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We took our roaming office to BlackBrick Sandton Two (May 2023), where we spent the day as a team using the workspace and other amenities.
On entering the building you'll be greeted by an immaculately dressed doorman in a black trench coat. Climb the stairs up to reception where you'll be welcomed by the aroma of Truth Coffee, an in-house mini-coffee shop selling brewed beans (at Sandton prices). The reception area is done up in light neutrals and there are two inviting oval benches that create a tranquil and quiet communal area.
Outside there is a gold plaque detailing the history of the building. It was originally built by insurance giant Liberty Life in the 1980s before it was developed to be a legal office in 2006, and then finally purchased by BlackBrick group to create BlackBrick Sandton Two. The development is part of a reinvisioned Sandton, one where you can live near work, and a financial district that doesn't just shut down after dark or on weekends.
BlackBrick's commitment to creating environments that are suffused with art and culture add to this extraordinary property. The founder of Maboneng has had a hand in all of this so it makes perfect sense that BlackBrick Two brings some city street cred to Sandton.
BlackBrick group's Artist Collective invites local artists to bring life to the spaces, with unique murals in the apartments and sculptures in communal spaces. The use of art by local artists is shown throughout the property, from Lazi Mathebula in the reception area to a tapestry by Grey Room in the theatre and workspace foyer.
The 100-seater theatre is a dream come true for movie buffs and theatre enthusiasts alike. Imagine watching your favourite movie or play with your loved ones in a cozy yet spacious theatre. The theatre can also be used for presentations and other performances, and currently is the flavour of the month for corporate events.
BlackBrick's large co-working area hosts a variety of workspaces, including private pods, a reading room and larger meeting rooms. We worked from Meeting Room 4, a large workspace with a remote-controlled TV and a shared terrace area. The working area has a combination of modern and mid-century pieces, including varnished wood coffee tables and bookshelves complete with books on architecture and law. It feels like a personal space.
Our favourite spot is the swanky Listening Bar, with its suspended black piñata-style sculptures made of plastic bags by Cape Town-based Atang Tshikare. Paired with mid-century modern furniture in neutrals of grey, black and green, the overall feel of the space is homely, yet stylish and chic. The well-stocked bar is perfect for entertaining guests and adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering.
From here you can easily access the rooftop restaurant, Artistry, a sun-soaked (we recommend a pair of shades and SPF) restaurant. Artistry is a light-filled courtyard with a small splash pool on the deck. Guests and residents can enjoy breakfast here at an added cost but beware of the kitchen's closing times throughout the day. Check before you go.
We had lunch here and enjoyed their flavourful cheese and potato and roasted mushroom croquettes before our mains of flaky fish and chips, an enviously delicious vegetarian chickpea curry with rice and a hearty cheeseburger with thick-cut seasoned chips.
We also took a tour of one ground-floor apartment and the rest of the amenities BlackBrick Sandton Two has to offer. The apartment contained a self-catering kitchen, making it convenient for guests who prefer to cook their own meals with a generous lounge area and relatively large balcony. The bedroom is surprisingly large with an additional private balcony, and the bathroom's trendy gold and black finishes add a touch of glamour to the overall ambience carried throughout.
For visiting artists, there are separate artist rooms downstairs, conveniently close to The Listening Bar. And for fitness enthusiasts, there's a small, industrial-style gym, perfect for quick workouts in a private space with a variety of machines and other equipment.
BlackBrick Sandton Two is an embodiment of style, creativity, and functionality. With its unique and eclectic decor, state-of-the-art facilities, attention to detail and commitment to the creation of an all-inclusive property, BlackBrick offers exclusivity and community in the heart of Sandton.
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