Somerset House Heritage and Urban Design Framework
Somerset House School, Somerset West 

“The beautiful buildings and oak trees are a valued and important part of the ethos of Somerset House. Undoubtedly this tranquil environment fosters an appreciation of beauty within the children.”
Somerset House School Website

Located in the historic Cloetenburg homestead, one of the oldest farmsteads in Somerset West, the buildings and grounds of Somerset House Preparatory School form a highly significant local heritage resource. Through a holistic process which took into consideration not only heritage imperatives, but also the site's long-term practical sustainability as well as spatial and aesthetic quality, Urban Concepts developed a Heritage and Urban Design Framework which provided the School with an overall strategy to inform the conservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings and spaces; improve the functionality and flow of the campus; and guide the appropriate addition of new buildings and facilities.

The framework encouraged opening up views to the historic buildings and strengthening of historical axes through treed avenues and landscaping. It was proposed that the clarity of defining elements such as outbuildings and werf walls be restored and that the landscape within the werf be simplified, enhancing this historic space. The result was greater visual continuity as well as improved pedestrian flow and connectivity. As part of this process, design indicators were produced to inform the siting and design of a new multi-functional hall and a new classroom block. The indicators also guided the rehabilitation of two historic outbuildings, the Ould Hall (former stables) and Guild Hall (former cellar) into an art room and knowledge centre.

It was a pleasure returning to the school some years after the completion of the architectural projects and implementation of the masterplan to see how the trees and landscape have grown, causing the buildings to blend into their environment in manner which feels wonderfully natural and unassuming. The buildings and spaces are in excellent condition and remarkably well cared for which is testimony to the pride the School takes in their campus.

Typology                           
Education, heritage, urban design

Client                                 
Somerset House Preparatory School

Location                            
Somerset West, Western Cape

Year                                    
Completed in 2011

Team                                  
Urban Concepts - urban design and heritage research
Graham Jacobs - heritage

Image credits                   
Drawings and graphics by Urban Concepts
Historic photographs - unknown
Completed project photographs by Andrea van der Spuy Photography and Urban Concepts