balustrade edges. The marmoran generates
a variety of textured panels creating depth to
the façade. The ground floor plane was painted
with a highly textured, large scale marmoran
application along the rising lift shaft walls. The
balcony edges were applied with a smaller,
more detailed marmoran texture contributing
to a fine grain texture as the building rises out
of the ground.
The parking levels were designed to be robust
and durable. Exposed concrete soffits, minimal
painted edges and rounded corners to columns
and walls allows the parked environment to
have longevity.
Each lift lobby is expressed by lightweight
vertical timber elements which clad the lift walls.
Black granite edges forge feature lines between
the timber elements and breaks the continuity
giving interest and diversity within the space.
The lobby floors are covered with a light grey
17mm polished concrete topping with exposed
white and dark grey aggregate and are edged with
black skirting.
Energy efficiency is built into the building
dynamics in a cost-effective manner. These
sustainable elements include low-flow fittings
installed in all bathrooms, provision for bicycle
parking throughout the parking structures along
with shower facilities, movement-sensor light-
fittings, stormwater attenuation tanks used
for watering the indigenous landscaping and
recycling is encouraged by providing a collection
of storage areas.
Conclusion
Ridge 7 is a fine example of FWJK Development’s
delivering a building on-time and within budget.
The architectural aesthetics are charming and
engaging and proudly takes its places within the
exclusive Ridgeside precinct of Umhlanga.
SITEPLAN
Ridge 7
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