Parachute-style roof covers stadium

Published On: December 1, 2012

[Hightex Group PLC] London, U.K.

The BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver, B.C., was completely updated recently, including the replacement of its air-supported roof with a tensioned cable net roof. Hightex Group PLC designed it with a fixed PTFE/glass tensile membrane and a retractable central section, with a narrow glass ring between the two. Due to winter snow loads, the specification required the retractable roof to be formed of 36 individual two-layer cushions, capable of inflating or deflating within 15 minutes.

The retractable roof membrane is made from high light-transmission Tenara® from W.L. Gore & Assoc. Inc. and is the first “parachute” retractable stadium cushion roof in North America. Now multi-functional, the stadium can host indoor events with a closed roof and football matches either outdoors or indoors. The upgrade has given the stadium a new lease on life and the potential for many new events and activities.

2012 IAA Award of Excellence