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PROJECT

the existing roof, and they worked closely
with Changuion and the Workshop 17
team to present a case study that would
prove that large rooftops such as these
need not be unsightly and forgotten
spaces. With creative thinking, the entire
area was beautified, providing a space
that enhanced both the building and its
surroundings, at the same time unlocking
new opportunities for the mall.
The numerous challenges on the existing
roof area presented an opportunity for
creative design decisions and the dense
network of HVAC ducts, air con units,
conduits and upstand beams were all
used as design parameters that assisted in
planning the various elements of the roof
The green rooftop garden is used for functions and relaxation by tenants of Workshop 17
garden. The architects viewed the spaces as
‘outdoor rooms’ and the decision of where
Architecture and landscaping It became clear that no matter how to place benches, raised walkways, pergolas,
connected well the renovation would turn out, the gravel, mesh cubes and floating screen walls
Robert Dos Santos of Daffonchio Architects unsightly view that the office tower has were all informed by these parameters.
explains that his design approach was to over the roofscape could not be avoided. There were also weight limitations on the
uplift and renovate the existing north tower The building and its relationship to this existing roof and the architects worked
situated on the roof of the shopping mall. roof are deeply connected, and the closely with the structural engineers to
However, the office tower is surrounded architectural team could not look at ensure that the heaviest items were located
by the unsightly rooftop which is densely the building in isolation. Their concept on top of existing structural columns in the
populated with services and skylights from presented to the client capitalised on mall below. Dos Santos says it was ‘a complex
the mall below. and unlocked all the unused potential of puzzle of many pieces’ but that collaborative

A secluded gathering node

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