Coverland, in collaboration with the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), proudly announced the winner of the inaugural Coverland Roof Tile Award for Excellence.  

This new sub-category award formed part of the 2023/2024 Corobrik SAIA Award of Merit and Awards for Excellence, in partnership with Coverland.  

The award aims to reward projects that show exceptional application of concrete roof tiles in aspects such as aesthetics and creativity. 

2024 winner 

After touring the country to evaluate the submitted projects, Coverland was pleased to present the Coverland Roof Tile Award for Excellence to SALT Architects for the addition to Calling Academy Stellenbosch. 

As the winner of the award, SALT Architects now has the pleasure of attending the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2024 in Singapore, with the compliments of Coverland. 

The client 

Calling Academy is a non-profit organisation that is providing top-quality education at very low rates to low-income families in South Africa. To sustain this model they rely on funding, where the quality of education is prioritised far above any other needs. 

The budget for the building project was therefore extremely low. The maximum value was required from the minimum amount of input. 

Commenting on the project, Calling Academy said: “As a non-profit organisation, we want to showcase the prudent allocation of funds and top-quality projects to our funders. The consensus of our funders thus far is that the new facilities make them proud to be part of a winning team.” 

The use of concrete roof tiles was a cost-effective solution for the project, which had a very restricted budget. Photo credit: Nudge Studio

Design 

Positioned between the original school building and the sports field, the new section is conceived as a pavilion overlooking the field and its picturesque surroundings.  

The design approach introduces a fresh narrative by integrating contextual forms and materials, while seamlessly incorporating various flexible functions under a continuous tiled roof. These additions breathe new life into the institution without altering the original school structure. 

Extending the roof overhang created verandas that can be used for a number of functions. Photo credit: Southland Photography

Roofing element 

The southern side of the new section features a widened roofed terrace with step-sized seating that leads down to the sports field. The wide roof overhang of the building creates verandas that create opportunities for a wide range of functions.  

Natural light optimisation is prioritised throughout the design. In the staffroom, where direct access to a northern wall for windows is unavailable, a skylight made of Coverland’s Double Roman Clear Tiles that illuminates the space. 

Maximising natural light, a skylight made of Coverland’s Double Roman clear tiles illuminates the space. Photo Credit: Southland Photography

SALT Architects won the inaugural Coverland Roof Tile Award for Excellence, for showing an exceptional application of concrete roof tiles at the Calling Academy Stellenbosch. 

For more information, contact Coverland: 

Tel: +27 11 222 7300 

Email: info.sa@bmigroup.com 

Website: https://www.bmigroup.com/za/