Nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant De Waterkant neighbourhood, Old Cape Quarter is an exemplar of thoughtful urban renewal and adaptive reuse design principles. The brief by Tower Property Fund was to revitalise the complex into a mixed-use hub including new retail and office spaces as well as 55 luxury apartments and penthouses. At the core of the development lies the protected Old Cape Quarter Piazza, a significant historical landmark that anchors the development in Cape Town’s rich past.
‍

Our approach was to weave contemporary elements into the original structure, preserving its heritage and reviving the area with a high quality contemporary architectural insertion. The key objective for this approach was to design buildings that were efficient while making an architectural statement that could reflect and embody the existing heritage context.
‍

The development prioritises occupant well-being through optimised living and workspaces, improved indoor air quality and the use of non-toxic materials throughout. This focus on health and comfort contributes to an enhanced quality of life for residents and workers throughout the development. A timber brise-soleil creates an elegant screen that enhances privacy for the apartments on the upper floors.
‍

The central courtyard at the heart of the development is one of its most striking features. Cobblestones and cascading planted terraces provide a tranquil retreat from urban life, beyond the surrounding busy streets. Ground floor retail and commercial units open directly into the courtyard, enhancing it as an active public space. Secure underground parking, access control and separate entrances to the residential units contribute to the sense of privacy for residents. Overall, our design response has resulted in a development that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern sophistication, offering a unique living and working experience.
‍

We were also very proud to secure the ground floor space to locate our Cape Town office, providing us with a prominent street presence and a direct connection with the urban environment. In February 2025, Old Cape Quarter was awarded a Four Star Greenstar As-Built Rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa, recognising its sustainable design principles.
‍
_

Sean Gibson - Photographer