African project
The Crossing – South Africa
accommodates 237 parking bays. A ratio of 4.86 cars
per 100m2. The most noticeable feature of the building
is the entrance canopy which announces the entrance
to the building from the road; it is a cantilever of
15m assisted by slender steel sections and tubular
support. The cantilevered western end walls are
similarly supported. A large, 267m2 covered terrace is
situated on the third floor with superb views northwest towards the Magaliesberg mountains. The use
of colour and horizontal stonework on the façade are
further features of the building.
The Style
The style is bold, modern and colourful. We typically
make use of outdoor terraces and balconies on every
floor with generous sliding doors opening onto them
from the office area, even cutting into the curtain
wall on the south façade. Windows too, open so there
is little real need for air conditioning. Factors in the
environment affecting the design were the west facing
orientation of the site, the outstanding views north
west particularly at the upper levels, traffic noise and
the visibility of the building from Main Road.
Sustainability
Sustainable initiatives incorporated in the design were
the high grade window and sliding door sections in
coated aluminium, the Low E glass used throughout
and the facing of the parking garage façades with
galvanized mesh permitting creepers to be grown up
the building. The outdoor spaces accessible from all
office areas at each floor level, especially the large
terrace on the north west corner of the building on the
third floor.
Conclusion
“Challenges were few, mainly because of our ongoing
relationship with the contractor Barrow Construction
and our understanding of how they work. We used
details and materials that have been refined over
past buildings, and we know are workable,” says
Schlapobersky.
The Project Team
Architects: M/Architects
Main Contractor: Barrow Construction
Civil & Structural Engineers: Kantey & Templer
Design & Supply Electrical: Kawuleza Electrical
Mechanical Engineer: Adaptive Resources
Fire Consultant: Dynamic Fire Solutions
Landscape Architect: DDV Landscape Design Group
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