At Okatent, we never stop growing, and now we are doing so with OKCAS®, a system developed by our R&D team that is set to revolutionize the covering of modular buildings. In this article, we will tell you everything about OKCAS®, the types of covering it can offer, the most technical aspects of the system and the benefits of this innovative development.
What is the OKCAS® system?
OKCAS® stands for Okatent Cushion Air System, which could be translated as Okatent Air Chamber System. This technological development is based on air pressurization through a compressor, which creates an air chamber in the roofs that improves insulation properties, increases resistance and creates a strong visual impact on the canvas roofs we call pressurized covers.
Specifically, an air chamber is created between two layers of canvas, helping to maintain more stable conditions inside the building. This air chamber remains tensioned thanks to a controlled pressurization system that generates constant pressure between 0.8 and 1.2 mbar. This effect reinforces the structure and improves its performance in adverse weather conditions.
Main components of an OKCAS® roof
An OKCAS® roof is made up of different layers and elements that work together to improve the thermal insulation, acoustic insulation and structural performance of the roof.
Air chamber
It is formed between the layers of the roof and works with constant pressure between 0.8 and 1.2 mbar. This pressure is regulated by a low-consumption 105 W turbine and a pressure switch, within a closed circuit that only activates the motor occasionally during the day.
Insulating fibre layer
The insulating fibre layer reinforces the thermal and acoustic performance of the roof. This fibre is made of PET wool, a non-woven material produced from recycled polyester fibres. The complete system achieves an approximate thermal insulation factor of 0.28 W/m²-K and an acoustic layer of approximately 20 dB.
Single membrane
The single membrane is part of the main layers of the roof, both on the exterior and the interior. It is made of PVC-coated polyester and is fixed with Keder welded on the side ends to ensure airtightness with the structure. The membrane weighs 650 g/m² and has M2 fire-retardant protection according to NFP 82507.
Microperforated membrane
The microperforated membrane is integrated into the inner part of the system and plays an important role in the acoustic performance of the roof. Working together with the air chamber and the insulating fibre, it helps improve sound absorption and contributes to creating a more comfortable indoor environment.
High resistance with OKCAS® pressurized roofs
Every modular building manufactured by Okatent is covered with textile polyester membrane, either opaque or translucent, coated with PVC and with high-frequency welded Keder. These roofs have many properties. These characteristics make them highly resistant in different areas:
- 100% waterproof: They guarantee complete watertightness against water thanks to the PVC membrane and high-frequency welding, preventing leaks even in demanding weather conditions.
- Long service life: They offer high durability thanks to the resistance of PVC-coated polyester, maintaining their structural and aesthetic performance for years.
- Fire-retardant: They incorporate M2 fire-retardant protection according to the NFP 82507 standard, ensuring safe behaviour against fire in industrial environments.
- Easy maintenance: Pressurized roofs require minimal maintenance due to their smooth and resistant surface, which makes cleaning easier and reduces long-term operating costs.
Did you know that, unlike rigid concrete, metal or tile roofs, membrane roofs are safer because they do not shed any elements or particles?
What are the differences between a standard canvas roof and an OKCAS® roof?
There are several differences between standard roofs and pressurized roofs with the OKCAS® system, all of them resulting from the double layer with an air chamber, which improves conditions on many levels. In terms of structural design and operating system, the differences are:
Standard roof | OKCAS® roof | |
Material | PVC-coated polyester textile membrane | Two layers of PVC-coated polyester textile membrane. |
Operation | It is fixed to the pillars with Keder, a cord used to place and tension the roof in position. High-frequency welding is used to fix the Keder to the membrane and guarantee its watertightness. | It uses a low-consumption turbine of 105 W that maintains internal pressure through a pressure switch. As it is a closed circuit, the system only activates occasionally. |
Common use |
| Large-scale applications such as:
|
Thanks to the differences in structure and operation, the OKCAS® system offers significantly more insulation than a standard roof, as the air chamber acts as a natural thermal insulator and improves indoor comfort.
Did you know that the OKCAS® system was patented in 2023 and, since then, we have already manufactured more than 50 buildings with this type of roof?
What types of pressurized roofs are available with the OKCAS® system?
Within Okatent’s pressurized roofs, different insulation variables can be customized to adapt them to each operation and to the needs of each client.
Insulating roofs with the OKCAS® system
B – OKCAS® roof with simple insulation: U-Value = 2.1 W/m²·K
The roof with the OKCAS® system, through the incorporation of two layers of PVC-coated polyester textile membrane, creates an internal air chamber. It creates a stable air cushion that acts as a natural thermal insulator. As a result, thermal transmittance is significantly reduced compared to simple solutions, reducing the appearance of condensation.
A – OKCAS® roof with advanced insulation: U-Value = 0.8 W/m²·K
This is a more advanced solution that combines the OKCAS® pressurized roof system with the incorporation of an additional insulating material inside, such as PET wool, creating a high-performance multilayer system. This approach integrates two insulation mechanisms: on the one hand, the pressurized air chamber and, on the other, the thermal insulation of the added material. In this way, very low thermal transmission values can be achieved.
Ventilated insulating roofs with the OKCAS® system
A+ – OKCAS® roof with insulation + extreme ventilation: U-Value = 0.5 W/m²·K
The A+ solution represents the highest level of evolution within roofs with the OKCAS system. It manages to integrate thermal control, energy efficiency and natural light management in a single configuration.
It is composed of:
- An opaque outer layer that blocks direct solar radiation.
- A pressurized air chamber that acts as thermal insulation.
- A translucent inner layer combined with insulating material, allowing diffused light to enter without glare or heat increase.
Benefits of OKCAS® roofs
Thermal insulation in cold climates: The OKCAS® system helps maintain indoor comfort in cold areas and offers greater resistance to snow accumulation.
Comfort in hot and humid climates: In tropical or very humid environments, it prevents heat from stagnating inside the tent and promotes better air circulation.
Acoustic insulation: The air chamber provides an additional barrier against sound transmission.
Condensation: It helps prevent condensation by avoiding direct contact between the inner roof temperature and the outside air.
Waterproofing: By having an airtight air chamber, the double-layer roof offers greater protection against water and moisture entering from the outside.
Movement: As it is constantly inflated, it does not flap in the wind compared to single-layer canvas.
Durability: The presence of two layers of PVC textile membrane tensioned by the pressure of the air chamber provides greater resistance to wear and abrasion compared to a single layer.
Greater resistance to water and snow: The textile membranes remain inflated and pressurized, improving the roof’s resistance to water or snow loads. The air trapped in the chamber acts as a cushioning layer, helping to prevent water or snow from stagnating on the roof and therefore promoting better drainage.
Anti-corrosion: Textile membranes do not rust and are manufactured and installed in a single piece, without fixings on site that pass through them, as is the case with metal sheets. They also do not require special coatings or anti-rust paints.
Easy assembly and disassembly: The textile membrane roof can be quicker and easier to install and dismantle compared to other enclosure systems.
Aesthetics and design: The visual result is completely uniform, as all the cushions are identical along their entire length and are made in one piece, without fixings or joints.
In addition to the pressurized air chamber, OKCAS® can integrate an insulating fibre layer that reinforces the thermal and acoustic performance of the roof.
Success stories
OKCAS® Fiver in Switzerland: thermal insulation for demanding regulations
At Okatent, we covered the padel courts of the AAR Sports club in Birrhard, Switzerland, with the OKCAS® Fiver system. This is an evolution of the OKCAS® system that incorporates synthetic fibres into the roof to reinforce thermal and acoustic insulation. The project made it possible to create a sports space prepared to meet Switzerland’s demanding standards for insulation, energy efficiency and sustainability.
- More than 10 cm of roof insulation.
- Side enclosures with 150 mm rock wool sandwich panels.
- A solution adapted to the Swiss climate to reduce heat loss and maintain a more stable indoor temperature.
R Padel Indoor Club: a high-impact sports roof
We developed a custom sports roof for R Padel Indoor Club, in the province of Barcelona. The project made it possible to cover a high-level complex with seven indoor padel courts, rest areas and spaces designed to improve the experience of players and spectators.
- 2,400 m² structure, 40 metres wide, 60 metres long and 7 metres high.
- 100% customized design.
- Sides with sandwich panels: enclosures designed to reinforce indoor insulation against noise, cold and heat.
Volkswagen: OKCAS® roof for demanding industrial use
Volkswagen Navarra, one of the leading industrial plants in the automotive sector, trusted Okatent for the installation of three modular buildings at its facilities. The project aimed to expand and optimize the production space linked to the manufacture of its new MEB platform, focused on electric vehicles.
- Installation of three modular buildings: a solution designed to expand and optimize the available space.
- Demanding industrial application: structures intended to support the processes linked to the manufacture of the MEB platform.
- Modular and flexible solution: buildings designed to adapt to the operational needs of the plant.
Frequently asked questions about pressurized roofs with the OKCAS® system
Can a building with an OKCAS® roof be dismantled and relocated?
Yes. At Okatent, we install demountable industrial buildings, so a building with an OKCAS® roof can be dismantled and relocated without losing its effectiveness.
It is also important to bear in mind that the new location may have different wind, snow, solar exposure, urban planning regulations or thermal needs. For this reason, before relocating a building with the OKCAS® system, it is advisable to carry out a technical review to confirm that the roof maintains its performance and that the structure remains suitable for the new use.
When should a pressurized roof with the OKCAS system be considered for an industrial project?
A pressurized roof with the OKCAS® system should be considered when the industrial project needs more than a conventional lightweight roof. It is especially recommended for large buildings where thermal and acoustic insulation, structural stability, condensation control and energy efficiency play an important role in the daily operation of the facility.
It is also a suitable solution when seeking a roof with a more premium visual result, especially in projects where the image of the space is also a relevant factor.
Does installing an OKCAS® pressurized roof require special permits?
No. The installation of a pressurized roof does not usually require additional permits simply because it is pressurized. Building permits and the technical requirements applicable to industrial buildings must be processed. In Spain, the urban planning or building licence is requested from the corresponding town council and is used to verify that the intervention complies with urban planning and current safety regulations.
At Okatent, we support you throughout the entire process, including the application for permits and licences.
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