African Design Magazine ADM #38 March 2018 | Page 12

KNIGHTSBRIDGE
the landscaping. Furthermore, the
periphery of the office park is densely
planted with indigenous trees as well
as the salvaged mature trees from the
previous Knightsbridge Manor, thus
forming a green barrier that reduces
urban noise and visual pollution,”
says Boogertman + Partners Director
Gerhard Boer.
Boer points out that the brief for
the buildings was to develop design
resolutions that would allow maximum
sub-divisibility during the lifecycle of
the buildings. This was achieved by
creating a minimalistic design that
is simultaneously cognisant of the
passive design principles in terms of
solar exposure, orientation, daylighting
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as well as resource-efficient active
design strategies. Roof gardens provide
the tenants both with access to great
views as well as forming the social
interaction space.
Experience overcomes challenges
Boer explains that the project was not
without challenges, citing the steep
site gradient, with a fall of 14 metres
over its length. The design of the
buildings had to follow the slope but in
such a way that the basement parking
levels do not dominate the aesthetic
of the buildings. Tiered landscaping
was used to minimise the extent of the
visible parking level and has resulted in
buildings that seamlessly blend in with
the landscape.