BLUE ROOF HEALTH CENTRE

A sports hall built in the 70's that had more recently degenerated into one of Wentworth's infamous clubs was converted to the home of Keep a Child Alive South Africa on a very tight budget. The building allows the client to render day clinic health services to south Durban communities - especially the roll out of ARV's to children with AIDS

The 9m high volume under metal portal frames and metal roofing and side cladding - blue, hence Blue Roof - became the opportunity  for an 'internal' fun experience - more youth club than health centre -  brightly coloured and filled with plants - a forest really - and the sound of running water. New pole and clear sheeting monitors allow natural light and  ventilation into the central volume. Ground floor accommodation includes exam and treatment rooms, a 6 bed day ward and a dispensary as well as waiting areas and admin/reception/records while the upper floor has community meeting rooms, a library and admin offices. A kitchen opens to a double volume on the western most quarter of the original shed  - used for dining and functions. Plans are afoot for the end gable wall to be muralised. The premix parking area on the north of the building has been ripped up and given over to vegetable gardens. A later phase is planned - requiring the housing department to release adjacent unused land for the development parking and a re-orientation of the entrance from the south east and the alteration of unused buildings on the south of the site.