Westown Square is the first phase of the Westown Precinct, a 100-hectare mixed-use development in Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal, situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg next to the N3 highway. It represents one of the largest infrastructure investments by the eThekwini Municipality in recent times and is developed by the Fundamentum Property Group (Fundamentum).
According to Cara Reilly, Marketing and Communication Executive for Fundamentum:
“Westown Square departs from the conventional enclosed, multi-tiered mall model. Instead, it is conceived as a town centre that reflects the context and character of Shongweni with its open spaces, rich cultural tapestry and outdoor lifestyle”
Safintra KZN supplied 78,000 m2 of the highly respected roofing and cladding concealed fix profiles, SAFLOKⓇ 700 and NEWLOKTM. The roof sheets were rolled onsite from COLORPLUSⓇ AZ200, in Raincloud and Thunderstorm Matt.
According to Keegan Poonsamy, Key Account Manager, Safintra Durban, the beautiful look of Westown Square reflects the design work of architects Boogertman and Partners, Durban and MDS Architects, Gauteng – enhanced by the building’s good-looking steel cladding.
Commenting on the design and project execution, architect Geoffrey Richards at Boogertman and Partners says the building typology is based primarily on a concrete frame structure with masonry infill panels and steel roof structure over three trading levels. The result is a GLA (gross leasable area) of 48 500 m2.
The developer’s vision was that Westown Square would not only be categorised as a shopping centre, but also purposefully designed to offer far more than retail and dining. “It’s a vibrant, people-focused destination where community, culture, and connection come together”, adds Reilly.
At the heart of Westown Square, an independent structure named the Barn, redefines the food court concept, blending modern marketplace, community, culture, and commerce – all under one architecturally striking, barn-inspired roof. Safintra’s steel roofing and cladding is extensively used for this barn-inspired building envelope.
“The Barn is the differentiating structure within the complex, given its building envelope. We designed the Barn using vertical sheeting as its primary facade” says Richards.
Internal and external walling and cladding
According to Richards, the internal walls of the buildings consist of a drywall skin with Cavitybatt insulation panels. NEWLOKTM cladding makes up the exterior skin.
Sustainability features – Westown
The use of steel roof sheeting and cladding in itself supports the sustainability of the structures. Steel is one of the most extensively recycled building materials. Once installed, COLORPLUSⓇ AZ200-based roof sheeting offers a substantially extended lifespan, when compared with standard roof sheeting, especially against pre-painted galvanised sheets.
Designed by Uys & White Landscape Architects, the landscape architecture reinforces Westown Square’s relationship with its environment and cultural context while softening the architecture.
Sustainability measures also include:
- Extensive rooftop solar panels
- Rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and irrigation
- Abundant planting for natural cooling
- Open walkways to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and air-conditioning
- Night lighting operating on timers
- Open parking areas using solar-powered lights
Project parameters
- Construction Commencement: October 2022
- Official Opening: March 2025
- Roofing: A blend of 34,900 m² SAFLOKⓇ 700 in Raincloud Matt and 10,700 m² SAFLOKⓇ 700 in Thunderstorm Matt, as per architects’ specification
- Cladding: 1,100 m² in Thunderstorm Matt
- Steel Supplier: COLORPLUSⓇ AZ200 by Safal Steel
Professional Team
- Developer: Fundamentum Property Group
- Architects: Boogertman & Partners and MDS Architects
- Landscape Architects: Uys & White
- Project Managers: Orion Project Managers
- Roof/Cladding Contractor: Impact Engineering
- Roofing and Cladding: Safintra
- Coil: Safal Steel
- Site photos by Fundamentum – with thanks to Cara Reilly
- Aerial photos by Orion Project Managers – with thanks to Kevin McPherson
