Already nearing its second decade, Travelstart remains one of Africa’s leading online travel agencies and booking websites. Having recently relocated its Cape Town headquarters to a two-and-a-half-storey set of offices in Longkloof Studios, located just off the bustling hub that is Kloof Street; it is natural that the company should wish to set itself up in a working space that … [Read more...]
Saint-Gobain welcomes government commitment to embrace green buildings and sustainability
At the opening of the 11th Convention of the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA), the Department of Public Works stated it is responsible for more than 100 000 facilities at national level and it is imperative to ensure proper care of these buildings. According to Jolene Blundell (pictured above), head of sustainability at Saint-Gobain, throughout its life-cycle, a building … [Read more...]
Facelift transforms Bellville Ear Institute into a coherent entity
The Ear Institute had been operating out of an existing building in Bellville for a number of years, however, many operational challenges came with the adoption of a space not entirely designed to suit the user’s requirements. SNAPP Architect’s brief was to design a new defined entrance which could more easily be identified by the visiting clientele; to add a lift for the … [Read more...]
Renovating a legendary Mauritian hotel
The One&Only Le Saint Géran has set new standards of ultra-luxury on the island of Mauritius as it welcomes guests back following a multimillion dollar investment. With its own private peninsula – with a beachfront and calm lagoon – the One&Only Le Saint Géran has always retained a sense of exclusive seclusion. The resort’s colonial-style architecture has been … [Read more...]
Aziza Chaouni on the renovation of Morocco’s ‘Sidi Harazem’ bath complex
On the outskirts of the Moroccan city of Fez lies ‘Sidi Harazem’, a thermal bath complex completed by architect Jean-François Zevaco in 1960. At its peak, the complex comprised an assembly of buildings, pathways, markets, bungalows, and a distinctive swimming pool, which over the years became one of the country’s most unique public places. Since its heyday, ‘Sidi Harazem’ has … [Read more...]
Craft school in Kenyan slum offers simple artisan training for youths
The Craft School is an effort by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Technical University of Munich, University of Augsburg at sustainable urban living and technological interplay of materials and aesthetics towards achieving a harmonious and intellectually secure school environment. It is often a challenging aspect in developing countries to convincingly … [Read more...]