Part of the brief was to design a building that would suit multiple ownership by sectional title . Each owner should thus have access to communal utilities and should enjoy natural light and views . The final shape of the building , being shallow space , reflects that requirement . The section with the greatest area would be required to be identified as a ‘ separate ’ entity by the passer-by .
The architects were required to produce a rational response to the brief and the site with regard to economy which was strictly controlled by the developer .
The Site The site is located within the prestigious , highly visible uMhlanga Ridge development area , which comprises mixed use buildings and corporate headquarters for many well known national companies .
The site has road frontage on 3 sides with a fall from west to east of ± 6m and the access point was dictated as the North West corner of the site off the short cul-de-sac road which serves only 4 sites . This cul-de-sac provides a unique sense of identity for the 4 sites within the greater office park with the landscaped island as a focal hub . The total height of the development and surrounding buildings as well as their possible spacial envelopes is strictly controlled by the Ridge Management Association of uMhlanga . This would ensure that views would be equitably shared by the various sites taking into account future surrounding proposals . This site is located alongside other commercial office developments , a hotel , high density residential and a pedestrian spine running West to East towards the ocean comprising mixed use retail / commercial / residential . This vibrant mix will ensure that the area will remain “ alive ” after hours and on weekends . The Gateway World of Shopping complex is within walking distance from this site .
The configuration of this particular site , being bounded on 3 sides by roads , enjoys good sea view potential which was a guiding principle of the design solution .
350 Ridge 6