A precinct-led URBAN TRANSFORMATION

Leading multidisciplinary architectural studio dhk Architects has completed its designs for ambitious 15-year redevelopment of the Longkloof Precinct in Gardens, Cape Town, for Growthpoint Properties. The project involved restoring and adapting five historic buildings, constructing a new hotel and creating a publicly accessible urban square – all within a 16 500m² site made up of six erven. The vision was to transform a fragmented, landlocked site into an interconnected, landscaped precinct with active street frontage and a secure but open public realm. dhk’s design approach focused on adaptive reuse, integrating heritage buildings with contemporary additions and activating the site through thoughtful urban planning.

Pierre Swanepoel, Partner at dhk Architects, explains: “The Longkloof Precinct project brought together all our multidisciplinary design skills, to create an honest dialogue between heritage and contemporary elements in a sensitive and respectful combination.”

A PRECINCT-LED DESIGN APPROACH

Located on the south-western edge of Cape Town’s CBD, Longkloof falls within the Upper Table Valley Urban Conservation Area. The five original buildings, each with heritage protections, were previously disconnected from the surrounding urban fabric. Public access was limited and the site lacked cohesion.

dhk’s urban design strategy addressed these challenges by integrating all erven into a single precinct. Fragmented building forms reduced bulk and maintained historical references, while new pedestrian links improved connectivity to the city. Vehicular access is restricted, and three levels of basement parking ensure a car-free, pedestrian-friendly environment.

Design decisions were guided by heritage indicators and regulatory requirements. New buildings needed to respect and not detract from the historic structures. Building heights were informed by adjacent roof lines, view corridors were preserved, and materials referenced the site’s industrial character. The result is a precinct that respects its past while embracing contemporary urban life.

REVITALISING EXISTING BUILDINGS

Each heritage building was carefully restored and adapted for modern use: 32 on Kloof was significantly altered with the addition of a contemporary two-storey orthogonal glazed form to the existing double storey structure, along with internal alterations to provide premium open-plan office layouts. An annex was demolished to improve natural light, and the courtyard was excavated to create a basement café.

The Darters and Threshers buildings (formerly Longkloof Studios) were refurbished to improve the quality of internal spaces, circulation legibility and compliance between the three buildings. New WC cores and external walkways were added and a new courtyard activated basement spaces while connecting to the adjacent precinct.

The Refinery, originally designed by Sir Herbert Baker’s studio, was reconfigured for office and retail use. Glazed doors were added to arched window openings, enhancing visibility into the public square. Landscaping was introduced on all sides of the building. Heritage restrictions required a 15m-20m development exclusion zone to preserve the character of this building.

MLT House, with limited heritage value, was partially demolished. Its eastern facade was retained and integrated into the new hotel. The Victorian building at 2 Park Street (formerly Rick’s Americain Café) was sensitively refurbished and incorporated into the precinct, creating a new frontage, and a sunken courtyard was created, leading into a new retail alley.

LINKING NEW WITH OLD

The new hotel sits alongside the heritage buildings on a site with complex geometry. Originally planned as two office buildings, the hotel design evolved through consultation with heritage authorities. It introduces contemporary elements that reference, but don’t mimic, the adjacent structures. Robust detailing to the steelwork and the roof is a nod to the site’s industrial past.

The hotel building hosts restaurants and retail units, activating the ground-floor plane and inviting day-tonight activity into the new public space. The building footprints were positioned to improve the relationship between Park and New Church streets and the internal publicly accessible square. Visual corridors and open spaces enhance accessibility and continuity.

MATERIALS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Materials were chosen to complement the precinct’s red brick and white plaster heritage buildings. Reclaimed granite cobbles, weathered steel element, indigenous planting and timber seating define the landscape, and generous stairways address level changes.

Sustainability was a priority throughout. dhk’s adaptive reuse strategy preserves embodied energy, while high performance glazing, energy-saving systems and water efficient landscaping and internal fixtures contribute to long-term environmental performance.

Derick Henstra, Chairman and Co-founding Partner of dhk Architects, says: “Longkloof is one of the studio’s flagship projects. It is an outstanding demonstration of how precinct-led urban design and sensitive, considered architectural design can be combined to add value to neglected urban environments. We are absolutely delighted with the results.” www.dhk.co.za