Black Brick Gardens, Residential Apartments

This development is situated in Gardens, Cape Town CBD, which is a commercial building conversion to 89 residential apartments. Lead Architect Andrew Makin, along with Anna Goldman, from DESIGNWORKSHOP, were faced with a challenge to utilize the existing space as economically as possible, but yet create an environment that comprises of urban living with spatial design and the influence of the beautiful surroundings of which Table Mountain has to offer.

This innovative design utilizes contemporary materials such as Aertec AAC and creates a seamless experience between living, working and sleeping spaces. DESIGNWORKSHOP, one of the most experienced firms in AAC design got inspiration from the Victorian row houses whereby a modular design was envisaged to create versatility and functionality for buyer’s needs.

According to Andrew and Anna, one of the key decisions for the specification of AAC on this project, was the dimensional accuracy and clean lines that AAC provides which enabled the omission of rendering on the walls. The omission of plaster coats on the walls, coupled with the lightweight properties of Aertec AAC, assisted greatly with reducing the loads on the existing foundations enabling a maximum yield on the available floor space. Goldman, was not only looking for material that could achieve the permissible loads but the material also had to be robust which catered for a natural traditional walling feel.