The Conradie Park Better Living Model is a groundbreaking 22-hectare mixed-use development in Cape Town, launched in 2018. The brief was to develop an innovative model for high-density, integrated residential communities, as part of the Western Cape Government’s commitment to delivering sustainable, affordable housing supported by schools, shops and places to work. The clients also wanted a development that looked and felt modern, safe, spacious, connected, affordable and practical for everyday living.
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Developed on the site of the former Conradie Hospital, this R3 billion project is a public-private partnership between Concor and the Western Cape Government. Conradie Park is a mixed-use neighbourhood comprising housing, commercial uses, retail units, a school and sports facilities. The residential accommodation provides
3 602 units, of which 1 794 are grant-funded, affordable units. The project stands out for its inclusivity, offering a mix of social, affordable and open market housing within the same development.
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We’re delivering the project in association with Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers and collaborated with Green Inc on the landscaping. Own Haven Housing Association is the social housing partner. Completion is expected by 2029. We conceptualised the full design for the site, including the urban design framework, architecture, public open spaces, landscaping, streets and pedestrian walkways, courtyards, parks and squares. The architectural scale and spatial configuration present a common visual language, creating the effect of a more urban district or suburb than housing estate. No visual or other coding distinguishes visually between accommodation for residents with different income levels, ensuring a more democratic, inclusive housing mix.
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Small block sizes with a fine-grain network of streets and pedestrian walkways facilitate pedestrian permeability. A perimeter block forms a traditional design component to create protected space and facilitate greater surveillance. The site also features original heritage structures dating back to the first half of the 20th century. These have been retained for community use.
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The design integrates urban design into the overall architectural vision. Buildings sit within a continuous public realm network of streets, squares, parks and piazzas, with generous tree-lined sidewalks and a linear park called Grande Park. The grid rotation aligns to the geometry of the canal and linear park along the southeast boundary of the site, creating a well-defined park edge. This layout maximises solar orientation for most apartments. Strong public edges contrast the softer, landscaped courtyards which are secure, private spaces.
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The scheme prioritises pedestrians, with wide sidewalks and a streetscape that functions as part of the public space network instead of simply accommodating cars. Footpaths and cycling paths are part of an integrated non-motorised transport (NMT) plan. Green technologies support energy, water and waste management practices.
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Sean Gibson - Photographer