Residential Layouts The challenge of using the full extent of a square site is having sufficient frontage for bedrooms and living spaces , while also accommodating usable space in the deeper zones inside the perimeter .
On the typical floors , larger two-bedroom apartments are positioned on the two northern corners , and one-bedroom units on the southern corners . Longer bedrooms in the narrower onebedroom flats are positioned at the rear to maximise use of the deeper spaces for the areas between corner units .
Larger units are on the top three floors , with five duplex and four triplex configurations . Bedrooms not adjacent to the outer façade are lit and ventilated from small courtyards open to the roof . The triplexes have roof terraces with partial pergola covering and glazed balustrades to maximise views . Terraces are inboard , behind strategic openings in the glazed façade to provide weather protection , and to enable residents to open their sliding doors onto the terraces .
A common roof terrace is situated on the western edge , with rim flow pool , braai counter and seating and indigenous fynbos planting .
Mixed Uses The Rubik introduces retail uses at ground- and first-floor levels , creating a more dynamic and active street frontage with natural surveillance . The retail space on the first floor on the northern portion of the building connects to the ground
floor retail area . This activates the first-floor façade , as required by the Tall Building policy of Cape Town .
Sustainable Elements The Rubik incorporates several sustainable design features . It is a true mixed-use development that maximises the site area and helps densify and animate the city within walking distance to workplaces , local amenities and public transport .
Environmentally friendly and sustainable construction materials and techniques were used , including sustainably sourced timber and durable composite materials to ensure longevity , paints with low volatile organic compound ( VOC ), limiting plastering on masonry walls in the service and escape areas or on exposed reinforced concrete walls , soffits and columns .
High-performance double glazing throughout , with desk-height opaque spandrels in offices to reduce solar gain and improve space efficiency . Recessed , semi-enclosed balconies promote natural ventilation and reduce wind loads . Aboveground parking facilitates natural ventilation and smoke extraction .
Energy-saving electrical devices and efficient mechanical , electrical , and wet services are installed throughout . The building optimises lift usage with just five elevators , using careful destination control and dual-purpose fire-fighting lifts to maintain efficiency without compromising on waiting times or safety .
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