ARCHITECTS
PROJECT INFORMATION
• Company entering: dhk Architects • Client: RDC Property Group • Start date: Design (November 2014) and on site (May 2019) • Main Contractor: GVK Siya-Zama • Architect: dhk Architects • Principal Agent: Iqual Project Managers • Quantity Surveyor: Smith and Co. • Consulting Engineer: Sutherland Engineers
A complex structural analysis and intervention was required to carry the load of the four additional floors onto the existing structure. A large percentage of the foundations had to be enlarged, underpinned or replaced. Extensive temporary steel structures were required to facilitate façade retention during construction as well as the removal and/or strengthening of columns and slabs. The retail/office centre was previously becoming disused following the opening of the larger Cape Quarter and was in need of a major upgrade. The redesign demonstrates a true mixed-use environment with retail, office and residential spaces surrounding a publicly accessible courtyard which allows the surrounding community to positively OLD CAPE QUARTER
interact as a tenant or patron, facilitating the meeting of likeminded people. Furthermore, the development provided employment during construction, as well as via the servicing of the building post-construction. Security in the precinct is enhanced by having a 24/7 mixed use precinct with activated street frontages. Adaptive reuse/extension: Rather than demolish the existing structure and build a new building, the decision was taken to retain the existing structure, street facades and parking below (with minor strategic demolition where absolutely essential) and to design an additional contemporary four-floor architectural intervention above, which intentionally contrasts with the heritage buildings on Waterkant and Hudson Streets. Reconfiguring the existing internal layouts and courtyard footprint as well as adding four levels onto the existing structure led to an innovative layered hybrid development,
76 21 st Best Project Awards 2022
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