Upgrade fuelled by desire for space
REFLECTING the continuing demand for upmarket office space in Sandown, construction group Liviero has netted a R97-million contract to extend and upgrade an office block in sought after Sandown Valley Crescent.
The refurbishment of this building will complete a series of upgrades that have been done along Sandown Valley Crescent, which is conveniently located in the heart of Sandton, close to the Gautrain station and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Liviero Building undertook a similar renovation to another property in the crescent in 2008, says CEO Neil Cloete.
Liviero’s contract will see the five-story office block extended to seven storys offering a total of 8 000m2 of gross lettable area.
“This contract entails the construction of three new basement parking levels, a new glass facade, the addition of two reinforced concrete floors, the installation of three new scenic lifts and a complete remodelling of all of the floors. The existing lift shafts will be converted into stairwells and two new fire escapes will also be constructed,” said Cloete. He noted that the glass facade was a particularly challenging element of the project due to the fact that it was being fixed from the inside of the building, off the existing slabs, without the need to erect access scaffold around the facade. “This has resulted in large savings in time and cost.”
Another challenge is the removal of portions of the existing post-tentioned slabs and ramps. “This is a technical and time-consuming exercise.”
The construction involves the installation of mini-piles in order to underpin the building to allow for the creation of the new basement.
The striking glass facade consists of 3 000m2 of glass. Another eye-catching external feature for the refurbished building is a vertical garden along the Sandown Valley street facade.
Liviero will complete this fast-track project in just over 10 months.
“Logistics and access are going to be a major challenge for the first six months as part of the additions involves extending the ground floor slab to the entire extent of the site,” Cloete said. “Until this is completed, it is going to be difficult to get materials in and out of the site.”
Liviero’s contract at Sandown Valley Crescent is being undertaken for client Zenprop.
