The Botany Town Centre in Auckland, New Zealand, features a 1,300 m² ETFE canopy with a flowing form and durable performance for retail.
Botany Town Centre
The material’s translucency helps keep the arcade bright and welcoming. At night, the canopy becomes a visual marker for the centre, enhancing appeal and encouraging visitors to linger in a comfortable, sheltered environment.
Project Overview
New Zealand
Country
1300
m²
of ETFE
2019
Completed
Ignite Architects
Architects
At a Glance – ETFE at Botany Town Centre
- ETFE canopy spans approximately 1,300 m² above the retail arcade
- Two-layer ETFE cushions wrapped over a flowing steel frame for expressive form
- High transparency for daylight, while providing shelter from sun and rain
- Lightweight system reduced structural steel compared with traditional alternatives
- Visual appeal enhanced at night – the canopy supports the centre’s identity
- Designed and installed by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific, with collaboration from specialist partners
1,300 m²
of ETFE
ETFE Canopy for a Retail Upgrade in Auckland
Located in suburban Auckland, Botany Town Centre is a major regional shopping destination that recently received a striking architectural upgrade. At the heart of the renewal is a new ETFE roof canopy over the retail arcade along Garden Lane. This canopy brings a refined cover that delivers both visual impact and functional comfort.
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Angus Macleod
Technical Director | Australia & New Zealand
A Curved Roof That Elevates the Experience
Close-up from the ETFE cushions at Botany Town Centre.
The design features a two-layer ETFE cushion system wrapped over the steel frame. The cushions follow a flowing, undulating form that changes appearance from day to night.
This geometry would have been difficult with heavier cladding materials – ETFE’s lightweight nature allowed the structure to be both expressive and efficient.
Visual Journey
Installation of the ETFE cushions.
The shopping mall from the inside.
Click on the pictures to see the full size
Daylight, Shelter, and Nighttime Appeal
By using ETFE, the space benefits from natural daylight during the day while offering shelter from the elements. The material’s translucency helps keep the arcade bright and welcoming. At night, the canopy becomes a visual marker for the centre, enhancing appeal and encouraging visitors to linger in a comfortable, sheltered environment.
Efficient Construction, Lasting Performance
Because ETFE is significantly lighter than glass, the supporting steel structure could be kept simpler and more cost-effective. The system requires minimal maintenance and stands up well to Auckland’s weather conditions. Delivered in collaboration with Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific and specialist designers, the canopy provides long-term value for the centre’s operators and visitors alike.
Media Copyrights
© Nick Holden for Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific
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