Architect and Builder May 2021 | Page 12

PROJECTWATCH

PROPOSED , CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND ABROAD
THREE ARTS VILLAGE , PLUMSTEAD
Under development by Rapfund , Three Arts Village is a convenience retail centre , positioned to elevate the retail offering of Plumstead . Three Arts Theatre was originally developed by the Quibell brothers and has seen an ever evolving palimpsest of uses and stories through time . It was enormously important to both the client and architects that the re-design pay homage to this rich history and re-invent a Capetonian landmark for continued use well into the 21st Century , in a sustainable and holistic manner .
To do this , as much of the existing reinforced concrete shell as possible was retained and strengthened to maintain the iconic shed . The expansions beyond this historical core are imagined as a series of black face brick boxes that would punch through and fulfil the 7,400m 2 retail offering . The retail environment is split over two levels to activate and accentuate the volume of the original shed with the circulation core forming the centre piece of the composition . The composition ’ s legibility is further advanced by the softer more curvilinear geometry of the parking deck to clearly delineate the old and new .
The use of raw exposed concrete and steel offset against finer details of the retail palette combine to form a sophisticated industrial aesthetic , both on-trend and with a robust longevity . The original theatre projectors and other key historic pieces have been retained and given centre stage in the re-development . Flexibility in size and adaptability of tenancies is key to ensure the continued evolution of the retail mix , and this is achieved through a new large span first floor coffer deck and new reinforced concrete columns .
The development undertook to rehabilitate and protect the river bank of the Diep River contained within the site , with extensive regrading and planting . Key food and beverage offerings have been positioned along the northern elevation to take advantage of the views towards Diep River and Table Mountain . The three mature Ficus trees along Main Road Plumstead are retained and incorporated into the development forming the key feature piece of the Main Road pedestrian and vehicular entrance . The larger context has been interrogated with the upgrading and signalisation of Main Road , the redevelopment of a more pedestrian orientated Francis road interface and the upgrading of traffic and pedestrian access along Birmingham Road . Completion is set for August 2021 .
Client : Rapfund Investments Principal Agent & Quantity Surveyor : SVR SA Quantity Surveyors Architect : KMH Architects Structural and Civil Engineer : Sutherland Electrical Engineer : Watson Mattheus Mechanical , Fire & Wet Services Engineer : Meccanitek Landscape Architect : CNDV Landscape Architects Environmental Consultant : Ecosense Occupational Health & Safety Consultant : Quali-safe Main Contractor : Iguana Projects
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