African Design Magazine ADM #43 August 2018 | Page 37

HILL ON EMPIRE
result being, that the design is cost-effective
and energy efficient as well as providing
competitive rentals to tenants of all sizes.
The concept was to design four buildings,
each with wings on the North South axis for
the purpose of energy efficiency, with central
cores for maximum tenant subdivision. The
buildings were built one at a time, and the
super basement added with each phase.
On completion of the development the total
scheme is 35,000m² comprising of Building A
at 7,110m², Building B at 7,855 m², Building C
8,600m², and last but not least Building D at
12,750 m².
The approach was to start with the design
of a super basement to provide parking
requirements of a 35,000m² site. Due to the
fall of ground, the ground floor level is related
to the entry point on Empire road, with the
3 basements exposed on the West side of
the site. The main entrance to the basement
and park was thus set between two phases
of building A and B. Phase one was Building
A, the entrance and ramps between A and B,
and a quarter of the central square.
In mid construction a major tenant was signed
with a large area requirement and specialised
column free, double volume height office and
conference areas. This first phase was then
redesigned to incorporate the large double
volume bridge element linking it to Building
B. This triggered the completion of a further
quarter of the central square.
Energy efficiency was remained on top
of mind throughout the Hill on Empire
development process. The architecture is
contemporary with glass predominantly
on the North and South facades. High heat
East and West end of wing facades are
AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | AUGUST 2018
37