Architect and Builder November/December 2015 | Page 13

DIGICALL BUILDING, CRAIGHALL PARK, JOHANNESBURG
Gass Architecture Studios was approached by the client to design
a new office building of approximately 2500m. in an existing office
park in Craighall Park, Johannesburg. The office park is situated next
to a green belt, on the bank of the Braamfontein spruit (a popular
cycling trail).
The client’s business is currently housed in one of the other
buildings in the office park, and the new building would serve as
an annex, accommodating the administrative departments of the
company, as well as a new canteen serving both buildings, meeting
rooms, and additional office space for future letting.
To maximise views to the green belt, the building is situated on
the western boundary of the site. Due to the natural fall of the land,
this placement allowed for the creation of a semi-basement parking
level which is easily accessible by both buildings.
The architects took inspiration from the modernist masters for
the building’s shape. At the base of the building rises a sculptural
“column” structure, housing one of the building’s emergency fire
escapes. This curved structural element forms the porte cochere at
the building’s main entrance. The ground floor level is a few steps
above natural ground level. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a
reception area leading to the public functions on ground floor level:
the canteen/restaurant area and meeting room overlooking the
spruit. This level is set back from the façade above, allowing some
protection against the elements. The building structure is a simple
slab and column structure, freeing the façade from any structural
function. A central, organic shaped core houses all services, toilets
and circulation, leaving the floor plate open for office function.
First and Second floor levels have approx. 890m. office area per
floor and an additional 90m. of balcony space. Balconies are stepped
in rather than protruding out from the building. These levels read
together as a single “box” element resting on the pilotis below. The
smooth, slick glass “box” is contrasted by textured plaster on the
circulation core and feature columns.
The curtainwall surrounding the building allows natural light and
views of the exterior environment from all sides. The façade is made
Project Watch

up of a double glazed curtainwall system with a low E coating to
control the solar heat gain into the building. The corners of the first
and second floor levels are curved to soften the ‘box’ element.
The new office building is currently under construction and will
be completed in April 2016.
Client: Blue Pie Properties
Architect: Gass Architecture Studios
Quantity Surveyors: QEAS Quantity Surveyors
Structural Engineer: WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff
Electrical Engineer: Anderson Consulting Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff
Rational Fire Design: H Hamman & Associates
Landscape Architect: Green Inc.
Contractor: Probuild

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