Student accommodation facility on schedule for 2017 academic year

According to Engineering News, the Hatfield Square redevelopment in Pretoria, currently under construction, is on track to open for reservations in January 2017, offering Pretoria’s student community a mixed-use precinct that will include modern student residences, retail and leisure facilities.

Within close proximity to the University of Pretoria’s main campus, the new development is open to students studying at any tertiary educational institution in the city.

Hatfield Square is the culmination of a joint venture with Redefine Properties and student accommodation developer Respublica, forming Respublica Student Living.

Respublica CEO Craig McMurray says the redevelopment of Hatfield Square is focused on meeting the needs of students, while providing a rejuvenated space for the public. “It is with this in mind that we briefed Paragon Architects to design a safe, accessible environment where students can live, study and play.”

With accommodation for 2 200 students, Hatfield Square offers five accommodation formats to suit the needs and budget of a variety of students. Every student will have access to all of Hatfield Square’s facilities, including a gym, recreation rooms, laundry facilities, computer and study rooms, swimming pool and unlimited WiFi broadband.

The four main buildings in the residence complex are built using Hebel autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, which is a relatively new construction material in South Africa that offers a unique combination of strength, light weight, thermal insulation, sound absorption, fire resistance and ease of construction. Cut and shaped like wood with simple hand tools, AAC blocks’ naturally smooth surface only require a skim coat thus eliminating the need to plaster conventionally.

In addition, Hatfield Square will feature energy efficient lighting and control systems and Installed generators will provide lighting and run all essential systems in the event of a power outage.