The Best Car Rental has moved into its newly remodelled offices in Milton Park. The two-story building has a floor area of just over 400 square meters and is located at 13 Lezard Avenue, opposite Blakiston Primary School. The site was previously occupied by the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Zimbabwe.
Designed by architects Bokani Munodawafa and Hazvinei Sakupwanya of Saku Design Studio the building is a modern take on a traditional Rhodesian house. The scope of the project was to add to and alter the residential house so that it could be converted into a training centre. In addition to being the design firm for the project, Saku Design Studio also served as the principal agent for its implementation. The design work included reconfiguring the interior layout to make it suitable for the new use, as well as meeting the by-law requirements for ablution facilities and fire escapes.
The project began in June 2022 with Picco Construction as the main contractor for the structural framing. Mangwende Construction was engaged for the finishes and the building was completed in March 2023.
During the course of the works, the project went through a change of scope and budget, as the initial plan was to only build a main training centre. However, a decision was made to add a canteen and training workshop at the back.
Overall, the design features angular structural elements that add beauty and character to the building. The front façade of the building is defined by large glass windows framed in aluminium that allow natural light to filter into the building and also make it look more inviting.
The company’s name is presented in large letters on a series of architectural rectangular steel tubes that extend from the floor to the ring beam. Similarly, a series of tubes were used on the side of the building to camouflage the fire-escape staircase that descends from the first floor.
All of the materials used in the construction of the building were sourced locally. The roof tiles and pavers are made of concrete and painted to match The Best Car’s corporate colours. The foundation was a reinforced strip foundation. The ceilings were made of plasterboard which is versatile and cost-effective. The lighting was procured from Ecolighting. The glazing and aluminium work was done by PostCorp Glass & Aluminium. GG Airconditioning strategically mounted temperature control equipment to the exterior walls, ensuring that it complements rather than detracts from the building’s architectural aesthetics.
Approximately two-thirds of the structure’s facia was fitted with gutters to collect rainwater, which is then drained through downpipes. The curved area of the roof has a low parapet with stormwater drain channels that direct water to the downpipes.
The interior of the building features a combination of futuristic and classic-style lamps hanging from the ceiling. The clever use of glass to partition off the offices gives the spaces a welcoming atmosphere.
Visitors to The Best Car Rental need not worry about parking space. Outside the front perimeter wall, the paved customer parking bays accommodate 12 vehicles. Inside the perimeter, parking is available right around the building, while the rear also has a service and vehicle inspection area.
A well-manicured lawn was placed in the front section of the building leading to the reception area and the greenery is accentuated by palm trees to give the building greater appeal.
The Best Car Rental offers practical car rental choices to meet the needs of individuals, corporates, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Government entities looking to explore and work throughout Zimbabwe and beyond.
Suppliers List
Contractor: Picco Construction & Mangwende Construction
Paints: Plascon
Electrical Works: Mubaiwa Electrical
Bricks: Obrim Bricks
Plumbing: Max Hydro Systems
Waterproofing and Rainwater Disposal: Noah’s Ark Water Proofing
Pavers: Pomona Stone
Air conditioning: GG AirCon
Aluminium and Glass: Postcorp Glass & Aluminium
Lighting & Electrical: Ecolighting
Glass Balustrades: Alusequre
Architectural Steel: City Fabricators
Sanitaryware: Union Hardware, Duravit, Tile & Carpet Centre
Cabinetry: Global Cabinet Fittings
Tiles: Union Hardware
Mosaics: Earthen Fire
Reception Interior Design: Greygate
IT: Teranerd
Text by Perry Kaande
Phots by Fotohaus
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