Black Brick Riverwoods
It Started as an Office Park
This development would not have been possible had it not started its existence as an office park. Office Parks gained dominance in the 1990’s, with office buildings on 2-3 levels dispersed in park-like environments.A residential scheme then, and now, would have been far more compact to maximize living units and profits.
More than just a Physical Conversion
The BlackBrick Bedfordview redevelopment project signifies more than just a physical conversion of an office park. This creation of a new living precinct fosters a community atmosphere which future proofs the needs of modern residents. With its variety of accommodation and integrated amenities, Blackbrick Bedfordview is already a vibrant and sought-after address.
A Thriving Residential Community
This redevelopment transforms the former Riverwoods office park into a thriving residential community with hotel.
The project reimagines the existing office floor plates, dividing them into 254 thoughtfully designed units offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units which cater to diverse living needs.
Apartments range in size from a 20sqm to 58sqm. This conversion process optimized the re-use of traditional office spaces, creating functional and comfortable lodgings.
A Curated Selection of Shared Facilities
Residents of Blackbrick share a curated selection of shared facilities including a co-working space, a clubhouse and pool, a laundry, a café and deli, and an outdoor cinema.
A fully equipped gymnasium, a running trail, padel courts plus Gillooly’s farm next door with park runs.
A masterful sustainability redesign
Through Adaptive Reuse and Material Conservation, the project retained the existing structures and many raw materials of the six two-storey buildings, conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions by minimizing the need for new construction materials and processes.
With a Circular Economy Approach, BlackBrick Bedford embraced a circular economy model by crafting the entire building from recycled materials.
This approach not only minimized environmental impact but also aligns with the preferences of eco-conscious consumers.
By converting existing office space into residential units, the development addresses the surplus of office space and the scarcity of residential housing, particularly for first-time buyers. This strategy reduces urban sprawl and associated carbon emissions by eliminating the need for new land development.
This is in alignment with Growthpoint as well as our own sustainability goals.
Growthpoint Properties, the primary developer, has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The company has been recognized with multiple awards sharing some with AMA from the Green Building Council of South Africa as well as SAPOA for its environmentally innovative initiatives. Growthpoint aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 and is actively working towards this goal through various green building practices.