MABONENG PRECINCT

URBAN REVITALISATION
Location: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA | Client: PROPERTUITY DEVELOPERS

Project Scope

 

• To investigate and assess the existing buildings to determine how the structure could be altered to convert the developer and architect’s dream into a reality.
• Use innovative, high-quality lightweight structural materials, paired with pioneering designs, to ensure that the capacity of the existing buildings is not exceeded.
• Where new buildings need to be developed, provide practical solutions through functional designs. With limited funds, innovative designs are required to achieve what the various architects propose.

Three heritage buildings on the east end of Fox Street were refurbished into a new hospitality concept, namely a 60-bed backpacker hostel in the neighbourhood. After extensive repairs to the old heritage buildings, the hostel now features a performance space, communal areas and a dipping pool. Daffonchio and Associates were the architects on this project. Greene’s responsibility demanded safe repair procedures to ensure the conservation of the heritage buildings.

The building consists of 10 floors, including a basement. Each level has a total plan area of ± 45 m x 17 m. According to the as-built drawings, it was initially designed for commercial use but it was renovated into residential units with steel balconies, from which spectacular views of Johannesburg can be enjoyed. Daffonchio and Associates were the architects on this project; Greene rendered the structural engineering services.

Remed’ View is situated at 306 Commissioner Street. The existing building was renovated to serve as student accommodation. An extra floor was added to the existing building. It was Greene’s responsibility to evaluate the structural integrity of the building to determine whether the existing structural elements could carry the additional loads.

The buildings on 273 and 275 Commissioner Street were found to be suitable for conversion to residential use. The existing buildings were used as tyre retreading shops and stores. Daffonchio and Associates Architects designed residential units featuring steel mezzanine floors, which are supported by the existing concrete slabs. It was Greene’s responsiblility to ensure that the developer and architect’s visions were transformed into safe, liveable areas.

Craftmen’s Ship is located across from Revolution House on Main Street. The existing industrial sawtooth-roof warehouse will see the conversion into a collection of residential and retail spaces of various sizes. The residential units will be developed on a new concrete first floor in the existing warehouse, and indoor parking garages will be developed on the existing surface-bed on the ground floor.The residential units will also feature mezzanine levels. The development will have a central courtyard and garden area with a swimming pool and clubhouse, while the retail spaces will face outwards onto Main, Kruger and Marshall streets. A further three new concrete buildings, also housing retail and residential units, are planned for the site. Daffonchio and Associates are the architects on this project.

Adjaye Associates Architects are the designers of the Hallmark House renovations. This existing structure will be renovated and developed for mixed use, consisting of residential apartments, a hotel space and retail spaces. This project will serve as a focus point and a beacon for the upgrade of the area.
Huff & Gooden Architects plan to remove the middle part of an existing sawtooth-roof industrial building to make way for a new multi-storey residential concrete building, which will protrude above the old.

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