WINNER
The Matrix
For the Additions and Alterations to Port Elizabeth Opera House
The Matrix wins top prize in the ABC category for its additions and alterations to the Port Elizabeth Opera House.
The Port Elizabeth Opera House, a major city landmark originally built in 1892, is a certified grade 2 provincial heritage monument and required an extensive historical impact assessment study before any design or construction work could commence to ensure any interventions were in line with contemporary heritage ethos.
A decision was made early into the design process to adopt a contemporary approach to any new additions and clearly aim to distinguish new work with contrast through use of materials and form. Stainless steel in various forms was therefore used extensively throughout the project in order to highlight all new contemporary interventions as it offers a high-quality, pristine finish.
A stainless steel screen creates a distinctly contemporary and elegant architectural expression to the new foyer extension street façade while resulting in a background building, subservient to the original historical building. It further offers an elegant visual filter during the day while revealing the illuminated interior at night – a modern curtain.
Stainless steel panels have been used as internal wall cladding to highlight particular spaces and offer a contrast between new and old.
Stainless steel cladding is also utilised around a purpose-made stained glass window in the foyer installed to commemorate three theatre greats – Athol Fugard, Winston Ntshona and John Kani.
Stainless steel glass bridges are used to negotiate the physical link between the new foyer extension and existing historical building.
Contact : The Matrix
Tel : 041 582 1073
Website : www.thematrixcc.co.za
RUNNER UP
Excell Engineering
For the Design and Manufacture of a Stainless Steel Staircase
Excell Engineering is the runner-up in the Architecture, Building and Construction (ABC) category this year. The company takes the accolade for its stainless steel spiral staircase designed by Emmett Emmett Architects in conjunction with Excell Engineering. The project was not only extremely impressive structurally and aesthetically, it was also a huge challenge and turned out as a massive success.
The staircase, balustrade, treads and landings were constructed using grade 316 stainless steel. Concrete and granite was also used.
The staircase, balustrade, treads and landings were constructed using grade 316 stainless steel. Concrete and granite was also used.
Contact : Excell Engineering
Tel : 031 563 7778