UCT Michaelis School of Fine Art

In 2020 a decision was made to restore Michaelis House at UCT Hiddingh Campus. The building houses the UCT School of Fine Art. This beautiful old lady was in desperate need of a proper restoration to bring her back to her prime condition and show off her beauty and fine architecture.

A select team of heritage architects, project managers and specialist contractors were chosen to undertake this very intricate task. Prize was chosen as the main contractor, and under the management of Gavin Prinsloo and Mark Osler, the project began.

The first task was to source rare Afrormosia timber and a master carpenter to recreate the unique shaped dormer windows. The different curved and triangular dormers had up to 10 profiles on each section. these had to be handcrafted in the Prize workshop, set up. specially to create these unique and detailed sections. Lead paned windows were inserted to match the original. Copper roof coverings were formed over the dormers to authenticate the original heritage aspect. The clay fired Brosley tiles were salvaged from a hotel that was demolished in Natal Highlands. The entire project was undertaken while operations still continued inside the building, so a lot of care was taken not to disrupt the students and staff.

After over a year of meticulous and detailed work, the project was finally completed in 2022 to everyones joy and satisfaction. Prize staff and management are honoured to be chosen to undertake this contract and proud to have produced such a beautiful heritage restoration.