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NEW HOME FOR GVK-SIYA ZAMA KZN
After some forty years at the same address in Umbilo Road on the fringes of downtown Durban , GVK- Siya Zama ’ s KZN operation is moving from this location to a new 900m 2 office in Westville . Says Chairman Dumisani Madi , “ These new premises support our growth strategy in the region , will provide a shot in the arm for the team and will ensure that we are more accessible and better positioned to support and welcome our clients in the region . Our new address , centrally located along the M13 at 1 Langford Road , Westville , prioritises staff well-being and offers a modern environment close to amenities , which is also conducive to collaboration and growth .” On the back of several key projects currently under construction , this move further cements the group ’ s investment and faith in the province . “ Our team ’ s commitment has seen this business grow despite the ravages of Covid and the recent floods ,” says Meder . He remains positive about the outlook for the industry in the province and his business unit ’ s commitment to growing its business in the region . www . siyazama . co . za
LYT DESIGNS FLAGSHIP MCDONALDS STORE
As you drive down Waterfall Drive you are met with the sight of McDonald ’ s new flagship store . It is the first of its kind , situated in the prestigious Waterfall precinct . The drive-thru restaurant was designed to be completely unique and was described by the McDonald ’ s international team that visited it upon completion as a “ work of art ”.
Designed by LYT Architecture , the building was conceptualised to integrate into the Waterfall precinct and this was the premise for the departure from the standard specification . With the support and flexibility afforded by McDonalds , the vision was born . There is an extraordinarily strong landscaping language that permeates throughout Waterfall and this became a huge consideration in the design drivers of the building and its surrounds . The site is surrounded by Fever trees and the decision was taken to place a Fever tree on top of the building , creating a focal and talking point . The roof was also planted with natural grasses which soften the silhouette of the overall building within the landscape .
The idea was to create a 360 º view to the outside from within the restaurant space , allowing a full connection to the exterior . This was facilitated by floating the roof over the space and having it connected to the building via a horizontal glass band , allowing the sky and surrounds to always be visible from within .
The design methodology was to integrate both raw and sophisticated materials into a harmonious , emotive structure . Natural stone Gabion cladding was used as a base for the building from which the large , cantilevered off-shutter concrete floating roof was anchored and the grass roof ‘ retained ’ on top . These raw and expressive materials were connected using highly reflective glass which was chosen to enhance the ‘ invisibility ’ of the façade and aid in the floating roof illusion .
The main glass façade is completely double glazed and during the day is largely opaque and reflects the environs , creating a cool and insulated space where you catch glimpses of the interior from the outside . However it is at night when the entire building comes to life . The façade disappears at night and the view to the inside is inviting and open . The colour , texture and life of the McDonalds interior space is put on full display to anyone approaching the building .
Justin Meder , Regional Managing Director KZN Yournell Naidoo , Senior Quantity Surveyor KZN Cyprian Dladla , Key Projects Director KZN Dumisani Madi , Chairman of GVK-Siya Zama
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