PROJECTWATCH
PROPOSED , CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND ABROAD
PROJECTVIEW
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SCIENCE CENTRE , CAPE TOWN
KMH won an invited design competition for a new Science Centre building at the German International School , Cape Town . The site , a level play space known as the Boltzplatz , is special in that it is located at the exact moment where the city gives way to nature and commands views over the city bowl . The design reimagines the Boltzplatz as three connected outdoor spaces ; a courtyard , a habitable roof and a garden . These serve as external rooms , each with their own character , in which learners can enjoy breaks in close proximity to indigenous flora and the backdrop of Lion ’ s Head . The science and biology classrooms are unique in character with the former being a light glass box floating over the grounded monolithic mass of the latter , each serviced by large designated prep rooms . The bioclimatic strategies are centred around sustainability , performance and comfort . These include the utilisation of the thermal mass of exposed concrete for radiant cooling and heating , night purging and use of acoustic baffles to ensure end-user comfort . Consultants include B & L Quantity Surveyors , LH Consulting and Sutherland Engineers .
BROOKFIELD AT ROYAL
Brookfield at Royal is the first luxury apartment scheme situated within the precinct of the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club . Overlooking the worldrenowned PGA-rated , Royal East golf course , Brookfield at Royal was designed by dhk Architects for premium housing developer Tricolt .
The architectural language draws on the parklands setting for inspiration - a refined execution of traditional elements and materials expressed as luxury contemporary living . This takes the form of a combination of flat and traditional pitched metal roofs with vertical cladding to enclose balconies , fireplaces , entrance lobbies and staircases . This roof form , together with the expressed chimneys , animates the façades and provides a regular undulating , punctuated rhythm across the site . Wall finishes are simply painted and rendered surfaces , with inserts and key architectural elements such as staircases and chimneys in contrasting warm clay face brick .
Maximising on the superb setting , Brookfield will be built on a cascading landscape ensuring that every apartment enjoys expansive views . High ceilings and strategically placed glass doors and windows will invite in abundant natural light .
The site presented a number of design challenges , being steeply sloped and long and narrow – so as to take advantage of the prodigious views available over the golf course . This has resulted in the provision of separate forecourt parking platforms for each sub phase and block typology , terraced with landscaped retaining walls and berms to achieve a compact layout .
The scheme – which will be built in two phases - will comprise 41 three-storey , walk-up blocks , offering one- , two- and three-bed configurations , with entry level units starting at approximately 45m 2 expanding to a premium penthouse measuring 154m 2 and spacious garden units . These apartments are defined by clean lines , a timeless material and colour palette and premium detailing through the use of high-end materials , craftsmanship and quality appliances .
18 Project Watch