SPECIAL REPORTWAVERLEY OFFICE PARK

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WAVERLEY OFFICE PARK: NEO-AFRICAN ICONOGRAPHYBy Stacey Rowan

With the expectations of becoming one of the most

prominent office park developments in the South-

ern Sandton area, the Waverley Office Park needed

an architectural image that was suitable for a devel-

opment of this nature in a 21st century Gauteng en-

vironment. That architectural image would arise

from Neo-African iconography.

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The iconography chosen for Waverley Office Park,

while it takes its inspiration from international de-

velopments of this kind, is to be distinctly neo-

African. It is hoped that the combination of the ele-

ments, colours and materials used and the overall

design (that reflects an emerging Africanesque ar-

chitecture) will in some way inspire the way forward

in the quest for something truly architecturally

South African.

Waverley Office Park is developed by New Order

Investments, a joint venture between property de-

velopers and investors Vlaming (Pty) Limited, Dev-

con Projects (Pty) Limited and Top-Flite Properties

(Pty) Limited.

Designed by Messaris Wapenaar Partnership Con-

sulting Architects, along modern building princi-

ples, the vision for Waverley Office Park was to

create a visually striking building with layers and

depth that ensures a positive work environment

which maximises on, and fuses with, the positive

elements of the site and surroundings, blending

with the outdoor elements.

The landmark office park features a visually spec-

tacular duo of symmetrical office blocks, linked by

an arch, which is also the focal point of the devel-

opment. The arch, which is tiled with high-grade

porcelain tiles, serves as a welcoming and direc-

tional element to visitors, who enter the office

park through an under-stated gatehouse. To com-

pliment the tiled arch, the base of the building has

also been tiled with high grade porcelain tiles, cre-

ating a heavy base.

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Once in the park, the buildings surround a boule-

vard, creating an internalised park-like environ-

ment. In this environment the architectural ele-

ments, while closely matching those of the external

ones, are brought down to a more human scale.

The horse-shoe shaped buildings within the devel-

opment have a curved outer ‘shell’ in layers paying

respect to those developments of architects like

Renzo Piano and the like. The building achieves a

slick and modern feel through the use of these

curved layers, which are set off against the crisp

sharpness of the full height glazing of the corners.

A glazed curtain wall on the outside of the building

also helps to achieve this slick and modern feel.

In addition, the buildings have been designed using

cavity wall construction and deep set narrow fenes-

tration on the majority of the elevations to address

the African climate. This has the effect of dramati-

cally reducing the climate control required in the

buildings, and consequently contributing enor-

mously to the environmental considerations sur-

rounding the development. The West facing fa-

cades have sun screens, which double up as signage

support for the freeway.

The materials used for the construction are local,

and as environmentally friendly as is possible in the

context of a development of this nature. Although

the developers and designers deliberately steered

away from plastics and any noxious types of mate-

rial for the project, it was up to the end users to

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decide how far they were prepared to go to pursue

the environmental considerations, which the design

has initiated. The developers also recommended

the omission of geysers from this project altogeth-

er, however, the choice lay with the user, as to

whether they are prepared to go with recommen-

dations of this nature, and as to how they ultimate-

ly ‘live’ in the buildings in terms of waste manage-

ment and the like.

Technically the project uses traditional concrete

frame construction, with brick infill, aluminium win-

dows and sheet metal roofing. The developers usu-

ally approach new technologies, used within differ-

ent projects, with a degree of caution, until they are

proven over a period of time. This park was no ex-

ception. The building methods and materials are

chosen to insure the longevity of the buildings

within the park.

Apart from the exterior, after consulting with in-

terior designers, it was decided that the interior

should feature a neutral palette and background

with focal areas. High grade finishes were incor-

porated, and now set the tone for the rest of the

development

Overall, the challenge in the planning of this par-

ticular office park lay in the fact that the precinct

consists of blocks of suburbia. The consolidation

of these blocks of suburbia took the developers

a great deal of time and effort, as did the town

planning.

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CONSIDeRING THe eND uSeR

When developing Waverley Office Park, the design

of the final product was constantly changing, not

only to meet the changing extent of the park, and

phasing of the town planning , but also the specific

needs of the end users of each building. This was

done, whilst retaining the integrity of the original

concept for the park.

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Located in a busy node, various elements were in-

corporated into the design to absorb and deflect

noise without affecting the tenants. In this way, the

building acts as a transition zone between the bus-

tling highway and leafy residential zone. Curved

walls, layers on the outside of the building and win-

dows are strategically placed to help eliminate

noise distraction, creating a peaceful working envi-

ronment. The horse-shoe shape design of the build-

ing, which creates an enclave, also helps create

depth of separation from busy streets and intersec-

tions to create a level of privacy for the office ten-

ants. Corner windows allow beautiful scenic views

of surrounding parks, as well as the energy point of

Corlett Drive, which creates a comfortable work en-

vironment.

Apart from the measures undertaken to create a

harmonious and well designed indoor office space,

the developers also concentrated on the outdoors,

in order to create a well-rounded office park for all

who work at the park. Waverley features green out-

door spaces, with indigenous trees for tenants to

enjoy and relax in. Terraces that appear on the

ground and lower ground floor help tenants to in-

teract with the outdoor spaces located within the

office park. In addition, a coffee shop is also avail-

able for personnel.

To add to the nature-like atmosphere of the office

park, a pond was created within the development

as a means of attenuating stormwater. Although

the attenuation of stormwater was first seen as a

challenge, the pond now offers an opportunity to

create an area that will enhance the outdoor space

of the office park, benefiting the tenants.

When building any development, the end user must

always be considered – in this case, the office ten-

ants, like the personnel of the Gauteng Gambling

Board Head Office. Prime office space is still avail-

able for tenants who require areas ranging from

250sqm up to 2,400sqm.

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DeSIGNeD TO FLOuRISH

IN uRBAN NODe

Perched in prime position on the corner of Corlett

Drive and the M1 Highway, the park is centrally lo-

cated between the highway and surrounding resi-

dential areas, creating “…a space that draws from

the energetic node whist having the pleasure of a

more natural setting,” says Jan Vlaming, Vlaming

(Pty) Ltd.

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With the site having close proximity to the M1 high-

way, Melrose Arch and with excellent visibility ac-

cessibility from Corlett Drive, this offers corporate

tenants maximum benefits from the great highway

frontage, maximising on its location in a busy node

and creating branding opportunities. With this in

mind, value underpins the Waverley office Park.

“every element of its surroundings and the maximi-

sation of opportunities were taken into account

when Waverley Office Park was designed,” says

Vlaming. “Waverley Office Park will offer the per-

fect environment for a harmonious and productive

workplace, whilst still offering a dynamic location

close to all amenities.”

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