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Rosmund Apartments
Johannesburg, Gauteng

Harold Hersch (Harry) LE ROITH: Architect

Date:n.d.
Type:Flats
Status:Unknown

This is a building comprising single rooms erected on a somewhat restricted suburban plot, the main elevation of which faces north. It is a normal reinforced concrete frame building with brick panel walls, plastered and painted.

In all there are 35 rooms, each with basins and built-in cupboards. Owing to the restrictions of the site, five face north, four south and three face east on each floor. Bath, shower and W.C. facilities are provided on each floor and open on to an area on the west boundary.

The ground floor also includes a reception and enquiry office, phone cubicle, store and linen room. The north facing rooms have the added advantage of large balconies canti-levered over the ground floor. Entry is from the north and is defined by a small pale grey rough-cast flower box in a blue brick wall having white horizontal joints.

The design of the north facade, the only elevation facing the street, is essentially one of simplicity. The upper floors are defined by a generous frame which embraces the balconies and affords a certain degree of privacy. The continuous balcony parapets which impart a firm horizontality to the facade are in white painted wire mesh in steel frames coloured terra-cofta. The balcony divisions are of wired glass.

The frame and walling is painted white, contrasting with the sunblinds which arc in terra-cotta colour. The steel windows and doors are painted pale " Eau-de-Nile " green. Light wood panelling is used In the entrance and staircase, with black granolithic flooring which is used also in the bathrooms, Elsewhere floors are of wood block.