The exceptional steelwork of the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Science Centre dome has been recognised with a prestigious local award. 

Winning the architecture category of the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) Steel Awards 2024, the NMU project features a 14-degree tilted dome structure housing a new 150-seater digital planetarium installation. The dome structure itself is a composite layer of steel and concrete with a specialised digital installation within. 

The architects and engineers worked closely with the steel contractor to develop a detailed 3D model that allowed for precise coordination and integration of the steel structure with the other building systems. 

“SVA International are extremely proud to have been associated with this great project and wish to thank the entire Professional team and Contractors who worked tirelessly in realising the client’s vision”, says Tony Danev, associate architect at SVA International. 

The planetarium dome at the NMU Science Centre is the winner of the architecture category in the SAISC Steel Awards 2024.

Precision performance 

One of the key aspects that made this project so impressive, was the level of detail and precision required in the steel fabrication and installation. The dome’s design called for a complex steel framework, with a network of tubular sections and pipe-to-flange connections that had to be fabricated with the utmost accuracy.  

Furthermore, the dome’s tilted angle meant that each section of the steel framework had to be custom-cut and fitted to ensure a perfect fit.  

The team utilised advanced software to model the intricate connections and junctions, allowing them to identify and resolve any potential clashes or issues before the steel was even fabricated.  

Achieving the 14-degree tilted dome structure required each section of the steel framework to be custom-cut and fitted to ensure a perfect fit.

Sequenced installation 

The installation process was equally challenging. The steel arches that formed the backbone of the dome had to be erected in a specific sequence to ensure the stability of the structure.  

The attention to detail extended beyond the dome itself, with the team meticulously planning the integration of the steel structure with the building’s other components, such as the HVAC system and the digital planetarium installation.  

The use of 3D modelling allowed the architects and engineers to visualise the complex interplay of these systems, ensuring that every element fit together seamlessly. The products used include the Safintra ‘Newlok’ concealed fix cladding profile with aluminium 0.55mm, coated G4 cladding material. 

The new 150-seater digital planetarium installation

Steel-ing the show 

What truly sets this project apart is how the steel construction was used to realise the architect’s bold, sculptural vision. The tilted dome, with its seamless integration into the surrounding landscape, is a testament to the versatility of steel and the skills of the project team.  

The exposed steel structure within the building’s interior also adds a sense of dynamism and visual interest, celebrating the inherent beauty of the material. 

The complex steel framework is exposed within the building’s interior, celebrating the inherent beauty of the material

Project team 

Province: Port Elizabeth. 

Nominator: SVA International. 

Main contractor: WBHO Construction. 

Steelwork contractor: Uitenhage Super Steel. 

Architect: SVA International. 

Structural engineer: Bosch Projects. 

Steel detailer: Tekla Structures. 

Cladding manufacturer: Safintra South Africa. 

Cladding roll former: Safintra South Africa. 

Cladding/roofing contractor: Scheltema. 

Photographs: Ray Truter Photography and Jamie Thom. 

Images courtesy of SVA 

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to https://www.safintra.co.za/, https://www.saisc.co.za/ and https://www.svarchitects.com/ for the information in this article.