Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2013 | Page 60

JOINT WINNER – REFURBISHMENT AND
EXTENSIONS CATEGORY
King Edward VII School New Library
& Museum, Houghton
Heather Dodd, judge, representing the South African Institute
of Architects, said that this project is a “beautiful example of a
careful rework of an historic building, giving it a new programme
and lease on life”. She added that, “the architect’s enthusiasm for
the project was also noted in seeking innovative ways of engaging
with the technology in using simple means to achieve a beautifully
crafted finish.”
The original gymnasium, as it stood, offered no real connection to
the school. The high windows provided no view of the gardens and
there was no link to the fields, as the rear wall was closed off to the
basketball courts beyond. The idea was, therefore, to create a spine
through the building thus physically and visually linking the street
entry to the sports fields beyond. The library was to be housed in
the gymnasium hall and the museum and ablution facilities in the old
storage and change-room area.
Internally, the gymnasium with its large, visually inaccessible,
windows, Canadian maple floors and dark trussed ceiling, was the
perfect opportunity for a boys’ library. However, the sprung floors
could not support book loads, and the space was inadequate for
both library and computing facilities.
The charm of the Edwardian shell, and the need to unite both old
world and modern, allowed for the introduction of modern materials
such as steel and glass. The concept that followed was:
Library
• Introduction of a steel mezzanine structure from which bookshelves
could hang.
• The mezzanine structure to also provide an upper floor area for
computer stations.
• The mezzanine and shelving would provide lower, intimate reading
nooks.
•
The mezzanine would also link both upper and lower areas,
physically and visually.
• Lower glazed offices for staff and discussion areas were to be
included.
• Glazed balustrades were to be introduced to allow for visual calm.
• The Canadian maple flooring was to be reused.
Museum
The museum was to be located in the previous change room area.
This provided a threshold to the memorial gardens, giving passers-by
a ‘visual tease’ of the museum when entering the school itself.
A steel mezzanine structure was to be introduced to form a glass
showcase museum box. The upper mezzanine was designed to form
a reading area with views over the memorial garden. The mezzanine
bridge was to create a link to the museum space above the old store.
A glazed shell was to provide contrast to museum memorabilia in
the style of “warm juxtaposition”. The glazed showcase was to allow
for printing of school history and photographs.
The judges said the King Edward VII School Library and Museum’s
great concept and beautiful execution could not be overlooked.
Developer/Owner: King Edward VII School
Architect: Joy Campkin-Smith
Structural Engineer: Attie Bresler
Quantity Surveyor: Stuart Ray Skead and Associates
Main Contractor: Akhane Construction
Steelwork Contractors: QM Steel, King Square Steel & Balustrades
Detailers/ Detailing Company: QM Steel
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Steel Awards