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Birdair was selected to provide the design, fabrication and supply of the membrane roofing system for the renovation of Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, which has been named a 2022 FIFA World Cup™ venue.
Many green technologies have been developed since Khalifa International Stadium was first built, and the building team wants to take advantage of these technologies. To ensure that Qatar achieves its goal of hosting an environmentally friendly FIFA World Cup™, the facility will seek Global Sustainability Assessment Systems (GSAS) certification.
The project team chose all three next-generation materials for aesthetics, performance and sustainability. Specifically, extreme temperatures in the Middle East require the use of products that can withstand intense heat from the sun.
The renovation includes a unique, modern design and aesthetic, containing a combination of three major product lines for the roof system: PTFE fiberglass membrane, single ETFE film and Tensotherm™, a translucent insulated tensioned membrane system. The majority of the roof system will feature approximately 500,000 square feet of PTFE fiberglass membrane. An approximate 35,000 square foot portion of the south-leading edge of the roof will utilize a single-layered ETFE film supported by a cable net. Another portion located on the lower edges near the compression ring will incorporate Birdair’s Tensotherm system in order to provide thermal performance.
The Khalifa International Stadium was first constructed in 1976 as a 20,000-seat stadium and hosted the Gulf Cup that year. It returned to hosting prominence in 1992, when it received an upgrade to again host the Gulf Cup. A third renovation took place in the early 2000s, and Birdair was awarded the design and supply of the PTFE membrane roof system for the stadium.
Three decades later, Qatar hosts the first ever FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East, where Khalifa International Stadium is expected to play an important role by hosting many of the FIFA World Cup™ matches through to the quarterfinals. Prior to the World Cup, the stadium will be the host venue for the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championship. .
The renovated stadium will seat 40,000 spectators, and the development will include a new building which will be added to the stadium’s east wing that will contain food courts, shops, multi-purpose rooms, VIP lounges and a health center.
About the materials
Durable and weather resistant, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or Teflon®-coated fiberglass membrane can be installed in extreme climates. The material’s surface is readily cleaned by rainwater. It is also completely immune to UV radiation.
ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) film is durable, highly transparent and lightweight, allows daylight to flow into the space and it resists adhesion of airborne pollutants, dust, dirt and chemicals.
Tensotherm is a composite system comprised of a PTFE fiberglass membrane exterior skin, a thin translucent insulation blanket embedded with aerogel, and a lighter liner. The system provides diffused natural daylight, enhanced temperature control, and sustainability advantages.
Birdair, Inc. is a specialty design/build contractor of custom tensile structures worldwide. The company offers a selection of architectural fabric membranes, including PTFE fiberglass, ETFE film, PVC and Tensotherm™, an insulated tensioned membrane system. Birdair is based in Buffalo, N.Y. and is a member of the Taiyo Kogyo Group.