A Flexlight Xtrem TX30 tensioned roof at The Camp

A base camp for exploring the future

thecamp founder Frédéric Chevalier imagined this campus, located at the gates of Aix-en-Provence, France, as the incubator of humanity's future projects. A true meeting place, thecamp's mission is to bring together entrepreneurs, researchers and artists in a creative environment in order to collaborate and transform the future for both Man and the planet.

A membrane designed and manufactured by Serge Ferrari

Conveying a modern, natural image, the materials selected for thecamp had to embody this pioneering, innovative spirit. The Serge Ferrari Flexlight Xtrem TX30 membrane integrates the latest technological developments for durability with flexible composite materials, thereby fulfilling this essential performance characteristic; it was therefore retained for this ambitious project.

The translucent membrane enables spaces to be naturally lit thereby conserving energy. Moreover, its formulation allows it to overcome multiple climatic constraints at this location (strong sunshine, violent rain and wind) and reduces material oxidation. This ensures conservation of its mechanical properties and better aesthetics in the long term.

Précontraint technology for a lifespan longer than 30 years

With Précontraint technology, the dynamic behaviour of this roof is both uniform and controlled. This is important for a project like thecamp, which extends over large, complex areas. The roof edges are fixed to supporting metal rings and the roof panel clamping system is very demanding in terms of installation accuracy. It was essential that the panels be very accurately positioned at the thousands of anchorage points for clamping and bolting; they are in fact compatible to the millimetre with the roof installation drawings.

It was the expertise of the roof designer, maker and installer, ACS, combined with Précontraint's suitability and the design office's calculations, which ensured a totally safe, timely installation meeting every expectation.

Controlled elastic stretching during installation under dynamic load ensured conservation of material tension, adherence to required geometry and long-term structural safety.

The engineering design considered winds of more than 100 km/h, which induce calculated displacements of the membrane. Under these highly constrained conditions, it is essential that each batch of composite material used complies strictly with the deformation-under-load design calculations.

The Précontraint technology enables membranes to be well suited to demanding technical design requirements.