GREENSTONE

SPECIAL REPORT: GREENSTONE SHOPPING MALL

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Unusual and defining design elements

By Lois Aitchison

Greenstone Mall, which opened in 2007, was designed by architects Bentel Associates International whose extensive experience in commercial and retail design is evident in the design of this award-winning mall. Owned by the Sasol Pension Fund, the mall is situated on a 21-hectare site in the southwestern corner of the 4200-hectare Greenstone Hill development on the site of the former AECI Modderfontein chemical factory.

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Greenstone Hill, a Heartland Project, is one of the

recreational activity. It caters to the rising population

largest mixed-use ventures in South Africa where

densities and increasing spending power in the Hill’s

commercial and residential zones surround the retail

primary catchment area that includes the upmarket

zone. Extensive demographic studies confirmed the

Modderfontein residential area, Edenvale, Linksfield,

need for this aesthetically pleasing and well-designed

Linbro Park and Lombardy East.

mall, which is making a significant contribution to the quality of life in the area.

DIVERSE SELECTION OF TENANTS

Ideally positioned with high visibility on the elevated

The style of the 75 000m2 Mall is contemporary, with

crest west of the Edenvale CBD and serviced by a

sophisticated finishes and standards. It has been de-

strong existing road infrastructure with easy access

signed to be a state-of-the-art facility providing the

to the N1, the Mall has become a hub of retail and

utmost shopper comfort levels and convenience.

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A ring road system with a large undercover component reduces walking distances to the centre, and ensures that the 4 500 parking bays are, on average, no more than 80m from any of the six entrances.

A diverse range of 150 tenants which includes a Pick ‘n Pay Hypermarket as the the anchor (12000m2), Woolworths, Game, Clicks, the Foschini Group, Truworths, Mr Price Sports (a 2033m2) and Dischem (at 2500m2 one of the largest in the country), fifty line shops, four major banks, an eight cinema Ster Kinekor complex, a bowling centre, restaurants, fast food outlets and a wide range of services ensure that Greenstone is an exceptionally convenient mall catering to a wide range of shopping, service and entertainment requirements.

Greenstone

WITH US YOU

get it all

Proud to be a part of Greenstone Shopping Centre!

MONDAY - THURSDAY: 9am - 6pm • FRIDAY: 9am - 7pm SATURDAY: 8am - 5pm • SUNDAY/ PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 9am - 4pm

With us you get it all.

Greenstone Shopping Centre: Cnr Modderfontein and Van Riebeeck Ave. Modderfontein, Edenvale

Customer care Toll free 0800 11 22 88 • www.pnp.co.za 1156345

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A SENSE OF DRAMA There are two unusual and defining aspects of the structure. The design of a retail environment involves many interrelated features that improve the quality and efficiency of lighting, heating and cooling systems.

The envelope or the structure of the building also forms part of these systems. The architects creatively utilised the structure to create world-class interior spaces at very little extra cost.

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The two-level configuration of the Mall has dramatic, well-lit internal volumes. A design challenge, particularly in the retail environment, is balancing and controlling the light levels from various sources. To create the most effective lighting levels the architects incorporated clerestory lighting and the exposure of certain light enhancing elements of the structure. Light is expressed in a very contemporary manner and the design allowed for indirect light that cuts down on the glare, minimises heat and balances internal artificial illumination.

THYSSEN HP MISSING

V2/11115-Jul’09

UNITED BY INNOVATION DIVERSIFIED BY EXPERTISE

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Working with our clients, we create built and natural environments for the future, striving to be the outstanding supplier of specialist and integrated services.

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The centre features spectacular roof lights set in a com-

huge rotating doors that open and allow the two spaces

bination of exposed structural steel beams, timber struts

to become one. The entire central court, the major feature

and glazing. A variety of other architectural elements,

of the mall, was extensively modelled in 3D from an

such as the beams that support the walkways in the gar-

elliptical prism.

den court, are designed to complement these elements.

In 2008, Bentel Associates International received a A second unusual aspect of the design is the combina-

Southern Africa Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC)

tion of indoor and outdoor components. An outside land-

award for the Greenstone Mall and the extensive and

scaped green zone links horizontally with a centrally

creative use of steel, the quality of design and finish,

enclosed zone containing the entertainment centre, the

the facilities, the environmentally sustainable design

promotions court and restaurants. The two components

and the overall impact of the building. <

are separated by an impressive glass wall containing