The Building The site was originally occupied by a large Caltex petrol station and convenience store . Built in 1993 , the petrol station was constructed in one of the first phases of development at the modern day V & A . This building was demolished and the petrol station was rebuilt and rebranded as Astron on a new site . The building is located on the original shoreline of Table Bay prior to the construction of the Foreshore and this is indicated by stainless steel inlays set into the ground outside the building . As with every development at the V & A , the long maritime history of the site is taken into account , especially those located close to the original shoreline .
The position of the site allowed for some amazing panoramic views to be incorporated into the design concept . With the City to the south , the harbour to the north east and Signal Hill to the west , each view showcases a different element of Cape Town . Built over six floors , the shape of the floor plate of approximately 2,000m 2 and the design of the office layouts were very much influenced by the desire to maximise the views .
Façades The south side of the building facing away from the views houses the services and back of house elements . As this elevation is still visible to traffic entering the V & A from the City , it was important that the design , though in contrast to the glazed street-facing façades , was still aesthetically appealing . From an urban planning perspective the fact that the north façade of any future development in front of 14 Dock Road would look onto this façade necessitated more design consideration was given to the striking custom designed concrete panels . These panels consist of varied textures and pigments to elevate the façade . The intention with the variety of textures and colours was to avoid a monolithic façade , softening the elevation with mossy , natural tones . Each panel is placed in a strategic pattern , creating movement and interest . The concrete panels wrap around the building , joining with the softer glazed elements facing to the north and west . There is a noticeable juxtaposition between the different materials as they meld together , emphasising both hard and soft finishes .
The glazing elements also contrast with the sharp edges of the concrete panels through the introduction of softer bull nose edges as the glass wraps around the front of the building . The shape and height of the mullions was carefully considered based on the sight lines of those working within the building . The mullion glazed façades are lifted up from the street at first floor level by exposed concrete pillars on
22 14 Dock Road