Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa March/April 2014 | Page 46
PROJECT
44 on Grand Central
A Green building with design aspects that draw inspiration from the
adjacent train lines and the business of the main tenant, Gautrain
PHOTOGRAPHY: STUDIO 88
44 ON GRAND CENTRAL
Midrand Town Centre, Gauteng
CLIENT
Growthpoint Properties
ARCHITECTS
TC Design Architects
PROJECT MANAGERS &
PRINCIPAL AGENTS
CPD Brydens
QUANTITY SURVEYORS
Aecom
STRUCTURAL & CIVIL
Sutherland Engineers
ELECTRICAL
CG Siza Consulting Engineers
MECHANICAL
Adaptive Resource Engineers
WET SERVICES
TC Design Architects
T
he Gautrain was one of the most anticipated infrastructure developments in South
Africa in recent years and has been operating for over two years. A new headquarters
building was required for the Gautrain Management Agency, and the project resulted
from a successful bid submission by TC Design Architects in conjunction with Growthpoint
Properties. Growthpoint applied its mounting Green buiding and management expertise
to ensure 44 on Grand Central was on the leading edge of environmentally sound building.
The building is situated adjacent to the North/South Gautrain line and Midrand Station.
The design was conceived as a series of telescopic boxes meant to reflect the directional
dynamics of the trains, allowing unobstructed views toward the railway line.
Rental efficiency was maximised by developing a 40m deep doughnut plan with a central
core and atrium. This resulted in four offices floors over three floors of split level parking. A
double volume shuttle lift lobby links the street entrance and upper reception level.
The central atrium penetrates all office floors and encourages visual and physical cohesion,
functioning as an interactive hub for the building occupants whilst ensuring that natural light
penetrates into office areas. A central reception is accommodated at the base of the atrium,
while a secondary double volume canteen serves the uppermost two office floors. A ‘clear
storey’ running the length of the building defines the roof line.
RAINWATER RECYCLING SCHEME
DESIGN
WSP Consulting Engineers
GREEN CONSULTANT
Aurecon
INTERIOR DESIGNER
D12
FIRE CONSULTANT
Specialised Fire Technology
MAIN CONTRACTOR
LynCon Construction
44 on Grand Central
has four offices floors
over three floors of
split level parking
46
44 on Grand Central