The Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (University of Pretoria), with its unique rural ambiance, is located on the Onderstepoort Campus north of Pretoria. The campus has its own amenities and teaching facilities, inclusive of student and staff accommodation. Block A, the oldest student residence on the campus, was completed in 1923.
HPA was appointed to oversee the full restoration and refurbishment of the historic node of the student residences and dining hall, with services (electrical and wet services) upgraded to a contemporary and sustainable model.
The client brief also highlighted the need to create a student hub that included recreation and circulation spaces for students. Landscaping, new covered walkways with bicycle sheds, and external landscaped patios formed an integral part of the new design in order to provide students with a safe and user-friendly environment. Student graffiti in two of the building basements, as well as a collection of animal trophies and old traffic signs, were preserved to reflect the student culture and history.
In 2022 the South African Landscape Institute (SALI) awarded a Double Gold medal under the category “Landscape Construction with Design by Others” and Gold medal for “water wise usage of plant material” to the project.
