Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa January/February 2015 | Page 34

The building form is
softened and layered with
the addition of perforated
aluminium screens

A timber deck has been constructed at
the main canteen area on the north eastern
ground floor level. The position of the
timber deck provides scenic city sunrises
and sunsets, with shading to be provided
through the use of umbrellas that complete
the laidback design.
In the eastern and western atria are scenic
lifts from parking level 2 to the 4th floor. A
view of the reception desk, planter areas on
either side of the atrium and trees, provides a
tranquilising effect, providing the impression
of being outdoors whilst still within the
building. The eastern lifts lead to basement
level 2 parking and the western lifts lead to
basement parking level 3.
The main entrance staircase is illuminated
on each individual riser. Polished concrete

34

floors are used on the landings and precast
concrete stairs throughout. This provides a
continuous and seamless design. The stairs
rise from parking level 0 to ground floor with
multi-layered landscaping on both sides.
Construction Process
Tiber Construction was responsible for the
demolition and construction of the building.
Prior to new construction commencing,
two floors were demolished above ground
floor. The demolition of the existing building
took seven months.
The foundations began in October
2012 and the project achieved practical
completion in May 2014, resulting in the
project construction period of 18 months,
despite challenges and difficulties faced

15 Alice Lane South