Originally constructed in 1851, The Barracks is a storied Cape Town landmark that once served as a military stronghold during the Anglo-Boer War. Over 170 years later, this remarkable structure has been transformed into a contemporary, multi-level apartment development, carefully balancing preservation and modernisation. The renovation was completed in 2023 by Bruce Dundace Master Builders, a team known for their precision and heritage expertise.
To ensure the success of this delicate conversion, Liteconcrete’s lightweight concrete blocks were specified and installed throughout the structure. The decision to use Liteconcrete was rooted in one of the project’s main engineering challenges: reducing dead load on the historically sensitive foundations and structural framework.
By incorporating Liteconcrete products, developers were able to reduce wall mass by up to 75% compared to traditional masonry, while also improving the building’s overall thermal insulation and acoustic performance. These eco-friendly building materials allowed the project team to future-proof a heritage site without compromising its original architectural essence.
In a city where urban densification and heritage preservation often conflict, The Barracks stands as a model for how lightweight, sustainable construction materials in South Africa can support adaptive reuse. Liteconcrete’s recycled polystyrene concrete blocks not only lighten the structural load but contribute to a greener construction approach, aligning with modern environmental and performance standards.
This project underscores Liteconcrete’s growing role in heritage refurbishment, residential design, and sustainable architecture, helping contractors, developers, and architects deliver smarter buildings with a lighter footprint.
Planning a heritage or weight-sensitive development? Partner with Liteconcrete for proven lightweight solutions.
