Remote Hospitality

Noka Camp, Lapalala Wilderness, Limpopo

The design was beautifully settled into the surrounding landscape with a sense of privacy yet openness towards nature from each room.

Project challenges included rigorous environmental restrictions and very sandy conditions while working under severe time restrictions and with an inexperienced on-site construction team. The lodge sleeps ten and is entirely off-grid.

Morukuru Beach Lodge, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape

This luxury tented camp on the cliff edge above the Lapalala River makes use of a steel structure which enabled rapid assembly while ensuring limited disruption to the surrounding environment. Specific features include a snaking solar walkway, advanced automation functions within each villa and a tree canopy yoga deck.

The lodge sleeps 12, is completely off-grid and is accessible by helicopter. SigmaQS conducted both the cost consultancy and principal agency role on this project.

Jabali Ridge + Private House, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

This project involved a rigorous upfront value engineering exercise which realised significant savings to the client. Building materials were locally sourced, and only finishes and limited specialised products were imported.

The design was excellently placed and considered to make use of the natural rocky features and vistas. The lodge sleeps 20 and is entirely off-grid.

Bespoke Residences

Private Gym, Constantia, Cape Town

Client: Private
Architect: Malan Vorster Architects
Engineer: Design Tech

This bespoke gym and guest cottage is the latest addition to the award-winning buildings on this estate. With their incredible attention to detail, the architects ensured no element, however seemingly insignificant, was overlooked. Features include a copper inverted flaring roof and various inventive timber and steel elements. Photos by Adam Letch.

Higgo Road, Higgovale, Cape Town

Client: Private
Architect: Malan Vorster Architects
Engineer: Design Tech

This contemporary residence on the slopes of Table Mountain mimics the natural landscape in its design and makes the most of its expansive views of the Cape Town City Bowl. Features include sophisticated energy efficiency interventions and various concrete, steel and timber design details and elements. Challenges included a steeply sloped site which required significant earthworks and off-shutter concrete elements which were as critical for the design as it was for the programme. This project was done as sub-consultant to hbqs. Photos by Adam Letch.

Woodford Avenue, Camps Bay, Cape Town

Client: Private
Architect: Leah Johnson
Interior Design: Lacuna Spaces

This family home was stylishly re-imagined by Leah and given a fun and joyful feel with Lucana`s touch. One of our younger quantity surveyors expertly managed the budget on this job while ensuring important design elements and finishes were retained. To complete the team we were fortunate to also have an efficient and solution-oriented engineer and an able and professional contractor. This project was a great example of how a good team ensures a successful project and a happy client.

Liermans Road, Llandudno

Client: Private
Interior Architect: Minc Interior Architecture
Engineer: Kantey & Templer

This abandoned and element-exposed residence in the magnificent Llandudno village was renovated with the help of a hands-on contractor, interior architect and client. Being an existing structure, the main challenges involved determining which elements could be kept, which to repair and which to replace while ensuring control and management of the costs and construction programme.

On this project SigmaQS was both the cost consultant and principal agent.

Penthouse Apartment, Mouille Point, Cape Town

Client: Private
Architect: MLB Architects
Interior Architect: Johann van der Vyver
Engineer: de Villiers Sheard cc

The brief for this project included the add-on of a penthouse loft, swimming pool and outside area on top of the existing two-storied apartment located on top of an 8 storey building.

Challenges abound included the structural challenge of adding the swimming pool load on top of the existing light-weight structure which was overcome by implementing a precision welded steel “tub” design.

This project was done as sub-consultant to hbqs.

Upper Quarterdeck Road, St James, Cape Town

Client: Private
Architect: Michael Reilly
Engineer: CDA Design cc

Challenges on this project included a very steep and rocky site. Water catchment tanks and filtration systems ensured this residence would be water independent for most of the year and lift access allowed easy navigation between the four main levels of the house.

SigmaQS was both the cost consultant and principal-agent on this project.

Ocean View Drive Residence, Greenpoint, Cape Town

Client: Private
Architect: Alet Barnard Architects
Engineer: Inovic Structural Design

The renovation of this existing and outdated residence included the add-on of an additional loft level and the connection of the existing upper and lower floors. The architect did an excellent job in the way she utilised and converted the available space to maximise views and enhance the clients’ living experience. As with most of our projects, intelligent water use strategies were implemented.

SigmaQS was both the cost consultant and principal-agent on this project.

De Waterkant, de Waterkant, Cape Town

Client: Private
Architect: Indigo Architects

This project comprised the complete gutting of a semi-detached heritage triplex in the historic de Waterkant area in Cape Town.

Challenges included the fitting of four staggered living levels within a confined 4 x 8.5m (35m²) footprint and 10m vertical space while not compromising or undermining the occupied adjacent property. The architects did an excellent job in precision and detailed design while the contractor and engineer ensured we maintained structural integrity and adhered to our tight programme and budget.

On this project SigmaQS was both the cost consultant and principal agent.

Strathmore Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town

Client: Private
Architect: Three14 Architects
Engineer: KLS Consulting Engineers

This residence for a young family, designed by another award-winning Cape Town architect firm, had an added challenge of living up to the client expectations and architect reputation while limiting costs and ensuring the project comes within budget. This project was done as sub-consultant to hbqs. 

Jonkersdrift Homestead, Stellenbosch

Client: Private
Architect: Dominic Touwen & Associates
Engineer: A19 Inspectorate

This elegant homestead was a mix of traditional architecture with a modern touch that had to comply with strict heritage guidelines due to the historic nature of the farm. The compound included the new manor house; an existing barn converted to fit the 25m pool, an office building and guest cottage.

This project was done as sub-consultant to hbqs.

Commercial

The Mercantile Building, 5th Floor, Cape Town CBD

Client: Private
Architect: Open City
Interior Design: Lacuna Spaces

The refurb of our office was planned and managed by ourselves but we were lucky to have design guidance from Open City Architects on the original concept and Lacuna Spaces on the final details and finishes.The office space includes three private offices, open desk space and break-away zones, a boardroom, call pods and a communal kitchen.

We give all our visitors free coffee so please come say hi! :-)

Durban Road Student Residences, Mowbray, Cape Town

Durban_Road_01.jpg

Client: Nest
Architect: Gallagher Lourens Architects
Engineer: Design Tech – Structural
Solution Station - Electrical

Work comprised a five-storey student residence. The developer pushed for aggressive cost-cutting, which was achieved through optimal utilisation of space, economical material use and the direct importing of various finishes and fittings. The building has a ground and basement parking level, four accommodation levels, a communal courtyard, rooftop gym and amenities area.

This project was done as sub-consultant to hbqs.

Industrial

Packer Park Warehouse, Epping Industria, Cape Town

Client: Melbro Holdings
Architect: Bam Architects
Engineer: Ekcon Engineers – Civil, Structural & Mechanical
WSP Engineers – Electrical

The works comprised the construction of a new 7400m² GCA warehouse, consisting of 4800m² storage- and 2600m² medium-rise office facilities. A vital requirement from the client was the high-precision floor to ensure automated packaging and storage facilities. An in-rack sprinkling system was a high-cost insurance requirement to cover against loss in the event of a fire.

This was one of the first projects where SigmaQS was appointed on a full service. 

Government

Bus Stations for the eThekwini Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network, Durban

Client: eThekwini Transport Authority
Engineer: HHO Consulting Engineers – Stage 4&5
Architect: ARG Design – Stage 4&5

The original scope of works included the construction of the top structures to four stations on a new rapid public transport, bus corridor for the eThekwini municipality. The scope subsequently increased to include feeder stations and minor works to the other top structures along the corridor. Challenges included defective historic work, poor inherited documentation and community disruptions.

This project was done as sub-consultant to hbqs.

Community Projects

Hangberg Pre-Primary, Hangberg, Hout Bay

Client: Hangberg Educational Trust
Architect: Dawid de Vaal
Engineer: KLS Consulting Engineers

This project achieved a pioneering ownership and funding model between the private and public sector to realise a collective vision of creating a preschool in the socially challenging environment of Hangberg.

The building is a playful structure of gum poles and composite zincalume panels encompassing an amphitheatre, sleeping lofts, a community garden, an afterschool facility, etc.

Main challenges included the non-conventional building methodology and the required innovative funding solutions for this non-government facility. 

Ikaya le Themba, Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay

Client: iKhaya le Themba
Architect: Dawid de Vaal
Engineer: KLS Consulting Engineers

iKaya le Themba, meaning Home of Hope, is a campus in the informal settlement of Imizamo Yethu which provides a safe and nurturing space for children.

The project included the extension of the existing preschool to include additional classrooms and a kitchen. The structure also utilised the gumpole structure and insulated zincalume sheeting building methodology.

Funding restrictions led to smart cost-cuttings to ensure that core requirements were realised.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the hbqs team who entrusted us with numerous projects featured in our portfolio.