MELROSE ARCH H202

Building H202 Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, is a mixed-use development of retail, offices and residential functions integrated into a single building. It is one of several sites in a new city block, designed by individual architects for a single client within a coordinated urban design context of street edge and contained inner landscape courtyards. H202’s architecture is deliberately designed to be modest and unassuming, permitting the adjacent corner buildings to be more prominent.

Co-Arc achieved an urban continuity using careful detailing of simple elements and use of sympathetic materials. The openings in the face brick facade are carefully proportioned and composed to reflect the variety of mixed-use functions. The details of the facade reflect the structural requirements of brick openings. Steel channel sections are used as an aesthetic determinant element of support for openings and the covered colonnade detailing. Stainless steel mesh solar screens provide protection to the east facade. Within the depth of the west wall, a series of terraces and setbacks are calculated to provide protection from the afternoon sun.

Co-Arc’s careful consideration of access, stairs and the single lift led to a common external fire staircase being used by neighboring buildings with a resultant increase in lettable space. The staircase also provides an element of sculptural interest to the internal communal landscape courtyard.