Erected in two phases - first the piling then
the actual construction of the building - certain
requirements presented a number of challenges.
For example, the distribution centre needed to be
operational long before the offices were completed
which meant ensuring that people working in the
centre were safe while it was still a construction
site. In addition, fire prevention requirements
were onerous. Large underground water storage
tanks were required and fire escape routes had to
run from the roof to the ground floor, serving the
offices and the distribution centre.
The building has a number of noteworthy green
elements which were incorporated into the design.
The building faces south which is the correct
orientation to ensure that the sun does not shine
directly into the front façade. On the east-side,
decorative fins have been designed to deflect the
morning sun which has a significantly beneficial
effect on the air conditioning running costs. The
twelve 7,650mm x 1,250mm aluminium fins were
a collaborative effort between Emmett Architects
and Bernice Rumble from Land Art Studio. Rumble
developed the design of an ocean wave and briefed
the aluminium manufacturer using the perforation
options which they’d provided.
Other green elements include a rear north
facing wall which has been designed as a green
wall with mesh panels on which creepers will
be encouraged to grow. The decking is recycled
plastic with a maintenance free lifespan of more
than 15 years.
With the building being Universal Access
compliant, The Lion Match Company’s new
headquarters are designed to be aesthetically
pleasing as well as usable to the greatest extent
possible by everyone, regardless of their age
or ability.
With decks at the ends of each floor and clear
view fencing around the north east fire escape
stairwell, the spectacular harbour views have
been well accommodated and maximised. The
Lion Match
roof, which is seen as a definite usable area, has
been designed to be a well-considered space to
look down upon from the neighbouring building.
Astro turf, glass balustrades and attractive paving
all contribute to making the roof a desirable space.
Facilities include: nine paraplegic toilets, one on
the ground floor and two on the other four levels;
two prayer rooms (one each for men and women);
a kitchen and toilets on each floor and a private
gym for staff.
Notably, a large percentage of the consultants
working on this project were women, including the
project structural engineer, the façade engineer,
the project quantity surveyor, the landscape
architect and the architect.
Summary
The Lion Match Company now has a new
contemporary iconic head office building, complete
with golden lions guarding their new position at the
entrance to Durban harbour. It is hoped that this
will be their home for a long time to come, taking
care of the company’s long term vision for growth.
71