Architect and Builder June/July 2019 | Page 12

PROJECTWATCH PROPOSED, CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND ABROAD PROJECTVIEW 6 PARKS BOULEVARD, OXFORD PARKS, JOHANNESBURG The 6 Parks Boulevard commercial development forms part of the first phase of the new Oxford Parks precinct in Johannesburg being developed by Intaprop. In addition to designing the building, dhk is responsible for developing the urban design framework for the precinct, the ‘Dunkeld Public Realm Design Manual’, as well as two other buildings and the entire basement and podium of phase one. Arup will be the primary tenant of the building, occupying 1,300m 2 of the office space. With a total area of 3,220m 2 , the building is three storeys with a small portion facing Oxford Road; therefore it was essential that the design be unique and eye-catching to passersby. The solution was to establish a distinct façade of fritted glass that features a pattern of THE QUARTER, GREEN POINT A new development by Signatura, known as The Quarter, will set new bench- marks for accommodation and easy living in one of the city’s most appealing areas. Located on the corner of Somerset and De Smit Streets, it will be a natural extension to the acclaimed Media Quarter building, home to M&C Saatchi Abel and other creative practitioners. “We are delighted at the opportunity to bring our expertise to work on this wonderful location,” said Signatura MD David Cohen. A total of 69 apartments are planned, starting at 39m² at a cost of R2.1 million. There are also five penthouse units (86m² to 168m²) each with lush garden roof terraces and plunge pools. Parking is available for every unit. Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors and windows in the units will make the most of the light and views of the city, mountains and harbour. Multiple features will include airconditioning, underfloor heating, LED lighting and provision for fibre connectivity. An impressive lobby with 24-hour concierge service, top end fittings that include engineered stone tops, SMEG stainless steel ovens and Ceran hobs are all included. To protect the existing cobblestones in the vicinity, these will be lifted and stored for safeguarding during building, then re-laid. There will be a retail outlet on the ground floor adjacent to the building entrance. Renato Graca, EHH Architects director, said The Quarter would form a natural, flowing extension to the Media Quarter which was designed by the same firm. The Quarter will draw inspiration from its well- established neighbour, speaking a language of glass, aluminium and natural stone. The external palette has been purposefully left neutral, allowing the vibrancy of the neighbourhood and existing vernacular to be left unrivalled whilst complementing its context.” Signatura’s partners on this project are Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking, Quenet Property Management company, and Folkes, which has commercial property interests in the UK and South Africa. The Quarter occupation is scheduled for mid-2020. trees, inspired by Johannesburg’s urban forest. There was a specific focus on the contrast between light and dark frames surrounding the glazed area, which while complementing the glass, keeps the focus and energy on the spectacular glazed façade. The ground floor includes the entrance lobby and a host of retail spaces designed to activate and engage pedestrians at street level. 12 Project Watch