PROJECT dhk Architects
separating the retail, parking and upper levels while reinforcing the building’ s relationship with the urban scale.
Access and street activation
Residential access is via Loop Street, while commercial access is off Riebeek Street. Retail units occupy the street-facing edges to maximise activation. Vehicle access is positioned to minimise impact on intersections and heritage interfaces. At street level, only essential services – including a substation and firefighting equipment – are located to maintain active frontages.
Internal planning
With a compact footprint of 28m x 29m, the design required efficient planning to fit lifts, stairs, parking ramps, municipal services and residential layouts. The central lift core and scissor stair configuration enable efficient circulation and maximise usable space. Full-height glazing along the southern stair core provides views of Table Mountain and the CBD.
Residential design
Typical floors feature two-bedroom units on the northern corners and one-bedroom units on the southern corners, optimising façade frontage for living areas. Larger duplex and triplex units are situated on the upper floors, with roof terraces providing panoramic views. Bedrooms not facing external façades are naturally lit and ventilated through internal courtyards.
Mixed-use activation
Retail spaces on the ground and first floors create active frontages and meet the Tall Building Policy requirements for activating the first floor. The development boosts urban vibrancy by offering a mix of uses within walking distance of major amenities and transport infrastructure.
Materiality and sustainability
The Rubik employs natural-looking materials and a muted palette to create a warm aesthetic. Sustainable features include:
• High-performance double glazing to reduce solar gain
• Recessed balconies for natural ventilation
• Above-ground parking for passive airflow and smoke extraction
• Low-VOC paints and sustainably sourced timber
• Composite materials selected for durability
• Energy-efficient electrical and mechanical systems
• Optimised lift strategy for reduced energy use
By combining environmental responsibility with architectural innovation, The Rubik establishes a new standard for mixed-use urban development in Cape Town. ■
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