Advertisement
Established by Wynand Schabort in 2006, Schabort Associates Architects has designed and overseen the construction of some of the most beautiful bespoke homes in the Western Cape, as well as a wide range of developments including residential estates, retirement villages, industrial, commercial, laboratory, mixed-use and restoration projects.
The practice is renowned for producing buildings that are contextually and environmentally responsive, not style bound, and honest in their use of materials. The principles of sustainability are integral to their approach to improving the quality of buildings for their inhabitants. Schabort says, ‘We are constantly developing new strategies to incorporate cost-effective environmental design measures in our buildings to improve efficiency.’ All buildings are designed from first principles to ensure a solution that is unique to the site and all its attributes, no matter how big or small the budget. When tasked with the design of a private residence, no stone is left unturned. Careful consideration is given to all aspects of the design, from the concept stage to the finest detail, from future proofing of use to the weathering of the materials.
The practice, together with many other specialist design teams that may be required, works to develop fully integrated design solutions. Every project starts with fresh thinking, leading to a solution that is tailor-made to both site and user.
Design is typically undertaken by a small, close-knit team – the team that starts a project sees it through to completion, thus providing continuity throughout.
Advertisement
Schabort says, ‘We always consider the built environment in its totality to apply a truly integrated approach to responsible design.
‘We place a lot of emphasis on continual development through research to ensure that we familiarise ourselves with all current developments in design. We are continually exploring new materials and methods of construction
technology to ensure that we are not just well informed with current international developments but also leading the way with new technologies. That said, our practice has acquired a reputation as a highly cost-conscious and innovative firm delivering exceptional buildings on small budgets.
‘We have been fortunate to work on a wide variety of projects including specialised industrial buildings, laboratories, historical renovations, commercial projects, educational and sports facilities, resorts, affordable housing and a large number of bespoke homes to name a few,’ says Schabort. ‘The diversity of projects and our adventurous clients has allowed us to hone our skills over the years, and produce buildings of exceptional quality. We have been fortunate to build a strong team of very talented individuals who are passionate about design.
‘We have been involved as estate architects in a number of residential estates over the years and have designed numerous dwellings in a large number of residential estates across South Africa.
‘We are currently busy implementing some phases at Somerset Lakes in Somerset West, where we have the opportunity to explore our specific design philosophy regarding multiproduct estates to integrate various cost points seamlessly into its fabric. At Somerset Lakes we introduced elements that have never been implemented at this price point by understanding and manipulating the budgetary allocations though thorough planning and material selections. This project involved the planning of 550 units across a wide spectrum to date.’
Schabort says:
“Our team is aware and they understand the value of money and how to optimise value for our clients normally only found on big-budget projects. We focus on crafting a tailor-made solution that will serve the specific requirements of the client and the majority of successive owners by overlaying a multitude of future case studies to test the desirability of the product.”
‘Our practice identified the need to integrate associated services to our clients including conceptual landscaping design as well as interior design services to assure that the end product is in keeping with the overall vison of both architect and client.’
