The buildings are orientated along the longer North-South axis of the site , with the dominant glazed shopfront façade facing East , protected by means of covered walkways with generous overhangs , providing shading to the glazing . A visual focal point is located centrally to the main building on the North site with a suspended broadcast studio “ pod ” providing visual interest , flanked by external seating areas in the double volume piazza .
Covered walkways are the dominant façade features , which provide direct access from the carpark to the shops , with signage opportunities to maximise tenant exposure provided above the shop fronts as well as on the parapet walls at high level . To add visual interest along the façades , peristyle walls have been introduced to create visual alcoves along the walkways and feature blade walls in bold complementary colours , introduced to break the rhythm of long
façades . Indigenous planting , warm colours and the use of natural building materials have been utilised , while durability and ease of maintenance were considered in all design elements and implemented wherever possible .
Cost Effective Solutions Cost effective solutions have been sought , taking into account locally appropriate construction methods for ease of construction , as well as to address the environmental friendliness and energy efficiency of the buildings . Building construction consists of concrete and steel framed structures with infill cavity wall masonry panels , steel portal frame roof structures and a profiled steel sheet covering . Flat in-situ concrete suspended roof slabs have been utilised providing concealed areas for mechanical equipment , while still allowing for ease of access for maintenance purposes .
Environmental Friendliness In order to address the environmental friendliness of the development , various design solutions were implemented , including the use of large overhangs to walkway canopies at the façade glazing , providing protection from the elements and mitigating solar heating of the internal shops , thus reducing air-conditioning loads . All roof sheeting is thermally insulated to reduce heat loading and the external building walls are of cavity type construction , providing an air-gap between skins similar to a double glazed window solution . The implementation of a managed refuse collection and removal system for the tenants , preventing pollution around the site as well as the recycling station provided for the public further enhances the eco-friendly nature of the development .
290 The Grove at Riverside