Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium showcases the architectural and aesthetic capabilities and advantages of lightweight long-span tensile architecture.
Fabric Type: PTFE Fiberglass
Market Sector: Stadiums / Arenas
Project Size: 230,000 sq.ft.
Architect: Architectural Design Associates (Pty) Ltd & Dominic Bonnesse Architects
Engineer: Schalich-Bergermann & Partners (Stuttgart, Germany) and Grinaker/Interbeton JV (South Africa and Holland)
Owner: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
General Contractor: Grinaker-LTA/Interbeton Ibhayi Joint Venture
Completion Date: September 24, 2009
As the first world-class stadium built in the City of Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium presented Birdair with another unique opportunity to showcase the architectural and aesthetic capabilities and advantages of lightweight long-span tensile architecture.
As roofing sub-contractor for the 50,000-seat venue, Birdair’s project role included design, engineering and construction of the tensile roofing system, as well as erecting 2,400 metric tons of roof girders
With a design rivaling that of acclaimed athletic venues around the world, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium enjoys a variety of aesthetic and functional benefits due to the incorporation of a tensioned membrane roofing system.
Aesthetically, the roof’s series of “petals” is designed to resemble a sunflower, complementing the diverse natural beauty of the surrounding Port Elizabeth. This is the reason for the stadium’s nickname “The Sunflower.” Approximately 230,000 square feet of fabric membrane comprised of PTFE coated fiberglass form the undulating roof design.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium along with two other new stadiums, Cape Town and Durban, played host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
