2016 SAPOA
Innovative Excellence in
Property Development Awards
JUDGES
Pieter Engelbrecht
Growthpoint Properties
Andries Schoeman
Delta Property Fund
Anthony Orelowitz
The Paragon Group
Beata Kaleta
DSA Architects
Christian Roberg
Abland
Corné de Leeuw
DelQS Quantity Surveyors
and Property Valuers
Craig Sutherland
Sutherland
Multidisciplinary Engineers
Dean Narainsamy
AECOM
Hashim Bham
BTKM Quantity Surveyors
Itumeleng Mothibeli
Vukile Property Fund
John Truter
WSP Group Africa Structures
John Williamson
MDS Architects
Ken Reynolds
Nedbank
Nonku Ntshona
Nonku Ntshona & Associates
Quantity Surveyors
Queen Mjwara
Eris Property Group
Rudolf Nieman
Sterikleen
Sam Silwamba
Old Mutual South Africa
Sandi Mbutuma
Azzoro Quantity Surveyors
Stuart Gibbs
Zenprop Property Holdings
Wessel van Dyk
Bentel Associates International
Zinon Marinakos
DSA Architects International
6
OVERALL WINNER | REFURBISHMENTS (CO-WINNER) | HERITAGE
Lion Match Office Park
T
he Lion Match Office Park is a redevelopment project that has rejuvenated an old
warehouse into refurbished commercial space. The office park is located off the
busy Umgeni Road adjoining the Kings Park and Moses Mabhida Stadium, and
both Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (formerly NMR Avenue) and the M4 link the northern
suburbs with the precinct.
Property development and construction group, JT Ross, bought the 90-year old
site more than 10 years ago when Lion Match moved its manufacturing operations
to Gauteng.
Rejuvenation of the site began under the guidance of Dean Jay Architects, one of
the many A Grade tenants based at the premises.
Its unique mixture of old and new architecture marries perfectly with older buildings
such as the Durban Country Club and high profile new developments such as the
Moses Mabhida Stadium. The decision to transform it into a dedicated office complex
is in keeping with the international trend of transforming used, historical locations into
quirky modern facilities where existing industrial features, brickwork and design are
complemented by modern elements such as glass and steel.
The end result is a refitted rather than a brand new space that has a vintage, almost
retro factory or warehousing look.
The property is a heritage site and is unique in its historical architecture and iconic
landmarks. As such, history and sustainable design have formed the basis of the project.
The original 21,000m 2 property contained a mixture of commercial and industrial space.
2013 saw the start of the redevelopment of this space into an urban business environment.
Listed as an AMAFA heritage site, construction of the new buildings and refurbishment
of the existing buildings was carefully monitored, with the architects opting to blend the
old and new buildings seamlessly, yet with pertinent distinguishing features.
The now 26,000m 2 office park is a combination of office space, cafes, medical
facilities and various other services. The redevelopment included a new parking garage
and a modern office building, designed according to provincial heritage agency, AMAFA’s,
requirements and in keeping with the area.
The new, contemporary office building is an impressive six-storey structure on the
eastern side of the property, which comprises a parkade and office block - the top level
of which houses the offices of JT Ross. The southern side of this has an immense 18m
high face brick wall which proved to be a significant design challenge for the architects.
Where possible reclaimed bricks from original buildings on site were reused. In
instances where this was not possible, new brickwork echoed the industrial feel of the
original buildings whilst still emphasising the modern aspects of the design. The older
buildings have also retained the original English bond brickwork pattern on the plinth
which correlates with a number of the signature building aspects such as the ‘signage
SAPOA Awards