floor finishes . At this point , it was also decided to add a mezzanine level which would eventually be converted into the penthouse floor .
The existing vehicle ramp from ground to first floor was duplicated from second to the third floor to allow the third floor to be converted to a parking level ; additional parking was created by stripping out all non-essential structures on the ground floor and rationalising the layout of this level . The main entrance to the building was moved to Milton Road , which has a quieter urban character and a more appealing business address . This helped free up valuable retail space which was positioned along the busy Main Road strip . The street verges were completely refinished in complementary pavers to encourage the retail use to spill out and contribute to an active interface with the building at street level .
The masonry façade , with horizontal strip windows , was stripped away to allow for a new glazed exterior cladding , which would allow uninterrupted views and light to the upper level office spaces . The existing face brick and breezeblock ventilation panels to the parking levels were screened behind a new system of aluminium weather louvres fixed externally to the structure .
A continuous process of advanced 3D modelling was employed during the design process to facilitate the successful design of the entire envelope . The glazed cladding of the façades was designed to incorporate the existing structure that was allowed to project from and frame portions of the façade . Each elevation was designed as a composition of various architectural features in response to the orientation of each and the functions of the spaces behind . Contrasting textures were used to enhance the different features of the façade . The off-shutter finish of the exposed
concrete surfaces emphasises the clean white plastered framing elements which contrast with the reflective expanses of flush glazing .
It was essential that the type and location of signage be strictly controlled . Retail tenants on ground level are restricted to specific zones within the new shopfront sections and below the canopy . The commercial tenants can be allocated restricted signage zones on the louvred portion of the main façade which are incorporated with the architectural features .
Conclusion The building has been extremely well received and is a credit to the spirit of cooperation between the developer , design team , contractor , local authorities and neighbours .
The Equinox 91