Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa January/February 2015 | Page 35

The main Entrance
landscaping is designed to
create a layered feature,
creating the effect of a
budding rose from a bird’s
eye view. Each planter
is set out to individually
constructed curves

throughout the construction industry. One of
the biggest challenges was the underpinning
of foundations and introduction of micropiles
to strengthen and underpin the existing
structure, a process which was very time
consuming and laborious.
Structure
The superstructure is supported by 13 shear
beams that span 31,9m x 1,5m x 2m at parking
level 0. One particular challenge with these
was the requirement for a continuous concrete
pour of four beams at the same time around
the escalators which lasted 22 hours.
Fly ash extender was used on all concrete
which decreased the quantity of Portland
cement required and, therefore, assisted
in diminishing the negative environmental

15 Alice Lane South

effects of raw material depletion. Fly ash is
a by-product of steel manufacture and its
introduction contributes to the reduction
of negative impacts on the environment
through construction.
To shape the eastern and western gables,
sloping columns were constructed. These
columns required intricate setting out and
special shuttering. The columns needed to
be set out and poured at an angle in order to
achieve the desired slope. )Q