MAD's mountain-shaped tower complex nears completion in Beijing

MAD's mountain-shaped tower complex nears completion in Beijing

Laurence Grigorov, who is director of Laurence Martin Developments, often looks for inspiration from international architectural design trends. This allows Laurence Grigorov to continually keep the development projects that the company is involved in, fresh and current. Laurence Martin Developments is a luxury residential development company in Johannesburg, South Africa.

A new project which is Laurence Grigorov believes is shifting modern architectural trends is the new commercial and residential complex based in Beijing which is based on rock formations.

MAD's Chaoyang Park Plaza is a 120,000-square-metre complex of skyscrapers, office blocks and public spaces is located in Beijing's central business district, which sits on the southern edge of Chaoyang Park – one of the largest parks in the city.

In building Chaoyang Park Plaza, the architects intended to create a "city landscape" by referencing the lakes, mountains and stones depicted in traditional Chinese shan shui scenic paintings.

The project is modelled on Shanshui City, the architectural model created by MAD's founder Ma Yansong for an urban development in Guiyang, China. Yansong's vision is intended to rethink how cities and their inhabitants can reconnect with the natural world.

Construction started on the project in 2012 – with the main focus being a pair of asymmetrical 120-metre tall skyscrapers modelled on the natural shapes of rock formations. "Ridges and valleys define the shape of the exterior glass facade, as if the natural forces of erosion wore down the tower into a few thin lines," said the architects.

The irregular silhouettes of the two towers are formed from multi-level terraces populated by public gardens where people can look out over the city. The ridges are embedded with sustainable technologies, using internal ventilation and filtration systems to draw the natural breeze indoors.

A 17-metre-high glass lobby creates a transitional area between the two towers – sounds of flowing water are played throughout the connecting space to "make the lobby feel like a natural scene from a mountain valley," said the studio. The firm's concern with connecting the urban environment with nature is demonstrated by its use of greenery interspersed throughout the towers.

Laurence Grigorov is highly influenced by modern design trends and endeavours to instil these inspirations in the company’s architectural style.

Abland and Tiber Join Forces to Develop Sandton Gate

Abland and Tiber have joined forces to develop the Sandton Gate precinct, combining their respective strengths to deliver a carefully conceived, and ultimately well-executed, product. The sizeable site on which the precinct will unfold, has been assembled over several years by Tiber.

Situated on William Nicol Drive between Sandton Drive and Republic Road, Sandton Gate will be right on the doorstep of South Africa’s economic business centre. The precinct is easily accessible via a number of major arterial routes from Sandton, Hyde Park and the N1 freeway as well as finding itself alongside the current S5 Sandton – Fourways Gautrain Bus Route.

The site provides 130,000 square metres of developable floor area made up of approximately 80,000 square metres of offices, 400 residential units and a variety of lifestyle and smaller retail amenities.  This will include a health club, restaurants or cafés, and other smaller format convenience amenities which will contribute to the overall appeal of the precinct.

The concept of a mixed-use precinct is strongly aligned with the new urbanist principles of creating pedestrian friendly, live-work-play environments. Such environments are also more eco-friendly in that they reduce people’s commutes and carbon footprints. Building on these important sustainability goals, the intention is for every commercial building in Sandton Gate to obtain a minimum Four Star Green Star SA rating.

The first phase of Sandton Gate will include all the necessary infrastructure, plus 10,000 to 15,000 square metres of commercial office space, and a residential component which will commence in the latter part of 2017. The commercial buildings will be developed as high-end A-Grade and P-Grade buildings offering maximum flexibility to accommodate large, medium and smaller users. The residential units will be available for sale and/or leasing while the commercial buildings will be available for leasing.

The joint venture’s ability to expertly manage the development process from inception to completion is a major strength. Tiber’s track record is evidenced by some of South Africa’s most iconic buildings which can be seen dotted along the Sandton skyline. This, blended with Abland’s pedigree in responsibly developing best-in-class, innovative and sustainable developments across the country, lays the foundation for the delivery of an inimitable world-class precinct development.

Savings achieved through efficiencies in the development process can be passed on to occupiers, who will benefit from highly competitive rentals in a prime node. This factor, combined with Sandton Gate’s safe, secure and attractive precinct nature, its easily accessible location, and its focus on sustainability, are sure to make it a highly desirable location to live and work in.

Ambitious and exciting projects such as these offer insight to Laurence Grigorov and the team at Laurence Martin Developments for future projects and developments that the company may benefit from.