The brief by Tricolt for Brookfield at Royal was to conceptualise a luxurious residential experience that bridges the gap between the past and present. The result is a high-end estate that represents the true value of sophisticated design in urban housing. When complete by the end of 2025, the development will feature around 290 units estate in one-, two-and three-bedroom configurations, starting from 38m² up to 154m²penthouses.

Brookfield at Royal in Johannesburg is the first luxury apartment development to be situated within the precinct of the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. The development is set out on a long, narrow, sloping site alongside the golf course, arranged in a linear form that follows the contours of the land. Each block consists of three-storey walk-up structures, typically arranged in clusters of six to eight units. Each cluster features a symmetrical layout with two-bedroom apartments on the ground and first floors, and loft units on the top floor with bedrooms and living spaces split between two levels.

The design is characterised by a central pitched frame flanked by flat-roofed sections. This combination creates an undulating rhythm along the length of the development. The pitched roofs are clad in slate-grey standing-seam steel roof sheets, while the flanking sections feature red brick and white-painted plaster. These vertical roof elements play a key role in the terraced design form.

Open gables on one side house entrances and vertical circulation, with balconies facing on to landscaped parking. Gables on the other side feature expansive glazing and steel-and-glass balconies overlooking the golf course, with vertical brick barbecue columns forming privacy dividers between units. Each unit is crowned by twin steel chimney pipes, forming an iconic leitmotif throughout the scheme.

The combination of traditional materials of red brick and plaster and modern elements of steel and glass creates a harmonious blend of solidity and lightness that references the treed landscape between the buildings, private gardens, a dam and golf course. The dark steel and slate-grey tones reference the original black slate roof of the Royal Johannesburg clubhouse. The overall effect is a carefully articulated contemporary interpretation of a traditional terraced row-house development.

The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club was established in 1890. It is recognised as one of the premium golf courses in Africa. The long-established club is regarded as the “home of golf” in South Africa. It hosts the Gauteng Senior Golfer’s Society, the PGA of South Africa and the Club Managers Association of South Africa. Brookfield at Royal is one of several developments we designed for Tricolt. Click to see more details about Olympus Sandton, One Rosebank, Ellipse Waterfall and Tree Tops, Houghton.

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Sean Gibson - Photographer