EASTWOOD VILLAGE

Eastwood Village is home to 540 students in Arcadia, Pretoria and is walking distance from the University of Pretoria’s main campus. The complex consists of different size self-catering apartments with a shared communal facility with a variety of amenities aiding students to have full access to a conducive learning and safe environment just like in a village. The aim of the design was to create a home from home for students, a place where they can live, learn and play. The communal facility’s amenities include game rooms, IT and study centres, TV lounges, gymnasium and a cafeteria for on the go snacks and daily needs.

The elongated north-south orientated site aided the design by having 5 separate north-facing buildings that reduced the mass of the development in its suburban setting. The separate residential buildings are connected with the communal facility spine stretching from the south, where the entrance foyer is located, to the north into the recreational room. This spine is the directional flow between the buildings and all communal facilities are positioned alongside the movement of students through the buildings.

Due to the setback of the first building, a large open area is created, resulting in a breathing space next to Arcadia street on the southern side of the property. The external façade of the cafeteria is glass to allow the student to have visual contact with the landscaping outside as well as a view over the braai areas and recreational outside area.

Quote: “the essence of student residences is to create a conducive learning environment and a home away from home”