The Site
The site is located at the corner of Melville and
Ferguson, within the heart of the Northern Illovo’s
proposed regional urban node. The spatial planning
of the proposed urban development framework for
this area promotes the creation of new public urban
squares and a series of mixed use developments
that are linked by a pedestrian spine that promote
a safe and friendly access to mixed use precincts.
The site is easily accessible and located within
close proximity to the Gautrain station and the
Sandton CBD. The site is bordered by Melville on
the western side, Ferguson on the south and a
residential property on the eastern side.
Concept
The building was to respond to the site and
climatic conditions. Whilst the confined nature
of a site measuring 2,478m2 created challenges
and limitations, it also offered opportunities for
the architects to explore creative ways of turning
smaller spaces into generous spaces. The concept
for the offices was to create a desirable space
that is comfortable and a conducive working
environment. This resulted in a cubic design form
in response to the small site constraints, with a
simple, compact geometric structure, carved in
and out to create positive spaces and architectural
elements that define the character of the building.
Each floor plate offers respective tenants generous
access to natural light on each corner end of the
building, creating spaces conducive to facilitating
creative hubs for exchange of ideas and interaction.
was designed and developed by the architects
together with the assistance of Sheerline and the
façade engineers (Paul Howard from Sheerline &
Keith Trowbridge – THS Façade Engineers ).
The composite panel is a façade cladding that is
made up of an Alcobond and galvalume sandwich
panel, with an injected polyurethane foam core and
gypsum board as internal final finish glazed into an
aluminium façade system. The panels, together
with strip windows, form the composition of the
façade, creating a mix of solid and transparent
vertical lines transforming a low-rise building and
creating the perception of a much taller structure.
Since the product was new to the market, it had
to be tested by the SABS prior to it being used
for construction. The façade system offers a high
degree of stability, rigidity and an excellent thermal
building skin.
Façade
The façade system was the first of its kind in South
Africa, where the building envelope is enclosed
with an Alcobond composite panel system which
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