NZASM Waterval Boven

Waterval Boven is a town established expressly as a NZASM settlement, and even today at its heart are the arrays of extant NZASM structures. The imposing yet stark NZASM Administrative building lies at its centre.

The NZASM Headquarters Building, Waterval Boven, is a strictly utilitarian structure and the only administrative building constructed by the NZASM outside the environs of Pretoria. While not displaying any of the style elements of the eclectic Dutch period termed ‘Wilhelmiens,’ such as the so-called ‘streaky-bacon’ colour banding or stepped or elaborate gables of some of its neighbours, it demonstrates the fine craftsmanship and exacting standards for which the NZASM structures are known, and that combination of both local and imported materials which make it unique to the period and place. Its foundation stone bears the names of two important personages of the time, namely the Chief Engineer of the NZASM, C van der Made and MCA Meischke, one of the regular contractors for the NZASM. This building was unfortunately razed by fire during local government protests at the start of 2016.

Single Quarters [Pic 1]
A good example of staff housing for single employees. Now converted into a public library.

Doctor’s Residence [Pic 2]
This building, erected in 1899, differs from all other NZASM constructed houses in the town as it is constructed of brick, with characteristic stepped gable. The architect is not recorded but the contractor was Giuseppi Dreosti and was probably a private commission.

NZASM Official’s Residence [Pic 3]
A sandstone structure with a spout gable. Spandrel lunettes of decorative encaustic tiles also distinguish the styling.

Married Quarters [Pic 4]
Typical sandstone semi-detached houses for married employees.

Architects:
NZASM: Nederlandsche Zuid-Afrikaansche Spoorweg-Maatschappij

Sources:
Artefacts (accessed 28 April 2016).