DIAMOND WALK
DIAMOND WALK Sandton City
OWNERS Liberty Group Limited Pareto Ltd
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECTS MDS Architecture & MMA Design Studio in a JV
PROJECT MANAGERS Origin
QUANTITY SURVEYORS Crane Construction Consultants & MLC Quantity Surveyors in a JV
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS Aurecon ( now Zutari )
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS CKR Consulting Engineers Nala Consulting Engineers in a JV
MECHANICAL / HVAC ENGINEERS WSP in Africa
FIRE CONSULTANT Building Code Consultants
SAFETY CONSULTANT Pinnacle OSH
MAIN CONTRACTOR NMC
PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy of MDS Architecture and Mike Pawley Photography
The ceiling is a dominant feature in the mall and has been treated as a high gloss reflective element , in facets , in reference to diamonds
The existing sophistication of Sandton City has been raised to another level with the addition of Diamond Walk , which houses stores of some of the world ’ s most exclusive brands .
In keeping with its vision for Sandton City as a premier shopping destination , the owners Liberty Group Limited and Pareto Limited , pursued the introduction of more luxury brands .
Designed by MDS Architecture , Diamond Walk opened to the public in May 2015 . Pat Henry , MDS Architecture ’ s partner leading the project , says that the new mall adds a further level of differentiation to Sandton City and offers an exclusive shopping experience to its shoppers and visitors .
“ Diamond Walk extends the visual link from the Edgars Court through to the Hotel and is located where the hotel ’ s ballroom and function rooms used to be ,” explains Pat .
The Brief Pat says that Sandton City had undergone a revamp and refurbishment which evoked typical South African landscapes . “ It was a natural progression to move from there to the mineral wealth of our country as an inspiration . Diamond Walk needed to be distinctive but also serve as an extension of the look and feel of the shopping centre .”
Taking care not to introduce too literal an interpretation of Diamond Walk , MDS Architecture continued the colour palette and finishes of the existing shopping centre but introduced understated and sophisticated sparkle . Porcelain tiles were mixed with marble and crystal trims . On the demising piers , silver and glass mosaics were introduced with polished stainless steel .
The ceiling is a dominant feature in the mall and has been treated as a high gloss reflective element , in facets , in reference to diamonds . These facets reflect the illuminated shop fronts of the tenants as well as the other lighting and finishes .
Pat says that the ceiling is the element of the design of which he is most proud . “ I see it as the wow factor in the mall . Although it was difficult to design and install , as well as costly , it was worthwhile . The product , known as Baresol , is a stretch fabric imported from France and is perfect for this application ,” he says .
Further enhancing this play of light and reflection , a 100m long crystal chandelier cuts through the length of the mall , drawing guests to the hotel . The handmade chandelier was commissioned and built by local craftsmen . It contains strings of crystals with large crystal balls at the ends to catch the light and reflect onto the white porcelain floor and shop fronts .
In reconfiguring this area of Sandton City , the owners have provided Diamond Walk with its own ablution facilities . These have been designed differently to the rest of the centre , although they share the same generous ergonomics and quality of finish . Here the finishes are white and shiny , in line with the reflective quality of the diamond . A feature wall has been introduced where mirrored facets have been interspersed with the porcelain tiles .
462 Diamond Walk