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 or vinyl 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 responsibility.
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, 9.5 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 free magazine WonderfulVinyl.
Connecting Footbridges
At the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, two crystalline glass footbridges connect historic buildings with a contemporary architectural gesture. PVC plays a functional role in the interior design. A full PVC ceiling helps stabilise the structure and limits overheating from sunlight, while PVC flooring reduces vibration and improves comfort for users crossing the bridges.
Photo credit: BoysPlayNice (used with permission).
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.
Photo credit: Iwan Baan (used with permission).
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.
Photo credit: Emanuel Raab (used with permission).