Project
Situated in the green hills of East Huaqiao China, Shenzhen Water Park is a facility that enchants visitors with it’s a unique shape and presence whilst providing a exciting experience both inside and out.
Brief
To bring to life a dream-like structure embodying the joy of free spirited water play. Although Shenzhen is situated in subtropical southern China the facility needed to be heated in the winter months. An integrated retractable roof intended to regulate fluctuating temperatures also needed to have excellent thermal resistance.
Concept
The concept was for the structure to appear like a large water droplet nestled between the hills; an organic dome shape which adopts a semi transparent material with a blue tint to transfer the image of water. Natural light needed to flood through the roof and façade allowing plant growth underneath. The building’s façade and retractable roof needed to be subtly integrated without becoming a blemish on the structure.
Materials
Basic structural requirements included strength, durability, light weight and cost effectiveness. ETFE was selected for all of these properties, in addition to it being an excellent thermal insulator. When used in the three layer cushion, a U Value of 1.7W/m2K is achieved. As part of the roof is retractable, the ETFE cushions and corresponding air circulation system are designed to move with the retractable roof. Due to the complex shape of the structure, there are several hundred geometrically different cushions. The inclusion of LED lighting illuminates the ETFE film with dramatic effect.
Outcome
Shenzhen Water Park is one of the largest ETFE projects in China. Visually striking, the structure is as marvelous to look at as it is to be enjoying the facilities contained within.
