Polyfoil Packaging

1978
Westmead, Pinetown

Ivor Daniel

The project required a highly adaptable industrial facility for the manufacture of polyethylene bags, capable of accommodating future changes in production processes and long-term expansion.

The brief called for a large, uninterrupted floor plate that could easily reconfigure over time. It also carefully managed air movement across the area, whilst being supportive of staff activities within a cohesive architectural language.

The challenge lay in achieving a 2,500-square-metre internal volume completely free of columns, which demanded significant structural span height. The design needed to maintain total flexibility in both the enclosure system and mechanical servicing. Furthermore, the building had to anticipate future external site growth without disrupting ongoing day-to-day operations.

To address these constraints, the design utilises steel perimeter-only columns. A skin combines prefabricated glass reinforced concrete panels, a sheet steel roof, and a continuous level low sun deep perimeter plate. External louvres suspended from roof overhangs separate the interior primary workspace.

The delivery of a clear-span environment supports operational efficiency while the inherent skin and form create a well-lit environment that meets current requirements effortlessly.