Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2013

COMMENDATION - ARCHITECTURAL CATEGORY Grantleigh Titanium Learning Centre Representing the Constructional Engineering Association, one of the judges, Louis Breckenridge, said that this very impressive learning centre expresses integrated science and technology in its architectural language and detailing, promoting the building as a ‘self-exhibition’. “It is an example of an excellent architectural concept enhanced by good engineering design and very careful detailing,” he said. The roof concept of the main auditorium building was morphed from the likes of a rib cage of a bird deriving characteristic elements of flight, motion and lightness, coupled with a fluent curvature-lined steel beam skeletal structure that concludes into the site. The judges said that this striking roof structure changes the whole image of the TLC and the school. The main building consists of two science laboratories on the first floor, a 144 raked-seat auditorium, teacher’s office, and a boardroom, which forms a protected courtyard enclosure with subsidiary maths blocks and ablution blocks. The central courtyard forms the outdoor learning area where dissections and outdoor lectures are conducted. An outdoor amphitheatre is based centrally together with the old maths classroom block, forming a protected learning space. The project team used locally sourced materials and locally based consultants. “The concept is outstanding, the workmanship excellent and the attention to the details of this complicated structure is palpable,” concluded the judges. Developer/Owner: Grantleigh School Architect: TJ Architects, Richards Bay Structural Engineer: PD Naidoo and Associates Quantity Surveyor: Bingelela Quantity Surveyors Project Manager: TJ Architects, Richards Bay Main Contractor: Bencon Construction Steelwork Contractor/s: Impact Engineering Detailers/Detailing Company: Impact Engineering Roof Contractor: Create Projects Roofing Supplier: Global Roofing Solutions Steel Awards 63

Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2013 | Page 63