Architect and Builder March/April 2016 | Page 43

the office component on the first floor gives scale to the buildings and creates large double volume entrances as well as animating the area with constant activity. The design is clean and contemporary yet inviting, and the distinctive layout creates a vibrant shopping experience. During Dainfern Square’s incubation, the site size increased and a residential component was Dainfern Square introduced on an adjacent property which required access through this site. This somewhat tricky link was resolved with the ramps which lead down through the basement parking. The most critical design challenge was the building’s eastern façade which addresses William Nicol Drive. This elevation is, effectively, the back of the building, housing services and back of house areas. It has been carefully considered to reducing 41