Project Type
Project Team Zoom Interview Case Study
Steel Profiles Used
  • Date of Steelwork Completion
    2024-03-07
  • Tonnage
    42
Metal Cladding and Roofing Overview
  • Date of Cladding Completion
    2024-03-07
  • Material Used
    Zincal® AZ 150, Grade G275 (Safal Steel)
  • Other Materials Used
    Cladding Profile: 0.53mm Saflok 700 Cladding Tonnage: 4.2t plus 17.45t
  • Cladding Profile
    Saflok 700 - Concealed Fix (Safintra South Africa)
  • Cladding Tonnage
    22
Light Steel Frame Building Overview
  • Cladding Area Coverage (m2)
    1550
Project Overview

The Malvern Park Shopping Centre project featured an innovative steel canopy roof design that was both structurally efficient and visually striking. Spanning 92m x 80m, the roof utilised just 42 tonnes of steel, achieving a lean 27kg/m2 design. The elegant, floating structure provided natural ventilation and ample daylighting, enhancing the shopping experience. Careful structural optimisation, including the use of circular hollow sections and rectangular intersections, was key to minimising material usage. The collaborative effort between engineers, architects and contractors ensured the successful delivery of this iconic steel-framed solution, which has become a defining feature of the shopping centre.

Project Details
The fabrication of the steel components was a highly collaborative process, with the design team working closely with the contractor to develop detailed 3D models and shop drawings. Innovative CNC machining techniques were employed to achieve the complex geometries, ensuring precision and efficiency during the off-site fabrication stage.
The construction and installation of the Malvern Park canopy roof presented a number of logistical challenges. Working from a post-tensioned slab, the team had to carefully plan the erection sequence to avoid overloading the existing structure. The height of the roof also necessitated robust safety measures, including trained teams for height rescue and the use of rescue kits on site. Coordination was key, with the team having to work weekends and adjust the tower crane schedule to accommodate the glazing and cladding subcontractors. Despite these obstacles, the collaborative approach and meticulous planning ensured the successful and timely completion of the steel roof installation
The Malvern Park project faced several structural design challenges that were expertly navigated by the engineering team. The raking columns, which angled in two directions, required precise setting out to ensure accurate integration with the roof beams. Additionally, the cantilevered, open-air design meant the wind load was the dominant force, wanting to lift the roof rather than hold it down. The team countered this by carefully balancing the dead load, utilising the weight of the glazing and cladding components. Sustainability was also a key priority, with the design achieving an impressive rating of 191 kg carbon equivalent through material optimisation.
Benefits of Steel in this Application

The inherent strength, flexibility and sustainability of steel made it the ideal material for the Malvern Park canopy roof. Its structural efficiency allowed for a minimalist, floating design that created a sense of openness and natural light within the shopping centre. The steel framing's slender proportions blended seamlessly with the architectural vision, delivering an iconic yet humble aesthetic. Crucially, the collaborative design process leveraged steel's versatility to optimise the roof's performance, achieving impressive carbon savings. This steel-centric solution has transformed the shopping experience, showcasing the material's ability to realise ambitious architectural concepts while prioritising functionality and sustainability.

Testimonials

WHAT ARE WE MOST PROUD OFF

Elegance of Design:
The steel roof structure exudes elegance, captivating with its graceful lines and sleek appearance.

Lightness Appeal:
The roof's lightweight construction adds to its allure, imparting a sense of airiness and modernity.

Volume Enhancement:
By skilfully framing the space, the roof creates a heightened sense of volume, contributing to an expansive and inviting atmosphere.

Proportion Mastery:
The careful selection and use of steel elements ensure harmonious proportions, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the design.

Unintrusive Presence:
Despite being the largest element, the roof seamlessly integrates into the space, exerting strength without overpowering, thus maintaining a balanced and unobtrusive presence.