B+J Mechanical
Alrode, South Africa
1981-1983

The B+J Mechanical workshop and offices at Alrode, Johannesburg, are two distinct looking buildings which reflect by the way they are designed their different functions. The office is a low lying single storey building with large overhangs for protection from glare. Inside, two courtyards enhance the quality of the workplace by shutting out the industrial environment and creating a world within. The workshop is a 66m long building with a span of 24m. It contains a 5-ton travelling crane spanning the full width of the building. The tubular steel trusses at 6m intervals are gently bowed to provide falls in the sheeting. Continuous side lights, south lights and bronze acrylic sheeting at the gable ends provide good natural light and ventilation, important for a healthy workplace.