De Markthal – Rotterdam

The iconic cable net glass façade of the Markthal are under frequent maintenance by Octatube Services.

The steel cables support a thin glass façade of 34 x 41 meter. The principal is similar to a tennis racket. If we assume the wind is the impact of the tennis ball, the façade can move up to 70 centimetre, to be able to withstand the impact and bounce back. The cable ends are all captured in spherical joints that allow for the façade movement.

This complex system results in continuous movements in the façade materials. This is why Octatube Services frequently checks all important joints and measures the tension in the steel cables.