AVBOB Irene Link
CORPORATE OFFICE DEVELOPMENT AWARD
The new AVBOB head office is the fourth building in the Irene Link commercial office park situated in Irene , Centurion . Developed by Abland , Giflo and SOM , the project forms part of the larger Irene Link Precinct and extends along the N1 Highway up to the Botha Avenue off-ramp . The design was to be efficient and unique and tell a story of AVBOB ’ s corporate ideals . The building needed to have its own clear identity in the Precinct , yet still have a dialogue with the other buildings adjacent . The building can accommodate 760 staff members over six floors and include four access controlled ventilated parking basements . This 23,300m 2 development is designed to target a 4-Star Green Star SA certification and houses various departments in one building .
Designed by Nsika Architecture & Design , the concept was to produce a building that acknowledges its locality as well as the contemporary architecture in the rest of the precinct . The building forms part of a pedestrianised mixed use Irene Link Precinct , within walking distance to the Irene Link retail centre . The mixed use success is seen by the current number of people who walk from AVBOB to the Retail centre throughout the day . The concept focused on creating an efficient floor plate form with strong aesthetic envelope character . The floor plate form allowed for a high rentable ratio efficiency and in doing so , provided the financial backing for improved aesthetic façade character . The building shape and massing takes the form of a curvilinear building without hard edges and without a front and a back . The building façade appears to meander around the floor plates , yet each floor is highly efficient in its useability .
The façade concept was to create a permeable glass envelope that would sit lightly on the parking structure . This design concept allowed for seamless views between the high-energy of the highway and the adjoining office buildings in the precinct . With a ratio of more than 70 / 30 between glass and solid façades , the challenge was to create active shading that would still showcase the views .
The interior design draws heavily from the AVBOB brand , integrating its strong identity into the space without overwhelming it . The colour schemes , materials , and spatial arrangements are reflective of the brand ’ s ethos but are balanced with neutral tones and natural light to ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment . The use of local suppliers and furniture manufacturers not only supported the local economy but also added a uniquely South African flavour to the decor , aligning with AVBOB ’ s community-focused brand .
AVBOB ’ s new headquarters is more than just an office building ; it ’ s a dynamic space designed to support a modern way of working while fostering a strong sense of community . It ’ s a place where functionality meets innovation , where every floor and every room is crafted with purpose , and where the company ’ s commitment to its staff and to local enterprise is evident in every detail . This project not only reflects AVBOB ’ s brand identity but also sets a new standard for office design in a hybrid working era .
Developers : Abland Property Developers ; Giflo Property Developers ; Som Group Architect & Principal Agent : Nsika Architecture & Design Quantity Surveyor : Quanticost Civil & Structural Engineer : Streng Consult Electrical Engineer : RWP Consulting Engineers Mechanical Engineer : C3 Climate Control Consulting Engineers Wet Services Consulting Engineer : Wills Franklin Pretorius Fire Consultant : RWK & Associates Sustainability Consultant : Solid Green Consulting Landscape Architect : Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects Interior Designer : thinkspace Gas Consultant : Gas Piping Services Main Contractor : WBHO Construction
64 SAPOA Awards