Ateljee Architects, under the leadership of Daniel Bezuidenhout, delivered three distinct yet unified spaces in the heart of Walmer township—an incubator for young entrepreneurs, crafted from repurposed shipping containers and two existing RDP houses; a double-storey Montessori pre-school; and our Changemaker Academy, an educational multipurpose centre. Each building has its own unique visual identity, yet they speak the same architectural design language, and their look-and-feel now form the identity and culture of our organisation.

The designs are state-of-the-art in function and form, tailored precisely to our needs. They sit comfortably within the township’s landscape—using familiar materials such as corrugated iron, pallet wood, and echoing the vernacular aesthetic—while introducing a modern, timeless appeal. This balance has drawn attention from people around the world, yet the spaces never feel alien to the local community.

Construction was managed with deep local involvement—engaging community voices, consulting our team, and hiring local labour. The process was inclusive and collaborative, sensitive to local SMMEs, and patient in consultation. Planning and execution were efficient and timely, without compromising quality or participation.