Construction is progressing on the R1 billion The Paradigm development in Cape Town’s central business district, with the completion of basement works and bulk excavations marking a major milestone for the project.
The high-rise residential development at 100 Buitengracht Street is now beginning to emerge above ground.
This makes it an increasingly visible feature of the city skyline as work shifts to the vertical construction phase.
According to Tiber Managing Director Jose Correia, the location presents significant engineering and logistical challenges due to its confined footprint, surrounding infrastructure and changing elevation.
“You’re building a high-rise on a narrow urban footprint, with heritage buildings on one side, a major transport corridor on the other, and a steep fall across the site, so every part of this project has to be planned and built with precision,” said Correia.
One of the most complex elements of the project is a swimming pool deck that will extend in a cantilever above the street below.
Correia said the feature requires careful structural planning and execution because of the weight being supported over a busy urban area.
“The pool deck is a structural challenge in its own right. You’re suspending a significant load above a busy urban corridor, which means the reinforcement, the formwork and the sequencing have to be flawless.”
The transition from underground works to above-ground construction also changes the demands on the building team.
“Once you come out of the ground on a site like this, the choreography changes. You’re managing crane logistics, concrete pours, traffic interfaces and pedestrian safety simultaneously. It’s a live environment,” Correia explained.
Designed by dhk Architects, The Paradigm is planned to include 240 apartments, with layouts ranging from studio units to larger two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.
The project will also feature two penthouses at the top of the building, each with private terraces and plunge pools overlooking the city and Table Mountain.
What to expect
The developer said the building has been designed with a range of infrastructure intended to improve resilience and efficiency.
This includes backup power for apartments and common areas, electric vehicle charging facilities, fibre-ready connectivity, water-saving systems and smart metering.
The project has also been developed within a framework aligned with Green Star sustainability principles.
“People want to know that the lifts will run, that the lights will stay on, and that the building can operate independently when it needs to. We’ve designed The Paradigm to meet those expectations from day one,” said Correia.
The development’s location places it close to Heritage Square, Bree Street, the Company’s Garden and the route toward the V&A Waterfront.
This allows residents to access workplaces, public transport and a range of services without relying heavily on private vehicles.
“In the middle of a working city, but with the mountain always in view, this is the real magic of The Paradigm site,” Correia said.
Plans for the completed building also include a double-volume entrance lobby with 24-hour concierge services, underground parking, co-working spaces and several ground-floor commercial tenants.
These commercial tenants will include food outlets, a gym, wellness facilities and other convenience services.
“These are the amenities that support the way people live and work in the city today. You can live, work, train, shop and relax without needing a vehicle,” Correia said.
The project is backed by a R1 billion funding partnership with FNB and reflects continued investment in residential development within Cape Town’s CBD as construction progresses toward completion.
