Architecture for Athens 2004 - Roof & Facade

Roof& 

Facade 

Asia 

OCTOBER 

2004 

Volume 1 Number 8 MITA (P) 295/11/2003 

Architecture for 

Athens 2004 

THE facilities for the 2004 Olympic 

Games and Paralympic Games in 

Athens, Greece, designed by the 

world-famous architect, Santiago 

Calatrava, stood out for their 

innovative structural forms, 

especially the roofing systems. 

The Wall of Nations. 

© ATHOC/ Photo credit: C. Cunliffe. 

Facilities for 2004 

Olympic Games and 

Paralympic Games 

Tarchitect, to redesign the Athens Olympic 

HE Organising Committee for the Olympic 

Games Athens 2004, in a joint effort with the 

Ministry of Culture in Greece, chose Dr 

Santiago Calatrava, the renowned Spanish 

Sports Complex (OAKA) and to carry out a series of other 

architectural works in the city of Athens. 

Combining, within a modern context, the 

environment, history and culture of Greece, particularly 

the spirit of the Olympic movement, Dr Calatrava has 

created a work of art that has left a permanent mark on 

contemporary Athens. 

Perhaps the identity of both the 2004 Games and the 

city of Athens is best reflected in the design OAKA. 

Key features of Dr Calatrava’s design include the 

suspended arches which partially cover the Olympic 

Stadium, the Velodrome and the entrances leading to the 

Continued on page 2 >>> 

Contents 

October 2004 

Cover Story ................................................. 1 

Feature: Natural Stone Applications ....... 6 

Products & Services: Paints & 

Coatings ..................................................... 8 

Products & Services: Waterproofing .... 11 

Products & Services: Curtain Wall ....... 13 

News & Events ........................................16

Roof&Facade Asia Cover Story: Architecture for Athens 2004 

>>> Continued from page 1 

OAKA area. A semicircle is created between the 

competition venues, providing the same cover for the 

sponsors’ hospitality venue, the restaurants and the shops 

at the Games. 

In the post-Olympic era, the same area can host major 

events and exhibitions. 

Further, the Tower of the Olympic Flame was placed 

in a central square, in such a way that it was visible from 

each and every competition venue. 

Dr Calatrava’s skill in bringing design and 

engineering elements together in an innovative and 

creative way is reflected in his design for the OAKA. 

The paved central axis (the boulevard) which runs 

from east to west, provides a direct connection to the 

various Olympic venues. 

Suspended arched roofs partially cover the Olympic 

Stadium (the location for the opening and closing 

ceremonies, track and field events and the men’s soccer 

final) and the entrances, and fully cover the Velodrome 

(the location for the indoor cycling events). At the Arcade, 

curved shell structured steel arches and top cladding 

provided shade for spectators while allowing sunlight 

in. 

Indigenous vegetation was planted inside and outside 

the OAKA, while decorative water pools with light blue 

surfaces illuminated at night, enhanced the natural, 

relaxed atmosphere of the Games. 

Promenade areas with marble lanes, ponds and lightstreams 

completed the synthesis of the Agora. 

The Olympic Stadium. 

© ATHOC/ Photo credit: C. Voulgari. 

The Olympic Stadium 

In accordance with the architectural study performed by 

Santiago Calatrava, the newly built roof partially covers 

the Olympic Stadium, mainly the terraces, over a total 

area of 25,000 sq m. 

The bearing construction is made of two double steel 

arcs which are positioned at the same height in pairs, and 

connected with extended cables. A system of diagonal 

connectors further strengthens the structure. 

The construction is completed with transverse girders 

which are connected to the lower arc and form a grid on 

which polycarbonate was installed. 

The Velodrome 

The Olympic Velodrome is fully covered with a structure 

similar to the roof of the Olympic Stadium, with a steel 

bearing structure, the central zone of which is covered 

with solar controlling laminated glass and the rest with 

aluminium panels. The inner surface of the roof is lined 

with wooden panels. 

The Entrance Canopies 

The entrance canopies provided visitors with their first 

and final impressions of the complex. Spectators were 

able to clearly identify the Sports Complex OAKA by its 

glazed canopies which consist of steel structures 

supported by steel arches and topped with laminated 

glass. 

The Agora 

The Agora is a multi-purpose space which dominates the 

OAKA public areas, and comprises two main areas - the 

square and the arched promenade which provides shade 

for the public and at the same time, acts as a connective 

element between venues. 

The arched promenade consists of a series of steel 

arches, between which white wooden beams are placed. 

The roof provides shade and creates a pleasant 

atmosphere. 

The Wall of Nations 

The Wall of Nations is a huge sculptural creation made 

from steel tubes. These are motorised and can move in a 

wave-like manner. RnF 

The Olympic Stadium. 

© ATHOC/ Photo credit: C. Cunliffe. 

The Agora. 

© ATHOC/ Photo credit: G. Prinos. 

2 Roof & Facade Asia • October 2004

Cover Story: Architecture for Athens 2004 

Roof&Facade Asia 

The Olympic Velodrome. 

© ATHOC/ Photo credit: C. Cunliffe 

Roof & Facade Asia • October 2004 3

Roof&Facade Asia Cover Story: Architecture for Athens 2004 

A polycarbonate roof for the Olympic Stadium 

THE Olympic Stadium in Athens, named after Spyridon Louis, the Greek 

winner of the Marathon at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 

1896, was the venue of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, all the track 

and field events and the men’s soccer final, at the 2004 Olympic Games. 

The roof of the arena, called the Calatrava Dome, can already claim three 

world records. It is not only the biggest stadium roof in the world, it is also 

the largest transparent roof ever built. Thirdly, it is the biggest roof ever to 

have been placed on top of a stadium after the stadium was completed. 

The roof sections are made of solid, highly transparent plastic sheets of 

MAKROLON polycarbonate from Bayer MaterialScience AG. The bluish 

shining panels provide for a friendly, open and bright atmosphere in the 

arena, and made it possible for the spectators to gaze up into the Greek 

summer sky. 

The roof is a dynamic suspension structure, defined by two metal arches, 

each 300 m long, with their apex rising to a height of 78 m. The arches span 

the stadium in the longitudinal direction and each carry a dome suspended 

on double-arch supports. In total, the roof structure weighs 17,000 tons, 

covers an area of nearly 25,000 sq m and can protect up to 75,000 spectators 

from direct sunshine and rain. 

Wire cables are connected to the two large metal arches, and it is to these 

that the 12 mm thick, nearly 5 m long and 1 m wide polycarbonate sheets 

are fixed. Sheets made of MAKROLON were chosen not only because of its 

high transparency but also on account of its lower weight when compared 

with that of glass. The sheets weigh just 14.4 kg/sq m. The favourable statics 

provided the architect with greater design scope. 

A special additive in the plastic kept the spectators cool despite the 

summer heat. This additive reflects the majority of the radiant heat from 

natural sunlight, but still allows the visible part of the light to pass through. 

As a result, the air mass in the stadium did not heat up as much. Another 

advantage of the plastic sheets, which have additionally been given a 

scratchproof finish, is their machinability. They can be sawed, drilled and 

cut without any problem. They do not break, which, together with their 

low weight, made handling during assembly much easier. 

Equally impressive was the procedure used for the construction of the 

stadium. So as not to interrupt the building work, the two halves of the 

roof were assembled separately next to the stadium. Once the main bulk of 

the work in the stadium had been concluded, the two 8,500 ton structures 

were each manoeuvred hydraulically on to the stadium on sliding blocks, 

using a special track-mounted system. Finally, the polycarbonate sheets were 

bolted into place. RnF 

Enquiry No: 10/101 

The world record-breaking Calatrava Dome is a roof of dynamic suspension structure, defined by two metal arches. 

Roofing for the Stadium of 

Peace and Friendship 

THE Stadium of Peace and Friendship is located about 

25 km from the Olympic Village, in the Faliro Coastal 

Zone Olympic Complex, south of Athens. 

The venue for the volleyball matches at the 2004 

Olympic Games has a concave-shaped roof that offered 

protection to the approximately 14,000 spectators and 

players, from the extreme summer heat. 

Further, since the roof was supported solely by pillars 

at its perimeter, television viewers and spectators alike, 

were provided with an unobstructed view of the 

volleyball court. 

However, since the 35 m high stadium is located 

directly at the harbour, it is subject to the torrid heat in 

summer and the near-freezing temperatures in winter, 

varying wind strengths and salt-laden air. 

Sarnafil TS 77-15 - RAL 7040, a flexible polyolefin 

from Sarnafil, was used in the refurbishment of the 

existing roof, due to its special formulation and the fact 

that it does not contain any plasticiser. The product has 

good chemical resistance, even at higher temperatures. 

These characteristics were decisive for the Greek 

contractors, since protection of the stadium needed to 

be long-term. Sarnafil-trained installers passed on 

expertise and knowledge to their Greek counterparts, a 

step that was crucial to the completion of the enormous 

installation. Together, they covered a surface as large as 

two soccer pitches. 

Sarnafil was also involved in building the 

Beach Volleyball Centre and other stadiums for the 

Games. RnF 


The Stadium of Peace and Friendship: The concave-shaped roof offered protection to the spectators and players from the extreme summer heat. 


Cover Story: Architecture for Athens 2004 


Roofing structures completed by 

Taiyo Membrane Corporation 

The Karaiskaki Stadium (on top), with a capacity to seat 33,000 spectators, and the two tension membrane entrance structures, at the Athens Olympic Sports 

Complex (above left and right). 

THE 28,000 sq m, white coloured, membrane roof for columns, special red-white night lighting, and red laser 

Karaiskaki Stadium in Athens, which was the venue for beams to project the Olympaikos emblem in the middle 

the soccer matches at the 2004 Olympic Games, was of the field, augment the club colours for the stadium. 

engineered and manufactured by Taiyo Membrane TMC also completed two tension membrane entrance 

Corporation (TMC). 

structures at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex. Each 

After the Olympics, the stadium, which has the structure used approximately 500 sq m of Mehler FR900 

capacity to seat 33,000 spectators, will be the home PVC membrane. RnF 

stadium for the Olympaikos league team. 

Fourteen red towers, 70 white intermediate steel Enquiry No: 10/103 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Feature: Natural Stone Applications 

The use of stone in curtain walls 

[This is an edited excerpt from a publication produced by Internazionale Marmi e Macchine 

Carrara SpA (IMM). Well-known all over the world for the promotion of marble and other 

stone materials, IMM has, over the last few years, expanded its range of activities. The 

company’s objective is to acquaint people with the qualities of stone and all its possible uses]. 

Introduction 

The use of thin stone in curtain wall systems 

is becoming more widespread in Europe. 

Aside from their traditional structural 

function, stone materials are now being recognized 

for characteristics which compare 

favourably with those of many other building 

materials used for cladding purposes. 

These include aesthetic qualities; the ability 

of the stone to act as a barrier to prevent 

atmospheric and polluting elements from 

entering the internal environment; the minimal 

requirement for maintenance or renovation; 

their capacity to increase the degree 

of internal comfort, thanks to the possibility 

of creating ventilated curtain wall systems; 

and their ability to provide greater 

sound reduction in lightweight cladding 

systems, due to the mass of the materials. 

In order to exploit the above characteristics 

and maintain adequate safety levels, especially 

in the use of thin stone for large 

buildings subjected to adverse environmental 

conditions, the important considerations 

include the correct choice of stone, the accurate 

design of stone fixing systems, and 

the accurate installation of stone. 

Criteria in the choice of stone 

for cladding 

As the use of stone for cladding purposes 

is a solution for the lifespan of the 

building, the choice of the stone should 

be on the basis of technical and design 

aspects. These apply both generally and 

in the specific case of curtain wall systems. 

Architectural and aesthetic factors will 

determine the initial selection of the stone. 

These are dependent upon the vein 

patterns and/or grains; the extensive 

colour spectra; the proposed cladding 

layout which divides units into various 

shapes and sizes; and the surface finishes 

which best enhance the inherent aesthetic 

qualities of the cladding. 

The main factors determining the ultimate 

choice of stone include the production 

technology available for processing stones, 

the chemical-physical properties of the 

stones and their suitability under the environmental 

conditions at the location of the 

project, the mechanical properties of the 

stones and whether they will enable the material 

to withstand the stresses caused by the 

load conditions and the fixing systems used, 

and the total cost of the cladding. 

Stone fixing systems 

After completing the theoretical and practical 

tests to assess the quality and chemicalphysical-mechanical 

properties of the stone 

materials selected, and after taking into account 

the architectural design of the cladding 

and the environmental and loading 

conditions, it is necessary to select the most 

suitable stone fixing system. 

This involves the study of the design and 

distribution of the various notches possible, 

to accommodate the mechanical fixing elements 

in the stone units. 

In addition to the mechanical aspects, the 

fixing system depends on the cladding construction. 

If the cladding system uses trussbacked 

panels, a decision must be made as 

to whether or not it is better to fix the back 

of the stone slabs or their edges to the truss, 

depending on whether the truss is prefabricated 

on a horizontal or vertical plane. 

If the prefabricated panels are to be transported 

or handled in a position that is different 

from their position on the building, 

the fixing system must be able to compensate 

for such handling, or extra fixing elements 

should be used for this purpose. 

The replacement of stone units, where 

necessary, is also a consideration. Last, but 

not least in the order of importance, is the 

cost of the fixing system. 

There are two main types of fixing systems 

- isostatic and hyperstatic. In the 

isostatic system, the stone units are fixed 

at very few points, such that it is sufficient 

to guarantee the statics. This is the classical 

system with four pins inserted into 

four holes positioned on two opposing 

sides of rectangular panels. Owing to inaccuracies 

in the manufacture and installation 

of the material, only three out of the 

four pins work at any one time, except 

when the stone elements and the main 

support structure undergo great deformations. 

Under the hyperstatic system, the 

stone units are fixed to the main structure 

using numerous fixing points on the reverse 

side of the units, using continuous 

profiles fixed at the edges or by gluing the 

units to the back support, as in the application 

of very thin stone on to panels in a 

honeycomb structure. 

The main difference between the two 

types of fixing, lies in their static behaviour. 

In the isostatic system defined by ‘local fixing’, 

the design of the stone units and the 

metal fixing elements must take into account 

the fact that if a fixing point fails, then the 

stone unit may detach itself from the supporting 

structure and fail. This may require 

the use of thicker panels or even the application 

of a reinforcement to the reverse side 

of the panels, which comes into play if the 

panels break. This fixing system makes the 

stone units independent of the supporting 

structure which is deformed by the external 

forces (loads, temperature variations and 

other differentials). On the other hand, in the 

hyperstatic system defined by ‘spread fixing’, 

where the stone panels are fixed at numerous 

points, it may be possible to prevent 

the panels from falling, if they break. This 

system permits the use of thinner panels but 

they could then become deformed in the 

same way as the supporting structure. 

Safety in the application of stone 

materials for cladding 

The use of stone materials for cladding 

purposes, from the point of view of safety, 

is partly determined by the static and dynamic 

loads applied, the consequent internal 

stress conditions, the reaction of 

stone materials to environmental conditions, 

and the mechanical resistance to 

stone, and partly determined by the professional 

expertise employed during the 

design of the fixing systems, the production 

processes used on the stone, and the 

installation of the materials. 

In order to maintain the necessary 

safety levels, while still respecting the 

project requirements, it is essential to bear 

in mind the factors directly concerning the 

stone material itself, the fixing system and 

the installation. The uncertainty regarding 

the loading conditions has practically been 

eliminated by the norms which impose 

much greater loads than those which occur 

in reality and by tests such as those 

conducted in the wind tunnel. The uncertainty 

regarding the internal stress of stone 

materials is minimised by very accurate 

structural analysis carried out with the aid 

of sophisticated computer programs. 

As the results of surveys carried out on 

a number of buildings in the US have 

shown, the main causes for the collapse of 

stone elements in curtain wall systems are 

not directy linked to the inherent mechanical 

properties of the stone. They are due, 

rather, to the corrosive agents present in the 

environment; the unsuitable design of the 

fixing systems (as a result of not fully taking 

into account the mechanical properties 

of the stone around the fixing points); the 

inexactness in the cutting of the stone elements, 

so great sometimes, that the resistance 

around the fixing points is reduced, as 

in the case of oversized holes to accommodate 

metal fixing pins with axes that do not 

respect the project guidelines; the technological 

processes which cause micro-cracks 

in the material, thereby weakening it; and 

inadequate installation by workers who do 

not possess the required skills. 

All these factors can be checked by 

closely examining the behaviour of the materials 

selected, in similar projects and under 

similar conditions, and by running a 

series of tests on the materials, both before 

the start of production and during production. 

These tests are even more important 

for new materials as it is necessary to verify 

their suitability and the limits for their application 

in curtain wall systems. An even 

more effective way of controlling such factors, 

is by carrying out quality control procedures, 

both at the production and installation 

stages, and developing the ‘fail-safe’or 

‘safe-life’ design criteria on the basis of the 

fixing system chosen. 

Fail-safe systems involve a high degree 

of hyperstaticity and prevent the total collapse 

of the stone elements in the event of 

breakage, by keeping them fixed to the support. 

Moreover, it is possible to discover and 

replace broken stone elements during normal 

maintenance operations (cleaning). In 

the case of safe-life systems that are mainly 

adopted in isostatic systems, the fixing systems 

are designed to exclude any breakage 

of the systems themselves or of the stone 

elements. This makes the cladding as longlasting 

as the building itself. 

Safety criteria 

Safety criteria in the use of curtain wall 

systems are of paramount importance if 

designers are to be convinced to use stone 

in preference to other materials. The absence 

of complete information regarding 

the chemical-physical-mechanical properties 

of stone materials (available for industrial 

products) tends to dissuade many 

designers from specifying their use. 

Unfortunately there are no current 

laws to establish minimum safety standards 

on the basis of the data available regarding 

the behaviour of stone materials. 

There are no ‘resistance criteria’ for 

stone materials, in order to calculate the 

ideal stress, or the breakage point, and to 

compare it to an allowable stress taken 

from the results of tests on the materials. 

What actually happens is that either 

the designer or whoever draws up the 

project specifications, or the technical adviser 

on the end-use, has to determine not 

only the ultimate stress but also the acceptable 

one. The result is that the same project 

conditions can generate a variety of different 

safety factors and analysis criteria, 

based on the results of the tests. 

One answer to this is the ‘stone safety 

criteria’. As far as resistance is concerned, 

to calculate the ultimate stress, reference 

is made to the Huber-Von Mises criterion, 

but in some cases involving shear stress, 

this proves to be unfavourable. 

For example, marble’s ultimate shear 

strength, when cut, can even be double its 

tensile stress, and so here, HV Mises’s 

theory could be replaced by Rankine’s or 

Mohr’s, both of which are more suitable 

for materials with limited plastic properties. 

As regards the definition of the permissible 

stress, reference is made to the 

normal distribution of probability, and in 

accordance with the current rule by which 

it is governed, the average value and the 

standard deviation are calculated, on the 

basis of the results of the tests referring to 

the resistance of the stone material. In this 

way, the k values are defined, depending 

on the stress fractile, the number of results 

available and the safety factor laid down 

by the project specifications. The safety 

factors which differ according to whether 

they refer to the overall resistance of the 

stone element or just to the resistance 

around the fixing points, are given a wide 

range of variability. They can however be 

given minimum values, close to those 

under existing regulations governing 

usual building materials, if quality control 

procedures are carried out during production 

and installation of the materials, and 

fixing systems are accurately designed. 

Design and execution aspects 

Curtain wall systems allow for the manufacture 

of prefabricated panels at the 

workshop. This has several advantages. 

It is possible to manufacture lightweight 

panels with a metal truss. This facilitates 

installation operations and the sizing 

of the perimeter structure of buildings, 

especially when they are high-rise buildings 

located in seismic areas. Production 

is more accurate as all the machines in the 

workshop can be made use of, in carrying 

out delicate operations such as the waterproof 

sealing of joints, and there is better 

quality control indoors. 

Manufacturing times are reduced and 

productivity is increased. The prefabricated 

panels can be made immediately after work 

on the main structure of the building has 

begun, and installed soon after, therefore 

anticipating the internal finishing operations. 

The assembly of the panels in the 

workshop as opposed to the building yard 

increases production, with the additional 

benefit that weather conditions do not affect 

the process. 

Continued on page 7 >>> 


Feature: Natural Stone Applications 


>>> Continued from page 6 

The above points lead to obvious economic 

advantages. There are other economic 

advantages to be gained from the fact that 

external scaffolding is not necessary, and less 

material management is required in the yard 

(less storage space, less handling, fewer installation 

workers required etc). 

Owing to the great progress made in the 

field of processing technology over the last 

20 years, stone materials can now be successfully 

used in prefabricated curtain wall 

systems, taking into account several design 

and execution aspects, including typology 

of panels to be used; deformability of the 

support structure of the curtain wall system, 

based on the system used to fix the panels 

to the structure of the building; the prefabrication 

method used for the panels; the system 

used for fixing the stone to the panel 

structure; the construction tolerance with 

regard to the stone elements; accuracy in 

stone installation; and handling and transportation 

methods. 

The building technique for curtain wall 

systems allows for the production of very 

light, metallic support structures, necessary 

to satisfy the technical specifications of 

projects, which sometimes permit elastic 

deformation of these structures over 1 / 250 

of the clear span of deflection. The very lightweight 

structures are generally flexible and 

the way they deform, which also depends 

on the type of structure and the relative fixing 

system, is fundamental to the use of 

stone materials for cladding purposes. 

There are two basic curtain wall systems. 

In one, the panels are positioned vertically, 

from level to level, and are fixed directly on 

to the slab edges. In the other, the panels are 

arranged horizontally, from column to column, 

and are fixed vertically to the columns 

and horizontally to the columns and the 

floor slabs in between. The way in which 

the panels deform, once they have been installed, 

is different in each case. In the first 

system, due to the action of the wind, the 

flexural deformation of the mullions predominates, 

accompanied by differential vertical 

movements of one mullion compared 

to the adjacent ones, due to the flexure of 

the slabs in the vertical plane. In the second 

system, the flexural-torsional deformation 

is more significant, due to the assymetrical 

distribution of the lateral fixing points. 

Consequently, the fixing elements can 

produce interaction between the panel structure 

and the stone elements whose flexuraltorsional 

rigidity, due to their size, is comparable 

to, if not greater than, that of the 

components of the metallic structure. This 

interaction can become so strong that it 

causes critical loading conditions at the 

stone’s fixing points. 

Two possible cases of this interaction are 

considered. The first is caused by the deformation 

in a vertical direction of the frame 

on its plane, due to the fixing point between 

the frame and the slab and the flexure of the 

slab. The second arises from the flexural-torsional 

deformation of the same frame subjected 

to the action of the wind. 

Significant stress states appear around 

the fixing points, whose tension values, analysing 

the second case, prove to be much 

higher than those obtained for the same 

stone slabs isostatically fixed to the frame. 

In addition, the use of stone for lightweight 

cladding with prefabricated panels, 

must take into account the prefabrication 

technique used, since as has already been 

explained previously, this determines the 

fixing system to adopt. Both methods are 

generally conditioned by the architectural 

design of the cladding, as sometimes, if this 

is particularly complicated, the stone panels 

cannot be positioned either horizontally 

or vertically, as desired. 

In some cases, panels can be installed 

only vertically because of the particular design. 

In the case considered, the cladding, 

composed of flat rectangular elements with 

a surface area of approximately 1.2 m and a 

30 mm thickness, was fixed, according to the 

spread fixing system on the lower and upper 

edges by means of metal profiles, to a 

sufficiently rigid frame. In this way, the 

frame does not show deformation under 

loading conditions, to create interaction with 

the stone. In the case shown, cladding with 

a more elaborate design, was fixed using the 

local fixing system. It therefore determines 

the behaviour of the fixing points for the 

stone elements, to make it independent of 

the deformation of the metallic support 

frame. 

The metallic frame is itself fairly flexible 

under the loading conditions, considering 

its great size, not only after the installation 

on the building, but also during handling, 

transport and lifting operations. 

In these building systems, the joints between 

the storeys, play an extremely important 

role, as they have to be sized to allow 

for the relative movements between the 

stone units, which are due to the elastic deformation 

of the load-bearing structure and 

the thermal expansion of the individual 

units of the entire curtain wall. These joints 

must be both water- and air- tight and so 

must be sealed with a synthetic sealant 

which does not have an adverse effect on 

contact with the stone, and which has a low 

elasticity modulus so as not to overstrain the 

joint. 

The use of stone in prefabricated systems 

with metal structures requires the production 

of stone units to be extremely accurate 

given the mechanical nature of the main 

support frames, especially when these are 

composed of extruded metal pieces. 

This applies not only to the overall dimensions 

but also to the size and positioning 

of the notches which house the fixing 

elements. Finally, accurate installation is required 

together with effective quality control 

procedures. RnF 




Paints & Coatings 

Fluoropolymer 

powder coatings 

for architectural 

projects 

Heavy duty aluminised roof coating 

VULKEM 801 from TREMCO, is 

a liquid-applied, one-part, polyurethane 

coating system that has been 

formulated to have high tensile 

strength, tear strength and elongation. 

The coating forms a tough, weatherresistant, 

waterproof, elastomeric 

coating for application over old, builtup, 

roofing systems. 

VULKEM 801 is suitable for 

application on built-up roofing 

systems that have had loose ballast 

completely removed and major defects 

repaired and levelled by conventional 

methods. 

VULKEM 801 has good resistance 

to ponded water and to most acids, 

alkalis, salts, fats and solvents. RnF 


FLUOROSET FP was applied as a protective coating on the Tauranga Yacht Club, New Zealand, in 

1991 and has proven to perform under the aggressive marine environment in the coastal area. 

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It has been proven that FLUOROSET FP 

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released for Superior Performing Organic 

Coatings) and the regional standards of AS 

3715 and BS 6496. Orica offers the extended 

15 years/20 years film integrity and colour 

stability warranty for FLUOROSET FP on 

aluminium works so long as it is applied 

only by Orica Registered Applicators. 

Orica Coatings is an integral part of Orica 

Australia Pty Ltd which was established in 

February 1998, to take over the operations 

of ICI Australia, a world leader in paint 

technology and architectural surface 

coatings for 80 years. RnF 


The external facade of The Belle Forte, a 20-storey condominium in Singapore, was 

finished with AcraTex Texture Coating System from Orica. The system comprising one 

coat of 501/2 AcraPrime Sealer, one coat of 957 Granitti Sorrento – SO 004, and two 

coats of 956/2 AcraGlaze Silicone Clear, provides a high quality, aesthetically pleasing 

and durable textured stone finish. 

AcraTex High Performance 

Texture Systems 

THE protective qualities and aesthetic appeal of AcraTex High Performance 

Texture Systems from Orica Texture Coatings, have contributed to their 

popularity in the Australian, New Zealand and, more recently, the Asian 

texture coatings markets. 

AcraTex High Performance Texture Systems are easy to apply, retain 

their colour, and guard against dirt pick-up, carbonation, as well as mould 

and algae growth. 

They come in a large selection of fashionable colours and profiles. 

Individual products are formulated for specific performance characteristics 

including resistance to water ingress, acid rain, environmental pollution, 

scuffs and stains, as well as heavy wear and tear. RnF 





Aesthetic and 

durable coatings 

from DNT 

Singapore 

The aesthetic value of residential buildings is enhanced with 

DNT coatings. Rivervale Crest, Singapore: This condominium is 

finished with Carboseal S and two coats of Carboshine #100. 

SINCE its incorporation in 1972, DNT Singapore has established itself as a leading 

paint manufacturer. The company has since extended itself as a regional base in 

Southeast Asia, covering China including Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Myanmar, 

Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Owned 100% by Dai Nippon Toryo Co. Ltd., the third largest paint 

manufacturer in Japan, DNT Singapore has a dedicated team of professionals and 

advanced manufacturing facilities for quality products that conform to 

international standards. 

DNT offers coating formulations in ready-mixed or custom matched colours 

with proven durability and pleasing aesthetics. The products are generally 

classified into four groups – Architectural Coatings, Protective Coatings, Decorative 

Coatings, and Industrial Coatings. 

The Architectural and Decorative coatings are best suited for renovation, or 

new construction work, relating to commercial buildings including hotels, as well 

as residential developments. As the external surfaces of these buildings are 

constantly subjected to wear and tear on account of their exposure to the natural 

elements, DNT’s products are made to last, whilst enhancing the aesthetic value. 

One of DNT’s durable products, Dyufnar#100 Baking Fluorocarbon is 

recommended for aluminium works like curtain wall systems including panels, 

extrusions, louvres, mullions, grilles, sunscreens, canopies, windows and doors. 

It is based on a structurally tough HYLAR 5000 / KYNAR 500 polyvinylidene 

fluoride (PVDF) resin which offers long-term protection. RnF 


Carboseal S, Carboshine #200, and Carboshine #100 have been applied on the exterior of Casa 

Meyfort, Singapore. 




Intumescent coating combining 

fire-protection with decoration 

FM-900 was developed to solve the problems relating to fire 

protection, whilst maintaining architectural freedom. 

Applicator of fluorocarbon coatings 

The fluorocarbon finish for the aluminium facade of Kandang Kerbau Hospital in Singapore was applied by JASMET. 

JAS Metal Coatings Pte Ltd (JASMET) was 

established in 1984 to provide high-quality metal 

finishing services to the aluminium industries in 

Singapore, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim. 

In recognition of JASMET’s advanced facility, 

technical knowledge and its ability to consistently 

provide quality coatings that comply with 

international standards (ASTM, AAMA, ASCA, JIS 

and BSS), the company has been awarded Approved 

Applicator Licences by practically all major 

producers of fluorocarbon coatings including PPG 

Industries Inc (USA), DeSoto Inc (USA), Taubmans 

(Australia), Dulux (Australia), DNT (Japan) and 

Nippon Paint (Japan). 

Further, JASMET is said to be the only coating 

company outside the US, to be admitted as a full 

member of the Architectural Spray Coaters 

Association of America (ASCA). 

In 1989, the company moved into its present 

factory which is equipped with two parallel, 

independent, multi-stage paint lines, with a 

coating capacity of 1,200 sq m for every eight-hour 

shift. 

JASMET’s painting services have been utilised 

by clients in Australia, Brunei, China including 

Hong Kong SAR, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, 

Malaysia, Philippines, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, 

Thailand and the UK. RnF 


FIRE safety is of fundamental importance in the 

design, management and operation of buildings, 

industrial plants and transportation systems. 

Regulations therefore require certain elements of the 

structure to be fire-resistant. 

With the increasing complexity of modern design 

and the need for greater space utilisation, designers 

and architects often have to make difficult 

compromises between design aspirations and 

regulatory constraints. 

FIRECUT FM-900 intumescent, mastic coating 

was developed to solve the problems relating to fire 

protection, whilst maintaining architectural 

freedom. 

As part of a complete intumescent system, FM- 

900 provides up to 2 hours of fire-resistance to 

structural steel with a smooth surface. 

When the temperature rises to 200º C, FM-900 

will begin to react and gradually forms a cake-like 

char layer that is 100 times the initial volume. The 

char layer insulates against the conduction of heat, 

thereby protecting the steel structure. 

The features of FM-900 include good fireresistance, 

suitability for spray-on applications, ease 

of application, a smooth and pleasant appearance, 

avoidance of asbestos in its formulation, and 

conformance to international standards. 

With just 0.34 mm dry film thickness, FM-900 can 

meet the requirements of the 1 hour fire resistance 

rating, on a 3-sided beam. 

The wet film can reach 1000 microns without 

sagging. It is touch-dry in half an hour and harddry 

in 4 hours. 

The coating is fully cured in 7 days. The interval 

between coats is 4 hours by spray and 1 hour by 

spray and brush. 

After the complete application of the FM-900 

coating system, the surface becomes smooth and 

even. Further, various colours can be incorporated 

in the topcoat, thus combining fire-protection with 

aesthetics. 

FM-900 has been tested at Warrington Fire 

Research Centre (WFRC) and Loss Prevention 

Centre (LPC), in the UK, and has been certified to 

BS476 Part 21 ‘Loaded beam and Loaded column at 

2 hour fire-resistance rating’. The product has also 

been tested and certified in Singapore by PSB. 

As an applicator of the FIRECUT FM-900 

intumescent coating, Singapore-based Industrial 

Contracts Marketing (2001) provides a comprehensive 

‘supply-apply’ system starting from initial 

survey and inspection, to application and after-sales 

service including maintenance. RnF 



Waterproofing 


Aesthetic and protective 

waterproofing membranes 

THE internationally active Sarna Group which is headquartered in Sarnen, 

Switzerland, focuses on two core activities. 

The Sarnafil Division develops and manufactures high quality polymer 

products for a wide range of demanding applications in the building and 

construction industry, including roofing, waterproofing and civil engineering. 

The Sarnamotive Division serves the automotive industry. Sarnafil International 

Limited has its regional headquarters for Asia in Singapore. 

Since 1964, Sarnafil has manufactured more than 325,000,000 sq m of 

thermoplastic roofing and waterproofing membrane in Switzerland, China, and 

the US. Sarnafil roofing and waterproofing systems protect a wide range of 

buildings and structures, including schools and universities, libraries, 

museums, hospitals, office towers, sports stadiums, green roofs and 

international airports. 

The company guarantees the good service life and performance of the 

waterproofing systems employed. The latest polymer blends form the basis for 

Sarnafil’s numerous developments. The majority of the company’s products 

are recyclable. Eco-friendly production is also an integral part of Sarnafil’s 

environmental management policy. 

The company offers customers, besides the membranes, accessory products 

and a comprehensive range of expert consultancy and other services, as well. 

Sarnafil membranes are loosely laid and ballasted when used on utility decks 

such as roof gardens and roof terraces. They can also be adhered to flat or 

pitched roofs of practically any shape or configuration, and are designed to 

fulfil high aesthetic requirements, in both new constructions and re-roofing 

work. 

In modern, light-weight roof designs, usually employing widespan, 

trapezoid sections, Sarnafil offers the Sarnabar linear attached system and the 

Sarnafast lap fastening system. These are mechanically fastened, exposed roof 

designs. RnF 

The roof of Suzhou Stadium, Suzhou, China, is covered with Sarnafil’s Traffic Roof System. 


The modern, light-weight roof of the Tempodrom in Berlin, Germany, uses Sarnafil’s high-quality 

waterproofing membranes. 

TREMCO offers waterproofing products 

TREMPROOF 60 fluid-applied water-proofing membrane is a single-component, 

bitumen modified, moisture-curing polyurethane. It is suitable for water-proofing 

different areas in buildings, including roof terraces. 

TREMPROOF 3000 is a torch-applied, waterproofing membrane for roofs and 

other parts of buildings. It is a heavy-duty, 180 g /sq m high-strength, non-woven 

polyester mat impregnated and coated with a tough APP modified bitumen 

compound. According to the manufacturers, TREMPROOF 3000 possesses several 

advantages that make it particularly suitable for the climatic conditions in Southeast 

Asia. It has a temperature resistance up to 140° C. There is less risk of on-site damage 

because of the high strength of the membrane. TREMPROOF 3000 has resistance to 

hydrostatic pressure up to 40 m of water. Furthermore, it is easy to apply in tight 

areas such as corners and penetrations. RnF 




Waterproofing 

Waterproofing at Esplanade 

AROUND 30,000 sq m of the flat roof area at 

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, was covered with 

EVALON, the thermoplastic roof waterproofing 

membrane manufactured by alwitra GmbH & Co, 

Trier, Germany and supplied by Elmich (Far East) 

Pte Ltd. 

The EVALON membrane is vapour permeable 

which makes it ideal for the highly humid climate 

in Singapore. The product has a British Board of 

Agrément (BBA) durability rating of more than 25 

years. 

EVALON single-ply waterproofing is suitable on 

all types of flat roof configurations. The high 

molecular weight polymer alloy, consisting of 

ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) terpolymer and 

polyvinyl chloride (PVC), provides EVALON with 

special features. A homogeneous elastic membrane, 

EVALON incorporates a high content of high 

molecular weight solids that remain permanently 

stable. This ensures consistent quality, durability, 

and optimal balance between tensile strength and 

elongation, and also guarantees resistance to both 

high heat and mechanical impact. The bright and 

smooth surface repels dirt, reflects radiant heat, and 

resists high levels of ultraviolet radiation and 

environmental chemicals. It does not require 

protective surface coatings. EVALON meets the 

requirements for resistance to flying sparks and 

radiant heat as stipulated in DIN 4102 part 4/7. 

EVALON membranes are compatible with 

bitumen and can be installed without any separation 

layer directly on to standard roof insulation 

materials including rigid polystyrene foam boards. 

Available without backing, with polyester or glass 

fleece backing, or with a self-adhesive backing layer, 

EVALON sheet membranes are easily and 

homogeneously welded together utilising hot air or 

solvent-based installation methods. RnF 


Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore: Around 30,000 sq m of the flat roof area was covered with EVALON membrane. 

Specialised services in waterproofing 

Uniseal provided specialised waterproofing solutions for the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore. 

SINCE 1998, Uniseal has been providing 

specialised waterproofing solutions for roofs, 

facades and other areas, in new building projects, 

as well as in restoration and refurbishment 

works. To date, the company has undertaken 

more than 2,000 projects in Singapore, which 

include commercial, residential, industrial and 

institutional buildings. Uniseal has also 

expanded overseas, by setting up offices in India, 

Malaysia and the Philippines. 

The portfolio of work undertaken by the 

company includes the waterproofing of new and 

old roofs, covered with clay tiles, metal or 

concrete, and the weatherproof painting of 

external walls. 

Uniseal’s team of workers has been trained 

and certified by Singapore’s Construction 

Industry Training Institute (CITI). Uniseal 

obtained the ISO 9001:2000 certification in Year 

2002 and is the first waterproofing company 

to attain the Singapore Quality Class (SQC) 

Award in Year 2003. The company is also 

accredited under the Building and 

Construction Authority’s (BCA’s) L4 category 

for waterproofing installation and Singapore 

Concrete Institute’s (SCI’s) W1 category for 

waterproofing. Being members of the National 

Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 

of the US and Singapore Waterproofing 

Trades Association, Uniseal is able to 

constantly update itself on the latest 

developments, as part of ongoing efforts to 

obtain breakthroughs in waterproofing 

technology and solutions. 

Besides carrying its own range of products, 

Uniseal is also well-supported by various other 

major suppliers in the industry. RnF 



Curtain Wall 


A full range 

of facade 

sealants and 

adhesives 

by Sika 

Prominent in cladding 

and curtain wall work 

ESTABLISHED in 1978, Seiko Architectural Wall Systems Pte Ltd is a specialist in 

the areas of aluminium and steel cladding and curtain walling; glazing; granite 

cladding; sunscreens and security screens; skylights and louvres; and windows and 

doors. Important projects completed by the company in Singapore, include DBS 

Towers 1 and 2, Republic Plaza, KK Hospital and SIA Building. RnF 


The SIA Building at Robinson Road, Singapore. 

 

IN January 2004, Sika acquired the 

engineering sealant business from 

Wacker whose products ideally 

complement Sika’s product range for 

facades. 

Well-known for its polyurethane 

technology, Sika now combines 

Wacker’s strength and leadership in 

silicone technology, as well. As a 

result, Sika hopes to serve the curtain 

wall industry as a one-stop sealing 

and bonding specialist for 

applications on glass, metal and 

natural stone facades. 

Apart from silicone weatherseals, 

structural glazing sealants and 

insulating glass sealants, adhesives, 

polyurethanes and PU hybrids can 

also be offered now, to consultants 

and applicators, giving them a wider 

choice. 

It has become possible, therefore, 

to purchase the full range of facade 

adhesives and sealants from a single 

supplier. RnF 


SG 500 Structural Sealant, SG 20 Structural 

Sealant, and EL 300/305 Weatherseal were 

applied on the curtain walls of the NTUC 

Centre, Singapore. 



Curtain Wall 

Curtain wall specialist for 

Odeon Towers 

THE Focchi Group of Italy is a reputed name in the 

curtain wall sector, with the ability to provide 

technical solutions and exclusive profiles and 

systems, conforming to architects’specifications, in 

the design and construction of financial centres, 

hotels, airports, commercial buildings, malls and 

condominiums. 

The group has been involved in many prestigious 

projects, working with world-renowned architects such 

as Kenzo Tange, Norman Foster and Renzo Piano. 

Focchi Singapore Pte Ltd specialises in the design, 

manufacture, supply and installation of curtain walls, 

cladding, windows, doors, stone facades and 

associated architectural products, for the local and 

regional markets. 

In Singapore, the company completed the Additions 

and Alterations (A & A) work at Odeon Towers and 

the HSBC @ Collyer Quay project. Focchi Singapore 

designed the curtain walls and windows for Ardmore 

Park Condominium; manufactured the curtain walls 

and windows for China Square Centre Parcel ‘F’ and 

Haig Court Condominium; and designed, 

manufactured and installed curtain walls and windows 

for the Moulmein Rise Condominium. Currently, 

Focchi Singapore is involved in the Hillview Regency 

Condominium project. Overseas, the company 

participated in the construction of Brunei Mall in 

Brunei. 

For the A & A Work at Odeon Towers, the signage 

area uses Focchi’s spider-clamp glass system. The new 

podium uses the company’s proprietary Lingotto 

curtain wall system which has also been used in the 

Lingotto Exhibition Centre in Turin, Italy (designed by 

Renzo Piano), the Orange Telecom Centre in 

Darlington, UK, as well as the Mercedes Benz Centre 

in Rome, Italy. 

The Lingotto system’s main characteristic is its 

ability to achieve a clear height of 12 m without 

intermediate support, by using the bigger version of 

custom-made aluminium structural mullions. For 

Odeon Towers, the smaller Lingotto version has been 

used. Special aluminium castings provide the 

connection between the glazing and the support 

system. The glass is completely transparent, in order 

to allow the clearest view of the load-bearing structural 

details and the interior decor of the building. RnF 


The new podium of Odeon Towers, Singapore (above right) uses 

Focchi’s Lingotto system. Focchi Singapore participated in the Brunei 

Mall project in Brunei (below). Another recent A & A project for 

Focchi was HSBC @ Collyer Quay, Singapore (below right). 


Curtain Wall 


Non-stain / Non-bleed silicone sealant 

SILPRUF NB SCS 9000 Silicone Sealant, from GE 

Silicones, is a one-part, neutral cure, medium modulus, 

100% silicone polymer sealant, used for butt, expansion 

and lap shear joints in weatherproofing, glazing and 

curtain wall applications. 

Available in eight standard colours and in 

customised colours, SILPRUF NB SCS 9000 Silicone 

Sealant has a + or –50% joint movement capability. 

It has been specially formulated to reduce or 

eliminate dirt pick-up and substrate staining from 

plasticiser bleed (fluid migration). 

The reduced dirt pickup characteristic allows 

SILPRUF NB SCS 9000 Silicone Sealant to be used as a 

substitute for organic sealants, with traditional silicone 

weatherability and long-life performance. 

It has good adhesion to a wide variety of materials, 

including glass, metal and plastics; marble, granite and 

other stones; concrete; and masonry. 

SILPRUF NB SCS 9000 Silicone Sealant may be 

factory- or field- applied. RnF 


SILPRUF sealants are formulated to provide good weathersealing 

protection to buildings. 

 

SILPRUF sealants have good adhesion to a wide 

variety of materials. 

Marble-like 

crystallised glass 

NEOPARIÉS crystallised glass was 

developed by Nippon Electric Glass Co 

Ltd after years of research. The 

manufacturing process involves a 

specialised glass crystallisation 

technique for producing needle-shaped 

crystals called wollastonite (CaO.SiO 2 

) 

which gives the glass a soft colour and a 

marble-like texture. 

Since its introduction into the market 

in 1974, Neopariés has received 

enthusiastic acceptance from architects, 

as a material for the exterior and interior 

walls of modern buildings. 

Neopariés is said to combine the 

lustre of marble, with greater hardness, 

lower weight, higher resistance to 

weathering, zero water absorption, and 

ease of formation into curved panels. RnF 


Neopariés crystallised glass has a marble-like 

texture. 



News & Events 

URA implements plans to link 

the Southern Ridges 

A VIEW FROM PAVILION AT MOUNT FABER 

LOOKING SOUTH 

The selected scheme for Henderson Crossing, The Surface Bridge. 

A VIEW FROM HENDERSON ROAD TOWARDS 

TELOK BLANGAH HILL PARK 

A VIEW FROM MOUTH FABER LOOKING NORTH 

THE Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore 

is all set to implement plans to link up the Southern Ridges 

and enhance it as an attractive recreational place for both 

Singaporeans and tourists. 

It recently announced the designs selected for the two 

bridges, one at Henderson Crossing and the other at 

Alexandra Link. URA will also begin planning the construction 

of a foot-trail which will take pedestrians from the 

Harbour Front MRT station right up to the cable car station 

at Mount Faber. From there, the visitor can use the soon-tobe-constructed 

bridges to explore the hill parks or take a 

ride to Sentosa via cable car. 

By 2007, when the bridges and foot trail are completed, 

visitors will be able to explore the entire stretch of green 

from Mount Faber Park to Alexandra Park. The bridges will 

link the Southern Ridges to the islandwide network of connected 

parks, allowing more people to enjoy Singapore’s 

natural areas easily. 

The two schemes were selected by a six-member selection 

panel, comprising representatives from URA, National 

Parks Board and Building and Construction Authority. 

The Surface Bridge at Henderson Crossing, was the 

submission of RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) 

Ltd in collaboration with IJP Corporation Ltd (UK). 

The Mile-a-Minute Bridge and Walkway was the concept 

put forward by LOOK Architects and ECAS-EJ Consultants 

Pte Ltd. 

The selected teams will be appointed as Project Consultants 

for the respective bridges. 

The Surface Bridge will be about 274 m long, 8 m wide 

and 36 m high above the road carriageway. It will offer an 

interesting sculptural form which would be appreciated 

when walking on the bridge deck or when viewed from the 

parks and the road. The bridge will be made up of five undulating 

curved ribs forming alcoves that alternately rise 

over and under the bridge deck. The curved ribs forming 

alcoves will function as shelters with seats within. The 

bridge will not be enclosed and the views of the surroundings 

change as one moves along the curved bridge. 

The Mile-a-Minute Bridge will be about 90 m long, 4 m 

wide and 5.4 m high above the Alexandra Road carriageway. 

The meandering walkway from the bridge to Telok 

Blangah Hill Park will be about 2.3 km long and 2 m wide. 

The scheme used the metaphor of the “tile-a-minute” plant 

to conceptualise the design of the bridge and walkway. The 

bridge will relate to the topography and vegetation of the 

site. It will be designed to cater for mass events, with an 

elevated walkway for pedestrians and a ground trail for 

cyclists. RnF 

The selected scheme for Alexandra Link, The Mile-a-Minute Bridge: A rendering of the bridge across Alexandra Road (left) and the 

walkway to Telok Blangah Hill Park (right). 

Product Trademarks 

WITHIN its editorial sections, this publication 

will generally capitalise all words known to be 

trademarks that have been registered or that have 

yet to be registered. The publisher wishes to state 

that the use of the trademarked names within its 

editorial sections, is only for editorial purposes, 

and therefore there is no intent whatsoever to 

infringe on any trademark. 

Within its advertising and advertorial sections, 

this publication will use the material submitted 

by the advertisers without any alterations. 

Product First editorial Owner of trademark/ 

mention registered trademark 

Makrolon ® Page 4 Bayer MaterialScience 

Fluoroset ® Page 8 Orica 

Vulkem ® Page 8 Tremco Incorporated 

AcraTex ® Page 8 Orica 

Hylar 5000 ® Page 9 Solvay Solexis 

Kynar 500 ® Page 9 Arkema 

Tremproof ® Page 11 Tremco Incorporated 

EVALON ® Page 12 alwitra GmbH & Co. 

SilPruf ® Page 15 General Electric Company 

Saflex ® Page 19 Solutia 

The location plan for Henderson Crossing and Alexandra Link. 

Vanceva TM Page 19 Solutia 


News & Events 


Laminated glass interlayers for 

demanding applications 

ROOF & FACADE ASIA met 

with Dr Luc De Temmerman, Senior 

Vice President and Chief Operating 

Officer, Solutia Inc, manufacturers of 

laminated glass interlayers, during 

a recent trip he made to Singapore, 

and asked him about the company’s 

business prospects, product 

offerings and projects. 

R&F Asia: Briefly, what is the Dr Luc De Temmerman. 

strategy that Solutia has adopted 

for the medium-term, regarding business and product 

application, on a worldwide basis? 

Dr Luc De Temmerman: Solutia’s Laminated Glazing 

Interlayers business is focused globally on maintaining 

its role as the most reliable partner and the most 

innovative product and process provider in the 

marketplace. In short, this means both laminators and 

glass companies, as well as architects and designers, have 

complete confidence that Solutia’s interlayers are the best 

available in the world. In addition, they can rely on 

Solutia to provide the next generation of products with 

the benefits and enhancements they seek, to solve 

problems or raise the bar in design and execution. 

Globally, we started with safety and security products. 

We have in the recent past, added products with improved 

aesthetics including colour, acoustics, and solar and 

hurricane protection benefits to our range. The solar control 

products have been developed, particularly for customers 

in Asia. And more innovations are on the way. 

R&F Asia: From the point of view of the demand for 

Solutia’s products, which are the important markets in 

Asia? 

Dr Luc De Temmerman: As regards the Asia Pacific region, our 

focus is on increasing the penetration of PVB in emerging 

markets like India, ASEAN, and China, and we offer products 

with additional benefits for the developed markets like Japan 

and Australia. 

The Asia Pacific markets remain very important to Solutia’s 

overall business strategy. It is our fastest growing region. We 

predict laminated glass demand in Asia Pacific will be growing 

6.5% to 7.5% annually over the next 4 to 5 years. Most of the 

growth will be in China. With respect to our growth, the Asia 

Pacific region has been growing close to 15% per year. 

R&F Asia: In this region, what specific products find 

application, and for what types of buildings? 

Dr Luc De Temmerman: Globally speaking, our 

architectural products are used in many different types 

of applications. 

Safety and Security are the drivers for both emerging 

markets such as China and India and for developed 

markets such as Australia and Japan, and this is mostly 

code driven. 

In the past, we had seen very high growth rates in 

China for use in bullet proof glass for banks. Aesthetics 

is an additional need and we are seeing steady growth in 

demand for the colour interlayers of our Vanceva range. 

Our high-performance Hurricane interlayers have 

been in great demand in the US, due to code requirements 

which will hopefully be implemented in other parts of 

the world, including the Asia Pacific region. 

We have seen increasing emphasis for Energy 

Conservation/ Green technology in the developed 

markets with solar being a driver and for which we have 

developed our Vanceva advanced solar control range of 

PVB products. 

Further, with the industry focus on protecting people 

and property, we have seen strong interest in our Saflex 

and Vanceva interlayers for security applications. 

Most of our Saflex and Vanceva interlayers go into 

facades in the commercial segment of the market – in 

high-rise office buildings, shopping centres, restaurants, 

showrooms, and in entertainment complexes, museums, 

airports etc. 

R&F Asia: Please explain how the company’s 

‘debottlenecking’ efforts help to meet the needs of customers 

in Asia. 

Dr Luc De Temmerman: As a result of a seamless, 

collaborative effort between Solutia’s technology and 

manufacturing teams, the Laminated Glazing Interlayers 

business is now benefiting from its ongoing 

debottlenecking effort at plant sites worldwide. More 

importantly, the results are helping Solutia to provide 

better service to its customers. 

For Asia, this means our laminator partners benefit 

from increased overall supply, supply confidence, and 

greater product and process innovation as they grow and 

expand their product offerings in the region. 

One example of our efforts in Asia is the increased 

emphasis we have put on our Singapore Finishing Centre, 

which ensures supply security in the region. The 

efficiency of the SFC is a main reason that Solutia 

continues to improve its impressive 95% On Time 

Delivery rate and earn strong customer satisfaction 

ratings in that category. 

R&F Asia: What are some of the recent, interesting 

projects where Solutia products have been used? 

Dr Luc De Temmerman: We have been involved in almost 

all the major airport projects that have come up in the 

region – Changi Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, Shanghai 

Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Airport, Chong Quing 

Airport, and the upcoming New Bangkok Airport Project, 

and we hope to be involved in the new ones coming up, 

such as Beijing Airport and Changi Terminal 3. 

We have been involved in sports infrastructure, like 

the World Cup Football stadium in France, facilities for 

the Sydney Olympics, facilities for the Winter Olympics 

in Salt Lake City and the Flemington Race course in 

Australia. The Futian Sports Centre coming up in 

Shenzhen, China, will use Vanceva to achieve the five 

colours of the Olympic rings. 

We have seen increasing use of colour in the Asia 

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Pacific region. For East Century Park in Taipei, Vanceva 

color in 10 different colours was used. Other projects 

using Vanceva color are Dalian Commercial Centre in 

China, Black Pearl in Taipei, Cyber Port Project in Hong 

Kong, and Changi Village Hotel in Singapore. 

Internationally, Media Market in Holland and Maestro 

Nicolau Street in Barcelona are some projects which use 

Vanceva color interlayers for facades. 

Our Vanceva interlayers with enhanced solar benefits 

were used in the recently inaugurated Guangzhou 

Airport project. We are doing a number of exciting 

projects with solar interlayers in Australia, like the Philips 

Street project. 

Our metallic interlayers from our Vanceva range have 

been used in facades in Okinawa by leading Japanese 

architect Shin Takamatsu. 

A good example of a facade application, is the Palmas 

building in Mexico that used Vanceva metallic and 

Vanceva color. 

R&F Asia: In summary, what distinguishes Solutia as a 

company? 

Dr Luc De Temmerman: We would claim several features. 

Firstly, we invest to produce quality products for 

laminators. Secondly, in terms of customer service, we 

ensure on-time delivery of the products that architects, 

designers, facade consultants and other specifiers want, 

at the right price and with the highest quality. Thirdly, 

we employ the right people to provide technical service 

to customers. We also look forward to working creatively 

with customers, to bring out new products. They 

determine what they need. We are there to develop these 

products and develop the market with them. RnF 

(Photocopies may be used as additional enquiry forms. Please cut along dotted line) 

Fax to: (65) 6296 1719 or Mail to: Medialink Technology Pte Ltd, 39 Ubi Road 1, #06-01, 

World Publications Building, Singapore 408695 

 

& 


F 

Asia 

 

 



16 to 19 November 2004 

EQUIP’BAEI 

Windows, Doors, Shutters and Solar Protection International 

Exhibition 

Venue: Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, Paris, France 

Contact: Reed Expositions France, Paris, France 

Tel: + 33 (1) 47 56 51 72 Fax: + 33 (1) 47 56 08 18 

Email: info@equipbaei.com 

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 

○ 

APPLICAD AUSTRALIA......PAGE 9 

BLUESCOPE LYSAGHT ..... PAGE 20 

News & Events 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 


THE BIG 5 

International Exhibition for Building, Water Technology 

& Environment, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, 

Cleaning & Maintenance, Glass & Metal 

Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE 

Contact: DMG World Media Dubai Ltd, Dubai, UAE 

Tel: + 971 (4) 331 9688 Fax: + 971 (4) 331 9480 

Email: dmg@emirates.net.ae 


FENESTRATION CHINA 2004 

Beijing International Exhibition on Windows 

– Euro-Windoor Pavilion 

Venue: China International Exhibition Center, Beijing, China 

Contact: Nürnberg Global Fairs GmbH, Nürnberg, Germany 

Tel: + 49 (911) 8606 8695 Fax: + 49 (911) 8606 8694 

Email: info@nuernbergglobalfairs.com 

EVENTS SCHEDULE 

17 to 22 January 2005 

BAU 2005 

16th International Trade Fair for Building Systems, 

Building Renovation 

Venue: New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Munich, 

Germany 

Contact: Messe München GmbH, Munich, Germany 

Tel: + 49 (89) 9492 0720 Fax: + 49 (89) 9492 1419 

Email: newsline@messe-muenchen.de 

21 to 23 January 2005 

FACADES & ROOFING SOLUTIONS 2005 

An Exclusive Expo on Facades/Roofing Technologies 

and Allied Products 

Venue: Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore, India 

Contact: Convention & Fairs (India) Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, 

India 

Tel: + 91 (22) 2206 0808 Fax: + 91 (22) 2208 0171 

Email: conventions@vsnl.com 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

REHAU ............................ PAGE 11 

SIKA ................................ PAGE 13 

Roof& 

F 

P U B L I S H E R 

acade 

Asia 

Medialink Technology Pte Ltd 

39 Ubi Road 1, #06-01 

World Publications Building 

Singapore 408695 

Tel: (65) 6296 1913; Fax: (65) 6296 1719 

roofnfacadeasia@medialink-mail.com 

E D I T O R I A L 

Editor: T. Bhaskaran 

bhaskaran@medialink-mail.com 

Assistant Editor: Aishah Hussein 

aishah@medialink-mail.com 

C I R C U L A T I O N 

Circulation Manager: Chew Kok Ann 

circulation@medialink-mail.com 

P R O D U C T I O N 

Production Executive: Pamela De Silva 

pamela@medialink-mail.com 

 

CONVENTIONS & FAIRS 

(INDIA) .......................... PAGE 19 

GE PACIFIC ...................... PAGE 15 

TAIYO MEMBRANE 

CORPORATION ................. PAGE 5 

ZAMIL STEEL..................... PAGE 7 

A D V E R T I S I N G 

Roland Ang 

roland@medialink-mail.com 

Violet Ng 

violet@medialink-mail.com 

O P E R A T I O N S 

Kim Quek 

kim@medialink-mail.com 

BPA Worldwide Membership 

Applied For October 2004 

Please mail to: 

Medialink Technology Pte Ltd 

39 Ubi Road 1 

#06-01 

World Publications Building 

Singapore 408695 

Roof&Facade Asia is a monthly trade 

publication distributed free-of-charge to a 

qualified readership within the building industry 

in Asia. The readers include developers, 

building owners, architects, main contractors, 

specialist subcontractors including facade 

contractors and applicators, roofing contractors 

and applicators, civil & structural engineers, 

facade consultants, environmental engineers, 

quantity surveyors, property managers, testing 

and certification agencies, government 

departments, academics, embassies and trade 

missions, manufacturers and suppliers of 

building materials, among others. 

Disclaimer 

Whilst every effort shall be taken to ensure the 

accuracy of information at the time of printing, 

the Publisher and Editor are unable to accept 

any liability for errors or omissions that may 

occur. Further, the insertion of advertisements, 

advertorial and editorial within the magazine 

does not constitute an endorsement by the 

Publisher and Editor of Roof&Facade Asia of 

the contents therein. 

Copyright 

All rights reserved. The contents of this 

publication may not be reproduced, either in its 

entirety, or even partially, without the 

documented permission of the publisher. 

Printed by Ad Graphic Pte Ltd, Singapore. 

 


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Architecture for Athens 2004 - Roof & Facade

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