The BMW South Africa headquarters, distinguished by its unique architectural style, has recently undergone a comprehensive renovation. The revamped building embodies BMW’s vision of a “new working environment Neue Arbeitswelten,” while also adhering to contemporary standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. These principles have been integral to the design ethos from the very start and continue to be reflected throughout the updated structure.
The renovation emphasizes lightness, clean lines, and simplicity. Originally designed by Hans Hallen, this iconic building was modernized to better reflect BMW’s corporate identity. It incorporates South African energy efficiency and sustainability principles, earning a prestigious GREENSTAR 5 rating upon completion.
The exterior of the circular building has been preserved with minimal changes, maintaining its original elegant and modern appeal. From the highway side, the building’s original black brick facade remains visible, enhancing its distinctive character. Inside, a striking contrast unfolds: the interior facade appears to float away from the outer shell and extends into a newly created landscaped courtyard. This design enhances visual connectivity with the courtyard, improves circulation efficiency, and allows natural light to flood the interior through an all-glass louvered facade. Dynamic blinds that track solar movement further optimize daylight while maintaining energy efficiency, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This transparent facade concept complements carefully redesigned adaptive interior spaces.
Designed to be fully accessible, the project ensures easy movement for everyone, including people with disabilities. The conference room and service center have been repositioned adjacent to the existing central reception area, creating a dedicated “resting space” within the office zone. This rearrangement integrates modern spatial planning with the building’s original layout. A distinctive “water wall” feature traverses part of the glass curtain wall, establishing a visual and spatial dialogue between the office floors and the multifunctional public area. Coffee shops, bars, and staff restaurants are situated around the water wall, fostering community interaction. The building’s interior and facade designs prioritize green principles, focusing on thermal comfort and energy efficiency to promote a sustainable office environment.
The lighting and ventilation systems have been extensively upgraded. The renovation also includes a new satellite energy center to support backup energy needs. A significant exterior update involved replacing old stone slabs with modern zinc sheets. The removed stone slabs were repurposed to create a landscaped feature wall on the building’s south side. As a globally recognized BMW design, the South Africa headquarters exemplifies the brand’s commitment to passion, technology, innovation, and attention to detail.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ Plan View
Project Information
Architect: Boogertman+Partners Architects
Area: 12,513 m²
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: Studio 88 Photography
Main Project Architect: Bob van Bebber
Image Studio Manager: Avinesh Pather
Building Function: Office
Project Management: Metrum Project Management
Contractor: Barrow Construction (PTY) Ltd
Quantity Surveying: BWR Quantity Surveyors
Acoustic Consultant: Linspace
Electrical Engineering: Quad Africa Consulting Engineers
Fire Consultant: Chimera Fire Consultants
Landscape Architecture: African Environmental Design
Mechanical Engineering: Spoormaker and Partners
Structural Engineering: Fortem Consulting Engineers
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
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