Botha’s Halte Primary School

Meyer & Associates

A wonderland of expressive architectural forms and elements; which are packed full of topical ecological and sustainable responses to the environment.
With each of these attributes being used as learning opportunities for the young learners and the community at large; like the generation of its own electrical power, to collecting rainwater, to the demonstration gardens providing food, etcetera.
The school is essentially a gesture of gratitude to the community and although it is privately funded, it is operated by the Western Cape Educational Department. With a pioneering spirit, breaking from the usual institutional form, the school accommodates 250 learners from this previously disadvantaged rural farm working community, in its outstretched dove like wings.
With a sweeping forecourt that greets you, with the curvaceous darkly rendered buildings set between 2 white washed elements namely the newly repurposed circa 1927 ‘Anna Zaal’ building; which now represents the front door and the corbeled wind turbine tower; which creates a full-stop in the landscape.
The darkly tinted wings of the buildings are highlighted at intervals with brightly contrasting accent colours to entertain the users and mark significant moments in the buildings program.
The novel tree like structural columns and skylight structures in the library/multi-media venue at the centre of the school; epitomise the African tree notion of nurturing and new growth.
Although conflicted on some of the elements like the prominence of the corbeled wind turbine tower in the landscape and possibly over shadowing the now infamous Bosjes chapel we declare this project worthy for a regional commendation.

Architects:Meyer & Associates Architects & Urban Designers

Structural Engineer:Grobler & Associates

Electrical Engineer:Bührmann Consulting Engineers

Civil Engineer:AVDM | Quantity Surveyor:2ii Consulting

Contractors:JJ Dempers Group

Steelwork Contractor:Triomf Staal

Steelwork Contractor (Tree Columns):Link Engineers

Landscape Architect:Square One Landscape Architects

Photographer:Adam Letch