Architect and Builder August/September 2019 | Page 92

Thavhani Mall, Limpopo
RURAL DEVELOPMENTS
Thavhani Mall, located in Thohoyandou in Northern
Limpopo, is a 50,000m 2 shopping centre.
Thavhani Mall is the focal point of the large mixed-use
urban precinct mega development, Thavhani City, being
developed on a 27ha site. The building is located on a
prominent site on the junction of the R524 and the new
Giyani road. It is accessible by well-established roads from
the surrounding rural areas.
The entrances to the mall feature high volume canopies
held up by abstract structures which evoke the language of
the Baobab tree and are mindful of the concept of pause
and gathering under a shaded tree. Bright colours have
been incorporated into glass entrance lobbies to reference
the colourful vernacular artwork and fabrics endemic to
the area. Wind lobbies coming off each entrance have
coloured vinyl, creating a lingering glow in the evening.
During the day, colour glows into the mall are created by
sunlight surrounding the entrances. The mall’s interior
features double volume spaces. Openings have been
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created in the floors to allow the abstract trees to push
through to the upper level from below and clerestory
windows bathe the building with natural light. A pixelated
leaf floor pattern has been incorporated into the floor of
the mall, as if to create the illusion that the abstract trees
have shed their leaves.
The colour palette is a timeless black and white
combination, which adds a contemporary feel. It is infused
with earthy blues, browns and greens and vibrant splashes
of orange, yellow, blue and red uplift the monochromatic
scheme through mall furniture.
Thavhani Mall doesn’t include a dedicated food court.
Instead, focused food offerings are clustered around the
entrances. Queues for banking ATMs are a common sight
during peak times, where banking outlets tend to be used
differently than in many of South Africa’s urban areas. For
this reason, another distinctive feature of the Mall’s design
is its treatment of ATMs, which are located outside the
shopping centre.
Developers & Owners: Flanagan & Gerard;
Thavhani Property Investments; Vukile Property Fund
Project Managers: Orion Project Managers
Quantity Surveyor: NWS Quantity Surveyors
Architects: MDS Architecture
Civil & Structural Engineers: L&S Consulting
Electrical Engineers: RWP Taemane
Wet Services: Kyle & Associates
Mechanical Engineers:
Q-Mech Consulting Engineers
Fire Consultants: Specialised Fire Technology
Landscaping Consultant: Gauflora
Main Contractor: WBHO Construction
SAPOA Awards