Interior Internally , the building offers expansive 360- degree views over the city , ocean and mountains . The glazed façade allows for floor-to-ceiling unencumbered vistas enhanced by glazing with mullions at 2.4m wide centres . The chamfered corners also offer oblique views which facilitate the appreciation of the architectural form both externally and internally - a desirable design aspect often not apparent in tall buildings . Furthermore , the multi-purpose roof area with terraces above both chamfered corners offers a spectacular city entertainment space and signifies highlevel activation . From an external viewpoint , the perimeter desk height upstands provide ease of furnishing right against the perimeter with fire separation between the floors , therefore , the office furniture is concealed when viewed externally .
Neighbour The immediate neighbour to the north , and sharing a common boundary , is a nine-storey 1980 ’ s building which has the potential to be redeveloped in the future . Rather than merely providing an unsightly blank common boundary façade , dhk articulated both northern corners by returning the glazing around onto the common boundary . This is sacrificial in the sense that the neighbour could in future build higher against the common boundary . It also offers spectacular corner northern views towards Cape Town ’ s harbour . The solid wall concealing the stair core is pixelated with coloured plastered panels , echoing the glazed façade ’ s articulation .
Sustainability Fortunately , the client championed environmental sustainability . To achieve a 4-Star GBCSA Design rating , a detailed environmental performance modelling study was undertaken . This required a high-performance double-glazed specification with increased internal cill height raised to desk height - to reduce both solar gain and radiant heat which significantly lowered HVAC requirements . Other environmental considerations included building efficiency , choice of materials , energyefficient lighting and services , lower parking ratio encouraging the use of public transport , as well as showers and bicycle parking facilities .
Conclusion Overall , 35 Lower Long is a much-needed contemporary addition to Cape Town ’ s skyline which positively contributes to its surrounding cityscape . Pierre Swanepoel , dhk partner and lead architect on the project , says “ With its sleek , sculpted form and soaring-shaped façade , 35 Lower Long is an exemplar of how client requirements can be met without comprising on design standards . dhk is extremely proud of this building and views it as a catalyst for future developments to come in Cape Town ’ s CBD ”.
50 35 Lower Long