The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) recently announced the winners of the 2023/24 Corobrik SAIA Awards of Merit and Excellence, in partnership with Coverland.  

Hosted at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg, the ceremony also saw the inauguration of the 72nd SAIA president, Arch. Claire McCusker. In her address, McCusker emphasised the need to build a collective cohesive community for architects. 

Incoming SAIA president, Arch. Claire McCusker, gave an honest and heartfelt address to the members, emphasising the need to build a collective cohesive community for architects.

“No community can be cohesive without mutual respect. A common vision and mission for SAIA, and a belief that showing up and being present in this space, have value,” said McCusker. 

Awards presentation 

The 2023/24 Corobrik Awards of Merit and Excellence were presented for the first time in partnership with Coverland.  

SAIA received 68 architectural submissions and 31 of these projects received recognition with either a Commendation, Award of Merit and/or Award for Excellence. 

2023/24 winners 

The winners of the 2023/24 Corobrik SAIA Awards of Merit and Awards for Excellence, in partnership with Coverland, are: 

SALT Architects walked away with the first-ever Coverland Concrete Roof Tile Award for Excellence for its Calling Academy Stellenbosch project. Image credit: Nudge Studio

Commendations 

• Additions to Calling Academy Stellenbosch by SALT Architects.
• Amani by Veld Architects.
• Bela-Bela Farmhouse by JVR Architects and Interiors.
• Dune House by KLG Architects
• Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management Administration Building by MMA Design Studio.
• Faculty of Science: BioPhy Precinct Post-Graduate Centre by Kate Otten Architects.
• House Bellamy by GOTTSMANN Architects.
• Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal by Elphick Proome Architecture.
• Nelson Mandela University, Ocean Sciences Campus Extensions by SVA International.
• New replacement school: Willows Primary School by Neil Franks Architecture.
• Park House by W Design Architecture Studio CC.
• Radisson RED, Rosebank, by dhk Architects.
• Restoration of Beit Midrash Morasha Synagogue by Metropolis.
• Sol Plaatje University, Humanities and Heritage Studies Building by MMA Design Studio.
• The Yards by Hubo Studio.
• The Rescue Restoration of the Historic Town Centre of Wupperthal by TV3 Architects and Town Planners.

Awards of Merit: 

Esse Academy by Koop Design received an Award of Merit. Image credit: Koop Design

• Atrium House by Drew Architects.
• Corner of Loft and Heights Project by Mayat + Hart Architects

The Corner of Loft and Heights Project by Mayat + Hart Architects received an Award of Merit. Image credit: Papercut Photography

• Esse Academy by Koop Design.
• Forest Hideaway by Urbis Architects.
• House of the Big Arch by Frankie Papps Int.
• House Potgieter by Earthworld Architects.
• Lapalala Wilderness School by Local Studio.
• Nike Shapa Soweto by C76 Architecture and Design.

Nike Shapa Soweto by C76 Architecture and Design received both an Award of Merit and an Award for Excellence. Image credit: C76 Architecture and Design

• The River Retreat, Camps Bay, by Mark Thomas Architects.
• Sol Plaatje University, New Auditorium and Office Building by URBA Architects and URBAN Designers.
• The Folly by Common Architecture.
• Creating Coromandel: Marco Zanuso in South Africa by Arthur Barker Architect. 
• “Threads” by Kate Otten Architects.

Awards of Merit for the Coverland Concrete Roof Tile Award for Excellence: 

• Additions to Calling Academy Stellenbosch by SALT Architects.
• Multi-Purpose Hall and Aquatic Centre by Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers.

Awards for Excellence: 

The Folly by Common Architecture was awarded both an Award for Merit and an Award for Excellence. Image credit: Stephanie Veldman

• The Folly by Common Architecture.
• Lapalala Wilderness School by Local Studio.

Lapalala Wilderness School by Local Studio was honoured with both an Award of Merit and an Award for Excellence. Image credit: Sean Gibson

• Nike Shapa Soweto by C76 Architecture and Design.
• The River Retreat, Camps Bay, by Mark Thomas Architects.
• Creating Coromandel: Marco Zanuso in South Africa by Arthur Barker Architect.
• “Threads” by Kate Otten Architects.

Winning both an Award of Merit and an Award for Excellence, The River Retreat, Camps Bay, by Mark Thomas Architects. Image credit: David Malan

Coverland Concrete Roof Tile Award for Excellence: 

SALT Architects walked away with the first-ever Coverland Concrete Roof Tile Award for Excellence, claiming the prize valued at R150 000 for a trip to the World Architecture Festival (WAF), which is taking place in Singapore on 6-8 November 2024. 

SAIA expressed its thanks to the sponsors of the 2023/24 awards programme, Corobrik and Coverland, for their partnership and support of the architectural profession. 

Full thanks and acknowledgement go to www.saia.org.za for the information in this article.  

View the awards event on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRk0Y098uag.