Barlow Park Phase 1
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Barlow Park is a multi-billion-rand mixed-use precinct in Sandton , Johannesburg . The old Barloworld Campus has been redeveloped as a high-density affordable mixeduse residential precinct . The multi-phase development also includes shops and restaurants , a school , shared offices and other supporting amenities within an openair precinct . Its close proximity to the economic hub of Sandton aims to establish a community with access to economic opportunity and green spaces , counteracting urban sprawl and spatial segregation .
The design approach intentionally understated , creating enduring ‘ background buildings ’ that would be contextually responsive and respect the overall character of the area . The precinct plan places significant emphasis on the space between buildings and the quality of the shared spaces as much as on the buildings themselves .
Phase 1 consists of two residential blocks above the retail component , which wraps all the way around the podium on ground level . A sweeping stair leads to the podium level , which accommodates the school and pods for the restaurants , recreation centre , clubhouse , pool , business centre and sports facilities . Phase 1 also includes infrastructure such as road systems , parking , security , park-like landscaping and various other shared facilities . Substantial basement parking carefully manages delivery routes to the retail centre to help reduce vehicular traffic . The design of the façade of the taller of the two blocks , at 10 storeys , emphasises its verticality , while the lower , seven-storey block is articulated as a more intimate , horizontal design . The lower building also drops in scale in deference to the suburban environment closest to it , while the higher block relates to the views and the highway behind it .
The residential buildings are set back from the shopping level , which not only establishes a layered transition from public to private spaces , but also positions them so that they remain unimposing from the street and maintain a sense of open space at ground level .
The residential blocks feature internal courtyards , inviting sunlight and fresh air into as many apartments as possible and establishing a conducive central space .
The retail centre is located on ground level to offer maximum visibility and ease of access . Glazed shopfronts are sheltered with a covered walkway , which
establishes comfortable human scale at pedestrian level and an enjoyable , convenient shopping experience .
Barlow Park has been designed and built in accordance with EDGE Certification requirements .
Developers : BarloWorld ; Atterbury ; Divercity ; Moolman Group ; Twin City Project Manager : IBP Central Quantity Surveyors Architect : GASS Architecture Studios Quantity Surveyor : Rider Levett Bucknall Structural Engineer : Gelderblom Consulting Engineers Electrical Engineer : OneZero Consulting Mechanical Engineer : Graeme Page Consulting Engineers Wet Services : IZAZI Consulting Engineers Fire Engineer : Fenco Landscape Architect : Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Health & Safety Consultant : Cairnmead Industrial Consultants Lift Consultant : Solutions for Elevating Main Contractor in a JV : WBHO Construction ; Trencon Construction
SAPOA Awards 61