Program: Residential Location: Hillcrest, KZN, South Africa Size: 600m²

This new family home is located on a magnificent private estate within Hillcrest, Durban. The client’s requirement was a classic Victorian Veranda House with a modern twist. All entertainment spaces overlook the expansive view and dressage arena.

Location: Westcliff, Johannesburg, South Africa Size: 2000m²

New apartments on Jan Smuts Drive, Johannesburg. The apartments face north to capture sunlight and turn away from the road. All units to have private roof gardens and open plan living. Ground floor units have access to an expansive garden space.

Program: Residential Location: The Executive Estate, Umhlanga, South Africa Size: 750m²

This new home came with multiple restrictions including a steep site, tight building lines and an unusual access point. Our approach was to work with the contours, reducing the amount of cut and maximise the views down the valley.The horizontality of the elevation broke the height of the building down, allowing it to integrate into the landscape. The large mechanical screens all fold into one area transforming the facade through the day.

Program: Drive-Thru Restaurant Location: Bluff, South Africa Size: 450m²

A continuation of the original Bluff Towers Shopping Centre upgrades implemented by Bloc Architects 5 years ago. The new Nandos structure was to incorporate a drive-thru component, as this is critical to modern fast food outlets. The Nandos brand demands bespoke designs for every new design, internally and externally.

This 'H' Plan home was designed to maximise views of the mountain and valley. The central core of the house is zoned for living and entertainment. Once the glass doors have stacked away this creates an open plan space between the pool, living area and courtyard. The tilted roof focuses views toward the mountain peaks.

Program: Public Location: Dairy Beach, Durban Promenade, South Africa Size: 400m² Project Architect: Michael Tod

Critical to the success of this development was the integration and upgrading of the Rachel Finlayson Pool into its surrounds. Previously the pool was an island between the Upper and Lower Marine Parades, hidden behind walls, screens and other accommodation. True to the overall Upgrade Philosophy established by the Promenade Urban Designers, Michael Tod Architects, strong East-West visual and physical linkages were prioritized. An east-west link from OR Tambo Parade to the promenade was created between the remodeled grandstand building and Durban Surf Lifesaving. Of critical importance to this node is the incorporation of a large number of ‘Green Roofs’.