PVC in architecture

PVC enables the architects’ free rein in their creativity, offering them almost infinite design options to meet aesthetics, functionality, affordability and sustainability.

Endless possibilities for architects

Every day across Europe and beyond, new homes, offices, stadiums and many other buildings are being constructed. The architectural challenge of these new buildings is for aesthetics and functionality to form a perfect match. PVC has long been a primary choice for architects. This is due to the polymer's unique technical properties that enables architects to combine state-of-the-art design with environmental stewardship. As a result, PVC is the most used plastic material for building and construction products such as windows, pipes, gutters, cables, roofing membranes and flooring. After their long service-life, these products can be recycled into new applications. In Europe, this is happening through the VinylPlus® programme. Through VinylPlus, more than 5 million tonnes of PVC have been recycled since 2000.

Architectural marvels with PVC

PVC is a preferred material in many of the architectural marvels that have been built in recent years. Take look at a few examples below. For more examples of how PVC is used in architecture, art and design, sign up for our newsletter WonderfulVinyl.

 

iGuzzini Iberian headquarters

The iGuzzini Iberian headquarters in Barcelona, Spain is characterised by a geodesic ellipsoid suspended above an open landscape. Placed adjacent to a roadway hub, the spherical shape is subtly deformed on the south side to destabilise the otherwise perfect geometry. A PVC fabric membrane is wrapped around the triangulated frame to provide shade, which is composed in response to solar orientation, improving the comfort, and protection, of its interior spaces.

Heydar Aliyev Centre

Since its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has invested heavily in modernising and developing Baku’s infrastructure and architecture. Zaha Hadid Architects were appointed as design architects of the Heydar Aliyev Centre, following a competition in 2007. The Centre was designed to become the primary building for the nation’s cultural programs. Ceilings are finished using flexible PVC membranes to achieve a continuous and homogenous surface.
 
 

Kaffee Partner Headquarters

Situatued in Osnabrück, Germany, the Kaffee Partner Headquarters was built with PVC ceiling slabs. These are differently shaped and cantilevered on each floor, and are surrounded on all sides by the meandering ribbons on the façade, which here assume the role of a parapet.

Konya City Stadium

Konya City Stadium in Konya, Turkey was designed with the approach of harmonising cultural codes with contemporary structures. The exterior of the structure is in white-green colours which symbolises the city’s football team. The top part of this area is covered with a PVC roof which enables the arena to be used for different functions.
 
 

Lano Fruits Office

The office in Murcia, Spain connects two bordering spaces. One of them was used as a warehouse, the other one, in which they worked, was the result of many previous failed remodellings. They needed more natural light, acoustic and thermal comfort, collective spaces, rest rooms, and especially a cosy atmosphere. The floor is a twisted PVC colour triangulation. It also covers some blind parts of the partition to hide the toilet and the broom closet. The new design obtains a livelier and comfortable office that creates functionality and a kindlier space.

Be sure to sign up for Wonderful Vinyl – our newsletter for innovative use of PVC in architecture, art and design

Subscribe now