Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2014 | Page 47

Synergy and KMH Architects had already
embarked on a master-plan vision for design,
branding and upgrading of their portfolio
of buildings generally, and the Ruimsig
Shopping Centre then became the first centre
where the interpretation of these principles
could be implemented. The existing building
was analysed to establish a focused brief
where maximum impact could be garnered
for the budgeted funds available.
The walkways, which total 300m2 in a
crescent shape, are the key areas which
shoppers experience when visiting the centre.
These walkways were unevenly paved and the
open trusses were a haven for birds and dust.
Heavy based column added to the gloom.

Ruimsig

As part of the refurbishment, walkway
floors were stripped back and tiled with
high quality porcelain tiles, the heaving
bases to columns were demolished and
removed, and light white ceilings and lighting
were introduced. The tile selection process
was rigorous and involved checking trolley
movement as well as ease of cleaning in
samples beforehand. Since a tiled surface
cannot account for uneven kerb edges, a
solution was found where the gap between
the tiles and kerbs were filled with small
cobbles which can easily accommodate
these movements.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of
the shopping centre’s new design, is the

Synergy identified
an opportunity to
keep the shopping
centre current and
relevant by embarking
on a refurbishment
and re-branding of
the built forms

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