THE TASMAN, OBSERVATORY
Peerutin Karol has recently underlined its architectural contribution to Cape Town by being appointed as architects for two large blocks of high-end student housing. One of these projects is The Tasman in Observatory. It provides accommodation for 180 tertiary learners over eight floors.
The site is interesting as it sits in the heart of Observatory opposite the AFDA Film School. The site has experienced much change over time. It is located close to the railway line and large industrial structures( such as the Snowflake silos), and for a long time the AFDA site was the location of the Lever Brothers soap factory. The old Lion Match Factory is located a few blocks to the south of the site. As is typical of the Victorian-era urban development in this part of Cape Town, industrial sites tended to be mixed with small, modest residential cottages that were typically rented to people employed by the nearby industries. It was very important to design the building in such a way that it acknowledges this context and is respectful of its surroundings. This was achieved in three ways: materiality, massing and use.
The material palette comprises washed face brick, plaster and paint, metal roof sheeting and steel. This speaks to industry in the area as well as the residential fabric nearby. The placement of the materials and the façade is expressed in different planes and levels, which helps to articulate the building and to break down the scale in order to mitigate the volume. Most importantly, the ground floor will house retail and helps to introduce an active edge to the area, thereby introducing security and pedestrian activity on the street edges.
Facilities include laundry facilities, lounges, a rooftop gym and pool and a recreation facility. The ground floor offers retail opportunities such as coffee shops and convenience stores.
A key success factor of such developments is the management thereof, and The Tasman has secured the administrative services of one of Cape Town’ s pre-eminent specialists in the field, Proper Living. These specialists live and breathe students.
On site from February 2026, the basement excavation has commenced, and the building is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2028 student intake.
PAARL MALL REDEVELOPMENT, PAARL
Growthpoint Properties has commenced a major redevelopment of its high-performing Paarl Mall in the Western Cape as part of its ongoing asset management strategy to enhance core retail assets across its South African portfolio, adding value and supporting long-term performance growth. Designed by SVA, the R270 million project will expand Paarl Mall’ s gross lettable area to 44,474m ² and introduce significant internal reconfigurations and design updates throughout the mall.
“ Paarl Mall’ s extensive upgrade and extension project is the result of a deliberate strategy to optimise its retail mix and elevate the shopper experience,” says Gavin Jones, Growthpoint Properties Head of Asset Management: Retail.“ It will ensure Paarl Mall remains well positioned to anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of its growing, diverse customer base well into the future.”
Paarl Mall, which opened in 2005, is deeply embedded in its community and will mark its 21st anniversary with the completion of this redevelopment. Strategically positioned alongside the N1 highway, it has established itself as the leading retail destination in the area.
Pivotal to the mall’ s upgrade are the significant changes being made to its layout, starting with the addition of an impressive and inviting new main entrance, a highlight of this project. Internal mall flows will be reconfigured for better shopper circulation with a prominent central fashion court. The revamp pays close attention to the details that shape how customers experience the mall. Interiors will be refreshed with heritage-inspired finishes, new tiling and lighting, elegant bulkheads, upgraded amenities and modernised bathroom facilities.
Construction for the Paarl Mall redevelopment began in mid- January, with completion scheduled for November 2026, ahead of the peak holiday shopping season. The mall will be open for trading throughout the construction period, and extensive planning is in place to ensure temporary disruptions are minimised, with clear communication from the mall throughout the process.
Project Watch 29