Resilience

Buildings shape lives for decades, sometimes generations. That’s why we design with resilience in mind, thinking beyond the immediate brief to create architecture that stands up to change and supports the people who use it over time.

In these projects, resilience shows up in many ways: durable materials, flexible spaces, and thoughtful responses to environmental and social pressures. Whether it’s adapting to climate conditions, evolving community needs, or economic pressures, our aim is to deliver buildings that last and continue to add value well into the future.

SANRAL
PORT ELIZABETH

ULA student residence precinct

Activate Architecture

SANRAL Southern Region Office

2016 BAYWEST, PORT ELIZABETH

Resilience of the SANRAL Southern Region Office
SANRAL Southern Region Office

The textured off-shutter concrete, west façade shields the building from the prevailing weather and the harsh afternoon summer sun. The north facade has expansive views to the N2 highway. Large areas of double glazing have been incorporated with deep off-shutter concrete overhangs to keep direct sunlight off the glass.

“It was important for us to create an enabling environment, to motivate staff to perform to the best of their ability. The building design promotes connectivity and a positive team culture. The building is modern, reflecting a professional welcoming atmosphere that is not extravagant. ” Marlize Nel- Verwey, SANRAL project engineer -southern region

PROJECT STATUS: Completed
BUILDING AREA: 8890m2
CLIENT: Abacus Asset Management (Turnkey for SANRAL)
LOCATION: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
AWARDS: GBCSA 5 STAR

ULA Student Residence Precinct

2025 UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO, POLOKWANE

ULA Student Residence Precinct
ULA Student Residence Precinct
The project entails the design and implementation of a student housing precinct with a total capacity of 4,500 residents. This initiative addresses the pressing need to accommodate students currently residing in substandard conditions near the university of Limpopo’s Turfloop Campus and represents a key phase in the ongoing execution of the University’s Spatial Development Framework (SDF).

To cultivate a more dignified and community-oriented residential environment—while supporting a sense of identity and belonging among students—the precinct is structured into six residential clusters, or “villages,” each designed to house approximately 800 students. Accommodation will be provided in apartment-style units, with each unit comprising shared living spaces for 8 to 10 students.

PROJECT STATUS: Current
BUILDING AREA: 120 000m2
CLIENT: University of Limpopo
LOCATION: Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa