The geometry also led to challenges with the mechanically fixed façade tiling , in aligning tiles positioned on a vertical surface with the tiles located on a sloping surface . Joints on the angled façade are 8mm as opposed to the 5.5mm on the vertical faces with a 54mm expansion joint that aligns with the stack joint of the façade glazing . The tiles on the angled façades were then centred on the centre of the vertical faces resulting in all the tiles across the building to be aligned .
Due to the narrow site and layout within the basement the column positioning was not conducive to economical space planning in the office levels . This challenge was overcome by sloping the entire column grid away or towards each other on the last parking level some 800mm in places to create office plates which are mostly column free with the columns along the perimeters of the building .
Interior Adam Hunt from Giant Leap Interiors described the interiors ; “ Shanduka wanted an iconic head office that was in line with the various companies they encompass in their brand .”
There are areas which are differentiated from each other and yet there is an overall cohesiveness . Hunt said : “ The space for McDonalds needed to adhere to the company CI . This is evident through the use of fun elements such as the large McDonald ’ s arches in their reception area and the striped wall paper which mirrors the look and feel of their restaurants .”
This differed from the general look of the building interiors . Hunter comments : “ Shanduka , on the other hand , wanted a corporate and tasteful environment which represented the brand ’ s firm standing as a leading South African organisation . Modern , sleek décor combines classic with contemporary , delivering a sophisticated look and feel for executives , with views that spread beyond the Sandton skyline . Highlights included integrating each of Shanduka ’ s sub-brands into the décor throughout .”
85 Grayston 315