EFTE - Material for Inflatability

The following is a small sample of material research into something that could function as an inflatable shelter, while also giving a comfortable climate and being strong enough to resist weather and the general wear and tear that a mobile architecture might encounter.

I came across EFTE during the Sydney Architecture Festival 2011, where I worked constructing a shelter designed by Greenleaf Engineers for the Emergency Shelter Australia Exhibition as shown below:

http://emergencyshelteraustralia.com/

The prototype shelter (while not using EFTE) was proposed to use EFTE as a wall sheeting membrane as well as an inflatable roof cushion for insulation, and also its ability to incorporate 3rd generation, flexible solar sheets to help the shelter generate power.  While this shelter only used a prototype vinyl membrane, filled with several inflatable camping beds, the structure was incredibly cool during the midday sun on site at Circular Quay, Sydney.

EFTE (ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene ), originally developed for the space industry, is unique in that it does not degrade under ultraviolet light or atmospheric pollution. 

Is extremely long lasting, it can be used as part of the permanent building envelope. Furthermore, as the surface is very smooth and has anti-adhesive properties, the envelope self-cleanses under the action of rain.  This passive cleaning minimises the need for heavy maintenance.

This system combines exceptional light transmission with high insulation. Each layer can incorporate different types of solar shading enabling the designer to optimise the aesthetic and environmental performance of the building envelope. It is also available in  cladding systems that react to the sun and change their solar transmission and insulation throughout the day.

These properties coupled with very low levels of embodied energy and outstanding environmental characteristics result in an ecologically benign climatic envelope.

Through sophisticated load analysis and patterning, it can be engineered to virtually any size or shape. This coupled with its innate flexibility allows designers the opportunity to create structures of unusual lightness and elegance.

http://www.vector-foiltec.com/en/profile/vector-foiltec.html
This material has so many advantages to coincide with its intended use in this project that I won't waste your time with all of the deatils, but visit the link above if you want more information that I have found about the company, projects, benefits and technical specs of EFTE.