The Docklands

Zutari’s expertise enabled a landmark structural engineering solution for a mixed-use development in Cape Town’s De Waterkant Village.

Client

Project date

2017 - 2019

The Docklands is a nine-level, mixed-use building located less than 200 m from the V&A Waterfront Marina in Cape Town’s De Waterkant Village. Zutari was appointed as the structural engineer to help realise the client’s vision for an affordable yet upmarket apartment building.

The opportunity

The site had an existing office building with one semi-basement level, ground floor parking, and three office levels above. The new development required three basement parking levels and six apartment floors over the full property footprint. Tight budget and time constraints demanded a fast-track construction programme, which ruled out building from scratch.

What we did

Zutari proposed an innovative design incorporating the existing structure. Two new basement levels were added below, while four floors were built above. A novel underpinning method was implemented, using steel micropiles arranged in four-pile groups per column and connected to existing columns with steel transfer pods. Existing columns were strengthened with steel to allow continuous construction above.

Excavation for the new basements was carefully executed around the new piles, which were braced during the process. New pad foundations and columns were installed under the existing columns before removing the bracing and completing the topmost floor. This approach allowed simultaneous construction above and below the existing building, ensuring completion on time and within budget.
The Docklands project involved adding two basement levels and four floors above an existing building, showcasing innovative underpinning methods and collaborative engineering.

The outcome

Construction was completed in March 2019, with 134 apartments, 160 parking bays, and 200 m² of retail space ready for occupation in April 2019. In 2019, the project won the CESA AON Engineering Excellence Award for projects valued between R50 million and R250 million.

The success of The Docklands demonstrates how technical innovation, meticulous planning, and strong collaboration can transform complex challenges into landmark developments.

The Docklands development represents a major shift in structural engineering in South Africa and, with its innovative design and high-quality finishes, is set to become an iconic feature of De Waterkant.

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