The central nursery is positioned on the main vehicular entrance , which is a tree lined axis . Landscaping on the entrance axis does not terminate at the walk-way edge but flows from parking area through the nursery , leading the shopper through the building into an open air nursery display area .
Materials Materials and colours used in the building are natural and comforting . The main support columns are positioned on the front third of the walkway and also aid in defining the walkway edge . The columns are clad in natural sandstone to a height of 3m and the main roof supports sprout from the column tops . To free up the glazed shopfront from clutter and too many structural members , the roof structure is carried by the walkway supports to the back of the building .
A modular design of tenant sub-divisions and glazing sizes result in a clean shopfront that gives the tenants maximum exposure on the walkway . External floors are two-tone tinted concrete laid in situ . Recesses were left to accommodate black slate tiles that were also used under the shopfront and planters . The tiles and roof steel provide a clean modern feel to the natural stone colour range .
Elevations to the back and sides of the building were modulated on the column grid and corbelled below the roofline to form recessed panels on large façades , thus breaking the brick plastered faces with a play of light and shade .
At night the centre is transformed by carefully designed lighting . Parking area lighting complements the landscaping without blocking shopfronts . A raised building platform ensures visibility of shopfronts from the main road passing the centre . Signage is unobstructed by the roofline and consists of the latest technology to ensure brightness and even luminescence . Building elements are highlighted with accent lighting .
98 Capegate Lifestyle Centre