A prestigious win for South African design
Hubo Studio, a leading architectural practice based in Johannesburg, has achieved global recognition at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025. Their Redhill Early Learning Centre scooped the coveted award for Best Use of Natural Light, a triumph that underscores the studio’s reputation for pushing boundaries in innovative, educational architecture. The WAF, the largest live-judged architectural awards programme worldwide, celebrates excellence across built and unbuilt projects. Remarkably, only two South African firms were shortlisted this year, making Hubo Studio’s victory for their creative approach a significant milestone for South African design.
Child-centred excellence in education design
The Redhill Early Learning Centre, delivered in 2024, is transforming early childhood education for South African children aged three to seven. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, the centre fosters curiosity, exploration and creativity. Key features include flexible studios and dedicated atelier spaces. An inviting central piazza and outdoor learning landscapes seamlessly encourage play and collaboration.
This bespoke environment has become a model for how architecture can actively support early learning and development, prioritising children’s needs and nurturing their growth.
A year of accolades for Hubo Studio
This WAF award caps a landmark year for Hubo Studio and its founder, Asher Marcus. Earlier this year Marcus received South Africa’s National Arts & Culture Award (NACA) for his contributions to educational design. Accolades like these firmly place Hubo Studio as a leader in future-forward, child-focused architecture.
Harnessing natural light amidst challenges
Hubo Studio’s win for Best Use of Natural Light comes at a time when South Africa faces ongoing energy challenges. The project reimagines natural light as a critical design feature. This is carefully considered through three powerful lenses:
Light as necessity: Ensuring learning continues even during load shedding.
Light as material: Creating textured, atmospheric spaces that inspire.
Light as feeling: Promoting warmth, focus and joy for young learners.
The jury praised the design’s ability to modulate light and shadow, giving children adaptable and choice-filled environments that enhance their educational experience. ‘Exuberant and joyful,’ the judges noted, reflecting the studio’s deep engagement with the students, teachers and leadership at Redhill School.
With a focus on children’s environments and educational spaces, Hubo Studio has redefined how architecture serves communities. From their Johannesburg base, they are shaping inspiring, imaginative and functional spaces that place children at their heart.
