Architect and Builder January/February 2016 | Page 25

the requirements of the City’s Tall Building policy
and wind studies, took approximately 14 months
as opposed to a more standard time period of
24 months.
The co-operative nature of the charrette process
facilitated the pre-approval of building works up to
the 5th floor on the new central structure prior to
final planning approval.
As the new parking structure design extended
beyond the property lines, Redefine has leased
the land on the ground floor and public open space
from the City. The bulk air rights for the cantilevered
structure that extends 7 metres out from the
building line were purchased from the City.

Credit should be given to the Main Contractors,
Murray and Roberts, and the Project Managers, BFH
de Jager, for the organisation of the construction
programme. Demolition and new construction was
scheduled so accurately that there were no time
delays experienced due to lack of co-ordination.
Redefine definitely feels that a precedent has
been set with regards to the efficient installation of
a new façade in a live, occupied building.
Structural Considerations
The existing 3 level basement was a key structural
component that was essentially supporting the

Main Retail Tenant
A detailed shopping analysis of the area as well as
a shopper profile revealed that there was no major
food retailer servicing the lower Foreshore, an
area which included the City of Cape Town’s main
council building.
Food Lover’s Market were approached to occupy
the main retail space at the base of the central
structure spanning the two towers. This has proved
very successful and has provided a much needed
grocery and food retail option for the many office
workers in the area.
Refurbishment Process
Three firms of architects worked cohesively together
in a Joint Venture partnership:
Boogertman + Partners: exterior and façade.
Smuts and Boyes Architects: design and integration
of the parking structure
JLB Architects: Main lobby and Standard Bank
lobby design
The Towers

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