Peak Studios
HERITAGE AWARD
As part of the Thrive Student Living by Growthpoint Portfolio , Peak Studios student accommodation is setting the standard in this sector . The architects were tasked with the provision of a unique brand and student accommodation offering which allows for the efficient , optimal and economic design of living units . This includes a mix of studio , two single bedroom and three single bedroom units . Requirements for accreditation with the University of Cape Town as well as EDGE accreditation were paramount to the client to ensure responsible and sustainable development . Together with this , a specific request was made to salvage what could be re-used from the existing heritage building and implement this in a creative manner .
As the first of the Thrive Student Living Portfolio of buildings in Cape Town , Peak Studios provides a student living experience where spaces are designed fit for purpose and with the goal to enable users to benefit from both the physical infrastructure ( power and water backup , computer labs , security systems ), as well as the social environment it houses .
Located in Observatory , Cape Town , the development houses 563 students in a new 9-storey building . The development also repurposes an existing heritage building to serve the surrounding UCT & CPUT campuses . Taking inspiration from the existing building facing Main Road , the new addition , even though much higher , interprets the geometry through a contemporary lens to create a unique addition to the area .
From the main circulation and gym area the space spills out onto an interior courtyard , extending the area for exercise and relaxation to the outside . Hugging this larger green area , the new building creates various safe , inspiring interior and exterior spaces for studying , gathering and living .
Through the redevelopment of an under-developed site serving the single function of a funeral home , the building introduces a new urban presence and contribution to the surrounding context . The historical architectural presence of the site is kept on street level , with the new building set back from the existing one , creating a clear distinction . Existing built fabric with no heritage significance was demolished to enable the insertion of the new multistorey student housing building , thereby optimising the functional and urban potential of the site .
By adding 563 beds to the student accommodation offering in Cape Town , the development contributes to closing the supply gap which the country faces nationally . Simultaneously , the building breathes new energy into the context of Observatory and Salt River , actively adding to the economic and urban growth of the area .
With a 20 % portion of the building being leased to NSFAS students , the aim is to start providing for the large gap in student housing available with a good quality living product which can serve students of various financial backgrounds .
Developer : Growthpoint Student Accommodation Holdings Project Manager & Procurement Agent : Atvantage Project Managers Architect : GASS Architecture Studios Quantity Surveyor : MMQSMace Consultancy Civil & Structural Engineer : AECOM Mechanical , Wet Services & Fire Engineer : SolutionStation Consulting Engineers Electrical Engineer : Claassen Auret Cape Heritage Consultant : Pentz & Berman Main Contractor : Isipani Construction Edge Auditor : Ecolution Consulting
SAPOA Awards 81