Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa September/October 2014 | Page 13

BRIDGE PARK, CENTURY CITY, CAPE TOWN Designed by dhk for joint developers Rabie Property Group and Growthpoint Properties, the Bridge Park office buildings will provide 18,048m2 of premium grade office space in the new mixed-use Bridgeways precinct in Century City. Comprising two buildings, Bridge Park West and Bridge Park East, the development occupies a central position within the new precinct, taking advantage of its panoramic views and access to transport routes. Each four storey office building is positioned on a green podium, with a recessed façade at ground level, shading the full height glazed façade that opens onto the podium. The main entrance is clearly articulated with a full height glazed setback in the façade, and the generous entrance lobby leads onto a glazed atrium bringing natural light into the public areas. The aluminium panelled façade is punctuated with vertical glazing, providing ample daylight to the office floors as well as capturing views throughout the Project Watch building. The facade and glazed atrium have been carefully articulated to ensure optimal light penetration throughout the office spaces, while carefully controlling both glare and heat gain, ensuring occupier comfort and energy efficiency. The northern edge of the building is extended in plan to maximise views to Table Mountain and the large floor plates, with generous column spacing, create an efficient and flexible space for the occupiers. Each building encloses a private landscaped ‘forest’, bringing nature into the very fabric of the building and providing outdoor breakaway places for staff, while on the upper level a wrap-around terrace takes advantage of the building’s prime position, providing additional outdoor spaces for the offices located on this level. Bridge Park benefits from excellent access to surrounding road networks and public transport links. Secure basements provide tenant parking, while visitors parking and cyclist facilities are situated on the podium. Additional parking is available within a few minutes’ walk. The buildings have been designed with a strong focus on sustainability, and the environmental strategy for the site encompasses energy, transport, water, waste and occupant health. While undeniably energy-efficient, the new buildings prioritise comfort and productivity, with factors such as air quality and indoor pollutants, thermal comfort, adequate lighting, glare control, access to daylight and views, and sound levels taken into account. The development has targeted a 5 Star Green Star SA design rating. Developer: Rabie Property Group ; Growthpoint Properties Architect: dhk Architects Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical: Aurecon QS: Aecom; Sutherland Main Contractor: Murray & Roberts Completion Date: April-July 2015 13