Towards the end of 2015 Eco Design Architects & Consultants took part in a limited design competition for the design of a visitors center for the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm.

Our design concept focused on the use of local recycled and natural building materials with rammed earth walls on plinths of urbanite (recycled concrete slabs and rubble laid like random sotnework). The roof structure proposed would be made from local timber poles and timber with reed ceilings insulated with wool and a planted roof.

Located next to an existing filling staion, the site is within sight of both the N2 highway and some of the neighbouring wind farm's 100m tall wind turbines,  The entire design was inspired by the stong prevailing westward winds that sweep accross the barren site. So the planted roofs sweep up off out of the earth to throw the stong prevailing winds over the roof thus creating wind free entrance space, facing the large existing car park. these great 2 strong forms that are linked by a wind tower that is desiged to grive the entire ventialtion system of centre. With the buildngs located in the one corner of the parking area, there aree 2 arms that extend out to embrace each side of the parking lot. The one would have a series of soalr car ports, while the other would have a series if outside exhibit panels hung off a giant turbine blade, that had been damaged on way to site. The idea was that the panels would be positioned so as to divert the prevailing winds so that the views could get out the winds. The idea was that he entire exhibit was kinetic and so each panel can rotate 180 degrees on the odd occasion that the wind prevailing westerly winds swap over to an easterly wind and the viewers would then swap over to walking on the other side of the panels to continue viewing the panels out of the winds.

By making extensive use local natural and recycled building materials the idea was reducing the environmental impacts of building while empowering the local community with skills development through a series of training workshops. The idea was that the gardens around the centre would feature a variety of wind sculptures and renewable energy showcases made by local artists.

Please Click Here for more information about this wind farm.

Have a look at the video interview with Andy Horn that was done for a talk he had given at the 2014 Cape Construction Expo entitled “BEYOND SUSTAINABILILITY – Regenerative Design and the Transition Towards a Post Carbon Architecture”

We have recently completed a revitalization project for a heritage site in Mamre near Cape Town. They not only used local materials, but also involved and empowered the community by providing public participation forums and running a series of training programmes.
By building in this sustainable way, Eco Design Architects managed to address two of the most pressing issues of South Africa: unemployment and environmental pollution.

New House for Mr and Mrs Botes in Agter-Paarl (Paarl - Western Cape). The house shall be built on the western slope of some beautiful granite clad foothills. The hybrid construction will incorporate rammed earth feature walls and cosy Strawbale external walls. Green planted roofs on face brick vaults to blend harmoniously with the lush, green surroundings.

Design Development for House Botes - 3D Model

See additional Images - click here