Architect and Builder Oct/Nov 2017 | Page 14

UMHLANGA ARCH, UMHLANGA RIDGESIDE One of the most prominent projects underway in the Durban area at the moment is Umhlanga Arch which is being developed by Stratone and designed by Craft of Architecture (COA). The development is prominently positioned on the slopes of Umhlanga’s Ridgeside and has admirable sea views. The development will encompass 45,000m 2 of residential and commercial facilities including a hotel, retail centre, offices and 163 apartments. The development is due for completion in early 2020, where “the project will service well-heeled young professionals in a vibrant, mixed-use district with round-the-clock activities based on sustainable development strategies,” states John van Wyk, partner of COA. The Arch was specifically envisioned as a true mixed-use development as opposed to a more traditional approach of residential scheme. The vision includes a new lively environment that is planned to be 14 green, walkable and cycle-friendly. Van Wyk continues, “The goal was to create something human, vibrant and very strong in character. A development which lends itself to place-making, the real art of creating a sense of community, where businesses and residents are fully integrated to support each other to exist in a perfect symbiosis.” Developer/Client: Stratone Project Manager/Principal Agent: M3 Africa Consulting Architect: COA (Craft Of Architecture) Quantity Surveyor: RLB Pentad Structural & Civil Engineer: Arup Landscape Architect: Uys & White www.coasite.com Project Watch