The extensive curtain wall enveloping the atrium enjoys a veiled quality to the east , but this dematerialises on the south to announce entrance and promote focussed ocean views . External verandas on the north east corner and south edge capitalise on sea views and connectivity to the office park landscaping , being expressed as subtractive elements in the overall form and animating the building .
The entire structured parking podium is clad in vertical tubular screens designed to reduce
the scale of this substantial element , promote natural ventilation and simultaneously integrate with the office component above . Complementing the layered façade is a continuous over-sailing roof which is dematerialised by a broad , visually light , louvred rim to deal with the north sun . The overall impact of this veiled approach is thus one which derives from applying simple and effective screening devices over a relatively ordinary and economical inner skin . The exterior is largely rendered in silvers and greys with a charcoal base connecting the elevated offices to the ground , thus yielding a limited material palette and somewhat understated composition .
Interiors The public interface areas were designed by EPA and novospace while the space planning and corporate interior design was undertaken by Boogertman + Partners . A proportional quality of the reception atrium is dominated by its height and emphasised with the strong verticality of the external louvres , timber lift lobby screen and a bold steel sculpture . Neutral greys applied to floors and walls is offset with the richness of Walnut joinery , while the off-shutter concrete soffit used externally extends into this space . ABSA ’ s corporate red is used sparingly internally and this serves to retain a quiet interior quality to the reception atrium . In the office spaces , the corporate standard , created by Boogertman + Partners , is deployed throughout with focus applied to the client wealth area , canteen , office pause and meeting areas .
Outcome Set in its office park environment , carefully designed indigenous landscaping to the entrance ,
590 Absa Ridgeside