
National Intervention Unit
LOCATION
Bon Accord, Tshwane (Pretoria)
YEAR
2020
SIZE
33 044 sqm
The South African Police Services National Intervention Unit (SAPS NIU) Headquarters is situated a stone’s throw away from the Wonderboom Military Base and Airport in Tshwane (Pretoria) north. The NIU campus hosts operational and administrative offices.
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01. The site consists of 4 office buildings, Hotel, Auditorium, Dining Hall, Shooting Range, Tactical Offices with High-security Storage facilities, Gymnasium, Half Olympic Pool and an Obstacle Course.
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02. The conceptual architectural language was derived from the SAPS Emblem.
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03. The Offices allow for 3000m2 of open-plan gross lettable area per building.
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04. In-between the accessible administrative offices to the north and the more exclusive operational offices to the south lies the dining hall, auditorium and the boutique hotel for high ranking officials. This building forms the central meeting space for employees from the north and south on the campus.
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06. The auditorium, a grand sanctuary of gathering, houses a minimum of 300 seats, ready to host award ceremonies, graduations, presentations, and state-secret unveilings of the highest order. Ensuring theatre-standard acoustics, lighting, and visual display was paramount, crafting an environment where every note and nuance is captured with precision.
The ceiling’s contour and wall-cladding design echo the architectural language, creating a symphony of form and function. This aesthetic harmony enhances the acoustic brilliance, enveloping each event in an ambiance of refined excellence. The materials employed, adhering to the finest international standards, reaffirm the auditorium’s stature as a beacon of sophistication and quality.
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07. The design of the boutique hotel re-interprets the traditional “gable roof“ residential silhouette, therefore making the 24 unit hotel appear much smaller in scale. The brick screens allow for sizable balconies and protect the privacy of the users by allowing the inhabitants to see out and preclude visual access of external viewers.
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08. The dining area and bar serve as vibrant hubs of conviviality during informal and formal gatherings. Bathed in warm-white mood lighting, the space is adorned with rich woody materials and a harmonious color palette. Polished brass accents and perforated aluminum sheeting imbue the environment with an air of opulence, befitting a high-end restaurant.
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09. The hotel units are designed as 4-5 star luxury suites, crafted to accommodate the esteemed SAPS high-ranking personnel. These spaces are adorned with high-quality wallpaper, high-end melamine furniture that mimic the elegance of hardwood. Lush plants introduce a touch of nature, fostering a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
These suites are sanctuaries of repose, celebrating the end of a strenuous day or the conclusion of a long journey from another province, offering a haven of comfort and luxury.
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10. The South Campus was conceived as one building which unifies 4 SAPS components under one shelter to foster better co-ordination, communication, security, services and other sustainable building systems. The parade area in front of the building serves as a piazza, a public place for celebrations and gatherings.
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11. The atrium of the South Campus building was envisioned as a thoroughfare, a haven where employees, accustomed to intense work conditions, can find respite. This space serves as a covered piazza, allowing its users to experience the changing seasons and weather while being shielded from adverse conditions. It transforms into an informal enclave for lingering, recreation, and spontaneous discussions. Rooted in sustainable principles, the atrium incorporates passive ventilation and solar control, breathing life into an otherwise deep and potentially cold structure.
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12. A shared gym ensures all members on site are physically attuned to their high-risk deployments. Notwithstanding, all members within the precinct would be welcome.