Architect and Builder Retail Retrospective | Page 62

External Façades Depending on the aspect , the external façades present different views to the visitor . The painted textured finish is mainly a beige / orange tone , together with dark blue and accentuated by red , featured on certain columns and vehicle entrance portals . From one angle the visitor is greeted by the sight of a bright orange ice-cream cone at the end of the façade . Another view is accentuated by the giant drive-in screen which is visible on the roof top of the parking area . A third , viewed across the landscaped garden , is more restful .
Large billboard type advertising panels , tenant signage and several tensile canopy structures add to the state-of-the-art development . The entire centre , dominated by the large tensile roof structure , is a striking complex when viewed from the freeway .
Construction Planning A pre-tender qualification document was put out by the professional team during the first quarter of 1998 . After much deliberation , Old Mutual Properties decided to negotiate a tender with a joint venture consisting of WBHO Construction and Group Five Building North . The main contract was preceded by a bulk earthworks and piling contract . The site was handed over to the main contractors in September 1998 .
Prior to construction and during the tender period , a great deal of time went into the construction phrasing and methodology in order to minimise disruption to the existing centre . To prevent a disruption to parking and alleviate the existing shortages , the decision was taken to construct the new covered parking garage as a first priority , with completion by November 1999 the goal .
62 Menlyn Park