DSK STEM CENTRE
DSK STEM CENTRE Cape Town
CLIENT German International School of Cape Town ( DSK )
PROJECT MANAGER Fluid Projects
ARCHITECT KMH Architects
QUANTITY SURVEYOR B & L Quantity Surveyors
CIVIL , ELECTRICAL , HVAC , WET SERVICES & FIRE ENGINEERS Sutherland
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS LH Consulting Engineers
MAIN CONTRACTOR Emcon
PHOTOGRAPHY Wieland Gleich
Over the past 60 years the German International School of Cape Town ( DSK ) has grown its campus , located on the slopes of Signal Hill , with various additions . However , in recent years the school expanded rapidly from 700 learners to its current 950 learners .
Although the existing campuses growth has been well planned over the decades , this rapid learner expansion necessitated the need for more facilities . A new STEM Centre was identified as an urgent teaching requirement . In contrast to the previous additions to the campus , the school chose for the STEM Centre to be a standalone building to allow other areas to be freed up for re-planning and refurbishment .
Brief The school chose to host a design competition , extended to several architectural firms , to obtain an inspiring yet cost effective design for this important project . The client brief called for a visionary , contemporary yet timeless building that paid due respect to the existing buildings on the campus . Beyond these aesthetic requirements , the school wanted the building to be technologically enabled with futureproofing and flexibility in mind as teaching methodologies evolve over time . The outside spaces also required special consideration for learners to enjoy their breaks whether it be socialising around lunch or for play .
The site , formerly a level asphalt play space known as the Boltzplatz , is located on the slopes of Signal Hill , nestled amongst indigenous Renosterveld vegetation , and complemented with panoramic views across Cape Town ’ s city bowl
50 DSK STEM Centre