Bloc Architects

The Gates

The Gates
© Chris Allan

THE GATES

Bloc Architects

ARCHITECTS
Bloc Architects

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Bloc Architects

ENGINEERING
Escongweni Bph Engineers 

MANUFACTURERS
Autodesk, Geberit, Meir

CONSULTANTS
Kaljon, Ogilvie Engineering, Mvelo Air

CONTRACTOR
North Global Group 

LANDSCAPE
Uys And White

PHOTOGRAPHS
Chris Allan 

AREA
1200 M²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Dolphin Coast, South Africa

CATEGORY
Offices, Sustainability

Text description provided by architect.

Offering a lifestyle that is rich in nature and embraces the true meaning of community, Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate is set to inspire sustainable living in the last indigenous coastal forests on the North Coast.

The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan

The approach to “The Gates”, is by means of an entrance causeway over an elegantly layered water feature, further emphasising the transition from the busy, fast paced outside world, to the tranquil, protected lush forest within.

Every aspect of The Gates incorporates natural or raw elements where possible, encouraging engagement with its forest context.

The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan

Embracing an over-riding environmental conscience, the design utilises natural locally sourced material pallet of stone, timber, concrete and glass.

Carefully placed at a natural entryway to the forest estate, a simple form is arranged along the building’s axis.

The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan

Using natural stone spine walls to support the vast cantilevered off shutter concrete green roof, this natural entrance portal and gateway to the estate is emphasized with natural indigenous greenery taking precedence over the architecture.

The indigenous naturally planted berms and roof plane set up the internal spaces along the building’s axis.

The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan

“The Gates” building program consists of: Access Kiosks, Security control room, lettable offices, shared workspaces, home owners association offices and “The Hide” coffee shop and social pause area.

Elaleni residents and local community members are encouraged to engage with the features on offer, with many local design professionals relocating their offices to “The Gates”.


The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan
The Gates
© Chris Allan


The Gates
Section 01
The Gates
Section 02


The Gates
Ground floor plan
The Gates
1st floor plan
The Gates
Site Plan
The Gates
Elevations

Bloc Architects
T +27 31 5663320 F +27 86 5513119
Bloc Architects
10 Rydall Vale Cres, La Lucia, uMhlanga, 4051, South Africa