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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MARCH
2015
two other elements are suspended: the visi-
tors’ viewing platform and the manual crane
hoist with capacity 1 metric ton.
“The incorporation of the hoist into the
structure makes the structure part building
part machine,” adds Nel.
In terms of environmental sensitivity,
client and architect agreed that achieving
‘an invisible building’ from the outside with
‘maximum impact on the interior’ would be
desirable. Many ‘camouflage techniques’
were then employed by the architect such
as: non-linear design, creating moving light
and shade patterns; using ‘site colours’
(such as tree bark colour); asymmetrical
design, use of leaf-like overall design, and
insect or spider-like design.
Toboth reducemaintenance andprevent
elements leaching into the site (which could
contaminate samples) non-corrosive mate-
rials such as aluminium and fiber cement
panels had to be used. The apex of the roof
is lifted off the rest of the roof, ensuring
escape of the hot air at the highest point and
increasing ventilation – this prevents head
build-up in the dome.
The site is remote and with no provided
services. Natural light is enhanced and
stormwater is harvested for use in excava-
tion activities.
PROJECT PROFILE – STEEL CONSTRUCTION
I
The Steel Award judges concluded
that the determination of the of
the whole team, especially the site
team, the quality of their work, the
fact that when you visit the site the
roof is not visible from just a few
metres away, that the construction
team has left the site virtually as
they found it, (except for the struc-
ture) there is no doubt that this
project represents excellence in
the use of steel for every possible
reason and was deserving Overall
Winner of Steel Awards 2014.
Many ‘camouflage techniques’ were employed by the architect: non-
linear design which creates moving light and shade patterns; using ‘site
colours’ (such as tree bark colour); asymmetrical design; use of leaf-like
overall design; and insect or spider-like design.
The design is inspired by natural
site forms: leaves, insects and
spiders and particularly by the
Sediba
fossils first discovered i.e.
the clavicle and scapula.