Units on Park , Hatfield , Pretoria
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY
Units on Park student accommodation , is located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Hatfield , Pretoria . This bold 12- storey building is situated only 600m from the University of Pretoria , thus in a perfect location for students . The project has the potential to positively contribute to any student experience , with Hatfield Plaza right on the student ’ s doorstep and Hatfield Gautrain Station in their backyard . Units on Park provides an impressive total of 988 beds for students , with 546 colourful balconies . These brightly coloured balconies , each painted in an individual colour , create a youthful and memorable aesthetic .
The unique floor plan and massing of the building is a direct response to the conditions of the site . The development of the adjacent Gautrain rail line led to a substantial portion of the site being expropriated , with a 15m restriction close to the railway . The building ’ s footprint was designed and precisely located to fully utilise the triangular section of the site that could be built on . The floor plan is based on two axes parallel to the southern and the northern boundary lines , with triangular outdoor pockets formed in-between the two axes or wings .
The two wings of the building contain the building ’ s primary function - accommodation for students . The scheme consists of fully furnished one , two and four bed units , complete with built-in cupboards , desk , chairs and beds . Each unit is also equipped with a fridge , stove , and microwave . The two wings of units are connected with passages that articulate outdoor social spaces and other amenities such as a games room and study areas . Passages are completed with breeze block handrails , creating transparency between all floors and functions . The roof of the building hosts an outdoor gym with a running track and braai areas , all with unobstructed views of the surrounding area with streets lined with Jacarandas .
As the architects of this project , Krige Design Studio Architects prided themselves in considering every aspect of cost-effective building design and placed a high value on providing affordable student accommodation . Therefore , Units on Park aimed to accommodate students from all income groups by providing shared units , thus providing accommodation at a lower cost per bed . Finally , Units on Park is a reminder of the importance of adding an element
of youthfulness to student housing , especially within urban environments that can be harsh at times .
Owners : Units on Park Street , A Subsidiary of South African Student Accommodation Impact Investments ; WBHO Developers : Eris Property Group and WBHO ( JV ) Architect : KDS Architects Project Manager : IBP Central Construction Consultants Quantity Surveyor : IBP Central Quantity Surveyors Structural & Civil Engineer : Aurecon Electrical & Mechanical Engineer : Aurecon Fire Consultant : Aurecon Main Contractor : WBHO
SAPOA Awards 73