The 78 Corlett Drive, designed by Daffonchio and Associates Architects in Illovo, Johannesburg in South Africa is a commercial development that incorporates strong minimalist geometries. The design includes shading louvers acting as a dynamic facade element along with having achieved a 6-star rating and a net zero carbon accreditation for its environment-friendly components.

The development has been designed to set a new standard for vibrant and trendy co-working office spaces by providing a green building with modern amenities. Minimalist geometries have been integrated through the use of dark tones that create a strong street presence, elevating the building above the parking space below. The floating effect of the building is further enhanced by the articulation of its relationship to the ground plane due to a stilted space; only gently interfacing with the ground through a small glass box, which houses the main circulation core and a concierge service.

The upper ground floor of the building houses a mixture of lively open shared workspaces and cellular offices, interspersed with social and formal meeting spaces, all revolving around a central coffee bar located in the triple volume day-lit atrium or courtyard. The first floor has additional co-working office areas and larger formal offices to cater to a diverse variety of professions.

With innovative additions such as an electric car charging station, full cyclist facilities, passive solar shading design and a full photovoltaic array, the design not only redefines the way people live and work, but also prioritises sustainability and respect for the natural environment, whilst ensuring low running costs for the developer.

The 78 Corlett Drive project by Daffonchio and Associates Architects is the first office development in Africa to be awarded a v1.1, 6-star rating that was achieved through an efficient design and meticulous process of implementing solutions for a greener environment.

Project Details

Name: 78 Corlett Drive
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Architects: Daffonchio and Associates Architects
Developer: Legaro Properties
Area: 785 sqm
Completion date: 2019
Project Architect: Robert Dos Santos
Clients: Legaro Properties
Structural Engineer: Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers
Mechanical Engineers: Graeme Page Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineers: RWP Taemane Consulting Engineers
Quantity Surveyor: Legaro Properties
Sustainability Consultant: Solid Green
Town Planners: Raven Town Planning
Interior Consultants: Imbewu Design