Case Study

The ONYX Cape Town, Re-purposing the iconic Nedbank Building

The Onyx provides the perfect background of timeless quality combined with wow-factor features. The apartments range from 35sqm to the expansive penthouses of over 400sqm. Attracted by outstanding design this iconic development is a winning combination of excellent location, superb quality, excellent value and contemporary living. The Onyx will raise the standard of design excellence and service to a level that can realistically be compared with landmark apartments in New York, London and Paris. This is a partnership project with Boutique Developer Signatura and Nedbank CIB.

Project background

This upmarket conversion builds on Signatura’s pioneering upscaling of another central city landmark, the Safmarine building, that now houses 167 sectional title apartments and penthouses, part of the R1.2 billion residential and hotel development known as The Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence. “You can have any colour as long as it’s black,” said Henry Ford of his Model T car – and proof that black never goes out of fashion is found in the keen interest in exceptional new apartments and penthouses at The Onyx on Cape Town’s foreshore.

Saint-Gobain Africa Solutions Used

Walls:

What was unique or different on this project?

Doing a fast track project like this with the mix of Hotel and Residential is exciting and challenging. The design by Robert Silke’s team was great to build, as per Juan Hugo.

Buyers can choose from 35sqm studios to expansive penthouses of over 400sqm with roof gardens and private pools. Prices start at R1.7 million.

The Onyx The Onyx investors have been beguiled by stunning harbour, V&A Waterfront and mountain views, while the location in the cultural heart of the historic Heerengracht precinct offers easy access to shops, restaurants and a brand new Virgin Active gym just metres away.

This combination of rich history with modern design and lifestyle amenities is extremely appealing to those in search of the best of contemporary Cape Town living.

The fourth floor will house a gym, outdoor cross-training track, bar and entertainment area, day spa with sauna, plus a heated indoor-outdoor pool for year-round swimming. An outdoor sundeck with a breath-taking backdrop of harbour and Table Mountain views will offer the ultimate in relaxation.

Floor five and six will consist entirely of apartments managed by Newmark as hotel accommodation, with floors seven to ten each comprising 35 studio, one and two bedroom sectional title apartments. Floor 11 will host nine two and three bedroom penthouses.

It’s said that people who choose black lead colourful lives, and the apartments will provide the perfect background of timeless quality combined with wow-factor features.

Original architectural detailing and high volume ceilings will be complemented by herringbone oak finish flooring in living areas and kitchens, Smeg appliances, silver-grey walls and super-matte white built-in cupboards with black trims. The understated elegance of black powder-coated taps, mixers and accessories will be offset against classic white ceramic tiles.

Valet parking and 24-hour concierge services, housekeeping, laundry, room service, and optional participation in a hotel-managed rental pool are available too.

In the penthouses (reached by a private lift), every terrace and rooftop garden will offer a private pool and wraparound views.

‘Armani black’ engineered stone tops, grey mirror splashbacks and environmentally-sustainable oak herringbone floors will be standard. Fully-integrated aesthetic appliances in the kitchens will include Smeg ultra-luxurious Dolce Stil Novo ovens. Bathrooms will feature freestanding bathtubs and rosegold taps, mixers and accessories.

Ranging in size from compact studios of 35 square metres to expansive penthouses with roof gardens and private pools at over 400 square metres, The Onyx offers purchasers a wide choice of sectional title real estate.

Key features and achievements on this project

The project required a fast track, clean and lightweight solution that fitted the budget. The drywall systems designed and used were perfect and ticked all the boxes.
Lightweight, Gyproc Fire Resistant walling systems with Isover CavityBatt setting high acoustic fire and thermal standards. Bespoke systems were created for this project in the wet areas and our Standard Saint-Gobain details and specifications developed over time in conjunction with the design and engineers to meet specific site situations. A Fire Resistant Bespoke Shaft Wall was also Specified and Installed.

Interesting project facts

Over 500 people employed on site for a period of 12 months.
1 unit built every 2nd day