As we enter the final months of the year, South Africa’ s built environment continues to evolve against a backdrop of economic pressure, infrastructural challenges and shifting societal needs. Yet amidst these complexities, there are signs of meaningful progress.

Cape Town remains a leader in integrated urban development, with mixed-use precincts and affordable housing projects near key transport nodes reshaping the city’ s landscape. Johannesburg, too, is experiencing a resurgence. Nodes such as Sandton and Rosebank are seeing sustained investment in commercial, residential and transitoriented developments. These areas are becoming increasingly dense, walkable and connected, reflecting a broader trend towards compact, efficient urban centres.

Inner-city revitalisation in Johannesburg also deserves attention, as it opens opportunities for inclusive growth and reclaims underutilised space. These parallel developments are evidence of a maturing urban vision that balances economic ambition with social responsibility. A recent visit to Gqeberha also saw a pleasing number of new developments taking place and for the first time in a number of years the surrounding suburbs looked clean and less run down.

As built environment professionals, we all have a role to play in shaping spaces that are not only functional, but meaningful. Let’ s continue to challenge norms, support innovation and design with intention. Whether you’ re drawing plans, laying bricks or making policy, your work matters. Together, let’ s keep building a more inclusive, resilient and inspiring South Africa.

Louise Fenner Publisher and Editor louisef @ archibuild. co. za

PROJECTS

34 ON PARK Positioned with strategic foresight at the eastern boundary of the Bridgeways Precinct in Cape Town’ s Century City, OnPark emerges as a vital urban artefact.

46 VODACOM ATRIUM REFURBISHMENT Drawing inspiration from classical elements, the reimagined atrium now reflects a timeless elegance described as a contemporary ruin.

50 DEPARTMENT OF NATURE CONSERVATION Situated on the West Campus of the University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela, the building was commissioned to support the institution’ s growing academic needs.

60 LONGKLOOF PRECINCT Growthpoint Properties envisioned Longkloof Precinct as one of the most important creative hubs within the city, an attractive address for innovative businesses within a vibrant mixed-use precinct.

70 THE ONE The One was developed to address a critical shortage of student accommodation in Stellenbosch, offering a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.

82 WESTOWN SQUARE In the lush landscape of Shongweni an exciting new retail development is set to transform the way we think about shopping environments.

90 BROOKFIELD AT ROYAL The brief from developers, Tricolt, was to conceptualise a luxurious residential experience that bridges the gap between the past and present.

102 INTERIOR FEATURE: RED ROCKET When it came to appointing the design and build team for their new office space, Red Rocket didn’ t want just a design company; they wanted a team that understood their company dynamics.

DEPARTMENTS

6 NEWS WATCH 16 PHOTOGRAPHER FOCUS: Dave Southwood 22 PROJECT WATCH 100 INTERIOR WATCH 106 ADVERTISERS, SUBSCRIPTION & CONTACT INFORMATION

Contents 5

Architect and Builder Jul/Aug 2025 | Page 5

Architect and Builder JUL

Architect and Builder JUL

CONTENTS

As we enter the final months of the year, South Africa’ s built environment continues to evolve against a backdrop of economic pressure, infrastructural challenges and shifting societal needs. Yet amidst these complexities, there are signs of meaningful progress.