Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa March/April 2015 | Page 42

Complexities of Design and Site
• 5-storey change in level from one corner of site to
the opposite corner of the site
• Design has to withstand wind loads from its
location on a ridge
• Views to be panoramic but have to be controlled
in respect to heat build-up and glare
•
Building to be timeless and yet contemporary
allowing for most efficient use of space and having
the ability to adapt to churn.

Office Space
The core of the building is located centrally on
each office floor. Multiple entrances to each floor
allow for multi-tenancy if required. Basic Bank City
principles apply with regard to enclosed meeting
rooms being located around the core area, low-level
screens centrally and the open plan environment
placed closest to the windows. Primary circulation
is generally located around the core and in each
direction toward fire escape stairs.
Partitioning and Screening
The partitioning type is demountable partitioning
for ease of churn and saving time and costs in the
long run. Any desk based screening was determined
by and dependent on the furniture type that
was used.
Restaurant
A staff restaurant is located on the ground level. This
is a fully fledged staff restaurant with ‘meal of the
day’ facility. A Welcome Centre has been planned
adjacent from the main entrance to the building.
There is a pedestrian entrance to the site from
the corner of Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Kikembe
Drive. Vehicular access to the basement is from
Precinct Boulevard only.
The FNB building comprises rentable office
space spread over six levels that will house
800 employees.
The main entrance to the building is located
on the south-eastern side adjacent to the Precinct
Podium. The reception area, Welcome Centre,
staff restaurant, kitchen, security control and
utility services, and FNB Retail Branch, are located
on the ground floor with the first to fourth floors
of the building comprising flexible office space.
Boardrooms and flexible function space and bar
area, finishing kitchen, stores and office space are
on the fifth floor. An external terrace is also found

42

Acacia House