And the Cape Architecture awards 2013 go to…

Last night the Cape Institute for Architecture announced seven winners of its 2013 Award for Architecture, including VISI’s personal favourite Babylonstoren as well as the previously featured De Wet 34 house.

A total of 54 entries were received this year, and the assessment panel was encouraged by the diversity of the projects submitted. Following several assessment meetings, the panel visited a total of 24 shortlisted projects, settling on the final seven to receive awards.

Seeking to foster architectural excellence and acknowledging buildings that set architectural standards in the Western Cape, the variety evidenced in the winners was impressive. Said president of the Cape Institute for Architecture, Simmy Peerutin: “In times of recession, it is very encouraging to see such a high level of design and creativity.”

“With three education sector winners on the list this year, it is good to see emphasis placed on creating extraordinary places for learning – and a welcome contrast to the high-end residential sector submissions that have tended to dominate recent years,” Simmy went on.

An agricultural redevelopment, a tertiary education facility, two schools and three private homes, which differ greatly in scale and context – from minimalist to rural, from luxury to compact – the winning projects were:

• Springfield Pre-School Campus, Fra Angelico Art Centre and Jasper Walsh Art Gallery
  Charlotte Chamberlain & Nicola Irving Architect
• Renewal & Redevelopment for Agriculture & Tourism Babylonstoren Farm
  Malherbe Rust Architects
• House Van der Merwe & Coetzee
  Meyer & Vorster Architects, Urban Designers & Interior Designers
• Unisa Phase 2
  MSa michele sandilands architects
• New Additions at St Cyprian’s School
  Noero Wolff & Noero Architects
• De Wet 34, Bantry Bay
  SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects
• House at Johannesdal
  Henri Comrie Architect & Urban Designer

The CIA Award for Architecture winners will go on to compete against the winning projects from all 11 regions in the national South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) Awards next year.

www.cifa.org.za