© 2016 The Fold Architecture

The Fold Architecture
News

News

  Chris van Niekerk  

Progress of work to 10 Cheviot Place

2016, Greenpoint, Cape Town

News

News

  Chris van Niekerk  

Progress of work to 10 Cheviot Place

2016, Greenpoint, Cape Town

News

News

  Chris van Niekerk  

Progress of work to House Procter

2016, Greenpoint, Cape Town

News

News

  Chris van Niekerk  

Progress of work to offices for Foord Asset Management (Pty) Ltd, a boutique asset management company with offices in Cape Town and Singapore.

foord.co.za

News

News

  Chris van Niekerk  

Progress of work to offices for Foord Asset Management (Pty) Ltd, a boutique asset management company with offices in Cape Town and Singapore.

foord.co.za

Press

Press Coverage

  Chris van Niekerk  

Wanted Magazine, July 2015:

‘Africandy Design Emporium’

africandy.com

bdlive.co.za/wanted

Press

Press Coverage

  Chris van Niekerk  

Real Estate Magazine June 2015:

‘Boys’ Club’

realestatemagazine.co.za

Press

Press Coverage

  Chris van Niekerk  

Insiderei.com Local Heroes Weltweit Ganz Persönlich, April 2013:

Chris van Niekerk interviewed for German online publication, www.insiderei.com. The online magazine was founded by Austrian travel and lifestyle journalist Robert Kropf three years ago and has since become an influential publication in the German-speaking market.

Elle Decoration, February 2013:

Chris van Niekerk interviewed for Elle Decoration SA’s Deco Trend article called ‘Double Agents’.

 

Realised

Foord Asset Management

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Architecture and Interior fitout

2016, Pinlenads, Cape Town

foord.co.za

Realised

Foord Asset Management

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Architecture and Interior fitout

2016, Pinlenads, Cape Town

foord.co.za

Realised

Foord Asset Management

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Architecture and Interior fitout

2016, Pinlenads, Cape Town

foord.co.za

Realised

House Raeside

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence

2015, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Realised

House Raeside

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence

2015, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Realised

House Raeside

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence

2015, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Realised

House Raeside

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence

2015, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Realised

Crema Design

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Interior & Architecture
2014, Woodstock, Cape Town

The showroom concept is a gallery space. Steering clear of room settings, we placed one or two pieces per plinth at varying heights in four strict rows to give the space structure and make them feel like art on display.

The space was very much a warehouse, which was clad in dry walling to give it a super-slick finish while the original screed floor pays homage to the building’s previous incarnation.

cremadesign.co.za

Realised

Crema Design

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Interior & Architecture
2014, Woodstock, Cape Town

The showroom concept is a gallery space. Steering clear of room settings, we placed one or two pieces per plinth at varying heights in four strict rows to give the space structure and make them feel like art on display.

The space was very much a warehouse, which was clad in dry walling to give it a super-slick finish while the original screed floor pays homage to the building’s previous incarnation.

cremadesign.co.za

Realised

Crema Design

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Interior & Architecture
2014, Woodstock, Cape Town

The showroom concept is a gallery space. Steering clear of room settings, we placed one or two pieces per plinth at varying heights in four strict rows to give the space structure and make them feel like art on display.

The space was very much a warehouse, which was clad in dry walling to give it a super-slick finish while the original screed floor pays homage to the building’s previous incarnation.

cremadesign.co.za

Realised

Crema Design

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Interior & Architecture
2014, Woodstock, Cape Town

The showroom concept is a gallery space. Steering clear of room settings, we placed one or two pieces per plinth at varying heights in four strict rows to give the space structure and make them feel like art on display.

The space was very much a warehouse, which was clad in dry walling to give it a super-slick finish while the original screed floor pays homage to the building’s previous incarnation.

cremadesign.co.za

Realised

Crema Design

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Interior & Architecture
2014, Woodstock, Cape Town

The showroom concept is a gallery space. Steering clear of room settings, we placed one or two pieces per plinth at varying heights in four strict rows to give the space structure and make them feel like art on display.

The space was very much a warehouse, which was clad in dry walling to give it a super-slick finish while the original screed floor pays homage to the building’s previous incarnation.

cremadesign.co.za

Realised

Apartment Reid

  Chris van Niekerk  

Residential Interior
2014, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Alterations to a spacious three-bedroom apartment in an 80’s apartment building with strong structural elements. All concrete was exposed and new timber joinery and lighting is reminiscent of Mid-century modern interiors with funiture from the same period.

Realised

Apartment Reid

  Chris van Niekerk  

Residential Interior
2014, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Alterations to a spacious three-bedroom apartment in an 80’s apartment building with strong structural elements. All concrete was exposed and new timber joinery and lighting is reminiscent of Mid-century modern interiors with funiture from the same period.

Realised

Apartment Reid

  Chris van Niekerk  

Residential Interior
2014, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Alterations to a spacious three-bedroom apartment in an 80’s apartment building with strong structural elements. All concrete was exposed and new timber joinery and lighting is reminiscent of Mid-century modern interiors with funiture from the same period.

Realised

De Oude Schuur

  Chris van Niekerk  

Residential Interior
2014,  Cape Town CBD

Tectonic exporation into basic materials of steel and the rawness of the original concrete structure of the building yield unexpected spatial moments.

Realised

De Oude Schuur

  Chris van Niekerk  

Residential Interior
2014,  Cape Town CBD

Tectonic exporation into basic materials of steel and the rawness of the original concrete structure of the building yield unexpected spatial moments.

Realised

De Oude Schuur

  Chris van Niekerk  

Residential Interior
2014,  Cape Town CBD

Tectonic exporation into basic materials of steel and the rawness of the original concrete structure of the building yield unexpected spatial moments.

Realised

Apartment Wild

  Chris van Niekerk  

Residential Interior
2012, Gardens, Cape Town

In the case of this 45m2 apartment, we took our cue from our client’s interest in theatre and music. Dramatic bands of shades of grey are used as a theatrical device to modulate the space into different zones, whilst distinct joinery elements are inscribed with zigzag lines reminiscent of sound waves in a gestural way.

Lighting sources are all hidden, save for two highly polished copper-pipe pendant luminaries which poke fun at the idea of the source of the light, whilst hinting at an idea of impermanence and whimsy. We also used large mirrors to increase the perception of space to the delight of visitors.

matthewwild.co.za

Realised

Medicape Clinic

  Chris van Niekerk  

Commercial Interior
2011, De Waterkant, Cape Town

We focussed on maintaining a clinical quality, ensuring a sense of austerity and calm for the visitor. The brief called for the small space to appear as large as possible, with an emphasis on pristine details and junctions. The design employs light – both natural and artificial – to render the wall, floor and ceiling planes of the clinic in a restrained and almost ephemeral way.

Transparency and reflection expressed in the use of stainless steel, mirror and glass contain and reveal the limited space within and beyond the reception area which leads to two consultation rooms. As a counterpoint to these abstract materials, natural-oiled oak was used on parts of the floor and desks throughout. The tactile quality of the pebble resin floor invites a physical connection with the space.

The brief extended to the design of the logo, corporate identity and the stationery collateral for the practice.

medicape.co.za

Realised

SABC 3 Hello Doctor

  Chris van Niekerk  

Television Set
2011, Cape Town

The studio for this medical show allowed an altogether more abstract approach to space making. Elements reminiscent of cells or molecular structures recall the information discussed on the show.

The faceted geometric form of an interview desk manufactured in Corian is suggestive of organic structures like bone.

hellodoctor.co.za

Realised

SABC 3 Expresso

  Chris van Niekerk  

Television Studios & Production Offices
2010-2011, Cape Town

The brief from the Client was for the creation of a real functioning space, not a traditional set. Continuous folding wall planes dematerialize the traditional corner, allowing for total spatial integration, essential to the energetic performances of the presenters and cameras moving fluidly from place to place, preventing static areas within the set.

The 400m2 interior space comprises two living rooms, fully functioning kitchen, gym, study and performance area, and back of house programmes and are linked to a 400m2 wrap-around terrace, from which a lot of the show is filmed.

expressoshow.com

Realised

SABC 3 Expresso

  Chris van Niekerk  

Television Studios & Production Offices
2010-2011, Cape Town

The brief from the Client was for the creation of a real functioning space, not a traditional set. Continuous folding wall planes dematerialize the traditional corner, allowing for total spatial integration, essential to the energetic performances of the presenters and cameras moving fluidly from place to place, preventing static areas within the set.

The 400m2 interior space comprises two living rooms, fully functioning kitchen, gym, study and performance area, and back of house programmes and are linked to a 400m2 wrap-around terrace, from which a lot of the show is filmed.

expressoshow.com

Realised

Flying Carpet

  Chris van Niekerk  

Apartment Remodelling
2006, Cape Town
Published in Top Billing Magazine, January 2008

This compact apartment, contained within a listed art-deco building was altered to create a specific relationship between various programmatic zones, inside and outside, using three differing levels, including the installation of a mezzanine. This modulation resulted in spatial interest with a specific focus on material relationships.

Realised

Flying Carpet

  Chris van Niekerk  

Apartment Remodelling
2006, Cape Town
Published in Top Billing Magazine, January 2008

This compact apartment, contained within a listed art-deco building was altered to create a specific relationship between various programmatic zones, inside and outside, using three differing levels, including the installation of a mezzanine. This modulation resulted in spatial interest with a specific focus on material relationships.

Realised

143 Kloofnek Road

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence
2005-2006, Cape Town
Completed as Project Architect for ADK Architects

The classical concepts of base, piano nobile and roof give form to this sizeable house. Abstract surfaces rendered in white are combined with material explorations in a study of Euclidean geometry.

Realised

143 Kloofnek Road

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence
2005-2006, Cape Town
Completed as Project Architect for ADK Architects

The classical concepts of base, piano nobile and roof give form to this sizeable house. Abstract surfaces rendered in white are combined with material explorations in a study of Euclidean geometry.

Realised

143 Kloofnek Road

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence
2005-2006, Cape Town
Completed as Project Architect for ADK Architects

The classical concepts of base, piano nobile and roof give form to this sizeable house. Abstract surfaces rendered in white are combined with material explorations in a study of Euclidean geometry.

Realised

143 Kloofnek Road

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence
2005-2006, Cape Town
Completed as Project Architect for ADK Architects

The classical concepts of base, piano nobile and roof give form to this sizeable house. Abstract surfaces rendered in white are combined with material explorations in a study of Euclidean geometry.

Concept

House Ellis

  Chris van Niekerk  

Private Residence
2011, Fresnaye, Cape Town

By ensuring that all parts of the house are spatially and visually inter-connected, including all outdoor living areas and courtyards, contact is maintained between all parts of the house, so that no area becomes isolated.

The house is, however, protected from the street and neighbours, whilst views towards the ocean, and back to Signal Hill and Lion’s Head are maintained and celebrated, without compromising on the need for security and privacy.

Concept

House Ellis

  Chris van Niekerk  
Concept

Pushkinsky Cinema

  Chris van Niekerk  

‘Changing the Face 2011′ Competition
2011, Moscow
Organised by DuPont™

The facade comprises a series of vertically secured translucent white Corian® fins, each manufactured with a slight curvature and altering depths to allow for an interplay of transparency and obscurity, depending on the user’s viewing position in relation to the building.

The facade is a constantly changing skin, which at once reveals and conceals through the use of light, whilst the abstract white cubic form of the building presents a somber outward appearance inviting further investigation.

Concept

Anglo American

  Chris van Niekerk  

Anglo American Competition
Competition Entry for Members of SACAP
2011, Johannesburg Anglo American Campus

A unifying urban ‘quilt’ extends between all buildings that form part of the campus and beyond. It acts as a non-hierarchical layered surface that links the ground levels of all five buildings, keeping people at street level. It is a continuous surface that adjusts itself to the height of the existing pavements at the extremities of the campus, eliminating the need for any additional devices for access throughout for the mobility-impaired.

The zone between the buildings takes on the function of a public square landscaped in parts in addition to its function as a thoroughfare. In this way a much needed urban space is provided before the street’s termination at the Magistrates court, serving both the campus and courthouse, as well as activating the surrounding streets to the south-west for further urban intervention.

Concept

London Bridge 800

  Chris van Niekerk  

RIBA Open Competition Entry
2009 Honourable Mention
Exhibited during London Bridge Festival, London,
11 July 2009.
Exhibited at CUBE, Manchester,
5 November 2009 –18 December 2009

Starting with a sense of what we did not want to do, the various elements in the environmental assemblage gave rise to a solution.

In contrast to precedents of the type, we became fascinated by the idea that any linear movement system is accompanied by a number of systems, which work against this movement: the opposing currents acting against the stream in the river; the meandering movement of people, despite vectorial intention.

Concept

London Bridge 800

  Chris van Niekerk  

RIBA Open Competition Entry
2009 Honourable Mention
Exhibited during London Bridge Festival, London,
11 July 2009.
Exhibited at CUBE, Manchester,
5 November 2009 –18 December 2009

Starting with a sense of what we did not want to do, the various elements in the environmental assemblage gave rise to a solution.

In contrast to precedents of the type, we became fascinated by the idea that any linear movement system is accompanied by a number of systems, which work against this movement: the opposing currents acting against the stream in the river; the meandering movement of people, despite vectorial intention.

Concept

Wedge

  Chris van Niekerk  

Double Dwelling
2008, Cape Town

A restrictive and awkward footprint in a relatively dense Cape Town suburb yields a compact arrangement of circulation and spatial complexity in this five level, two-apartment dwelling.

The apartments are spatially and programmatically intertwined but exist autonomously. The architectural solution is responsive to use, organisation and form.

About

About

  Chris van Niekerk  

The Fold Architecture was founded in 2008 as a collaborative architectural practice located in Cape Town, South Africa. The practice offers full and partial architectural services, interior design, 3D visualization, marketing material as well as project administration of projects on site, with projects undertaken in the residential, interior, commercial and media sectors. The Fold Architecture is a corporate member of the South African Institute of Architects.

Principal architect Chris van Niekerk completed the B.Arch degree with distinction at the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 2002. He was the recipient of the Corobrik award in 2003, the most sought after architectural award at student level for his thesis entitled ‘Extraneousness’ which was published in ‘Visions of the Future’, by the Royal Institute of British Architecture in 2003.

He was awarded a scholarship for the MSc(Arch) degree at TUDelft in the Netherlands, whilst taking up a position at Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects in London. He then moved to Cape Town, where he gained experience designing multi-use and high-end residential architecture and interiors in collaboration with several local architects. He is a member of SACAP, SAIA and CIA.

 

Contact

Contact

  Chris van Niekerk  

Physical Address
Unit 602 De Oude Schuur
120 Bree Street
Cape Town 8001
South Africa

Postal Address
Box 50777
Waterfront
Cape Town 8002
South Africa

T  +27 21 462 1732
F  +27 86 653 8995

E info@thefold.co.za
www.thefold.co.za

© 2016 The Fold Architecture cc. 2008/157713/23
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