dhk architects' norval foundation displays south african art within a wetland ecosystem

situated on the slopes of the constantiaberg mountain, in steenberg, cape town, the norval foundation by dhk architects is built to display 20 and 21st century art from south africa. the project combines a gallery building and a sculpture park, which incorporates an incredibly sensitive existing wetland ecosystem.

images courtesy of dhk architects

in the heart of the constantia winelands, the norval foundation offers panoramic views across the surrounding vineyards and mountains. located on the stretch of site between steenberg road and the wetland, the sculptural, longitudinal gallery building houses the gallery spaces, public facilities and offices within its two parallel, off shutter, concrete walls. dhk architects has anchored the building on a granite clad podium, which encloses the basement parking and art storage vaults. a curved wall that extends into the entrance court draws visitors into the main reception area and on into the glazed, double volume central atrium and main circulation core. on the north end of the building, the double volume sculpture gallery’s glazed end captures spectacular views of the surroundings, similar to the restaurant space, which is located on the south end. the building is topped with a floating, wing like roof structure that houses a solar field that will power the building.

michele mathison, volition, 2017, steel, 375 x 95 x 162 cm, courtesy of WHATIFTHEWORLD, cape town

victor ehikhamenor, isimagodo (the unknowable), 2016, enamel paint and steel, 450 x 200 x 150 cm, courtesy of nirox, johannesburg; tyburn gallery, london