OAK TREE CORNER | JULIAN KATZ

750m TWO STOREY OFFICE BUILDING A triangular site situated in a suburban shopping node in Oaklands Johannesburg. A busy street to the east to be embraced, townhouses to the west to be avoided and views over a well-treed park to the north. A challenging Town Planning equation was interpreted and expanded maximising the owner’s investment; an ancient Oak tree lent its name and was nurtured. The owner would inhabit the lower level and let the upper level to three tenants, all of them sharing access, parking, views and a glass boardroom. The office spaces were to be private yet connected with the streetscape, affording the tenants a sense of the energy of the node and allowing passers-by a glimpse through the trees to the activities within. The lower level was conceived in exposed brick which was carried into the stair and entry and lends the base of the building a solid feel even while it softens through the shadows of the trees to the east. The brick skin encloses much of the vertical structural skeleton leaving offices clear of columns. The upper level was composed in plaster and glass – lighter and brighter, overhanging and protecting the entry and some parking, cantilevering out in many directions, protecting from western glare and directing views and light. All users, visitors and tenants have connected with the building, recognizing a special encounter, acknowledging this and feeling enriched by the experience