Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa January/February 2014 | Page 21

fire-proofed and compartmentalised with new
security features. Perhaps the most exciting part
of this building for the owner was the creation
of a new laboratory where state-of-the-art
equipment is tested and calibrated: the first of
its kind in South Africa.
The architectural language of the two buildings
is indicative of their respective functions: form
follows function. The overall design solution is two
distinct buildings – one new, one redeveloped with two distinct functions, but with a harmony
of modern style, palette of materials and
colours. Simple plaster walls with considered
glazing, contrasting with vertical elements of a
fully glazed feature staircase and metal-clad lift
shaft, constitute an elegant language of simple
formal elements of the new office building. New
horizontal S-profile sheeting clads the upper

Endress+Hauser

storey of the existing warehouse with ribbon
windows giving expression to a modern language.
A similar vertical glazed feature staircase mimics
the office building feature. A clever use of charcoal
colour is used to render lower levels and features
on both buildings.

Below: Two large
balconies provide
external relief and
relaxation, with both
overlooking the green
space and coral trees

Execution
The client remained operational on site during
the entire construction period. The two
buildings were tackled in separate phases to
enable this to happen. The total construction
period was 17 months, including the interior
fitout. The heart of E+H’s operations is the
instrumentation laboratory which meant that
the down time had to be limited to less than
one month, which was achieved by Archstone
Construction, the contractors on the project.

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