MOUNTAIN VIEW BUSINESS PRECINCT, DURBANVILLE
Located between Durbanville and Cape Winelands Airport, Mountain View Business Precinct responds to the changing character of an area where agricultural land, equestrian properties and emerging commercial development increasingly intersect.
Developed by Urban Town Property Development and designed by GASS Architecture Studios, the project takes a contemporary approach to industrial architecture, informed by the scale, rhythm and material qualities associated with the area’ s rural heritage. Rather than relying on literal references, the architecture incorporates robust, functional forms complemented by natural materials, landscaping and considered interfaces between buildings and public areas.
The precinct occupies a strategic position in a growing region. Its masterplan responds to this changing context by establishing a cohesive architectural language across the development while integrating movement routes, landscaping and open space.
Buildings are planned as functional commercial and logistics environments, with their scale and positioning contributing to a sense of place. Landscape elements soften the built form and provide connections between buildings, while pedestrian routes and communal spaces support movement through the precinct.
The approach recognises the changing role of industrial developments within growing urban areas. Beyond their operational requirements, these environments accommodate businesses, employees and visitors daily. The inclusion of landscaped areas, pedestrian connections and shared spaces therefore forms part of the planning strategy.
The architectural language draws on the material authenticity and straightforward construction associated with the region’ s agricultural structures, reinterpreting these qualities through a contemporary industrial vocabulary. The use of robust materials and restrained detailing gives the buildings a durable character, while landscaping provides a softer transition between the development and its surroundings.
Through the integration of architecture, landscape and movement, Mountain View Business Precinct provides a framework for commercial development while responding to Durbanville’ s evolving northern growth corridor. The project demonstrates how industrial architecture can address functional requirements while contributing to the wider built environment and establishing a coherent identity for a developing precinct.
NAUTICA RISE | SEA LAGOS
Nautica Rise forms part of Sea Lagos, a new waterfront development by Cruxstone Developers on a purpose-designed peninsula extending into the Lagos Lagoon, adjacent to Eko Atlantic. Peerutin Karol Architects developed the masterplan for Sea Lagos, establishing a framework for a mixed-use waterfront community incorporating residential, hospitality, retail, recreational and public spaces.
The masterplan responds to the opportunities presented by its waterfront setting, balancing development with infrastructure, landscape and open space. Rather than treating individual buildings as isolated elements, the scheme establishes a connected environment in which architecture, landscape and public realm work together. A network of boulevards, pedestrian routes, landscaped areas and boardwalks creates connections between the different components of the development and draws people towards the water’ s edge.
Residential towers are positioned to maximise views and natural light, while shared amenities, parks, sports facilities and a marina contribute to a diverse waterfront environment. Architectural and visual guidelines establish a cohesive character across the development, combining contemporary materials such as concrete, steel and glass with timber, stone and extensive planting. Closer to the beachfront, the architectural language becomes more natural and fluid, reinforcing the relationship with the coastal landscape.
Within this wider framework, Nautica Rise is now taking shape on site, marking the transition from masterplan to construction. The development will introduce a new residential component to the Sea Lagos waterfront, with its architecture, public spaces and landscape planned as an integrated part of the wider coastal environment.
Project Watch 29