ArchitectureInterior/Exterior

We find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light and darkness whichthat thing provides.

Tanizaki jun’ichiro

Funnel umbrella, Café Mozart, Vienna

The reintroduction and increasing demand for long-lasting products makes the application of high-qualitymaterials possible. They can continuallysatisfy both functional and aestheticexpectations.

A new generation of fabricsHigh-tech fabrics are being increasinglyemployed in modern architecture. In partnership with lighting specialistsand polymer experts, Sefar has createda new generation of fabrics. Special finishing and coating techniques ensurea high UV durability without fading,while the materials remain extremelytough and long-lasting. All fabrics inthe SEFAR® Architecture range arehighly flame-resistant (B1 according to DIN standard 4102), producing nearly no smoke and absolutely free of burning droplets.

Light-technical fabrics

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Diffuse lightSEFAR® Architectural Fabrics achievelight transmission rates of ≥ 90%. The transmitted light contains a high proportion of diffused light, alsoknown as scattered light. This gives abalanced illumination by reducing contrasts, especially in shaded areas.The fabric gives the impression ofbeing a light source yet functions as alight diffuser for both natural daylightand artificial lighting. Depending onthe choice of fabric, the character ofthe textile can be either enhanced orreduced.

Useful adjustmentsAn interesting additional feature: since it is possible to control light andsound atmospheres, deficits resultingfrom other factors – such as imperfectfunctional or climatic conditions – canbe compensated for.

GlassGlass has a poor light-scattering surface. The amount of dispersion is < 2%

FabricFabric has the ability to disperse light in multiple directions. A fabric surface with a single light source behind it appears uniformlyilluminated. Perceived brightness by humans is known as luminous density. The rays of lightlanding on fabric are reflected, scattered anddeflected, or broken.

Acoustic Lighting, “DER Veg“ Restaurant, Sihlcity, Zurich

Cover picture: Reflection and Acoustic Screens at PwC, Dublin, Rep. Ireland(Cover picture small: aeronautec)

Building trends and good acousticsConstruction using fabrics has manyadvantages. In addition to the benefitsof being both light in weight and aesthetically pleasing, they also satisfyan increasing demand for materialsproviding light-technical and acousticsolutions. Compared with the traditional, hardbuilding products like concrete, glassand metal, SEFAR® Architectural Fabricsare light, soft and reminiscent of organic materials. The impressions they create lead to some surprisingand innovative designs. A good acoustic solution is always aligned withthe functional purpose of the room.

With Sefar fabrics you can target roomacoustics directly. Different types of fabrics present new possibilities.

Acoustic fabrics

Sound levels, reverberation and ambient noise qualityAlthough sound levels have a relative,technical value measured in decibels(dB), they have a psychoacoustic volume when perceived by an individual. What is discomforting oreven painful for some puts others intoan ecstatic state. Rooms which havepoor reverberation such as open hallsare often perceived as uncomfortable.The most important acoustic criterionis therefore the reverberation duration.With sound absorption materials suchas acoustically efficient, single or double-layer stretched fabrics, the ambient noise quality in work or leisure areas can be radically improved.

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Aco

ustic

pre

ssur

e

Time

Direct sound

Early reflections

Reverberation

Sound

Translucent fabric surface

With/withouttranslucent membrane

Non-transparent wall/ceiling (e.g. concrete, plasterboard)

Artificial light source between wall/ceiling

Sound absorption without lost of lightThe acoustic effectiveness of perforatedor open-pored fabrics depends onboth the nature and size of the perforations with coated fabrics or on the structure of uncoated fabric.Sound absorption can be drasticallyimproved using a double-layer con-struction. A second layer of translucentstretched fabric, functioning as a reflector and in a limited capacity as a resonator, is set at a calculated distance from the real fabric surface.Light penetrability can also be influenced.

Direct soundDirectly received sound without noise reflection

ReflectionNoise is reverted back.

ReverberationSequence of repeated noise reflections, indirect reverberation.

For further details of the application of photometric and acoustic fabrics in system solutions provided by SEFAR® Architecture Solutions, pleaserefer to the Architecture Solutions Light Frame brochure.

IA-80-CLwoven pore structure

IA-85-OPperforated pore structure

Sound

Daylight

Translucent fabric surface

With/withouttranslucent ET-membrane

Transparent ceiling/roof(e.g. glass)

Artificial lightbetween ceiling/roof

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PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)– the optimum combination of aesthetics and functionality

– UV and weather resistant

– Life expectancy > 25 years

– High light transmission, high diffusion of light with minimal color displacement

– Very high tensile strength with low weight

– Highly flame-resistant according to DIN 4102-1/B1, no burning droplets; producing nearly no smoke

– Foldable but resistant to breaking

– Free from toxic or carcinogenic softening agents

– Aesthetic, fabric in both look and feel

– Highly resistant to acidity and alkalinity

– Water and snow repellent

– Chemically inert (non-reactive)therefore beneficial to the environment

– Physiologically agreeable

– Color- fast and non-yellowing

– Odor-free

StrengthColor-fastness

Temperature resistance

UV-resistance

Weather resistance

Acid resistance

Alkali resistance

Chlorine resistance

Laser cutting*

Cold cuttingHot cutting*Stitching

Bonding

Weld ability

Light transmission

Dirt repulsion

Water column

Fold ability

Printability

Fire resistance

PVDFPVDF with fluoropolymer coatingPTFE

fluoropolymer coatingwith PTFE

10

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

9

10 = excellent properties0 = poor properties

* gas extraction system required

Material properties

PTFE molecule (C2F4) PVDF molecule (C2H2F2)

black = carbon atoms green = fluorine atoms blue = hydrogen atoms

Here the carbon molecular bonds are fully protected by the fluorine atoms. This gives PTFE its unique properties.

Here the carbon molecular bonds are relatively well-protected by fluorine atoms.This gives PDVF properties which are similar to PTFE.

– C – C–

– –

– –

– C – C–

– –

– –

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Interior

Textile architecture for indoor areas,employing SEFAR® Architecture InteriorLine, makes it possible to create newdesigns which are both visually attractive and functional. From constructions illuminated fromthe front or behind to lighting controlsfor programmable light moods, rightup to color temperature controls anddynamic scene sequences – it is all possible.

PVDF as a high light transmitting fluoropolymer deployed in photo-metric fabrics permits a high degree ofdiffusion of both artificial and naturallight without color displacement.The level of spectral transmission and reflection cannot be achieved with anyother product. This unique feature allows architects, designers andlighting planners to set new standardsin optical illumination (e.g. museums,lamps, illuminated textile surfaces).

Light fitted-ceiling “Autohof“, Frankfurt Central hall illumination – Art in construction,“Neue Spinnerei“ Jenny, Ziegelbrücke

Interior Line is the perfect solution forthe highest photometric requirements,such as in museums, lobbies, show-rooms, offices or public buildings. Architectural design is possible to alarge degree; translucent and opaquecoatings create interesting effects. Specifically coordinated, perforated or open-porous fabrics with definedflow resistance make a measurablecontribution to room acoustics.

Printed fabric elements, Achema 2009 exhibition stand, Frankfurt

Picture above: Conference room, Saudi Arabia

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Exterior

Textile architecture for external objectsor areas, employing SEFAR® ArchitectureExterior Line, gives the architect orstructural planner new functional anddesign possibilities.

The unique, textile material PTFE as ahigh optical-transmitting fluoropolymermakes it possible to construct durableexterior constructions such as largeumbrellas, sun awnings, roof coveringsand facade adornments.

Communication lounge, Darmstadt

Neuwildenstein Castle, Upper Austria

Please also consult the following brochures:

Architecture SolutionsSystems, Light Frame

The attractive, modular elements for artificialand natural light effects combined with improved room acoustics (e.g. light ceilingsand illuminated walls).

Architecture SolutionsVision

Single or double-sided, metallic-coated andprintable fabrics. Effective design possibilitiesin conjunction with glass or other transparentmaterials (e.g. partitions, room dividers, facades).

Interior and exterior projects will besupported by Sefar specialists with a wealth of experience in this field.Thanks to an international network of leading architects and planners withcomprehensive know-how in textile architecture, you benefit directly fromsound, individual advice.

Structural designers and membraneconstructors are important partners of Sefar; the material features high resistance to tearing, low weightto surface ratio as well as defined e-module values for warp and weft.

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LightLight evokes moods and emotionsas well as having an influence on ourbiorhythms with around 80% of theinformation we receive being in visualform. Light in general terms is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum which is visible to the human eye.

Light which penetrates a membrane is affected by many factors. The parameters governing the reflection and absorption properties of a membrane directly influence the passage of light (transmissionASTM D 1003) through a medium.

The human senses can also distinguishbetween two other visual phenomena,namely haze/opacity and clarity.

AcousticsSound itself is a pressure variation inthe air. When it meets a surface, partof the sound is reflected and part isabsorbed. The acoustic measurementof architecture fabrics takes place inso-called reverberation chambers (ENISO 354) in collaboration with externalinstitutions.

The fabrics of the IA Line (InteriorAcoustics) by Sefar have been developed to attain a high level ofsound absorption while at the same time possessing excellent photometricproperties. The recorded values serveas the basis for further acoustic planning.

With haze/opacity, the light passingthrough a medium is scattered uniformly in all directions. This reduces contrast resulting in a milky appearance.

With clarity, the light passing througha medium is scattered to a small degree. Contours are blurred and appear less sharp.

Optical spectroscopy concerns itselfwith wavelength-dependent transmissions and reflections (EN 410250–2500 nm).

Sefar fabrics have the special propertythat across the different wavelengths(especially in the visible region), theydisplay no significant fluctuations.

Reflection

Light transmission

AbsorptionTotal light received

Fabric tests

1.00

0.90

0.80

0.70

0.60

0.50

0.40

0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00

100 125 180 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3150 4000 5000 Hz

Comparison of different fabric types as a double-layer systemDistance fabric – foil: 80 mmDistance foil – concrete wall: 300 mm

Deg

ree

of

no

ise

abso

rpti

on

Alp

ha

s

Frequency

IL-80-OP foil/concrete

IA-85-OP foil/concrete

IA-80-CL foil/concrete

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Weathering testsAlso known as outdoor weathering,this involves subjecting samples of the fabric to outdoor elements, i.e. un-filtered sunlight, natural temperaturesand changes in humidity. The influenceof secondary climatic factors such aspollutants and airborne particles canalso be tested in an open-air setting –something impossible to recreate accurately in the laboratory.

Sefar does not rely solely on controlledlaboratory tests but ensures its fabricsundergo rigorous and lengthy exposuretests in natural conditions. As a resultof this, we are also able to makecleaning recommendations specific to the fabric in question, which ensureits aesthetic qualities are preserved.

Fire testsTesting the flammability of fabrics ismost important since safety in cases of fire is dependent on this.

For the European market, it is the European Norm EN 13501-1 which allocates classifications to products after carrying out the corner fire test,single burn item (SBI). The rate of heatand smoke production is determined.In addition to this, some countries have national standards to consolidatethe requirements already in place.

For fabrics in the SEFAR® Architecturerange, DIN 4102-1 is the most demanding standard. For the purposesof testing, the fire is reproduced in a special chamber. The criteria for theclassification are:– Margins of fire spread and energy

release.– Specifications of burning droplets

and smoke production in the test certificate.

The American standard ASTM E-84/NFPA 255 is used to measure the surface flame spread of materials usedin constructions. The test takes theform of a ceiling fire simulation, carriedout in what is known as a Steiner Tunnel, and enables the fire spreadand smoke production indexes to becalculated.

Owing to its low weight to surfacearea ratio, the calorific values for combustion are correspondingly lowand the very satisfactory test resultsshow fire-proofing is sufficient in some cases for objects requiring A2 certification.

SEFAR® Architecture Solutions fabricsare subject to continual testing by accredited institutions and possess allthe necessary certificates.

Formfinder Software – the revolutionary membrane construction support softwareSEFAR® Architecture Fabrics are recommended by leading membraneconstruction software developer, Formfinder, for their consistent and reproducible specifi cations. Whetherduring the initial, planning or implementation phase, Formfindersupports architects at every stage of

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Specifications may be modified at any time without advance notice. The textile structure and its feel are state of the art; slight variations in the appearance of the fabric are due to small differences in raw materials.

Fabric reference

Degree of transmission (%)

TypeIL-80-OP

General: Standard colour white

Degree of transmission (%)80 = e.g. 80% Degree of transmission

TypeOP = opaqueCL = clearTx = typeS = Screen

SEFA

R®A

rchi

tect

ure

Prod

uct

refe

renc

es

Prev

ious

des

crip

tion

Ligh

t tr

ansm

issi

on r

ate

(%) (

AST

M D

100

3)

Deg

ree

of r

efle

ctio

n (%

)

Type

Fabr

ic m

ater

ial

Coa

ting

mat

eria

l (f

luor

opol

ymer

mix

, %)

Max

imum

ten

sile

str

engt

h, w

arp/

wef

t (N

/5 c

m a

cc. t

o EN

ISO

139

34-1

, AST

M D

4851

)

Max

imum

ten

sile

elo

ngat

ion,

war

p/w

eft

(acc

. to

EN IS

O 1

3934

-1, %

)

Trap

ezoi

dal T

ear

(N, A

STM

D48

51)

Wei

ght

(g/m

2 )

Wat

er c

olum

n (m

m)

Fabr

ic w

idth

(cm

)

Ligh

ting

ceili

ng a

nd w

alls

Room

div

ider

Lam

ella

s st

ruct

ures

Exhi

bitio

n st

and

cons

truc

tion

Aco

ustic

scr

eens

, aw

ning

s

Aw

ning

s/su

n bl

inds

Mem

bran

e st

ruct

ures

/Con

vert

ible

con

str.

DIN

410

2-1

(B1)

/gen

eral

bui

ldin

g-co

nstr.

tes

t

DIN

EN

135

01-1

, B-s

1, d

0

UL

723/

AST

M E

84-0

8, N

FPA

701

EN IS

O 3

54

Technical specifications

the project thanks to its straightforwardand intuitive handing capabilities. Creative textile shaping and precise,technical calculations are cleverlyincorporated into this powerful tool. On the company’s website, you willfind up-to-date and free-of-charge versions of this benchmark software to download.

Formfinder is a product created by FormfinderSoftware GmbH, Vienna

"SEFAR® ARCHITECTURE“

SEFAR AG CH-9410 Heiden

P-BAY26-

06924

Herstellwerk I Baustoffklasse schwerentflammbar

(DIN 4102-B1)

4000 Newtons/5 cm

Degree of transmission (%)

High frequency4T20HF

Fabric rangeIL = Interior LightIA = Interior AcousticsEL = Exterior LightEH = Exterior HeavyI / E = Interior / Exterior

I-Line

IL-80-OP AL 02-70 80 19 n/a PVDF 100 1050/1050 40/25 – 250 > 500 160 × × × × × × ×

IA-85-OP AS 02-70-P 85 14 n/a PVDF 100 800/800 35/20 – 250 – 160 × × × × × ×

IA-80-CL AS 02-65-K 80 19 n/a PVDF – 1800/1000 35/27 – 440 – 270/340 × × × × × × × ×

I/E-200-S – 87 12 2 PVDF – 4200/4500 33/31 – 990 – 200 ×

E-Line

EL-40-T1 AR 24-25 40 59 1 PTFE 100 2400/2600 12/19 – 320 > 2000 160 × × ×

EL-35-T2 AR 24-25-H 35 64 2 PTFE 100 4100/4000 23/19 – 550 > 3000 160 × × × × ×

EL-30-T1-UV – 30 69 1 PTFE 100 2000/1800 13/12 – 320 > 2000 160 × × × × ×

EL-55-T0 – 55 44 0 PTFE 100 1500/1600 7/9 – 250 > 2000 160 × × × × ×

TENARA® Fabric

4T20HF – 19 79 2 PTFE 100 4000/4000 – 798 1080 10000 157,5 × × × × ×

4T40HF – 38 59 2 PTFE 100 4000/4000 – 798 1080 10000 157,5 × × × × ×

According to Sir Norman Foster, all the fundamental elementsof a building should have a dual or triple function wheneverpossible.SEFAR® Architecture Fabrics meet these stipulations to a highdegree. With their exceptional properties, they improve boththe optical and acoustic qualities of internal and external spaces.

11Light fitted-ceiling «Igreja da Santíssima Trindade» Sanctuary of Fátima, Portugal

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Sefar AGArchitectureHinterbissaustrasse 129410 HeidenSwitzerland

Phone direct +41 (0)71 898 56 18Phone general +41 (0)71 898 51 04Fax +41 (0)71 898 58 71info@sefararchitecture.comwww.sefar.comwww.tenarafabric.com