ETFE Roofs for Botanical Environments: Two ETFE roofs at the Taipei International Flora Exposition in Taiwan provide daylight, solar control and lightweight design for botanical pavilion spaces.
Taipei International Flora Exposition
The Taipei International Flora Exposition 2010 welcomed more than 8.9 million visitors, showcasing horticulture, innovation and botanical displays across a series of themed pavilions. Two pavilion buildings were covered with ETFE roof systems, providing the light and climate conditions required for tropical and subtropical plants
Project Overview
Taiwan
Country
1200
m²
of ETFE
2010
Completed
Bio-architecture Formosana
Architects
At a Glance – ETFE at Taipei International Flora Exposition
- Two ETFE roofs covering 1,200 m² of pavilion space
- Installed for the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition
- Designed to support tropical and subtropical plant exhibitions
- ETFE transmits all visible light and UV, supporting plant health
- Silver-printed top foil reduces solar heat gain
- Lightweight material enables efficient steel structures
- Architect: Bio-architecture Formosana
- Location: Taipei, Taiwan
1,200 m²
of ETFE
Daylight for Tropical and Subtropical Plant Displays
The exposition site included multiple pavilions, outdoor areas, a conference centre, stage and aquatic areas. The ETFE roofs span 1,200 m², sheltering spaces dedicated to tropical plants and orchid exhibitions. The material’s high transparency allows abundant daylight to reach the plants below, supporting healthy growth and creating bright exhibition environments.
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Matthew Penrose
Executive Vice President | Asia Pacific
Material Benefits for Botanical Projects
Two ETFE roofs at the Taipei International Flora Exposition provide daylight, solar control and lightweight design for botanical pavilion spaces.
ETFE allows all wavelengths of visible light, including UV light, to pass through the roof. This property helps reduce fungal growth and can minimise the need for pesticides, supporting plant health in controlled environments.
To address the risk of overheating in Taiwan’s subtropical climate, the upper foil layer was printed with a silver pigment that reflects solar radiation. This printing solution enables solar control while maintaining high levels of daylight.
Visual Journey
Daylight, solar control and lightweight design for botanical pavilion spaces with ETFE.
Click on the pictures to see the full size
Lightweight and Sustainable Roofing
ETFE’s low weight reduces the mass of supporting structures, allowing efficient and minimal steel designs. Its durability and low embodied energy contribute to the environmental performance of botanical buildings and exhibition spaces.
Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific delivered the ETFE roofing as part of the project.
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