PROJECT FEATURE
DIAMOND
WALK
DIAMOND WALK
Sandton City
OWNERS
Liberty Group Limited
Pareto Ltd
PRINCIPLE ARCHITECTS
MDS Architecture
MMA in a JV
PROJECT MANAGERS
GHC Africa
QUANTITY SURVEYORS
Crane Construction Consultants
MLC Quantity Surveyors in a JV
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Aurecon
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
CKR Consulting Engineers
Nala Consulting Engineers in a JV
MECHANICAL/HVAC ENGINEERS
WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff
FIRE CONSULTANT
Building Code Consultants
SAFETY CONSULTANT
Pinnacle OSH
MAIN CONTRACTOR
NMC
PHOTOGRAPHY
Courtesy of MDS Architecture and
Mike Pawley Photography
The ceiling is a dominant
feature in the mall and has
been treated as a high gloss
reflective element, in facets,
in reference to diamonds
58
T
he existing sophistication of Sandton City has been raised to another level with
the addition of Diamond Walk, which houses stores of some of the world’s most
exclusive brands.
In keeping with its vision for Sandton City as a premier shopping destination, the owners
Liberty Group Limited and Pareto Limited, pursued the introduction of more luxury brands.
Designed by MDS Architecture, Diamond Walk opened to the public in May 2015. Pat
Henry, MDS Architecture’s partner leading the project, says that the new mall adds a further
level of differentiation to Sandton City and offers an exclusive shopping experience to its
shoppers and visitors.
“Diamond Walk extends the visual link from the Edgars Court through to the Hotel and
is located where the hotel’s ballroom and function rooms used to be,” explains Pat.
The Brief
Pat says that Sandton City had undergone a revamp and refurbishment which evoked typical
South African landscapes. “It was a natural progression to move from there to the mineral
wealth of our country as an inspiration. Diamond Walk needed to be distinctive but also
serve as an extension of the look and feel of the shopping centre.”
Taking care not to introduce too literal an interpretation of Diamond Walk, MDS
Architecture continued the colour palette and finishes of the existing shopping centre but
introduced understated and sophisticated sparkle. Porcelain tiles were mixed with marble
and crystal trims. On the demising piers, silver and glass mosaics were introduced with
polished stainless steel.
The ceiling is a dominant feature in the mall and has been treated as a high gloss reflective
element, in facets, in reference to diamonds. These facets reflect the illuminated shop
fronts of the tenants as well as the other lighting and finishes.
Pat says that the ceiling is the element of the design of which he is most proud. “I see
it as the wow factor in the mall. Although it was difficult to design and install, as well as
costly, it was worthwhile. The product, known as Baresol, is a stretch fabric imported from
France and is perfect for this application,” he says.
Further enhancing this play of light and reflection, a 100m long crystal chandelier cuts
through the length of the mall, drawing guests to the hotel. The handmade chandelier was
commissioned and built by local craftsmen. It contains strings of crystals with large crystal
balls at the ends to catch the light and reflect onto the white porcelain floor and shop fronts.
In reconfiguring this area of Sandton City, the owners have provided Diamond Walk
with its own ablution facilities. These have been designed differently to the rest of the
centre, although they share the same generous ergonomics and quality of finish. Here the
finishes are white and shiny, in line with the reflective quality of the diamond. A feature
wall has been introduced where mirrored facets have been interspersed with the
porcelain tiles.
The doors to the toilet cubicles have been finished with a single 3mm thick metallic
porcelain tile. This Italian imported product known as Laminam provides the reflective and
hygienic quality necessary for the design. Toilet cubicles are treated as private spaces with
Diamond Walk