dhk Architects Fold Heritage into the Future with The Rubik
In Cape Town’s CBD, where the soaring ambitions of the financial district meet the historical narrative of the heritage precinct, stands The Rubik — a 91-metre architectural statement. This latest opus from dhk Architects for Abland Property Developers illustrates that in urban design, sometimes thinking inside the box can be surprisingly revolutionary
Located within a Heritage Overlay Zone, The Rubik received approval from Heritage Western Cape in 2018, followed by the City’s endorsement in 2019. However, its journey was not without obstacles. The pandemic momentarily disrupted pre-sales progress, but, as in all great architectural tales, persistence prevailed. Construction commenced in 2022, and by May 2024, the first residents were unpacking their belongings in their new sky-high homes.


A puzzle worth solving
Situated at the intersection of Loop, Riebeek, and Sea Streets, the site presented a complex challenge: how to bridge the gap between the financial district’s vertical aspirations and the more modest two and three-storey buildings of the heritage area. This conundrum inspired a design that prioritised clever transformation over compromise. What began as just over a 41-metre-high, 12-storey concept evolved into a more ambitious vision when Abland Property Developers acquired the northern part of the site. The brief for the expanded site called for a much higher tower building that would accommodate multiple uses. Two existing buildings, deemed to have no significant architectural or heritage merit, were proposed for demolition.
The resulting 27-storey mixed-use development required intricate architectural manoeuvring, but the end justified the means. The project team recognised that a distinctive, elegant sculptural tower design would enhance the appeal of its retail, office, and residential components. Rising to 91 metres, the tower transcends conventional monolithic design through a series of stacked, orthogonal twisting cubes that rotate around a central axis — much like its namesake puzzle.
Not just another pretty façade
The façade that envelops the parking podium is designed to reference the scale, vertical rhythm, and massing of the nearby lower-scale heritage buildings, reflecting their intricate urban grain. This façade combines primary elements of precast concrete arranged in vertical and horizontal bands with secondary vertical elements of extruded aluminium in between. It features a blend of glazed panels, aluminium louvres, and plastered masonry walls as infill. The cladding is articulated into various panel sizes to reduce the perceived scale of the parking levels in relation to the adjacent buildings on Loop Street. Glazing effectively ‘stitches in’ elements of the tower above into the parking podium.
The Rubik’s residential offerings are as meticulously considered as its exterior. From cleverly configured one-bedroom units to luxurious triplexes with roof terraces, each residence maximises space and views. The top-floor terraces are strategically positioned inboard to provide weather protection without compromising the spectacular vistas. The glazing on the upper levels forms smooth, differently-angled planes that capture varying reflections of the sky and surrounding buildings, further fragmenting the mass and creating visual interest across the skyline.


A new icon rises
In true 21st-century fashion, The Rubik not only looks impressive — it also operates sustainably. Extensive use of high-performance double glazing features desk-height opaque spandrels in offices to reduce solar gain and improve space efficiency. Recessed, semi-enclosed balconies promote natural ventilation and minimise wind loads. Finally, above-ground parking facilitates natural ventilation and smoke extraction, while energy-saving electrical devices and efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services are integrated throughout.
Despite the challenges posed by a confined site, dhk Architects has successfully delivered a striking new landmark that not only energises its surroundings but adds distinction to the Cape Town skyline. With its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, The Rubik is poised to become an enduring symbol of modern urban living, integrating the vibrancy of city life into a considered respect for heritage and community.
This article is an extract from our 2024/25 Coffee Table Edition. Click here to read the full issue.