Cities like Dubai, Hong Kong, New York, Berlin and Shanghai are famous for their spectacular modern architecture – but there are plenty of impressive modern buildings in South Africa too!
Bosjes Chapel, Wellington
This elegant building was recently completed on the Bosjes Wine Farm in Wellington, where it serves as the chapel. Steyn Studio, the designer of the chapel, said it was designed to emulate the surrounding mountains. The reflective pools in front of the structure add to the impression of weightlessness.
Alice Lane Towers, Johannesburg
Designed by Paragon Architects, Alice Lane Towers (previously known as the Dancing Towers) was completed in 2010, on the western edge of Sandton.
The structure is comprised of a six-storey base with two 16-storey towers on top. The project used glass technology that had never been used in South Africa before.
The Big Pineapple House, Bathurst
This unique structure is officially the largest artificial pineapple in the world. The 16.7-metre building is a tribute to the pineapple crops that were harvested in Bathurst since 1865 when the first pineapple top was planted.
The fruit shaped building houses a gift shop, information about the pineapple industry in the Eastern Cape and an observation deck that offers 360° views of the surrounding farmlands.
Cave Suites, Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve
The concept of living in caves is far from modern – but it took modern know-how to create the man-made cave suites in the Kagga Kamma Game Reserve. They’re built into the sandstone rock formations and offer stunning views from their private terraces.
11 Diagonal Street, Johannesburg
Designed by architect Helmut Jahn, the skyscraper at 11 Diagonal Street was completed in 1984 and stands at 80 metres tall. Its highly reflective surface and shape have earned it the nickname “The Diamond”.
Chalkley Treehouse, Kruger National Park
This five-star luxury treehouse might not technically be a building – but can you imagine anything better than enjoying all its comforts with the stars above and the animals of the Kruger National Park roaming below?
88 on Field, Durban
This Durban skyscraper has ranked as the tallest building in the coastal city since 1985, when it was completed. It has entrances on two streets and was initially called 362 West Street; this later changed to 88 on Field. The skyscraper has 25 floors and stands at 147 metres tall.
Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town
As part of the refurbishment of the Silo District in the Waterfront, an abandoned grain silo and the accompanying building were gutted and reinforced, and the new hotel and museum were built around and inside the original structure.
Ocean View, Strand
Ocean View houses self-catering apartments on Strand’s Golden Mile. The building is located close to the beach and has unspoiled views of False Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountain ranges.
Zero-2-One Tower
An upcoming addition to Cape Town’s skyline, the Zero-2-One building will be the tallest skyscraper in the Mother City’s CBD. It will have over 640 apartments, some of which are earmarked to be “affordable” housing.
The 42-storey building will also include a viewing deck with 360° views of the City Bowl. No date has been set for construction so far.
At XtraSpace, we’re not architects or building specialists – but our self-storage facilities are part of the landscape in and around South Africa’s major cities and towns. If you need affordable, secure storage space, contact us for more information or browse to find a branch near you.