ETFE skylights Amsterdam Zuid station – Zuidasdok
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+31 (0)316-250830
Buitink TechnologyFor the renewal of Amsterdam Zuid station, part of the Zuidasdok project, Buitink Technology designed, made and installed the ETFE skylights in the new platform canopies. Commissioned by Buiting Staalbouw, we supplied two continuous roof lights, each more than 44 metres long, that bring daylight deep into the canopies.
The skylights consist of single-layer transparent ETFE foil tensioned over curved arches. The width changes along the length from approx. 2.9 to 3.9 metres, giving each roof light a smooth, gently curved shape.
Structure and technology
The ETFE foil is clamped in coated aluminium profiles on the steel substructure. Stainless steel cables over the foil, every 1.2 metres, take up wind and snow loads and give the roof its rhythmic lines. Expansion joints in the roof light absorb the movements of the long canopy.
A mock-up was built and assessed beforehand, so detailing and appearance were fixed before production started. Installation was carried out in close coordination with the railway schedule, partly during weekend track possessions.
Why ETFE in a station canopy
- Lightweight: single-layer ETFE weighs a fraction of glass, so the substructure can stay slender;
- Shatterproof: no broken glass above platforms and tracks;
- Transparent and UV-resistant: does not yellow or become brittle;
- Self-cleaning: dirt hardly sticks, rain washes the foil clean;
- Fire safe: self-extinguishing, no burning droplets.
ETFE roof lights for stations and canopies
An ETFE roof light is a lightweight and durable alternative to glass in platform canopies, entrance canopies, passages and atria. Buitink Technology designs, produces and installs them to measure, as a single-layer ETFE roof or canopy or as an insulated ETFE cushion roof. A comparable project is the ETFE skylights on expedition ship Silver Origin.
Project details
Project: Zuidasdok, Amsterdam Zuid station (public transport terminal, phase 1)
Client: Buiting Staalbouw
Main contractor: Bouwcombinatie Nieuw-Zuid
Architect: ZJA
Scope: 2 ETFE roof lights in the platform canopies, each approx. 44 m long
Material: single-layer transparent ETFE foil, stainless steel cables, coated aluminium clamping profiles
Design, production and installation ETFE: Buitink Technology
Year of execution: 2024-2025
See also the ETFE ceiling panels for Zuidasdok.
FAQs
Why ETFE instead of glass for a skylight?
Single-layer ETFE foil weighs less than half a kilo per m², glass easily 25 kg or more. The supporting structure can therefore be much lighter and slimmer. ETFE is also shatterproof: no fragments can fall onto platforms or tracks.
How long does an ETFE roof last?
ETFE is unaffected by UV light and weathering and does not yellow or become brittle. Dirt hardly sticks to it and rain washes the foil clean. In normal use an ETFE roof lasts for decades with little maintenance.
Does Buitink also make ETFE skylights for other projects?
Yes. We design, produce and install ETFE skylights, roof lights, entrance canopies and roofs to measure, single-layer or as air cushions, for stations, schools, stadiums, ships and commercial buildings. Contact us for a price indication.
Questions?
Do you have questions or want more information? Please feel free to contact us. Call us at +31 (0)316-250830. But even easier: fill out the contact form below directly. We will contact you as soon as possible!
