The scope of the practice is extensive and diverse, ranging from domestic housing to urban and rural township planning, from commercial, academic and public buildings to large-scale inner city developments. Current and recently completed work includes prestigious developments like the National Council of Provinces at Parliament, and the residential marina in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, as well as a new conference centre and spa at the Vineyard Hotel in Newlands. The continued involvement with architectural conservation covers a spectrum extending from the Groot Constantia Estate to the Albert Luthuli Museum. The practice also retains a deep commitment to social issues, currently demonstrated in an innovative plan for the Wesbank No 2 Primary School, offering education to eleven hundred children.
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE Cape Town Foreshore Architects - an association comprising: Revel Fox and Partners cc Architects and Planners, Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects, Lucien le Grange Architects and Urban Planners, Stauch Vorster Architects, ACG Architects and Development Planners, dhk Architects, Magqwaka Associates, Architects for Convenco 2003
Revel Fox and Partners were the lead architects in a consortium of consultants, Foreshore Architects, on the Cape Town International Convention Centre
Officially opened on June 28th 2003, The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is the city's first international-standard conference facility. Set in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the CTICC offers a purpose built, state-of-the-art convention facility with high tech infrastructure.
The centre has been meticulously designed with the most modern amenities and technology as important ingredients. Flexibility is crucial for conference organisation, and this has been achieved in the CTICC's hi-tech facilities - all of which are accommodated under a single roof
Extract from www.capetowntravel.com
V&A WATERFRONT MARINA RESIDENTIAL, Cape Town , for V&A Waterfront 1997-present
Currently Revel Fox and Partners are the appointed architects of a residential development in the Cape Town waterfront precinct. The Waterfront Marina, which is the residential component of the V&A Waterfront, is located in an urban context and is a model of inner city housing.
The aesthetic and design of the buildings is contemporary but reflects the marine character of the environment in which it is located. The master plan is based around the development of a canal linking the city to the Waterfront on a vibrant developed route. The housing component includes on site underground parking and extensive landscaping as core features.
As a housing model this project demonstrates the ability to create a highly populated typology and retain essential qualities that produce humane and desirable living spaces. The development is up market in character but reflects the fundamentals of hi-rise housing development that remain constant across the spectrum of housing at various income levels.
NEW WINE CELLAR, Helderberg, 2001 For Morgenster Estate
Since initial cellar design was one in early 1998, Revel Fox And Partners presented their final image and design in the latter part of 1999. my appointment as wine maker without a facility happened in September 1999. the secondary part of my early appointment was to oversee the building project and assist the professional team in recommendations from a technical and winemaking point of view. What a privilege, but also a huge responsibility, I thought, until I met the team I was going to have the pleasure to work with. Their approach was technical, kept the process flow in mind at all times and kept the aesthetics in mind throughout the design and project process.
Extract from letter by Marius L. Latergan
Morgenster and Lourens River valley Winemaker, Morgenster estate Cellar master
NEW CONFERENCE CENTRE, Cape Town, 2000, For the Vineyard Hotel, Newlands
Fox's response is a direct result of its location and the diverse functional requirements. It is a compact structure, comprising a basement and two floors that offer permutations of between two and seven conference venues. It is linked to the hotel complex by a long gallery, which provides access to the lift, toilets, kitchen, bar, servery and the hotel itself.
The interiors owe something to Scandinavian aesthetics, exemplified in Eriksson's concert hall, where walls and ceilings were lined in wood. Here the interiors are consciously minimal and monochromatic. Gallery, floor and stairs are of natural stone, beautiful travertine marble in polished and rough textures, to differentiate interior and exterior. Wood panelling on walls, sliding and partition doors and ceilings continue the monothematic theme. A carpet, modelled on the ancient Greek mosaic design occurring in the Basilica of San Marco in Venice, offers a functional solution to conference venue floors.
Contrary to introverted, windowless conference venues, here large view windows take advantage of the spectacular prospect of the mountain and trees. Sun control is being handled by an external cage of balconies and latticed screens on which climbers will be encouraged to grow.
Extract from South African architect September/ October 2000
NEW SPA AND ACCOMODATION, Cape Town, 2003, For the Vineyard Hotel, Newlands
Further developments at the Vineyard Hotel in 2003 have included the ongoing construction of a new spa and luxury accommodation at the hotel. The building programme includes the construction of a new spa building consisting of a pool bar/restaurant ,a gymnasium, ablutions, a new indoor pool and associated change rooms and various treatment rooms. The accommodation component of the new buildings consists of nine luxury suites and five luxury spa rooms . the project is scheduled for completion in early 2004.
REFURBISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL CHAMBER OF PROVINCES, Cape Town , 2002 ,for the National Parliament of South Africa and the Department of Public Works
Revel Fox and Partners have recently completed the refurbishment of The National Chamber of Provinces in the Parliamentary complex Cape Town . The approach to the project was based on the reflection of a new provincial structure in the arrangement of the chamber with due respect for the existing institution and buildings. The scope of the project included the reconfiguration of the chamber layout with the installation of new desks and seating and the further installation of state of the art Information technology infrastructure. The result is a chamber carefully balanced between the modern dispensation and organisation and the continuation of an established history of debate and legislative process.
NEW PARLIAMENT VISITORS CENTRE AND REFURBISHMENT OF ENTRANCES, Cape Town, 2000 for the National Parliament of South Africa and the Department of Public Works
In 2000 Revel Fox and partners completed a new Visitors Centre at the parliamentary complex and refurbished entrances to all the buildings in the Parliamentary complex. The objective of this exercise was to bring into line the existing entrances with modern access procedures and standards. The establishment of a single point of access to the entire parliamentary precinct allowed the increase efficiencies and monitoring of visitors to the complex. The new visitors centre was an internal refurbishment of a disused post office with access from Plein Street. Security points, ablutions and an extension were all part of the brief to be accommodated in a relatively small space. The solution was one based on function and process with a minimalist approach to the organisation and finishing of spaces. The surfaces due to the nature of their use are hardwearing and durable. The project included the establishment of new internal and external signage on the complex.
WESBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL, Kuilsriver, 2003, For Provincial Administration Western Cape
Designed around a central forum space and accommodating two enclosed outdoor area, the planning for the Wesbank Primary school addresses the functional and social needs of the surrounding community. With emphasis placed on security flexibility and accommodation. The planning of the institution provides spaces capable of accommodating multiple uses and differing numbers of pupils. From the entry of the young scholars at the onset of the learning day the pupils are easily monitored and comfortably contained within the environs of the school. Well monitored access points and visual contact from raised walkways allows the staff to observe the movements of pupils and discourage the unwelcome presence of external influences to this the most vulnerable group in our society. The school is an example of the quality and durability desirable in contemporary learning environments.
SIVUYILE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, Gugulethu, 2002, For Provincial Administration Western Cape
The Sivuyile Technical College project consisted of the production of a campus planning framework based on the merger of further education and training facilities in the Western Cape. The product of the exercise was a detailed and comprehensive document outlining the future needs and recommendations on the process to be initiated in order to fulfil said objectives. From these recommendations were identified immediate shortfalls to be addresses in minor building works on the campus and renovations to the campus that would yield significant benefits. These needs were addressed in a short building programme that provided facilities lacking on the campus including new teaching facilities, a new canteen, external meeting areas and new ablutions. The programme was further expanded to include an extensive renovation of the existing campus.