THE BRIEF
To design and build a Cafeteria initially to host 150 students and 50 Staff members. It also required a recreational area for 100 students. This all serviced by a central kitchen and ablution facility. The Main structure of the existing cafeteria is to remain and to be integrated in the new design.

THE SITE
Situated south of the existing core it forms part of the original CUT Welkom Campus. The majority of buildings in the area are pre-fabricated structures.
The existing cafeteria was a closed and rigid structure with concrete walls and metal cladded steel roof structure. It is situated in an artificial landscape with well-established planted trees.

THE TREE
A point of gathering, a shelter led the thinking process and inspired a theory that the cafeteria truly in its function is to be a social place of gathering where people feel safe, protected and comfortable to re-unite to their personal needs.

THE CONCEPT
The rectangular core of the new building, the original main structure remained at the heart of the new place of gathering. It finds itself as the anchor, developing space and order in a free and natural form opening up the building, enhancing sun and natural light through a screen of steel, glass and poly-carbonate double walling system.