Connecting concept and structure, the refurbishment of the existing facade of the Health Connect building in Pretoria called for a structural response to achieve the architectural concept. 

In a process that started in 2022, LEAF Structures was approached by GASS Architecture Studios for assistance with the steel and perforated panel facade. Thembakazi Mdlopane, business development director of LEAF Structures, explains how the elements of this unique facade were connected. 

The facade is explored through the configuration of molecular elements. Renderings courtesy of GASS Architecture Studios.

Architectural intent 

“We began by reviewing the drawings and possible connection support points of the existing building,” explains Mdlopane. 

Following the architects’ molecular ‘’honeycomb’’ concept and initial geometry, LEAF came up with a structural grid that would keep the architectural intent of the new facade while incorporating the geometry of the existing building.  

The refurbished Health Connect building brings a modern health precinct to the Pretoria city centre. Renderings courtesy of GASS Architecture Studios.

With a focus on urban regeneration, GASS explains the facade concept: “The upliftment of the facade is to be explored through the configuration of molecular elements. Ultimately this creates a facade that offers a sense of movement and interest and is unconventional in the scope of healthcare spaces within the context of South Africa.” 

Structural intervention 

The new screen facade was designed and engineered with two hexagonal structural grids. 

The screen facade is designed with two hexagonal structural grids. 3D model isometric view courtesy of LEAF Structures

The geometry of the inner grid was created so that every third module aligned with an existing floor slab. This inner, smaller grid comprises of a combination of welded and site-bolted rectangular steel tubes.  

To assist with the installation, every second vertical module was shop-welded into ladders that were then transported to site and installed. To complete the inner grid, smaller infill members were then used to join two adjacent ladders.  

To avoid loading the existing upper concrete slab edges, the new facade was designed to dead load to the existing level one concrete beams. This ensured that only lateral loads were applied to the upper slab edges. Once the entire first layer has been installed, the larger, outer hexagonal grid was then installed and supported off the smaller inner grid. 

Panel installation 

With the hexagonal grids in place, the powder coated laser cut aluminium panel installation began. These were hand-lifted onto the steel structure on each floor slab and installed at specific locations, onto inside surfaces of both the larger and smaller hexagonal grids.  

Using specialised connection details, the aluminium panels were fastened onto the steel structure in position. Image credit: LEAF Structures

Teflon washers were used between the steelwork grid and panels to allow for movement and for noise reduction. A combination of two different dot patterns and three colours created the final finish for the facade. 

Lighting detailing 

To accentuate the grid at night, tapped blocks with LED lighting strips were added to the steel structure. “This attention to detail and careful planning are how we achieved the multidimensional and interesting facade for the building,” says Mdlopane. 

Powder coated laser cut aluminium panels were installed onto the inside surfaces of both the larger and smaller hexagonal grids. Image credit: LEAF Structures

“LEAF Structures is proud to have been a part of the Health Connect building refurbishment. Our thanks to GASS Architecture Studios for giving us the opportunity to collaborate on the facade project,” she concludes.  

Bringing an architectural concept to fruition, LEAF Structures designed and engineered a steel and aluminium facade, connected to an existing building structure. 

For more information, contact LEAF Structures: 

Tel: +27 11 462 5701 

Email: info@leafstructures.co.za  

Website: http://www.leafstructures.co.za