Aparptment Building, A.U. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
ONE Plc.
Designed by Tim Dodd.
This apartment building, with two penthouses and roof gardens, was designed in 2016 by Tim Dodd, Design Director for ONE Plc, Organisation for New Environments 2011-2016, Addis Ababa.
The Clients wanted a very high specification of design, materials and finishes to attract the international business community engaging in work with the African Union Head Quarters, and their international associates, opposite this site.
All apartments were designed with live-in staff accommodation, rear lift access for trade and service as well as an impressive triple height reception and lounge area with trees and water cascades, all surrounded by a water pool accessed across by an illuminated glass bridge. Ramped basement parking and further roof storage for each apartment secured comfortable living arrangements and spacial organisation.
From ground level a 7 meter high glass cylinder rises from a slab of black basalt stone surrounded by water representing the continent of Africa, and defining the reception lounge and entrance to the building. This building faces the African Union Head Quarters.
At the first floor the the glass cylinder ends, and from here up to the eleventh slab a glass box continues defining the perimeter of the living spaces of the apartments.
At the eleventh slab the glass box transforms into two concrete glazed pavilions forming two penthouses.
The glass facades of the buildings elevations are protected by six punctuated glass reinforced concrete shields, the slotted punctuation's are illuminated at night to create a strong individual aesthetic for the buildings identity within the cities urban fabric.
