Zutari provided structural, civil, wet and façade engineering services for the 7,100 m² museum complex. The design features asymmetrical, interlinked buildings positioned along the northern slope of the hill, representing a cluster of boulders typical of many African landscapes. The complex houses interactive exhibits that trace South Africa’s history over 3.6 billion years, as well as an archive area, visitors’ centre and canteen.

Given the site’s steep terrain, Zutari’s engineering input was essential in realising the architect’s concept while ensuring structural integrity. This involved designing a series of technically demanding retaining walls and multilevel structures that followed the mountain’s natural contours to create a fluid, walkable visitor route.

Collaboration was key. Zutari worked closely with the Office of Collaborative Architects (OCA) consortium to ensure that the structural design aligned with the aesthetic intent. Advanced 3D modelling techniques were used to achieve the intricate geometries of the multifaceted façades.

Structural steel was selected as the primary construction material due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness, as well as its ability to accommodate complex forms. The main construction system comprised a multilevel concrete frame supporting the exhibition floors, with an upper level of braced steel frames. A secondary system of angle frames allowed the sculpting of the rock-like shapes envisioned by the architects, while also enabling late design changes with relative ease. This efficient and innovative approach allowed the fast-track project to be completed within 24 months.