PROJECTWATCH
PROPOSED, CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND ABROAD
JEWEL CITY, JOHANNESBURG CBD
PROJECTVIEW
TREE TOPS, HOUGHTON
Located between the suburbs of
Houghton and Rosebank, the Tree
Tops residential development is
perched on top of a podium over-
looking
Johannesburg’s
lush
canopy - providing a leafy setting
whilst remaining a mere 10-minute
walk from public transport and
Rosebank. Comprising 131 one,
two
and
three-bedroom
units
as well as penthouse suites, the
apartments are positioned around
a central landscaped garden inclu-
ding a clubhouse and lap pool.
Referencing the world’s largest
urban
forest,
the
façade
was
inspired by light observed through
trees, and the manner in which it
is filtered in between branches and
tree trunks. This also influenced
the introduction of warm white
walls enriched with dark accents
and subtle textures, from stone
cladding to metal screens.
All elements have been carefully
crafted
to
create
sophisticated
and welcoming living spaces. The
spacious apartments are defined
by a timeless colour palette, clean
lines and exceptional detailing and
feature premium finishes, walk-in
wardrobes and private patios.
GASS Architecture Studios has revealed their design for the R1.2bn redevelopment
of the Jewel City precinct in Johannesburg’s CBD by Divercity Urban Property Fund.
This massive urban redevelopment project on the outskirts of the Maboneng Precinct
in Joburg’s eastern CBD will breathe new life into the previously walled-off former centre
of the diamond and precious metals trade in Johannesburg. The complex consists of six
city blocks of industrial buildings, some dating back to the 1930s. The entire area was
closed off to the public in the mid-90s and has remained an isolated and forgotten node
for decades. Jewel City involves the reinvention of this pre-existing industrial complex
as an open, vibrant mixed-use precinct that will introduce a socially and economically
more sustainable dimension and new diversity to early inner-city rejuvenation projects
such as the Maboneng Precinct.
Catalytic Project
The developers see Jewel City as a catalytic project that will enhance the eastern CBD’s
urban potential, introducing crucial facilities that include new affordable residential space,
a school, healthcare and retail facilities such as pharmacies and a supermarket, a gym and
other recreational facilities that help to sustain an inclusive, prosperous and wholesome
urban social, economic and cultural life in the inner city. Jewel City has been envisioned
as an opportunity to undo apartheid-era spatial divides and transform the inner city in a
way that also addresses much needed access to resources and economic opportunities
in the face of a dire need for housing.
Conversion of Existing Buildings
Blocks One, Two and Three of the complex are situated between Fox Street and
Commissioner Street, and Blocks Four, Five and Six are situated south of Fox Street. The
architectural brief involved repurposing the existing industrial buildings, which includes
the conversion of Block One into apartments, Block Two into a commercial building and
Block Four into a retail block. Block Five will be a commercial conversion. Block Three
will receive minor refurbishments and will form part of a second phase along with the
redevelopment of Block Four. Block Six is an empty city block that will house a new
13-storey residential building and a new public square.
The existing buildings will not be substantially altered externally, although their
façades will be refurbished, repaired and decorated with local artwork. Particularly
in the residential conversion (Block One), the central shafts have been enlarged and
additional openings have been punched into the central cores of the building to improve
Developer: Tricolt
Architect: dhk
12
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