and emphasising the building as a three-dimensional sculptural object in the streetscape . The architecture on the north-western edge is modulated to create a dynamic built form addressing the corner , which reaches down to the street edge to scoop up visitors and staff .
The proposal comprises an 21-storey office building with approximately 19,500m ² of rentable area on 10 office floors and 11 parking levels , 5 below ground and 6 above , providing parking at a ratio of 5 bays per 100m ².
Materials and Aesthetic The architectural expression is sleek and contemporary . The operation and understanding of the building approach and circulation is made visible in the exterior appearance . The use of clear glass is used where possible to ensure maximum natural light and excellent views . Crisp glazing is paired with natural marble cladding and a striking kinetic metal wall at the entrance . The continuous nature of the lobby and atrium are emphasised as a bold glass void element on the corner and western face , sloping upwards and contrasting with the solid elements of the walls . The slanted steel structural columns , wind bracing , and solar control boxes of the atrium are visible through the glass wall , expressing the dynamism of the internal building planning .
Façade Slivers of glazing puncture the walls on the harsher east and west aspects , bringing controlled light into the building ’ s heart . The glazed boxes of the main north façade cantilever in and out , creating a strong statement of identity on the street .
The high-tech double ventilated façade utilises automated motorised blinds to respond to the path of the sun around the building , controlling the light entering the spaces , morphing the appearance of the building , and allowing the building to have full-height highly transparent glazing .
Unique Aspects of the Façade In tune with this approach to representing the context of the building in its envelope , the glass boxes are patterned with a fritted design by renowned South African artist Gerhard Marx which traces the movement of the wind over and around the building , representing an alternative topography on the building skin , and making the invisible visible . The integration of this layer of design elevates the building to a piece of art of interest to the occupants and the wider community .
At night , the glazed façade is a beacon in the cityscape , lit up with changing washes of LED light which continue to express the dynamism of the building , and which can be programmed to represent the colours of a specific corporate identity . A Ghostlight wash LED product was installed by Giantlight , with three rows of RGB ribbon light inside on floor level to wash back onto the blinds , which are installed just before the second glass panel on this façade .
The glazed vertical lobby feeding into the atrium is a static luminous shaft on the corner of the building , anchoring the scheme and highlighting the heart of the circulation and the green wall is highlighted with delicate starlights .
This palette of elegant and modern finishes sets the tone for the material choice inside which combines luxurious American silver marble , charcoal stained white oak timber , black glass in the reception and clear glass throughout the atrium , robust full-bodied porcelain tiles , elegant ceilings with cove lighting , and striking lighting choices to create a chic and bespoke interior statement ideal for progressive ways of working .
The Atrium A visitor is swept up from the street or parking levels in a bank of shuttle lifts which address the north-west corner . Arrival at the atrium is held at a comfortable arrival scale under the floors of the offices above , before the volume of the atrium flows into the main space beyond .
Wayfinding and orientation is marked by a striking timber , back-lit glass , and marble reception desk shaped as a wing . The reception area is backed by a focal media wall which can run imagery or corporate marketing . The slanted columns and solar control boxes draw the eye
250 90 Grayston