Architect and Builder November/December 2015 | Page 34
Part of the brief was to
design a building that would
suit multiple ownership by
sectional title. Each owner
should thus have access to
communal utilities and
should enjoy natural light
and views.
Part of the brief was to design a building
that would suit multiple ownership by sectional
title. Each owner should thus have access to
communal utilities and should enjoy natural
light and views. The final shape of the building,
being shallow space, reflects that requirement.
The section with the greatest area would be
required to be identified as a ‘separate’ entity
by the passer-by.
The architects were required to produce a
rational response to the brief and the site with
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regard to economy which was strictly controlled
by the developer.
THE SITE
The site is located within the prestigious, highly
visible Umhlanga Ridge development area,
which comprises mixed use buildings and
corporate headquarters for many well known
national companies.
The site has road frontage on 3 sides with
a fall from west to east of ±6m and the access
point was dictated as the North West corner
of the site off the short cul-de-sac road which
serves only 4 sites. This cul-de-sac provides a
unique sense of identity for the 4 sites within the
greater office park with the landscaped island as
a focal hub. The total height of the development
and surrounding buildings as well as their
possible spacial envelopes is strictly controlled
by the Ridge Management Association of
Umhlanga. This would ensure that views would
be equitably shared by the various sites taking
into account future surrounding proposals. This
site is located alongside other commercial office
developments, a hotel, high density residential
and a pedestrian spine running West to East
towards the ocean comprising mixed use retail/
commercial/residential. This vibrant mix will
ensure that the area will remain “alive” after
hours and on weekends. The Gateway World
of Shopping complex is within walking distance
from this site.
The configuration of this particular site, being
bounded on 3 sides by roads, enjoys good sea
view potential which was a guiding principle of
the design solution.
Ridge 6