When I saw the brief, I immediately got excited. I spend a lot of time at thrift stores and second-hand stores so this fell right into my comfort zone.

The brief was to design a building that would accommodate the following:

• An antique emporium
• A bookstore
• A coffee shop
• Free space for other tenants

The site is situated in Baakens Valley Port Elizabeth. The Baakens Valley was first known for it’s convenient landing beach and fresh spring water in the 18th century. Towards the 19th century, urban development commenced in the lower reaches of the Valley and today it is a thriving urban community situated next to the river.

I wanted to split the building into two parts. The first part being where the restaurant, bookshop and space where freelance tenants could exhibit or use would be situated and the second part being where the antique emporium and antique workshop would be situated.

I wanted to create a green space between the two parts and surround the building with trees and plants to be able to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces with one another. The materials used for the design of the building was kept very raw, I used exposed brick, concrete and steel to create the rustic and urban feel of the building. The structure is a steel portal frame with a mixture of timber and steel cladding.

Here are some images of the design.

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This has definitely been my favorite project of the year.

I would also like to thank you for following my B-tech journey this past year seeing that this will be my last blog for the year.

Hope you have a blessed holiday season and a happy new year.

Bren