel volume and structural load
- Delivered fully by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific from design to installation
12,100 m²
of ETFE
Aspen Vision City – ETFE Canopy for Climate-Smart Retail Boulevard
Spanning the heart of the retail and public zone, the canopy is based on a two-layer ETFE cushion system totaling around 12,100 m². The lightweight membrane floats above a gently undulating, column-free steel structure with a 40-metre span – a structural solution only possible thanks to ETFE’s minimal load.)
The design emphasizes climate responsiveness: the ETFE canopy shields visitors from tropical sun and rain while allowing natural light to filter through, sustaining the open-air ambience despite full weather protection.
Do you 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
Engineering & Execution by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific
The ETFE canopy shields visitors from tropical sun and rain while allowing natural light to filter through.
Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific handled the full scope of the canopy: from design and structural engineering, through fabrication of the ETFE components, to final installation.
The result is a roof system that balances aesthetic ambition with practical performance, offering a sheltered yet light-filled environment for shoppers, visitors, and community users.
Visual Journey
The view from above…
… reveales the roof's details.
Click on the pictures to see the full size
Why This Matters for Tropical and Mixed-Use Projects
In regions like Southeast Asia where climate can be harsh and unpredictable, combining openness with protection is a challenge. The Aspen Vision City canopy demonstrates how ETFE systems can deliver: lightweight construction, structural efficiency, natural lighting, weather protection, and long-term durability – all in one integrated solution.
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