Housing in Southern Africa April 2016

Housing

Urban apartments

T he North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlements says it is optimis- tic that the White Paper on Human Settlements will help to improve its provision of integrated human settle- ments in the province. The department recently held a two-day policy consultative work- shop, which will contribute towards the creation of the Human Settle- ments Act. The objective of the provincial workshop is to reach consensus on the human settlements policy and The eco-friendly focus of the Blok team is evident in the green construc- tion methods and materials used. This ethos extends right intomobility with the installation of electric ve- hicle charging stations to encourage more people to drive less, or at the least drive electric. The building is an- gled at 45 degrees, thus ensuring that the north and west sun’s rays equally benefit all apartments to maximise light and warmth for all residents. T he recent Blok build has a strong focus on compact urban living, with space maximised throughout the apartment building’s design, both inside and out, and a communal feel that will encourage neighbourly interaction.

The newest addition to the ever expanding Blok property portfolio is Nineons, 23 apartments, located between Somerset and High Level Roads in Green Point, Cape Town.

The building’s vertical fins (a promi- nent design feature) offers privacy to each unit and a strong architectural aesthetic. This perfect storm of de- sign features; from the liberal use of glass to maximise the incredible light quality and views, to the modi- fied angle of the building that allows for an open frontal facade whilst still maintaining privacy behind and has resulted in a building with a strong and interesting aesthetic depending on the angle from which it is viewed. “We have found Green Point’s legislative proposals, determinewhat requires improvement and develop new proposals where necessary. Theworkshopwas attendedby the national department, sector depart- ments and local municipalities. Other targeted structures for consultation include government agencies, non- governmental organisations, the private sector, academia, civil society and professional bodies. Investigations, research, reviews and evaluations on human settle- ments policy and programmes have identified numerous shortcomings in

community incredibly open to the ethos of shared spaces and working together for the good of the greater neighbourhood, and used this when conceptualising the NINEONS de- sign. With the theme of the building strongly on compact living and the overwhelming demand for urban apartments in this area, it was im- perative that we deliver an excellent product while utilising compact de- sign andduality inorder to accommo- date more people,” says Jacques van Embden, ManagingDirector of Blok. ■ policy and programme implementa- tion. This includes the challenges identified with the high cost of well- located land for human settlements development; and escalating costs of government’s developments as well as the poor quality of construction and lack of civil society involvement. It is necessary says Magwetyana to address dolomitic areas, rural areas and economic sustainability in the mining belt, bulk infrastructure and the role of municipalities. The Human Settlements Act is en- visaged to come into effect in 2017. ■

Human Settlements White Paper

April 2016