Overview

Description: In 2017 APS were commissioned by Electrosales Hardware, to do revised layouts and construction information for an existing building, that was mid-way through construction and required a fair amount of remedial work.

Challenge: Our biggest single challenge was retrofitting the existing distribution warehouse, into the envisioned retail hardware store, combined with a cafe/restaurant, and garden nursery. The split level floor slab of the warehouse restricted layout options, and public accessibility. Other considerable challenges related to the limited parking and storage areas on site. We

Solution: Using the limited shell of the building, we designed a more public retail facade, with clear entry and exit points, which corresponded to the internal layout, and the clients in-house requirements for access, flow and security. We coordinated the different design (facade, signage and fixtures, fittings and finishes) and construction elements (including lighting, electrical and specialist IT and CCTV) with the contractor during the final stages of construction, and liaised with the City of Harare building inspectors to ensure that By-law requirements relating to health and safety, emergency fire escape, sanitary ablutions, natural lighting and ventilation were adhered to. 

Sesani project managers were later called upon to review traffic junction options, as well as project manage the repositioning of the underground electrical power cables and the overflow parking.