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All aesthetic elements take into account the wraparound views. Scatter cushions and ornaments were sourced by Black Sheep Interiors. -
The 32-storey Portside’s fully glazed facade gives lightness to its mass and maximises the panoramic views. -
Geometric forms have influenced pursuits such as map making and construction for centuries. With a nod to medieval navigational chart makers, geometric designs have been introduced in the Sky Plaza. -
The drawers of this Fusion chest from Weylandts with its geometric patterns hold some unexpected surprises, guaranteed to evoke a smile. -
Sanja Murray tickles the ivories of the grand piano in the Sky Plaza on the eighth floor. The occasional chair and couch are by Comfort Creations. Black Sheep Interiors sourced the lighting, rugs and decorative elements. -
A human-centred design approach, whereby staff are provided with choice and control over where and how they work, is evident here in the multi-use library. -
The couch, chair, coffee table and occasional table in this relaxation space are by Comfort Creations. The rug is by Yen Creations. -
A study space with breath-taking views. The desk, chair and decor elements are from Weylandts. -
The Games Room, which features balloon-shaped bean bags imported by Black Sheep Interiors, is where staff get to collaborate in a lighthearted environment. The acoustic felt strip panels are by Paul Smit for Weaver’s World. -
This striking mural is by Gerhard Marx and the Dragnet chairs, designed by Kenneth Cobonpue, are from Weylandts. -
The Acousto high-back seats in the staff dining room are by Comfort Creations and the hand-blown glass plates on the wall are by Red Hot Glass. -
The BuzziBooth acoustic work booth and BuzziPlants screen provide sound insulation in an open-plan space. BuzziSpace acoustic products are imported by Love Office Life. -
The bespoke boardroom table in a glass cubicle at the far end of the Sky Plaza is by Nowa. -
Early maritime navigational techniques inspired the design concept for the Portside building. Portolan charts, medieval nautical maps based on compass directions and estimated distances, are clearly referenced. -
The geometric forms found on early nautical charts are peppered throughout the building. Artworks, local beading, meeting room decals and other artefacts were sourced by The Framing Company.
PHOTOS Jan Ras PRODUCTION Sumien Brink WORDS Tracy Greenwood
This tastefully appointed office tower in central Cape Town deserves its green credentials.
On a clear day you can see forever. Or so it seems when you’re standing on the top floor of the new Portside building in the north-western block of Cape Town’s CBD. The distinctive mesa-topped mass of Table Mountain looms in the sky in one direction and then, if you turn your head, you find yourself looking at the curved blue swathe of the Atlantic stretching into the distance.
At close to 140 m high, Portside is the tallest tower in Cape Town’s CBD and the seventh-tallest in the country.
A joint venture between FirstRand Bank and Old Mutual, the R1,6 billion project ticks a number of green boxes. It was built with sustainability and responsible development in mind, and even existing trees on the land were retained. An efficient air conditioning system reduces energy costs, rainwater and grey water are collected for use in toilets, and recycled reinforcing steel was used in the construction.
Even the azure double-glazed facade is there for a reason beyond the aesthetic: to maximise available natural light and reduce the need for artificial light sources. LED lighting is used throughout and motion sensors switch lights on and off as needed, further reducing energy consumption.
In the parking basement there are 1 440 bays, including 70 spaces dedicated solely for hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, charging stations for electric vehicles, 70 motorcycle bays and ample safe bicycle storage, alongside changing rooms and shower facilities.
Mixed use in the greatest sense of the word, the building has two separate entrance plazas, one for FirstRand Bank on one side of the building and the other for Old Mutual on the opposite side, and the ground floor comprises a vibrant mix of cafés, coffee bars and restaurants, all open to the public.
The internal aesthetics on the FirstRand side are a study in harmony. Clean lines, natural textures and wood tones contrast with the steel and glass of the structure.
Workstations are compact and business-as-usual, but the changes are rung in the chill-out spaces on every floor. Coffee machines, armchairs, board games, soundproof booths, balloon-inspired beanbags and even a pool table add an unexpected air of fun. Bold colours and patterns add a vibrant look and feel while harmonising with the clean lines and natural textures that are at the heart of the building’s interior design philosophy.
But that’s not all. There are “scrum” areas, a professionally equipped staff restaurant – it would be criminal to call it a canteen – complete with a vast open-air patio, and even a wellness centre offering some of the best views to work out to in the Mother City.
All things considered, it’s little wonder Derick Henstra from dhk Architects calls this structure “a timeless 21st century building – a modern classic”. And it’s no surprise the Portside has been awarded a 5 Star Green Star SA certified rating by the Green Building Council SA, making it the greenest tall building in South Africa.
