Architect and Builder June 2017 | Page 15

SABLE PARK, CENTURY SQUARE A new development of 16,300m 2 of premium grade offices, which will include new regional offices for Discovery, is to be built on a prime gateway site at Century City. Being developed by the Rabie Property Group at a cost of R460 million, Sable Park will comprise two four storey buildings of 8,000m 2 and 8,300m 2 respectively, each with two levels of underground parking. The buildings are each split into two wings with a central core and full height atrium bringing light into the centre of the expansive floorplates. Discovery’s Cape Town staff, who will be relocating from elsewhere at Century City due to their existing lease expiring, will be occupying the larger of the two buildings. The second building, which is ideally suited for a large user looking to make a strong corporate statement, is being designed to be flexible, and if needs be, could be sub- divided to accommodate smaller users, says Rabie director, Colin Anderson. Each building is set on a green podium with sunken amphitheatre creating an active public space, with shared basement parking below. The buildings actively engage with both Sable Road and Bridgeways, as well as each other and the new developments planned for either side of the site, and enjoy high visibility as well as panoramic views towards Table Mountain and Table Bay. The twin buildings are designed as a series of shifting volumes along the linear site. The ground floor façade is set back, so that the three office levels above appear to float. Two office levels are enclosed in a vertically articulated façade with recessed glazing creating a delicate veil that serves as passive solar control. Within this layered envelope, protected walkways and terraces have been created to the north and south, capitalising on the differing views and seasonal changes. A further office floor takes the form of a fully Project Watch glazed crystalline white box that floats on a shifted axis. This building form is reversed on each wing of each building creating dynamic arrangement along the length of the site. Sable Park has been designed targeting 5-Star Green Star SA rating. David Pierre-Eugene, head of Group Facil- ities at Discovery, said: “With our existing leasing commitments coming up for renewal, we were on the look out for new premises whereby we could be consolidated into one building and have options for future growth. “As part of our assessment for new premises, we surveyed other deve- lopments outside of Century City and found that from a location, convenience and amenities point of view, Century City was still the best location to meet our requirements.” Sable Park is situated in the all-green Bridgeways precinct which has become the new hub of Century City. www.rabie.co.za | www.dhk.co.za Developer: Rabie Property Group Architects: dhk Quantity Surveyors: RLB Pentad Civil and Structural Engineers: Aurecon Electrical Engineers: QDP Consulting Mechanical Engineer: BVI Main Contractor: WBHO Construction 15