Construction World December 2021

BUILDING CONTRACTORS

BOSJES PANTRY AND SHOP

S ituated in the Breedekloof Valley west of Worcester, the Bosjes Estate now includes two new structures completed by GVK-Siya Zama, the pantry (Die Spens) and del i (Die Winkel). The project boasts ecologically minded landscape design enfolding these two new structures consisting of impressive sculptural trell ises that are woven back into the landscape. Construction consisted of two conical shaped spheres, a smaller structure for offices and a boutique (shop) overlooking two symmetrical l ines of lemon trees and a circular children’s water play area with a fully functional Archimedes screw and a larger, lower structure that accommodates a restaurant, kitchen and ablution facil ities. Both structures are submerged below ground and their entrances are hidden from visitors as they approach the gardens. Visitors enter via a timber bridge over a stream that cascades down the full length of the site; its flow broken by robust crisp l ined concrete weir walls. A path framed by locally cut stone buttress walls and trees, grasses and flowers leads down through the site and uncovers the two structures. The two buildings are fully 'enfolded' within an integrated network of landscape structures and planting that weave in the concept of working ecology into the cultural landscape. Designed by London-based lead design architect Coetzee Steyn of Steyn Studio (who also designed the Bosjes chapel on the estate) and real ised by project architect Tiaan Meyer of Meyer & Associates, the two built elements are similar in style. Their aesthetic and form were inspired by the San matj ieshuis (mat house) and the first dwell ings of the Dutch settlers, the kaphuis (truss house). The matj ieshuis was a portable, curved, slat-framed structure covered with woven mats – used by San herders as they migrated seasonally – while the kaphuis consisted of a series of A-frame trusses covered with thatch. Like these traditional structures that blended seamlessly into the landscape, so too do the new Bosjes buildings. (Source: Visi Magazine ) Both dome structures are wrapped by a lattice structure that envelops the movement zone and mirrors the roof of the domed soffits. To allow the trell is pattern to appear continuously weaved between the interior and exterior, the glazing imitates its pattern, resulting in a zig-zag arrangement to achieve al ignment of the two elements. The del i shop structure is manufactured from steel

tubing while the restaurant structure consists of a layered lattice comprising four timber members. The modell ing of the structural components’ curvatures and connection loading points were critical . Hours of surveying and setting out to project and mark the points on the inside of the dome were required. Despite the changes in elevation and curvature, the shapes formed by the lattice structure had to remain visually symmetrical and consistent in dimension. Steel elements were rolled, and timber elements steamed and bent off site and then transported to site for installation – a moment of truth test. Not only did the structurally glazed façade have to withstand all imposed loads and keep the water out, it also had to enable continuity of the lattice structure through to the inside of the dome – all while transferring load to the fixing points on the domed soffit. The entire façade was templated to the highest degree of accuracy possible, and the performance glazing then manufactured to suit off site. To achieve a Class I curved concrete finish, within specified dimensional accuracy for architectural concrete elements, innovative materials and methods were employed to construct the curved water feature and play pit zones. Custom made shutters were formed using high density Styrofoam to achieve the accuracy of the radius and smooth finish in one pour. The curved walkway and terraced dam walls were constructed and clad from natural cut stone sourced from the estate and prepared on site. This contributed to local vernacular and champions sustainabil ity. 

PROJECT INFORMATION

• Company entering: GVK-Siya Zama Building Contractors (Cape) • Project start date: September 2018 • Project end date: May 202 • Client: Farmprops 53 • Main Contractor: GVK-Siya Zama • Architect: Steyn Studio • Principal Agent: Meyer & Associates Architects • Project Manager: Meyer & Associates Architects • Quantity Surveyor: 2ii Consulting • Consulting Engineer: Grobler & Associates

32 20 th Best Project Awards 2021