is further articulated by a concrete end wall that
acts as a holding element, framing the negative
space and cube, and folds over to form a top to the
building. This then forms an entire façade which
is then reversed and mirrored on the alternating
façade, creating two asymmetric end fades.
A strong diagonal line is formed on the façade
to develop a new theme from building A and B,
and creates a dynamic counterpoint to the strong
vertical and horizontal language. This use of a
diagonal is echoed in various areas and is used
extensively in the internal forms of the lobby as
well as being further developed for building D.
The interior design of building C’s lobby was the
responsibility of DEEP SPACE, a division of MWLF.
Here the concept was to take a fresh look at
corporate design and give a curated, African
inspired, contemporary design. The eclectic
assembly of contrasting textures and tones of
black white and grey in the choice of carpets,
coffee tables, consoles, chairs, couches and art,
give the space a timeless luxury and detail. The
highly articulated folded ceiling with LED feature
lighting is a strong design element in the space
and is repeated in the rug detail.
BUILDING C: SECTION
Building D
Also designed by MWLF Architects, Building D
is the fourth building in the park and as the sub
divisibility and functionality of Building C proved
so successful, Building D adopts a very similar
plan. The elevational treatment again takes the
bold forms of floating central solid elements and
erodes these in a different way. These are also
positioned on a recessed darker base and topped
by a similar recessed top floor. The diagonal line
is again explored as a cantilever form of the solid
section and reflected in cuts into certain larger
cutouts. Building D pushes the boundaries of
negative cutout and the erosion of the solid form
in the group of buildings. The finishes in the lobbies
and toilets move into a more exposed form with
use of off shutter concrete and structure. The
themes of the external architecture are repeated
in the wall and ceiling solid massing counterposed
with the light glass and void.
BUILDING C: OFFICE LEVEL (Above) PARKING (Below)
Sustainability – Building C
Westend Building C has achieved a 4-Star Green
Star SA Design certification.
For years, it has been widely acknowledged that
the design and management of buildings are critical
to enhancing users’ health and wellbeing – both in
terms of productivity, and mitigating disease and
absenteeism. “In commercial building typologies,
salaries are the biggest cost to companies, so
an improvement in staff health and productivity
will bring a direct return,” says Marloes Reinink,
director at Solid Green Consulting. And, in times of
almost unprecedented economic uncertainty, this
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