Architect and Builder March/April 2016 | Page 16

PROJECTVIEW THE BEACON, GREEN POINT, CAPE TOWN The Signatura group has launched a new 25-unit development, The Beacon, injecting an investment of R110 million into Green Point. The development is located at the end of Romney Street, a quiet cul-desac on the slopes of Signal Hill. Panoramic views, quality finishes, plentiful parking, energy-saving devices and pet-friendliness are just some of the features. “From the developer’s perspective, acquiring such an extensive, prime site involves considerable longterm planning and purchasing power,” said Signatura MD David Cohen. “We are accordingly maximising its potential in line with our group’s well-earned reputation for excellent architecture, interior design, and landscaping. Finishes will include underfloor heating in the main bathrooms. All kitchens will offer stone counters and Smeg appliances. Eco-friendly features include LED lighting and a central water heating system to reduce electrical consumption. Architects: MLB Architects Quantity Surveyors: Khats & Sparks Structural Engineer: S&T Engineers Plumbing Consultant: Benatar Consultants Electrical Engineer: Rawlins Wales & Partners Energy Consultant: Here Today Mechanical Engineer: Jo Lubbe & Associates Fire Consultant: Solution Station Land Surveyor: David Hellig Abrahamse & Le Brun Completion: End 2017 DRAPER STREET, CLAREMONT Draper Street, as this project is currently known whilst awaiting naming rights, is a 5,000m² office development initiated by FWJK and is located next to Growthpoint Properties’ existing Regional Headquarters, Montclare Place on Main Road, Claremont, Cape Town. The site consists of three separate erven which will be consolidated to accommodate four storeys of offices above four levels of structured parking, a ground floor retail level and two basement parking levels. The existing structures include a heritage building located on the corner of Main Road and Draper Street which was constructed in the early 1940’s and is a remnant of Claremont Street that rivaled Long Street in the CBD for its relevance. The heritage building's façade, including architectural elements such as the cornice detail, column bases and storefront proportions, will be retained in the design of the new building. The concept of the design was to express the heritage façade of the existing building by creating a disconnect between old and new. The fully glazed façade of the new building floats above the existing heritage building allowing it to display its original architectural merit uninterrupted by the new structure. The new building which is targeting a five star Green Building Council rating is elementary in its geometry and form, with long, elegant shade fins to accentuate the verticality of the building. The four levels of parking are veiled by the shade fins creating a seamless transition between the upper parking and office levels. The over-sailing roof creates a bold edge between the sky and building and provides generous shading to the roof terrace. The architecture is uncomplicated and a continuous rhythm of the shade fins is suspended above the historic fabric of the heritage façade in Claremont. This development, scheduled to commence in July 2016, will be completed with Growthpoint's usual green star rating standard and will complete the island block wholly owned by Growthpoint. Co-developers: Growthpoint Properties / FWJK Developments Architects: FWJK Architecture Project Managers: FWJK Project Managers Quantity Surveyors: FWJK Quantity Surveyors Structural: LH Consulting 14 Electrical: Converge Consulting Mechanical: Ekcon Fire Protection: Bramley and Associates Wet Services: Ekcon Heritage Consultant: Bridget O’Donoghue Town Planner: Tommy Brümmer Town Planners Project Watch