Architect and Builder December 2016 | Page 13

WEX ONE, WOODSTOCK The multi-faceted creative hub of Woodstock is set to become even more desirable with the announcement of a joint residential and retail project by Cape Town property developers Signatura, and Indigo Properties, the owners of the Old Biscuit Mill and Woodstock Exchange. The WEX One project, designed by Vivid Architects, will comprise 217 apartments on six floors, two full floors (and two half levels) of parking, and over 1,500m2 of retail space on the ground floor. Situated directly opposite and closely linked to the creative business community of the Woodstock Exchange, the site is bounded by Albert Road and Davison, Grey and Alexander Streets The residential units, mainly north-facing, will be on floors four to nine, with extensive views of the mountain, city and harbour. They will range from stylish 42m2 studios for R1.4 million (excluding optional parking), to one-bedroom units for 53m2, and twobedroom units spanning 70m2 - 92m2. Project Watch The WEX One design “represents a contemporary and contextual response to the traditional brick warehouses in the area,” said Vivid Architects associate, Charles Louw. “It will adopt the brick, glass and steel of the rail-side industrial warehouses, reformed into a contemporary aesthetic, while still aiming to retain a classic, timeless appeal.” Residents will enjoy access to fibre internet, 24-hour security (apartments will be accessed from a secure lobby) and relaxing internal garden spaces, as well as an on-site pool, gym and laundry. Nikki Wright, senior interior designer at Francois du Plessis Interiors, said the look and feel of the WEX One residential units and public areas will be “eclectic, fresh and funky” – indicative of the area and appealing to a younger clientele. “We will allude to the Woodstock neighbourhood by using furniture and fittings from the designers, artists and craftspeople of Woodstock Exchange, Woodstock Foundry and The Old Biscuit Mill.” The commercial sector of the new development will be treated as an extension of the Woodstock Exchange, renowned as one of the most interesting work and lifestyle spaces in Cape Town. Pedestrian connectivity will be encouraged from the station along Davison Road to Albert Road, said Louw. The ground floor shops will be fronted with 5m steel and glass shopfronts and there will be public access into a highly visible, yet wellprotected internal retail street running parallel to Albert Road. New landscaping and paving will tie this new building to the Woodstock Exchange. Construction starts in May 2017. Developer: Signatura & Indigo Properties Architects: Vivid Architects Quantity Surveyors: De Leeuw Structural Engineers: S&T MEPF Engineers: Solution Station XA Energy Consultants: Heretoday Traffic Engineers: Kantey & Templar Land Surveyors: Biff Lewis Geomatics 11