The site of the new centre is located in Nyanga, an informal settlement on the Cape flats. It will function as a multipurpose centre, with activities such as: a crèche for 80 children, training classroom for adults, diabetic centre, food storage depot and neighbourhood meeting space.

 

The project tries to solve the problem of getting the maximum internal volume and usable area, by using four shipping containers, 12 metres each, which have been donated to the community. 

 

By stacking the containers in the way that we have, it allows for the private functions to be in the containers and the spaces in between to be freed up for multi purpose use. 

 

Therefore, the double volume in between the containers, lit by 4 glazed panels and covered by a simple roof, creates the main space. 

 

The decision of placing the containers in two levels contributes, in addition, to provide a landmark in a very flat landscape of single-level buildings. 

 

The centre therefore will enjoy the view of the mountain with appropriate levels of sun and ventilation.