COVER STORY
‘ Chessboard ’ masonry accommodates students with style
By the Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa
This innovative architectural project at the University of the Witwatersrand has delivered affordable and sustainable student accommodation with style .
The Barnato extension at Wits University was delivered for 30 % less than a new-build . Phase 1 was completed in 2019 and Phase 2 in 2020 .
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
The ‘ chessboard ’ of brick colours and textures celebrates diversity and the unique creativity that emerges under constraint .
To keep within the strict budget , the architect used end-of-range luxury bricks interwoven with inexpensive , standard masonry ‘ commons ’. The patterning and 3D effects of the exposed brick integrates the new extensions with the Clay bricks are the obvious choice for student residences .
ALL IMAGES : CLAY BRICK ASSOCIATION
Barnato Hall at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg . The ‘ chessboard ’ of brick colours and textures celebrates diversity .
www . saaffordablehousing . co . za MAY - JUNE 2021 9