The undulating geometry of the stadium cover is given by the framework. For the membrane that covers it, it was not a question of creating forms with double curvature of great range, but rather of coming closest to the shape of this framework and of highlighting the screening and the facettisation. 

The material of the facade is transparent to allow the visual link between the inside of the stadium and the plain of the var. Its envelope reveals the activity of the stadium to the users of the plain, and gives the reading of the landscape from this promontory that constitute the stadium and its peripheral corridors. The façade consists of single layer ETFE panels, supported by a cable network. This innovative implementation of the ETFE, developed on a surface of 25000 m², has led us to tap into the mechanical resources of the material. An ATEx procedure has guided the conduct of many material tests, such as bi-axial tensile tests to accurately characterize the different levels of ETFE creep.

The use of a non-curved membrane is a delicate process requiring a control of the tolerances of installation in order to ensure good tensioning of the fabric. To enable the adjustment of the prestressing, the panels are fixed to the framework by means of a system of threaded rods. Sealing flaps then cover the panels and are inserted into an edge profile. On the roof, transparency was not an imperative. On the contrary, it was necessary to protect the spectators from the Nice sun, and that is why we used a PVC coated polyester fiber fabric, more opaque than ETFE. The fabric is placed on arches which give it a double curvature: high enough to ensure efficient operation of the membrane, without disturbing the overall reading of the shape of the roof.