Lightweight ETFE canopy for urban retail in Canberra – ETFE foil and engineering for high-end performance.
Scotts Crossing
At Scotts Crossing in Canberra, Australia, a 720 m² ETFE canopy was developed as part of a retail-focused urban space. The design called for a solution that would be as lightweight and elegant as possible, while still delivering the right balance of shelter, daylight and structural efficiency.
Project Overview
Australia
Country
719
m²
of ETFE
2025
Completed
Buchan Group
Architects
At a Glance – ETFE at Scotts Crossing
- 720 m² ETFE canopy for a retail-led urban project
- 20 two-layer ETFE cushions
- Designed to be as lightweight and elegant as possible
- Supported by a steel structure
- Scope included design, fabrication, supply, installation, structural engineering, wind engineering and flashings
- Winner of the Urban Design Award at the 2025 ACT ArchitectureAwards
719 m²
of ETFE
Engineering for Lightness and Performance
Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific was responsible for the design, fabrication, supply and installation of the two-layer ETFE cushions, along with detailed structural engineering, wind engineering and flashings. Wind engineering played a central role in refining the canopy system and reducing unnecessary structural demand.
The canopy uses 20 two-layer ETFE cushions with a DM4:74 Light top foil, creating a bright and protected environment while maintaining a light architectural expression. Supported by a steel structure, the system was designed to minimise visual weight and align with the project’s urban design ambitions.
Do you have a project in mind?
We offer local support and are happy to assist you in every stage of your project: From design, engineering to structural engineering.
Angus Macleod
Technical Director | Australia & New Zealand
Recognized for Urban Design
The project was recognised with the Urban Design Award at the 2025 ACT Architecture Awards.
Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific was responsible for the design, fabrication, supply and installation of the two-layer ETFE cushions, along with detailed structural engineering, wind engineering and flashings. Wind engineering played a central role in refining the canopy system and reducing unnecessary structural demand.
The project was recognised with the Urban Design Award at the 2025 ACT Architecture Awards, reflecting its contribution to the public realm and the quality of its architectural integration.
Visual Journey
ETFE Australia: Scotts Crossing in Canberra features a 720 m² ETFE canopy.
A detailed view of the ETFE canopy at Scotts crossing, Canberra.
Click on the pictures to see the full size
Clean, efficient, performative!
Working closely with Passage Projects, Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific helped develop a structural frame that meets performance requirements while keeping the overall form clean and efficient. This close coordination ensured that the final canopy achieved the client’s goal of a lightweight, visually refined solution.
Media Copyrights
© Shaw Photography
Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific
