Two Five Five Architects

9 on Nares Apartment Building

9 on Nares Apartment Building 

Two Five Five Architects

9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer

DESIGN TEAM
Two Five Five Architects

LEAD ARCHITECTS
André Krige, Theo Kruger, James Frost

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
FRAME Consulting Engineers

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
A19 Consulting Engineers

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR
HFO Construction

CIVIL ENGINEER
EASWC Engineering Advice & Services

FIRE ENGINEER
De Villiers & Moore Consulting Engineers

CLIENT
Venkee Properties

PHOTOGRAPHS
Paris Brummer

AREA
1989 m²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
9 Nares Street, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa

CATEGORY
Apartments, Residential

9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer

English description provided by the architects.

Observatory, often referred to as "Obs," is a vibrant and eclectic suburb in Cape Town, South Africa.

Located just east of the city center, it is known for its bohemian atmosphere, diverse community, and artistic culture.

9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer

The area features a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces, with Victorian-era architecture adding to its charm.

Observatory is home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a popular spot for students, artists, and young professionals.

9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer

It's also known for the Groote Schuur Hospital and its proximity to the University of Cape Town.

Situated in the heart of Observatory, 9 on Nares seamlessly integrates into the vibrant and eclectic culture of its surrounding area.

This 45-unit apartment development was meticulously designed with a budget-sensitive approach as a primary consideration.

9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer

The architectural features of the building are both innovative and practical, with a particular emphasis on the facade.

The facade of 9 on Nares is adorned with NFX Imperial bricks (Non-Facing Extra), which have been artfully arranged to create a tapestry of patterns.

This design choice not only brings a rhythmic aesthetic to the exterior but also contributes to the building's structural integrity.

9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer

The facade's dynamic "push and pull" design creates a sense of hierarchy and form, enhancing the building's visual appeal.

NFX bricks, known for their superior durability and moisture resistance, were chosen over the more commonly used NFP (Non-Facing Plaster) bricks due to their cost-effectiveness.

The creative use of these bricks results in a playful and engaging facade, where one brick pattern seamlessly transitions into another, adding depth and interest to the building's exterior.

9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer

Adding to the building's contemporary charm, Royal Blue aluminium frames are used for the windows and other fenestrations.

These frames create a striking contrast against the red and brown hues of the brickwork, infusing the facade with a vibrant pop of color.

9 on Nares' evidence of thoughtful, budget-conscious design that does not compromise on aesthetics or functionality.

9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer

By embracing the eclectic energy of Observatory, the development blends seamlessly with the neighbourhoud's rich character.


9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer
9 on Nares Apartment Building
© Paris Brummer


9 on Nares Apartment Building
West Elevation
9 on Nares Apartment Building
South Elevation
9 on Nares Apartment Building
Section A-A
9 on Nares Apartment Building
Section E-E


9 on Nares Apartment Building
First Floor Plan
9 on Nares Apartment Building
Ground Floor Plan
9 on Nares Apartment Building
Basement Floor Plan
9 on Nares Apartment Building
Second Floor Plan


Two Five Five Architects
T +27 11 482 6205 T +27 21 447 2136
Two Five Five Architects
67 7th St, Linden, Johannesburg, 2194, South Africa