The Greenpoint Educational Dome Project by MEWA is an innovative educational initiative aimed at fostering environmental awareness, sustainability and mass timber building practices. The dome, position in Greenpoint Cape Town, serves as a multi-purpose space for interactive learning, and will form part of the City’s Experiential Education Garden (EEG).
Constructed using eco-friendly materials, the dome is designed to be a model of sustainable architecture. The timber of choice in the construction is locally sourced South African poplar due to its hard-wearing properties. The poplar was sourced from the Karoo, cut to size and air dried. In addition, the construction integrates green technologies such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation to minimize 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 dome's structure consists of 20 laminated beams, each 8.5 meters long, which converge at the top in a massive timber ring. These beams are connected to the central ring using dovetail joints and align with the base brackets anchored into a polished cement base. The top ring itself is a masterpiece, constructed from 20 concentric circular layers of poplar, with each layer composed of 20 segments that are cross-laminated for added strength. The beams are glued, jointed, bolted through the ring, and secured to the center ring, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design.
The creation of a domelike structure inspired by the traditional dwellings of the Khoi, one of South Africa's First Nation groups, was a visionary idea that required a unique architectural approach. The structure will be the first mass timber dome ever to be built in South African and internationally it is the first Three-dimensional mass timber dome to be built. The innovative structure not only honors the cultural heritage of the Khoi but also stands as a remarkable architectural achievement for the country.
For more information, you can visit the Greenpoint Educational Dome Project website.
