IE Magazine

| Tel: 011 728 9542 | Fax: 086 679 4705 | [email protected] | www.bossofficefurniture.co.za ||Showroom: 43 Houghton Drive Houghton Estate|

Casual Excellence Velas

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VOL 10 ISSU

E 2 2011

Coral Reef: Saving Haiti

Bigger, better Jo’burg Fashion Week

Alice Lane – Making the recession work

Introducing Castle Draught in a bottle. A celebration of the finest ingredients

South Africa has to offer.

It all comes together with a Castle.

Alice Lane

RhinoBoard ceilings and bulkhead’s add style and flair to the interior of the “Dancing Towers” in Sandton. RhinoBoard ceilings finished with RhinoLite multi-purpose plaster is the perfect platform for architectural and interior design style.

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Advertorial

BEE Certification (Pty) Ltd is a SANAS registered verification agency (BVA130) and full ABVA member focusing on rating companies and issuing BEE

(Black Economic Empowerment) certificates in terms of the ‘codes of good practice’. Through our services and application of these codes we contribute to the fulfillment of targets as set out by the Department of Trade and Industry.BEE Certification (Pty) Ltd registration nr 1998/022740/07 operates mainly in and from Gauteng with the offices based in Constantia Park, Gauteng.BEE Certification (Pty) Ltd has been actively involved in this field with more than 15 years combined experience by our members and staff alike. We are well equipped to utilize our expertise in providing excellent services and reliable verification audits as per our credo –‘’LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE’’Client service investment to our clients will lead to improved views and implementation of the broad based elements, siphon through their corporate environment and rippling through the industry empowering the nation as a whole. We recognize the high need for skilled business owners to implement the correct BEE policies and procedures in their companies and through our services we will assist our clients to reach this goal.BEE Certification (Pty) Ltd designs various industry related training programmes on BBBEE ‘codes of good practice’ and sector codes for their staff; corporate clients and individuals. We use the highest competency models to provide our staff with the needed skills and expertise to maintain a high quality and professional service to our clients. BEE Certification (Pty) Ltd is also a content provider, developing high quality study guides and training manuals in the mentioned areas available to all participants.In our quest to be a preferred service provider in the verification agency environment we will expand our expertise throughout the different industry charters to cater for most companies in any sector.

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IN BRIEF 6

Newsbriefs 8

SHAPE SHIFTER

Going Green 10

DESIGN DIVA

4 white walls 11

DIRECTIONS

Elphick Proome Archtects

– 21 Years of excellence 14

Showcasing Style - IE Magazine celebrates the best of the besT 28

COVER STORY

Alice Lane Towers

– Making the Recession Work 16

INDUSTRY@PLAY

The Best of the Best Awards 26

Social-Lite 70

WORKZONE

Tebfin –bold, luxurious, rich and confident 42

Gottlieb Distribution Centre 46

Freeworld Design Centre 48

DESIGN EMPORIUM

Weaver’s World Fabrics 52

Fabric Feature – All Covered Up 54

Making an entrance 60

HOSPITALITY

Buddah Ta – class and sophistication 62

The Pyramid Day Spa – temple of tranquillity 64

GREENHOUSE

Coral Reef: Saving Haiti 66

RAMP AFRICA

Bigger, better Jo’burg Fashion Week 2011 68

Gottlieb Distribution Centre

Profile: EPA Architects

Design Diva: 4 white walls

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TebfinBuddah Ta

Alice Lane Towers

Best of the Best 2011

Freeworld Design CentreMaking an entrance

elem

ents

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GREENHOUSEBuilding Our Environment

RAMP AFRICADriven by Fashion Design

66 68

DRIVEN BY DESIGN

Places and Spaces

On the Cover

Please recycle magazines. Except this one, which you should keep...

Alice Lane Towers

So the year is long underway and it is time to wipe your brow as that string of hectic public holidays and school holidays that throws every working environment into complete disarray is behind us.

After a very exciting and stressful couple of months, successfully held its Best of the

Best awards in conjunction with Tile Africa. It was a chilly evening but hoards of people

came out to support the winners and partied the night away at Buddha Ta in Johannesburg.

Lots of blood, sweat and tears went into the event and, indeed, it was evening enjoyed by

everyone. If you missed out, please visit p. 26 to see the goings of the evening.

Our cover story is the unique Alice Lane Office Towers (p.16). This iconic building graces

the prestigious Sandton CBD skyline and epitomises the construction of a new and iconic

building. This building not only adheres to environmental considerations but also takes the

standards of design in Johannesburg’s high-profile financial heartland to new heights.

Our Workzone looks at Tebfin (p. 42) a bold, self-assured and welcoming office and the

Gottlieb offices and distribution centre (p.46) illustrates the aesthetic use of structural steel

in the development of industrial buildings adding a new touch to a new generation design.

Our Showroom is the design mecca – known as the Freeworld Design Centre (p. 48). It is

staffed by a team of leading décor consultants who are dedicated to offering clients and

industry professionals world-class coatings design solutions.

Hospitality introduces us to Buddha Ta (p. 62) a vibey new venue in Johannesburg

and the Pyramids Day Spa (p. 64), while Greenhouse (p. 66) looks into The Coral Reef,

a three dimensional and energy self-sufficient village from one and only standardised

and prefabricated module in order to re-house the refugees from catastrophes, like the

earthquakes in Haiti.

INBR

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The Team

IE Magazine is published six times a year by IE Publishers cc, 26 Hamilton Avenue, Craighall ParkPO Box 414179, Craighall 2024, Johannesburg Tel: (011) 325-2458 • Fax: (011) 447-7030Website: www.iemagazine.co.za

Editor

Clare Matthes

[email protected]

Assistant Editor

Annali Smith

[email protected]

Creative Director

Bryan Maron

[email protected]

Advert Design, Traffic & Client Liaison

Neil Caetano

[email protected]

Advertising Sales:

Lisa Allers

[email protected]

Monice Kruger

[email protected]

Financial Manager

Mari Viljoen

[email protected]

Publisher

Rebecca Staniforth

[email protected]

Photography

Neil Caetano, Clare Matthes, Rebecca Staniforth

Data Management: Neil Caetano

Stefan van Biljon of the University of Cape Town has won the prestigious Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award for 2010 with his entry entitled

‘KL-METAMATIC: GHOST SHIP.’ KL Berth is a place in Cape Town dock. He wanted

to create a structure which reflected the movement of nature and the impact of climate change. The architecture is inspired by the movement and the impact of the sea, their actions and corrosive elements. The rising water will also make visitors contemplate global warming. It is a scientific memory of the impact of the natural elements on a sustainable future.

The judges selected his entry over the others’ because of his level of intellect, the richness of the way he thought through the concept.

A prominent theme of the event was sustainability that embraces a holistic approach, incorporating economic, social and environmental aspects in the design solution.

Corobrik managing director, Dirk Meyer, highlighted how this award fitted well with the organisation’s commitment to driving for sustainable outcomes in all aspects of the business and the respected role clay bricks can and do play throughout South Africa and abroad in providing enduring structural and aesthetic value to the built environment with low impacts on the natural environment.

Via a Skype connection Stefan van Biljon who is working out of Renzo Piano’s offices in Milan, joined the prize giving event. After being hearing of his win he expressed his appreciation to Corobrik for the opportunity to take part in the event. Stefan also thanked his lecturers for the encouragement they gave him over the last year while he was developing his thesis.

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2010 Corobrik Architectural Student Award

The 2011 Absolut Visi Designer of The Year Awards

Luxury brand, ABSOLUT Vodka, once again showcased its marketing genius and ability

to pay tribute to contemporary culture at the 2011 Absolut Visi Designer of the Year Awards.

Amidst the hub-bub of festivity at this ultra chic party, hunky Absolut barmen measured, mixed, and poured a kaleidoscopic array of delectable Absolut cocktails and gorgeous Absolut babes served these colourful concoctions to the crème de la crème of South Africa’s designers. The culmination of this Absolutely glitzy party, which rocked the Chavonnes Battery Museum at the V&A Waterfront, was the awards ceremony, where international trends forecaster Li Edelkoort announced architects, Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, as the 2011 winners, for their work on the Braamfontein precinct in Johannesburg.

Mobelli launches a new outdoor-indoor furniture range

A R54 million showroom and warehousing centre in Longmeadow Business

Estate developed by Griffin Developments for Kevro, one of the largest corporate clothing and promotional gifting wholesalers in Africa, has been funded by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance: Gauteng.

The development comprises 2300m² of A-grade office and showroom space split over three levels, and 8500m² of warehouse space. The 11m high, sprinkler-protected warehouse includes backup pumps and tanks. Efficient yard planning, good perimeter security, integrated building signage and the use of indigenous landscaping complete this prestigious development.

“Nedbank is proud to be associated with this project in conjunction with Griffin, its contractors and professional team, which all contributed to the success of the development. The team was able to complete construction within 10 months, despite severe weather and site drainage conditions, which is to be commended.” The property is located in the Longmeadow Business Estate in Modderfontein, centrally located between Sandton, Midrand, Johannesburg CBD and OR Tambo International Airport. The estate has its own direct off-ramp from the N3 motorway, ensuring easy access at all times.

Indoors is the new out with Mobelli’s sophisticated Crossover Palermo seating system: the perfect union of form meets function. The wicker has been designed to resemble large

leather straps which have been expertly interlaced around an aluminium frame, embracing the current global trend for pieces with a tactile and handcrafted feel.

The Crossover Palermo’s understated square lines and spacious proportions also reflect a growing demand for furniture that is designed for easy living and comfort while still retaining a sophisticated edge. The modular nature of the

collection further enhances its functionality and easy-living appeal. All of these elements come together to create an elegant,

contemporary and distinctive furniture range that, while ideal for the outdoors, also works just as well if you want to create an “endless

summer” mood inside your home.

New showroom, warehouse at Longmeadow

Greening the city

The Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria was proud to host the start of the country-wide castings for the Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol. The castings started off in March in Pretoria at a venue who cares for the environment and makes every effort to creating a difference amongst staff and hotel

guests alike. The recycling facility that is open to the staff and the guest produces tons and tons of waste collection

that will not reach our overflowing landfills. The Sheraton participates in greening projects with the Miss Earth South Africa Team as well as Earth Hour.

The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo is the proud recipient of this year Skytrax award in the Best Airport Hotel for Africa category. This

award was handed out in Copenhagen on the 30th March 2011.

The World Airport Survey was established in 1999, and is held in high esteem for the clarity of process and rigorously applied rules of total independence. The results are based on unsolicited customer survey responses, there being no form of subscription or membership required for an airport to be included. Throughout the eight month survey period, Skytrax maintain daily monitoring, assessment and validation of customer feedback, with full clarity of methodology and results made available to all airports. The World Airport Awards enjoy very strong respect and credibility amongst the world’s air travellers and airports around the globe in 2011, being based on the 11.38 million survey questionnaires completed by over 100 nationalities of airport customer, covering more than 240 airports worldwide. The World Airport Awards were expanded for 2011, with more than 50 awards to be announced. For the first time, this included Awards for the Best Regional Airports and an all-new category for the Best Airport Hotels around the world. This is the third award that the InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo Hotel has won for 2010/11. It is also the recipient of the Worlds’ Best Luxury Airport Hotel award, voted by World Luxury Hotels Awards as well as Hotel of the Year by Southern Sun for the Deluxe Brand.

InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo, best airport hotel in Africa

Tile Africa Contracts supplied tiles and bathroom ware for the extension to the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo

Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng.

The project entailed the expansion of the hotel by 215 rooms. Tile Africa Contracts supplied approximately 2500 sheets of rustic porcelain mosaics, Manchester baths, Sydney wall-hung and Gallery toilets as well as Demola bathroom accessories including three litre stainless steel dustbins for the bathrooms.

“The mosaics are installed from floor to ceiling in the centre of the walls as a 300mm backdrop for the shower rose and mixer, in a contrasting colour to the tiling, to create an interesting focal point and accent for the bathrooms,” says Diana Ford, owner of Delineo Projects, specialists in interior design and project management, and the interior designers for the extensions to the Birchwood Hotel. In addition to the mosaic tiles, Tile Africa Contracts supplied 4500m² of 330x330mm Umbria ceramic non-slip tiles in Burnt Sienna for the outside walkways. “In the walkway we used the Umbria tile which complements the wall colours chosen for the building and its neutral colour allows it to blend into the beautiful gardens. The non-slip capabilities of the tile comply with the client’s requirements for a safe environment for the guests,” says Diana.

Tile Africa Contracts supplies Birchwood Hotel

Property development set to shine

An impressive total of 27 development projects have been submitted as examples of excellence in 10 different categories.

Awards will be given for office, retail, industrial and residential developments, as well as refurbishments, mixed-use, international developments and social/environmental impact projects. The category of ‘other’ developments includes hotels, leisure and dealership developments. An award for the most innovative solution to a property challenge will also be presented.

In addition, two overall awards will also be presented for green building and, for the first time in 2011, transformation.

Continuing its reign as the most competitive category is office developments, which has again attracted the most entries while the ‘other’ developments category has also proven popular with entrants.

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What gets you out of bed every morning?Challenges and new experiences! Waking up and knowing that I am going to face challenges whilst learning and experiencing new facets of engineering and other built environment functions is truly inspiring. What is your favourite aspect of your job?The personal satisfaction I feel after completing any task and implementing any design professionally is my daily motivation. I enjoy the blend of engineering and design disciplines associated with new developments and refurbishments and combining this with an energy focus based on mechanical and electrical principles is truly rewarding. How did your career in design begin?My mechanical engineering experiences have encompassed a number of design techniques instilled from time spent studying to time in the engineering environment. Illovo Sugar, WSP Consulting Engineers and Three Cities Management have provided me with various design opportunities and I cherish any opportunity to design, improve or optimise any system or component. What could the world do without?Incompetence! Relying on people can unfortunately prove very frustrating in some instances. Any well orchestrated design or installation requires dedication and professionalism from every team member to ensure project success What is inspirational today?The attitudes various organisations have adopted when considering system maintenance and energy management integration in both new and old developments is inspirational. Realising the importance of these aspects cannot be easily quantified as failure to adhere to maintenance and energy related processes will prove increasingly detrimental in the future.What rejuvenates your creativity?Fortunately, I work with respected individuals and designers on a daily basis which encourages my creativity. New technologies (IT and Engineering specifically) require personal development to keep abreast of innovative technological growth and I am constantly rejuvenated when I learn and experience the unbelievable technologies on offer. I am a “gadget” junkie and the creative implementation of new technologies in the engineering sector amazes me with every installation. By implementing intuitive technologies into engineering designs, installations can benefit tremendously and it is this integration of technology into normal engineering practices that keeps me rejuvenated.

The state of the environment is top of most people’s concerns nowadays, and “greening” policies are not only a fashionable movement but a necessity to ensure our planet’s survival. A new development in Umhlanga – the Gateway Hotel – is being constructed in line with the Green Building Council of South Africa’s guidelines. IE chats to Three Cities Group Engineer, Murray Burger.

4How would you define what you do?We design functional pieces that sculpt space.

What are the challenges of being a woman in this industry?Balancing a full time job, a family and then trying to find time for one’s self and one’s passions.

What would you define as your watershed moment?Our exhibition, at Arts On Main at the 12 Decades Hotel. It was a culmination of three years of blood, sweat and tears and finally our vision was realised.

What inspires you?We are inspired by the industrial revolution, the emergence of the modern economy, and the clean lines of Bauhaus, juxtaposed with the eclectic artistic design styles of the Art Deco Movement. The Johannesburg landscape and its changing context is always a constant muse. Steel has also played a significant role in the development and growth of South Africa, especially in Johannesburg and this is the reason we have chosen it as one of our main mediums of expression.

Design team Marina Meyer and Tammy Rosen recently

exhibited their latest furniture collection at

12 Decades Hotel in Johannesburg. IE caught up

with these rising stars.

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How do you achieve balance in your life?This is something we both struggle with everyday. The importance of a few quiet moments a day to reflect is definitely something we strive to achieve. Surrounding yourself with positive people and people who believe in your visions is also an important aspect in achieving balance.

Who has the most significant influence in your lives?Coco Chanel, our parents, Rem Koolhaus and Frank Loyd Wright.

What philosophy do you live by?• The walls between art and architecture

exist only in our minds; • Art is the most intense mode of

individualism that the world has known - Oscar Wilde;

• I stand for freedom of expression, doing what you believe in, and going after your dreams –Madonna; and

• All roads lead to Johannesburg. - Alan Paton, Cry, The Beloved Country.

Tel : 011 466 2644 • Fax : 011 466 2885

[email protected] Cnr Dytchley & Marcius Road Kyalami, Johannesburg

Liviero of fers services in Building, Civil Engineering, Mining and Plant sectors.

Liviero are proud to be a suppler of choice to EPA

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From a small office space that comprised of a bedroom in a house in Morningside, to a small office in Berea, and then a self-built large office building, Elphick Proome Architects (EPA) has seen itself grow within the marketplace over the years. Established in 1989, the practice is in its 21st year now with the two founding directors, Nick Proome and George Elphick, still in partnership.

Elphick Proome Architects –

Above: DENEYS REITZ, LA LUCIA, KZN. This building has become an iconic part of the skyline with its sleek lines which encapsulate the company’s ethos and motto.

Right: INVESTEC Regional Offices, Umhlanga, KZN Spanning some

6 500m2 the three storey building building with basement parking

on two levels and generous vistors parking, enjoys 180-degree views with

strategically positioned balconies.

Above: ABSA BUILDING: Overlooking Durban’s city is the R85million revamped building that due to its location, size and design was a landmark before the revamp, and is now an icon on the Durban skyline.

T: 031 569 3997

F: 086 572 2377

C: 083 226 3471

[email protected]

Unit 1a Hippo Park,

12 Kubu Avenue

Riverhorse Valley,

Durban, 4001, South Africa

www.jarmanoffice.co.za passionately creating form, function & space

Proud supplier to EPA and their clients.

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Left: PROTEA HOTEL UMHLANGA: Umhlanga Rocks, near Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal, evokes a vision of golden beaches, lush surroundings and the exhilaration of holidaying in an idyllic part of the world. And the design encapsulates this vision.

21 years of excellence

Left: POINT BAY: With dramatic views of The Bluff, harbour and harbour mouth, Point Bay is situated on a prime view site alongside the south canal. The building has a rooftop swimming pool with stunning views all around.

Below: ELPHICK PROOME ARCHITECTS: The head office for Elphick Proome Architects showcases what the talented architectural and design team are capable of and is a perfect example of what the company stands for.

c m e t o

W A L L C O A T I N G S

Comet Coatings manufacture a range of wall coatings including plasticized wall coatings, Acrylic Paints and PVA and Waterproofing. Our products ranges from Resin bonded plaster finishes to fine aggregate and stone

finishes right through to cementations and specialist coatings including semi specialist coatings. Products with unique properties in terms of

durability and resistance to weather. Call us on

c m e t o

W A L L C O A T I N G S

Comet Coatings manufacture a range of wall coatings including plasticized wall coatings, Acrylic Paints and PVA and Waterproofing. Our products ranges from Resin bonded plaster finishes to fine aggregate and stone

finishes right through to cementations and specialist coatings including semi specialist coatings. Products with unique properties in terms of

durability and resistance to weather. Call us on

Comet Wall Coatings are proud to be the suppler of choice to

Elphick Proome

Architects

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12 ON PALM, Umhlanga, KZN:Overlooking the vibrant Palm Boulevard with expansive

terraces, sunscreens and state-of-the-art interior fit-outs, 12 on Palm presents a

sophisticated architectural expression.

Above: VILLAGE BHAROOCHI, Westville, KZN: This eco-build project is one of many taken on by Elphick Proome Architects.

Right: THE CUBE: This four storey

mixed-use building, comprises 52

elevated residential apartments, 22

pavement level and mixed-use units

and parking bays. The Development is centrally placed in

the Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre and offers all the

benefits of a relaxed inner-city lifestyle.

Below: STANDARD BANK, Kingsmead, KZN: The complex is characterised by distinctive treelike structures support floating roof planes at various levels over the atrium and street. These extend well beyond the envelope to become iconic entrance canopies to the Bank and Office Buildings.

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Above: WETHERLYS The clever use of glass façades allows natural light to not only showcase the contemporary design of the building, but provides the perfect setting for the products.

Right: VAAL STUDIO: Located on a private riverside estate, this signature studio annex is a dramatic construct with an angular skeletal roof element set on a series of solid elements expressed in contrasting materials. A kitchen

and bathroom form the eastern enclosure and utility space to the south being

articulated by an entrance and cantilevered canopy. A glazed bay on the north frames

grassland views and admits winter sun, while a large glazed wall addresses the west vista.

Morning light filters through the canted clerestory of the truncated floating roof

which expands spatially from the entrance northwards, the whole creating an electric space challenging the senses at every turn.

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recession work

Raising the BarForm and space have been put back at the centre of South African corporate architectural design and building construction with the completion of the 15 Alice Lane Towers project in Sandton Central. Zenprop Property Holdings together with Tiber Projects as co-developers have commissioned an unusual and exceptional addition to the fast-changing Sandton skyline. The 24,000m2 development is now the new address of well-known legal firm Deneys Reitz.

Located at the western edge of the Sandton Central ridge, the 17-storey twin towers constructed of concrete, glass and aluminium rise as statuesque architectural markers on the skyline of Johannesburg’s north-western suburbs. Their impact and visibility is most clear when seen from the west across the verdant forests of Johannesburg towards the ridge that defines the silhouette of Sandton.

Recession as OpportunityCommissioned and built entirely during the most widespread economic recession in living memory, this building is a statement of faith in the future of Johannesburg. It is a measure of what can be achieved when well-integrated teams meet around singular challenges. Importantly, the co-developer and main contractor are part of the same group of companies, making the developer part of

Design team: Client: Zenprop Property Holdings and Tiber Projects Architect: Paragon ArchitectsTeam: Anthony Orelowitz, Raj Patel, Andrew Butcher. Interior Architects for Deneys Reitz: Paragon Interface Architects Team: Marilize van Dyk, Kirsty Schoombie, Dale Friedman.

Photography by Andrew Bell/Paragon Architects

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By Henning Rasmuss

the construction team. This coming together of interests led to a substantial investment in terms of time, skills development, and retention of key company skills in this unique project.

Certain labour-intensive sub-contracts could similarly be procured at reasonable rates, and the building as such benefits from a high level of hand-finished detail. In busier times, it may have been difficult to find the right concentration and spread of construction skill focused onto this project, and its design and quality may well have been different.

The 15 Alice Lane project was driven from the outset by a strategic decision to create a unique three dimensional form and an arresting series of internal spaces. In the competitive market that developed shortly after project inception as a result of the recession, this strategy made the building more desirable than competing properties in a shrinking market.

Form and Space The externally visible architectural form defining the silhouette of the building is that of two towers whose north and south faces are delineated by irregular curves with a slight asymmetrical offset about the vertical axis. The resulting canyon-like space between the two towers is eleven metres wide at roof and ground level, but is compressed to only about 6m at its narrowest point. The dramatic vertical space that results is sliced in half by a series of link bridges that have a fan-shaped arrangement in plan and spiral upwards. The end walls of the vertical space are glazed and provide dramatic framed views of Sandton’s

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architectural landscape to the east, and the forests of Johannesburg to the west.

North and south façades are wrapped in a highly patterned skin of seemingly random panes of clear, dark grey, and white translucent glass. The resulting effect is one of a scale-less building, in which it is almost impossible to gauge the number of floors.

East and west façades are constructed to exclude direct sun, with sculptural hand-formed warm metallic coloured aluminium boxes set around deeply incised window strips. Viewed from any angle, the building presents a highly patterned and highly abstracted architectural surface that changes constantly with the changing time and atmosphere of the day.

Innovation in ConstructionIn terms of construction materials, processes and technologies, this building has been a privilege to work on, much as it has been a steep learning curve for all team members.

The façade glass is patterned using glass printing techniques that are available for the first time in South Africa. From very fine frit patterns used on the balustrades, for example, to the even opaque colours of the outer faces, this printing technique allows more design variations and a higher degree of surface consistency in comparison to older technologies.

The geometry of the towers presented its own challenges, with each floor of both towers extending to a different extent at its edge. Interestingly, the entire façade was constructed off the floor plates, with pre-manufactured modular units lifted up onto the floor plates by tower crane, and then slid onto tracks fixed to the slab edges. Limited numbers of custom-made aluminium extrusions had to be formed, using CNC technology, which made it possible to assemble and waterproof the ever-changing façade profile that resulted from the towers’ curved form. The ability to

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structural, civil and facade engineersT e l : + 2 7 1 1 4 4 7 9 5 5 4F a x : + 2 7 8 6 6 7 8 0 8 0 5

i n f o @ p u r e c o n s u l t i n g . c o . z a

T e l : + 2 7 1 1 5 7 8 6 0 0 0F a x : + 2 7 1 1 5 7 8 6 1 6 1E m a i l : e n q u i r y @ g r i n a k e r - l t a . c o . z a

G r i n a k e r LTA F a c a d e s a n d

P u r e C o n s u l t i n g a r e p r o u d t o b e a s s o c i a t e d w i t h

t h e f a c a d e s o n t h e A l i c e L a n e O f f i c e To w e r s .

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on a substantial review of and additions to the corporate artwork collection of Deneys Reitz. The driving parameters for this was the acknowledgement of the company’s solid history, and its desire to reposition itself as an innovative company embracing the future.

In the main canyon-like space, with its soaring dimensions, dramatic views and smooth reflective surfaces, it was deemed necessary to introduce a sense of human scale and a tactile sense of materials. The white and light overall sensation of the space is tempered at ground floor level by warmer colours of floor tiles, washed oak timber slats on the main reception desk and adjacent wall panelling, and subtle patterns in the timber elements that complement the harder-edged patterns of, for example, the printed frit patterns on the bridge balustrades above. In the waiting areas near the reception, washed oak floors

and custom-designed rugs by Paco introduce visual texture and softness. Colours are introduced into the softer furnishings and accessories based on the colour palette found in the carpets.

From the main reception floor, a generous stairway leads down to an auditorium with adjoining spill-out spaces. The darker grey tones of the atrium glazing are translated into a calm blue turquoise, with the colour of the carpet matching the colour of the auditorium chairs to create visual continuity. Walls are panelled in planar oak veneer with incised acoustic slots. The spill-out spaces are enlivened by pockets of different types of seating, from counter seating to casual and more formal softer low seating. The range of options invites and suggests different

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types of sitting and interacting and meeting. Adjoining the reception on the south side

of the building, three levels of ‘client facing’ meeting rooms are accessed by escalators. These are of different sizes and configurations, some fitted out with full audio-visual and teleconferencing installations. The ‘look and feel’ continues the established palette of washed oak for the veneered full height doors, with oak wall panelling in accent areas. Artworks are judiciously placed and form the visual highlights in an otherwise very formal and restrained environment.

The canteen on the northern side of the building, to one side of the main reception, leads out onto a landscaped deck. It is designed in direct response to the sweeping views to the north. The space itself is a triple volume, filled with abundant natural daylight, and made memorable by the stark graphic presence of the glass incisions in the east and west façades at either end.

Full height washed oak panelling mediates the scale of the space and the quality of the light. Colour is introduced through chandeliers designed by Paragon Interface that are Art Deco in form but modern in material application, making use of orange and red Perspex in a

construct the façades off the floor plates led to large cost savings in terms of scaffolding, and construction time.

From a documentation process point of view, the structural engineering and architectural teams worked in a fully three-dimensional Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment This led to better service co-ordination and better team communication.

Interior Architecture Paragon Interface Architects competed successfully for the appointment as interior architects, and was appointed to design the interior spaces for the tenant, Deneys Reitz Attorneys. This service included consultations

100A Sandton drive, Parkmore, Sandton,

Johannesburg, Gauteng

Tel: (011) 784 5221 / 2 [email protected]

www.orion001.co.za

Orion PM proud

professional team members

on the Alice lane project.

Alice Lance

dramatic contrast to the otherwise muted colour palette.

The work areas consist of a majority of cellular office spaces located on external façade, with support and administrative teams located towards the inside edges with views into the canyon-like central volume. Opaque glass panels are placed in the walls of the cellular offices to bring daylight through the offices and into the support spaces. At a detail level, the client designed and drove the design of the workstations. The workstations serve all utilitarian and personal needs, and reduce as far as possible the clutter so often associated with legal

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support office areas.

DedicationParagon Architects would like to dedicate the success of this project to Rajendrakumar Patel, our senior Project Technologist and Head of Documentation, who sadly passed away before he could see this project completed. His contribution to the project was crucial in terms of service co-ordination and drawing delivery. He was a well-respected team member with exceptional skills and levels of dedication and a warm heart for sharing and teaching across our project teams.

Seen at this year’s Best of the Best Awards, which

were held at Buddha Ta, in the design quarter,

Johannesburg

26IN

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IE Magazine celebrates the Best of the Best in

total style.

Showcasing styleEvery two years IE Magazine honours

cutting edge architectural and interior designs. The Best of The Best 2011

awards evening held on the 11th of May 2011 took place at Buddha Ta in Design Quarter, Fourways.

This year saw IE partner with Tile Africa as the main sponsor, without whom this evening would not have been possible. Sponsors of the categories included San Marco Tiles, Stone Portfolio Group, Krost Office Products, TAL, Van Dyck Carpets, Innovizion, Hans Grohe, Gypsum, Woodcreations, Ergosystems and Lafarge.

Here follows a list of the categories and the winners:

• Day Spas – Pyramid Day Spa, Laura Wingrove

• Restaurants with Individual Identity – Buddha Ta, Sergio Zurini

• Restaurants and Food Outlets – Tashas, Maria Koutsoudakis from Life Architecture

• Public Spaces – Circa on Jellicoe, Pierre Swanepoel from studioMAS

• Showrooms – Audi Showroom, Hatfield – AmandioCastanheira from Alchemy Architects

• Shopping Malls – Cape Quarter, Paul Moxley and Lyn Viviers

• Lifestyle Developments – Legacy Corner, Bentel Associates International

• Large Hotels and Resorts – Crystal Towers, Paolo Viotti from Vivid Architects

• Boutique Hotels – Oyster Box, Wayne Coetzer

• Corporate Interiors under R8-million – Mediology, Brandon Botha

• Corporate Interiors over R8-million – Deloitte, Chris Gerasimo and Shaun Kloppers from Wilde at Heart

• Eco Build – Pick ‘n Pay, Bentel Associates International

• Best of the Best Overall – Soccer City, Piet Boer from Boogertman + Partners

After the awards portion of the evening winners and industry peers danced the night away. See the pictures on p.26 and p.27. Also feel free to visit our facebook profile and “like” our page.

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The latest spot to see and be seen in Johannesburg is Buddha Ta, situated in the Design Quarter in Fourways.

Restaurants Individual Identity: Buddha Ta

The interior is a rich combination of dark wooden finishes, leather furniture and triple volume ceilings which create a

warm interior that remains opulent but not ostentatious. The different areas come with their own atmosphere - an intimate and cosy restaurant or a restful and relaxed cocktail lounge and bar area. Attention to every detail has been paid to work through a subtle eastern theme that compliments the entire venue. The lighting is soft and delicate offering richness by candlelight throughout.

The décor and design had to be bold, with clean edges and neutral colours. Two oversized chandeliers as well as large antique Moroccan-style lamps are cast from the high ceilings creating warmth from the red hue that over

50 individual lamp shades create. Oversized ottomans and couches offer guests an inviting seat in which to relax and mingle whilst enjoying speciality cocktails and tapas-style bites.

The lounge transforms the atmosphere into vibey evening venue with luxuriant red chiffon curtaining separating it from the main area below. A combination of leather couches and cocktail tables offer guests places to relax and take in the smooth sounds broadcast from the DJ booth. Dark carpets throughout and intense red chandeliers create a moody but classy venue attracting those with an appreciation for the finer things in life.

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Interestingly enough kitchens in restaurants and hotels have also undergone some changes. Maira Koutsoudakis is the founder and principal of Life Architecture, Interiors and

Creative Direction. She’s garnered international acclaim for her firm’s multi-award winning work in the areas of luxury resort, boutique hotel, exclusive residential, restaurant projects and product design. She believes that kitchens in restaurants and hotels should be more comfortable, homely and have core value.

The kitchen is the iconic emblem of the home. People, according to Maira, go out and have a need to feel welcome and that same unpretentiousness and comfort they would experience in their own dining rooms. “You want to be around things that you know,” says Maira.

tashas in Melrose Arch has successfully introduced a new,

Kitchens are no longer the purely utilitarian

setups they were when wood-burning stoves

and running water were all the rage.

They’ve gone through interesting changes from

the avocado-green appliances of the ‘70s

to the first smooth glass cooktops that sprang up

in the late 1990s.

Restaurants & Food Outlets: tashas Melrose Arch

boutique cafe experience, which has a unique signature style and a point of differentiation from the existing, globalised, franchised model.

It has an energetic identity with an international flair, within a local environment.

It is a warm, comfortable, light, easy, breezy space that enhances the delightful dining experience, excellent service, brand trust and loyalty. It captures a fresh spin on the traditional coffee shop experience. tashas is a dynamic sensual journey of flavour set in lush interiors. It represents the lifestyle aspirations of urbane and cosmopolitan guests. It is the successful marriage of tastes and design aesthetics, which enhances the authentic flavour and delightful eating experience which is the celebration of the tashas concept.

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The new Circa on Jellicoe art gallery, on the corner of Jellicoe

and Jan Smuts Avenues is an extension of the legacy and passion

of the Everard Read Gallery on Jellicoe Avenue. Award-winning

architectural firm studioMAS created a striking sculptural

structure that is as bold a creative statement as the art it will host.

Public Spaces: StudioMAS

Circa, although relatively small in size, is lofty and ambitious in its intentions. The studioMAS designed structure

was carefully constructed to create an urban environment that is confident about the importance of public space in our city, the importance of architecture to support public space and the need for people to be able to socialise and gather in places in which they feel comfortable, safe and inspired. The gallery is born out of a love for Johannesburg. While its business is the art gallery within, its conspicuous form and design are intended to generate interest among passers-by, encouraging them to discover the myriad forms of art inside.

Circa, when viewed together with the existing Everard Read Gallery, is conceived as more than just a gallery and is therefore equally considerate about the public realm around it. It integrates itself with the city and offers more user variety, like the coffee shop and bookshop which are within the open ground floor and spill onto the sidewalk. It contains exhibition spaces for crafts and mixed media and large meeting places for public events or smaller private functions. The purpose is to create a building responsive to the art on show, offering something physical and real; something that alters the perspective of everyday life.

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“A creative epi –centre,” is how developers, Bob Knight, Paul Moxley and Ross Stegmann describe the building. “We wanted to give residents

and visitors a lifestyle experience like no other, whilst retaining the architecture and village atmosphere of the area. Our tenants are all individual, independent retailers and restaurants, each with a unique character that fits the building,” says Bob. “Only one store is part of a chain and that is the Spar Gourmet Food Store but it is one of a kind.”

Leading the trend in urban renewal in this once run down area, Cape Quarter Property Company has taken the lead in using the old industrial buildings, warehouses and service yards that encompassed the block of Somerset Rd, Dixon,

Cape Quarter opened its extension, a niche

boutique lifestyle destination with a

superior tenant mix which is set to attract shoppers, diners and

investors to Green Point’s newest and most

exciting trading hub.

Shopping Malls: Cape Quarter

Jarvis and Napier Streets to create the new Cape Quarter. Add to this a keen sense of the environment, design and recycling plus a generous use of space and the creators of Cape Quarter have brought together a unique shopping experience at the forefront of urban design. The design and ambience is in keeping with the surrounding streets - no mean feat since each street has its very own design qualities.

Looking up at the unique building the traditional Cape architecture is clearly reflected in the external façades. From Art Déco lintels to sash windows to arches and raw brickwork, the building is far from the slab of concrete that usually signifies shopping malls.

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The Audi brand architecture has evolved into the twenty first century from the original ‘hangar’ into the ‘terminal’ concept. The curve, already the characteristic element in the Audi hanger with its unmistakable curved roof has been reinterpreted as a symbol for dynamism.

Showrooms: Audi Hatfield

The new Audi showroom in Hatfield, Pretoria adheres to these design principles, notes architect Amândio Castanheira of Alchemy

Architects. In the conception of the terminal showroom

‘minimum footprint with maximum efficiency’ became central to the overall design. The reduction of available building space within growing urban centers allows for the vertical orientation of the terminal. The minimal footprint of the Audi Hatfield building structure enables all functional areas important to a vehicle dealership to be stacked one on top the other on several floors. This also includes vehicle parking and Audi Pre-Owned showroom to the second floor with roof top parking.

The exterior façade of the showroom is also unique, largely clad with honeycomb-perforated

and folded aluminium profile, accented only by large glazed areas. Alchemy has made use of high performance materials such as thermal glass to reduce the overall heat gain to the showroom interior. The high proportion of enclosed surface area on the façade consisting of a triple skin system offers benefits in terms of climate control and energy consumption. The composite wall consists of an inner skin, an outer metal and insulation skin with an air gap followed by the patented Audi honeycomb façade. The three dimensional façade provides an effect of movement throughout the day complimenting the interior dynamic curved wall. The interiors of the showroom are as neutral as the exterior and primarily designed to showcase the Audi brand. Dynamism, asymmetry and transparency remain central to the design of the Audi architecture. The main features of the Audi hangar have been abstracted and reintroduced in a spatially more consistent form.

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But then again, with great risk comes great reward, as the combined efforts of architect Franc Brugman and

interior designer Stephen Falcke attest. The result is an establishment that’s at once modern and contemporary, classic and undated – indeed, as contradictory as its stark colour scheme.

Legacy Corner Mall, which is directly linked to the Nelson Mandela Square retail levels.

The design and décor have, of course, contributed in no small measure to this rarefied atmosphere. BAI’s Franc Brugman reveals that the location and shape of the site presented something of a challenge, architecturally speaking, because it is so narrow. The architects rose to the design challenge of this testing site and ensured that the client’s brief for a full mixed use development was met. The vision was translated into a contemporary building of striking proportions and elegance which takes full consideration of the site’s prominent location on the corners of Fifth and Maude streets in Sandton. The building is a grand addition to the skyline of Sandton, and with its use of natural stone, tinted plastered walls and glass sits gracefully on its sandstone corner pedestal. Lifestyle Developments:

Legacy Corner

The Legacy Group’s Mike Rowley is the first to admit that it’s a brave move to omit colour from a design palette.

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Large Hotels & Resorts: Crystal Towers

The hotel has been embodied with energetic radiance through the clever use of modern design, décor, lighting

and sheer attention to detail on every level.According to architect Paolo Viotti, of

Vivid Architects, the name Crystal Towers aptly reflects the concept of a building that emanates a constant life, energy and glow.

Paolo explains that the brief was to create a truly iconic mixed use building that incorporates a World Cup ready 5-star African Pride hip hotel, luxurious residences and corporate office space that would be, beyond its iconic status, a hub and catalyst for new development opportunities on the remaining undeveloped land adjoining Ratanga Junction.

The site has extensive exposure and frontage onto both Century Boulevard and the Grand Canal, and the design is seen to play a critical interface role in facilitating greater visual and pedestrian permeability between the Canal Walk precincts.

Paolo also notes that the Crystal site occupies a particularly strategic position within the greater context of Century City, and this bold development is seen to play an integral role in defining a new pivotal node, an iconic landmark building that would integrate, influence and generate clear future planning. “Crystal Towers was to be conceptualised to perform this ‘iconic’ role within Century City,” he says.

Developed by the Rabie Property Group, Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa forms part of the Protea Hotels luxury African Pride Hotel collection. Built at a cost of R750 million, it is the largest development to take place at Century City since the completion of the ever popular Canal Walk shopping centre.

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Constructed in 1869 and originally used as navigational beacon, a beach cottage known as the Oyster Box was converted into a hotel in the 1930’s. The main building

complex has undergone a number of changes since, with the most notable architectural interventions occurring during the 1950s with the addition of components such as simplified archways, a spiral staircase and a variety of largely unrelated, vaguely Mediterranean decorative elements. This almost haphazard approach led to a relaxed, comfortable look and feel that guests and the new owners, easily related to and which informed the architectural response to the re-development of the property.

A number of the original landmarks remain intact in the new

The Oyster Box Hotel with its long,

celebrated history and following an extensive

two-year renovation and refurbishment

programme, has finally opened her doors again.

Boutique Hotels: Oyster Box

structure. From the grand, revolving door at the entrance, to the reception and foyer with its black and white terrazzo tiles, familiar wrought-iron balustrade and original, inlaid hand-painted tiles. A calm white aesthetic ensures a casual yet elegant ambiance throughout the building, reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The recognisable black and white checker-board floor has been re-instated throughout. The double volume day-lit atrium Palm Court is now at the heart of the new hotel with all the other areas rippling out from there. An entire floor was added to tastefully create additional banqueting space, conference, business and meeting facilities and the impressive new Lighthouse Bar overlooking the lighthouse and the Indian Ocean.

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One of South Africa’s leading full-service media communications agencies in Johannesburg, Mediology, commissioned Brandon Botha Design to enhance the company’s interior décor to continuously ground and inspire its staff.

Corporate Interiors under R8 Million: Mediology

Ana Oxlee-Moore, Mediology founder and managing director is one of South Africa’s foremost experts and

authorities in media strategy commissioned the interior design firm based in Cape Town, Brandon Botha, to create the perfect environment for this unique company.

The edgy, colourful and inspiring interior design work created is something truly unique, especially for an exceptional client such as Ana Oxlee-Moore and Mediology.

The brief was to create an energetic, unique and dynamic space to align with the Mediology brand.

Mediology is a fast growing company specialising in media strategy, planning and implementation. The client needed the space to be vibrant and colourful to inspire staff and clients alike. A positive, carefree environment with a strong professional edge needed to be shaped.

Brandon created a neutral white canvas throughout the entire space and made use of vibrant colours to punctuate the more often than not impartial white. “We needed the neutrality of white to allow for the colour to be the hero, the white being the supporting act.”

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The brief was precise. Deloitte wanted a head office that felt like a second home. The building had to be modern but not stark, cutting edge but not alienating. Perhaps a restaurant

rather than a canteen, open spaces and transparent surfaces instead of a cubicle farm, relaxed discussion areas instead of boardrooms.

Karen Lotter from interior design house Wilde at Heart absorbed these ideas and then added some unexpected innovations to enhance the functionality of the building.

On entering through large glass doors the heart of the building is obviously the triple volume atrium from which a galaxy of mobiles with the green Deloitte fullstop centred as the sun, hangs.

Apart from a showcase entrance, the atrium acts as a causal lounge to converse with clients away from the formality of the

Standing proud in a leafy office park in

Woodmead is the new home for the Deloitte

consulting wing.

Corporate Interiors over R8 Million: Deloitteboardroom, and is a flexible workplace thanks to wireless connectivity. This pause area leads into the restaurant that caters for both staff and clients.

The consulting wing of Deloitte is obviously designed for consultants as opposed to permanent employees and is therefore designed differently. It had to have complete flexibility and must be able to adapt and change easily and economically without creating too much fuss.

The client’s philosophy of transparency in the building was quite important, so the use of glass was absolutely critical. The managing director wanted to make sure that many aspects had more than just one use. A wall, for instance, is not necessarily a wall. Wilde at Heart designed some walls to also function as pin boards, drawing boards and notice boards.

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The newly opened Pick n Pay on Nicol in Hurlingham, Johannesburg marks a turning point in sustainable architecture for South African retails stores.

Eco Build: Pick ‘n Pay

Representing the latest in global building trends, Pick n Pay on Nicol successfully combines a natural design offering

aesthetic ambience, energy efficiency and responsible use of natural resources. This one-of-a-kind store underscores Pick n Pay’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing, not only its own environmental impact, but also that of its customers.

After 13 months of construction, at a cost of R160-million, the complex, which comprises 750m2 of retail space, a dedicated Pick n Pay liquor store and a 950m2 state-of-the-art cooking school, opened its doors recently.

Designed by Bentel Associates International (BAI), it is the third Pick ‘n Pay store to incorporate a significant number of sustainable elements including the use of natural refrigerants.

The design for the new store represents a departure from conventional inverted styles which typically isolate the customer from their outdoor environment. Drawing inspiration from the site’s natural setting, the architects sought to incorporate the natural landscape, which includes a section of Jukskei River frontage and the adjacent Field and Study Centre. Dominating the design as a result, are large picture windows allowing customers to feel connected to the outdoors.

In terms of the design brief and recognising that the higher costs of ‘greening’ a building are outweighed by the medium to long-term savings that come with energy efficiency, BAI has incorporated several green elements into the supermarket and overall complex design by utilising appropriate ‘green’ design elements, materials and systems.

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Forming part of the initiative that is rejuvenating and redeveloping the inner city of Johannesburg, the spa has been born from three derelict buildings on Eloff Street

Extension. The initial idea was to tear the buildings down and start from scratch but in keeping with the theme of the spa the decision was made to retain the existing structure. This has created a maze like layout that lends itself to the winding corridors and passageways of the ancient pyramids.

So now where there was once concrete there are now gardens and water features. Where aluminum sheeting covered the building as the roof there are now exquisite skylights, which allow natural light to stream in and create

Beauty is found in the strangest places. The new addition to the 5

Star Pyramid Conference & Venue Centre, The

Pyramid Day Spa offers everything and more

to the modern day spa fanatic. The average

developer would have ordinarily left the site

as rubble but instead they have created a

space that offers a sanctuary from the

hustle and bustle of Johannesburg City

living.

Best Spa: Pyramid Day Spa

an environment that is warm and inviting. What was once a loading zone for huge containers is now an interactive retail space that is home to high end product lines that suit every consumers needs.

The designers have gone to great lengths to create an atmosphere that exudes opulence but have not made one decision without considering the environment. The use of solar geysers and gas are just a few things that have made this project a sustainable and environmentally friendly one.

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The iconic Soccer City stadium on the outskirts of Johannesburg is already one of the country’s most remarkable structures ever conceived or built. We sat down with the architects behind the design for a q and a to find out how the project has impacted them.

Best of the Best Overall: Soccer City

Boogertman + Partners became involved with the old FNB stadium in 2001 whilst working on a proposal for

the new SAFA head office. They wanted to upgrade the stadium as they were considering a bid for the 2006 World Cup. Boogertman + Partners then worked with them and the bid committee on these submissions as well as the submission for the 2010 World Cup. “Only after the award did we look at the design of the calabash or African pot.”

The calabash represents the melting pot of cultures. It represents the idea of sharing the traditional beer pot and it is disrespectful to put it down if not everyone has drunk from it; it thus is something very inclusive. The tradition of pattern making is also displayed

on the façade and our story is that of the road to the final. It acknowledges all the other stadia that will take part in the 2010 World Cup and again is inclusive, but it also acknowledges the venue of the previous final in 2006, being Berlin, where the baton was handed over to South Africa, and it is relevant as SA lost the previous bid to Germany by one vote.

The tying in of the old to the new given the quality and state of the old FNB stadium, also the incorrect survey of the existing stadium made it challenging to tie in. But by far the most difficult to solve from a design point of view was getting the façade in the right material within the strict budget.

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According to Mardre Meyer, of Source Interior Brand Architects (SIBA), the project designer, the front of house

and executive areas where designed with a luxury hotel mentality – a space where high-powered clients could be entertained in a well-appointed and self-assured atmosphere. Open plan office spaces were designed for energy and efficiency. These two approaches where unified with a common base palette but distinguished by the proportional application of this scheme.

The tone had been set for a high level of finishes as Tebfin is located amongst many hotels and other upmarket developments. The glorious view over leafy suburbs directly inspired the screen in the reception that is based on the shadow patterns found under these trees. Conceptually, the abundance of natural light made the extensive use of dark colours feasible.

A natural order did exist with the central lift shaft in that circulation would unfold around the shaft from reception though public spaces and eventually into more office-specific areas. The biggest hurdle was a grid of very large columns all along the

With views over Johannesburg’s forest

like suburbs, this 1300m² workspace boasts a

breathtaking outlook and an impressive design

philosophy. In keeping with the international trend for creating expressive work-environments, the client’s vision was luxury, warmth

and confidence.

Tebfin – bold, luxurious, rich and confident

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façade. These were ‘repurposed’ as screening mechanisms, clad in glass as whiteboards and some even clad to become sculptural installations.

The client provided a very well articulated brief and feedback upon presentation of the initial concept. This allowed us to retain virtually everything from the first revision onwards. Main contractors and joiners, Delawood contributed to this with their firm grasp on the project.

“The space feels like a bespoke suit,” says Mardre. “Tailored, specific and of undeniable quality.”

A baseline of stark rectilinear shapes is established by room modules, ceiling details and main joinery. This is complemented with faceted shapes echoed in diagonal details like

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table legs and the impressive screen to the reception area. Layered with softer elements like the wallpaper to the boardrooms and textured wall-finishes. The result is a clean and assertive space with depth and conviction.

Never veering from the palette of black, tonal greys and white, accented with strong yellow or warm walnut, different zones are distinguished through the particular proportions in which the palette is applied. Moving through the space the reception, boardroom and lounge areas lean towards the darker colours with the palette lightening through the adjacent executive office area into the call centre.

Here, the long charcoal internal wall is offset with floor to ceiling yellow pin boards, banks of pure white desks and joinery to create a work environment that is energetic, fresh and relevant.

And finally – with yet another magnificent Johannesburg vista - the staff pause area, complete with barista-grade coffee machine, returns to the darker tones to signal a slower mood.

This palette, coupled with high-level items

like designer dining chairs to the boardroom, David Reade glass sculptures and five star construction and joinery detailing provides this work environment with a high-end edge.

Bold, self-assured and welcoming, this luxurious space would be equally comfortable in one of the many hospitality centres that surround it.

Jeremy Stewart, project creative director also explained that this project provided SIBA the opportunity to reinforce the collaboration between this established Cape Town based studio and recently launched Johannesburg office.

“Design and documentation was completed in Cape Town while our Johannesburg office was responsible for procurement and project management. This offered the client the benefit of our established hospitality design team whilst having a local point of contact with daily site presence.”

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The Gottlieb offices and distribution centre entry illustrates the aesthetic use of structural steel in the development of

industrial buildings adding a new touch to a new generation design.

The first impression when arriving at the premises of Gottlieb Group is that of a structural steel warehouse, situated high on the natural hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The use of steel is eminent and displays the architect’s design approach and his love for exposed steelwork.

The building envelope encloses in essence the two functions of the business, ie the storage and distribution centre at the east end of the complex and the clothing design and office sections at the west end.

Structural steel is used not only as the predominant structural element, but it is also featured as part of the building fabric. Standard profiled hot rolled sections were used for the office block. Cellular beams are used in the main roof for rafters of the ‘warehouse’. The roof structure comprised

Gottlieb Distribution Centre

The Gottlieb business complex is a leader in innovation in design for a new generation

structural steel building. The end result is an aesthetically appealing building,

designed for its purpose.

By Clare Matthes

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typically of primary lattice girders and truss (rafter) systems set about a central colonnade sphere. In order to distinguish between the clothing design function of the business and the packaging function, the former has its own ‘hi tech’ entrance and reception located at the south and an entertainment deck at the north, all of which express the steel structure.

The ‘room with a view’ reception is a prime specimen of exposed steelwork complimented by coloured and clear glass. Use is also made of diagonally run panes. Another feature in the reception is the striking steel staircase, illustrating the architect’s appreciation for using the right material in the right place.

The Gottlieb complex is a leader in innovation in design for a new generation structural steel building.

The end result is an aesthetically appealing building designed for its purpose whilst creating an environment that workers are proud to be in.

The link between the industrial portion of the complex and the office design building illustrates the clever use of full glass to the open plan offices where the designers, distributors and office personnel have a direct view into the storage and distribution centre and vice versa.

But the detail that clinched the deal was the exciting use of colours, like lime green, orange, blue and charcoal (amongst others).

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The design mecca – known as the Freeworld Design Centre – is staffed by a team of leading décor consultants who are

dedicated to offering clients and industry professionals world-class coating design solutions.

“With its commitment to innovation, Freeworld is driven by the concept of the ‘Décor Effect’. We want to demonstrate how even with modest means, it’s possible to transform your life and the value of your property. Freeworld is on a quest to enhance and improve living spaces and lives through our products, ideas and actions,” says Freeworld CEO, André Lamprecht.

The Design Centre is a space where, “architects, interior designers, decorators and property owners can find inspiration and be inspired by the actual destination, which is itself a manifestation of the ‘Decor Effect’, says Design Centre head, Lauren Shantall.

The interiors, by Tonic Design, feature several street-facing pods that will host ever-changing exhibitions by South Africa’s top interior designers and decorators. Top décor experts such as Tracy Lynch and Kerstin Eser will be available for consultation services utilising 3D technology - enabling clients to visualise the possibilities of the decor effect. There are also inspirational Freeworld product and effect

Freeworld Design Centre

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By Annali SmithPhotography by Mickey Hoyle

displays and an extensive free-to-use reference library.

This design destination also features intimate meeting rooms for Freeworld customers, Jacques Erasmus’ Hemelhuijs cafe and an open-air courtyard with fountains, waterways, and free wi-fi for Freeworld customers.

Q&A with Lauren Shantall

• What was the full scope of work to be completed on the Freeworld Design Centre?

The Freeworld Design Centre building included the installation of a 100-seater auditorium and stage area, a courtyard, foyer, two floors of offices and meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace, as well as the Design Centre area complete with meeting spaces, designer pods, and a library area.

• What were the challenges you experienced during this project?

Getting the construction company to try and finish

on time while also incorporating changes that were made from our side.

• How did the natural environment influence your design?

Due to the use of glass, elements of nature such as the weather, trees, and landscape are visible from within the building. This earthiness is echoed in the use of natural materials throughout, particularly wood, sisal, coir leather and linen.

• What sustainable initiatives were implemented in the design?

We re-used the existing structure of the old Cape Waters Hotel and retained as many of the original features as possible, for example: the terrazzo flooring and stairwell railings. Sustainable woods and renewable materials such as sisal, coir and leather were used throughout. The use of glass allows the building to be flooded with natural light, thereby reducing the need for electrical lighting during the day. All the desks and meeting room tables were made from reclaimed timber that used to form part of an oil rig at sea - they were custom made for us by the Green Building Co. We use eco-friendly cleaning products in the building and we have recycling bins on site.

• In retrospect, is there anything you would have liked to do differently?

I would have liked to come on board earlier in the timeline and that I had had the foresight to ask the architect to recess the housings for the flat screen monitors used in the meeting rooms so that the screens were really flush with the walls.

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The Freeworld Coatings Group, South Africa’s leading coatings

company, has launched the country’s first trade-orientated

design centre in Cape Town.

This delightful new flagship store offers a beautiful collection of JVB’s best sellers displayed in inspiring room-sets, as well

as a few extra surprises thrown in. From their signature Town Collection to their recently launched Country Collection, a range of home-grown fabrics and a special range of decor accessories that include hand-blown glassware, local ceramics, scatter cushions and more, JVB truly is the single source for the discerning homeowner or decorator.

“We are thrilled to finally have the JVB Furniture Collection offering in what is certainly Johannesburg’s most exciting one-stop decorating hub” says JVB Founder and Creative Director Justin Van Breda. Justin founded JVB in London in 2002 with a collection of the very best that South Africa had to offer and has since been adding exciting new pieces to JVB’s ever-growing selection of quality furniture pieces.

When asked about what influences his designs Justin says his inspiration comes from the natural blending of his South African heritage and the influence living in Europe has had on him over the last twelve or so years. The combination of these two very different influences results in a home-grown yet eclectic and worldly collection that whilst gracious, allows for the relaxed celebration of life on an everyday basis. This has become a real life mantra for Justin.

Whilst JVB’s original Town Collection offers an urban and sophisticated style that bridges the gap between interiors you can just flop down in and a gentle sense of grandeur, their newly launched Country Collection presents something a little bit different.

Embodying a completely universal language of country living, the Country Collection is also very much informed by Justin’s heritage but with a modern twist on what is often seen as a more traditional genre of design style. Taking an intimate look at South African textures and

JVB JOINS THE

DÉCOR ELITE

As Kramerville continues to pack

in the who’s who of the decor and

design world, it was just a matter of time

before the effortlessly elegant offerings

of JVB Furniture Collection joined the

discernable ranks in Johannesburg’s decor

hub.

ADVERTORIAL

culture, with the odd nod to “boere-baroque”, and then fusing it with the likes of “grand country” and “simple country”, Justin has managed to create a completely new genre of country style. Despite its name though, this new collection sits well in both a rural and city setting; an aesthetic that is perfectly on-trend with the layering of old and new.

Over almost 10 years JVB has certainly grown to enjoy global appeal, from their first store now located in London’s Chelsea Harbour, the addition of their third store in South Africa, to the selection of boutique stores that stock JVB pieces in both the USA and now also Zimbabwe.

Justin muses, “A great interior designer once said “The whole point of a room is to make people look pretty.” At JVB we wish to take this a step further - we see that the whole point of a room is to make people happier. We do hope that our pieces will enhance the way people live in their spaces, everyday.”

www.j-v-b.com

Whilst JVB’s original

Town Collection offers an

urban and sophisticated

style that bridges the gap

between interiors you can

just flop down in and a

gentle sense of grandeur,

their newly launched

Country Collection

presents something a little

bit different.

Kramerville store details as follows:Tel: 011 262 4118

8 Desmond Street, Kramerville, 2148

Other stores also located in Fourways and Cape Town CBD

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Weavers World comes of age

2011 sees the 21st Birthday of this industry leading

company. Started in 1990, the company

has introduced cutting edge design and manufacturing concepts to the South African contract market.

Over the past 21 years, WEAVERS WORLD has been instrumental

in moving the industry away from the plain offerings of old,

and enthusing the market with fantastic patterns and colours.

Many corporate logos and colours have been incorporated into customer

specific designs that now adorn the world class interiors of their clients.

WEAVERS WORLD is again leading the Green Revolution in South Africa with their latest fabric offering, releasing in June 2011. Four new vertical surface ranges (Mercury, Sulphur, Platinum and Carbon) have been specifically designed to be both reversible as well as coordinating. The three pattern ranges have been designed to be

non directional for ease of upholstery and colour coordinated to the plain ranges. These products incorporate yarns that have been manufactured from recycled plastic products. The plastic products (bottles, plastic waste etc) are shredded into fine particles, cleaned, stripped of colour, re-heated into molten form and then extruded into yarn. The yarn is then dyed to the required colour. Most fabrics are “Recylclable” in that they can be placed into a recycling process. The new WEAVERS WORLD ranges will be the first South African manufactured contract fabric using Recycled materials.

For more information and sampling on existing and new range products please contact WEAVERS WORLD on 011 021 4170.

Weavers World – caring for OUR world

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All covered up

Right: Black Fabrics: Graphic wall covers can

act as a piece of artwork on its own. Pictured here

is the Harlequin range from Black Fabrics

Above: Another interesting patterned wall covering from Black Fabrics paired with bolder prints also from Black Fabrics create a dynamic interior

Below:Spicing up neutral spaces can be done easily with bold, bright fabrics

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FITS THE FLOOR AND POCKET BEAUTIFULLY.

Woven from the finest wool and nylon blend, the Room Sixty Six range has been precision crafted in a variety of colours to suit any décor requirement.

They’re more affordable too.

Designed to fit any hotel room or budget you have in mind ... Beautifully.

NS/1103/IE66

WEAVERS WORLD introduces a new partitioning fabric concept. Four new ranges – Mercuy, Platinum, Carbon and Sulphur – make versatility exceptionally manageable. With patterns that are reversible, and co-ordinated plains that compliment both the natural and bright colour pallets, the four ranges totalling 112 different finishes are a must see for any corporate installation. WEAVERS WORLD has incorporated plastic that has been recycled into RCS Polyester yarns to manufacture the Mercury, Platinum, Carbon and Sulphur partition fabrics, making it the first “Green” textile to enter the contract industry. For samples and shade cards, please contact WEAVERS WORLD. WEAVERS WORLD – caring for OUR WORLD

Tel: 011 021 4170/ 65 • Tel: 071 424 9079/ 80 • Fax: 086 678 3799 E-mail: [email protected]

SUPERB FABRICS for any stylish application

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Right: Make a statement by using graphic lines

when upholstering contemporary pieces of

furniture.

Left: Sleek modern lines are emphasised with a finish in bright fabrics.

Above: Antique furniture can be revamped with a new coat of paint and careful choice of fabric.

Right: Neutral palettes can pop when paired with vivid splashes of

bright colour.

WEAVERS WORLD introduces a new partitioning fabric concept. Four new ranges – Mercuy, Platinum, Carbon and Sulphur – make versatility exceptionally manageable. With patterns that are reversible, and co-ordinated plains that compliment both the natural and bright colour pallets, the four ranges totalling 112 different finishes are a must see for any corporate installation. WEAVERS WORLD has incorporated plastic that has been recycled into RCS Polyester yarns to manufacture the Mercury, Platinum, Carbon and Sulphur partition fabrics, making it the first “Green” textile to enter the contract industry. For samples and shade cards, please contact WEAVERS WORLD. WEAVERS WORLD – caring for OUR WORLD

Tel: 011 021 4170/ 65 • Tel: 071 424 9079/ 80 • Fax: 086 678 3799 E-mail: [email protected]

SUPERB FABRICS for any stylish application

Left: Paired down patterns create an interesting focal point with these coverings from Black Fabrics

Right: Weavers World’s reversible fabrics allows

you to create many different combinations

Left: Patterns, stripes and neutral fabrics can be mixed to create a strong design perspective.

Right: Bold modern lines and floral patterns when

used together allows designers to create a

contemporary interior.

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Left: Retro-inspired fabrics are making a comeback with intricate designs and bright, fresh colours.

Above: Office furniture need not be covered in boring, dull colours. Spice up your office with vibrant

colors and textiles.

Right: Create a punchy, focal-point with luminous colour

splashes and stark contrasts.

ABOVE: Big spaces can be warmed up with natural light pouring in from massive glass structures and windows.

LEFT: Doors with transparent or sand blasted glass ensure a sleek modern finish without creating a stark interior.

Above: Glass can create futuristic exterior walls when used in bold designs such as this. Not only letting in natural light but also making those who walk past appreciate the design.

Windows and doors can be so much more than just an everyday practical solution when used creatively.

By Annali Smith

Making an entrance

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RIGHT: Yet another example of ornate door handles while

more paired down which produces a more toned down

environment.

ABOVE: Windows can create walls while still allowing the outside

space to interact with the interiors

BELOW: Perfect for hotel and corporate interiors, these door

handles are perfect for a secure environment where people come

and go often.

LEFT: Ornate door handles are reminiscent of days gone by, although these are not used in corporate spaces they can still be seen in more relaxed interiors where they create a romantic ambience.

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RIGHT: When you have a beautiful view like this it makes sense to use big sliding

doors and windows to ensure you can still enjoy the vistas even on cold days.

The theme that was introduced has not been explored much in South Africa, and yet is very popular overseas. To create

something completely different and new was a challenge as much as it was exciting. “Over and above this, I believe the Sandton social crowd is eager for a different and unique concept in restaurant and cocktail lounge venues,” adds Sergio.

Successful, driven people with a zest for life and an appreciation of the finer things in life are the customers who frequent this establishment. “We want our guests to embrace and celebrate the class and sophistication Buddha Ta offers with no exception,” says Sergio.

A stylish venue with a multitude of atmospheres caters to everyone’s preference, be it restaurant dining, cocktail lounge relaxing or celebratory gatherings with exceptional food, the finest finishes and an experience like no other in South Africa.

The interior is a rich combination of dark wooden finishes, leather furniture and triple volume ceilings which create a warm interior that remains opulent but not ostentatious. The different areas come with their own atmosphere - an intimate and cosy restaurant or a restful and

After designing and running several nightclubs, Sergio Zurini

was looking to start up a venue with a relaxing atmosphere.

As the Design Quarter District is such a great location for a

venue of this calibre it seemed only fitting to move in. “What I had on offer to work with in

terms of the size and space left me no choice but to jump in

head first!”

Buddah Ta – class & sophistication

relaxed cocktail lounge and bar area. Attention to every detail has been paid to work through a subtle eastern theme that compliments the entire venue. The lighting is soft and delicate offering a richness by candlelight throughout.

Sergio claims his design choices were inspired by the want to create different styles and impressions for the different areas of Buddha Ta. Guests are able to feel the changing atmospheres when moving between the restaurant areas. This strong Eastern theme is embellished with the flavours of the menu, to the cocktail lounge area which is more relaxed and informal.

The lounge offers an entirely different

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The décor and design had to be bold, with clean edges and neutral colours. Two oversized chandeliers as well as large antique Moroccan-style lamps are cast from the high ceilings creating warmth from the red hue that over 50 individual lamp shades create. Oversized ottomans and couches offer guests an inviting seat in which to relax and mingle whilst enjoying speciality cocktails and tapas-style bites.

The lwounge transforms the atmosphere into vibey evening venue with luxuriant red chiffon curtaining separating it from the main area below. A combination of leather couches and cocktail tables offer guests places to relax and take in the smooth sounds broadcast from the DJ booth. Dark carpets throughout and intense red chandeliers create a moody but classy venue attracting those with an appreciation for the finer things in life.

The mezzanine level offers a selection of day beds and couch areas, with a balcony overlooking the buzzing piazza on Design Quarter below. Guests have the exclusivity of a private bar, but are not excluded from the main area below – being treated to the lounge-style music the DJ has to offer.

“The massive triple volume ceilings meant I had to compensate with bigger furniture and better finishes. Building an oversized bar and golden Buddha statue helps in tastefully filling the big area. Areas that require privacy and a more intimate feel have been either fully or partially closed off to offer customers a different dimension to the bigger more open-plan areas,” says Sergio.

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experience altogether. Here the focus is more on it functioning as a night-time venue with the décor and design that fits accordingly.

The restaurant is a separate section in the back of the venue. Several authentic eastern-inspired modern paintings, soft lighting and darker furniture compliment the backdrop of Buddha ornaments that adorn a modern face brick wall.

The main bar area and cocktail lounge is overlooked by a massive and stiking 3m tall statue of Buddha. Directly opposite is the an oversized bar display comprising multi-level and multi-lit shelving and eastern inspired ornaments including an authentic gong.

Wallpaper Services is a father-and-daughter team who have been specialising in wallpaper hanging for over 46 years. We are Specialist Contractors of choice to a variety of Architects, Developers, Construction Companies, Interior Designers and Decorators, and also work directly with home owners who wish to add a special touch of individual finishes to their living space.

We source materials from all the various Suppliers including Contract Material, Designer Ranges, Paintable wallcoverings, Grasscloth and even Environmentally friendly options. We can also do Custom Designed wallpaper, printed on high quality vinyl wallcovering. This is a great idea for Corporate Companies, Retail spaces and Offices.

For the specialist application of wallpaper hanging in Commercial, Retail, Hospitality and Residential projects.

The Company boasts an enviable client list that includes the likes of Paragon

Interiors, The Legacy Group , The Regent Hotels, Kirchmann-hurry Construction,

Absa Bank including Absa Private Banking … and recently completed high profile projects like Buddha Ta,

Movida, Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton, 20 West Street Hotel in Sandton.

• Office (011) 764-2422 •

• Fax 086 519 8603 •

• Pieter 082 442 6725 •

• Renee 083 236 3598 •

• [email protected]•

Just like the ancient pyramids, The Pyramid Day Spa has winding corridors and breathtaking passages, which allows the guest to feel like they are on a journey of discovery. Turning a corner is like discovering a

new treasure, and uncovering havens of opulence. Creatively placed water features and skylights that allow natural light in,

allow elements of the outdoors, to be felt indoors. Beautifully decorated executive suites with private steam showers, and

Roman baths, provide the ultimate in privacy and decadence.The latest addition to The Pyramid Conference & Venue Centre, Selby,

Johannesburg offers 10 treatment rooms including two private luxurious executive couples suite with own private steam shower and Roman bath, three rooms with private en-suite outdoor shower facility, Garden of Jeb relaxation area, outdoor pool area with waterfall and the Hapi dining area.

According to interior designer Laura Wingrove, large beautiful travertine tiles were chosen for the floors throughout the spa. “We used new technologies in South Africa to laser cut the tiles and insert marble patterns and details for wall and floor motifs.”

A new technology to South Africa is the ability to sandblast on a tile surface allowing in this case for hieroglyphics and Egyptian patterns to be blasted onto the bathroom tiles.

Much time and planning went into the design of the ceilings throughout the spa. Ceilings always enhance an interior space, but their detailing is often overlooked and not appreciated. However, in a health spa guests find themselves lying on massage beds for hours staring upwards to the ceilings.

Each space, each different environment in the spa has a different

cornice design, some of which were used to create recessed lighting effects and mood lighting in the passages. “We also experimented with the cornices, using them as frames for large mirrors and bulkheads for curtain rails.”

The furniture design company was a part of the project from the beginning. One of the company’s senior furniture designers got involved because the underlying Egyptian theme reminded him of his family heritage and early influences. He embraced the project looking to ancient hieroglyphics and structures as inspiration for unique furniture pieces that were specifically manufactured for the spa.

Rich fabrics were chosen to compliment the furniture pieces, while certain carving detailing on the furniture was done by hand.

Currently outdoor furniture trends are very square and modular. The Pyramid Day Spa opted for a range that was more organic, with curved lines and softer shapes. The building structure of the spa is very masculine and furniture pieces were chosen to break the hard lines and bring in a warmth and comfort that is important for a place of wellness. The outdoor furniture was very important to the exterior relaxation spaces, as guests should be enticed to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful landscape and water features constructed in down-town Jo’burg.

Much thought and consideration had to be taken in choosing fabrics for the treatment of windows. In a health spa, therapists use oils and massage products, so the fabrics have to be treatable against stains and hand prints. The curtains within the treatment spaces also had to be heavy fabrics, so that when

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The ancient pyramids of Egypt have been shrouded by mystery

for thousands of years. The Pyramids are believed to be the

monument of the body, where the body is preserved for eternity

into the afterlife.

The Pyramid Day Spa – temple of tranquility

closed the rooms become dark relaxation spaces.

Visitors to the spa are always intrigued by the different wall finishes. Wallpapers played an important role in the décor of the spa, while an estimated four different products and paint applications were used in the spa. Custom colours were mixed for treatment rooms and stone resins imported for passage walls. Stucco, Pandomo, Windswept and Limestone are just some of the techniques that were applied.

Pendant light fittings were installed and these are beautiful enough to compliment any interior, adding a touch of glamour. The possibility of manipulating the lighting also exists, so therapists are able to set an appropriate mood. A range of unique metal light fittings were manufactured for the spa and each treatment room has a large metal chandelier with laser cut detail.

All shopfit units within the spa had to be specific to each treatment room. The cupboards house trolleys, steam units, warmer drawers and products. Everything had to be built-in and hidden so that a guest in a treatment room feels uncluttered and free.

With a wide variety of treatments on offer and a truly tranquil setting, a unique experience awaits anyone that visits The Pyramid Day Spa.

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Day Spa – temple of tranquility

The Coral Reef project plans a matrix to build a three dimensional and energy self-sufficient village from one and only standardised and

prefabricated module in order to rehouse the refugees from such humanitarian catastrophes. This basic module is simply made of two passive houses (with metallic structure and tropical wood façades) interlocked in duplex around a transversal horizontal circulation linking every unit.

Inspired by a coral reef with fluid and organic shapes, the overall project presents itself as a great living structure made of two waves dedicated to accommodate more than 1000 Haitian families. These two inhabited waves undulate along the water on an artificial pier built on seismic piles in the Caribbean Sea. From concave curves to convex curves, the housing modules are aligned and piled up by successive stratums such as a great origami. Between the two inhabited waves is a sumptuous interior canyon in pixels with terraces and cascades of food gardens.

Actually, the laying-out in staggered rows of the plane-parallel base modules enables to superimpose the passive houses in cantilever and to multiply the vision axes towards an endless number of perspectives. Each roof of each module becomes an organic suspended garden enabling each Creole family to cultivate its own food and to use their own wastage as compost.

This canyon is a true tropical ecosystem for the local fauna and the flora. Ode to the urban biodiversity, it is also the central axis of the communitarian life of this futuristic village and


Called The Pearl of West Indies, Haiti was

devastated in 2010 by an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale,

the country has now to be rebuilt

from new innovative architectural and

town-planning concepts.

GREENHOUSEBUILDING OUR ENVIRONMENT

®

By Annali Smith

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respectful of its environment. Between the waves of these ecological housing, the sinuous lines of the anti-seismic basement (absorbing the vibrations in case of earthquake) integrate the public functions of the social life. Aquicultural farms welcome pisciculture pools whereas the purification plant lagoons recycle the used waters before rejecting them in the sea.

The Master Plan can evolve and extends itself according to the «plug-in» principle. The urban framework of this ecological village remains thus undetermined, flexible and develops itself continuously according to the time and the space. New extension modules, also prefabricated in factory and brought by cargo will be actually added such as a giant meccano set to correspond to the needs of inhabitants

completing the basic matrix. The visible sinuosity of this built landscape is

structured by eight spine columns integrating all the vertical circulations linked together by two horizontal storeys crossing through a the whole village from end to end. The whole set forms a compact orthogonal system that distributes all the flows through each module. The project is eco-designed and integrates all the bioclimatic systems as well as the renewable energies. Actually, the sea thermal energy conversion is made in the coverage of the pier by using the difference of temperature between the superficial waters and the deep waters. The kinetic energy from marine currents is converted by hydro-turbines under the pier into electrical energy; the sinusoidal pergolas on the roof

attract the solar energy by photovoltaic panels and a park of spiral wind turbines is planted in the great tropical garden that covers the logistical basis.

Taking advantage of the same natural and climatic conditions from the beginning as its neighbour island, Dominican Republic, Haiti is one of the countries that profits from one of the biggest potentials to reinvent a new sustainable urbanity and to implement the biggest challenges of reconstruction as a matter of urgency. The Coral Reef prototype project is in this context of humanitarian crisis a positive and dynamic answer fighting for the sustainable industrialised and standardised rebuilding of collective social housing of humanitarian and environmental high quality in disaster area.

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David Tlale – Most of David’s designs can be worn straight from the ramp, this dress would work well with a sassy bride that does not conform to the rules.

Bigger, better Jo’burg Fashion Week 2011

The 2011 Johannesburg Fashion Week not only showcased the breathtaking designs from top

designers , it also made history when David Tlale wrapped up the week

with his show. Turning The Nelson Mandela bridge into a ramp and the

city into his backdrop.

David Tlale – the bold graphics on this jacket mirror the lines of the Nelson Mandela bridge

Abigail Betz – considered by many as the reigning queen of old school glam, Abigail has yet again proven that simple lines and understated prints will never go out of fashion.

Wild Fig – every girl needs a party dress, and this season sees the little black dress become the little grey dress.

Photography by Simon Denier

69Suzaan Heyns - interesting hard details were paired with softer lines to create thought provoking outfits.

Avant – boxy Silhouettes in effect with power shoulders and a lot of dark colours; generally, the clothes had a relaxed chic feel to them, a few prints here and there and a bit of volume on some of the dresses.

Bongiwe Walaza - finally we get some Victorian/Elizabethan Inspiration on the runway, Bongiwe infused some Victorian era into her collection. A lot of obi belts in sight, full skirts, tiered skirts/dresses,Velvet and Taffeta.

Abigail Keats – Pop culture and fashion walk hand in hand, here we see that Lady Gaga has taken over.

Heni - models walk down the runway with their hands taped and distressed make-up one would assume the collection was Halloween inspired, on the contrary the collection as a whole had an equestrian factor, think country girl in black, a few vampire-inspired capes, little red-riding hood – inspired piece and a couple of snoods. Very winter focused and very versatile.

Abigail Keats - majorly work-wear inspired dresses, a lot of satin fabric was incorporated giving room for ‘wet-look’ collection.

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Social-LiteCorobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards

JVB Kramerville Launch Party

D.S. new showroom and Impressions launch party

Opening of The Brand Union’s new offices in Sandton

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When do you and your colleagues feel at your most productive?

All around the world, people are developing offices that make them feel and work better. If that sounds like the sort of thing you would like for your own offices, the first step is to get in touch with us or our local partners. We‘ll be delighted to discuss with you how Sedus furniture and accessories can help you to achieve your own Place 2.5

www.sedus.com

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A Saint-Gobain company

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When do you and your colleagues feel at your most productive?

All around the world, people are developing offices that make them feel and work better. If that sounds like the sort of thing you would like for your own offices, the first step is to get in touch with us or our local partners. We‘ll be delighted to discuss with you how Sedus furniture and accessories can help you to achieve your own Place 2.5

www.sedus.com

| Tel: 011 728 9542 | Fax: 086 679 4705 | [email protected] | www.bossofficefurniture.co.za ||Showroom: 43 Houghton Drive Houghton Estate|

Casual Excellence Velas

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VOL 10 ISSU

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Bigger, better Jo’burg Fashion Week

Alice Lane – Making the recession work

IE Magazine

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