At a reception held in Cape Town on Tuesday the 8 October 2013,  the seven winners of the Cape Institute for Architecture (CIA) Awards were announced.

According to the CIA Awards Programme,  the awards " seek to foster architectural excellence, and take into account all aspects of the design process, from responding to the client brief as well as overcoming budget and programming constraints (and) acknowledge buildings that set the standards for architectural design in the Western Cape. The awards are  open to all buildings of all scales, types and locations.

"In times of recession, it is very encouraging to see such a high level of design and creativity, despite the difficulties encountered by built environment professionals over the last few years. The winning projects have all been designed sensitively and in context, with interesting and creative solutions to their very different briefs. With three education sector winners on the list this year, it is good to see emphasis placed on creating extraordinary places for learning – and a welcome contrast to the high-end residential sector submissions that have tended to dominate recent years." Says Simmy Peerutin, President of the Cape Institute for Architecture.

Fifty-four entries were received this year for consideration, after much discussion and assessment the panel decided to visit a shortlist of twenty-four projects before finally announcing the final seven winners.

The CIA Award for Architecture winners will go on to compete against the winning projects from all eleven regions in the national South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) Awards next year.

The winning projects this year include an agricultural redevelopment, a tertiary education facility, two schools, and three private homes. All these projects differ in scale and context, from a luxury residence to a rural  setting.

Below are the seven winning projects:

1.) Springfield Pre-School Campus, Fra Angelico Art Centre and Jasper Walsh Art Gallery by Charlotte Chamberlain & Nicola Irving Architect

2.) House at Johannesdal by Henri Comrie Architect & Urban Designer

3.) Renewal & Redevelopment for Agriculture & Tourism Babylonstoren Farm by Malherbe Rust Architects

4.) House Van der Merwe & Coetzee by Meyer & Vorster Architects, Urban Designers & Interior Designers

5.) Unisa Phase 2 by MSa michele sandilands architects

6.) New Additions at St Cyprian's School by Noero Wolff & Noero Architects

7.) De Wet 34, Bantry Bay by SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects