Cradlestone Mall earns global recognition
Cradlestone Mall was named the winner in the Commercial section of the 9th Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy awards that took place in Berlin on Friday 6 June 2014. The project was one of 87 projects entered into the global awards from 33 countries across the world, part of one of the largest competitions of its kind.
Established in 1998 to recognise and reward craftsmanship of drywall and plastering contractors, the trophy aims to promote excellence and innovation in the use of sustainable and lightweight plasterboard systems and plasters.
Cradlestone Mall, designed by architects Bentel & Associates, is situated on the edge of The Cradle of Humankind in Muldersdrift, Gauteng. This project combines innovation and sustainability, showcasing how Saint-Gobain Gyproc's high performance plasterboard systems and plasters, combined with skilled workmanship provides solutions for high quality, safe, comfortable, modular and sustainable interiors across a wide variety of applications.
The main feature of the shopping mall is the ceiling above the food and entertainment area, where the installation of the ceiling was designed to contour the jagged shape of the 'armadillo-style' roof, which is framed by 3-D bulkheads, giving the mall its angular expression.
The architects' challenging slanted design, inspired by the layering of strata as a unique design theme, coupled with high acoustic and aesthetic specification, lead to the selection and installation by contractor Abbeycon of Gyproc products and systems in the walls and ceilings. In addition, these were instrumental in improving the energy saving qualities of the structure.
The international panel of judges commended the unique shape of the structures roofline, coupled with the flawless finishes, which are exposed to extreme light and its high level of acoustic performance is what made this bold project a winner in their eyes.
"It is with great pride that the company returns from the global awards with a South Africa project as one of the winners. This is testimony to the fact that South Africa is able to compete on a world stage when it comes to the best quality products coupled with a high level of skilled workmanship to produce a masterpiece in construction, such as Cradlestone Mall. Our congratulations to Abbeycon on its achievement and for being ranked amongst the best drywall and plastering contractors in the world," says Evan Lockhart-Barker, GM Marketing: Saint-Gobain Gyproc SA.
For more information, go to www.gyproc.co.za.
