Dennis Hurley Centre

Client

Construction Value

Archbishop Denis Hurley dedicated a great part of his live to defend the rights of the underprivileged, in an extremely difficult and politically turbulent period in the history of South Africa.

The Denis Hurley Centre strives to continue the legacy of Archbishop Denis Hurley. Located in the vibrant Central Durban, a few steps from Warwick Triangle and Victoria Street Market, the building has been conceived as a contemporary facility to uplift and serve the community - a welcoming refuge to all community members regardless of background, faith or nationality.

Catholic Archdiocese

of Durban

R28 million

All internal spaces are arranged around a central atrium. The atrium brings natural light to all circulation spaces across the building thereby improving their spatial quality. It serves as the lung of the building by providing natural ventilation to most internal spaces.

The Denis Hurley Centre envelope has been designed as a uniform breathable skin that maximises natural light and natural ventilation, whilst protecting it from direct sun penetration. This is achieved by providing deeply recessed, long and narrow windows evenly distributed across the North and East facades.

The south façade maximises the view of the adjacent Emanuel Cathedral from the Centre. The highly reflective curtain wall creates subtle reflections of the Cathedral bringing contemporary and heritage architecture together in harmony.

The diverse and multifunctional character of the Denis Hurley Centre blends with the complexity, vibrancy and dynamism of the context and its users - a catalyst to provide hope and aid to those most in need. A living memory of Archbishop Denis Hurley’s legacy.