This building location was critical to the Rewardsco vision as it occupies the most visible corner of the site . Its location relative to uMhlanga Rocks Drive meant that all public movement along this key traffic corridor had unobstructed views of the development whether travelling north or south along the route . Excellent signage opportunities and views both into and out of the new building meant that the final architectural statement was critical to the successful realisation of the design brief outlined four years before . Rewardsco ’ s original vision that all three structures and the spaces which linked them would create a micro precinct was now a reality .
As with their existing facility the consultant team was given the target of obtaining a 4 star green building rating to demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability . Ultimately the central block has received a 5 star design rating and the project team are confident that this final development will also achieve that 5 star rating .
Design Concept The original design concept was hugely dependent on three design items :
• Podium level micro precinct
• A new architectural language
• High level linkage of all three facilities
Along with these three key elements , the updated brief called for the glazed façades to be wrapped around the entire southern corner of the building to both complement the podium entrance to the site as well as maximise views to the ocean .
This final phase of the development also gave the team the opportunity to complete the podium level public space . The creation of a central landscaped public open space was vital to the successful integration of the staff with the outdoor space . The various routes from the reception areas and canteen with pedestrian walkways all focus on a space filled with trees , water-features , benches and grassed surfaces .
Large planters with mounded earth and trees create physical barriers from the hardened surfaces of the podium parking area . The sculptural bridge link running between the central services building and the new building offers some shade and at night the bridge lighting casts graphic shadows across the space below .
The shaped white fins on black glass were continued onto the elongated façade of this southern block . The revised design of the podium entrance corner now meant that the organic shapes created by the white blades had to run around the perimeter façade on four sides of the building . There was no longer a front and back to the structure , there was just a blended façade that had to encompass all orientations .
The acute approach to the site from the north and south created the architectural interaction with the public which the concept design had sought . The building was no longer black glass
822 Rewardsco