Drive Lines Residential Container Development

WORDS Amelia Brown

Another groundbreaking project from Propertuity sees the first large-scale residential container development in South Africa.

Drive Lines, the design-forward project located at 213 Albertina Sisulu Street, Joburg, comprises a multi-level structure created using upcycled shipping containers and built over what was originally a one-storey car repair shop.

As with the redevelopment of Hallmark House with Sir David Adjaye (read about it here), Propertuity strives to push the envelope in terms of what it means to live and work in the city with a focus on creating communities and improving urban spaces.

In South Africa the need for inexpensive building solutions has never been more pressing. Building sustainable, affordable housing that also strives to a higher aesthetic ideal were the imperatives for Drive Lines, which was conceived and implemented in collaboration with award-winning New York-based architecture firm and upcycling experts LOT-EK, founded by Giuseppe Lignano and Ada Tolla.

It illustrates the potential for sustainability and good design to converge. The units are compact, but full of light and air, with large windows, each with its own outdoor space. A rental-only development, it also reflects the need for temporary housing solutions. Drive Lines is geared towards young people looking for affordable housing, but who are discerning enough to want to live in quality spaces.

With a contemporary aesthetic, the community-centric development is designed to encourage clever use of space and to stimulate residents interaction with one another and with the space via open walkways and a central green area. “We wanted to create a happy, quiet place in the middle of Joburg’s crazy energy,” says Giuseppe.