PROJECTVIEW in the building and became a key design feature , with the barn shape becoming a distinctive visual reference .”
The steep slope on the site resulted in massive bulk earthworks , which commenced in July 2021 . Merino Mall is expected to open in October 2022 .
“ Merino Mall ’ s design needed to provide good visibility from the main road , while considering the residential areas to the rear of the site . For this reason , the building is located away from most of the residential areas and landscaping has been used to provide a level of screening ,” says Pearce .
Sandstone is endemic to the area and was found on the site . It will be reused for feature walls . Other natural materials such as timber and steel complement the red bricks and concrete portals at the main entrances .
Main malls are treated as barn structures . Internally , they feature exposed roof sheeting , concrete beams above shopfronts and exposed , lime-washed red brick walls . Clerestory windows along the malls and feature courts ensure an abundance of natural light .
“ In addition to reusing the sandstone and retaining the existing barn structure , Merino Mall will showcase the work of local artists ,” concludes Pearce .
Architect : MDS Architecture Quantity Surveyor : Matla Mechanical Engineer : Ingplan Structural Engineer : DG Consulting Engineers Electrical Engineer : Watson Mattheus Fire Engineer : Ronnie Koekemoer & Associates Wet Services Engineer : Watsol Tenant Co-ordinator : Orion
LUXIA ON RAVINE , BANTRY BAY
Flanked by sea and mountain , Luxia on Ravine is a modern architectural development that features three identical residences standing shoulder to shoulder , comprising a total of six ultra-luxurious and unique homes . The geometric buildings are clad in granite , paying homage to the mountainside into which they have been tucked , midway along Ravine Road . Designed by Vernon Head Architects , a series of sliding aluminium screens resembling timber sheaths create a compelling façade , whilst providing ongoing shade from the sun during the day and making the homes appear lantern-like at night . Each residence ’ s concrete roof appears to float , with the structural supports camouflaged within the architecture of the building .
“ Bantry Bay is one of the most popular areas of the Atlantic Seaboard and space is a rare and coveted commodity . Changing Tides Developers have invested over R50-million excavating the site in order to create space for Luxia on Ravine , and it has been a 13-year journey to launch this development onto the market . Luxia on Ravine will add value and appeal to the Ravine Road and Bantry Bay community , and we have ensured its design not only merges with the surrounds , but also adds to the mountain itself ,” says Rafik Mohamed of Changing Tides .
The excavated Cape Granite , which was taken from the side of the slope on which Ravine Road is situated , has been repurposed on site as part of the landscaping , and famed landscape architect Tanya de Villiers of CNDV has created a multisensory design which features undulating green “ lungs ” between the buildings , with the choice of plants used matching the indigenous cape forest landscapes that would have been present on site naturally .
Project Watch 13