Architect and Builder January 2021 | Page 48

Brief The initial brief to remodel and extend the existing 1980 ’ s building was discarded due to impractical core design , the limitations of adding floors , the need to replace an outdated façade and challenges with long-term viability . The revised brief , by the co-owners Ellerine Bros and Abland , was to offer a more positive medium- to long-term viability , as well as to enhance Cape Town ’ s skyline with a decidedly taller , inspirational tower building . However , the challenge was to maximise the quality multi-tenant commercial space whilst accommodating core components such as lifts and stairs along with structured basement parking - all within a relatively small floor plate .
To maximise the floor plates , dhk proposed a simple singular orthogonal massing bar the articulation of the southeastern and southwestern corners .
Façade While fundamentally a solid building mass , the appearance of a dynamic , non-orthogonal sculpted mass was created via tapering or cranked façade planes which extend seamlessly over the office and parking levels . This was achieved by chamfering both the southeast and southwest corners of the building at the top of the orthogonal parking base and widening them towards the roof . The technique articulates the façade and defragments the solidity of the corners of the building as the wings shape the elevations and extend past the top
48 35 Lower Long