Architect and Builder Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 | Page 24

No. 3 Silo was conceived as three ‘silos’ of
accommodation of varying heights. These ‘silos’
are connected by a circulation and technical spine
which folds on the corner of the site. All apartments
enter from this spine and all vertical and horizontal
services are located along it. Between the ‘silos’,
and straddling the above circulation spine, are the
two circulation cores of lifts and stairs.
Brief
The V&A’s brief for the apartments called for
maximum apartment heights and maximum expo-
sure to the magnificent views in all directions. This
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required that vertical structure was pulled in from
the perimeter (also to suit the structural imperative
of a basement parking grid below) and horizontal
structure that was as thin as possible, with no
downstand beams to reduce the full height glazing.
But the corner cantilever structure was then too
long, so the corners were cut back and braced with
steel structure. This suited the harbour industrial
aesthetic initially explored at No 1 Silo, and were
thus expressed and highlighted.
The steelwork was picked out in a yellow
that was chosen from the colours of the docks,
referring to the cranes and gantries of the working
harbour. The stair cores were likewise expressed
steel structures, this time picked out in a red found
in many places on the ships in the harbour.
No. 3 Silo faces both inwards, into the District’s
public realm and the views of and between the
building of the district, and outwards, towards the
harbour and the long views across Table Bay and to
City and Table Mountain. The inner façades, being
more protected, are more open and domestic and
include balcony planting, whilst the outer façades
are are enclosed and industrial, finished in a
Rheinzink skin.
The entrance to No. 3 is at the internal corner
formed by the fold of the building on the corner
of the District, is semi-private and protected from
wind. It is also shielded by the form of No. 4 Silo
adjacent and it’s bridge above.
No. 4 Silo is a gym. It is positioned at the base
of No. 3 Silo and extends partially beneath it. The
northern portion houses the primary public areas
of the gym, the swimming pool and the workout
areas, whilst the studios and change rooms are
recessed into the base of No. 3.
No 3 & 4 Silos