This year’s World Architecture Day theme, “Housing is a Human Right. Build It.”, draws attention to the global housing crisis and the importance of creating accessible, dignified homes for all.
GAPP has had the privilege of being part of the professional team responsible for the design and implementation of the Bonteheuwel Infill Housing Project as part of the City of Cape Town’s housing programmes.
Together, the three sites in Bonteheuwel will deliver 273 Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes, contributing to the creation of much-needed housing and more inclusive communities in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town.
Housing is a human right. Architecture has a role to play in making that right a reality.
Photo Credit: Tarna Klitzner (Project Landscape Architect)
#WorldArchitectureDay #GAPP #Bonteheuwel #CapeTown
Beyond its distinctive glass-box form, the School of Arts Rooftop Studio Addition at Wits University, was carefully considered in response to the existing building, its surroundings and the needs of its users. In this post, we take a closer look at the project details and materiality.
The addition was designed as a lightweight structure to minimise the additional load imposed on the existing building. It comprises a steel column-and-truss structural system, enclosed by a curtain wall façade and sheeted roof.
A detailed sun and shadow study was undertaken to assess the impact of the addition on its southerly neighbours. To minimise both visual and overshadowing impacts, the new façade was set back approximately 1.2 metres from the edge of the existing oversailing roof slab - the maximum extent permitted by the existing structure. This setback accommodates a narrow walkway between the perimeter balustrade and the glazed façade, facilitating safe access for cleaning and maintenance.
The flush-glazed system comprises a combination of clear vision glazing and translucent spandrel panels, which conceal an insulated dry-lining behind the façade. The vision glazing is tinted to achieve the required solar control and specified with a low reflectivity to reduce glare onto the surrounding environment. Window openings on the eastern façade are veiled with perforated powder-coated aluminium screens, which reduce morning solar heat gain while bringing texture to the smooth glass.
The interior material palette was informed by the building’s academic function. Wall and floor finishes were selected for their durability and to support their use as display and pin-up surfaces for student art. The use of colour was deliberately restrained, creating a ‘blank canvas’ for student expression. In this way, the creative output of the Fine Arts students, rather than the architecture itself, defines the character of the internal spaces.
As we look ahead to the Scape Awards of Excellence 2026 this October, we’re sharing a few more details from our NWU Student Life & Clinic Building, shortlisted for Educational Build of the Year.
The Rooftop Studio Addition to the existing Wits School of Arts Building provides new 3rd-floor studio and gallery spaces, seminar rooms and offices for the Fine Arts Department. The heritage building, originally designed as the Wits Dental School & Hospital by architects John Fassler, Pearse, Aneck Hahn and Bristol, was completed in 1951.
Conceived as a glass box, the addition subtly distinguishes itself as a contemporary intervention while responding sensitively to the original building’s early modernist character. Its glazing rhythm and proportions reference the heritage façades, creating a respectful dialogue between old and new.
The project emerged from a space utilisation audit undertaken by GAPP to assess the existing accommodation and identify the School of Arts’ future spatial requirements. Over time, the ad-hoc expansion of the school’s departments into various buildings in and around the south-eastern corner of the campus had resulted in their fragmentation, creating an environment that proved unconducive to learning.
The Rooftop Studio Addition forms part of a phased consolidation strategy, providing the additional accommodation required to unify the Fine Arts Department within the Wits School of Arts Building.
This Heritage Day, we celebrate the dialogue between our architectural heritage and the spaces we create for the future - honouring what came before while continuing to shape what comes next.
Happy Heritage Day from GAPP!
We are delighted to announce that Nairobi Gate Industrial Park SEZ has been awarded Best New Industrial, Logistics or Alternative Asset in the Development Category at the API Awards, held on 17 September 2026.
This prestigious recognition is a significant milestone and reflects the vision, commitment, and collaboration that have shaped this landmark development. We are immensely proud to have contributed to the success of Nairobi Gate Industrial Park SEZ, a premier industrial Special Economic Zone that is setting new benchmarks for industrial and logistics developments in East Africa.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Impact North (KE), developed as a joint venture between Improvon and Actis, for entrusting GAPP with the urban design framework and provision of architectural services for this transformative project in Nairobi, Kenya.
This award demonstrates the strength of the partnership, the dedication of the entire project team, and a shared commitment to delivering a world-class industrial destination that supports economic growth, investment, and job creation within the region.
Congratulations to all stakeholders involved in achieving this outstanding accomplishment!
Join our team! GAPP Architects and Urban Designers is looking for a talented and experienced Design Architect with a minimum of 8–10 years of post-professional registration experience to join our team.
The successful candidate will play a key role in the conceptualisation, design development and delivery of innovative architectural solutions across a diverse portfolio of educational, institutional, mixed-use and public sector projects throughout South Africa.
This opportunity is ideally suited to a highly creative architect with strong design leadership capabilities, excellent visual communication skills and a passion for design excellence.
Interested in joining us?
Submit your CV, comprehensive design portfolio and contactable references to recruitment@jhb.gapp.net with the subject line:
“Design Architect: Sep 2026”
Closing date: 30 September 2026
See the post for full details.
Last week, we spent the day at the CEM x SOAP Industry Connect Career Fair at University of the Witwatersrand, meeting students who are beginning to shape their careers in the built environment.
It was great to have conversations about life at GAPP, the work we do, and the many paths a career in Architecture and Urban Design can take.
A big thank you to everyone who came by to chat with us. We hope to see some of those conversations turn into exciting opportunities in the future!
Our Nairobi Gate SEZ Project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best New Industrial, Logistics or Alternative Assets Development category at the API Awards 2026.
Thank you to the API team for the recognition, and congratulations to all the practices and projects shortlisted across this year’s awards!