Vryheid is the main service and retail hub for the AbaQulusi Municipality. As such, AbaQulusi Plaza, which has been redeveloped by Fortress is a convenience centre aimed at commuters, which forms an integral part of the Northern KZN transport network with long and short distance taxis operating from the centre and a strong bus network to surrounding areas.
The shopping centre is the last retail opportunity for homeward bound commuters and thus is already an integral part of the community. It was vital that the floor finish in the mall was exceptionally hard wearing , thus a 600x600 rectified porcelain tile with a ISO B1a rating was selected. The look and feel of the tile range had to blend into the existing landscape without becoming the focal point; thus the pallet of colours selected are natural tones that reflect the landscape being Warm Beige, Earthy Brown and Crisp Greige. The architects and clients pushed the boundaries in that feature areas were to depict the art and creativity of the local community . Remake supplied metro tiles in a 100x300 formatt that were used in feature wall areas, whilst a quieter neutral backdrop tile in a larger format was used down the passages and ablution walls.
The architects in turn made use of stylized timber ceiling details along with local art painted to the higher wall areas.
