GASS ARCHITECTURE STUDIOS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
GASS Architecture Studios is proud to announce that it celebrated its 20th anniversary in February 2025 .
Over the past two decades , this awardwinning firm has made a multifaceted contribution to South Africa ’ s built environment through projects spanning a wide range of types , including residential homes and renovations , large corporate headquarters , educational and multiresidential developments , mixeduse precincts , urban planning , and adaptive reuse .
APEX STUDIOS
GASS Architecture Studios was founded in 2005 when , as principal and founder Georg van Gass put it , “ My day job started to interfere with my private jobs .” He struck out on his own , initially concentrating on residential architecture . The studio grew organically for a decade until , in 2016 , the firm transformed its structure to incorporate a larger complement of directors and shareholders , which enabled it to expand and operate on a larger scale . Today ,
GASS Architecture Studios employs over 30 people and operates from studios in Gauteng and the Western Cape .
The firm ’ s award-winning work has been recognised both locally and internationally . In 2024 alone , projects by GASS were shortlisted for two WAF Awards in Singapore : Green School South Africa , shortlisted in the “ Completed Buildings – School ” category and named runner-up in the “ Sustainability ” category . Apex Studio received a Herbert Prins Colosseum Award , and various projects were featured at the SCAPE Awards , SAPOA , Construction World , and Big 5 Construction Awards . Projects by GASS , including GSSA , Hangklip House , Apex Studios , and Jewel City , have been recognised with CIFA , GIFA , and SAIA awards , respectively .
“ Reflecting on our body of work over the past 20 years , we ’ ve realised that it doesn ’ t reflect a single signature aesthetic or trademark style ,” says van Gass . “ Rather , our work represents an approach grounded in a set of core values and principles . Over time , we have developed a unique , contextually responsive approach to design , paired with an unwavering belief in architecture ’ s power to improve lives .”
This ethos reflects the firm ’ s humancentred approach to contemporary architecture . Rather than chasing fleeting trends or being seduced by the need to create architectural icons ( although the studio certainly has contributed some landmark projects along the way ), GASS has focused on “ responsible architecture ”. This approach often results in work that is quiet , efficient , and enduring — architecture that simply feels good to be around , rather than seeking attention or making a spectacle of itself .
JEWEL CITY
As van Gass says , “ Every passing pedestrian is considered a client , too .”
He adds that , perhaps more than anything , the firm ’ s defining feature is its “ can-do ” attitude , problem-solving mindset , and pragmatic , hands-on approach to design .
The revival and redevelopment of the central business districts of South Africa ’ s major cities has always been close to the heart of the practice . From an early stage , GASS engaged with the transformative role architecture and design could play in the social and economic revitalisation of the country . For GASS , this period also marked a commitment to addressing spatial inequalities and transforming urban environments .
“ We are excited to share our journey so far and pay tribute to all who have been part of it , including all our visionary clients and collaborators ,” says van Gass . “ We would also like to acknowledge and thank all the architects , designers , and staff who have passed through the studio over the years .”
GREEN SCHOOL
GREEN SCHOOL
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