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The country’s first mass timber dome and the world’s first three-dimensional mass timber dome currently being erected in Green Point Urban Park is nearing completion.
The domed educational space, imitating a Khoe dwelling, forms part of the City’s Experiential Education Garden (EEG), and is set to be completed at the end of the month (April).
The dome will feature a permanent Khoekhoen exhibition and offer educational programmes to share the history of the First Nations People (Khoisan, Khwe and San). It will also serve as an outdoor environmental education space for learners and a safe place for visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
The latest finishing touches that were added include a curved moulded glass dome of 2 m wide, 16 mm thick and 155 kg in weight installed at the top of the domed structure to provide ventilation.
Visualised and designed by architect Derek Kock from DKA Architects and his team, and built by David Marks and his team from MEWA Engineering, the dome is aimed at acknowledging the heritage and culture of First Nation groups.
Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and the environment, said the dome represented cutting-edge mass timber engineering and construction internationally.
The structure also boasts a three-dimensional timber glue laminated spiral light of 9,5 metres.
According to Andrews, the dome is the first mass timber structure to employ the use of three-dimensional ply internationally.
And the first roof to use curved steel plates to form a perfect three-dimensional roof, making use of geometry that has not been used for more than 60 years.
“It is 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.”
Andrews said he is proud of the project, and once it is completed the facility will be a “magnificent feature” in the park.
“The addition of the Khoi-dome structure, exhibition and lesson elements will further enhance the EEG’s offering to all visitors,” said Andrews.
James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, said the park, which is managed by the Economic Growth Directorate’s Strategic Assets Department, is one of Cape Town’s most beloved spaces, attracting over 1 million visitors a year.
“This fantastic three-dimensional mass timber dome is an incredible addition that celebrates Khoi heritage and will complement the interactive, fun, and beautiful elements that park visitors currently enjoy.
“We encourage the public to look out for this feature when they visit the park and don’t forget to take photographs.”
However, some indigenous groups feel they were not consulted to provide input regarding the project.
Chief! Garu Zenzile Khoisan, chair of the Western Cape First Nations Collective (WCFNC), a registered indigenous umbrella body of Khoikhoi organisations, said the group was in favour of “authentically celebrating” the foundational culture of South Africa’s first people “that has been largely removed” from the national narrative.
“The one thing that has to happen with any celebration of a heritage nation is that it has to reflect a proper authentic narrative and must involve the people and the structures at the coalface of the resurgence movement.
“I can certainly say that as the WCFNC we were not consulted about the dome. We have a significant number of structures and leadership that constitute the collective, and I can attest that our people have not been engaged.
“If you want to celebrate anything related to the first people you need to engage the people who are legitimately at the coalface of the fight for restitution, restoration and recognition.”
Andrews denied Khoisan’s statement, saying the City ran a comprehensive public participation process last year, which “incorporated several Khoi and Bushman groupings”.
“Since then, the City has also hosted several groupings to discuss the proposed plans for the dome education centre.”
He added a recent meeting was held on Monday 15 April. “The outcome of the public participation process was that we were requested by all groups to submit a proposal to the National Khoi/San Council to give us the go-ahead to develop a Khoi exhibition, information booklet and lesson plans and activities.
“Unfortunately, since then, this council has been defunct. The various Khoi groups have requested to meet again to discuss the best way forward.”
