This new building would serve as the central facilities hub , housing the large canteen and executive coffee shop along with their support facilities . Access to and from the existing building as well as the future development was critical and large staff compliments would require multiple entry points in order to meet rush hour demands .
Rewardsco had a clear vision that ultimately all three structures and the spaces which linked them created a micro precinct which would offer their staff and visitors a unique internal and external experience .
Given the shape and prominence of the site it was important that these buildings were stretched
out along the site and any links between each structure would complement the overall aesthetic once complete . As with their existing facility the consultant team was given the target of obtaining a 4 Star Green Star SA Rating to demonstrate a commitment to Environmental Sustainability .
Design Concept : The concept was hugely dependant on three design items :
• Podium level micro precinct .
• A new architectural language
• High level linkage of all three facilities
Primarily there had to be a departure from the existing architectural precinct planning of the site . Areas once designated as parking nodes now became an opportunity for landscaped gardens , water features , curved paved walkways lined with trees and concrete benches ideal for outdoor meetings and lunch breaks .
The squarer building footprints of the original design intent became longer , more elegant structures running along the length of Umhlanga Rocks Drive . Access to the micro precinct parking was now limited to a single entry point with shaped planters creating a physical and visual barrier between the hardened parking areas and the softer landscaped environment which would interact with the reception entrance and the 360 º ground floor canteen .
From a building aesthetic point of view the most difficult part of the brief was creating a new architectural language whilst complementing the very bold existing aesthetic . A strong emphasis was placed on the façade facing uMhlanga Rocks Drive and then the internal façade which interacted with the podium parking areas and arrival points .
Taking the building orientation and the final aesthetics into account the decision was taken to spend money on both of these primary façades .
42 Rewardsco 2