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Paper house Sappi’s new headquarters in Rosebank, Johannesburg, not only has a streetfriendly presence, but connects its tenants with their surroundings, too. PHOTOGRAPHY BARRY GOLDMAN
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he modern, clean-lined appearance of Sappi’s new headquarters in Rosebank, Johannesburg, located on a well-placed intersection on Oxford Road, belies the classical principles that informed its design. Ivan Schlapobersky, partner at M-Architects, who designed the building, notes that he still likes to handdraw each elevation. This preference is most immediately evident in the facades of the building. Each has been individually considered with a particular orientation and aspect in mind: how it responds to the street, the views, the light, internal elevations and the environment. “Each elevation is differently studied, which gives the building its distinct identity,” says Schlapobersky. The crisp, white four-storey building turns the corner of Oxford Road and 14th Avenue with an elegant curve, giving it a friendly street presence, particularly seeing as the area is becoming increasingly pedestrianised with its proximity to the Gautrain, shops, offices and the ongoing densification of the area. The vehicle entrance is at the back of the building, where outdoor parking and two parking basements are given access to the grand central, street-facing main lobby via a long, covered walkway providing a sense of arrival. The southern façade is largely glass – low-e glass is used throughout the building, and the windows facing busy Oxford Street are double glazed – while the western side is tempered by solid surfaces. “We included devices for sun screening like deep balconies on the west and a glass screen that covers the north windows,” explains Schlapobersky. “A deep reveal shades the building from the eastern sun.” Continued next page
20 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018