Architect and Builder Oct/Nov 2017 | Page 17

THE DOCKLANDS, DE WATERKANT, CAPE TOWN
The Docklands is an eight storey, 9,200m 2 conversion of
office block to luxurious residential apartment block located in De
Waterkant, Cape Town, next to the Foundary in Prestwich Street.
The Docklands is ideally located, as it is in close proximity to the
CBD, the V&A Waterfront, the Fanwalk, the Sea Point Promenade
and the bustling de Waterkant with plenty of restaurants and
evening hang-out spots.
The development has been designed specifically to meet the
growing demand for accommodation in Cape Town and more
specifically close to the CBD. FWJK Architecture initiated the design
process in October last year and demolition started a short few
months later in February. The development is set to be complete
in July 2018.
The original structure consisted of one basement parking level,
a parking level on ground floor with a lift lobby & Vida e Café and
three floors of office space. For the conversion to residential, an
additional basement parking level will be added and an additional
Project Watch
three floors of apartments on top of the existing three office floors
which will all be converted to apartments. The development will
feature a stylish Rooftop bar with a pool and outside deck area,
from here spectacular views will be enjoyed of Cape Town, the
CBD, Table Mountain, Signal Hill & Green Point.
In order to add the additional basement, the existing structure
had to be underpinned which is a significant undertaking in its
own. The project involves a significant amount of demolishing and
stripping, concurrently the building has to be reinforced in order to
receive the additional floors.
The Docklands were designed to fit comfortably within the
surrounding context, with the building materials and textures
complementing the adjacent buildings and thereby creating an
architectural dialogue. The aesthetic and character of the building
will give a unique flare to the area, especially during the evening.
While the Docklands will fit in comfortably within its surrounds, it
will be unique in its own right.
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