This project case study presents a large-scale eco-restaurant interior that features a solid polycarbonate (PC) sheet canopy as its primary skylight roofing system. Located in a suburban commercial zone, this restaurant was designed to create an open, naturally lit dining environment that bridges the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor ambiance. The project showcases how solid polycarbonate sheets can transform a conventional banquet hall into a bright, inviting space.
Project Overview
This eco-restaurant project covers approximately 1,200 square meters of indoor dining space, with a central banquet hall that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The key architectural feature is the ceiling canopy — roughly 400 square meters of solid polycarbonate sheets installed in a grid-pattern metal frame. The client’s primary requirements were: (1) abundant natural daylight to reduce artificial lighting costs, (2) UV protection to prevent interior fabric fading, (3) thermal insulation to maintain comfortable dining temperatures year-round, and (4) an elegant visual aesthetic suitable for weddings and corporate events.
The Challenge
The restaurant building had a standard flat concrete roof shell. Converting it into a naturally lit venue presented several challenges:
- Structural Loading: The existing roof structure could not support traditional glass skylights (which weigh 15-25 kg/m²). A lighter alternative was needed.
- Thermal Performance: The region experiences hot summers (35°C+) and cold winters (0-5°C). The roofing material needed to provide effective insulation without sacrificing light transmission.
- UV Control: With direct sunlight entering the dining area, UV radiation could damage furniture, flooring, and decorations over time.
- Installation Complexity: The large span (20m × 20m banquet hall) required a material that could be installed in manageable panel sizes while maintaining structural integrity.
- Budget Constraints: Glass skylight solutions were quoted at approximately ¥800-1,200/m² installed — significantly exceeding the project budget.
Our Solution
We recommended 10mm clear solid polycarbonate sheets (PC solid sheet) as the primary skylight material. Here is why solid PC sheets were the ideal choice:
- Lightweight: Solid PC sheets weigh only 1.2-1.5 kg/m² for 10mm thickness — less than 1/10 the weight of glass. This allowed installation directly on the existing steel frame without additional structural reinforcement.
- High Impact Resistance: With 250 times the impact strength of glass, the panels are virtually unbreakable in normal service conditions, eliminating safety concerns over head.
- Excellent Light Transmission: Clear solid PC sheets offer 82-88% light transmission, providing bright natural illumination while reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours.
- UV Protection: Our PC sheets feature a co-extruded UV-resistant layer on the upper surface, blocking 99% of harmful UV radiation. The restaurant’s interior furnishings remain protected from fading.
- Thermal Insulation: Solid PC has lower thermal conductivity (0.20-0.23 W/m·K) than glass (0.76-1.0 W/m·K), helping maintain stable indoor temperatures and reducing HVAC energy consumption.
- Cost-Effective: At approximately ¥200-350/m² installed, the PC skylight solution saved over 60% compared to glass alternatives, allowing the client to invest savings in interior decoration and lighting fixtures.
Installation Process
The installation was completed in three phases over 14 working days:
- Phase 1 — Frame Preparation (Days 1-4): The existing concrete roof was partially removed and replaced with a hot-dip galvanized steel grid structure designed to the client’s architectural specifications. The grid layout was optimized for 2100mm × 6000mm standard PC sheet dimensions to minimize cutting waste.
- Phase 2 — Panel Installation (Days 5-11): Solid PC sheets were cut to size on-site, fitted with aluminum edge profiles, and secured using rubber gasket sealing systems to ensure water-tightness. All panels were installed with the UV-protected side facing upward.
- Phase 3 — Finishing & Interior (Days 12-14): Seals were tested for water-tightness, the metal framework was painted to match the restaurant’s interior design, and decorative chandeliers were suspended from the structural steel beams.
Results
The completed project delivered outstanding results that exceeded the client’s expectations:
- Natural Lighting: The restaurant now operates with lights off during 70% of daytime hours, achieving estimated annual energy savings of ¥40,000-60,000 on electricity bills.
- Customer Experience: Post-renovation customer satisfaction surveys showed a 35% increase in “ambiance” ratings. The naturally lit space has become a distinguishing feature that attracts wedding banquets and corporate events.
- Temperature Comfort: Indoor temperature measurements show only 3-5°C variation between the dining area and air-conditioned zones — significantly better than the 8-10°C variation measured before the renovation.
- Durability: After 18 months of service, all panels remain in excellent condition. No yellowing, cracking, or water leakage has been reported.
- ROI: The client achieved full return on investment within 14 months through energy savings and increased event booking revenue.
Why Choose Jietai for Your PC Sheet Project
As a specialized polycarbonate sheet supplier with extensive project experience, Jietai offers:
- Product Range: Solid PC sheets available from 1.5mm to 30mm thickness, in clear, opal, bronze, blue, and custom colors. Standard widths of 1220mm, 1560mm, 1820mm, and 2100mm with custom widths up to 2500mm available.
- Technical Support: Our team provides structural load calculations, thermal performance data, and installation guidance for every project.
- Quality Assurance: All PC sheets come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty against yellowing and breakage from hail impact.
- Custom Solutions: We cut panels to your exact specifications, supply matching aluminum profiles and sealing systems, and offer on-site technical supervision for large projects.
Contact our team for a quote on your next skylight or canopy project. Whether you are building a new restaurant, renovating an existing venue, or designing a commercial space, we have the right polycarbonate solution for you.
