Blok, a developer based in Cape Town with 12 years of experience, has revealed TWELVEONB, marking its 23rd overall project and fourth in Green Point. Located at 12 Braemer Road, this development occupies a heritage site, merging historical elements with contemporary urban living. The initiative shows Blok’s dedication to Green Point, a neighborhood renowned for its desirability and proven development success. The site itself carries layers of history, offering a fresh identity while preserving its architectural legacy—a hallmark of Blok’s approach to urban regeneration in established Cape Town districts.
Architecture blending privacy with openness
The building’s exterior features warm, textured brickwork designed to diffuse light while ensuring privacy. At street level, a pocket park moderates pedestrian flow before transitioning into a streamlined lobby. Inside, apartments recede from the street, forming semi-private outdoor areas that enhance natural light without compromising seclusion. The finishes emphasize practicality—exposed concrete and visible utilities, over decorative flourishes. This minimalist aesthetic aligns with Blok’s broader design philosophy, where functionality and material honesty take precedence over superficial embellishments, creating spaces that feel both timeless and intentionally crafted.
Unlike conventional high-rise complexes, TWELVEONB harmonizes with its environment through material choices and lighting, establishing a presence without overwhelming. The ground-floor park and narrow lobby create a deliberate contrast to the hurried pace of urban streets. The pocket park, in particular, serves as a transitional space, encouraging residents and passersby to pause rather than rush through, reinforcing the building’s role as an active yet considerate neighbor.
Read Also: Standard Bank, Java Capital launch real estate advisory platform
This project aligns with Blok’s previous work, where heritage sites were adapted without erasing their original character. Rather than replacing historical elements with modernist designs, the developer maintained the site’s authenticity, both in construction and neighborhood integration. The outcome is a structure that feels organic to Green Point rather than an imposition.
Residences with adaptable floor plans
The development will include 50 apartments, distributed across five distinct layouts:
- 29 one-bedroom units optimized for compact living
- 1 one-bedroom garden apartment
- 2 two-bedroom duplex residences
- 1 three-bedroom garden apartment
- 2 three-bedroom duplex apartments
Selected units come with integrated parking, and a concierge and building manager—provided by Blok’s short-term rental partner Fluent—will manage daily operations. The property’s proximity to DHL Stadium further strengthens its connection to the area’s active community, offering residents easy access to sports events, dining, and the suburb’s lively public spaces. Fluent’s involvement also ensures seamless short-term rental management, a service increasingly sought after in Cape Town’s dynamic rental market.
Read Also: API Summit Hospitality Forum unites top real estate talent
Construction is set to conclude in April 2029, consistent with Blok’s recent project timelines and without reported setbacks.
The inclusion of a pocket park and heritage-conscious design distinguishes it from typical urban densification efforts. While many developers prioritize maximizing unit counts, Blok’s approach favors thoughtful design over sheer volume, a choice likely to attract buyers seeking alternatives to standardized high-rises.
