Courtyard Stretch Tent at Groote Schuur Hospital

Behind Cape Town’s famous Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa is a building used for functions and events. Working with a local partner, RHI designed and manufactured a 150 m² custom stretch tent to extend the indoor venue into its courtyard.

The heritage setting came with a clear restriction: the tent could not attach directly to the building. The venue liked the idea of rolled permanent poles, positioned as close to the facade as possible. That preference became an important part of the design, supporting the membrane independently while complementing its curved form.

The finished tent creates a practical and attractive outdoor space alongside the existing architecture. The shaped roof and curved supports give the courtyard a distinctive appearance, with access still open between the venue, steps and lawn.