KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium

2013
Botanic Gardens, Durban

D&A Architects
Team: Ivor Daniel, Patrick Surmon

The early 19th-century glasshouse, originally used as a propagation house, had fallen into disuse for many years and was scheduled for demolition. The Heritage Authority required a detailed record of the building and its mechanical equipment.

The timber structural frame was in an advanced state of decay, presenting a significant challenge in documenting the elements supporting the glass roof. Careful measurement and photographic recording were undertaken to capture the building’s condition and construction details.

These records were used to prepare detailed drawings for archival purposes and to assess the potential reuse of salvaged components in the construction of a new glasshouse.