because not only do they produce the building but they also build it. Therefore as soon
as our first designs were prepared, the client was called in for a design workshop. In this
workshop we thrashed out concepts as well as details so that by the time the design was
finalised, drawings were rapidly produced and the construction process is usually quite
flawless.
The site
The site was formerly a residential suburb of northern Johannesburg through which
the M1 highway was cut. This left single residential properties right on the edge of
the highway. Not ideal for living but a very ideal environment for the enhancement of
property values.
The site was chosen for this development because of its proximity to major arterials,
being Corlett Drive and Louis Botha Avenue and highways the M1 and the N1 via the
Corlett Drive off-ramp which is a mere 200m from the site. It is also close to the Melrose
Arch development and to numerous golf courses, shopping centres and schools in the
area. Useful for parents taking their children to school early in the morning and then
proceeding to work.
The building had to make an impact and be visible from the highway. This presented a
serious challenge, because in order to do this, the main façade would have to overlook
the highway and a beautiful park beyond and this orientation is due west. [