Revolutionizing Sustainable Architecture: The Rise of Aerogel "Super Tents" with Tensotherm™ Insulated Tension Membrane Systems

I. Aerogel Felt: Ushering in a New Era of Materials Science

Aerogel, this "lightest solid material" composed of 95% air, has had disruptive properties since its birth due to its nano-scale porous structure (pore size of about 20-50 nanometers):

• Extremely low thermal conductivity (as low as 0.015 W/(m・K)), only one-third of traditional insulation materials, and can maintain stable insulation under extreme temperature differences from -196°C to 650°C.

• Flexible composite process: By combining with substrates such as glass fiber and ceramic fiber, a cuttable and bendable aerogel felt is formed, solving the fragile defect of traditional aerogel.

• Multidimensional performance breakthrough: It combines waterproofing (hydrophobicity rate > 98%), fireproofing (A1-level non-combustible), light transmission (scattering rate reaching 85%) and light weight (density only 12-20 kg/m³), opening up new possibilities for fields such as construction, energy, and transportation.

WoQin Tech is deeply engaged in the research and development of aerogel materials. The nano-silica aerogel felt optimized through cooperation with international teams further improves the tensile strength (≥1.2 MPa) through surface modification technology, laying a foundation for high-end building applications.

II. Tensotherm™ System: When Tension Structures Meet Aerogel

The Tensotherm™ system jointly developed by Birdair, Cabot Corporation and Geiger Engineers is the first translucent insulated tensile membrane solution in the history of construction engineering. Its three-layer composite structure redefines roof performance.

Outer PTFE fiberglass membrane: Excellent weather resistance (service life of 30+ years), light transmittance of 15-20%, can filter 95% of ultraviolet rays, and has a self-cleaning function.

2. Core layer 8mm aerogel felt: LUMIRA® nano-aerogel is evenly distributed through a special process. While maintaining the flexibility of the membrane material, the thermal resistance of the roof is increased to 5 times that of the traditional single-layer membrane, realizing an indoor environment that is "warm in winter and cool in summer".

3. Inner PTFE sound insulation liner: Optimized through acoustic modeling, the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) reaches 0.9, which can isolate external noise above 100 decibels (such as aircraft takeoff and landing), and at the same time absorb internal reverberation to create an acoustically ideal space.

Engineering miracle: Achieving large spans with light weight

In the renovation of Lancaster Shopping Center in 2019, the Tensotherm™ system demonstrated the magic of "using softness to overcome hardness": with the 25,000 square feet of membrane material hoisted by a Black Hawk helicopter, the total weight is only 1/20 of that of the traditional steel structure roof, but it can withstand wind speeds of 120 mph and snow loads of 30 psf. During the construction process, the "old and new membrane layer overlay replacement method" was adopted. Without interrupting the operation of the venue, the roof upgrade was completed in 72 hours, energy consumption was reduced by 40%, and the utilization rate of natural light was increased by 30%.

III. From Gymnasium to "Super Tent": Extension of Aerogel in Extreme Scenarios

In the Laverne University Sports Science Gymnasium project (55,000 square feet, completed in 2025), the conical tensioned membrane design of Tensotherm™ not only achieves a breakthrough in architectural aesthetics - four asymmetric membrane peaks point to the sky like "suspended ice crystals" - but also creates a uniform and soft indoor lighting environment through the scattering and light-transmitting properties of aerogel, reducing artificial lighting energy consumption by 60%. The "super tent" nicknamed by students is actually the best interpretation of its versatility:

• Extreme climate adaptability: In severe cold of -40°C or high temperature of 50°C, the aerogel felt can control the indoor temperature difference within ±2°C without relying on high-power HVAC equipment;

• Rapid disassembly and assembly and lightweight: The weight of a single square meter of membrane material is less than 5kg. Combined with the aluminum alloy rapid tensioning components developed by WoQin Company, a 500㎡ tent can be built within 24 hours, making it the first choice for military field bases and polar scientific research stations;

• Model of sustainable development: The entire system can be 100% recycled. The combination of PTFE membrane material and aerogel felt has zero performance attenuation within a 30-year service life, and the full life cycle carbon emission is 70% lower than that of traditional buildings.

IV. WoQin Technology: Global Practice in Promoting Aerogel Building Applications

As a leader in aerogel material innovation in China, WoQin Company (WoQin Tech) is introducing the Tensotherm™ concept into more scenarios:

• Upgrade of simple inflatable tents: For the outdoor camping market, aerogel composite membrane tents are launched. While retaining the lightness of traditional tents, the cold resistance level is increased from -10°C to -30°C, and the generation of condensate water is reduced by 50%;

• Industrial insulation solutions: Customized aerogel insulation membranes are designed for LNG pipelines and data center computer rooms. While achieving energy savings, it provides a visual light-transmitting design, breaking the traditional perception of "insulation must block light";

• • Green building standard certification: Participate in formulating multiple international aerogel building application specifications. Its cooperative projects have passed LEED Platinum certification and become a benchmark for sustainable buildings.

V. The Future Is Here: How Does Aerogel Rewrite Architectural Rules?

The success of the Tensotherm™ system reveals three evolutionary directions of building materials:

1. Functional integration: From single insulation to a multi-effect combination of "thermal insulation + sound insulation + light transmission + structural support", reducing material stacking and construction complexity.

2. Environmental friendliness: The low-energy consumption production of aerogel (with energy consumption only 1/5 of that of traditional insulation materials) and full-cycle recycling are in line with the global carbon neutrality goal.

3. Design freedom: The lightweight characteristic releases the imagination of architects, making "column-free large spaces", curved shapes, and temporary movable buildings a reality.

When buildings are no longer "black holes" of energy consumption but "breathing entities" in harmony with nature, aerogel "super tents" are leading this quiet revolution. From commercial landmarks to polar expeditions, from permanent buildings to temporary shelters, WoQin Tech and global partners jointly prove that true innovation is to make technology as powerful as "super" and as light as "breathing".

Conclusion

At the intersection of sustainable development and technological innovation, aerogel "super tents" are not only a material breakthrough but also a transformation of architectural philosophy. When the lightweight membrane material carries the technological power at the nanoscale and when the light-transmitting insulation layer allows both natural light and energy efficiency, what we see is not only the future of architecture but also the redefinition of the relationship between humans and the environment. WoQin Tech always believes that the best building is to let technology hide in beauty and let space serve people - and aerogel is precisely the key to opening this future.

This article is jointly written by WoQin Tech and industry experts. For technical consultation or project cooperation, please feel free to contact us.