Norval Foundation is a modern pavilion for art set against a dramatic mountain and vineyard landscape on the slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountain in Cape Town. The client brief by Village Trust was to create a world-class art and cultural centre in an exceptional location that would be open to the public. Our response to this brief was to present a pure expression of architectural form.
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The design responds to its linear site set between a busy road and an existing wetland, opposite a neighbouring embassy compound. The linear circulation spine is positioned along this edge, with galleries and public spaces facing the natural landscape, capturing framed views of the wetland, vineyards and mountains beyond. The design strikes a balance between two motivations: to protect the artwork within and maximise views to the natural landscape outside. The building sits in an elevated position. It shields a wetland, creating a private space for the sculpture garden and forming an inhabited threshold between public and private zones. A triple-volume atrium establishes a deliberate visual connection between these two zones; one urban, the other natural. This provides a physical transition between these contrasting environments.
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The building is a bold rectangular mass, delineating its heavy-walled enclosure and light over-sailing roof. It’s experienced in a linear sequence. A curved wall extends into the entrance court, drawing visitors past the double-volume restaurant, gallery shop and into the generous reception. From here, visitors are directed to the central atrium which announces the main galleries. The materials palette is raw and honest, comprising primarily precast concrete, natural timber, granite and glass. This creates a striking contrast against the natural landscape. The primary internal and external finish is a combination of polished concrete, smooth class one precast concrete panels and textured precast concrete panels. Externally, the precast concrete is finished with a chamfered tartan grid, which draws the eye upwards and lengthways, emphasising the scale of the building. Internally, timber panelling brings warmth to the spaces.
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The site incorporates an existing sensitive wetland ecosystem that had been historically neglected. The wetland was completely rehabilitated. Alien species were removed and its surrounding buffer zones were revived and replanted with locally indigenous fynbos, enhanced by other indigenous plants and naturalised species to attract a multitude of insects and birds onto the site. A landscaped sculpture park was introduced, bringing bold artworks into the wetland environment. Sustainability features include solar photovoltaic panels on the roof, a building management system to optimise performance, water saving measures, grey water purification system, return of storm water to the wetland system, and energy efficient glazing and solar shading on the façade. Wherever possible, natural light to the internal spaces has been maximised, with large full height and clerestory windows throughout, except for certain galleries.

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Dave Southwood + Wieland Gleich - Photographers