Victorian Specialist Centre

Project Overview

At the Victorian Specialist Centre in Melbourne, a compact but carefully considered ETFE installation creates a welcoming, calm arrival space for a medical environment focused on wellness. The entrance features a single ficus hillii tree growing beneath three two-layer ETFE cushions, forming a small sheltered courtyard that remains bright, natural and visually open throughout the day.

Australia

Country

50

m²

of ETFE

2018

Completed

Buchan Group

Architects

At a Glance – ETFE at Victorian Specialist Centre

50 m² ETFE roof forming a sheltered entrance space
Three two-layer ETFE cushions installed over a ficus hillii tree
High UV transparency supports healthy plant growth
Lightweight steel structure with minimal visual obstruction
Designed and delivered by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific
Collaboration with Buchan Group architects

50 m²

of ETFE

The Story of the Project

ETFE Skylight Creating a Light-Filled Entrance for a Growing Tree

The project team sought a roof solution that would support a gentle, contemporary atmosphere for patients and visitors. Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific worked with the Buchan Group architects to design a lightweight steel structure topped with ETFE cushions that allow daylight to reach the tree and the surrounding space.

Because ETFE is highly UV-transparent, it enables plant growth in areas where conventional roofing materials would block or reduce essential wavelengths of light. The clear foils used here keep the space bright and evenly illuminated, supporting the idea of a calm, nature-focused entrance.

Small Scale, High Performance

The 50 m² ETFE foil skylight from above.

Although the canopy covers only 50 m², the project shows how ETFE can be applied efficiently at any scale — from major venues to compact architectural interventions. The result is a light, open and inviting entry point that supports both the architectural vision and the functional needs of the medical centre.

For inquiries about ETFE applications in small or large projects, Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific provides full support from design through installation.