What made this project particularly unconventional was that the original building design featured two large ‘gaps’ or wells on the proposed rooftop extension between the centre’s dual entrances that looked down into the parking below. This
necessitated an attractive, yet safe and structurally sound solution that would cover the gaps to extend the outdoor dining area on the top level without compromising the aesthetics, or safety of the levels below.
The Mall of the South is one of Johannesburg’s premier shopping and dining destinations serving the city’s southern suburbs and surrounding areas. With shoppertainment serving as a critical revenue stream beyond traditional retail sales, the centre management decided to revamp its popular food court with a gorgeous rooftop deck for outdoor dining and entertainment to maximise the centre’s fabulous views.
PROJECT DETAILS
- Project Name: Mall of the South
- Project Type: Retail
- Description: Decking
- Product used: Infinity decking in Swiss Oak
- Date of Installation: November/December 2025
- Project Location: Mall of the South, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Size: 1470m2
- Contractor: Gerhard de Beer, JJBS
- Sub-contractor: Duane, Deckon Projects
COMPOSITE THAT DOUBLES AS A DECK AND CEILING
To provide an attractive, natural-looking surface for the outdoor deck that could also double as a ceiling over the cavities between the basement and rooftop structures, the architect specified Eva-Last’s advanced bamboo composite decking, Infinity in Swiss Oak.
Infinity’s colour-streaked timber tones and textures add an organic aesthetic to the deck while the I-Series board profile creates an interesting ceiling view from the basement. It lends itself beautifully to the deliberate artistic treatment of both top and bottom surfaces and successfully softens the steel sub-structure in a way that is simply not possible with a cold concrete slab.
“A structural engineer had to design the steel sub-structure to close the gaps before we could lay the deck,” said Duane Davis from Deckon, who commented on the exceptional safety protocols necessary for installation at heights of more than 20m.
“They decided to use the sub-structure to make a decorative statement when looking upwards, while providing a safe and secure surface on which to mount the deck,” he explained.
Infinity’s I-Series boards, laid at 5.4m intervals with breaker boards, created an expansive wood-look deck while turning the makeshift ‘ceiling’ on the underside into a creative work of art.
The gorgeous deck extends out onto the rooftop parking, creating a warm and welcoming outdoor dining area that unites the traditional sit-down restaurants with the trendy takeout joints.
The eco-friendly decking boards, made from recycled plastic combined with renewable bamboo fibres, ensure a stainproof and UV-resistant surface that will resist inevitable scuffs, scratches and stains from patrons. Hidden CHAIN collated clips and colour-matched screws secure each board in place for a flawless finish.
Several boards were cut to create the oval shape on the roadside and to accommodate several columns where lights where needed, while aluminium cover angles were used at the walkways that interface well with the lighting.
“That’s the beauty of working with Eva-Last composites, you have the flexibility to adapt to changes beyond the original scope of work,” commented Gerhard de Beer from Hlaziya Projects, proudly pointing out how the fairy lights enhance the ambience of the space.
AN ENGINEERING MASTERPIECE
While the sub-structure was designed to support the deck and create an interesting ceiling, the composite profiles had to allow for expansion and contraction. This could occur from both the slight movement of the building, as well as the deck itself due to temperature variations between the cool air from the basement below and the heat from the sun above.
Infinity’s co-extruded composites are designed for structural stability with a bamboo-PE (polyethylene) core coupled with a protective polymer capping for added stain- and moisture-resistance.
This sophisticated composition not only provides flexibility and strength, but critically, protects the material from wear and weathering. Eva-Last Infinity’s 25-year warranty makes it a cost-effective long-term investment, ideal for any commercial or corporate installation.
KEY INFLUENCER QUOTES
“With Eva-Last composites, you have the flexibility to adapt to changes beyond the original scope of work,” commented Gerhard de Beer from Hlaziya Projects, main contractor on the Mall of the South food court decking revamp.
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