Situated in one of Johannesburg’s most exclusive suburbs, The Westcliff is an iconic hotel renowned for its luxurious atmosphere and panoramic city views. In response to growing demand for high-end event and reception spaces, the property embarked on a major expansion project in 2023. Philip Lin, Technical Director at WSP in Africa, comments on the importance of proactive design integration.
WORDS & PHOTO: SUPPLIED
This included two new buildings—a Banquet building, extending from the south side of the existing hotel, and a Reception building, expanding from the north.
The complex topography, steep level changes, and integration with existing infrastructure required meticulous planning and cutting-edge engineering approaches to ensure the perfect execution. Leading global multidisciplinary firm, WSP in Africa, was appointed to provide civil and structural engineering services for the project, leveraging its technical expertise and design solutions to overcome the site’s unique challenges.
On-site complexities
Situated on the rocky terrain of the Witwatersrand ridge, the expansion site presented significant engineering challenges. With drastic elevation changes and intricate structural geometries, conventional design approaches were insufficient.
WSP addressed these issues by developing detailed Revit models for both buildings, integrating civil models to accurately map out how the new structures would interact with the existing hotel and surrounding landscapes. This digital-first approach allowed for precise coordination of car and pedestrian routes, as well as the delicate interface with neighbouring properties.
To accommodate varying soil conditions, two distinct foundation strategies were employed. The Banquet building was constructed on pile foundations to anchor it securely into the bedrock, while the Reception building was supported by a raft foundation to ensure uniform load distribution and prevent differential settlement. These solutions provided the necessary stability while optimising construction efficiency.
Innovative structural engineering
The architectural vision for the Banquet building required large, unobstructed event spaces that could function as either a single grand hall or be subdivided into three smaller function rooms. Achieving this level of flexibility required the design of 15-meter-long deep concrete beams, which not only supported the roof but also acted as integrated gutters. To mitigate immediate deflections and maintain long-term structural integrity, these beams were pre-cambered, and contractors were instructed to keep formwork and props in place for up to three months to ensure optimal curing.
An additional challenge involved constructing a vehicle ramp to connect the new facilities with the existing hotel infrastructure. Given that the original structure was not designed to bear this additional load, WSP engineered an independent support system by installing new columns that extended from the basement level to carry the ramp above. This solution ensured that the existing hotel remained structurally sound while enabling the smooth integration of new access routes.
Future-ready principles
While the expansion project was not designed as a green-star-rated facility, sustainability remained a key consideration throughout the design and construction process. WSP’s civil engineering team prioritised environmental responsibility by reusing in-situ soil for landscaping and backfilling, reducing the need for material transport and disposal. Additionally, a concrete mix incorporating 30% Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) was used to reduce reliance on Portland cement, significantly lowering the embodied carbon footprint of the development.
Integrating with existing aesthetic
A primary objective of the expansion was to enhance The Westcliff’s guest experience while preserving the hotel’s distinguished aesthetic. The Reception building was designed with landscaped terraces and a multi-level structure featuring cascading water elements and lush green spaces. Special consideration was given to guest arrival, with a newly designed entrance and drop-off area, enhancing the hotel’s exclusivity and grandeur.
To maintain architectural harmony, the new buildings were clad in stone matching the original hotel, with intricate detailing that required careful structural coordination. Planters were strategically incorporated into the suspended slabs to create a seamless blend between built structures and natural elements, reinforcing The Westcliff’s signature atmosphere of understated luxury.
Engineering excellence
Despite the project’s complexity, WSP successfully delivered critical design and structural elements on schedule. The firm’s collaboration with the architects, contractors, and civil engineers ensured that every aspect of the expansion aligned with the client’s vision and operational requirements. With the completion of the main structural work, the focus has now shifted to interior finishes and landscaping, with the project expected to be fully operational by mid-2025.
Reflecting on the project, Philip Lin, Technical Director at WSP in Africa, highlighted the importance of proactive design integration.
“Without an architectural Revit model, we had to build our own to ensure coordination across all levels. This was time-consuming but necessary to align with the existing structures and achieve the desired results. The project has been a balance of innovation, precision, and collaboration,” says Lin.
The expansion of The Westcliff stands as a testament to WSP’s ability to navigate complex engineering challenges while delivering solutions that enhance both functionality and elegance. Once complete, the new Banquet and Reception buildings will cement The Westcliff’s status as one of Johannesburg’s premier luxury destinations, setting a new benchmark for high-end hospitality design in the region.
