Scenic Park Tensile Membrane Landscape Sunshade

In the field of contemporary landscape architecture, creating public spaces that meet functional requirements while possessing artistic value presents a significant challenge for designers. The recently completed Scenic Park Tensile Membrane Landscape Sunshade project by Kaifort Membrane Structure provides a perfect answer to this challenge through innovative design concepts, exquisite construction techniques, and outstanding material performance. This project not only offers visitors a comfortable resting environment but also, unique aesthetic expression, has become a striking art installation within the scenic area, achieving a harmonious unity of function, form, and environment.

I. Project Overview and Deep Interpretation of Design Philosophy

Located in the core area of a National 4A-level tourist attraction, the project covers a total area of approximately 1,200 square meters. It consists of 12 tensile membrane units of varying shapes organically combined. Each unit spans 8-15 meters with a height of 4-6 meters, covering areas ranging from 60 to 120 square meters, creating a rich and varied spatial experience. From conceptual design to completion and commissioning, the project took 120 days, demonstrating Kaifort Membrane Structure’s efficient project execution capabilities and relentless pursuit of quality.

The design team proposed a design philosophy of “organic growth, symbiotic coexistence with nature, and poetic dwelling,” specifically reflected in four dimensions:

Organic Form: The membrane structure forms draw inspiration from organic nature—unfurling leaves, blooming flowers, flowing clouds, and rolling hills. Through parametric design, these natural forms are abstracted, transformed, and recombined to create architectural forms that are both familiar and novel. Form generation is not simple imitation but a deep understanding and creative application of natural laws.

Flowing Space: Breaking the enclosure and determinacy of traditional architecture, the design creates ambiguous, flowing, and permeable spatial experiences. The intentional gaps between sunshades, size, allow sunlight, wind, rain, and sightlines to pass through freely. Spatial boundaries are no longer clear but gradually dissipate into the environment, forming “grey spaces” between architecture and nature.

Temporal Experience: The design fully considers the dimension of time—the changing light and shadow throughout the day, the shifting landscapes across seasons, and the aging of materials over years. The membrane presents subtle luster changes under different light angles; the fluorocarbon coating on the steel surface develops a delicate texture over time; nighttime lighting design creates a completely different spatial atmosphere.

Ecological Intelligence: Employing passive design strategies to maximize the use of natural energy. The curved form of the membrane structure facilitates natural ventilation; semi-transparency reduces the need for artificial lighting; a rainwater collection system is used for绿化 irrigation; material selection emphasizes, recyclability, and low energy consumption. The structure not only reduces environmental burden but becomes part of the ecosystem.

II. Structural Innovation and Breakthrough Application of Material Technology

The technical core of the project lies in the synergistic innovation of the structural system and material performance:

Advanced Structural System:

1. 1.Adaptive Cable-Membrane Structure System: Utilizes a composite structural system of prestressed cable net and membrane. Main cables diameter Φ24-Φ36mm, using 1×61 high vanadium galvanized steel wire rope, with breaking force ≥200kN. Secondary cables diameter Φ12-Φ18mm, forming a stable cable net. Prestress can be adjusted in real-time via an intelligent tensioning system to adapt to load variations.
2. 2.Multi-Dimensional Seismic Design: Employing a dual seismic strategy of “base isolation + structural energy dissipation” for potential seismic activity in the scenic area. Base-isolated lead-rubber bearings with adjustable horizontal stiffness can reduce seismic action by 40%. Key joints incorporate mild steel dampers that dissipate through plastic deformation.
3. 3.Wind Resistance Special Design: Wind load is the primary control load for membrane structures. Accurate wind pressure coefficients were obtained through wind tunnel tests, with reinforcements at key areas like membrane edges and corners. Adjustable flow guides are installed to reduce wind-induced vibration. Wind resistance design standard: 100-year return period, basic wind pressure 0.55kN/㎡.
4. 4.Modular Connection System: Developed patented modular connection joints enabling rapid installation and disassembly. Joints use forged aluminum alloy, offering high strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. All connections are bolted, requiring no on-site welding, ensuring high installation accuracy and controlled quality.

Revolutionary Material Application:

1. 1.High-Performance Composite Membrane: Utilizes independently developed “Kaifort KFT-800” high-performance membrane material. Base fabric is high-strength, low-creep polyester fiber with warp/weft strength of 6500/5800 N/5cm. Coating is modified PVDF, with added nano-silica for improved wear resistance and fluorosilane for enhanced hydrophobicity. Measured surface contact angle reaches 118°, meeting the superhydrophobic standard.
2. 2.Smart Color-Changing Membrane: Pilot application of photochromic membrane material in some areas. The membrane contains spiropyran-based photochromic materials, changing from colorless to blue under UV exposure with a response time <30 seconds and fading time <5 minutes. It intelligently adjusts light transmittance for adaptive shading.
3. 3.Self-Cleaning & Photocatalytic Membrane: Membrane surface is coated with nano-titanium dioxide photocatalytic coating, producing highly oxidative hydroxyl radicals under light to decompose organic pollutants. Tests show surface contaminants decompose over 85% within 7 days under natural light, leaving the surface clean as new after rain rinsing.
4. 4.Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Membrane: Trial use of bio-based biodegradable membrane in secondary areas. Base fabric is polylactic acid fiber sourced from renewable resources like corn starch. After its service life, it can degrade over 90% within 180 days under industrial composting conditions, exploring a new sustainable path for membrane materials.

III. Integration of Intelligent Systems and Sustainable Strategies

The project integrates multiple intelligent systems and sustainable technologies:

Intelligent Environmental Regulation System:

• •Temperature and humidity sensors monitor environmental parameters in real-time.
• •Openable skylights automatically adjust opening based on indoor/outdoor temperature difference.
• •Mist cooling system activates automatically during high-temperature periods.
• •Air quality monitoring linked with fresh air system.

Energy Management System:

• •Photovoltaic membrane integrated power peak power 5kW.
• •Energy storage system stores excess electricity for nighttime use.
• •LED lighting with intelligent dimming, comprehensive energy saving 65%.
• •Real-time energy consumption monitoring and cloud analysis.

Water Circulation System:

• •Membrane surface rainwater collection efficiency 85%.
• •Initial rainwater diversion, subsequent rainwater collection.
• •Collected rainwater treated and used for绿化 irrigation and landscape water replenishment.
• •Annual rainwater collection and utilization approx. 800m³.

Smart Operation and Maintenance System:

• •Structural health monitoring with sensors for stress, displacement, vibration.
• •Membrane condition monitoring via cameras for contamination and damage.
• •Predictive maintenance using big data analysis for fault prediction.
• •Mobile operation and management via smartphone app for real-time viewing.

Interactive Experience System:

• •Touchscreen information kiosks for park guides, activity info.
• •Wireless charging facilities supporting Qi standard.
• •Background music system with zoned independent control.
• •Programmable nighttime light shows.

IV. Full Lifecycle Refined Construction

Kaifort Membrane Structure adopts a full lifecycle management philosophy, implementing precise control from planning, design, and construction to operation, maintenance, and renewal:

Planning Phase (15 days):

• •Site survey and existing condition analysis.
• •Visitor behavior observation and needs research.
• •Multi-scheme comparison and value engineering analysis.
• •Investment estimation and return analysis.
• •Risk identification and contingency planning.

Design Phase (30 days):

• •BIM full-discipline collaborative design.
• •Parametric modeling and form optimization.
• •Structural calculation and simulation analysis.
• •Energy efficiency calculation and sunlight analysis.
• •Cost accounting and material quantity take-off.

Procurement Phase (20 days):

• •Material brand library optimization.
• •Supplier inspection and evaluation Sample sealing and performance testing.
• •Procurement planning and delivery scheduling.
• •Material traceability system establishment.

Construction Phase (45 days):

• •Prefabricated construction, reducing on-site work by 60%.
• •Digital measurement using total stations + 3D laser scanning.
• •Process overlapping for close coordination among trades.
• •Green construction with strict control of noise, dust, and wastewater.
• •Safe construction, targeting zero accidents, zero injuries.

Commissioning Phase (10 days):

• •Individual system debugging and independent testing.
• •Integrated system debugging and协同 testing.
• •Full-load testing at 1.2 times design load.
• •Trial operation for continuous 72-hour uninterrupted running.
• •Performance verification and confirmation of达标 indicators.

Operation & Maintenance Phase (25 years):

• •Daily inspections, combining manual and automated checks.
• •Regular maintenance: quarterly, semi-annual, annual.
• •Professional inspection by third parties annually.
• •Major repair and renewal: mid-term repair at 10 years, renewal at 25 years.
• •Data-driven operation and maintenance optimization based on data analysis.

V. Multi-Dimensional Value Creation and Benefit Assessment

The project creates significant economic, social, environmental, and cultural value:

Quantified Economic Value:

• •Direct: 4.5 million RMB.
• •Annual operational cost savings: 250,000 RMB (energy + water + reduced maintenance).
• •Investment payback period: 8.2 years (considering increased scenic area revenue).
• •Boost to surrounding commercial rents: 15-20%.
• •Extended visitor stay time: 0.5 hours, increasing per capita spending by 18 RMB.

Manifested Social Value:

• •Daily service to approx. 5,000 visitors, peaking at 15,000 on high-season days.
• •Visitor satisfaction increased from 72% to 96%.
• •Job creation: 80 during construction, 12 for operation.
• •Became a new urban landmark, enhancing city知名度.
• •Barrier-free design benefits the elderly and people.

Calculated Environmental Value:

• •Annual CO2 reduction: 35 tons.
• •Annual standard coal savings: 12 tons.
• •Annual fresh water savings: 1,000 tons.
• •Material recyclability rate: 92%.
• •Mitigation of heat island effect, reducing local temperature by 2-3°C.

Demonstrated Cultural Value:

• •Showcases modern architectural aesthetics,提升 public taste.
• •Serves as a venue for photography, sketching, and cultural activities.
• •Night light shows enrich citizens’ cultural life.
• •The architecture is “readable,” demonstrating green building technologies.

VI. Standardization System and Scalable Promotion

Based on the project’s successful experience, Kaifort Membrane Structure established a complete standardization system:

Design Standardization:

• •Standard drawing sets covering 10 basic forms, 20 combination methods.
• •Design guidelines including load values, structural selection, material choice.
• •Calculation manuals simplifying processes, improving efficiency.
• •Detail constructions: standardized joints, connections, edge treatments.

Product Standardization:

• •Modular system: Using 3m as the basic module for flexible combinations.
• •Component series: Standardized steel members, membrane units, connectors.
• •Color series: 5 standard colors + custom colors.
• •Fitting series: Standardized lighting, drainage, signage.

Construction Standardization:

• •Construction methods: Standard workflows, key operational points.
• •Acceptance standards: Criteria and methods for each process.
• •Safety standards: Safety protection, operational procedures.
• •Green construction: Environmental measures, energy saving and emission reduction.

Operation & Maintenance Standardization:

• •Maintenance manuals: Daily upkeep,定期保养 content.
• •Inspection standards: Items, frequency, methods.
• •Repair guides: Common issue troubleshooting, repair methods.
• •Renewal standards: Timing, methods, criteria for renewal.

Based on the standardization system, the company developed the “Scenery Series”, comprising three series:

• •Scenery·Joy: Basic type,满足 basic shading and rain shelter functions.
• •Scenery·Enjoy: Comfort type, adds intelligent control, interactive experiences.
• •Scenery·Excellence: Premium fully-customized type, artistic expression.

Standardization achieves 25% cost reduction, 30% shorter工期, and significantly improved quality consistency.

VII. Innovation, R&D, and Future Outlook

Building on this project, Kaifort Membrane Structure formulated future-oriented R&D plans:

Material Innovation:

• •Photovoltaic membranes: Improving power generation efficiency to over 15%.
• •Color-changing membranes: Reducing response time to under 10 seconds.
• •Self-healing membranes: Automatic repair of minor damage.
• •Transparent membranes: Increasing light transmittance to over 50%.

Structural Innovation:

• •Transformable structures: Automatically changing shape based on environment.
• •Inflatable structures: Frameless, lighter.
• •4D-printed structures: Single-step forming of complex shapes.
• •Smart structures: Integrated with sensors, actuators.

System Innovation:

• •Energy self-sufficient systems: Photovoltaic + storage + intelligent management.
• •Water self-circulation systems: Closed-loop collection-purification-utilization.
• •Air: Photocatalytic air purification via membrane.
• •IoT systems: Comprehensive sensing, intelligent control.

Application Innovation:

• •Emergency facilities: Rapidly deployable temporary structures.
• •Agricultural facilities:智能 greenhouses, breeding sheds.
• •Mobile architecture: Relocatable, reusable buildings.
• •Space architecture: Habitats for extreme environments.

VIII. Industry Impact and Industrial Chain Stimulation

The project’s successful implementation has profoundly impacted the membrane structure industry and related sectors:

Industry Technological Advancement:

• •Promoted the technological成熟 of small-span membrane structures.
• •Accelerated the development of intelligence and sustainability.
• •Driven升级 across the entire industry chain: design, materials, construction.
• •Cultivated a group of professional technical talentsStandard and Code Improvement:**
• •Participated in formulating 3 national standards, 2 industry standards.
• •Promoted application standards for membrane structures in landscape architecture.
• •Established a全过程 standard system from design to operation.
• •Contributed Chinese solutions to international standard development.

Industrial Ecosystem Construction:

• •Stimulated development in steel, coatings, membrane material industries.
• •Promoted application of智能 control, photovoltaic, IoT technologies.
• •Nurtured specialized enterprises in design, construction, operation.
• •Formed a collaborative innovation system integrating industry, academia, research, and application.

Enhanced International Competitiveness:

• •Technology达到 international advanced levels.
• •Cost is 60% of international同类 products.
• •Construction period is 70% of international average.
• •Began exporting technology to Belt and Road Initiative countries.

IX. Conclusion: Creating Spaces with

Kaifort Membrane Structure’s Scenic Park Tensile Membrane Landscape Sunshade project is more than an architectural work; it is a practice of philosophy, an expression of values, and a creation of lifestyle. It demonstrates that technology can be this温暖, architecture can be this轻盈, and space can be this free.

In this project, we witness a dialogue between architecture and nature, a fusion of technology and art, a unity of function and form, a connection between the present and the future. It is not merely about providing visitors a place for shade and shelter, but about creating a spiritual place where they can linger, contemplate, and感受美好.

From a drawing to a patch of shade, from piles of materials to a landscape feature, from a concept to an experience—Kaifort Membrane Structure, with professionalism and craftsmanship, has completed this journey of creation. But this is not the终点, but a new In the future, we will continue to explore the infinite possibilities of membrane structures, using innovative design,精湛 technology, and dedicated service to create beautiful spaces for more cities and wonderful experiences for more people.

Because we believe every space has warmth, every scene has a story, and every moment of停留 deserves to be treated gently. Kaifort Membrane Structure—letting architecture grow from nature, letting life blend into the landscape, making beauty触手可及.