Colin Sackett - Portfolio

PORTFOLIO COLINSACKETT SENIORARCHITECT

All work and renders contained herein are the work of the author. Should you require any further information pertaining to any of the projects or work shown, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. colin@thesum.co.za

Assorted

King

CIRCA GALLERY ARTS+ CULTURE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A contemporary extension to the existing Everard Read Gallery on an adjacent vacant site utilised for parking. The site is bordered by two main roads in Rosebank, Johannesburg with a narrow width, made more difficult with large building lines along the main roads. The brief called for 2 gallery spaces, one small and one large for different exhibition needs as well as roof top lounge and deck for entertainment with prep kitchen and amenities for visitors.

The site shape restricted building planning to a narrow linear plan however rather than generate a full bulk proposal, the concept to see the building itself as an architectural sculpture resulted in an elliptical plan design with a perimeter ramped access around a central core of gallery space. A permeable facade wrapping the building of extruded aluminium fins gives visual sight of the street and surrounding activity whilst allowing sound attenuation within the galleries.

The building curvature assisted to allow light into the shaded southern area, bordered by a neighbouring 3 storey structure along the south boundary and creating an internal semi-private gathering space. By lifting the private spaces vertically, the ground floor is returned to the public realm as an urban zone, accessible to all and importantly allowing the outdoor space to act as a bridge to the original gallery, participating as a defining space in the overall gallery layout and master plan.

METHODOLOGY

The colouring of the vertical aluminium fins was workshopped extensively. Many iterations of colour and shading variation were created but all lacked the true randomness as can be found in nature. The solution was to utilise aerial photographs of landscapes, extract single pixel width slices across the images and in Photoshop, colourise and interpolate the extruded pixel strip to the baseline anodising colours that could be

achieved in fabrication. This process generated far more random shade variation that when applied on the fin sequence, could be mapped back into the 3D visualisations for assessment and presentation to client.

DEVELOPMENT DATA

Site Area: 1253m²

Building Area: 377m²

Site Dims: 40.770m x 15.120m

Height: 3 Storeys

Coverage: 267m

Building Lines: 5m along west, 3m along north

Project Value: R16 million $1.9 million

PROJECT ROLE

Concept and sketch design development, 3D visualisation, client presentation, construction and finishing detailing.

2008-2009 / ARCHITECTURE / CIVIC

ROOF PLAN

CONSTRUCTION

The facade fin design was workshopped with the aluminium contractor and a custom die made for this project. Over 4km of extrusion in total was made with a total of 432 fins wrapping the perimeter of the building. Seven colour shades of anodising, based on time in the bath, was designated and mapped to each fin individually.

Within the main gallery space, a series of lift-able partitions were designed to permit reconfiguration of the space depending on requirements. In the lowered position, the steel framed partitions formed the walls in the lower gallery. Once raised, the partitions could be rotated on a central axis to provide additional wall hanging space or spatial configuration as needed.

A raised deck on the second level permitted roof top services to move across the structure and serve the gallery spaces below without visibility as well as hide all rooftop drainage inlets. The requirement for a roof level fire escape was a design element that took time to resolve, as the impact on the skin of the building needed to be unnoticeable. Attaching the stair around the perimeter was rejected after several iterations and the solution to separate the stair and the building was taken, wrapping the stair inside a mesh cage that was to be grown with plants. This not only hid the stair from general sight but created a singular, neutral backdrop against which the building

GROUND FLOOR - GALLERY

FIRST FLOOR - MAIN GALLERY

SECOND FLOOR - PRIVATE ROOM + DECK

Aluminium fin layout and profile

Variations of facade fin colouring

Variations of facade fin colouring

Variations of facade fin colouring

Site before construction commencement

Concrete structural shell

Installation of facade fins

Installation of facade fins

Extrusion die

SECTIONS

ELEVATIONS

form could sit.

Functionally, the connecting bridge became the perfect position to install a gantry to lift larger artworks up to the main gallery through the external facade doors.

A large pond at the end of the ground floor space looked over the adjacent main road and provided a secure edge due to the raised height relative to street level. With a singular main entrance gate thus, the entire building area can be closed off to the street without visual interference from

fencing and boundary walls. It is an excellent example of how spatial gradation, privacy and security can all be managed through verticality.

Circa received a SAIA Award of Excellence in 2012.

North elevation, photo by Tristan Maclaren

Ground level entrance ramp

Main entrance/East elevation, photo by Tristan Maclaren

2019-2020 / ARCHITECTURE / COMMERCIAL

ROCHE HEAD OFFICE+ DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The new South African headquarters outside of Cape Town of the international pharmaceutical company Roche, called for a ground floor administration and logistics space with upper floors for laboratories and offices.

Importantly the building had to speak to the company’s corporate design philosophy and comply with their international quality, construction and performance criteria. Localised considerations of site, orientation, rainfall and climate required adaptation of detail and construction methodologies to achieve these outcomes.

The building provides an elevated, first floor open courtyard looking out to the west and the adjacent main arterial route, protected on the other three sides by the first and second floor structure. Cape weather can be extremely windy with high rainfall during winter months and so it was key to provide an accessible outdoor space to the offices with some protection against the elements.

DEVELOPMENT DATA PROJECT ROLE

Site Area: 33 288m²

Gross Floor Area: 9 904m²

Total Floor Area: 8 630m²

Site Dims: 223m x 176m

Height: 3 Storeys

Coverage: 3 755m²

Project Value: R60 million £2 850 000

Lead design architect tasked with taking over initial proposal and developing building in line with client international corporate identity. Completed all detail documentation and construction information for issue to site.

Entire project and all work performed remotely and co-ordinated through BIM360 with project team during Covid pandemic lockdown.

First floor areas were set aside as laboratory spaces with specialised air handling units, medical gas supply and chemical storage established on the flat roof. The second floor houses all administrative and office spaces with area on the south wing set aside for future expansion. Bulk services and infrastructure had to be provided as part of the establishment of the Brackengate economic zone in which this project is located. Stormwater attenuation, bulk electrical services and roads were accommodated on site together with all parking situated to the east of the building as one approaches the building. Truck access to a separate delivery hardstand area provided the access to the ground floor warehouse area where shipping of manufactured products from the labs could be sent. Sun studies on the north, east and especially western facade, where the most aggressive sunlight is received, resulted in large, perforated shading panels being installed to the highway-facing west facade. The ground floor double volume re-

ception and circulation cores leads one up through the floors with additional shafts provided for future possible use in a multi tenanted fitout scenario. The building was completed in December 2019 after 9 months construction and handed over to the fitout contractor who took over the specialised installations required for the laboratories and plant equipment.

Logistics loading yard

Half the project site was allocated to this building and parking requirements, with planning beginning on Phase 2 as a second office and logistics centre adjacent to this structure. The combined infrastructural and stormwater attenuation requirements have been designed and built as part of this initial phase which will simplify the future expansion to these headquarters.

South-west elevation

North elevation

Main entrance / East elevation

Roof aerial view

West elevation showing office wings and central first level courtyard

KINGSLEY CENTRE RETAIL REFURB

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The existing Kingsley Centre in the heart of Pretoria’s CBD, constructed in the 1960s, had fallen into disuse as time and urban decay progressed. With large expansion of the city eastwards into the suburbs, urban retail zones were being abandoned and left vacant. The revised spatial development framework for the city saw government aiming to reverse this trend and consolidate all governmental departments back into the city centre in an effort to revitalise certain areas. One such core project was the Kingsley Centre, aimed to house the South African Social Security Agency within the existing 10 storey office tower. Through the Public Investment Corporation, TC Design was tasked with the upgrade and improvements to the centre to take advantage of the city developments to come.

The centre comprised two basement parking levels, two retail floor levels and the 10 storey office tower. However the project was spread across 3

DEVELOPMENT DATA PROJECT ROLE

Site Area: 10207m²

Gross Floor Area: 23228m²

Total Floor Area: 51820m²

Site Dims: 138.5m x 73.7m

Height: 12 Storeys

Coverage: 8363m²

Project Value: R580 million £28 000 000

Design architect from inception to tender stages, advising on construction detailing. Existing building analysis, internal circulation and retail layout proposals, external facade design and material selection, client meetings, project costing and tender documentation.

notorially tied land parcels, limiting the total bulk and development potential. Due to differing rights on each parcel, there was no basement parking and only a single retail level on two of the existing land parcels. Once the consolidation of the erfs had been achieved, the design saw a large increase of lettable floor area and with that, massive potential on how to improve the urban interface with the rest of the city.

It was well established that in order for the centre to thrive and not fall into disuse again, the retail zones needed to open to the urban realm and allow permeability through the centre as a route through the city. This would create the highest opportunity for trade and usage.

Extending the double retail level along the full city block site length provided the opportunity to create pedestrian friendly and protective zones along street edges. Varying the vertical height along the street edge allowed for designated high movement and slow pause spaces to develop, housed below a shaded canopy. At each end, large

sculptural aluminium clad masses rise out the ground to celebrate and signpost the renewed urban context.

The existing U-shaped tower floor plate was stripped of its facade and every second floor expanded between the tower arms to provide additional office floor space. Each two floor module can thus serve a multi tenanted need or provide single tenants with larger double volume spaces. The new facade was designed utilising two panels types to generate a relief pattern across the full building height whilst shifting the original facade position outwards, improving the usable floor plate areas. Final inspections are currently underway for the opening of the new centre due in February 2023.

2020-2022 / ARCHITECTURE / RETAIL

South cladding installation underway

Initial proposal for office component on north edge

Initial proposal render at NE corner

Initial proposal render at SE corner

Initial proposal render along street edge

Finalised design to north elevation

Finalised design render at NE corner

Concept tower facade render

Concept tower facade render

EAST ELEVATION - STREET EDGE

TOWER FLOOR PLANS DETAIL FACADE PANEL DESIGN

SE sculptural canopy form with cladding under construction

NE sculptural facade form with cladding complete

Original tower and retail centre elevations New facade and entrance fin cladding detail

Internal proposal render

Internal proposal render

SE proposed retail feature store and pedestrian ingress render

2021-2025 / ARCHITECTURE / RETAIL

ERASMUS KLOOF COMPETITION ENTRY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This vacant land parcel in the south of Pretoria, South Africa, sits directly between a large residential suburb and a large nearby commercial and retail development. The client sought to take advantage of the commercial expansion in the area and issued a competition brief to 5 selected firms, of which TCRPV’s won the bid. The site has many restraints inherent to it which is likely why development has been delayed to date. There is a steep slope running from the longitudinal main road on the western edge down to a river which bisects the site. Furthermore, existing electrical power pylons run through the site, creating a large servitude area where no building can occur. With access to the site only permitted along nonarterial roads, entry to the site is limited to the narrow ends. The design sees the provisioning of all building and structure parking along the western side running north to south. Approach from the north is celebrated with a feature civic

DEVELOPMENT DATA PROJECT ROLE

Site Area: 64 270m²

Residential: 5 850m²

Retail: 28 500m²

Commercial: 6000m²

Total Floor Area: 40 350m²

Site Dims: m x m

Height: 4 Storeys

Coverage: m²

Project Value: R450 million

£21 500 000

building for the performing arts and local community spaces. This precedes the residential and hotel components raised above a two level retail edge that backs onto below ground parking located within the site slopes falling away from the west. To the south is then located a multi-storey main anchor tenant and future commercial expansion areas. A phased development approach started with this southern retail anchor as a minimal intervention for anticipated maximum return and provide the springboard for the northward expansion through subsequent phases once the commercial viability of the site had been established.

The servitude and river delta areas along the eastern side are to be transformed into natural, recreation areas for biking, running and hiking. The establishment of pathway links into the large residential areas to the east creates ideal pedestrian routes to the retail zones with a central restaurant and market zone situated at the heart of the development. Off-

Part of competition design team in charge of spatial planning, aerial and detail visualisations. Existing site analysis and programme option proposals.

road cycling is a common activity on adjacent northern sites along the river edge and connecting this development as an extension to these routes will facilitate high usage as an end destination point.

The design called for vertical separation of roads and pedestrian routes, possible through the creation of landscaped berms and raised floor areas. This allows a multitude of different networks to inhabit the central circulation zones without impacting on one’s safety and experience.

Final design of Phase 1 is due to be complete in 2023 with construction aiming to begin before year end. Final completion anticipated in 2025.

Proposal overview render of full project precinct from north

Proposal overview render of full project precinct from north east

SITE CONDITIONS

“A proper building grows naturally, logically, and poetically out of all its conditions.” - Louis Sullivan

ORIENTATION

The site has a prominent north south axis with shorter boundaries facing the north and south and longer boundaries facing the east and west.

TOPOGRAPHY

There is a drastic level change of about 20 meters from one corner of the site to the other. The south west corner is the high point while the north east corner beginning dipping to the wetland valley adjacent to the site.

STREETS

Delmas Road is a fast moving main road which connects to the N1 highway. Solomon Mahlangu Drive is a busy main road that runs along the south of the site and links the east with the west. Nossob Street to the north is a slower moving residential road which would be a preferred access point.

CONNECTIVITY

The site and its adjacent wetland is divided by an electrical servitude which should be carefully broken through to connect the two and ultimately to connect the development with its surroundings.

CONTEXTUAL APPROACH

CONCEPTUAL APPROACH

PLACE MAKING CONNECTIVITY HIERARCHY NATURE SUSTAINABILITY

STATIC

* Static compositions are usually symmetrical. They suggest power, firmness, conviction, certainty, authority, and permanence. Less successful examples can be unengaging and boring.

Dynamic compositions are almost always asymmetrical. They can suggest activity, excitement, fun, movement, flow, aggression, and conflict.

* “Genius loci literally means genius of place. It is used to describe places that are deeply memorable for their architectural and experiential qualities.”

Creating good visual and physical connections will improve the accessibility of a place and integrate the users with their environment.

“The articulation of the importance or significance of a form or space by its size, shape, or placement relative to the other forms and spaces of the organisation.”

* Objective engagement of reality and nature results in a detached observation where as subjective engagement will create a direct immersion.

This is a difficult quality for a place to achieve, but

You can judge the accessibility of a place by its connections to its surroundings, both visual and physical. A successful public space is easy to get to and get through; it is visible both from a distance and up close. Easy accessibility and strong links to the existing urban fabric is important to improve health, environment, and

Proposal overview render of full project precinct from north west

SITE CROSS SECTION

The retail offering is made up of a variation of line shops and anchor stores all connected to the pedestrian piazza.

At the heart of the development are the restaurants and food market which are integrated with the natural landscape

Sitting on the built ridge is the residential component which could be a mix of apartments or hotel rooms

The bike bath and walking trails meaningfully intertwine through the wetlands and connect the built form to its natural surroundings

Retention ponds and water wise planting cleverly allow this natural environment to support itself

Small green initiatives are implemented throughout the new development

LANDSCAPING PRINCIPLES

BUILDING BETTER SUBURBS - A LANDSCAPERS APPROACH

Our proposed new vision focuses on transforming the precinct into a sense of place within the neighbourhood. This will incorporate the new development into the adjacent Park land, forming a new contemporary and lively integrated urban space.

The edges of the park are to be activated allowing a secure precinct for activities and pedestrian access to the surrounding business parks and residential neighbourhoods. This green approach will provide the needed social development infrastructure which in turn promotes social activity and a place of memory.

Not only is it possible to provide environmentally friendly, sustainable, green landscaping, we can transform utilizing all of these principles. While maintaining low impact site development, harvesting rainwater, and managing storm water, we can still provide beautiful, functional landscapes and outdoor activity areas, providing both visual and physical connections to the neighbourhood.

There are five simple design elements used in creating a sustainable living landscape: berms, pathways, retaining walls, terraces and trees.

Architecturally the landscaping contributes a counterpoint of colour and texture to the complex of buildings. It provides a balance between man-made and the natural. It provides the infrastructure to support social connectivity.

BERMS

The primary element is a large serpentine BERM that sits across the site and becomes a means for catching stormwater, cleaning it and slowing it down, before decanting back into the river. The basic principle of a Water Retention Landscape is that no rainwater should run off, but rather infiltrate into the soil where it falls.

PATHWAYS

This berm then becomes the platform for a PATHWAY which runs along its crest and connects the north-east and south-west corners. A raised walkway that projects out over the wetland allows visitors an opportunity to look down at an ecologically restored marshy grassland. This should be sown with colourful perennials and bulbs so that it changes through the seasons and becomes a very beautiful tapestry.

RETAINING WALLS

Higher up the site, large RETAINING WALLS replicate the serpentine language, terracing up into the buildings and creating outdoor spaces at various levels that allow the building to spill out onto.

TERRACES

The lowest terrace becomes an active lawned park, separated from the wetland by the large berm. The upper TERRACES have a harder surface.

TREES

TREES are kept to long straight lines, acting as sculptural edges that channel views or break the verticality of adjacent walls/ buildings.

The proposal distinctly gives hierarchy to pedestrian movement along the piazza and places cars below on the roadway and parking in basements. A bicycle route meanders through the wetlands and up to the retail component, ultimately linking everything together.

2018-2020 / ARCHITECTURE / EDUCATION

ST.JOHNS COLLEGE HIGHSCHOOL EXPANSION

DEVELOPMENT DATA PROJECT ROLE

Total Floor Area: 3 501m²

Height: 4 Storeys

Coverage: 1 087m²

Project Value: R55 million

£2 600 000

Sketch design architect from inception, through design development to tender stage. Principal building model creator and documentation lead. Existing building analysis, spatial layout, building shell and facade design, material selection, client meetings. Visualisations, detail renders and presentation for client signoff and final approval.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

St. Johns College sits along Houghton ridge, overlooking Johannesburg as one of the oldest and most esteemed private schools in the country. Founded in 1898, today’s campus has evolved over decades from the original blueprints designed by Herbert Baker and Frank Fleming. It is an institution of educational excellence and as a Grade 1 heritage site, any intervention on the grounds requires the utmost care. Comprising a pre-preparatory, preparatory and high school amalgamated together, it was the high school component that has seen the largest growth in the last decade and the school required additional classrooms and facilities to ensure growth met the demand. The brief called for the gold standard of educational facilities and building design, to be efficient in terms of use but expansive in usability. The final aesthetic also needed to sit apart from the historical styles of the original school yet not appear foreign in material and form.

Design began with viable open sites across the campus with connection to the existing highschool however such areas were in short supply. The decision to demolish old teacher residences and student dormitory in the NE corner was approved to facilitate the required land area needed.

The layout of the 14 new classrooms centred around a new quad, forming an extension to the main arterial circulation. The site sits atop the ridge edge, overlooking the school pool and fields on the lower level. This position meant highly unstable soils which required excavation down 12m and the creation of several steelwork strapped concrete rafts from which structure could be built. Due to this large vertical variation across the site, the decision to sink into the quadrangle a stepped outdoor gathering space combined well in connecting the upper classrooms with the lower pool level. The classrooms themselves were designed with large cavity walls and deep reveals, passive cooling paths and

North elevation overlooking the lower sport fields and pool areas

West approach from school

Classroom isometric

Proposed quad and internal elevations

Proposed quad and internal elevations

East entrance and street facing facade of classroom block

double glazed, all to combat the extremes of summer and winter temperatures. Internally the classrooms were acoustically developed, and collapsible adjoining partitions and reconfigurable furniture selected for a wide range of blended teaching and learning scenarios. Energy generation via PV rooftop panels and heat pumps ensured efficient building heating with passive cross ventilation considered in the glazing detailing.

While the external facade was kept to facebrick with deep reveals, the internal circulation edge around the quad was wrapped in a skin of vertical aluminium fins, in the profile of the sword of St John, creating the modern and visually permeable softer side of the building. This project was awarded a GIFA Award or Merit in 2021.

Proposed sunken quad assembly space and classroom circulation edge

Proposed sunken quad assembly space and classroom circulation edge

Proposed sunken quad assembly space

Completed internal quad and classrooms

Completed internal quad and classrooms

Completed East entrance and street edge elevation of classrooms

HOLY FAMILY HERITAGE RESTORATION

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Founded in 1905 by the Reverend Mother Ambrose Farren of the Holy Family Sisters, this school was originally known as the Parktown Convent for Girls. In 1991 the school became the Holy Family College, a co-educational school from Grade R to matric.

In 2012 a fire broke out on the stage in the school hall which destroyed most of the upper level structure and roof and damaged 5 classrooms and change rooms below the hall. As a Grade 1 heritage structure and operating school, plans to restore this structure had to be implemented quickly to ensure rainfall did not further jeopardise the vulnerable structure open to the elements. Damage to the school hall was extensive. The entire roof structure and timber wall panelling was completely destroyed. The upper masonry construction of the walls had collapsed and all load bearing supports had lost their integrity. The weight of the collapsed debris had further caused structural cracking in the floor slab and allowed rainfall in the ensuing months to penetrate into the classroom floor below the hall, saturating the walls and warping all timber flooring which remained. Heritage reports, research and plan of

DEVELOPMENT DATA PROJECT ROLE

Total Floor Area: 1 505m²

Height: 4 Storeys

Coverage: 962m²

Project Value: R12 million £1 million/$1.2 million

Construction period: 10 months

Project Architect and principal agent responsible for project management, progress tracking, production of drawings, specifications, council and heritage applications, administration of project and budget matters with insurers and contractor, running site meetings, inspection of works and snagging, sourcing of fabricators and quotes of work to be done.

works were drawn up and presented to PHRAG, the regional heritage authority, for approval in order to facilitate the start of building work as the school lacked sufficient spaces in which to teach. Remnants of structure, cast iron components and partial fittings together with photographs from staff and students of prize-givings, school plays, assemblies as well as visits from foreign dignitaries were sourced in order to provide references for the recreation of the original design. Fittings that survived the fire were restored and additional replicated. Timber matching the original spec to the floor (American white oak), wall panelling and doors (African mahogany) was sourced and matched to photographic details of the prior installation. Some limitations in materials and construction were encountered but contemporary alternatives were developed to complete the restoration as well as updating older technologies with newer, efficient solutions.

The original brickwork of the hall, referred to as a Kirkness brick, was made in Pretoria, 50km north of Johannesburg during the early 1900s. This brick is longer and shallower than a standard imperial brick, measuring 420x140x65mm. Since these have long been out of manufacture,

a special order of custom sized bricks to match was placed of 12 000 units to permit the rebuilding of the hall to match what currently remained of the face brick walls. This came at considerable cost but was considered essential to the restoration of the building to its original appearance. The structural cracking in the remaining slabs were corrected with carbon fibre straps and epoxied steel dowels. A new steel gantry structure for the stage, lighting rigging and curtain track was craned through the roof and fixed into new structural concrete and brickwork walls. Overall the project is considered a huge success by the local community and school which now boasts one of the most modern stage setups in Johannesburg which the school rents out for concerts and drama performances as an additional income stream, assisting in the continued survival of this heritage institution.

2013-2014 / ARCHITECTURE / HERITAGE

School hall on fire

Remains after the fire

Remains of the school hall the morning after the fire

Aerial view of school campus

CONSTRUCTION

Since the original drawings of the hall could not be found, recreation of the structural detailing had to be made from the remnants salvaged after the fire, together with photographic references. During the cleanup operations, all concrete and steelwork items were stored on site to be later inspected, documented and then pieced back together.

The main western facade window is a primary design element and portions of the surviving concrete surround were used to recreate the edging and brickwork interface details around the window. Distinctive bricks with cut notches and bull-nosing gave hints at how they had been previously assembled and formed the base for a faithful recreation. Certain items such as the main roof beams and internal upper wall cladding could not be reproduced fully. The original roof beams were solid mass timber, a highly expensive and unfeasible solution considering the reduced bearing load of the side walls and buttresses. Older forms of insulation in the walls and cladding seemed to indicate an asbestos based product, no longer legal to be used under current SA building codes. Even the various kinds of patterned and rolled glass are no longer manufactured today. Such items required a modern re-interpretation to produce an identical aesthetic but in a more efficient and compliant manner. In some cases this has led to high performance improvements in the space, with the inclusion of modern insulation, acoustic cladding, improved electrical, lighting and sound systems, lighter roof structure and improved facilities which should allow this building to serve the school for the next 100 years.

Completed rebuild of the school hall

Completed rebuild of the school hall Original hall photo reference Original hall photo reference

Original concrete window reveal

Original concrete window reveal

Completed rebuild of the iconic western facade

Piecing together original brick details Original glass types

Completed timber floor and wall cladding details

Climbing bars at rear of hall Restored entrance lobby Gallery with original repaired handrail

2017-2018 / ARCHITECTURE / RESIDENTIAL

REITH MERE RESIDENTIAL HERITAGE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This existing 4 storey residential block, located on a main arterial route in the older suburbs of Johannesburg, has seen its surrounding area grow and densify dramatically with the addition of high cost residential and commercial precincts nearby. This growth in demand was the starting point in approaching the redevelopment of this heritage block and a re-look at how the building and units could target a modern, city lifestyle with amenities in the surrounding area. The building comprises of a retail ground floor accessible from the street with 12 units of varying sizes on the upper three floors. A central open to air passage links the units to the central circulation and escape cores but with no elevator for access. Due to adjacent streets on two side of the property, an existing parking area is located within the site housed under a sheet metal roof with access from the side street. The owner was looking to modernise the building as a whole, upgrade the common facilities for tenants, and

DEVELOPMENT DATA PROJECT ROLE

Site Area: 966m²

Building Area: 2051m²

Site Dims: 31.520m x 30.350m

Height: 4 Storeys

Coverage: 532m²

Building Lines: 4.5m along south, 4.5m along east

Project Value: R5 million £250 000

refurbish and expand on what the units currently offered to capture current rental opportunities. Several improvements were identified to target aspects of the original design that were insufficient for the current residents such as:

- Enclose the main street facade to provide noise attenuation to the sound of traffic, far in excess of what had previously been anticipated

- Enclose the existing balconies and include this floor area into the design of each unit

- Expand the retail unit sizes and add storage facilities to the rear

- Enclose the existing entrance for added security and refurbish the existing heritage finishes and signage

- Add gas reticulation to all units and improved water heating systems

- Improve the parking area to the rear of the site and provide a secondary reception and secure access from the internal parking area.

With the existing building as a starting point for the choice of materiality selection, the decision was taken to contrast the original slate grey and

Full service

Principal agent and client liaison, concept and detail design, construction documentation, local authority approvals, site meetings, contractual issue resolution, progress and works inspections, detail snagging, project close out.

tan brickwork with the refined look of glass and steelwork elements. The original tan brickwork was painted white to reduce an excessive colour palette and improve the contrast with the other original slate grey facebrick. Steelwork detail balustrades, deck planters and street-edge seating elements were added which in combination with the full height glazing enclosure of perimeter balconies and facade, transformed an aging building into one of sophistication and quality.

NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

Original east elevation

Refurbished east elevation

Original south elevation

Balustrade detail

South glazed facade detail

Completed new deck, store extensions and parking roof

Refurbished south elevation

DEVELOPMENT DATA PROJECT ROLE

Site Area: 30 577m²

Gross Floor Area: 62 490m²

Total Floor Area: 29 770m²

Height: 5 Storeys

Coverage: 21 530m²

Project Value: R660 million £31 250 000

MALVERN CENTRE RETAIL REFURB

PROJECT DESCRIPTION each level of the revised retail areas. This would permit the creation of additional retail floor area along the west boundary with a central circulation route serving all areas. The adjacent land parcel was purchased and added to the development to contribute bulk and allow design efficiencies to be reached, once consolidation on the 17 existing land parcels occurred.

Originally built in the 1970s, the existing Malvern Centre has been expanded and renovated multiple times over the decades. This resulted in a sprawling, disconnected retail and parking structure that could not take advantage of the allowable development rights permitted by the site. The Public Investment Corporation, the investment arm of the GEPF as the largest pension fund in South Africa, was mandated to redevelop the centre to achieve the maximum economic potential. A competition for the scheme was announced in 2016 which TC Design was awarded for which the author was directly responsible. Part of the brief was to retain as much of the existing centre as could be without compromising the future design, the need to resolve the interconnections within the site and achieving maximum bulk.

The proposal looked to remove the single level parking areas across the site and consolidate these into a multi-level structured parking zone, connecting to

This spatial principle was followed through design development until investigations into existing structure showed insufficient bearing weight for the planned design. At the client’s behest, the design was revised to achieve even larger floor areas with the caveat that 75% of the existing structure was to be demolished.

The existing main retail anchor was to remain with two additional anchor tenants and over 50 line tenants to be added to the centre. Infrastructural and logistics improvements had to be made to accommodate the large increase in project size and parking requirements.

Construction commenced in June 2021 with demolitions, bulk earthworks and

Lead project and design architect. Compiled winning design submission, project analysis and write-up, all graphics and renderings. Managed project from inception, sketch plan and design development phases. Oversaw development of tender and construction documentation, tracked program for deliverables, cost engineered design in line with budgetary restraints, attended site meetings and subcontractor briefings.

piling running until December 2021. Due to the existing anchor’s requirement to remain trading during construction, the project had to be phased into three areas of work. Phase 1 dealt with the full parking structure and east anchors and loading yard. Phase 2 comprised the western retail edges with Phase 3 dealing with the main anchor store expansion and central piazza completion.

The existing 15 storey residential tower with ground level retail provides a dedicated user population to this centre but also brings additional concerns and considerations. Thus between the tower and parking zones, large planted walls create a pedestrian sensitive outdoor transition and circulation zone, usable by residents during closed times as garden and rest spaces. These green walls continue along the main road edge to further temper the hard street surfaces. The parking deck was reduced to two storeys from three to minimise the shading impact to lower tower residents

Construction is ongoing and due to be complete in July 2023.

2021-2023 / ARCHITECTURE / RETAIL

Proposal render from NW corner

Sample vertical facebrick

Construction progress underway on site

Analysis of existing structures, required demolitions progressing to final spatial layout

Proposal render of street edge around the main street entrance

Proposal render of pedestrian walkway between parking and residential tower

Proposal render of internal piazza and upper level roofed circulation

Proposal render of external parking structure elevation and street edge treatment

FEATURE BRICKWORK DETAILING

KING DAVID MEDIA CENTRE

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The existing library at this highschool in Johannesburg was simple two storey brickwork structure with staff administration rooms on the ground floor and the library on the first floor. The recent expansion and student increase in the adjoining primary school indicated the future need for upgraded facilities of the highschool and to this end, the school requested a design to turn the existing library space, providing books and films, into a 21st century modern learning facility complete with blended learning spaces, multi-media and maker facilities and laboratories.

DEVELOPMENT DATA PROJECT ROLE

Total Floor Area: 632m²

Height: 2 Storeys

Coverage: 318m²

Project Value: R15 million

£750 000

Design architect from inception and planning through design development to tender stages.

Existing building analysis, internal circulation and layout proposals, external facade design and material selection, client meetings.

This library was envisioned to become the learning and activity heart of the school. Initial planning sought to create a sequence of required spaces that enhanced connections to the building surroundings. A sports field lay to the east whilst adjacent buildings cascaded down the sloped site. This permitted on grade access to the upper level on one side of the building together with the existing stair access. Program requirements saw a much larger area needed, so the auditorium and maker spaces were cantilevered on the sports field side to provide covered seating areas for events. The western edge of the building overlooked the student drop off/pickup location so a safe

waiting room and full glazed facade edge was installed, mainly due to heavy tree shading alongside. The south edge was expanded with cantilevering, glazed group working pods that permitted softer natural light. The sunnier northern side saw the development of soft seating reading areas with the enclosed multi-media and computer spaces retained along the more protected southern edge. The roof structure required the most attention, structural repair, insulation and acoustic treatment. A series of tapering, raking acoustic panels were developed to accommodate existing supports and services.

2018-2019 / ARCHITECTURE / EDUCATION

Meeting pod

Proposal render of external elevation from sports field

UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA

Design development and visualisations on Building 9 on the university campus based in Nelspruit, South Africa. This project comprised lecture halls and large auditoriums for the campus students with a ground floor student centre and outdoor covered multifunctional space with first floor administration and staff rooms.

INVESTEC

Commercial offices fitout completed for the Investec Property Fund in the Investec Bank head offices building in Johannesburg, South Africa. Done in association with O’Sullivan Interior Designers, the author was responsible for the internal detail design and visualisation work required for client approval.

LOBATSE SHOPPING CENTRE

An external strip mall development in Lobatse, Botswana with a connected transport interchange hub. Taken from inception through sketch planning, design development and tender estimate stage, handed over for construction phase by local architect of record.

Several iterations of this design were required to achieve the budget and logistics concerns of getting certain materials to site. As part of the development agreement with the local council, a connecting transport interchange hub was required to be built to provide facilities for local traders and restrooms for those travelling the longer distances between Botswana and South Africa.

ASSORTED PROJECTS

DUNKELDT APARTMENTS

Commercial office fitout for the international consulting firm Bain for their South African head offices located in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. Working on conjunction with the interior design department, the visualisations were developed for client signoff on all FF&E as well as to align to the firm’s international corporate identity.

UNIVERSITY OF WITWATERSRAND

The future development of the university’s North campus in Johannesburg, South Africa requires several refurbishments and additions to be made in relation to their sports and student facilities. A new student residence is proposed adjacent to the main sports field grandstand, integrated with existing seating. In addition, the re-purposing of the Impilo building to house the Wits Institute of Sports & Health would see the creation of a world class Aquatic centre and sports science facility as part of the precinct. Initial design planning, development and visualisation work was done together with overall precinct flythrough for the project funders.

DUNKELDT APARTMENTS

Proposed residential building along the Art Mile in Johannesburg, South Africa. Visualisation and planning work done however project was halted during the covid pandemic. Work anticipated to recommence in 2023.

ASSORTED PROJECTS

Artist’s impression of the proposed new apartment from the corner of Craddock & Eastwood

MERCEDES BENZ PAINTLINE FACILITY

A competition proposal for the refurbishment of the Gateway Shopping Centre in Umhlanga, South Africa, the largest retail centre in the country. This design sought to develop a new sculptural aesthetic language, separate to the structural form of the existing centre and the disconnected architecture of the various parts of the mall.

Two parallel formwork patterns constructed of laminated timber beams in a crosshatch layout, were threaded throughout the centre’s circulation routes and node collection points, in varying ratios, depending on the pragmatic and iconographic requirements. This resulted in a final design that established a design language horizontally throughout the centre as well as vertically, connecting multi-volume spaces back down to ground level circulation. Whilst this proposal was one of three considered finalists, the project was ultimately shelved by the developers until a later date without any award being made.

This industrial expansion to the existing MB production facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, called for the creation of a new 240m long multilevel paintshop for the manufacture and finishing of car chassis and body parts. Visualisations of the space were developed to interrogate final finishes and material selection to conform with the client required specifications. Various structural proposals required evaluation for performance and spatial conformity of the manufacturing processes, each with associated material and final finish implications.

ASSORTED PROJECTS