UV-transparent film
UV-transparent film, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), is used as the main material to build the huge bubble in the Eden project: “three layers enclosed in frame and pressurized with clean dry air to form a cushion-ideal for this type of enclosure” 1. The main reason for choosing this kind of material is about climate controlling and minimizing energy use, because “maximum use could be made of the rock’s (south-facing) heat storage capability”, light and sun transmission can be maximized for plant growth and heat loss is minimized through the fabric via using this material2. Most of the energy from sun was able to transit through the ETFE cushion, and it also has a better insulation at night3. Climate control and minimizing energy are really important for the Eden project, because the two huge enclosures intend to form a “nature” biome for housing thousands of plant species. The film becomes the boundary for the human-made biome, and is also the most direct layer between the inside and the outside. How does it work will affect whether the project will be successful and sustainable. The Eden project brings us the possibility to create a sustainable environment which is difficult to exist in the original. It gives us the potential to solve the problems between human and environment which is changing continuously in the future.