Constitutional Hill Coffee Shop

Additional Info

Award Winner : Modular Site Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

Architectural Excellence : The Constitutional Court of South Africa is a popular tourist destination for both local and international visitors, and after a visit to the site its nice to have a cup of coffee. With a much-needed upgrade to the existing coffee shop, changes to this historical site were difficult and/or costly. A perfect solution for this was the use of modular units to replace the older facility. Without touching a brick on this historical site 2 shipping containers were converted into the new facility. Built apart from each other, and snuggly fit between the existing trees, these units were fabricated offsite and delivered ready to plug and play. Fitted with foldable sliding doors, the large open fronted units allow for the use of natural light, and allow the customer an amazing view over Johannesburg. The shade provided from the natural vegetation assisted with keeping the 40mm insulated units cool, along with the open swept doors which created a sense of openness and provided ventilation.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : The benefits of converting units in our yard are clear from the start:
-Reduced travel and transport time
-Longer actual working hours
-Reduced down time with greater efficiencies
-Increased control over project planning and product quality

There is little feasibility to building on a historical site, especially when it comes to converting a shipping container. Aside from protecting the integrity of the site, obstacles such as waste material and noise pollution outside a Constitutional Court would make the project almost unachievable, or work outside of normal working hours at higher labour rates.

An added benefit to the project was the use of recycled decking, as opposed to traditional wood. The rubber used does not require future maintenance in terms of treatment, is more durable than wood and easier to clean.
Units are insulated internally with 40mm chromadek panels which exhibit good insulation and thermal properties, and are easy to clean and maintain in this environmen

Design Firm Name : Office 24/7 Architecture

Green Building Description : Green elements of the Constitutional Hill Coffee shop:
- Structure is 100% recyclable.
- Made from used shipping containers at the end of their life cycle.
- 40mm Insulated panels sandwiched between 0.5mm powder coated galvanised panels provide thermal insulation in the walls and on the roof of the units.

Panel green properties
- Aluzinc Panels Supplied – Aluzinc In 100% Recyclable
- Iso Moulders – Extruded Polystyrene is 100% Recyclable
- ArcelorMittal – External Aluzinc Coil is Environment-Friendly
- Use of natural air and light in the design of the unit, reducing HVAC and light fittings
- Use of natural shade for cooling purposes
- Eco friendly, designed around existing flora and structures
- Deck made from recycled material (with a light weight steel frame)

Occupied Date : 3/11/2021

Owner Firm Name : Motherland Coffee

Production Start Date : 2/16/2021

Project Location City : Johannesburg

Project Location State Name : Gauteng

Technical Innovation : Being a heritage site, none of the exiting structures can be changed in any way whatsoever. An off-site build was completely suited to this site. Concrete plinths were cast after surveying the site, set to the correct heights off-site, and then placed into position on delivery. The stackable door openings were pre-cut and units were insulated with 40 mm chromadek sandwich panels in the factory, with recessed electrics that offer a clean crisp finish.
Designed to fit below the existing trees, and with the large opening fold back doors fitted, the units acquired enough shade and ventilation so as to negate the need for HVAC units to be fitted.
As a result of having to manoeuvre the units behind two trees, the use of two crane trucks operating in tandem was required to position the units into position with pin point accuracy, also ensuring there was no damage to the surrounding walls and floors.
At time of publishing, these units had not yet been commissioned due to Covid restrictions

Total Square Feet : 310