Guangzhou South Railway Station is one of China’s early large-scale ETFE air-cushion projects for a major railway hub. Inspired by the shape of Lingnan banana leaves, the undulating translucent roof sections cover the central skylight and entrance canopies, integrating seamlessly with the station’s long-span steel gridshell.
PFEIFER Structures engineered, fabricated and installed approximately 16,000 m² of triple-layer ETFE air cushions. The system comprises 1,182 diamond-shaped units, which were factory-prefabricated for precise and efficient assembly on site. Dedicated air-supply equipment maintains an operating pressure of approximately 300 Pa, ensuring the cushions retain their shape and structural performance.
With light transmission of up to 95%, the ETFE cushions introduce soft natural daylight into the spacious waiting hall and reduce daytime lighting requirements. Their low self-weight also minimizes the loads imposed on the supporting roof structure. Carefully coordinated connections to the aluminium-magnesium-manganese roofing, fascias and gutters provide reliable weather protection and drainage. The durable and UV-resistant membrane system is designed to withstand Guangzhou’s hot, humid and typhoon-prone climate.
