My Daily Dose of Architecture: Cape Town's Tallest

"dhk architects Portside the first high rise development in South Africa to achieve a 5-star 'Design' rating". - dhk architects

To have had the opportunity together with the staff of dhk architects on a tour of the nearly completed Portside building in Cape Town, was truly prodigious. Currently, the tallest building in Cape Town, Portside encapsulates the energy of a rapid evolving world-class city, with dynamic architectural design features inspired by environmental sustainability - not forgetting 360° picturesque landscape views of the Mother City.

The 139m high building features 32 floors over 52 000m²of office space, 1 200m²of retail and banking space - easily accessible from all side of the ground level, together with 1 382 parking bays housed on 3 basement floors. Aimed at reducing the large amounts of fuel and energy used by vehicles, leading to greenhouse gas emissions - the building provides hybrid/alternative fuel vehicle parking, of which 70 parking bays will be dedicated to.

Situated in a prime location, bordered by Buitengracht, Hans Strijdom, Bree and Mechau streets, the high rise development capitalises on the sublime panoramas of Table Mountain, Lions Head and the Atlantic Ocean - all complementing the beauty of the Mother City.

Unobstructed panoramic views of Lions Head, Table Mountain and the Cape Town CBD.

"A particular challenge was the balancing of a vast double-glazing curtain wall facade with the mechanical and electrical services necessary to maintain high occupant comfort. This is a great example of dhk;s commitment to sustainable architecture and green design", states dhk Director responsible for Portside - Steve Peters.

The immense project is set to become a landmark tower in the emerging financial district in the Foreshore area of Cape Town's CBD and is a welcoming boost for the local construction industry, representing substantial investment into the Western Province of South Africa.