Construction World December 2018

Architects

PROJECT INFORMATION • Company entering: Bentel Associates International • Client: Dorpstraat • Project value: R424-million • Start date: 1 August 2016 • End date: 24 November 2017 • Main contractor: Isipani • Architect: Bentel Associates International • Principal Agent: MDSA Project & Construction Management • Quantity Surveyor: MLC • Consulting Engineer: Shelly Maritz Consulting

T he brief for the centre was to design and construct a mall which fills a niche in the market previously unoccupied, as well as not competes with existing retail to the detriment to all. The undoubted success of the development during its operating time has underlined this crucial factor. Originally designed and budgeted for as an open but covered centre and conceived without air-conditioning – the prevailing weather necessitated a re-think and all consultants had to work together to convert it to a fully air-conditioned environment within the existing budget without compromising finishes or overall ambiance. This was difficult to achieve as the relatively small size did not allow for excessive aesthetic treatment – the cost of which is easier to absorb on larger projects. The fact that it can hold its own in the appearance stakes given the limited budget, is quite exceptional. The contractor employed labour from the area, with particular attention to specific works being undertaken by the local community. Whale Coast Mall encompasses a large area of mall, specifically due the fact that the majority of the mall is on one level, with the smaller on the lower level. The mall is defined by high volumes and enhanced by natural light to create an idea of openness, comprising 80 retail outlets in a diverse tenant mix, anchored by Checkers and Woolworths. The building is restrained and not disruptive to surrounding building structures. Due to the centre’s location and also the town’s appeal as the ‘whale capital’ of the coast, the design incorporated certain elements and ideas inspired by whales and theming from the WHALE COAST MALL Situated in Hermanus, Whale Coast Mall is a 34 000 m 2 gross lettable area (GLA) shopping centre designed as a regional centre to focus on convenience for customers in the region.

sea. The main façade is designed to announce itself to the passing traffic with large features that could be interpreted as inspired by whale tails denote entrances without being too literal. The mall itself adheres rigidly to retail principles in terms of flow and layout, with the architecture contemporary and modern with the interior of the mall boasting the multi-use area of a large volume food court. The design incorporates a cinema complex which can also double up as a theatre with a stage and dressing facilities for actors/ performers. However, due to the conflicting requirements a solution had to be flexible so as not to compromise either function The shopping centre offers safe shopping, combined with restrained contemporary architecture and striking visual focus points making it the best shopping and leisure experience in the Overberg region. With four easy access entrances, two lifts, two escalators, full facilities for the disabled and lots of convenient parking, shoppers are effortlessly able to navigate through the mall. Constructed on a Greenfield site, it was important that an approach was taken to accommodate a regenerative approach to surrounding ecology while ensuring that future retrofit and expansion is contained. The site had a large fall from one end to the other, and the centre was designed to optimise the level changes and shape the centre into the ground, reducing the visual impact of the building in it setting and adjacent to surrounding buildings. In order to be energy efficient and eco-friendly as possible, the following measures were implemented: water saving fixtures, sensor lights and LED lights. Ultimately, the main focus was to provide energy efficiency in proposing practical design solutions and the application of basic design principles, like good building orientation, functional planning and allowing natural light to permeate into the interiors. The centre was designed for appeal, to cater for the requirements of the various tenants, in a well-planned and easily flowing design. The architecture was intended to be light, airy, contemporary and pleasant. No architectural feature competes for attention with the retail displays. 

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