Construction World December 2023

ELLIPSE - WATERFALL I n response to the brief from clients Tricolt and Attacq, dhk moved away from the traditional rectangular apartment block design and decided to take on a more unconventional form. To make best use of the property’s unobstructed views, dhk proposed four separate elliptical towers. The buildings’ shape takes inspiration from an ellipse (a mathematical term for a curved plane surrounding two focal points), which is highly efficient in terms of ratio of surface area to internal volume. The towers sit on a raised podium, creating an elevated ground floor with a parking garage and services infrastructure underneath. Extensively landscaped, the podium level includes a central piazza, running track, active and passive parks, lap and leisure pools, verdant gardens and ’The Luna Club’ to engage residents and encourage community activity. The elegant form of the Ellipse Waterfall towers will deliver a distinctive and highly recognizable landmark in the heart of Waterfall City. The architecture is both bold and discreet, featuring a striking facade of glass and solid panels that allow the buildings to be presented as a singular, legible architectural form. The design moves away from simple all-glass towers and will be recognized as an enduring and site-responsive addition to Waterfall City. The curvilinear facade is complemented by a mix of moveable and fixed screens which serve to animate the elevations. This produces an ever-changing collage resulting from the movement of the sun and the moods of its occupants.

Approval for the Ellipse project was required by various Waterfall and local authority bodies. Of particular importance to Attacq was the approval of the scheme by the Urban Design Committee. Their main concerns rested on how the building related to the pedestrian at street level. The team took great care to articulate the base of the building by stepping the facade back from the site boundaries as well as to soften the harsh structure using vegetation, landscaping and mesh screens. Ellipse Phase I, towers Newton and Kepler, is targeting a 4-Star Green Star Multi Unit Residential Certification, recognised as ‘ Best Practice’. The project has completed a combined multiple building certification for the two towers, and has successfully submitted the Round 1 submission to the GBCSA for certification. Phase II and Phase III will target the same Green Star Certification. 

PROJECT INFORMATION

• Company entering: dhk • Client: Tricolt and Attacq • Main Contractor: Barrow Construction

• Principal Agent: T ricolt • Project Manager: Tricolt • Consulting Engineer: Arup

Barrow Construction has been creating spaces for people and businesses for over a century. With our hand in multiple construction projects across Gauteng, including Rosebank, Melrose, Waterfall and Sandton, our impact is far reaching. We take on projects of all sizes, ranging from residential buildings to complex commercial structures. Our skilled team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, ensuring each project is completed with efficiency and excellence. Whether you’re looking to build anew or renovate an existing space, Barrow Construction is committed to bringing your architectural dreams to life. ESTABLISHED IN 1897

Tel: +(27) 11 727 3600 101 Address: 101 Central Street, Houghton Website: www.barrow.co.za

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22 nd Best Projects Awards 2023