The One, Stellenbosch
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD
The One was developed to address a critical shortage of student accommodation in Stellenbosch, envisioning a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where students have everything they need to thrive. Conceived as a premium all-inclusive student village rather than a conventional residence, it offers a modern, relaxed living environment with design at its core. Alongside private and shared residential facilities, the development includes state-of-the-art amenities such as a study centre, cinema, e-gaming room, games room, gym, laundry, communal kitchens, and generous pause areas. Outdoor recreational spaces, safety, and secure accessibility were essential to the brief. A commercial ground-floor interface ensures active street edges and contributes to a more pedestrian-friendly urban fabric connected to the nearby university campus.
Architecturally, The One makes a contemporary statement while remaining sensitive to Stellenbosch’ s heritage and vernacular. Its design draws from rural architecture and the mountainous setting, occupying an entire city block shaped by the historic grid and‘ werf’ character. Parking is concealed below ground to maintain an active, pedestrian-oriented street interface. The building wraps the block and encloses two landscaped courtyards, each with a distinct purpose.
The‘ active’ courtyard serves as the main entertainment hub, featuring a swimming pool, deck, braai areas, boma fire pit, and social spaces that encourage student interaction. The contrasting‘ passive’ courtyard offers a zen-like environment with a dedicated study area, Wi-Fi, intimate gathering spots, and an outdoor chessboard.
Massing, materiality, and detailing reference regional rural architecture through simple rectilinear forms, thick walls, and elements reminiscent of historic barns and wine cellars. The façade is visually broken into three horizontal sections, with recessed glazing at the base and top to reduce bulk. Regularly spaced Juliette balconies and a varied roofscape of pitched and flat roofs further reduce scale and echo Cape agricultural buildings. Designed as both a residential solution and an
urban catalyst, The One contributes to broader renewal efforts, including upgraded streets, active retail edges, and improved pedestrian connectivity. The development invested over R35 million into infrastructure and precinct security, benefiting the wider community.
Project Manager & Principal Consultant: On-Site Solutions Quantity Surveyor & Principal Agent: JMHT Quantity Surveyors Architect, Interior Architect & Landscape Architect: Boogertman + Partners Civil, Structural & Electrical Engineer: Sutherland Mechanical, Wet Services & Fire Engineer: EKCON Consulting Engineers Waterproofing Consultant: Surespec Main Contractors: WBHO Construction; Trencon Construction
SAPOA Awards 115