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 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.

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.

NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

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