dhk Architects was awarded two wins at the Africa Property Investment Awards in a ceremony held in Cape Town last night. The Longkloof Precinct, located in Gardens, Cape Town, won Best New Mixed-use/Precinct Development, while the 4-star Canopy by Hilton hotel, also located in the Longkloof Precinct, was named Best New Hotel Development.
Designed for Growthpoint Properties, the Longkloof Precinct was developed over 15 years, encompassing six different sites within a single precinct. The project incorporated dhk’s multidisciplinary expertise throughout the precinct, applying adaptive reuse principles to reimagine existing historical buildings with significant heritage considerations, precinct-led urban design, hospitality design, landscape architecture and wayfinding and signage design.
Pierre Swanepoel, dhk Partner who led the project, said: “This was a long and complex project which pushed the boundaries of design, urban planning and development programming. These awards offer recognition for the hard work and dedication of everyone involved through the process in delivering an excellent architectural and urban design outcome.”
The precinct introduces new commercial, hospitality and retail amenities and a new publicly accessible urban square injects new life into the previously under-used site. The 4-star hotel serves as an anchor in the precinct, with the restaurant integrated into the ground level environment facing onto the square. The hotel complements the mix of uses and tenancies occupying spaces within the historical buildings. With three levels of basement parking, the precinct remains a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Derick Henstra, Executive Chairman of dhk Architects, said: “We are delighted with this win. The awards reflect the commitment from our clients and professional teams to raise the bar for precinct-led design in South Africa.”
The Africa Property Investment (API) Awards form part of the two-day API Summit taking place at The Westin.
