A captivating "mirage" recently appeared over the waters of Xiamen, drawing crowds of citizens and tourists. However, meteorological authorities clarified that this phenomenon was not a true mirage but the result of advection fog enveloping a structure. The focal point of this spectacle is the "Egret" Stadium, part of the Xiamen New Sports Center and constructed by Center Int.
Gently encircled by the advection fog, the stadium resembled a dreamlike architectural vision suspended among the clouds. Through masterful craftsmanship and innovative design, Center Int has made this stadium a radiant presence at the intersection of nature and the city.
The Egret Stadium features a fluid overall form. The grand arch spanning north to south rises high at its center, with its sweeping curves drawing inspiration from the essence of traditional Minnan dwellings, extending gracefully like an egret in flight.
Leveraging its outstanding technical capabilities and extensive construction experience, Center Int successfully undertook the roofing system for this landmark structure. This includes a metal roofing system, gutter system, PTFE membrane roofing system, ETFE cable-membrane system, eaves system, and the grand arch ceiling system. All components work in precise coordination to collectively create the undulating, streamlined silhouette. The ingenious integration of the metal roof and membrane structure not only ensures functionality but also maximizes the representation of the egret's light and elegant wing-spread posture.
The entire roofing system not only boasts fluid curves and an elegant, imposing aesthetic but also effectively withstands extreme weather events such as typhoons. Even when Typhoon Doksuri struck in July 2023, the Egret Stadium remained unscathed.
During the construction of the Egret Stadium, Center Int overcame numerous technical challenges. For instance, the steel roof truss is a large-span structure that undergoes certain deformation after unloading. Accurately positioning it to ensure the final smoothness of the curve and alignment with the architectural design posed a significant difficulty. To address this, Center Int adjusted the BIM model based on the post-unloading model calculated for the steel structure and combined it with on-site actual measurement results. Roof secondary steel construction was then utilized to absorb the discrepancies.
Furthermore, with the inner ring reaching a maximum height of 86.25 meters and the outer ring 54.5 meters, the span between them stretching 118 meters, the vertical and horizontal transportation of materials became another major challenge after the on-site tower cranes were dismantled. Center Int employed large crawler cranes for installation and utilized localized overhead cable systems for horizontal transport. This approach not only ensured efficiency but also maximized cost savings. These series of innovative measures have set a new benchmark for the construction of large-scale sports venues in China.
This "mirage" spectacle has not only allowed us to witness the wondrous craftsmanship of nature but also to feel the boundless possibilities of architecture and the city. Center Int remains committed to collaborating with clients to create more landmark buildings that integrate functionality and artistry for cities, witnessing the birth of further marvels. Growing alongside cities, advancing with the times!
