Adjaye Associates to transform a Johannesburg industrial building into a verdant residence

A proposed redesign project that creates a luxurious highrise building providing basic necessities within it.

A disused industrial building in Johannesburg may be getting a plant-covered overhaul by New York-based designers, Adjaye Associates. Headed up by David Adjaye, the design would revamp the Hallmark House in the Maboneng district, transforming it into luxury apartments and a hotel. The structure will breathe with foliage, as plant-covered balconies will adorn each of its floors.

The 17-storey building was built in the 1970s, and was initially used as a massive center for the diamond polishing industry, housing both factory floors and offices. With the business gone and the Maboneng District becoming a booming area for artists and galleries, the old structure is the perfect framework for new residences. Its existing modular structure made for an easy adjustment for Adjaye Associated, who were able to use much of the original building within the new design.

Dubbed as Adjaye’s first big project in South Africa, the adaptive resuse design will transform the industrial structure into a luxurious highrise, complete with spacious apartments, retail shops, a hotel and cultural facilities. To emphasize the sustainable message of adaptive reuse, Adjaye has designed a plant-lined perimeter that extends to the rooftops. Each floor will be lined with balconies that not only boast planted gardens, but hanging plants as well, creating a seamless green periphery.

The new Hallmark House will become a cornerstone of the once suburban district of Maboneng, which is becoming a rich cultural destination. The redesign is expected to be completed in May of 2016.