Architect and Builder November/December 2018 | Page 12

PROJECTWATCH
PROPOSED, CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND ABROAD
SIMEKA HEIGHTS STUDENT HOUSING, VENDA
On the bank of a small watercourse
within walking distance of the University of
Venda, Mutodo Properties is developing a
new Student Village - Simeka Heights.
The project consists of four multi storey
residential buildings integrated into the
natural landscape of the Limpopo, hugging
the contours of the site and in the process
creating multipurpose intermediate spaces
intended for relaxation and entertainment.
Central to the development is a new student
centre with catering, lounge and computer
lab / study facilities supplemented by active
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sport areas, braai areas and a large extent of
natural landscape to be enjoyed.
From this core, each block is linked with
wide meandering pathways encouraging
pedestrian and cycle movement. The
buildings consist of a ground level, plus three
floors above, and is further divided into fully
fitted apartments which
accommodate either five
students in single rooms
or six students in double
rooms. Each unit of
students also incorporate
its own lounge and kitchen,
this is intended to allow
for a scale of interactions
between students. One in
every twenty-five units is
designed specifically for
mobility impaired mobility
persons, allowing for easy access to the
same benefits all student would enjoy.
Once completed, the student village
will comprise of 139 6-Bed Units and 42
5-bed units providing 1,044 beds to the
University and local students. This total will
be further supplemented by several Warden
Units, designed as 2-bed units with their
own dedicated bathrooms, kitchens and
living spaces.
While this development is envisaged
as student housing, the approach to the
design was such that it could be converted
with ease into rental apartments for the
public. This could be done across the entire
development, or in sections, maintaining
both apartments as well as student housing.
Simeka Heights endeavours to provide
quality living within the village, from relaxing
with friends, to furthering studies and in so
doing nurturing the future.
Client: Mutodo Properties
Architect: GASS Architecture Studio
Quantity Surveyor: MMQS
Structural Engineer: Fortem
Civil Engineer: Risimati
Electrical Engineer: Risimati
Fire Engineer: Risimati
Mechanical Engineer: Mekan
Wet Services Engineer: Risimati
Civil New Roads: Civil Consult
Project Watch