A light and luminous canopy

A light and luminous canopy for the French School of Sant Julià de Lòria

EFTE: a contemporary technical solution serving comfort and durability

We have recently completed the installation of a new canopy over the playground of the French School of Sant Julià de Lòria, a project promoted by the Government of Andorra. This intervention addresses the need to protect the school’s outdoor space while maintaining natural light and a sense of openness.

The adopted solution consists of a lightweight structure covered with an EFTE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) membrane—a high-performance material known for its transparency, low weight, and long-term durability. The installation was carried out by IASO, a company specialised in architectural textile systems, under the coordination of Progec, the main contractor of the works.

What is EFTE?

EFTE is a thermoplastic polymer with exceptional properties, widely used in architectural applications for lightweight roofs and façades. Unlike conventional plastics, EFTE offers high resistance to UV rays, harsh weather, and chemical degradation, remaining stable and transparent over decades.

It allows up to 95% of natural light to pass through, creating a bright and pleasant atmosphere while reducing the need for artificial lighting. With a very low weight (around 350 g/m²), EFTE enables more slender structures with less permanent load.

A project at the service of the school

The new canopy, with a simple and functional design, provides protection from rain and direct sunlight, improving the daily use of the playground and encouraging outdoor educational activities.

The use of EFTE has made it possible to preserve a clean, transparent appearance, well integrated into the existing surroundings and technically efficient. The result is a more comfortable, brighter, and longer-lasting space that brings technical innovation into educational architecture.