After the hugely successful completion of Phase 1, our client challenged us with the directive to “buy the road” between existing building and the property that they owned on the other side of Victoria Road. The full brief was to buy the road, plan the extension, get plan approval and complete the building works before the 2010 Soccer World Cup – which gave us 30 months to complete the entire project. Impossible? Not sure what that words means (architecturally speaking) and exactly the kind of challenge that we thrive on.

This story does have a happy ending and Phase 2 was completed on time and on budget. We once again had the privilege of working with wonderful clients and an excellent professional team. The new addition added a first floor guest swimming pool (that is used all the time!) and entertainment area, as well as additional bedrooms and undercover parking.

Adding onto an existing hotel that remains fully operational for the duration of the building work requires an abundant sense of humour for all parties involved, as well as careful and innovative planning.

The light screen on the first floor balconies that glow at night and add to the ambiance of the urban space is our favourite and echoes the glow in our hearts when we drive pass the building at night.