Skills centre and trainee residence, Isipingo Beach

The team in which Roman worked proposed a green strip to follow the topography in a north-south direction and in this way set a limit for the industrial zone while providing an expansion of the residential area of Isipingo Beach. The mouth of the Isipingo River and its natural environment form the southern boundary. 

Roman designed a striking yet 'balanced object building' as a transition between the coastal environment and the interior. Sited behind the dunes, the elongated double-storey educational building, with large panoramic roof terrace, is countered on one end with a point block to provide trainees with short-term accommodation in minimal bedrooms with balconies.

The educational building contains classrooms and associated spaces for a skills centre to promote craftsmanship, entrepreneurship or self-help to the community. At its heart lies the main workshop hall with skylights, with a gallery connecting the teaching spaces with a study area and library. Generous folding doors open all main rooms to the outdoors.

The combination of off-shutter concrete, rough vertical timber slats and sliding shutters provides a durable yet well-balanced minimalist composition within the harsh climate.

Nature conservation centre Isipingo

Kim pursued the idea of a green belt between the concentrated industrial zone along the highway and the residential area on the coast line. She designed several public 'oases'.

The design shows one of them; a conservation centre in the re-established natural vegetation along the Isipingo River and a proposed new pedestrian pathway.

The spaces for recreation and education are 'flooded' in a bright, fresh and friendly atmosphere, and draw upon the bio-diversity of the Isipingo River mouth.

The pavilions are constructed of renewable materials (particularly timber) used in a modular system. The interiors are minimal, and the outer spaces offer a peaceful sojourn along the river or under shady roofs. The open space of the interior could invite locals and guests to various public events.

Cultural Market, Isipingo

Prompted by the findings of the workshop held in Durban, Carolina conceived of her project as a 'cultural market'.  

The team in which she participated sought for a connection between Isipingo Beach and the southern residential areas near the coast, which because the new harbour inlet could suffer a significant loss in quality.

A green buffer was proposed to protect against the influences of western industrial zone and prevent further expansion towards the ocean.  Carolina's design is sited along a wide promenade adapted to the tide, with a bridge over the Isipingo River. Directly behind the beach and the flora at the estuary, she positioned her project, which convinces in its objectives of 'social cohesion'.

The cultural market is more of a semi-public urban space than a building. It offers activities for all ages and income groups, and of different milieus. In the centre are located the arts and crafts market, a food market and a dance hall, which can open to the courtyard.

Upstairs is a series of simple apartments with a wide porch and shared balconies. Residents can enjoy the large, green roof garden with café.

The design concept draws on the pergola typology and at ground level combines this with a protective and secure wall, and decorative openings for visual references and air movement. The outside might appear solid but inside the scope for individual design is to be extended using recycled materials.

Market hall, Isipingo

This market hall was conceived as a mixed-use project with retail outlets, a hostel and concomitant recreational and green areas.  

The core idea was that of a viewing platform with shops for daily needs in the form of a market hall for small traders selling locally produced merchandise, both agricultural and craft.  

The classical typology of the atrium was rediscovered with services and offices around three sides, and the market stalls in the centre opening to the north, with a terrace enjoying views to the ocean. 

The design is climatically attuned with good natural ventilation while roofs designed as sails provide shade. In order to encourage acceptance and identification, small-scale parts to the façade could be designed, made and inserted by users.