Exxaro Offices – Centurion
dhk thinkspace recently completed the office design for Exxaro, a mining company located in Centurion, South Africa.
Located in Centurion, the new headquarters of mining giant Exxaro forms part of the second phase of Growthpoint’s Lakeside development. Recently completed, the development has garnered plenty of attention, both locally and abroad for its undeniable presence, and game-changing interior design and planning.
In addition to the impressive overall development of both Lakeside and Exxaro’s office, the inner workings of the project are looking to set a trend in South Africa that will in all likelihood define the future design planning of most corporate developments on the continent. The office which can accommodate 1000 staff members in its 5 storey structure, naturally has complex work environment considerations. Adele van Zyl, Director at dhk thinkspace, a leading South African interior architecture firm, said that their approach to the project was multi-faceted, but the underlying goal was to shift Exxaro’s work environment to an innovation inspiring, collaborative hub.
The design and structure of the public spaces within the building, which serve as a central feature for visitors and staff, was a key focus area for the dhk thinkspace team. The office dispels ideas of the traditional workspace in favour of an agile and flexible environment that allows staff to work, interact, and collaborate in a way that best suits them and their needs. Adding to this modern workplace environment, dhk thinkspace adopted the ideologies of the client, and brought the identity of the mining giant to life through their surroundings. Exxaro’s sectors of focus, namely water, energy, agriculture, and coal formed the foundation of the underlying creative concept for the project.
While new Exxaro building has an undeniable presence, it doesn’t mean it isn’t energy-efficient and has in fact achieved a Green Star SA Design rating. This verification was a very important factor in this design, and with the building itself having a 5-star Green Star SA Design certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa, it was vital that all interior materials used also had to adhere to the strict requirements. Worth also noting, the vast majority of materials, furniture and fittings used were sourced locally.
Exxaro’s Headquarters has truly set the precedent for office build and design in South Africa, and is a shining example of what can be achieved through modern, well planned exterior and interior architecture. A focus on fostering and nurturing a collaborative culture within the organisation through space planning and activity-based working, will no doubt become the standard approach for future corporate office builds on the continent.
Design: dhk thinkspace
Photography: Tristan Mclaren
