site is on such a busy route . In fact , all the servicing for this retail development is housed in a tunnel around the back of the building that is appropriately sound-proofed and removed from the shoppers ,” explains Pretorius .
The prominent entrances extend the mall towards the road and create porte-cochère features which also provide ideal space for signage . The building ’ s exterior facing the road is a mix of steel , glass and stonework and is spectacular at night by virtue of the height of the façade and the internal lighting design . The restaurant seating areas open up to the parking with high sliding stacking doors providing both natural ventilation and an abundance of natural light . Glazed awnings above the walkways have been used to good effect to reduce the heat build-up .
There were not many opportunities for landscaping , as the building fills much of the site . Along William Nicol , planting has been used to soften the interface between the centre and the street edge . Large trees in pots have been used on the open upper parking level to soften the parking area and provide some shade . Planning requirements stipulated that a landscaped zone be provided as a buffer along the western boundary to
the residential properties - 5m high indigenous trees and veld grass have been planted there .
The restaurant area is a light-filled double volume space with planting in large pots , evoking a lively tree-lined street . Each restaurant is distinct in style , ranging from contemporary to French Provençal . The porcelain tiles with their wood-look finish and the large aluminium folding doors serve as elements marrying the various styles while maintaining each with their own unique ambience .
Lighting Natural light is used to maximum effect at the Nicolway Bryanston . Spread over two levels , the centre is designed so that the lower level will also enjoy the abundant natural light through five cleverly positioned voids ; these link the levels by fashioning airy double-volume atriums channelling natural light throughout the entire mall .
The atriums also create positive connections between the two levels , allowing shoppers to easily position themselves in the mall while maximising retailer brand value with exposure to both levels .
A four-metre-wide glass strip , which admits plenty of natural light through the roof , runs 90 metres
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