Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa July/August 2014 | Page 74

HERITAGE AWARD WINNER

New Military Health Base Depot for SAMHS

OVERALL TRANSFORMATION AWARD WINNER

Noswal Hall

Noswal Hall, Zenprop’s first landmark student accommodation
development, accommodates 399 University residents across 19
floors. Built over 40 years ago, Noswal Hall is situated directly
across the road from the main campus of the University of the
Witwatersrand. Its close proximity to the University makes it an
attractive offering for Wits students seeking affordable, modern
accommodation with easy access.
Rapidly emerging as a vibrant growth node, Braamfontein, in
Johannesburg’s inner city, is undergoing a significant turnaround,
driven significantly by the demand for student accommodation
from various tertiary institutions in the area.
The 40 year old building underwent extensive renovations
as a result of the design by Empowered Spaces. All existing
plumbing, ceilings and windows were replaced, the floor plan
was reconfigured for student living and 190 bathrooms and 171
kitchens were installed. The use of primary coloured glass in
selected windows has given the building a Mondrian inspired
facade that stands out on the Braamfontein skyline.
Approximately 170 flats are configured into bachelor units as
well as two, three and four bed sharing units. Each of the floors
is divided into nine units. Each unit has a kitchenette equipped
with an integrated mini fridge, microwave oven and two plate
stove. The building also consists of a communal television
room, computer lab, study room and communal laundry. An
administration office is located on the ground floor.

The Military Health Base Depot (MHBD) is a formation within
the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) responsible
for the acquisition, stockpiling and distribution of medical
supplies and pharmaceuticals. SAMHS required a larger, more
secure and modern base to ensure optimum functioning of this
crucial formation within the Department of Defence.
An existing military property of 64,571m² in Thaba Tshwane
was selected as the most suitable site. A number of the existing
buildings on site were identified to have significant heritage
value and had to be retained in the new design.
Requirements were met through a campus-type development
with 12 buildings of different sizes and functions, including five
heritage buildings being restored and creatively adapted for
re-use.
In keeping with the historic warehouse character and t B