SA Building Review- 2026 SA Building Review: Volume 14 - 2026 | Page 147

PROJECT Boogertman + Partners
A workplace shaped by energy, movement and place
Boogertman + Partners drew design inspiration not only from the office’ s natural and urban environment – including the city’ s diverse topographies and natural features, from Table Mountain to the beach and the ocean – but also from the activities supported by Red Bull.
The fluid movement typical of many local sports, and the natural forces such as wind and waves that enable it, inspired organic, flowing lines that shape the overall look and feel of the design.
The character of the space is also shaped by Red Bull’ s energetic and adventurous spirit, thoughtfully balanced with the need for efficiency and professionalism.
Through its close connection with many South African sporting heroes, Red Bull has built a large collection of sporting memorabilia – including the kit worn by legends such as Dakar Rally-winning driver Geniel de Villiers, surfer Jordy Smith, Grand Prix motorcycle racer Brad Binder, Springbok Rugby captain Siya Kolisi, and others – which is now displayed around the office.
Some of Red Bull’ s signature events in and around the city include the famous Red Bull Flugtag at Cape Town Harbour( Red Bull’ s iconic DIY flying-machine challenge), the Bo-Kaap Box Cart Race, kite-surfing in Muizenberg, surfing at Llandudno Beach, trail running on Lion’ s Head, and acrobatic flying.
These activities guided the selection of themes for each of the three levels of the building, based on the corresponding layers of Cape Town’ s geography( ground, horizon, sky) and the activities associated with them.
A transformative gesture at the centre of this conceptual design involved creating a new triple-volume atrium by cutting through three existing floors, resulting in a striking central space filled with natural light. A sweeping staircase installed by the V & A Waterfront connects all three levels.
Dramatically suspended against a feature wall in this void is one of the office’ s most striking features: a vertically mounted Red Bull Formula 1 racing car once driven by four-time world champion Max Verstappen – an icon of performance and brand legacy.
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This thematic approach across all three levels – vertically connected by the shared atrium – integrates landscape, sport, and culture into a cohesive spatial story. The new atrium welcomes natural light and creates a sense of movement at the heart of the building.
At the same time, material choices and spatial hierarchies express a deliberate balance between professionalism, performance, and the brand’ s freespirited ethos.
A blend of communal and specialised zones fosters creative, collaborative, and focused work that supports Red Bull’ s professional culture.
Grounded in Cape Town
The ground floor takes inspiration from Cape Town Harbour, the Bo-Kaap, Llandudno, and related sports such as box-cart racing, surfing, and Flugtag.
The reception area forms a welcoming arrival point with a striking‘ Athlete’ s Wall’ showcasing photographs of South African Red Bull athletes and local sporting milestones. The sculptural timber reception counter introduces a material palette inspired by the city’ s coastline and geology, with muted tones and neutral finishes creating a warm and tactile arrival experience.
Across all levels, organic shapes, warm natural materials, and carefully tuned lighting establish a cohesive spatial language that fluctuates between energetic and calming as needed.
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