WEST ELEVATION
The wetland is also one of the last known
breeding sites of the Western Leopard Toad,
an endangered species. In order to allow the
toads’ safe passage, concrete culverts were
constructed underneath the road, and the slope
of embankments carefully designed to allow
the toads to traverse them. Earth ramps were
also incorporated on the upper reaches of the
estate to allow the toads to move easily to the
breeding ponds.
The extensive rehabilitation programme was
well established by the time the art gallery opened.
Design Concept
The Norval Foundation was envisioned by the
architects as a modern pavilion for art, set against
a dramatic mountain and vineyard landscape. It is a
pure expression of form; a bold rectangular mass,
The Norval Foundation
delineating its heavy walled enclosure and light,
over-sailing roof.
The building is constrained by the linear site,
between a busy road and an existing wetland;
turning its back to a neighbouring embassy
compound. The linear circulation spine is
positioned along this edge, with the galleries
and public spaces facing the natural landscape,
capturing framed views of the wetland, vineyards
and mountains beyond.
The building sits in an elevated position, and
shields the wetland, creating a private space for
the sculpture park and forms an inhabited threshold
between public and private zones. A triple volume
atrium establishes a deliberate visual connection
between these zones; one urban, the other natural,
and provides a physical transition between these
contrasting environments.
35