Amongst the rich cultural landscape of South Africa lies Diepkloof Square on the outskirts of Soweto. Here, you will find one of the latest additions to the Nando’s family—a restaurant that captures the essence of creativity and leaves you with a taste of food and design seamlessly intertwining. Drawing inspiration from the colourful murals of the Soweto towers that can be seen in the distance, a vibrant and welcoming space was brought to life
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Background
The versatility of Cemcrete products has enabled us to be featured in several Nando's locations in the past. When approached by Earthworld Architects, we knew that while each Nando’s restaurant embodies a unique design, there is one aspect that remains consistent: earthy textures and vibrant colours that showcase original local cultures and artists. Our aim was to bring their design vision to life. The Brief
The story of Nando's Diepkloof commenced in early 2023 when Earthworld Architects contacted Cemcrete inquiring about the feasibility of attaining a specific combed texture and a custom colour to grace the interior and exterior walls of the restaurant. They aimed to craft a space inspired by the striking design of the ‘Kikuyu’ pattern (by Renaissance Design), characterized by radiant turquoise and red hues. We were delighted to receive such an intriguing project inquiry, igniting extensive discussions between Cemcrete and Earthworld Architects regarding product specifications and colour palettes. The Inspiration
Numerous factors influenced the design approach, but foremost among them were the building's shape and its location. “Since the Casa is located on a prominent corner of the Diepkloof Square Mall, the rounded double-story building speaks to this idea of a beacon, standing proud within its surroundings”, shared Twané Wallendorf, Candidate Interior Architect at Earthworld. The architects opted to accentuate this towering building with a turquoise-coloured facade and incorporate the pattern as both a mural and a window decal. The design aimed to pay homage to the context. The use of Cemcrete for the interior walls would serve as an ideal backdrop for the central booths and timber ceiling feature, as well as an eye-catching tile pattern in teal and coral colours seamlessly integrated with the Cemcrete wall finish. |
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Sampling Process
As the colour Earthworld Architects had in mind was not standard, we needed to create a custom colour to achieve the exact shade they desired. However, our first step was to determine which Cemcrete finish could produce the desired combed effect. The viable options for this application were DecoCrete, RenoCrete, CemCote Skimmed, and CemPlaster – each product offering a unique finish and thickness for the combed texture. We produced larger samples of these options to assist the architects in visualizing how each texture would appear when applied. After careful deliberation, the architects selected RenoCrete as the ideal match for their design vision.
With the product determined, the next step was colour matching. Starting with our extensive colour range, we used our Fern Green hue as a baseline, as the architects had expressed interest in it but desired a more intense tone. Our R&D department meticulously formulated several variations, providing the architects with samples of different shades to choose from. The result was a breathtakingly rich and eye-catching teal/turquoise colour.
As the colour Earthworld Architects had in mind was not standard, we needed to create a custom colour to achieve the exact shade they desired. However, our first step was to determine which Cemcrete finish could produce the desired combed effect. The viable options for this application were DecoCrete, RenoCrete, CemCote Skimmed, and CemPlaster – each product offering a unique finish and thickness for the combed texture. We produced larger samples of these options to assist the architects in visualizing how each texture would appear when applied. After careful deliberation, the architects selected RenoCrete as the ideal match for their design vision.
With the product determined, the next step was colour matching. Starting with our extensive colour range, we used our Fern Green hue as a baseline, as the architects had expressed interest in it but desired a more intense tone. Our R&D department meticulously formulated several variations, providing the architects with samples of different shades to choose from. The result was a breathtakingly rich and eye-catching teal/turquoise colour.
Sample of combed effect
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Colour matching process
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Combed effect application
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Attention To Detail
As we eagerly embarked on this promising project journey alongside Earthworld Architects and Nando's, the application of RenoCrete finally commenced. A professional applicator of their choosing was appointed to apply the RenoCrete in the combed effect as well as in all other standard smooth application areas. Throughout the endeavour, Earthworld Architects conducted site visits to ensure progress remained on track. Cemcrete seized the opportunity to visit the site, assessing the RenoCrete application firsthand. To our delight, we discovered that several walls had already been completed, showcasing remarkable progress, and exceeding our expectations. However, achieving the combed effect was taking longer than anticipated, and meeting deadlines became increasingly critical at that point. This urgency led the contracting company to adopt an alternative approach in creating the combed textures, using tile adhesive to achieve the effect, and then overlaying these textures with the RenoCrete. |
A Masterpiece Revealed
In July 2023, the unveiling of Nando's at Diepkloof Square showcased architectural creativity, where every element was carefully curated. Circular motifs were consistently incorporated using various shapes and materials to harmonize with the building's structure. This could be observed in features such as the layout of the timber flooring, the rounded benches, and the subtle details with softened corners in the furniture design and shop fit-out. As the walls of Nando's embrace this bespoke turquoise hue, they not only convey a story of aesthetic sophistication but also serve as a canvas for the celebration of culture, tradition, and the spirit of South Africa, providing a welcoming space for all to enjoy.
In July 2023, the unveiling of Nando's at Diepkloof Square showcased architectural creativity, where every element was carefully curated. Circular motifs were consistently incorporated using various shapes and materials to harmonize with the building's structure. This could be observed in features such as the layout of the timber flooring, the rounded benches, and the subtle details with softened corners in the furniture design and shop fit-out. As the walls of Nando's embrace this bespoke turquoise hue, they not only convey a story of aesthetic sophistication but also serve as a canvas for the celebration of culture, tradition, and the spirit of South Africa, providing a welcoming space for all to enjoy.
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View the full gallery of this impressive project here