Marine Walk Shopping Centre

Marine Walk Shopping Centre

Sibaya, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Marine Walk Shopping Centre is located in KZN’s up and coming Sibaya precinct, promising residents of nearby areas a convenient and family-centric retail space. Project lead, Devmco Group’s Brad Winstanley believes that convenience and connection are two of the most important factors for people looking to change and improve their lifestyles.

Concept

The need for a local retail centre was identified due to the increasing expansion of the Sibaya Precinct.

Research showed that the demand for a centre came not just from the residents in the immediate area but also from the wider community. The concept for the design originated out of the desire to create a community centred space, where residents could do their shopping at the Spar and Woolworths and other retailers and then meet up with friends at one of the restaurants for a meal afterwards. And that is exactly what has occurred, as a variety of restaurants offer up-market dining options within the inviting inner courtyard. In fact the successful tenant mix has been a drawcard for visitors to the centre. A children’s play area within the courtyard creates a family friendly environment. The Covid years changed the way people shop, with many making increasing use of online shopping. A successful modern retail development thus has to become a lifestyle as well as a retail destination in order to attract visitors.

“We have set our sights on improving the quality of life for people in the area through this shopping centre. We are proud to have created a curated collection of retailers in a safe shopping space, with an open-air courtyard and restaurants that spill out into nature. It is a space that inspires relaxation, entertainment, and connection,”

Winstanley

The Site

The site selected for the centre on Jabu Ngcobo Drive is situated in a depression, backed by a large bank which has been levelled out onto a platform. The challenge for the architects, COA, was to accommodate a traditional linear mall of approximately 9,000 m²on a steep, irregularly shaped site.

The design solution was to break up the straight line by creating a ‘boomerang’ shaped island in the front of the building that also allowed for a central courtyard. The result is that the main retail elements face the parking which provides the required exposure whilst the restaurants are situated further back within the courtyard created by breaking the linear profile. It was also important to orientate the building towards the busy intersection, ensuring good visibility. The goal was to meet the criteria set by the client and retail tenants, with regards to accessibility and visibility on a challenging site. Accessibility to back of house delivery areas is just as vital the success of a centre as access to parking for visitors, and the architects worked closely with the engineers to achieve the right levels for the access road at the rear of the centre. The centre is fronted by a double level of parking, with both shop level and basement parking available. From the basement you can access the shops either via escalator or lift.

Façade

The use of concrete in the façade worked quite well as its fluid nature allowed for the creation of some interesting soft forms, particularly in the courtyard area.

This created a more organic form compared to the standard angular strip mall design. Concrete is also beneficial as it is low maintenance and relatively easy to construct with. The concrete forms were kept clean and uncluttered, with nothing attached to the soffit. Lighting is attached to columns and signage to the walls in order to preserve the lines of the concrete. Water is collected on the surface of the canopy and taken down the inside of the concrete support columns. The end result is a large but very thin and delicate canopy. Other materials used include a dark facebrick and timber elements which provide some softness and texture to the design. The use of concrete also extends to the polished concrete floors which have a shaped curb edge to echo the organic curves of the roof. The floors are edged with a tile detail along the edge of the shopfronts.

Sustainability

Creating a sustainable retail development was important to Devmco and a number of sustainable initiatives were incorporated. Marine Walk is powered off of a 1MW direct current solar plant.

All of the rainwater is harvested off of the roof for use in the ablutions and for watering the landscaping. The environment on which the centre was built was also taken into account. Originally an old sugar plantation, the land had been denuded of indigenous coastal bush and tree species. These have now been reintroduced into the centre’s landscaping. Adjacent to the centre the wetlands have been rehabilitated and replanted with indigenous species. The developers have also taken into account the pressure placed on the existing sewerage network in the area. A direct sewerage line has been linked directly to the Umdloti Wastewater Treatment Works in order not to place any further strain on the sewerage network. All streetlights within the development operate off of solar powered batteries. Timber is sustainably farmed and building materials are recycled wherever possible. Open air spaces within the heart of the centre allow for natural ventilation and surround the visitor with natural landscaping.

Conclusion

“We have created a shopping and lifestyle space where convenience is at the heart of this offering as we work towards redefining the customer retail experience. Retail is shifting, and customers are embracing the move to smaller, more intimate shopping zones. They no longer need to travel to the large ‘city centre’ malls to get their shopping done, when they can do it right here, and enjoy the same service excellence from their favourite local brands, in the fresh open air on the coast – close to home.”

Charles Thompson
Devmco Group Director

Marine Walk Shopping Centre

Architect & Builder, Umhlanga Arch

The Marine Walk Shopping Centre

Commercial & Mixed Use

Featured Projects

Architect & Builder, Umhlanga Arch

Commercial & Mixed Use, Hotels & Lodges, Interiors & Brand Architecture

Umhlanga Arch

Umhlanga, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Four years since announcing the commencement of the world class R1.3 Billion Umhlanga Arch development, the first phase of this mixed-use precinct is now complete. The development first broke ground in October 2017, planned as a joint venture between. The Multiply Group and Devmco Group.

Recognised immediately by the iconic arched façade, the development brings the idea of mixed-use living to life. Live in luxury apartments and work in AAA-grade office spaces in the state-of-the-art glass arch. Stay in the South African flagship Hilton Garden Inn. Play along the European-inspired High Street and experience bespoke retailers and curated events in the Legacy Yard. Savour new tastes at Legacy Yard Food hall. Share drinks with friends at the Back Yard rooftop bar.

Location and Site

Umhlanga Arch is located between Ncondo Place and Vuna Close on the sea facing slopes of the Ridgeside precinct at Umhlanga Ridge outside Durban.

The prominent sloping site has a height allowance of up to 235msl, with a height difference on the site of approximately five floors. Ridgeside is a four-precinct development that will complete Umhlanga Ridge. The 140-hectare site lies nestled within a rough triangle created by Umhlanga Rocks Drive and two major highways, the M4 and the M41 and on completion will effectively link Umhlanga Ridge to Umhlanga Rocks.

Client Brief

The brief to the architects, Craft of Architecture (COA), called for a mixed-use development of 45,000m2 of bulk which, when added with parking and services, ends up at an area of 90,000 m2 .

Being a corner site with maximum height allowance, the client wanted something special – something different to what was currently available in the area. An important aspect of the development idea was also based on the mixed -use concept of live, work, stay and play… all in one place. The development was to include: A ±5,000 m2 dealership, which comprised of ±3,000 m2 showroom and ±2,000 m2 of state-of-the-art workshop facilities; A 203-room Hilton Garden Inn; 162 apartments, with Penthouse suites and 30 New York style lofts; ±2,000 m2 of retail with food and beverage laid put as a typical London high street; ±6,500 m2 of AAA grade offices; During the project the development brief also expanded with an addition of a Legacy Yard food hall and The Pencil, an exclusive members club.

Planning Considerations

Due to the scale of the project and the various components that had to go into it, the planning process happened in 3D by stacking simple building blocks.

Large volumes of parking are required to accompany this type of brief and this was located in a naturally ventilated semibasement of 8 floors between Ncondo Place and Vuna Close. This parking block became referred to as the podium. It starts at the bottom of Vuna Close and terminated three floors above Ncondo Place. There was a special requirement to have the dealership easily accessible from the main access road, Ncondo Place, and to give the dealership exposure to Umhlanga Rocks Drive. The residences and the hotel would be positioned on top of the podium at the part of the site where the height limit allowed for a tall block. It seemed fitting that the larger resident component would be on the seaside and the hotel box on the street side. The public component of the high street was placed on top of the podium occupying the 3^rd floor above Ncondo Place. This also allowed for enough height to ensure panoramic sea views and a safe pedestrian environment free of cars. The commercial component of the offices seemed to be best suited at the corner of the site facing the busy M12 above the dealership.

Design Details

A podium was created with the required 8 levels of parking bridging the gap between the Ncondo PI. and Vuna Cl.
The roof of the podium acts like a park with lawns and trees surrounded by shops and restaurants.
All the blocks are accessed via the public park on the top of the podium, ensuring that the shops and restaurants are activated.
There was an intention to express these blocks individually but they needed to come from the same ‘family’. The bold form of the design was intended to withstand all the differing components and inputs.
The distinctive arch in the office wing creates interest and invites one to explore beyond the arch. The reflections in the arch soffit highlight trees from the street and cars from the park.
During the design and development process, and in response to the urban planning part of the parking façade facing Vuna Close, this was improved by being lined with loft apartments.

Design Components

Podium

The podium was mainly designed to accommodate parking requirements, but as the design developed certain responses to brief and urban framework had to be considered. The dealership and lofts were inserted into the podium block. In order to activate the street edge at Ncondo PI. all the pedestrian vertical circulation from the parking was moved to the front of the building. This included escalators, glass lifts and stairs.

Dealership

The dealership ended up working best on two 4.5m high levels, with easy access off Ncondo Place to the showroom on the upper level. The bottom level is divided into a used car showroom and workshop with 18 service bays. The two levels are joined by a glazed double volume space on the sea-facing corner where a sculptural stair is suspended alongside a suspended feature car.

Offices

The 5 levels of AAA grade offices have been shaped into a curved wing acknowledging the prime corner positioning of the site. This is further accentuated by the wing being pierced with an opening from which the name Umhlanga Arch was later derived.

High Street

The high street is on top the podium on the 3^rd floor above Ncondo place. The internal parking circulation has been positioned on the street edge to activate and allow easy flow to the public square. The center of the high street is design like a park with a lawned area for sitting or playing lined with trees and benches. The park is surrounded by shops and restaurants. All visitors to the residences, hotel and offices access via the area.

Hilton Garden Inn

The first Hilton Garden Inn in South Africa, the hotel is positioned adjacent to the access street and has 203 rooms located over 14 levels. The windows are vertically staggered to contrast against those of the residences.

Materials Used

There was an honest approach to the materials used, with off -shutter concrete, high performance double glazing and steel structures with timber and aluminium screens and louvers.

The use of plaster and paint was minimised where possible. Face brick was used on the High Street to create texture and warmth. The colours that were selected for the façade were toned down, complimenting warm greys. The precinct has a prescribed colour pallet the architect needed to adhere to which is challenging when working with brands that have their own colour requirements. This was the case with the dealership for SMG/BMW which needed to be entirely white in colour.

Challenges

One of the main challenges was maintaining the cohesive core concept with all the ongoing changes.

Structural planning and services coordination in a mixed-use environment was also challenging. Offices on top of the retail, on top of the dealership showroom on top of a workshop all require different column spacing. The complexity of integrating the different uses /services/brands identities and expectations of elements stacked vertically and horizontally while also consolidating and taking them through eight floor structure gave the building an extreme complexity in nature. At the same time the team was challenged with proving the user with a clear, uncomplicated experience both visually and through usage and experience. It was an extremely complex program and set of challenges that entailed a large part of the process being removed that complexity for the users, providing them with the desired experience of a true mixed use building. One of the façade challenges was the size and clarity of the glazing on the façade of the dealership. The glass needed to be clear as possible to ensure optimal display of the cars to the passers-by. This requirement is challenged by the loss of control of heat gain when the glass is too clear, making the space too hot and bright. The glass panels similarly needed to be as large as possible in the sizes available but large panels require bigger obtrusive mullions.

BIM Challenges

In order to keep up with the fast pace of the project it was agreed upon to utilise BIM techniques as much as possible, to rationalise the documentation approach and accommodate the fast-tracked demands of construction.

Documenting and Collaborating on a Durban based project, from a Cape Town office was assisted by the use of cloud-based platforms, which helped improve consultant communication and productivity. The BIM model was separated into various parts to accommodate the scale of the project. All consultants were on a separate platform to the architects i.e., ArchiCAD vs Revit, which meant that clash detection methods needed to swiftly be implemented to combat a demanding construction schedule. This was facilitated through weekly ‘LAN Sessions’ held at COA’s Durban office, which turned out to be a first on the professional platform in South Africa.

Conclusion

Umhlanga Arch has succeeded in cohesively combining every element of mixed-use development with a bold design statement that adds vibrancy and life to the rapidly evolving Ridgeside development.

Marine Walk Shopping Centre

Introducing Ocean Dune Sibaya

Article Content

Umhlanga Arch
Location and Site
Client Brief
Planning Considerations
Design Details
Design Components
Materials Used
Challenges
BIM Challenges
Conclusion

Umhlanga Arch

Commercial & Mixed Use

Featured Projects

Introducing Ocean Dune Sibaya

multi residential, FEATURED PROJECTS

Introducing Ocean Dune Sibaya

Sibaya Coastal Precinct, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Luxury seafront apartments occupying prime position within the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast’s new Sibaya Precinct, OceanDune Sibaya is set to be the landmark development inside this high-end coastal node.

Article Content

Marine Walk
Concept
The Site
Façade
Sustainability
Conclusion

Ocean Dune

Commercial & Mixed Use

Featured Projects

Multi Residential