ETFE Material as a flexible alternative for traditional architectural materials and a turning point in designing green architecture in Egypt

The general trend in the world to conserve resources and reducing energy consumption was the main reason for the designer's constant pursuit of sustainability in architectural constructions. Therefore, the designer used green materials that offer many alternatives in the development of architecture and facades and raise the efficiency of the building. In the 1940s, ETFE, a plastic polymer called (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), was used in architecture on shape of air-inflated foils in the form of welded cushions, which could be one, two, three or more layers. These cushions have been developed to suit green architecture and similar material sustainability needs. The shelf life of this film or foil is up to 30 years and it is completely recyclable. The material provides the required quality and distinctive formal aesthetics that made it available for use in many architectural projects worldwide, including schools, offices, and sports facilities. There are many distinctive features of ETFE material, such as the formation and design of the facade that varies between different sizes and shapes of pillows and lighting plays an important role in designing a distinctive shape. Therefore, the research presents the history of the material, in addition to the method of manufacturing foils, forming pillows, and designing its various shapes, in addition to clarifying its most important advantages, since it is considered an important competitor to various modern building materials. The research also mentions some defects that constitute an obstacle that may not be suitable for some of the required functions of the material.