Speaking at the Tshwane University of Technology awards event, Ockert van Heerden, Corobrik sales director, said that during more than 28 years of sponsoring this award, Corobrik had seen ongoing change in architectural thinking in this country. In recent years, students are increasingly demonstrating a growing awareness of the need to contribute holistically and meaningfully towards sustainable development. Increasing awareness of the important technological advances that would ensure that the future of architecture was more closely linked with energy and water conservation and the minimizing of the environmental footprint of future buildings is very evident.

Lynnwood resident and winner, Noeth’s thesis is ‘The design of an international school of astronomy & astro-tourism centre.’ In second place is Melena Mouton with her project LAB H20 for the design of a research laboratory for the purification of acid mine drainage in the West Rand Mining District. Taking third place is Inus Goussard who designed a Living Food Machine to be erected in Sunnyside, Tshwane. Juan Myburg received a prize for the best use of clay brick in his design of a public swimming pool that links to a proposed walkway on the Apies River Canal. Situated on the east of Pretoria CBD, the swimming pool is situated among a mix of educational, residential and office buildings. The design aims to promote swimming as a sport and reactional activity.

Myburg incorporated Corobrik Burgundy pavers into the floor of the change rooms spaced and raised to allow water to drain away from the simmers and introduce a warm texture into the buildings.

Noeth said, “The design of an international school of astronomy & astro-tourism centre represents the symbiotic relationship between earth, man and the sky. This dissertation proposes an International School of Astronomy and Astro-Tourism Centre. The proposed building aims to introduce a unique facility in the Northern Cape that would benefit the field of astronomy worldwide.”

The design focuses on the celebration of astronomy and cosmology and the resultant product is a contemporary interpretation of pertinent astronomical events. The proposal is based on available research and experiments, documenting the solstices, stars and various cosmic bodies- as well as framing these objects in the cosmic landscape.

The proposed facility is situated at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Sutherland. It is nested within the South-west-embankment of the mountain, currently hosting the Southern Africa Large Telescope (SALT). The design comprises a linear building typology with radial aspects to document astronomical events. The project investigates the semi-arid Karoo climate and how the resultant architecture reacts to harsh environmental conditions.

Noeth took home a R8000 first prize while Mouton and Goussard each received R6000 and R4000 for second and third places respectfully. Each regional winner is entered into the national finals. At the 28th National Student Architect Awards function on Wednesday, 22 April, at The Maslow in Johannesburg, the winner will receive a prize of R50 000.

Van Heerden said that student’s projects highlighted the architectural profession’s endeavors to deliver on the sustainability requirements, the innovative thinking and the discourse around the environmental issues endorsing the meaningful role architecture can play in crafting a more relevant tomorrow.

He said. “Today, sustainability issues exist side by side with both functionality and aesthetics. These awards were created to promote quality design and to acknowledge talent among architectural students. Over the years, Corobrik has not only facilitated an ongoing discourse about what constitutes good architecture but also helped highlight the challenges faced by the architects when it comes to creating structures that remain relevant well into the future. Tonight’s winners show that the architects of tomorrow are more than up to the job.”