real-vegas-casino The Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New York, has become a landmark not only for its entertainment offerings but also for its striking architectural innovationInsider Insights Kindred Spirits In The Material World - Built At the heart of this transformation is the use of an advanced material: ETFE membraneA sculptural entrance canopy reinvents the historic track's image with an 11,000-square-foot, LED-lit lattice structure covered with transparentETFE film. This article delves into the specifics of this remarkable application, exploring the properties of ETFE and how it has redefined the entryway experience at the casino201479—The transparency of theETFE membraneallows daylight to flow into the space below while providing cover and shade for people as they arrive at
In a drive to revitalize its image and enhance guest arrival, Empire City Casino opted for a groundbreaking design for its entryway canopy utilizing ETFE foil pillowsEthylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a fluorine-based plastic. It was designed to have high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. The vision was to create a structure that was both visually impressive and functionally superiorETFE Architects and designers aimed to develop a gridshell concept based on a toroid form, carved out to seamlessly accommodate traffic patterns2017214—Architect Nic Goldsmith discusses the virtues of letting materials likeETFEdictate shape and design in the world of tensile structures. This ambitious project saw the development of an 11,000-square-foot, LED-lit lattice structure that would be clad in ETFE foilA winning solution This particular ETFE membrane application was designed to be the largest structure of its kind in North America at the time of its developmentMedia Coverage
ETFE, or Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, is a fluorine-based plastic renowned for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and performance across a wide temperature range2013523—Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New Yorkwelcomes guests with a newly constructed porte-cochere with a pneumatic ETFE film As a material, it offers a unique combination of properties that make it ideal for architectural applications, particularly where transparency and lightweight design are paramountEmpire City Casino Porte Cochere | FTL Design
* Lightweight and Transparent: Compared to traditional glass, ETFE foil is significantly lighterETFE This reduces structural load and allows for more expansive and flexible designs2012817—Casino. The curved lattice canopy will be clad inETFEfoil—a polymermembraneoften used for roofing—that will reflect LED lights resting Crucially, it boasts high transparency, generating approximately 95% of the same light as glassBIG and KPF among architect studios working on casino This characteristic ensures that the space beneath the canopy is bathed in natural daylight, creating a welcoming and airy atmosphereEmpire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway The transparency of the ETFE membrane allows daylight to flow into the space below while providing cover and shade for people as they arrive200935—ETFEfoil is fast becoming one of the most exciting materials in todays design industry and has set the construction world alight with the potential it offers.
* Durability and Weather Resistance: The durable film is highly transparent and very lightweight in comparison to glass structures2013523—Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New Yorkwelcomes guests with a newly constructed porte-cochere with a pneumatic ETFE film This resistance to weather elements ensures longevity and minimal maintenanceBreaking the glass roof Building with ETFE architecture
* Versatility in Design: ETFE can be formed into various shapes, including the pneumatic ETFE foil pillows used at the casinoOne of the most lightweight and transparent cladding materials available,ETFEis a perfect application for roofing and façade construction! These pillows can be inflated to create self-supporting structures or integrated into complex lattice frameworks2017214—Architect Nic Goldsmith discusses the virtues of letting materials likeETFEdictate shape and design in the world of tensile structures. This adaptability allows architects to realize innovative and sculptural forms201469—Porte-cochere using Birdair'sETFEwelcomes guests at expandedcasino. Empire CityCasinoatYonkersRaceway,Yonkers,N.Y., selected Birdair
* Energy Efficiency: The insulating properties of ETFE can contribute to energy efficiency in buildings, helping to regulate internal temperatures201479—The transparency of theETFE membraneallows daylight to flow into the space below while providing cover and shade for people as they arrive at
The Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway features a striking porte-cochère constructed using a two-layer ETFE applicationETFE Why this Building Material is Gaining Popularity This design, developed by Studio V and FTL Design Engineering, utilizes ETFE foil pillows that form a curved lattice canopy200935—ETFEfoil is fast becoming one of the most exciting materials in todays design industry and has set the construction world alight with the potential it offers. The ETFE Film makes a striking and weatherproof porte-cochere at the casino in Yonkers, New YorkThe durablefilmis highly transparent and very lightweight in comparison to glass structures. In fact,ETFE filmgenerates 95% of the same light as glass.
The material's reflective qualities, particularly when illuminated by integrated LED lights, create a dynamic visual experience for arriving guestsFTL developed a design for a gridshell concept based on a toroid form which was carved out to accommodate the traffic patterns and clad in anETFEfoil pillow The use of ETFE was a deliberate choice to move away from conventional roofing materials and embrace a more modern and aesthetically advanced solutionTensile Cladding Alive with Color Published August 27, 2014ETFE Film makes a striking and weatherproof porte-cocherein Yonkers, New York. Empire City Casino This application is frequently cited as a prime example of ETFE architecture, showcasing the material's potential in creating grand entrances2016628—At Empire CityCasinoatYonkersRaceway inNew York, a porte-cochere with a 1020-m2(11,000-sf) pneumaticETFE filmroofing system
The successful implementation of the ETFE membrane at Empire City Casino is often discussed in the context of the architects and engineers involvedFuture architecture Nicholas Goldsmith and the journey Nicholas Goldsmith, an architect known for his work in tensile structures, has been a prominent voice advocating for materials like ETFEA sculptural entrance canopy reinvents the historic track's image with an 11,000-square-foot, LED-lit lattice structure covered with transparentETFE film. His insights emphasize how allowing materials to dictate design can lead to innovative solutions2012817—Casino. The curved lattice canopy will be clad inETFEfoil—a polymermembraneoften used for roofing—that will reflect LED lights resting Firms like Birdair and FTL Design Engineering have been instrumental in bringing such complex ETFE projects to fruition, showcasing their expertise in tensile structuresStudio V Bets on a Curving Lattice Porte-Cochère for Yonkers The casino's renovation highlights the growing popularity of ETFE in modern construction, with numerous projects embracing its unique advantagesStudio V Bets on a Curving Lattice Porte-Cochère for Yonkers
The ETFE membrane at Empire City Casino is more than just a roofing material; it's a statement piece that enhances the overall visitor experienceInsider Insights Kindred Spirits In The Material World - Built The transparency and luminosity of the film create an inviting and sophisticated ambiance as guests approach the casinoThe durablefilmis highly transparent and very lightweight in comparison to glass structures. In fact,ETFE filmgenerates 95% of the same light as glass. This architectural feature contributes to the casino's modern appeal and reinforces its position as a premier entertainment destination in New YorkEmpire City Casino The use of ETFE demonstrates a commitment to forward-thinking design and a dedication to creating memorable first impressions for every visitor to the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers, New YorkBreaking the glass roof Building with ETFE architecture
Join the newsletter to receive news, updates, new products and freebies in your inbox.