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 60 Steel Awards