was cleverly designed to utilise each letter in the town ’ s name .
Sandstone is endemic to the area . In line with MDS Architecture ’ s ethos of referencing the context and reusing materials wherever possible , McGillivray says that sandstone found on the site appears on several feature walls , including the façades which flank the entrances . “ Other natural materials such as timber and steel complement the red bricks and concrete portals .”
Thoughtful and Pragmatic Elements Merino Mall has its own solar photovoltaic ( PV ) plant that produces green energy , allowing the mall to trade during load shedding . In addition , a sewer treatment plant recycles grey water back into the building and feeds the irrigation system to achieve water savings .
The shopping centre has reserved parking for shoppers with special needs which are located close to entrances , and Merino Mall is fully accessible to wheelchair users .
Interiors and Local Art The 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 , while the area above the shopfronts introduce exposed steel and concrete beams .
Timber-clad portals , reaching 10m at the apex , create interest and warmth at the points where the levels transition inside the building .
Says McGillivray , “ Abundant volume and space are the ultimate luxury , and we made the most of the volume and space afforded by the design . The long mall is broken up through the clever use of hanging chandeliers , colourful lights
Merino Mall 57