Strategically located in Durban, with satellite campuses in Richards Bay, Cape Town and Gqeberha, the Maritime School of Excellence (MSoE) stands as a premier provider of marine training programmes.
The newly completed Durban campus in 2025 faced a harsh marine environment characterized by salt-laden air and periodic gusts of wind – conditions that demanded a bespoke roofing solution to ensure durability and long-term performance. Safal Steel delivered by supplying the SAFLOK® 700 roof profile in Thunderstorm AZ200 0.53 mm, as specified by the project architect.
The MSoE is an accredited training institution under the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and the Transport Education and Training Authority, recognized as a leading provider of advanced training in the port and maritime sector.
The latest development includes a new campus on Somtseu Road, North Beach, Durban, just 600m from the shoreline. This flagship facility comprises five classroom blocks, two student residence blocks, a sports hall, and various auxiliary buildings.
Funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and implemented by the Development Bank of South Africa, the project showcases innovative architecture by GIARC Designs (Pty) Ltd, with construction executed by GVK-Siya Zama.
Building Typology & Materiality
Lead Design Architect Craig Moodley of GIARC Designs – recently voted Best of Durban Architect 2025 – explains that the MSoE is the first of its kind in the province, offering an environment that is conducive to learning, inspirational, and supportive of a healthy study-life balance. The nautical-themed design promotes interaction, collaboration, physical activity, and access to resources, while also providing private study areas and boarding facilities.
“The architectural style balances open spaces with privacy for students. Public areas encourage interaction, while learning, boarding, and sporting zones cater to essential student needs for a holistic lifestyle.”
Moodley adds that the structures incorporate a mix of materials to enhance aesthetics and reflect modern architecture. Green technologies such as solar systems and rainwater harvesting were integrated, alongside high-quality finishes suited for coastal conditions.
The external façades feature light-colored face brick complemented by darker brick accents, with smooth plaster and paint applied to upper levels. Classroom, residence, and auxiliary building roofs are supported by timber trusses, while the sports hall uses a structural steel suspension system.
“As per our design, a ‘soft steel’ roof-over comprises AZ200 Colorplus® sheeting in a dark grey tone across all buildings. This material was specifically chosen for its suitability to a site just 600m from Durban’s beachfront.”
Prevailing Micro-Climate
“Strong winds carrying sea salt posed no threat to the selected roofing system. We believe this specification, backed by an excellent warranty, was the best available solution. The modern color and profile complemented the contemporary design we envisioned for this flagship school. Solar panels installed over the boarding area were easily integrated with the chosen profile,” Moodley explains.
Andrew Gove, roofing contractor at GWR Roofing, adds: “The Safal Steel team provided expert guidance on the roof covering. Roof sheets were rolled on-site into the concealed-fix SAFLOK® 700 profile using a mobile mill, totaling 7,000 m² as specified. We installed 0.53mm AZ200 Colorplus® SAFLOK® 700 sheets in Thunderstorm, fully meeting the architect’s requirements.”
“South Africa’s economy – especially its maritime sector – offers a promising career path for learners. The construction of this brand-new Maritime School of Excellence in Durban marks a significant step forward for the country,” concludes Moodley.
Professional Team
- Client: Department of Education
- Project Architect: Giarc Designs
- Structural Engineer: MPAMOT Durban
- Main Contractor: GVK-Siya Zama
- Roofing Contractor: GWR Roofing
