The AFAS Experience Center features a 42-meter glass dome composed of over 1,000 triangular panels supported by a steel structure with integrated lighting, showcasing advanced engineering, precision fabrication, and elegant architectural detailing.
Organization
Octatube
Project information
The AFAS Experience Center in Leusden, Netherlands, designed by Steef van der Veldt in collaboration with Just Architects, features a stunning glass dome roof engineered and built by Octatube.
The dome, with a diameter of 42 meters and a height of over 24 meters, covers a theatre that seats up to 850 people. The dome is constructed from over 1000 triangular glass panels, arranged in 11 horizontal rings. The panels decrease in size from the base to the top, ensuring a neat and consistent pattern.
The glass panels are supported by a steel structure made of hollow tubes connected by specially designed nodes. These nodes not only provide structural integrity but also house integrated lighting, enhancing the dome’s appearance at night. The construction process involved meticulous planning, mock-ups, and tests to ensure precision and fit.
One of the unique challenges was the “bite” taken out of the dome, which required a 500 mm diameter edge beam to redirect forces and maintain structural integrity. The dome is connected to the theatre tower at three points, with spherical plain bearings allowing for movement and load distribution.
Architecturally, the glass panels are visually disconnected from the steel structure using bespoke cast elements, creating a clean and elegant appearance. The project highlights the importance of preparation, flexibility, and collaboration in achieving a high-quality architectural outcome.