Wildlands Conservation Trust

Additional Info

Award Winner : Modular Site Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

Architectural Excellence : Due to the site being extremely remote and environmentally sensitive, we had to consider the type of modular unit to be used as well as the site layout. It was decided to utilise shipping containers for their durability, ease of transport and rigging. In addition to this we contracted a local artist to add “murals” externally that would enhance the look of the containers while simultaneously emphasising the focus on the project, Wild Oceans. The configuration of the units was dictated to some degree by the available land and the existing fauna of which we wanted to leave unchanged as much as possible. Local contractors using local materials added the awning over the common area to complete the supply.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Our customer is a non profit organisation and keeping within prescribed budgets was paramount to ensuring a successful project rollout. With that in mind we needed to have a minimalist view yet ensure functionality and ensure it was easy on the eye. We set minimum standards for each item, such as ensuring all electrical and plumbing equipment was certified by the relevant national bodies (SABS, South African Bureau of Standards) and then started the procurement process. We ended up with well laid out units that are safe to occupy and above all are fit for purpose. Because each unit is independent of the other they can be relocated very easily should the need arise in the years ahead.

Green Building Description : There are a few areas that tick the “green” box for this project.
Repurposing shipping containers
Limited footprint and very little impact to the local fauna and flora
All construction was performed off site limiting impact to the local environment
Site finishes utilised local labour and locally produced materials.
The roof structure over the common area creates shade and reduces or negates the need for any artificial air cooling systems.

Traditional rural building methods would not have been suitable for this project due to inconsistent quality and the fact that they would not have been suitable for the purpose.

The main purpose for this project is to educate the local population in science, conservation, tourism and community around the iconic humpback whale species that migrates along the east coast of South Africa, and I doubt it would have been successful without the use of modular buildings.

Occupied Date : 6/28/2021

Owner Firm Name : Wildlands Conservation Trust

Production Start Date : 5/14/2021

Project Location City : Mabibi

Project Location State Name : KwaZulu Natal Province

Technical Innovation : Due to the remote location we had to ensure that the materials used were more durable and functional rather than aesthetically pleasing. It was decided to surface mount the electrics for ease of maintenance and utilise LED light fittings to reduce power consumption as best we could. Flooring is a hard wearing industrial vinyl adhered directly to the original wood flooring. The insulation panels have a smooth chromadek finish which allows for images, posters, literature to easily be displayed on the walls either with tape, or with magnets, as this is primarily a facility to educate and inform the local population on the ocean and in particular the whale activity in the area.

Total Square Feet : 937