The Paradigm is a premium mixed-use residential development on the edge of the Cape Town CBD. Launched in July 2024, this major development is now taking physical shape. We caught up with dhk Associates Sarah Tarr and Kurvin Virahsawmy for an update on the flagship project.
The project has achieved some key milestones. “The structure is climbing at a rapid pace,” explains Sarah. “We've completed the core and cast the slab on three levels. In a few weeks, you'll start seeing the structure popping out of the hoarding. We'll likely be on street level by February.”
It's rewarding to see the project come to life after months of preparation, design development and coordination. “Once we're above ground level,” Sarah adds, “you’ll start to see the retail floor levels and how they connect to the street, something that was challenging to coordinate, given the steep slopes on the site.”
The Paradigm is prominently located on a city block with street frontages onto Buitengracht, Rose, Shortmarket and Longmarket Streets, on the periphery of the Cape Town CBD. The building faces onto the vibrant Heritage Square and Bree Street on the eastern edge and the more relaxed, pedestrian-leaning character of Rose Street on the western edge. Drawing on the original concept massing approvals by Fabian Architects, dhk Architects significantly further developed the design by incorporating two additional erven into the proposed building as well as reworking the retail and residential layouts, the façades and technical design for Buitengracht Properties.
The project is another expression of the Mother City’s evolving identity, contributing towards the upliftment of an entire urban precinct. “Buildings are often designed as stand-alone objects, with less consideration given to their relationship with the street” says Kurvin, “but I believe a building within the city has to engage in urban reciprocity. The design of The Paradigm seeks to translate this thinking into reality through carefully crafted landscape and urban interventions that shape the public realm.”
The building creates a new link between the city and the historical Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, an area rich in history. This new link helps to activate the site and improve the street edge by transitioning from light industrial centred activities to a more publicly engaging programme.
“We’re proud of the entire team’s hard work and the collective effort that has shaped this project,” Kurvin notes. “There’s a genuine intent to make a positive contribution, and every edge has been designed with that in mind. Along Buitengracht, for instance, we are creating a moment to pause within the intensity of a busy urban corridor. Along Rose Street, currently functioning largely as a throughfare between Bo-Kaap and the city, the introduction of landscaping, retail spaces, cafés and a courtyard aims to help activate and revitalise the street environment.”
The Paradigm comprises business and luxury lifestyle offerings, including retail, restaurants, shared co-working spaces and 241 apartments ranging from studio units and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, to large penthouse units. It also introduces a publicly accessible courtyard on Shortmarket Street, with entrances from Longmarket Street and Rose Street strengthening connection to the retail.
The Paradigm is set for completion in 2027. Visit our project page for more details.