• • 01 April 2016
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  •  Datum Editorial
• Commercial , Commercial Centres , Contemporary , Contemporary African Directory , Selected Works , Materials ,

From the Architects:
The BDO building lives to an agenda of a street relationship, something not seen much in South African commercial work. The restaurant particularly embraces the street with an inviting roof garden, planter boxes and trees and invites people to enter. This is a new development from a site that was demolished to make way for a new 8000m2 multi-tenanted office complex occupying 5 storeys and 4 levels of parking. After evaluating the existing building, it became clear that it would be more financially viable to demolish the existing building and rebuild using a more efficient structural layout. The existing building had floor plates of between 10m and 12m; these were increased to 18m. Parking was increased from 2 bays/100m2 to 4 bays/100m2. Additionally the staggered nature of the site made a fresh start more effective.

The concept of the building design emanates from the strong sculptural forms of the massed concrete boxes which almost appear to defy gravity. Early and continuous liaison with the Parktown Residents’ Association influenced the use of a chocolate coloured onyx brick which is used vertically, sloped, corbelled and as a faggot on the soffits. The liaison with the Parktown Residents’ Association made for a more unusual design process. The introduction of a publicly accessible restaurant is an idea that Paragon would like to pursue in later projects. Modern software was then used to play the two material forms off against each other to create a series of sliding carved masses. 

Equal attention is given to the strip windows which are self-supporting in large sections and also allow fresh ventilation into the building. The complexity continues into the internal spaces through the layering of space. Additionally the road design at St David’s and St Andrews roads were upgraded to assist the JRA. The brickwork fixing was resolved using architectural design and a new range of fixing adhesives with high end window design resolution. Materiality of the project further goes into the atrium which introduces more natural light and soffits were insulated. The glazing also allows for natural ventilation reducing the need for air-conditioning.

Most of the trees were retained and invasive species are to be removed. Exterior lighting has been kept to a minimum to reduce light pollution. Clear perimeter fencing has been installed on 3 sides. However the basement façade walls will be clad with galvanized screens and encompass the building to prevent access. Vehicular and pedestrian access is off Wellington road with the pedestrian access being through a walkway that enters the main reception and will be guarded 24 hours a day.

There was an extremely tight programme for a building of this nature. Demolitions commenced during February 2012; civil works took place during March and April 2011 with building commencing immediately thereafter. Technically the 25m high sloping concrete walls were cast without any horizontal toggle/ casting joints which involved constant communication between the architect and contractor and various sub-contractors. Many man-hours were spent resolving these issues.

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