fossils, referencing specific fossil bones, was recreated.
One enters the structure. The walkway becomes the
viewing deck. An all-white domed ceiling culminates
into a slightly raised roof apex, easing heat builtup. Visitors are brought closer – suspended above
the excavation – in rays of focused attention, with
maximum viewing and highly personal interaction.
The structure takes an insect-like shape and hides
amongst its surroundings. Various camouflage
techniques were employed: the non-linear and
asymmetrical design; the shaded patterns; use of ‘site
colours’ such as tree bark. With the change of season
from lush green summers to “Highveld winter Khaki”
the structure sits comfortably in both seasons. A white
interior based on bio-mimicry enhances the natural
light, aided by a small skylight. The chrome and
stainless steel details create a “modern laboratory”
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feel contrasting its more “natural” exterior.
The roofing system proved to be a challenge; an
‘ expert’ team was retained for the work. The first
step involved the laying of timber boards and fixing
to the purlins. This formed a flat surface onto which
to lay the ‘Falzonal’ sheeting and a product dubbed
“feathered aluminium” (basically, an aluminium
sheet, cut into rectangular shapes and shredded for
two thirds of its length). A great deal of attention
was required, as each section was carefully sculpted
on the site to suit the curved oval. These also screen
a large on-site custom made perimeter gutter. Two
architectural steel hoppers act as outlets, directing the
rain water through woven stainless steel flexible hoses
and into the four, one-thousand litre, harvesting tanks.
White in colour, the tanks surprisingly blended in with
the environment behind them.