The Norval Foundation: Retail Park in Steenberg

The Norval Foundation stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of art, architecture, and landscape. Located on the slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountain, this modern pavilion for art offers a unique experience for visitors, blending the beauty of the Western Cape's natural surroundings with an outstanding collection of 20th-century South African art.

Benefits of the Location:

Natural Beauty: The Norval Foundation is situated against a mountain and vineyard landscape, providing breathtaking views of the Constantiaberg Mountain.

Sculpture Garden: The Sculpture Garden is a distinctive feature, showcasing three-dimensional installations by artists from South Africa and the broader African continent. The garden is strategically designed to integrate with the natural contours, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for viewers.

Environmental Responsibility: The foundation is committed to environmental conservation. It serves as the protector of indigenous plants and animals, particularly the endangered western leopard toad. Concrete culverts have been constructed to ensure the toads' safe access to the wetland for breeding.

Sustainable Design: The building itself is a model of sustainable design, minimizing its environmental impact. A large solar plant on the roof provides power, with excess energy feeding into the local grid. Additionally, a grey-water purification system enhances water sustainability.

Property Details:

Architecture: Designed by DHK Architects, the building is a bold rectangular mass with a heavy-walled enclosure and a light over-sailing roof. The materials palette, including precast concrete, natural timber, granite, and glass, complements the natural landscape.

Linear Sequence: The linear design responds to the site's constraints, creating a deliberate connection between public and private zones. A triple-volume atrium serves as a transition between urban and natural environments.

Gallery Spaces: The Norval Foundation offers a range of gallery spaces, including a large exhibition venue, small galleries, and a dramatic triple-volume sculpture gallery.

Awards: The building has received several accolades, including a Gold A Design Award, Fulton Award, and the South African Property Owners' Association (SAPOA) Award for Innovative Excellence.

Amenities:

Vovo Telo Coffee Shop: Visitors can enjoy delicious picnics on the landscaped grass or within the building, courtesy of the on-site Vovo Telo coffee shop.

Skotnes Restaurant & Bar: For a more refined dining experience, the Skotnes Restaurant & Bar offers fine cuisine.

Accessibility and Security:

Accessibility: The Norval Foundation is fully accessible by wheelchair, with elevators throughout the building and ramps in the Sculpture Garden.

Safety and Security: The foundation prioritizes safety with a state-of-the-art security system, 24-hour CCTV surveillance, and permanent on-site guards.

In conclusion, the Norval Foundation provides a unique blend of artistic excellence, environmental stewardship, and architectural innovation in a location that celebrates the natural beauty of the Western Cape.