Beijing National Stadium

Location: Beijing, China
Fabric Type: Single layer ETFE
Project Size: 36,500 m²
Architect: Herzog & de Meuron, Basel
Engineer: Arup
General Contractor: CITIC Internationals Contracting Inc
Completion: 2007

On August 8, 2008, National Stadium, also nicknamed “Bird’s Nest,” because of the shape of its structure, hosted the opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics. The stadium utilizes approximately 50,000 square meters of fluororesin ETFE film in the construction of its complex cable and tension structure. The product that was ordered is a high-performance fluororesin “Fluon® ETFE film” (tradename “AFLEX®” in Japan). Given its superior properties, such as heat, chemical and weather resistance; anti-adhesion; excellent electrical characteristics; and transparency, the film has been used since its launch in 1975 in a wide range of fields, including electronics, aviation/space, photovoltaic cells, sound insulation bags and green houses. In recent years, the Fluon® ETFE film has been increasingly used especially in Europe as a building material. ETFE film has several unique features that make it an ideal building material in the construction of stadiums, amphitheaters and other event centers. ETFE film’s transparency allows for high light transmittance; it is light weight, flexible, durable, and can be colored or even printed to help control heat.