Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa September/October 2014 | Page 50

Developed by the Berman Bros Group and designed by MLB Architects, the Odyssey reflects the contemporary lifestyle sought after by those living on the Atlantic Seaboard A new boundary wall on Main Road and Hill Road is stone packed using Malmesbury Shale, which is a reference to the original stone walls that unfortunately could not be retained. The stonework is broken at the vehicle entrance, which is defined by a smooth plastered & painted surround and the clean lines of the steel sliding gate. The wall is inset at the corner of the property to allow for landscaping at the street edges. The building footprint is ‘split’ from the front to the central circulation core to allow for two large front facing units (2 beds) on the ground through to the 6th floor levels. The circulation core comprises the lifts and a ‘scissor’ stair; an economical spacial combining of the 2 stairs required by the Cape Town City Council fire escape regulations. This reduces the amount of circulation area. The remainder of the lower floor plates are divided into 7 one bedroom units. The smaller floor area on the 6th-8th floors is split into 3 units, a large front facing 3 bedroom unit, with 2 smaller rear facing units. The 6th floor terrace accommodates a communal pool and decked entertainment and braai area. All decking was constructed using Garapa wood. The 9th floor accommodates a luxury 4 bedroom penthouse with a private roof top pool terrace and a 2 bedroom unit with mountain views at the rear. Façade Framing elements project from the façades at the front, rear and penthouse areas and are defined by a charcoal feature colour. The façade is characterised by large expanses of glazing to the front facing apartments, with sliding doors and generous terraces. Juliet balconies allow for full height glazing on the east & west façades. Corner glazing enhances the views. All lower terraces have stainless steel balustrading whilst glass balustrades define penthouse & roof top terraces, allowing for unobstructed views. 50 The Odyssey