“ The original single level structure that made way for this exciting new building was being dwarfed by massive developments as this part of Sandton grew . For us , the site holds so much history and , while wanting to pay homage to our roots , we also wanted to ensure that the new building reflected the future of both practices as well as that of the burgeoning greater Sandton precinct ,” he explains .
Two Distinct Aspects The building has two distinct aspects . The street address façade on Stan Road is west-facing and is treated as a solid face with massive full height fins behind which thin slivers of glazing peep southwards over the roofscapes of Sandton . In this way , the design manages the typical heat build-up of a west-facing façade and controls the associated glare issues . It also provides a sense of privacy and intrigue for the occupants .
The north-facing façade is fully glazed . It opens up the office spaces to the views across Bryanston towards the Magaliesberg , as well as looking onto a private landscaped courtyard on the fourth level .
The entrance to the building slices vertically into the solid west street façade , creating a unique permeable street address with reception facilities at street level . The entrance is distinguished from the other buildings with lush green landscaping contrasting with the angled and sculptured forms of the building . The slope of the street led to the contrasting angles in the façade . At night , vertical illuminated shafts between each pair of trees mirrors the concealed vertical illumination
between each of the façade ’ s fins , further creating a dramatic presence in the street .
Sky Deck as Sanctuary In order to meet the owner ’ s brief for above-ground parking as opposed to excavated basement parking , the architects created a podium with a generous landscaped sky deck onto which the offices open . This level has been designed as a useable sanctuary for the occupants to break away from their work . It has large-scale indigenous trees providing shade with under planting that will attract birdlife to the area . The deck is made up of areas of timber decking and imitation lawn with tables and chairs under umbrellas and a bar area for entertaining purposes . The area enables the office building to stand back from the boundaries and creates a pleasant green space at high level in between all the other neighbouring buildings .
The floor plates of the offices are in a loosely triangular shape , providing north light and avoiding the sense of being crowded in by the surrounding buildings . “ The podium and deck is at the same level as those of the surrounding buildings but it has privacy due to the treed green berm created around it ; you are not aware of other people using their decks ,” explains Sean .
Materials and Aesthetic The use of dark full height performance glazing on the northern façades ensures a modern , timeless expression complemented by large scale white porcelain clad fins adding vertical interest to the building and giving it a simplified
414 4 Stan Road