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 32 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