African project
Network Configurations
The brief to Evolution
Architects was to design
a chic industrial office
building for Network
Configurations to
accommodate their
young and dynamic
expanding team. From
the inception of the
project, focus was placed
on the sustainability of
their new contemporary
office, located in Essex
Terrace, a prime location
which was previously
a residential site in
Westville, KwaZulu-Natal.
It is centrally located and
highly visible from the
M13 freeway.
RY, INDUSTRIAL CHIC
W
hen approaching the main entrance to the
building, the off-shutter double volume tower,
with diagonal concrete and glazing, creates a
bold statement. Smaller rectangular feature
windows punch through the concrete and the
corner glazing appears to hold up the concrete
structure. Curved landscaped planters and
paving leading up to the entrance add a
playful element to contrast with the straight
lines of the architecture. The combination of
juxtaposed materials includes off-shutter concrete, facebrick, living
walls, timber, stainless steel and galvanized steel. Vertical living walls
(landscaping) add softness to the façade as well as provide the benefit
of improving the air quality. The arrangement of various plants creates
a visually striking pattern.
A 3m high timber entrance door leads into the double volume
reception area. Internal raw recycled facebrick and polished concrete
contrasts with vibrant splashes of colour on certain feature walls.
Exposed services and funky industrial light fittings add to the chic
industrial feel of the interior space. A glass server room in the
reception area showcases the core of their business and the server
becomes an exposed feature.
africandesignmagazine.com
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