[imagesource: Frank Malaba]

Cape Town has the country’s first mass timber dome based in Green Point Urban Park, inspired by traditional Khoi hut structures to provide an educational space for learning about First Nations history and culture.

This three-dimensional eco-friendly dome will feature a permanent Khoekhoen exhibition and offer educational programmes to share the history of the Khoisan, Khwe and San people of South Africa.

It will also serve as an outdoor environmental education space for learners and a safe place for visitors to immerse themselves in nature.

The R9 million project will officially open next week on Wednesday 20 November, Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and the environment, said via People’s Post.

Image: MEWA

He said the Experiential Education Garden (EEG) is already open to the public and that the Dome Education Centre will be available for bookings for educational programmes and special events.

“The vision of the Dome Education Centre was to make the space a celebration of Cape Town’s Khoi First Nation peoples, who once moved freely across this fertile land with their herds of sheep and cattle.”

“The inspiration for the Dome’s design was the simple yet clever traditional Khoi dome-shaped huts. In essence, the structures were a skeleton of flexible branches covered with a patchwork of reed matjies (mats) to give shade in summer, warmth in winter as well as good ventilation.

He noted how this design allowed the Khoi’s “nomadic lifestyle” as they could be disassembled and carried when the tribe moved on in search of new grazing.”

According to Andrews, the Dome is a masterstroke of eco-friendly design, showcasing the kind of sustainable construction we can proudly claim as our own.

Image: MEWA

The timber of choice in the construction is locally sourced South African poplar tree due to its hard-wearing properties. Mass timber is the newest and greenest system of carbon-conscious construction.

“It refers to engineered wood products made by taking smaller wood elements and connecting them with glues, dowels, nails or screws to create larger building components.

“It is strong, durable, versatile and sustainable.”

It’s not just a building, it’s a shining example of how we can do things smarter and greener, drawing attention from across the globe.

Image: MEWA

Plus, as Andrews says, this was the first three-dimensional mass timber dome ever to be built.

“There are 12 mass timber domes worldwide, all of which are two-dimensional, in that they are made up of 12 or more segments of two dimensions and rely on the human brain to make them look dome-shaped.”

In addition, the construction integrates green technologies such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation to minimise its carbon footprint. Inside, the space is equipped for a range of educational activities, including workshops, exhibitions, and interactive displays that highlight topics such as renewable energy, water conservation, and biodiversity.

The innovative structure not only honours the cultural heritage of the Khoi but also stands as a remarkable architectural achievement for the country.

[source:peoplespost]