Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa January/February 2014 | Page 31

A responsible decision from the University to
retain an existing coral tree between Blocks C
and E determined the placement of the entrance
and general approach to the building. The
entrance foyer, Atrium and vertical circulation
are linked in a satisfactory combination.
Form, Massing and Tectonics
The Atrium is set up as the strongest and tallest
element within the composition. Spaces are
arranged vertically as “clip-on” volumes to the
Atrium spine.
Both the workroom and laboratory are
situated on ground floor with teaching and office
spaces on the upper floors. This arrangement is
reflected on the exterior with a recessed, fairface
finish to the ground floor base, over-hung by the
flush-glazed offices and teaching floors.
Three skylights to the second floor study
space are only just visible from the street,
and create visual interest in an otherwise flat
roof aesthetic.
All external staircases have been expressed
as sculptural elements spiralling around
charcoal spine walls with long vertical slits. The
generously proportioned internal staircase
is a continuation of the same idea, creating
moments for interaction and informal learning
en route to the classroom.

An internal screen, comprising Soltis fabric,
assists with glare and heat control without
obscuring views to the outside.
The prominent Atrium acts as a lantern.
It scoops light into the centre of the building,
assisting illumination in the deep workrooms
and open plan offices.
Mechanical ventilation is assisted by a passive
system circulating hot air naturally upwards and
out through the tall Atrium.
The building deviates from traditional
waterproofing techniques with the application
of Xypex to the entire concrete structure,
ensuring a waterproof concrete barrier with
minimal maintenance cost and effort.

ADVERTISERS ON
THIS PROJECT:
AECOM
Consulting Structural Engineers
De Leeuw Group
Quantity Surveyors
Jonker+Barnes Architects
Architects
Rémey Group
Property Developers
and Main Contractor
SMEC South Africa
Consulting Civil Engineers
Triocon Consulting Engineers
Consulting Electrical, Electronic,
Mechanical and Fire Engineers

Summary
The new extension to Process Engineering sets
out to create a more interactive and stimulating
student environment where informal learning is
promoted alongside formal classes.

Environment and Technology
Large flush-glazed areas assist in breaking away
from the traditional inward-focused classroom
and study space to a new outward-focused
learning environment.
This connection with the surrounding natural
beauty assists with creating a pleasant learning
environment, especially in the post-graduate
study space.
The orientation of the existing building
complex is not ideal. The orientation of the
new extension follows suit due to various site
constraints. 9