kangimi polo resort - kaduna, nigeria

The Fifth Chukker Polo Resort in partnership with the Kaduna State Government is seeking to establish a hospitality, leisure and tourism development to be called the Kangimi Resort on 3000ha of land adjoining the Kangimi Dam in Marraraban Jos, Kaduna State, northern Nigeria. The Polo Resort is currently host to a series of local and international polo tournaments including the African Masters Polo Tournament which attracts an estimated 2000 visitors per event.

GAPP has been appointed to prepare a master plan for Kangimi Resorts which will include a number of hotels and lodges, a golf estate, a waterfront retail development, a residential village and an adventure sports centre with the aim of boosting tourism to the area and building on the success of the Polo Resort.

/ Uploaded August 2008

ingwenya estate development

Situated near Lanseria Airport, ± 30km from Johannesburg, Ingwenya Estate is currently being used as a conferencing facility, a restaurant and for various smaller agricultural activities. Its proximity to Lanseria airport, Johannesburg and the Cradle of Humankind creates the opportunity to design a semi-rural development near urban areas. Proposed K- and PWV routes also make the site easily accessible.

The site is bound by the Crocodile River while other streams, canals, lakes and dams can also be found on the site. The lines of trees planted next to the existing roads create one of the precedents of the project. The site covers around 120ha which is to be redeveloped to accommodate estate housing with educational and conference facilities as well as a commercial component.

The housing component of the development is divided into four different components: low density home-offices, low density houses, medium density cottage clusters and high density inclusionary housing. Houses are placed along the street side of the erven to create an interactive street edge and communal green space between houses. The commercial component includes office blocks, retail opportunities and a boutique hotel. An existing spa may also be upgraded. The educational component includes a primary and secondary school and training facilities for various sports including paddling and mountain biking.

/ Uploaded August 2008

djibouti waterfront development

GAPP has been commissioned by Qatari Diar Investment Company to develop a master plan for the Djibouti Port in Djibouti. The Republic of Djibouti is located in East Africa in the Gulf of Aden; to the North is Eritrea, to the South Somalia, and to the North West Ethiopia. Djibouti is a small and poor country with a population of just under one million, however the political situation is stable and the country has good relations with France and the United States. The republic is also open to investment and with the US moving its Gulf bases to Djibouti, foreign investment is expected to increase. The project brief calls for a mixed use port development with a landmark effect created by the construction of a tower(s). It also promotes the use of canals as design elements and special detailing for landscaping and trees. The project design criteria lean towards high quality, modern architecture. With sustainability in terms of water treatment, solar power, & natural ventilation as key issues. The program includes four hotels, office buildings, condominiums, serviced flats, residences, retail, leisure, and a marina.

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the casuarina beach houses

This exclusive private beach resort is situated along the Desainager coast, between Umdloti and Ballito in KwaZulu Natal. The architecture of the resort is mindful of its ecologically sensitive surrounding environment and tries to blend in with its natural surroundings. In addition, the resort also hosts a gatehouse, reception, management quarters, a workshop and storeroom.

There are 25 self-catering units in total, which range between 75-100m². The units have between 1 and 3 bedrooms, each with private dip pools. All units have sea views to varying extents.

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the executive offices

This A-Grade office block is located at the South entrance to La Lucia Ridge Office Estate, along Umhlanga Rocks Drive in Durban. It will compliment the adjacent Executive Village Estate, by proximity as well as its modern architectural design. The building is orientated in order to maximise sea and harbour views.

The building is 3 storeys with 3,500m² in office space. There will be 2 levels of underground parking with 123 undercover bays and 215 bays in total. Internal and external access is provided through a lift core and detached circulation ramps.

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the executive urban design, gatehouse and apartments

Located on the La Lucia Ridge, and set upon one of the most truly unique pieces of land in KwaZulu Natal, The Executive is an exclusive residential estate. The vision for The Executive is to build an exclusive and prestigious development which will have significant social impact in the area and will become the ultimate destination in Durban.

The intention of the proposed buildings is to create a contemporary hilltop development village set in lush, subtropical vegetation. The architecture will be modern and dominated by hanging and catilevered decks, terraces and light timber screen elements which capitalise upon the extensive sea views. The effect will be buildings which “float” on the hillsides, blending with the natural vegetation and the protected conservation area.

As well as being lead architects for the urban design of The Executive, GAPP has also designed a few of the homes.

house champagne

This house requires a person with a defined lifestyle and a beautiful car. There are no limits to the events on the roof top deck and the infinite rim flow pool. The garage is transparent and visible from the pool deck. The living area is on the lower floor and is orientated for maximum view to the sea. The bottom floor houses 3 bedrooms and a study with direct access to the conservation area. The building materials are once again simple and bold with timber framed doors and windows. The overall design is innovative and decadent.

house royal (the royal residence)

This is an elegant house, very spacious and ideal for an executive entertainer. There is a large parking area and potential for more if required. One has the option to access the house above via a lift, a funicular or stairs. The house design is generated by careful consideration to the views: privacy from the neighbours as well as the views out to sea are very important to this house. The master bedroom is located on the top floor, the living area and the pool are located on the middle floor between the bedroom on the top floor and the guest room on the lower while the family room opens to the rear into a garden. The building materials are simple and bold with aluminium framed doors and windows; the external decks are timber and interiors porcelain tiled. The overall design is modern and luxurious.

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house tree (the tree top house)

This house is intelligent. Everything about this building is refined in order to produce a compact work of architecture. The house is placed at the rear of the site with the garage at the ground level. Entrance to the house is over a bridge. The living area is on the top floor, bedrooms are on the lower floor along with the guest room. The stairs proceed to the bottom area which leads to the swimming pool in the landscape. The pool is elevated so as to appear amongst the tree tops.

south condos block b (the executive pied-a-terre)

Small is beautiful. Today’s lifestyle centres along minimalism and quality to which these apartments are designed: all the units have a 3 bay garage, as well as accommodation for visitors. All the units have a 3 bedroom en-suite configuration customisable to a two bedroom with a study/living room. The overall internal area of a typical apartment is 150m². The living area is an open plan arrangement opening to a terrace with a sea view. This accommodation is ideal for an international client, accustomed to travel and minimal maintenance.

/ Uploaded June 2008

mixed use town gardens

This will fundamentally be a mixed-use development made up of 6 buildings which are integrated to create a “block” of the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre. The development will feature:

A boutique Hotel
Offices
A conference centre
A retail/shopping mall
Restaurants
Apartments
3 levels of basement parking

It is fundamentally driven by elegant, contemporary, classical and urban architecture with an oriental influence. It is principally based on the following concepts continuity, fluidity, pedestrianisation by enhancing connections and linkages between buildings which will compliment surrounding land uses, such as the town gardens.

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lincoln meade

This gap market housing scheme is located 3kms from Pietermaritzburg city centre. The objective is to establish a precinct that provides economic opportunities, affordable housing and which will also address the social, spatial and economic inequities in Msunduzi.

The master plan aims to promote mixed use spaces at key intersections in order to encourage movement through the site and provide the area with a unique identity. It will integrate Lincoln Meade with surrounding areas by; developing adequate linkages within the area, its immediate surrounds and beyond and to address the mixed land use shortfalls of the surrounding areas.

The project has incorporated a “loop”/corridor of greenery which will act as a pedestrian access route throughout the site, as well as acting as an environmental mini-corridor.

At present, the Lincoln Meade Master Plan is undergoing an EIA and will be followed by the DFA application before year end.

/ Uploaded June 2008

the ICC hotel

This new development will be a 3-4 star deluxe/tourist hotel which complements the existing ICC hotel in Durban. Its facilities include 220 hotel rooms, a street management centre/spa, specialty restaurant, pub/cigar lounge and coffee shop as well as conference facilities. The hotel has taken into consideration Durban’s new People Mover bus service, which stops at The Africa Square adjacent to the ICC Coastlands Hotel.

The extension of The Africa Square, as well as other urban design interventions will encourage and stimulate a pedestrian friendly environment. The hotel will form an integral component of the consolidated ICC Campus Centre of Excellence Precinct and intends to encourage public participation and engage with the new arena to stimulate economic activity in the surrounding precinct.

/ Uploaded June 2008

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hillbrow, berea, yeoville upgrade

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is upgrading the streets of Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville. The specifics of this project include the upgrading of pavements and street lighting; the planting of trees; and the provision of public benches, refuse bins and ablution blocks. The total cost of the project is estimated at R70 million.

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lanseria corporate estate north (second estate)

The compliance of physical development to both the development controls and guidelines will form part of a design review process. This is essential in ensuring overall control of the physical development in the estate to achieve the desired character.

This compliance is not intended to restrict design excellence but to encourage it. The simple set of guidelines attempts to provide the opportunity to design within a set of constraints that are applicable to all development, thus providing a datum from which design excellence can be achieved without compromising on the achievement of an overall estate aesthetic.

This aesthetic is not about individual form but rather the relationships that can be generated within the constraints set out in the development controls and guidelines. The overall guideline for the architecture of the estate is one of “a modern predominantly white architecture within a green environment”.

/ Uploaded June 2008

lumwana housing-zambia

This project for Equinox Minerals involves the design of a new town in Lumwana Mining Town. The design includes three distinct housing types and commercial, recreational, religious and community facilities.

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phase 2 expansion to the CTICC

After much deliberation, the demolition of the Customs House will go ahead to make way for the Expansion of Phase 2 to the CTICC. The current set-up of the convention centre will almost be mirrored on the other side of the N1 highway with 10 000sqm of exhibition space. GAPP has been appointed to do the Urban Design Proposal on this project.

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v&a waterfront

GAPP is the lead Urban Designer on this project and will be busy on the 4 early start projects that have been identified by V&A management to be started by mid 2008!

Dock Road (Gateway Precinct), office building to be designed by DHK
Portswood Road Site B & C, office building next to BP offices
North Wharf Hotel & Apartments, which has been awarded to GAPP
Beach Road, a mixed use building to be designed by DFBA

There has been controversy around the development of the Clockwater Precinct due to the historic sensitivity of the site.

/ Uploaded May 2008

a new lease on life for quaggaskloof

Although this project is still in the early concept stage, the client has already bought into GAPP’s initial proposal. The client has a vision of a golf course resort unlike any other, with cutting edge architecture.

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bridge design- cape town

GAPP is part of a team lead by Vela VKE engineers to design a pedestrian bridge from North Wharf Square across the South bound section of Buitengracht Street heading towards the V&A Waterfront. At present it is envisaged that the bridge will be constructed in steel, with the portion over the road placed in position in one single lift. The structure consists of a profiled continuous “box” section of 2m each, welded together.

GAPP will mainly be involved in the concept design and early details stage over the next two months.

/ Uploaded May 2008

north wharf apartments

GAPP is currently working on the design concept of the North Wharf Apartments. This concept is of a tough little building which is able to hold its own in a working dry dock environment. The side facing the dry dock will have a façade treatment appropriately relating to an image of peeling fish scales. The building is to accommodate approximately 65 serviced apartments over 5 floors with a proposal for a café/restaurant and 4 penthouses. This project faces many challenges: the dock is still operational; noise, sun control and privacy; and the consideration of robust materials.

/ Uploaded May 2008

waterberg conference centre

The site for this project is the Legend Golf and Safari Resort in Entabani. The client, Global Design Building Solutions (GDBS), initially briefed GAPP to draw inspiration from the Great Zimbabwe ruins. Halfway through the process, however, the client opted for North African/Arabic/Islamic style of architecture.

Keeping in mind the client’s aspirations, and what would be good architectural practice for the building’s proposed site, GAPP strove to strike a balance between the two.

The plan of the building attempts to frame views towards Hangklip, a massive mountain peak that overshadows the entire area. The breakaway/seminar rooms are angled towards it and in so doing create a series of small courtyards rather than just one single elongated courtyard.

The North African Architecture is reflected in the solidity and height of the façade which only reveals itself close to the point of entry due to the surrounding trees.

The Conference Centre is being constructed in two phases: Phase one will create Conference Centre seating for 1500 delegates, Phase two will develop further seating so that a total of 2500 delegates can be accommodated.

/ Uploaded May 2008

eagle park – lusaka

The vision for this project is threefold: to create a residential neighbourhood that is expandable and provides for the needs of its residents; to develop a road network that is legible, responds to the intensity of use and captures expansion potential; and a public environment that is legible, easily accessed and compliments the surroundings.

Both the above vision and the constraints have been taken in to account in the construction of the layout. The roads have been designed to accommodate pedestrian movement. Houses and walk-ups have been built at a 6m and a 0m building line respectively, to create an interactive edge between public and private spaces. Internalised blocks are to be pedestrian oriented with semi-public spaces being created in the centres.

Existing geological constraint areas are also utilised for facilities. The dam in a public green space in the wetlands on the South of the site will be used for attenuation, while the borrow pit on the Northern side of the site will be used for a soccer field with grass banks. Access structuring also influences the location of institutions and public environment spines through the layout.

Commercial and trading spaces are located along the main traffic route of the development and are integrated with public transport stops.

/ Uploaded May 2008

university of pretoria - school of engineering

GAPP is currently working on the design development phase of this project which involves the design and construction of new buildings; the refurbishment and extension of existing laboratories and buildings to the School of Engineering at the University of Pretoria. The documentation will be completed in Revit.

The intention is to deliver a dynamic solution while providing the students a further educational experience through the exposure of the construction methods, materials and structural form.

The primary intervention is situated between two existing buildings. This will form the new reconfigured entrance, library, floating exhibition space and students affairs. The main bulk will be taken up by different sized lecture halls on multiple levels. Lines generated by a magnetic field around two cores are the inspiration for the form of the new lecture halls. This will be realised three-dimensionally with the overlapping steel framed arched shells finished with metal cladding. A dynamic structural element will form the centre of each core and will provide the support from which the lecture halls will be suspended. GAPP will be entering negotiations with the engineers shortly in order to achieve this. This central structural element will take the form of three tapering columns with a “bird's nest” of cross-bracing giving a chaotic feel.

Flanking the two cores on axis is an existing and reconfigured office tower from which the new exhibition space projects, and to the West is a new 15 storey tower consisting of glass-enclosed lifts and laboratories. The idea has been proposed to “green” the entire Western glazed façade of lifts thereby creating a dramatic visual and living statement of the university’s environmental policies together with a passive solar solution.

/ Uploaded April 2008

vortser house
located in goede hoop crescent, hurlingham

Conceptually the house comprises two solid boxes of brickwork sandwiched between a zigzag line (currently set as concrete- however this is under review and may end up as steel cladding).

The concrete line demarcates the roof, as well as the upper and lower floor slabs. The boxes delineate the service and sleeping areas on both the upper and lower floors. Each solid entity flanks an open glazed zone in the central area; on the ground floor the living/dining space and on the upper floor the play/study area. In both cases the glazed area is set to open entirely, thus creating a visual interval between the solid forms.

The programme for the project includes the creation of space for as many cars as possible. To achieve this as well as the client’s desire for a manicured lawn, there is a service passage to the rear of the house for multiple cars, trailers, etc, thereby leaving the front of the house open for a pool and lawn. The articulation of this corridor, front fence and entry way is to be multiple repetitive steel door paneled zone.

The house is still being refined.

/ Uploaded April 2008

tudor chambers

Tudor chambers, one of Pretoria’s landmarks, lies in the hub of the city in the historic Church Square. The building is owned by Alec Wapnick, founder of City Property and is valued at R20m. The building was designed by British architect, John Ellis, and constructed in 1904. Back then it stood as the tallest building and its main function was to house street level retailers and luxury offices.

The overall objective of the brief is to revitalise, revamp and restore Tudor Chambers to its former glory. GAPP was assigned to be in charge of this restoration. The challenge is to bring the building back to its original condition with minimum interference to its form and fabric. The design requires respect, honesty and a celebration of the past.

/ Uploaded March 2008

alexandra renewal project, pan african taxi facility

The project is a collaboration with GAPP Architects & Urban Designers and Stefan Atoni Omelsdal Truen Architects. It comprises two blocks; Block A and Block B adjoined by two elevated vehicular bridges. The project serves both a taxi facility and retail stores. It measures 66, 000m² with a taxi holding facility about 135m long with 960 parking bays to accommodate 15-seater vehicles. Block B has three levels which house local taxi ranks, a banking mall, a conventional retail level and parking. The second level of Block B serves as the local taxi rank while the third level serves as the main taxi rank for the Greater Johannesburg region. The basic design of the structure was purely functionality over form. The challenge was to create a facility in which pedestrians and vehicular movement would be achieved without conflict. Consequently the ability to synchronise all the elements to achieve seamless functionality would be of paramount importance to the project.

/ Uploaded March 2008

mont choisy golf estate, mauritius

The outline of this proposed development comprises 3 areas; an international golf course, a luxury hotel and an amusement park. The golf course requires an appropriate number of three to four bedroom units with en-suite bathrooms - double garages and staff quarters as an optional extra- a club house and children’s facilities. The luxury hotel complex needs to include a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, restaurants and bars, a conference room, and a gymnasium with beauty shop facilities all to be assembled on a site adjacent to Club Med. The extensive amusement park development and associated public facilities will be combined with the public section of Mont Choisy Beach.

/ Uploaded March 2008

twenty one phase 1 A industrial estate

GAPP was commissioned to undertake the development of the urban design framework, controls and guidelines. The aim is to set out, in a legible manner, the objectives for, and the actual controls and guidelines to manage the physical development in Twenty One Phase 1 A Industrial Estate to achieve the overall urban character over time.

/ Uploaded March 2008

nouakchott, mauritania

In response to a scope of services brief in August 2007, DSA International was appointed to provide Qatari Diar with a Concept Master Plan and an Architectural Concept Design for a 5-star hotel. GAPP Architects and Urban Designers, together with ARUP, undertook the Concept Master Planning for the 566.5 hectare project site outside Nouakchott, Mauritania. This exciting plan consists of several elements; a consolidation of a review of the context at a city scale and that of the site, the development of a spatial argument for the development out of town in Nouakchott and the unpacking of a vision and the master plan. The new town will boast a leisure and resort edge along the Atlantic coast, a core residential and new town centre as well as a business and industrial edge along the Nouadibou Road. To serve this land use, a super grid block structure based on a hierarchy of access roads NS-EW and will allow for public transport. The new town design will include a network of squares and parks, located in conjunction with social facilities. Service infrastructure is viewed as incremental and will be dealt with in as small abuts as possible.

/ Uploaded February 2008

jda new office – bus factory renovation

The old Bus Factory in Newtown has been home to the Johannesburg Development Agency’s new offices for the past year following GAPP’s successful heritage-sensitive interventions. Now due to a larger than expected workload and subsequent increase in staff number, the JDA are continuing the policy of regeneration by extending their premises under the same roof.

GAPP has again been commissioned for the work and intend to convert the simple brick structures in the centre of the Bus Factory to offices and an exhibition area for the Artist’s Proof Studio. The outbuildings opposite the main entrance will be recycled for the displaced arts and crafts retailers. A much needed re-landscaping of the car park has also been integrated into this scheme.

/ Uploaded February 2008

freedom park - an icon of humanity and freedom

Situated on a prominent koppie overlooking Tshwane, Freedom Park’s vision is to become “a leading national and international icon of humanity and freedom”. It aims to encourage reconciliation and nation building through the telling of the South African peoples’ stories.

The first two phases of the project have been completed. The first phase entailed the development of the Garden of Remembrance whose key feature is the Isivivane. This is derived from indigenous spiritual practices of commemoration and is created primarily of boulders from our nine provinces as well as from abroad.

The next (intermediate) phase that was completed is called Isikhumbuto, the Place of Remembrance. This features the “wall of names”, the sanctuary and main gathering space, a gallery of leaders and Moshate, a hospitality facility for presidential guests and dignitaries. Its most visible feature is the assemblage of steel “reeds” which are up to 30m high in some places. According to African spirituality reeds are a conduit between earth and ancestors and signify the emergence of new life. In an ongoing process, over 50 000 names of those who perished in the fight for freedom are inscribed in this significant wall.

The different elements are connected by a spiral path that forms a commemorative journey up the hill to the main space of dedication- the sanctuary- that houses the eternal flame. Phalaborwa quartzite rock, mostly dry-packed, is used as the unifying material that binds architectural and landscape elements together.

The final phases will see the completion of Xhapo (the dream), an interpretive centre and Pan-African archive which is currently under design.

/ Uploaded February 2008

three hostel upgrade

Gapp Architects and urban Designers were engaged by the Housing Department through ASHCO to address the renewal of 3 hostels located southeast of Johannesburg: Jeppe hostel, George Goch hostel, Denver hostel.

The current engagement is to feed into a basic plan requested by the Department of Housing, due to the time constraints, Gapp Architects devised a very short, intensive programme outline aiming at identifying issues and highlighting potential opportunities regarding the redevelopment process. At this stage most of the output expected will only be indicative and will require further investigations, the aim is to provide the department with options while flagging any potential issues that may arise out of each option.

We are currently on stage 3 and expect continued support from the professional team which has been forthcoming, thus the progress is well within programme and will be completed as planned.

nasrec urban development framework

This urban scheme promotes sustainable development in the area. It is a mixed use development that consists of residential, offices, shopping centers’ and other transport facilities. The scheme also provides a pedestrian friendly environment.

hardwick precinct

Newcastle Municipality is involved in a process of disposing of all its property that falls within Hardwick Street Precinct.

The fact that the largest part of the land forming part of the Hardwick Precinct will be sold can be seen as a positive. The land will become available for development which will then be guided by the Hardwick Street Precinct Urban Design Framework.

The principles around which the structure for the conceptual includes:

Building on the concept established in the Newcastle CBD
Development Plan;
The potential for heritage, tourism and related uses;
The need for housing in the inner city; and
The need for additional structured public transport facilities

jewel city

Jewel city spans over six city blocks in downtown Johannesburg. It is a diamond trade hotspot that churns out several millions a month. The discomfort of tenants, however, ignited action from the CoJ via the JDA to upgrade the Jewel City’s surrounding environment with the aim of retaining valued tenants while also livening up that part of the city and creating a better link to the Fashion and Sport facilities adjacent to it. The project involved paving, new lighting, benches and trees in addition to creating gateways into the precinct with sculptural light masts on the highway of Berea. The result is a jewel of note in the city.

coca cola update

The GAPP team met with Coca Cola in Nairobi during February to finalise the competition winning scheme and the appointment of GAPP. The competition winning concept has been retained at the express request of the client however the building has been shrunk slightly (without a doubt for the better).

lanseria corporate estate

The Urban Design Framework sets out specific development objectives for the Lanseria Industrial Estate. To create a world class quality Corporate Industrial Estate, within a built environment that promotes design excellence and sustainability. The “Lanseria Industrial Estate “is a design exploration of 3 models of offices/warehouses based on these urban design guidelines and report which were recently prepared by the firm.

lenasia

The Lenasia Urban design Framework denotes an exceptional basis for the development of a public transport facility consisting of a taxi, bus and railway as well as street trader facilities within the CBD.

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