Architect and Builder Q1 MARCH 2026 | VOLUME 77 | ISSUE 1
Architect and Builder Q1 MARCH 2026 | VOLUME 77 | ISSUE 1
CONTENTS
Q1 MARCH 2026 | VOLUME 77 | ISSUE 1
COVER: STIAS BUILDING | PHOTO: MARKUS JORDAAN
EDITORIAL
The construction industry started the year on a positive note, building on the encouraging gains within the industry during 2025. Of course the road to success in South Africa is never straight. Just as we had finally recovered from the Covid era, outside forces beyond our
control are again sent to try us with the situation in the Middle East, with the fuel price increasing and the possibility of shortages looming. As usual, we will weather this setback but let’ s hope the countries involved reach a diplomatic resolution soon.
Architect and Builder enters the new year off of a successful 2025. Our transition from six issues per year to four was well received and the new issues are packed with content. This year we introduce a new section to the magazine – Practice Watch. Practice Watch is a comprehensive overview of a professional practice within the built environment. SVA is our first practice to occupy these pages. It will be interesting to have a closer look at the history, culture and projects of longstanding South African firms.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue, which covers a cross section of projects, including retail, student accommodation, offices and educational.
Louise Fenner Publisher and Editor louisef @ archibuild. co. za
PROJECTS
38 SOSHANGUVE MALL A 63,000m ² double-tiered retail centre, which replaces the original Soshanguve Plaza, represents one of the most significant redevelopments in recent years.
46 UBUNTU LEARNING CENTRE The transformation of the existing Molteno Library and New Lecture Theatre at Bishops Diocesan College in Rondebosch, Cape Town.
52 CANEGATE 2 This contemporary office building presents a confident architectural statement that reflects the evolving character of the region’ s workplace environments.
60 STIAS BUILDING The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study( STIAS), is located in the historic town centre of Stellenbosch and forms part of Stellenbosch University.
68 GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL VIEW The design explores how contemporary architecture can engage with the site’ s rural heritage through creativity, abstraction and reinterpretation.
76 BENDEHUIS Blending heritage with contemporary design, Bendehuis demonstrates how thoughtful architecture and placemaking can honour a site’ s past.
86 BASE STUDENT LIVING The new Base Student Living brand has been built on the success and lessons learned from their initial foray into the market.
98 INTERIOR FEATURE: CITY LODGE HOTEL V & A WATERFRONT A comprehensive refurbishment, marking a significant evolution of the property within one of Cape Town’ s most competitive hospitality precincts.
FEATURES
105 OUR 18-PAGE ANNUAL SURFACES PRODUCT FEATURE
DEPARTMENTS
4 NEWS WATCH 14 PRACTICE WATCH: SVA- Stauch Vorster Architects 26 PROJECT WATCH 96 INTERIOR WATCH 122 ADVERTISERS, SUBSCRIPTION & CONTACT INFORMATION
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