tunity to upgrade the area surrounding Cavendish Square Shopping Centre , situated in the centre of Claremont . The site is opposite the Citadel offices completed a few years prior , that had already established a high-end commercial development in the area . The popularity of the Claremont and Newlands areas amongst financial services companies in particular , who have chosen to locate their offices there for many years , was also an incentive for approving the rezoning of the site and attracting more corporates into the area .
The project was about to be finalised when the difficult Covid-19 years hit , which required the developers to take a step back and rethink the project . It was also around this time that well known hospitality company , Singita , expressed an interest in becoming long term tenants who now occupy three floors . Establishing a relationship with Singita from the outset allowed the developers to work with them to design something bespoke for their needs . Their interest in the environment , which carries through in all of their stunning properties in Africa , also helped shape the design of the building .
Magma wanted the design of the building to be cutting edge and iconic and approached Paolo Viotti at Vivid Architects to take on the project .
The Design Consisting of seven floors of approximately 6,500m 2 , with five basement parking levels and utilities below , the design prioritises simplicity with a central core , offices encircling it and service areas discreetly positioned on the southeast side . The west-facing façade features a punctured brick design to minimise heat , complemented by aluminium fins that have the appearance of timber and balconies that provide filtered light and shading throughout the day .
Extensive greenery , including creeping plants , envelops the building which enhances shade and integrates nature into the corporate environment . Staff enter the building directly through the basement , whilst visitors access the building at street level via reception .
Emphasising urban design , a spacious groundlevel area hosts a vibrant restaurant deck housing Rosetta who are due to open shortly with an in house Roastery , restaurant and boutique coffee house . The space will also include a co-working ‘ slow lounge ’.
Warm materials , including handmade tiles and natural timber , define the Cavendish Street entrance , surrounded by lush landscaping which fosters a welcoming transition between commer-
1 Osborne 29