CLAREMONT EAR INSTITUTE
CLAREMONT, WESTERN CAPE
Completed: Phase 1- 2011 Phase 2 – 2019
SNAPP Team: Sonja; Patrick; Bruce; Clare; Yvette; Tialise
The Claremont Ear institute is situated on a prominent street in the heart of Claremont, Cape Town. The first phase of the building was completed in 2011, and due to the popularity of the branch, the design of a second phase commenced shortly thereafter. The design brief was multi-faceted, with heritage status, access, zoning and security issues all adding to the complexity, however the primary architectural focus was the street interface and branding possibilities that the site offered for the Institute.
The design guides the user on a graduated journey from busy street through to tranquil light filled interior. The first phase of the building is linked to the new extension through a fully glazed walkway, with care taken to ensure that both halves of the building are as architecturally similar in all details as far as possible. Flow and visual connectivity between the two sections of the building had to be handled with care while maximizing usable consulting and testing space within a constrained footprint. As with all Ear Institutes, the acoustic performance of the spaces was of the utmost importance and this was considered first and foremost in design and specifications throughout.
The buildings together comprise of a main street entrance and secondary disabled entrance; reception; two light- bathed waiting areas; six consulting rooms and various testing rooms and service areas.
Photography : Bruce McLean