AVBOB , IRENE LINK
One of South Africa ’ s most iconic and respected companies took its first momentous step into a shared future together with the Irene Link Precinct . Work has begun on AVBOB ’ S new head office .
Designed by Nsika Architecture , AVBOB will move their headquarters to Irene Link in December 2023 , ending a 30-year tenure in the Pretoria CBD , where they occupied two buildings for their 800 employees . The 11,500m 2 AVBOB head office , which will be the fourth building in the 75,000m 2 precinct , is designed to not only meet the requirements and aesthetic story of the funeral services giant , but will be energy efficient , with a four-star Green rating . As it will flank the main entrance to the development and complete the visual and conceptual gateway into the precinct , it needed to be bold and iconic and set the tone for the precinct architecture and philosophy . AVBOB outlined several criteria : the quality of building , environmental ratings and efficiency and local facilities available to employees . They are investing around R400-million into the building .
“ It will be an extraordinarily striking building visually , with no hard edges or corners ,” said Grant Silverman , Marketing and Lease Director at Abland . “ At its heart is a four-storey atrium , with bridges , escalators , green walls and public spaces . It will feature a ‘ walking track ’ concept around the entire façade where desks will sit back at least 2m , from the edge . This will not only ensure employees are not bothered by sun glare , but they will be able to walk around the façade to
interact with colleagues and other hubs in the business . We have seen over the last few years how the line between work and home life became increasingly blurred , which is why creating a precinct where we can link the hustle of business and the harmony of the quality of life is both obvious and necessary in the new ‘ normal , said Silverman . It is vital to ensure the wellbeing of employees , which , in turn , ensures the wellbeing of our tenants and , thus , their businesses .”
DROSTDY / MY SPACE , STELLENBOSCH
Centrally located within easy proximity of key locations in the historic and vibrant university-centric town of Stellenbosch ( shopping centres , lifestyle locations and the campus itself ), MySpace at Drostdy is a modern co-living accommodation solution for students and young professionals by dhk Architects for Abacus Development Company designed for flexibility and convenience . The introduction of a high-end offering , within walking distance of essential services and destinations fulfils a growing need while working within , and developing on , an existing vernacular .
Contemporary living needs are met with various accommodation permutations and high-tech , future-thinking service and security features , to fully and seamlessly support academic lifestyles , while its design acknowledges the history of the town , making it both versatile and respectful of its environment .
The street frontage is composed of three elements that combine to respect the context of Stellenbosch ’ s heritage townscape , namely the historic Drostdy building on Alexander Street , the new housing wing along Bird Street , and a central glazed atrium and open
courtyard that forms the social hub of the development . Restricted to three levels on Bird Street , the new façades have been designed in a simple neutral white-walled , contemporary Cape vernacular style .
The redevelopment entailed preserving and restoring the integrity and period detailing of the Drostdy building , thereby retaining the link to the history of the town and the relationship to ‘ die Braak ’. The interventions are contemporary and restrained and the fully glazed pedestrian entrance on Bird Street ( aligned with Beyers Street ) forms a transparent junction or ‘ gasket ’ to link the new with the old , and provides a welcoming entrance to the glazed atrium and entrance foyer .
The solution will create animated street activity through commercial usage while achieving the continuity of the typical Stellenbosch streetscape with façades that are fresh but discreet .
16 Project Watch