Analysis of a Translucent Insulated Triple-layer Membrane Roof for a Sport Centre in Germany

A new sport centre in Germany is presently under construction but already features an innovative and sophisticated membrane construction. It consists of a conical-shaped multi-ply membrane with an air gap and a translucent thermal insulation. The main advantages of textile construction materials are the outstanding design options and material properties, which enable to achieve large column-free spans, remarkable building shapes and -due to its light transmission- allows for high indoor daylight quality. In addition to the focus on translucent thermal insulation and membrane materials, the air and the moisture conditions within the ventilated air layer are also investigated by simulations and will be measured in-situ: The project is accompanied by a research project that will also consider monitoring of the building performances and the thermal and moisture behavior of the roof construction. The aim of the project is the methodical analysis and development of energy efficient structural measures for buildings with membrane constructions in Germany including the broad range of planning and building permission issues (due to federal fire regulations for example). The paper presents the project as a case study that offers the challenges and experiences gathered during the planning and construction, and the first simulation results with a focus on the performance of the ventilation air layer.