Sasol Headquarters in Johannesburg

The new headquarters of Sasol in Johannesburg, South Africa, designed by Paragon Architects studio, replaced 14 buildings scattered around the city where previous departments of this largest multinational gas and oil chemical corporation in Southern Africa were located.

The underground part of the building consists of seven levels of parking, above which rises a ten-story above-ground section. In their concept, architects were inspired by the idea of various Sasol departments surrounding a central core. Separate areas are connected by a series of bridges.

Thoughtfully designed facades meet ecological design requirements and correspond to the five-star level of Green Star rating. The building envelope is formed by a combination of reflective glass panels and panoramic windows, making it look like a giant transparent sculpture.

Architects not only focused on creating modern and high-tech workspaces but also embodied Sasol's corporate ethics by designing diverse social zones that include restaurants, cafés, dining halls, and even art galleries.

Impressive open green spaces are used as employee rest zones. Indoor courtyards house barbecue areas and yoga spots. "Sasol is committed to supporting bird life in South Africa, and we included a mini-ecosystem in the project that encourages, among other things, the lives of birds, butterflies, and frogs," says one of the architects.

Photographs: Tristan McClaren