OVERVIEW

This was a greenfields site that was rezoned from a residential 1 to business 4 category, with a Gross Lettable Area of 4 800 sqm on a site of 8 000 sqm.

OUR ROLE

Following a comprehensive architectural brief, the buildings were expertly designed by KPFA. Special cognisance was taken of the beautiful trees on the property; some of which were 20 to 30 years old and irreplaceable.

The challenge was to design a commercially competitive building that would be integrated into the parklike space creating a feel of openness and space whilst also providing tenants their and clients with access to the gardens. This goal was motivated by our extensive research into the link between green spaces and employee productivity. With this idea in mind, first floor units were designed to evoke a feeling of being in the trees located in close proximity to the buildings. Additionally first floor units were afforded access to the gardens via the fire escapes, with each unit having a number of unique viewing points that look over various design aspects of the buildings.

In order to preserve the trees, the buildings were designed around them. We also reduced the coverage and gross lettable area in order to respect the environment and create a unique parklike offering.

THE BRIEF

This development was done according to a comprehensive architectural brief. The challenge was to design a commercially competitive building that would be integrated into the parklike space.

OUTCOME

The design objectives were successfully achieved; with each ground floor unit having direct access to the gardens. We integrated the interior work space with the outside environment, by linking the extensive decks and balconies to the garden to make them an extension of the useable space.