Situated amongst apartments and boutiques, this high-end commercial development joins the renowned Citadel offices as a stylish workplace in the heart of Claremont. At a bustling intersection, 1 Osborne commands attention with its rhythmic slats and warm tones. The seven-floor property is a testament to efficient layout: its core is encircled by office spaces and flanked by service areas discreetly positioned to the southeast.
The Cavendish Street entrance of 1 Osborne features handmade tiles, natural timber, and lush landscaping that softens the transition between commercial and residential zones. Durable off-shutter concrete, painted brickwork, and timber look aluminium screens were selected to balance longevity with low maintenance.
Strategic function, aesthetic pride
Entry points are thoughtfully planned, with staff accessing the building directly from the subterranean parking — an engineering feat that maximises land use while maintaining an unobtrusive presence. Visitors, on the other hand, are welcomed at street level via a sophisticated reception area. The ground floor is a dynamic urban space, hosting a vibrant restaurant deck with an in-house roastery, restaurant, boutique coffee house, and a co-working ‘slow lounge’ — meeting the evolving needs of modern professionals. From various points inside, sweeping views stretch from Constantiaberg to the iconic Table Mountain.
The aesthetic harmony of the façade serves a dual purpose: integrating contemporary design with the urban environment and minimising solar gain through a combination of punctured brickwork and aluminium fins that emulate the warmth of timber. The use of balconies adds depth while providing natural shading and filtered light throughout the day. Extensive greenery — including creeping plants — envelops the structure, integrating nature into the corporate environment while promoting sustainability. This is supported by solar panels, a borehole irrigation system sustaining extensive planting, and the building’s energy-efficient HVAC and lift systems. To further encourage green commuting, bike storage and electric vehicle charging stations are readily available.
Navigating uncertainty
The site originally housed an ageing apartment block, overdue for transformation. Following nearly three years of negotiations, the re-zoning process commenced, backed by local councillors who envisioned the project as a catalyst for revitalising the area near the Cavendish Square Shopping Centre. Just as the project was set to break ground, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, prompting the developers to reassess and adapt their plans.
This resulted in a design that could seamlessly transition from commercial to residential use if needed. Magma Property Group, the developers, collaborated closely with renowned hospitality brand Singita, who are also the shareholders, to shape a bespoke design that aligns with their commitment to environmental consciousness and elegance. The architectural vision for 1 Osborne matched these expectations: a cutting-edge building that resonates with the surroundings and the needs of modern, corporate tenants.
Suburban revitalisation
Vibrant neighbourhoods like Claremont and Newlands have attracted financial services companies as business hubs for many years. The re-zoning of the site, driven by strategic foresight, has not only attracted corporate tenants but also shaped a new architectural identity for Claremont. 1 Osborne reimagines what a modern corporate building can be: sustainable and sophisticated, an urban landmark whose aesthetic adds value to Claremont’s architectural landscape.
MEET THE TEAM
Architects: Vivid Architects, Bruce Burmeister Architects | Quantity Surveyors: Hope Warren Schultz Quantity Surveyors | Structural Engineer: DeVS-SiVEST | Wet, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering: Triocon | Façade Engineers: PDK Civil & Construction | Contractor: Isipani Construction | Landscape Architect: AT Landscape Architects
SUPPLIERS
Tiles: Tile House | Vinyl Flooring: KBAC Flooring | External Paving: Revelstone | Mats: COBA Flooring | Timber Ceilings and Portal: Oggie Hardwood Flooring | Sanitaryware: Geberit, Duravit, Hansgrohe | Ironmongery: dormakaba | Feature Face Screen: Façade Solutions | Shopfronts and Glass Balustrades: Mazor Group | Painted Facebrick: Corobrik | Plastered Façade: Marmoran | Steel Balustrade: Sparcraft | Paint: Plascon | Waterproofing: Mapei | Signage: Ultrasigns
