Situated in the exclusive suburb of Benmore, Sandton, Central Square is a multipurpose hub commissioned by Lushaka Investments, a family-run business that “places an emphasis on quality accommodation and value for money above all else”.
Lushaka Investments focuses on developing high-rise luxury apartments. Its most successful and recognisable developments to date are the Amazonas and Sunset Towers, both in Sandton.
When asked whether there is demand for such a development, managing director Sergio Aquino said that with more than one million square metres of commercial space coming online in Sandton in the next three to five years – including Sasol, Sanlam and Standard Bank – the ratio of residential to commercial property was “woefully under-catered”.
“We know that there is huge demand for quality residential living. Commuting in and out of the Sandton CBD is no longer an option, as the hub becomes almost gridlocked during peak hours,” Aquino added.
The World Trade Centre Johannesburg, adjacent to Central Square, is an exclusive brand that has been a catalyst for property investment and adds value to the rate per square metre, attracting commercial clientele.
If every building tells a story, then every architect is the author who sets the plot in motion. Nsika Architecture & Design has written a captivating tale using a vocabulary of light, space and harmony.
The structure’s shape unfolds elegantly with worldly sophistication, and the sleek lines of the curvilinear architecture are responsive to the energetic lifestyle of Sandton.
“This expressive architecture enables form to follow function. An example is the meandering division line between the solid and glazed portions of the balustrade, which is raised to provide privacy to bedrooms and rakes downward to afford unhindered views from living areas and terraces, while creating a strong sculpted form,” explained Brent Buchanan, a partner at Nsika Architecture & Design.
Fabulous Features of Central Square
Central Square will have 12 floors with 14 apartments to a level and will offer buyers a choice of one-, two- or three-bedroom units as well as bespoke penthouses. The building will feature wraparound balconies to encourage outdoor living and dining.
Specialist sales and marketing firm Kent Gush Properties has been appointed for Central Square. Director Kent Gush said that this is fresh architecture for the precinct. “It reaches new heights, with spacious modern apartments offering a choice of top-quality finishes. This is location, luxury and convenience of the highest level,” said Gush.
“Identifying a gap between affordable pricing in the Sandton area and exclusive living, the development team is coming in at about R33 000m2 compared with the average price of about R40 000m2 in Sandton,” added Gush. “A one-bedroom unit starts at R2.2-million for 89m2 at Central Square positioning this new address favourably in the market.”
Other features include fully integrated kitchens with premium kitchen appliances, a rooftop restaurant, a sky bar, a 25m-long rimflow pool, a gym and access to a massive central park of 4 910m2, complete with water features and gravel paths. Blending relaxation with sophistication, the building is centred on a piazza with restaurants spilling out.
Greenery flourishes throughout the entire complex, and as the development is extremely visible, the architects have created grand and green urban gestures. The meandering floor plates complement the structure of the layered landscaping designed in collaboration with Landmark Studios. “This modern, simple, elegant and fluid building will be our signature piece to date,” said Buchanan.
Interior designer David Muirhead said that the overall aesthetic balances uncluttered, seamless living and sophisticated, modern convenience. David Muirhead & Associates (DM&A) is a design team specialising in hospitality and high-end residential interior design. Designing with their clients’ needs in mind, the DM&A signature combines sleek glamour with warmth and functionality.
All units will have spacious open-plan floor plans. The layouts will prioritise the kitchen and living areas .The bedrooms will be of a “comfortable” and “practical” size, with generous built-in cupboard space.
The interior finishes will balance modern design with “a tangible touch of class and finesse”. Flat-panel high-gloss cabinetry, stone counters and brushed-metal ironmongery will contrast with natural wooden floors that will provide a sense of texture and warmth. Buyers have a choice of two design schemes – the cool and sleek Crystal look or the warmer, earthy “Quartz” tones.
Central Square will be positioned close to hospitals, schools, shopping centres. A shuttle service will be offered every 30 minutes to get residents around Sandton as well as to the Gautrain station.
