Stitching together historical and contemporary contexts, dhk Architects, a leading multidisciplinary architectural studio, revived a neglected precinct in Cape Town. Featuring several precious historical buildings, the area required sensitive urban and architectural design: respecting heritage while enhancing the aesthetic and functional value of the surrounds. 

The Longkloof development comprises the restoration of several historic buildings and the construction of a 154-key, five-star hotel for a leading global hospitality brand. The scheme introduces a new public square in the mixed-use Longkloof Precinct off Kloof Street in Gardens, Cape Town. Owned by Growthpoint Properties, the area is now a publicly accessible urban square featuring planting, trees, integrated wooden seating, and generous stairways.

“The overarching vision was to create an interconnected, landscaped public realm with new street frontage as well as a secure, yet publicly accessible, external space at the heart of the precinct.”

Authentic character

Comprising six separate erven, the site features historic buildings that were originally developed in the early 1900s. Over the years, the precinct became fragmented, lacking spatial cohesion and connectivity, with much of the site given over to surface car parking.

dhk’s involvement started in 2009 when they were briefed to design an office on the larger Park Street site at MLT House with surface parking behind. The design later integrated several other buildings in the precinct, including the Spar and Kloof annex building and parking (incorporated in 2011), 32 on Kloof (2013), Darter and Threshers, known as Longkloof Studios (2014), The Refinery, the former West Cliff school (2017), and No.2 Park Street, formerly Rick’s American Café (2024). It also became clear that there was a need, and an opportunity, to fully integrate all the erven into one cohesive precinct. In 2015, dhk prepared an urban design proposal to create a vibrant publicly accessible environment to connect the surrounding context in a meaningful way while respecting heritage indicators and the existing streetscape.’

The Longkloof Precinct project was a complex design challenge that brought together all of our multidisciplinary design skills to create an honest dialogue between heritage and contemporary elements in a sensitive and respectful combination,’ says Pierre Swanepoel, partner at dhk Architects.

Sensitive adaptive reuse

dhk’s design used adaptive reuse principles to revitalise the heritage buildings, introduce contemporary additions onto existing buildings, and add new-build components to fully activate the site. Ground floor retail, restaurants, and cafés enliven street edges, while a new hotel overlooking the public square contributes to the economic profile of the site. Basement parking helps to activate the public realm with greater pedestrian permeability.

The urban design response strategically locates permissible bulk (floor space) and introduces a more accessible urban language, while fragmenting building forms reduce bulk and maintain reference to historical buildings. New links through the precinct connect different parts of the city and the existing streetscape. This creates a vibrant, publicly accessible environment that enhances the active qualities of Park and Kloof Streets and emphasises pedestrian permeability. Street edges are defined with canopies and colonnades, and vehicular access is restricted to ensure a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Sustainable transformation 

Sustainability was prioritised through the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, preserving embodied energy. High-performance glazing reduces solar gain, while energy-saving lighting and high-efficiency systems in the refurbished buildings enhance performance. Water conservation is achieved through indigenous landscaping and efficient fixtures, while the urban design language improves pedestrian links and reduces vehicle impact.

SUPPLIERS

Tiling: RVV Tile Gallery | Glazed Aluminium: Mazor Group | Ceilings and Partitions: Scheltema | Timber Decking: Decks 4 Life | Vanities: WOMAG

This flagship project showcases how contemporary architecture and sensitive urban design can enrich historical areas while stimulating economic activity and creating vibrant public spaces. Derick Henstra, the executive chairman and co-founder of dhk Architects, says: ‘Longkloof is an outstanding demonstration of how precinct-led urban design and sensitive, considered architectural design can be combined to add value to neglected urban environments. We are absolutely delighted with the results.

MEET THE TEAM

Architect, Urban Designer, and Landscape Architect: dhk Architects | Main Contractor: Isipani Construction | Quantity Surveyors: MLC Quantity Surveyors & Construction Consultants | Interior Designer: K/M2K Architecture Interior Design | Civil Engineers: LH Consulting Engineers | Electrical, Mechanical, Fire, Structural, and Wet Services Engineer: WSP | Project Manager: Atvantage |  Electronic Services Consultant: Ethnic Technologies | Green Building Consultant: Ecolution Consulting | Audiovisual and Acoustic Design Consultant: Mtshali-Moss Projects Africa & Professional Services | Health and Safety: Safetycon | Enabling Works Contractor: Franki