SITEPLAN
Design Components
The building comprises of the following
basic components and facilities:
A basement, accommodating vehicle
parking, mechanical and electrical plant,
ramps and circulation areas. A ground
floor level (level 1), accommodating
vehicle and bicycle parking, vehicle and
two pedestrian entrances (all secured),
the admin facilities, the lower level of
the common study hall, a small cafeteria,
ramps and circulation areas.
Levels 2 to 8 accommodate the upper
level of the common study hall (at level
2), three common recreational areas
(at level 8), a state-of-the-art laundry
(at level 8 ), 322 student apartments
(spread over levels 2 to 8) and circulation
areas. The roof houses roof gardens and
entertainment areas, including braais as
well as a drying yard.
52
Each unit comprises of bedrooms,
bathrooms, a kitchen and a small living
area. Each bedroom is fully furnished and
accommodates only one student. This is
done in order to ensure optimum privacy for
each student and to enhance their learning
environment. Each bathroom is shared
by a maximum of two students, again to
ensure optimum privacy and comfort. All
bathrooms are mechanically ventilated.
A large number of the units are also
provided with covered balconies leading
off from the kitchen come living areas.
The balconies on the western façade
include specially designed shading devices
as part of the solution to Part XA of the
NBR. These devices also serve as a very
prominent architectural feature.
A further feature of the design is
that various internal services were not
concealed in ducts or behind covers,
thus resulting in a very industrial like
look and feel.
Main Contractor Challenges
As the main contractor for the Apartments
on William contract Tri-Star Construction
were faced with numerous challenges:
The site was located in an upmarket
residential area and care had to be taken
due to the proximity of the neighbouring
properties. Noise levels had to be
monitored and certain trades could only
be completed at specified times.
Site access was extremely limited
and storage and stacking of material
on site had to be carefully co-ordinated
along with all delivery of materials. This
was especially so after Phase 1 had
been handed over as safe access had to
be maintained at all times for students
and residents.
Apartments on William