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May 24, 2007:
Langebaan will soon see the establishment of a new office complex sitting on 670 sq m of lettable office space. The site is on the corner of Oostewal and Sleigh Streets, which used to be a single-storey guest house.
Jannie Laubscher of Africa Consulting Architects says: "I have a gripe with developers who suffer from the illusion that false gables stuck to structures are justification for West Coast Architecture. This is the primary reason why existing business buildings in Oostewal Street are an architectural failure. I trust that this new building will set the trend for further developments."
The existing building will be stripped of all its internal division walls and reconstructed into a modern double-storey structure, with a double-volume atrium connecting the two office wings. At ground level The atrium is designed as an exhibition spine that connects the office spaces, while at first floor level it offers a walkway that provides access to the various office components.
Clerestory windows below the flat roof allow sufficient light into the atrium, providing a perfect environment for interaction and exhibition. Tilt-up roofs with clerestory windows create interesting light and office volumes on the first floor.
The space is furnished with high quality anodised aluminium windows, sliding shutters, shop fronts, and porcelain floor tiles. Polished stainless steel balustrades and detail elements provide for a sophisticated and durable appearance. The minimalist appearance is reinforced by the neutral colour scheme.
The office space is air conditioned and no shortcuts were taken on services such as lighting, power supply, electronic networks, security, air conditioning, etc. One parking bay per 120 sq m lettable office space is provided.
Koorts says that he will be taking the entire bottom floor as new state of the art offices for Seeff Langebaan and as the headquarters for the whole Seeff operation on the West Coast, which he heads. The floor above will be let to professionals in related disciplines – such as architects, town planners and land surveyors.
"It is our aim with this development to create a one-stop shop for our clients. They will be able to drink coffee and watch full displays on plasma screens of all the properties that we have in certain price ranges, without being bothered by agents."
