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Architects: Flansburgh Architects
- Area: 15000 ft²
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Stephen O'Raw
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Manufacturers: Acor
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Architect of Record: GLH & Associates
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Design Challenges:
The challenge was to create an economic covering for a state of the art pool. Johannesburg sits on a plateau known as the “highveld,” 5,000 feet above sea level, with earth rich in iron ore, causing frequent lightning strikes. Although the climate is temperate, night-time temperatures can drop significantly.The new pool was required to be both covered and heated.
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Site Description:
A 58 acre campus located on the northern edge of the greater Johannesburg area, formerly a horse farm, which is reflected in both the architecture of the original buildings and the rural nature of the campus.
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Design Solutions:
Tubular steel framing system minimizes the depth of the steel and incorporates lateral bracing seamlessly into the span. The criss-cross pattern recalls the geometric patterns of native African beadwork and basket weaving.In this way, elegance is brought to something basic.
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Operable louvers modulate daylight and provide protection from the rain. Staggered, corrugated acrylic skylights of a standard panel width create a dramatic, cost-effective solution.
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Fabric panels at each end of the structure modulate the air flow, preventing a wind tunnel effect. The combination of fabric panels, acrylic skylights, and louvers minimize glare, creating a gentle dappled light.The simple palette of white and light gray combined with local stone at the entry simulates an outdoor environment.
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