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...]
Elegant design solution makes Flamingo Shopping Centre stand out
The main architectural feature of the Flamingo Shopping Centre in Modderfontein, Johannesburg is a concrete ribbon undulating across the façade. This was refined during the design development and construction phases, resulting in a unique and elegant design solution compared to that of conventional strip-mall architecture. Circulation and the location of different types of … [Read more...]
Simplicity, light, and a barn
A modern home on Monaghan Farm in Lanseria finds its sense of place through pared-down contours and connection to the landscape. In the evening, when the lights are on, if you glance up from the main road as you head towards Monaghan Farm there’s a house on the hill that looks like everyone first imagines a house should: an archetypal box with a pitched roof. This simple form … [Read more...]
A ‘modern barn’ forms a family retreat in South Africa
In the Elgin Valley, a simple rural form by Scott + Partners sets the foundation for an indoor/outdoor getaway. As co-creator of the Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel in Cape Town and the Elgin Valley’s Old Mac Daddy – where guests sleep in converted Airstream trailers – entrepreneur Jody Aufrichtig knows better than most that location is everything. And he knew just the spot for … [Read more...]
Redefining a new vernacular architecture in Goma, DRC
Nyiragongo Villa I is the expression of resilience of the city and people of Goma. A city of one million people located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, in the North Kivu province, DR Congo. Goma lies only 13 to 18 km due south of the crater of the active Nyiragongo Volcano. On 17 January 2002, after several months of increased seismic and fumarolic activity, a 13km … [Read more...]
Dry construction method used for Lagos offices
Built entirely by Kalsi dry construction (a division of Nigerite), the Cromrite offices in Lagos, Nigeria, has a 60 sqm footprint and is completely framed with light gauge steel sitting on a concrete raft foundation. The frame includes all the internal and external walls, a subfloor and the roof, all of which were insulated using glass wool. The exterior of the building is … [Read more...]
Renovation of iconic 80s Lagos building
IMB Plaza, the iconic 5-floor structure designed by Inchscape.KI architects for International Merchant Bank in the mid-80s is currently being renovated. The property was acquired and is being renovated by Green Eagle Realty who intend on retaining and enhancing the property’s iconic design. Chapman Taylor, UK based architects, put together the new design and Craneburg … [Read more...]
Could Zaha Hadid’s Nile Tower still become a reality?
In 2007 Zaha Hadid drew up plans for the ‘Nile Tower’, a 70-storey skyscraper intended to be Africa’s tallest building. Planned as a landmark structure for Cairo, the development was to be built on the banks of the Nile, offering sweeping views towards the country’s famous pyramids. At its base, the scheme features a glazed atrium housing communal programming, with a hotel and … [Read more...]
Masterplan proposal for Moroccan beachfront blurs the boundaries between city and sea
UK and Iraq-based AMBS Architects and local partner Archgues Guessous Associates have submitted a new masterplan for Rabat’s beach in Morocco, which blurs the boundaries between the city and the sea. Aiming at becoming a true urban intervention, the project extends its role as a literal ‘support platform’ for the public, with a design meant to create and shape social … [Read more...]
An elegant South African home embraces mesmerising views
Located in the wine region of Benguela Cove, this modern family retreat is well suited to make the most of its unique natural setting. Perched on a green slope above a sparkling seashore, this 4,533-square-foot family home has been built to offer protection from the extreme sun, salt, rain, and high winds of the South African climate, while still enabling the property to … [Read more...]