Yixing
China
Yixing Qingyu Observation Tower Chooses Tensile Envelope by Serge Ferrari
About
Serge Ferrari Group took part in the construction of Yixing Qingyu Tower, an observation structure wrapped in Frontside View 381.
Situated on the banks of Lake Tai, China, the city of Yixing lies within Jiangsu province and is part of the Yangtze River Delta Region — where the longest river in Asia connects to the China Sea. The area is known for its numerous lakes and extensive network of waterways, while the city itself is mainly recognized for its traditional clay teapots, prized throughout the country.
An exceptional natural backdrop
Recently, a development programme has introduced new amenities around the perimeter of one of the city’s lakes: a footpath and resting areas with wooden seating have been created all along the bank. In a quiet atmosphere conducive to self-reflection, the idyllic and secluded project offers an ideal destination for contemplation. Visitors are free to let their gaze wander out to the lake’s deep blue waters or watch the hypnotic swaying of the bamboo grove surrounding the water’s sparkling surface.
Near the edge of the lake, a shape looms, its colour and straight lines hinting at a man-made construction. With its stunningly simple design and straightforward, featureless geometry, Yixing Qingyu Tower emerges from the bank as a solid block. Atop the structure, a platform provides an unmatched 360-degree vantage point over the entire surrounding natural area.
Frontside View 381 for an aesthetic building envelope
The tower has been wrapped with Frontside View 381, a mesh membrane supplied by Serge Ferrari Group and specially developed for tensile facades to maintain visibility to outside. In white, the fabric’s transparency allows an interesting play on the building’s mass, making its presence less tangible, less bulky, and seemingly more flexible. The resulting construction appears to subtly blend in with the natural colours of its surrounds, creating interest through contrast.
Delivering high resistance against harsh weather conditions including wind and rain, the fabric has been stretched onto a FTI Solar Skin frame. Close to 400 sqm of Frontside View 381 were supplied to wrap the observation tower entirely. In addition, Frontside View 381 is also printable and blocks up to 81% of the sun’s heat when applied on a building’s facade.
Project Participants
Installation: Beijing Jinshengjie Membrane Technology CO.,LTD
Structure: FTI Solar Skin
Membrane: Frontside View 381
Area: 400m²
Copyright: Davik LIN
