VODACOM ATRIUM
REFURBISHMENT
VODACOM ATRIUM REFURBISHMENT Century City
PROJECT MANAGER Brown + Altini
ARCHITECT KMH Architects
QUANTITY SURVEYOR Turner & Townsend
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER EKCON Consulting Engineers
MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC, LIFT ENGINEER & SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT WSP in Africa
FIRE ENGINEER Tom Esterhuizen & Associates
HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANT Cairnmead Industrial Consultants
MAIN CONTRACTOR Bruce Dundas Master Builders
PHOTOGRAPHY Nicki Priem
Vodacom HQ’ s atrium has undergone a remarkable transformation. A fire to the pitched roof of the Vodacom Head Quarters in Century City in July 2023 caused a significant amount of damage to the large central atrium and some of the adjacent interior spaces. KMH, having previously completed work in the undamaged office wings either side of the atrium, was commissioned to carry out the refurbishment and reimagination of the space.
The Damage Several areas were destroyed as a result of the falling embers from the roof, ceiling and skylight. This included damage to the large glass floor water feature under which the Century City canal flowed. Other affected areas included the porte cochère and various other common spaces.
The Concept While scoping the extent of the refurbishment works, it became very clear there was a disparity between the exterior design language and the interior design language of the building. The exterior had a strong, Greek temple-like look and feel, which conflicted with the nautical-inspired interior.
Drawing inspiration from classical elements, the reimagined atrium now reflects a timeless elegance described as a contemporary ruin
46 Vodacom Atrium