Northpine Technical High School

Northpine Technical High School was commissioned by the Provincial Administration of the Western Cape. It comprises central administration offices, large hall, laboratories, workshops and classrooms for 1500 learners, all surrounding a central assembly courtyard.

The buildings are situated in between a residential area and existing light industrial area, from where certain design clues are taken, as is evident in the idiosyncratic roofscape. The building had to be robust in nature, yet accessible and part of community life at the same time – for instance it is also used for adult evening training sessions. Security concerns are largely addressed by creating a contained courtyard from which all spaces are accessed. The courtyard also offers shelter against harsh summer winds.

The collection of rainwater roofs to irrigate sports fields, and extensive use of brise-soleil façade elements all help to make the running of the school more cost effective. Light shelves as part of the external façade design help to bounce natural daylight into classrooms and minimize the need for artificial light.

Completed as Partner at Meyer + Vorster Architects, Urban Designers and Interior Designers