Previous
Next

Norval Foundation / dhk Architects

  • Architects: dhk Architects
  • Year:2018
  • Location: Cape Town, South Africa
  • Manufacturers: Ecosense, Afrisam, Blackwood, Chartwell, Cladcom, Dracon National, Infin8, Krost engineering, Magnet engineering, Prestige tiling, Restaurant shopfitting, Space Lift, Union Steel, Upfront Media and Jalite, WBHO, Wescape & Hensjen, White Head, World of decorative concrete
  • Surveyor:Norval Wentzel Steinberg
  • Acoustical Consultant:Subsonic Designs
  • Lighting Consultant:Pamboukian Lightdesign
  • Fire Advisor:Ekcon Engineering
  • Main Contractor:WBHO
  • Landscaping:Keith Kirsten Horticulture International (KKHI)
  • Urban Planners:Planning Partners
  • Ecologists Of Freshwater:Freshwater Consulting
  • Environmentalists:Ecosense
  • Electronic Engineers:Delportdupreez
  • Electrical Engineers:Converge Consulting
  • Civil Engineers:Ekcon Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineers:Ekcon Engineering
  • Structural Engineers:Ekcon Engineering
  • Client:Village Trust
Text description provided by the architects. Norval Foundation is located in the Steenberg area on the slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountain in Africa and is surrounded by vineyards. The project provided a unique opportunity for architecture studio dhk; a client brief with the aspiration to create a world-class art and cultural centre in an exceptional location that is be open to the public.

Norval Foundation was envisioned as a modern pavilion for art, set against a dramatic mountain and vineyard landscape. It is a pure expression of form; a bold rectangular mass, delineating its heavy walled enclosure and light over-sailing roof.

The building is constrained by the linear site, between a busy road and an existing wetland; turning its back to a neighbouring embassy compound. The linear circulation spine is positioned along this edge, with the galleries and public spaces facing the natural landscape, capturing framed views of the wetland, vineyards and mountains beyond.

The building sits in an elevated position, and shields the wetland, creating a private space for the sculpture park and forms an inhabited threshold between public and private zones. A triple-volume atrium establishes a deliberate visual connection between these zones; one urban, the other natural, and provides a physical transition between these contrasting environments.

Norval Foundation is experienced in a linear sequence. A curved wall that extends into the entrance court, draws visitors past the double-volume restaurant, gallery shop and into the generous reception which calmly directs guests to the central atrium that introduces the main galleries. 

A terrace along the length of the building incorporates a timber deck serving the restaurant, and connects to walkways on either side that lead to the sculpture park. The grounds also include an amphitheatre, children’s playground, and picnic area.

Project GALLERY