German International School New Science Centre

 

The competition winning design not only fulfils the academic needs of the School but also creates and celebrates a synergy between the landscape and the building through form, architectural tectonic and careful siting of outdoor spaces.

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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 3 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.

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The science and biology classrooms are unique in character, 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.