Pompidou Center Metz is the first branch of the famous Pompidou Center in Paris, which opened this May in the city of Metz located in northeast France. Taiyo Europe GmbH received the initial order for the membrane roof. The MakMax group technology was combined in order to provide this unique and impressive exterior, and a bright comfortable interior for this new facility.

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This project is the first to use photocatalyst membrane material in Europe. The exterior is designed to stay white and bright due to its decomposition activity of dirt. World renowned architect Mr. Shigeru Ban designed the structure along with Mr. Jean de Gastines from France. Not only is this large scale structure functional, but the flexible curved surface, a main trait of membranes, spans dynamically over 8000m² of the membrane structure. The combination of the hexagon lattice framework made from laminated timber, and clean white tensile membrane is beautiful. Interior lights are transmitted through the membrane roof at night, emphasizing the laminated timber silhouette and featuring the membrane to create a beautiful effect. This project is referred to as the “straw hat building” by local residents and is fast becoming a landmark feature in the area.

TiO₂ photocatalyst membrane is a material developed under the cooperation of Taiyo Kogyo Corporation and other companies in 1983. It is the first material of its kind in the world using the TiO₂ photocatalyst performance as the “membrane antifouling finish”. Previously coating was applied onto PVC tent membranes, followed by further success in developing a coating applied to PTFE membranes for high durability and large scale structures. Ever since the development of the TiO₂ photocatalyst membrane, there has been high demand for the product. Approximately 90% of permanent membrane architectures in Japan use TiO₂ photocatalyst membrane, with growing use in Asia, America, and the Middle East.

Taiyo Europe GmbH based in Germany is working to expand the Taiyo Group influence within Europe. To date Taiyo Europe GmbH and has contributed to many high profile projects such as the Yapi Kredi Bank (Turkey), Athens Shopping Center (Greece), America's Cup -China Team base (Spain), Ideen Ship (Germany), Potsdam Umbrella (Germany) and so on.

Using its unique technology and worldwide network, MakMax group will continue to participate in diverse projects from education, sports, commercial to transportation and any other sector in between.