UPPER RETAIL LEVEL retaining walls and bigger inclines to the southern portion of the site .
Materials Maxi bricks , which are a locally made product , were used in the construction . They are larger than normal bricks and the aim in using this product was to achieve larger volumes of façades built in less time .
Rubber copings to parapets were used , which was a first for the continent and saved almost 50,000 tyres from reaching South African landfills .
Large glass façades were used for the anchor boxes to create a ‘ money shot ’, where more emphasis was placed on detail and volume to create an entrance off the road which would be memorable .
Sustainability Regional shopping centres are challenged by the difficulty of an expansive footprint . Constructed on a greenfield site , it was important that an approach be taken to accommodate regeneration of the surrounding ecology while ensuring that future retrofit and expansion is contained . The centre is set into the ground , reducing the visual impact of the building in its natural setting .
The outdoor layout of the shopping centre also afforded some unique opportunities , such as the interlacing of greenery into public walkways through expansive planting , as well as the preservation of the old fig tree at the heart of the development . This is proving to be a popular meeting point for shoppers .
The centre has also received an environmental merit certification for its use of recycled rubber , one of the world ’ s most hazardous waste streams , in the manufacture of roof coping tiles equating to 6,250m 3 of rubber .
Since sustainability is by definition a triple bottom line measurement of natural environment , as well as social and economic criteria , this centre achieves a balance of ecology , community and financial feasibility to ensure that the development will be of benefit to current and future generations .
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Cornubia Mall 573