DESIGN>SPECIAL REPORT

SPECIAL REPORT WAVERLEY OFFICE PARK

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WAVERLEY OFFICE PARK: NEO-AFRICAN ICONOGRAPHY

By Stacey Rowan

With the expectations of becoming one of the most prominent office park developments in the Southern Sandton area, the Waverley Office Park needed an architectural image that was suitable for a development of this nature in a 21st century Gauteng environment. That architectural image would arise from Neo-African iconography.

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The iconography chosen for Waverley Office Park,

create a visually striking building with layers and

while it takes its inspiration from international de-

depth that ensures a positive work environment

velopments of this kind, is to be distinctly neo-

which maximises on, and fuses with, the positive

African. It is hoped that the combination of the ele-

elements of the site and surroundings, blending

ments, colours and materials used and the overall

with the outdoor elements.

design (that reflects an emerging Africanesque architecture) will in some way inspire the way forward

The landmark office park features a visually spec-

in the quest for something truly architecturally

tacular duo of symmetrical office blocks, linked by

South African.

an arch, which is also the focal point of the development. The arch, which is tiled with high-grade

Waverley Office Park is developed by New Order

porcelain tiles, serves as a welcoming and direc-

Investments, a joint venture between property de-

tional element to visitors, who enter the office

velopers and investors Vlaming (Pty) Limited, Dev-

park through an under-stated gatehouse. To com-

con Projects (Pty) Limited and Top-Flite Properties

pliment the tiled arch, the base of the building has

(Pty) Limited.

also been tiled with high grade porcelain tiles, creating a heavy base.

Designed by Messaris Wapenaar Partnership Consulting Architects, along modern building principles, the vision for Waverley Office Park was to

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Once in the park, the buildings surround a boulevard, creating an internalised park-like environment. In this environment the architectural elements, while closely matching those of the external ones, are brought down to a more human scale.

The horse-shoe shaped buildings within the development have a curved outer ‘shell’ in layers paying respect to those developments of architects like Renzo Piano and the like. The building achieves a slick and modern feel through the use of these curved layers, which are set off against the crisp sharpness of the full height glazing of the corners.

A glazed curtain wall on the outside of the building also helps to achieve this slick and modern feel.

In addition, the buildings have been designed using cavity wall construction and deep set narrow fenestration on the majority of the elevations to address the African climate. This has the effect of dramatically reducing the climate control required in the buildings, and consequently contributing enormously to the environmental considerations surrounding the development. The West facing facades have sun screens, which double up as signage support for the freeway.

The materials used for the construction are local, and as environmentally friendly as is possible in the context of a development of this nature. Although the developers and designers deliberately steered away from plastics and any noxious types of material for the project, it was up to the end users to

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decide how far they were prepared to go to pursue the environmental considerations, which the design has initiated. The developers also recommended the omission of geysers from this project altogether, however, the choice lay with the user, as to whether they are prepared to go with recommendations of this nature, and as to how they ultimately ‘live’ in the buildings in terms of waste management and the like.

Technically the project uses traditional concrete frame construction, with brick infill, aluminium windows and sheet metal roofing. The developers usually approach new technologies, used within different projects, with a degree of caution, until they are proven over a period of time. This park was no exception. The building methods and materials are chosen to insure the longevity of the buildings within the park.

Apart from the exterior, after consulting with interior designers, it was decided that the interior should feature a neutral palette and background with focal areas. High grade finishes were incorporated, and now set the tone for the rest of the development Overall, the challenge in the planning of this particular office park lay in the fact that the precinct consists of blocks of suburbia. The consolidation of these blocks of suburbia took the developers a great deal of time and effort, as did the town planning.

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Considering the end user

When developing Waverley Office Park, the design of the final product was constantly changing, not only to meet the changing extent of the park, and phasing of the town planning , but also the specific needs of the end users of each building. This was done, whilst retaining the integrity of the original concept for the park.

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Located in a busy node, various elements were incorporated into the design to absorb and deflect noise without affecting the tenants. In this way, the building acts as a transition zone between the bustling highway and leafy residential zone. Curved walls, layers on the outside of the building and windows are strategically placed to help eliminate noise distraction, creating a peaceful working environment. The horse-shoe shape design of the building, which creates an enclave, also helps create depth of separation from busy streets and intersections to create a level of privacy for the office tenants. Corner windows allow beautiful scenic views of surrounding parks, as well as the energy point of Corlett Drive, which creates a comfortable work environment.

Apart from the measures undertaken to create a harmonious and well designed indoor office space, the developers also concentrated on the outdoors, in order to create a well-rounded office park for all who work at the park. Waverley features green outdoor spaces, with indigenous trees for tenants to enjoy and relax in. Terraces that appear on the ground and lower ground floor help tenants to interact with the outdoor spaces located within the office park. In addition, a coffee shop is also available for personnel.

To add to the nature-like atmosphere of the office When building any development, the end user must

park, a pond was created within the development

always be considered – in this case, the office ten-

as a means of attenuating stormwater. Although

ants, like the personnel of the Gauteng Gambling

the attenuation of stormwater was first seen as a

Board Head Office. Prime office space is still avail-

challenge, the pond now offers an opportunity to

able for tenants who require areas ranging from

create an area that will enhance the outdoor space

250sqm up to 2,400sqm.

of the office park, benefiting the tenants.

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Designed to flourish in urban node

Perched in prime position on the corner of Corlett Drive and the M1 Highway, the park is centrally located between the highway and surrounding residential areas, creating “…a space that draws from the energetic node whist having the pleasure of a more natural setting,” says Jan Vlaming, Vlaming (Pty) Ltd.

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With the site having close proximity to the M1 high-

“Every element of its surroundings and the maximi-

way, Melrose Arch and with excellent visibility ac-

sation of opportunities were taken into account

cessibility from Corlett Drive, this offers corporate

when Waverley Office Park was designed,” says

tenants maximum benefits from the great highway

Vlaming. “Waverley Office Park will offer the per-

frontage, maximising on its location in a busy node

fect environment for a harmonious and productive

and creating branding opportunities. With this in

workplace, whilst still offering a dynamic location

mind, value underpins the Waverley office Park.

close to all amenities.”

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