1 Sandton Drive
Typology:
Office
Date completed:
2008
Area (m²):
34,000
Location:
Sandton, Johannesburg
Introduction:
“The Place” at 1 Sandton Drive represents a fresh approach to the high end corporate style multi tenancy office type. It combines flexibility with broad appeal and modern office design principles. It is testimony to its success that letting had not commenced when the contractor began construction, yet the building was fully let by the time of its completion.
Description:
Following the sale of the Southern portion of 1 Sandton Drive to the United States government, and the two Northern sites to the Core Group, The remaining site became possibly the best situated office site in Sandton. Investec Property Group developed the site on behalf of Growthpoint, for whom this property is their “Jewel in the Crown”.
As the project is located within the sensitive area of Sandhurst, a number of non – negotiable town planning constraints applied vis-à-vis height restrictions, setbacks and build-to lines on Sandton Drive. These were all complied with to the satisfaction of the Sandhurst residents and the Local Authority.
Some of the design drivers for The Place:
The building needed to be designed as a corporate “P” grade statement building which would appeal to a variety of potential high end tenants. In addition the tenancy options needed to range from 350sqm to the full space complement of 30 000sqm.
The design also needed to offer a variety of wing widths and space types, again to broaden its appeal to a varied market.
The building takes advantage of its natural viewsite, being perched atop a landscaped basement podium and makes a memorable architectural statement.
The plan form is arranged around twin atria which structure the space and create a sense of community within the complex. The dynamic of the building is further re-enforced by the foot traffic within the transparent lobbies and across the pedestrian access bridges.
Unusually for this type of development, the larger floors are situated at the top with the smaller discrete floor plates at the bottom. This design allows views out of the atrium at ground floor level, and puts the major corporate tenant at the top in prime position.
More than any other it is this design feature that defines “The Place” and makes it unique.
The building comprises the following:
30 000sqm of rentable office area in a variety of sizes
1500 covered parking bays at a ratio of 5bays/100sqm
“P” grade finishes and services
A pedestrian bridge link to Sandton City(awaiting council approval)
Standby power on offer for all essential services and networks
Landscaped external areas for smoking and relaxation
Coffee shop
360degree views of Sandton, Sandhurst and surrounds
Centralized air–conditioning
Thermally efficient building envelope
Vertical transportation via 11 elevators, one escalator, and eleven staircases.
Useable bridge-links between office wings which can be incorporated into the premises or remain as common area.
The office wings are designed as self-contained units allowing secure and internalized toilets, tea kitchens, and communication staircases and services rooms.
