Architect and Builder April 2020 | Page 16

PROJECTVIEW FOUR ON 0, SEA POINT Blok recently launched its latest development, FOUR ON O. The new 33 apartment development concept, built on principles of compact, sustainable design and featuring Blok’s signature Raw finish, is situated on Oliver and Lincoln Roads in Sea Point. The contemporary raw finishes and space-efficient design have improved affordability for would-be investors and owner- apartment and R3,5 million for a two-bedroom apartment, and with features that include a communal braai area and roof deck with a pool, private parking, high-speed internet connectivity and energy- efficient fixtures, FOUR ON O offers an attractive investment while not compromising yield. The development is also anticipated to appeal to those looking to leverage their investment through the rapidly- expanding short-stay letting market. Van Embden attributes the rise of the ‘Airbnb economy’ as a contributing factor in FOUR 8 MERCHANT PLACE, SANDTON 8 Merchant Place is a new multi-use building that will occupy the piazza between the existing RMB campus of buildings and Investec’s head office on the adjacent site in Sandton Central, Johannesburg. The 4 storey structure will house retail, restaurants and RMB’s staff wellness centre on ground floor, a new RMB gym on first floor as well as a creche for RMB’s staff on the third floor. A new entertainment, event and exercise area have been created on the fourth floor. This complex brief is ‘poured’ into the piazza and creates a ‘reactive’ architectural language that sinuously fills the space while using the existing structural grid from the parking below. The new building purposely contrasts the existing architecture, it’s dynamic shape opening new spatial opportunities with what is there. Detailing on the building under the soffits (rendered as green textures in the artists impression) will host artworks commissioned specifically for the building so that it connects to its location in the Think Precinct, a small-scale open-air sculpture garden on the piazza that features works by artists such as Edoardo Villa, Louie Olivier, Angus Taylor and Guy Du Toit amongst others. INVESTEC ON O’s appeal. “Airbnb generated an estimated R8,7 billion in South Africa between 2017 and 2018, reporting a 65% year on year growth, he said.” Thid is an exciting opportunity for savvy investors looking to leverage their investment though short-term rentals. 16 INVESTEC Developer: Eris Property Group Architect: Boogertman + Partners Client: Rand Merchant Bank Due for Completion: 1st Quarter 2021 MULTI STOREY PARKADE 8 MERCHANT PLACE 1 MERCHANT PLACE 3 MERCHANT PLACE from R1,925 million for a studio 4 MERCHANT PLACE occupiers. With prices that start Project Watch