African Design Magazine May 2016 | Page 21

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 21