ETFE stretch ceilings Gent-Sint-Pieters station
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Buitink TechnologyAs part of the renewal of Gent-Sint-Pieters station in Ghent, Belgium, the platforms are getting a new, high canopy with roof lights. Under those roof lights hang ETFE stretch ceilings by Buitink Technology. They let daylight through evenly to the platform and keep the steel structure and the services above out of sight. Commissioned by the contractor consortium AB-Eiffage – Valens, we design, make and install approx. 645 m² of ceiling in two phases.
Single-layer ETFE, tightly tensioned
The ceiling panels are made of single-layer matt ETFE foil. The foil diffuses the light and transmits more than 80% of it. During the day the ceiling glows softly and evenly, without glare.
Each panel is tensioned all round with stainless steel springs in a coated aluminium tension profile (RAL 9016). Stainless steel cables in pockets in the foil carry the panel across its full width and keep it flat. The result is panels of approx. 8.8 by 4.5 metres that hang as one taut surface between the steel girders.
A mock-up first
Before production started, we built a mock-up of 8.4 by 4.7 metres at the station. On this mock-up the choice of foil, the tension, the cable spacing and the connections to the steel structure were assessed and fixed together with the client.
Installation is carried out from aerial work platforms in the track bed, while the adjacent platform stays in use. Tools and materials are additionally secured. For the same canopy we also supplied textile panel curtains.
Why an ETFE stretch ceiling
- Translucent: the daylight from the roof lights is put to use;
- Light-diffusing: even light without glare, the structure above stays out of sight;
- Lightweight: a fraction of the weight of glass or panels, so fixing is simple;
- Shatterproof and safe: no glass above the passengers;
- Durable: UV-resistant, does not yellow or become brittle, dirt hardly sticks to it.
Light ceilings for stations and canopies
A tensioned ETFE ceiling combines daylight with a calm ceiling surface. The principle suits stations, atria, passages, swimming pools and schools, wherever a ceiling has to let light through while hiding the services above. A comparable project is the ETFE ceiling panels for Zuidasdok in Amsterdam. See also our other stretch ceilings and our ETFE roofs and canopies.
Project details
Project: Renewal of Gent-Sint-Pieters station, platform canopy
Client: TM AB-Eiffage – Valens
Owner and architect: SNCB Stations (NMBS)
Scope: approx. 645 m² ETFE stretch ceiling in two phases
Material: single-layer matt ETFE foil, stainless steel springs and cables, coated aluminium tension profiles
Design, production and installation: Buitink Technology
Year: 2025 (phase 3), phase 4 to follow
See also the stretch ceilings we made for swimming pools, sports halls and town halls.
FAQs
What is an ETFE stretch ceiling?
A ceiling of thin ETFE foil tensioned all round in aluminium profiles. Matt ETFE lets daylight through and diffuses it, so the ceiling glows evenly and the structure above stays out of sight.
How much light does an ETFE ceiling let through?
That depends on the foil. The matt, light-diffusing foil in Ghent transmits more than 80% of the light. We select the foil for each project to suit the required light and ceiling appearance.
Why build a mock-up first?
On a full-size mock-up we assess the foil, the tension, the connections and the appearance together with the client before production starts. That way the details are fixed and there are no surprises on site.
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!
