A grand tour of Elphick Proome Architects’ studio

Many of us kick off January with New Year’s resolutions that we seldom stick to. One of mine is to learn more about South African architecture – and this is a resolution I am determined to keep. As an architect, I know too little about the different firms all over our country, especially those in KwaZulu-Natal. So I asked my good friend Desere Strydom from Safintra Roofing South Africa to pin down Elphick Proome Architects to discuss their inspiring studios in Westville, Durban. The images by Dennis Guichard were commissioned by Safintra Roofing for their Great South African Architecture Campaign.

Introducing KZN’s largest architecture firm
Words: Desere Strydom Photos: Dennis Guichard

Building a bridge over a forest is certainly not a concept that comes to mind when conceptualising an office, but it is exactly what the talented team of George Elphick and Nick Proome envisaged when they designed their state-of-the-art studio, nestled adjacent to a wooded reserve along a steep bank in Westway Office Park in Westville. Elphick Proome Architects is the largest architecture firm in Kwazulu-Natal and its steel and glass structure houses a team of 60 employees.

George Elphick explains that the site presented some problems: “We were aware of the steep fall from north to south, but what took us by surprise was the fall from west to east, which eventually worked in our favour as it allowed us more space.” The structure is perched on a platform of concrete, with the basement underneath providing secure parking for staff. The famous Le Corbusier quotation, laser-profiled out of stainless steel and positioned above the doorway, greets staff every morning: “Simple does not mean easy”.

Nick Proome explains the rest of the design philosophy: “We felt that the platform concrete structure should act as a bridge over the forest. We wanted everything above that to be light and allow us to truly be part of the forest.”

This is where the role of steel is important. The steel cage encapsulates the space, and the oversailed roof, inspired by the adjacent canopy, is supported by branch-like brackets. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels allow for uninterrupted views of nature and natural light that floods the open-plan space. George Elphick explains that all the materials used are functional and displayed honestly. He laughs: “Nothing in this space is pretty. Everything has a function and purpose.”

The 5,5m west-facing off-shutter concrete entrance wall shields the building from the harsh afternoon sun. A bridge over a water feature leads visitors to a larger-than-life custom-designed 5,5m-high front door constructed from glass, marine ply and steel. When quizzed about this stunning feature, George explains, “We felt that the impressive façade lent itself to having an impressive entrance.”

The north side of the building, which faces the indigenous forest, houses a series of informal outdoor spaces, such as a staff deck, an upper balcony leading off the boardrooms and an African-styled boma that’s often used for informal meetings. The indigenous forest was the idea of talented landscape designer Lucas Uys, who facilitated the planting of the indigenous trees during the construction phase. The forest has established itself and thrived since completion of the build in 2006. The south side of the building forms the transition phase from the formal roadside and provides distant sea views. Steel features strongly as an exterior design element; external galvanised grating is employed as a sun-screening element and beautifully crafted steel and wire balustrades frame the exterior meeting spaces.

George and Nick went against convention in the interior division of the space, opting for a completely open-plan set-up, which includes their own office, situated on the upper level. Nick explains the rationale behind the concept: “The only spaces that are enclosed are the three boardrooms and ablution facilities, as we have a strong philosophy about communication, team-work and collaboration. The team decided on a strong African-inspired palette for accent colours. Rich crimson, ochre and burnt orange textured walls juxtapose elegantly against the high-tech steel and glass of the rest of the building. Sleek polished concrete flooring provides a durable but stylish flooring solution.

The team won a SAIA Award of Merit in 2006 for the studio and the future of the practice looks bright, despite trying economic circumstances. George Elphick explains:”We have been fortunate to navigate tough times by creating our own work and have identified opportunities in South Africa and further afield. There is a renewed focus on the expertise and services South African architects have to offer the rest of the continent. We look forward to continuing to design beautiful spaces that are energy efficient and appropriate in response to both climate and culture.”

More information: www.eparch.co.za

About Pieter-Ernst:

Pieter is an architect from Melville, Johannesburg, and is currently employed by Lupini Architects: http://lupiniarc.wordpress.com/

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