Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Radisson Blu Umhlanga
Radisson Blu Umhlanga
uMhlanga, South Africa
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Other Projects by Elphick Proome Architecture
Radisson Blu Umhlanga
uMhlanga, South Africa
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2022
SIZE
100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft
BUDGET
$50M - 100M
Designed as a simple form with flowing circular lines and a limited palette of materials assembled as a smooth exterior, the structure makes for a strong, unashamedly modern architectural statement in the heart of Durban.
From the onset of the conceptual planning stages, the architects were determined to respect the needs of the surrounding building users and to design a well-mannered building that would acknowledge its surroundings and respond positively to the local context. The plan was to create a plinth comprising two retail levels and four parking levels that would make up the level difference between Ridge Road and Lagoon Drive. The three freestanding towers would then be developed above this plinth. In this way, the views from the properties to the north and west were respected; the importance of the land and sea breezes was acknowledged; the site would benefit from sunshine and daylight throughout the day; and, lastly, the effects of building shadows could be minimised.
Three freestanding towers were planned for the development: the hotel and hotel apartments to the south, and two residential towers spaced over the development to the north. The iconic tower of the hotel almost becomes the gateway to Umhlanga, with its excellent location and special alignment both protecting and enhancing the area’s view of the ocean upon entry. The architects envisaged the hotel building to be consistent with the theming of the exotic Oceans project.
The five-star Radisson Blu Hotel is the Radisson Hotel Group’s fourteenth hotel in South Africa — a well-received addition to the affluent residential and entertainment hub of Umhlanga. The property features 206 rooms comprising luxury suites, junior suites, accessible and family rooms, as well as rooms for business travellers. Together with the normal front-of-house and back-of-house areas, the facilities also include a pool deck at Level Four and an expansive business centre and function area at Level Six, which features a subdivisible banquet hall with a seating capacity of 525 m2. The floor area of the hotel totals 12 600 m2.
The deliberate omission of decorative elements and overly complex detailing come together to create a fairly neutral, minimalistic aesthetic that is respectful of the context and appropriately contemporary. The use of glass for the cladding ensures a light quality, low maintenance exterior envelope, whilst the reflective facetted façade subtly reflects surrounding buildings at lower levels and the sky and its clouds at upper levels. The beautiful reflection of the varying lights following the passage of the sun throughout the day also becomes a dynamic part of the aesthetic of the building. The taut, uninterrupted glazed shine of the hotel varies in the upper levels of the building with the positioning of apartment balconies. These are treated as negatively modulated elements and form simple slots in the envelope reminiscent of the gills of a manta ray. The building sits comfortably in its setting and is recognised as an iconic landmark in Durban.
From the onset of the conceptual planning stages, the architects were determined to respect the needs of the surrounding building users and to design a well-mannered building that would acknowledge its surroundings and respond positively to the local context. The plan was to create a plinth comprising two retail levels and four parking levels that would make up the level difference between Ridge Road and Lagoon Drive. The three freestanding towers would then be developed above this plinth. In this way, the views from the properties to the north and west were respected; the importance of the land and sea breezes was acknowledged; the site would benefit from sunshine and daylight throughout the day; and, lastly, the effects of building shadows could be minimised.
Three freestanding towers were planned for the development: the hotel and hotel apartments to the south, and two residential towers spaced over the development to the north. The iconic tower of the hotel almost becomes the gateway to Umhlanga, with its excellent location and special alignment both protecting and enhancing the area’s view of the ocean upon entry. The architects envisaged the hotel building to be consistent with the theming of the exotic Oceans project.
The five-star Radisson Blu Hotel is the Radisson Hotel Group’s fourteenth hotel in South Africa — a well-received addition to the affluent residential and entertainment hub of Umhlanga. The property features 206 rooms comprising luxury suites, junior suites, accessible and family rooms, as well as rooms for business travellers. Together with the normal front-of-house and back-of-house areas, the facilities also include a pool deck at Level Four and an expansive business centre and function area at Level Six, which features a subdivisible banquet hall with a seating capacity of 525 m2. The floor area of the hotel totals 12 600 m2.
The deliberate omission of decorative elements and overly complex detailing come together to create a fairly neutral, minimalistic aesthetic that is respectful of the context and appropriately contemporary. The use of glass for the cladding ensures a light quality, low maintenance exterior envelope, whilst the reflective facetted façade subtly reflects surrounding buildings at lower levels and the sky and its clouds at upper levels. The beautiful reflection of the varying lights following the passage of the sun throughout the day also becomes a dynamic part of the aesthetic of the building. The taut, uninterrupted glazed shine of the hotel varies in the upper levels of the building with the positioning of apartment balconies. These are treated as negatively modulated elements and form simple slots in the envelope reminiscent of the gills of a manta ray. The building sits comfortably in its setting and is recognised as an iconic landmark in Durban.
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.