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PUBLISHED BY : SMG RocksWOOTA PUBLISHERS AND PROJECT Client Consulting Electrical EngineersTEL: +27 11 483 0860 SMG Rocks Khanyisa AfricaFAX: +27 86 601 9195 Consulting Mechanical EngineersEMAIL: [email protected] Architects BDOWEBSITE: www.developomentsnews.co.za Reynolds Associate ArchitectsOFFICE NO. 4 ACROPOLIS, Quantity Surveyors Main Contractor107 LOUIS BOTHA, Construction ID Construction ID/Jacoby NicholORANGE GROVE. Consulting Structural EngineersP.O. BOX 46593 ARUPORANGE GROVE2119 The MINI brand has, over the years, been associated with a fresh, young,JOHANNESBURG vibrant and funky attitude. For the young and trendy and those young at heart,SOUTH AFRICA this is the vehicle to own. SMG Rocks (Sean McCarthy Group) has a new home in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, which is designed to echo the brand’s attitude.DESIGN AND LAY OUT OF THE MAGAZINE Originally situated at SMG Durban on Somtseu Road, MINI made the move to Umhlanga as part of MINI’s new corporate concept of having one MINIMWK DESIGN dealership per province to enhance the brand’s niche market appeal. Situated+27 76 701 7177 on a corner site on Lighthouse Road, SMG Rocks marks the gateway to Umhlanga and captures the imagination of all those passing by.DEVELOPMENT NEWS is a journal of projects DevelopmentNews in Africa and has several Special Stand Alone Publicationsin different sector industries , mainly in South Africa. We aim athigh standards of quality of the services we offer advertisers aswell as readers . We have established impressive distributionchannels for the publications we produce. These includeGovernment departments, relevant professionals in differentindustries as well as leaders in the corporate sectors so as toprovide maximum value for involvement with us. Architects,Property Developers, Contractors, Project Managers, QuantitySurveyors, Land Surveyors, Engineers and Mining Industry roleplayers are our major readers and editorial contributors. Tocomplement our professional editorial team we also source oureditorials from the best journalist in other relevant industries.The Publisher does not accept any responsibility for theaccuracy or authenticity of the contributions contained in theMagazine and advertisements. Views expressed by thecontributors are not necessarily those of the Publishers.© All rights reserved 1

SAXENI -FOSKER FEATURE We utilize mostly our own Established in 2008, SAXENI is a South African WHAT WE OFFER YOU equipment on projects of owned and operated company, based in Sundra, which a couple are listed Mpumalanga. We function as a multi disciplinary Project managementbelow. Our Current fleet of contracting and management concern in the Turnkey projects vehicles is in excess of 80 mining and construction industries. Construction management and installationunits and expanding as the Strategic alliances industry demand for our Because our core personnel have been working together as a team for the past ten years, our Range Of Services work increases. collective ability and expertise enables us to deliver on our mission statement. Overland conveyor systems Dome installations Heavy lifting and rigging Stacker and reclaimer installation Process plant installation and material handling design Plant civil works and Bulk Earthworks Steel fabrication Steel and mechanical piping installation HDPE Piping Electrical and C & I Eskom HV line installation All personnel are actively involved in the in day to day activities of the Company. Safety and Quality Saxeni is a Black Ecomonic Empowerment SAXENI management and workers are Company, with Managing Member Mr Samuel committed to safety. Our strive is “TARGET Makolane holding a 26% Shareholding in the ZERO” Even though SAXENI is not accredited company . Our current B-BBEE Status is Level 2. with ISO 9001, we comply to all standards and procedures, and will accommodate reasonable We are committed to supplying good quality requests from our clients, given the uniqueness products and superior service to all our clients. and nature of the project.2

Tel: +27 (0)87 944 2082 Tel: +27 (0)13 661 1773 Fax: + 27 (0)86 743 1869 Email: [email protected] Website: www.saxeni.co.za 72 Modderfontein Rd Plot 408 SUNDRA 2200 South Africa P.O. Box 269 SUNDRA 2200 South AfricaSaxeni is a management concern, providing both services and equipment to the mining and construction industries.Our strength lies in the diversity of our personnel, providing expertise on project management, construction management, plantinstallations and partnerships in strategic alliances.We pride ourselves on our multi disciplinary team able to offer advice, management services or the infrastructure needed in thecomplex world of mining and construction.WHAT WE OFFER YOU RANGE OF SERVICES Project management All types of process plant installations Turnkey projects Overland conveyor systems Construction management and installation Dome installations Strategic alliances Heavy lifting and rigging Construction plant sales and hire Stacker and reclaimer installation TO BE THE MOST PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERTO OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS … AND BE THE BEST IN EVERYTHING WE DO. 3

Endress and HauserNEW HEAD OFFICE & REDEVELOPEDEndress+Hauser mightbe the catalyst to ignite a ejuvenation of this precinct as it now stands as a fresh new beacon in the area The Swiss instrumentation company, E+H is a private company with offices in over 43 Endress+Hauser (E+H), owned their warehouse and countries. They own many of their buildings and, office facility in Sandton, but it was too small for their although each country head office is unique, there is a operation and was in need of a major redevelopment. similar language and white palette which unifies them. Coffey Projects was approached to assist them in E+H also offer technology in energy monitoring and realising their new brief: a new head office facility, management and thus understands the benefits of including a functioning warehouse and sustainable design in buildings. Being mostly instrumentation laboratory. engineers, they are pragmatic and logical, and approach green initiatives from a functional and Site and Brief business perspective, yet are also delighted by good KMH Architects and BTKM Quantity Surveyors were design. The professional team found it a great brought on board to review the brief, and determine if pleasure to work with the MD, Rob MacKenzie, and his their existing site or a new greenfield site would be team who understand the fundamentals of design. preferable. The decision was taken to remain on their existing erf, use the vacant portion of land for a new Project Concept building, and completely redevelop the existing Since the existing warehouse building footprint would warehouse building. remain largely unchanged, the new offices were positioned on the vacant portion of the site with two Part of the brief included a new focus on client bridge links connecting the buildings at upper levels interface and training, through a fully functioning and across a green zone at ground level. auditorium, exhibition area and social gathering spaces. KMH Architects was also appointed to the A rocky ledge on the vacant portion of land means that interior design to ensure that the spaces are fully the parking has to be accommodated above natural integrated in design and function.4

The flat concrete roof houses the 35MW photo voltaic panels which cater for approximately 1/3 of the total complex needs per day.ground level. The office building is elevated above including the interior fitout. The heart of E+H’sthe parking on pilotis. The design challenge was in operations is the instrumentation laboratory whichthe connection with the ground and how circulation meant that the down time had to be limited to lesscould be resolved. than one month, which was achieved by Archstone Construction, the contractors on the project.The bridge links to the warehouse building which isthe elegant solution, as it frees up valuable ground The colour palette internally was kept to neutralspace for a green lung between the two buildings. shades, with vibrancy given to feature walls and theThe four large coral trees were saved from the vacant Wazzup Café area, which incorporatesland and relocated at the start of the project to their Endress+Hauser’s corporate colours.new positions and, fortunately, they have all survivedto make it a very beautiful space, complete with New desks and furniture were procured specially forgarden sculptures. the new building. Bespoke joinery fittings were designed to accommodate specific functions andThe new office building accommodates the acoustic- client requirements throughout the building.controlled training auditorium, flexible exhibitionspace, and client entertainment area, in addition to Detail planning took place for the security, data andthe usual office functions of predominantly open plan audio-visual interface. The airconditioning solution ofoffice areas, staff canteen and meeting rooms. Two this building was designed by Plantech to complylarge balconies provide external relief and relaxation, with the latest SANS 10400 criteria and energywith both overlooking the green space and coral efficiency was high on the agenda. A VRV system,trees. with full heat recovery functionality, serves the majority of the occupied areas, providing individualThe existing warehouse building was re-clad, re- indoor environmental control for each zone/office.roofed and partially re-purposed. The very Forcongested loading area was reconfigured and the auditorium, a Rooftop Package Type Heat Pumpimproved. The warehouse storage facility was fire- unit with Economiser Cycle was installed.proofed and compartmentalised with new securityfeatures. Perhaps the most exciting part of this The Economiser Cycle fitted to this unit utilises fullbuilding for the owner was the creation of a new fresh air to serve the space if the outdoor conditionslaboratory where state-of-the-art equipment is tested are favourable, making it an energy efficient solution.and calibrated: the first of its kind in SouthAfrica. SummaryThe architectural language of the two buildings is Eastgate Extension 13 (near Sandton CBD), whereindicative of their respective functions: form follows the building is sited, is a strategically locatedfunction. The overall design solution is two distinct warehouse area with many buildings dating back tobuildings – one new, one redeveloped - with two the 1980’s. This mature area, in terms of real estate,distinct functions, but with a harmony of modern is poised for widespread re-development andstyle, palette of materials and colours. Simple plaster upgrading as land values increase. The adjacentwalls with considered glazing, contrasting with Kramerville is already undergoing a metamorphosisvertical elements of a fully glazed feature staircase into a design and interior decor destination, which isand metal-clad lift shaft, constitute an elegant hip and happening.language of simple formal elements of the new officebuilding. New horizontal S-profile sheeting clads the Perhaps Endress+Hauser will be the catalyst toupper storey of the existing warehouse with ribbon ignite a rejuvenation of its precinct as it now standswindows giving expression to a modern language. as a fresh new beacon in the area.A similar vertical glazed feature staircase mimics theoffice building feature.Aclever use of charcoal colouris used to render lower levels and features on bothbuildings.ExecutionThe client remained operational on site during theentire construction period. The two buildings weretackled in separate phases to enable this to happen.The total construction period was 17 months, 5

Kenako Mall The name Kenako – the emphasis was for the design to enhance the meaning “it is time” – experience of the pedestrian and patrons that would occupy the walkways and entrances between the is more than existing buildings into pleasant retail malls. Faced, appropriate as the however, with derelict buildings and a high demand for shopping centre is retail space, the onset was to sustainably demolish the seen as long overdue existing structures by using the crushed materials by shaping the land into the required platforms the retail in the area centre required. Situated at the entrance corridor of the New Brighton Retail Principles In doing so, it gave rise to the Township, which was established in 1903 and was the opportunity to express the building to a very active first officially black residential area in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage Road, resulting in good retail principles Kenako Mall, valued at R195 million, made use of the being applied, some of which are: that the entrances industrial land that became available to establish itself and parking must be visible from the main roads, the as a very important retail node that would serve the parking has a natural flow and service areas are larger previously segregated community. hidden behind the building with separate access. Background Research done for the development The overall dynamic of the building is further scaled in indicated a catchment area of 340,000 customers and relation to the existing surrounding industrial context an estimated retail potential of R1.22 billion at the time with specific emphasis on the main entrances to the it was done. It will serve the surrounding a reas o f N mall through large entrance porticos that, on one ew B righton Bethelsdorp, A lgoa P ark, K wazekele, S hand, mitigate the scale of the existing surrounding oweto-on- Sea, Zwide, Kwadwesi, Kwamagxaki, industrial buildings and, on the other, enhance the Masibulele, Kwaford and Struandale. It is also close to retail offering it provides. major facilities, including the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Missionvale Campus, the The distributions of different tenants, with an Eastern Cape Training Centre and the Dora Nginza emphasis on food tenants at strategic positions such Hospital. as the main entrance, further enhance the experience of a pedestrianised retail node. Initial Challenges Challenged initially with the dominant and utility structures of the existing warehouse that constituted the old paint factory site,6

Tenants Kenako Mall is anchored by Shoprite and lessened visual impact on the predominantly denser The mall is also naturallyother tenants include Hungry Lion, Shoprite Liquor, industrial developments around it and natural light ventilated and the roofPep, Mr Price, Truworths, Clicks, Jet, Identity, Legit, was carefully considered to highlight the structural overhangs wereEdgars Active, Standard Bank, Fashion IQ, FNB, rhythm of the mall internally and create a sense of addressed by increasingCashbuild, Tekkie Town, OK Furniture’s, Morkels, play on the brick patterns that were created. The them in length so toBears, Debonairs, Chesenyama, Cassies, Ellerines, natural light makes it possible to further lessen the maximise the smokethe Post Office, McDonalds and many other smaller environmental impact on the lighting requirements extraction requirementschains totalling a gross leasable area (GLA) of for a typical mall and the roof insulation was prescribed by building20,000m2, a dedicated taxi area and 995 parking upgraded to achieve more than the required SANS regulations but to avoidbays to satisfy the need for convenience shopping. specification. In the mall, the face brick detailing with any water ingress from its subtle patterns and overall quality achieved by the driving rains the greater contractor shows that there is still a skill to be Port Elizabeth is faced admired. with, subsequently becoming a roof that Conclusion As a result of all of this, a pleasant appears to loosely float shopping experience has been achieved. Kenako over one’s head. Mall has been extremely well received by the surrounding community and social pages alike, clearly showing that “its time” was undoubtedly not one minute overdue.Design The massing on site with its future phase 2will eventually achieve a mix of the required retailvisibility and road edge definition. During the designstages, the shed-like building typology, with its verylong walkway, created a loss of scale wherein itwould have been difficult to identify with onesrelevant location and one would only have knownwhere one was if one read the signs, so to speak. Bybreaking up the façade and by celebrating theentrances into legible components on strategicpositions of the building that binds it all together,makes Kenako Mall a more meaningful, friendly andrecognisable place to shop.With the main entrance visible from Uitenhage Roadand the secondary entrance visible from SpondoRoad, the structures constructed out of concreteframework technology and infill face brick panels, inturn had a sensible and practical function throughclearly defining which tenants were positioned ateach entrance, by lending the signage opportunitiesfor them and also housing the plant slabs for the lineshops and food tenants requirements so they werenot visible from the parking on main roads. The twowelcoming entrance roofs had to be carefullyengineered to stand up to the gale force speeds thatare experienced in the so-called windy city and yetmaintain a sense of elegance when viewed orexperienced as one enters the centre.Material Usage All materials were used veryefficiently; this does not only make for a building thatcame in under budget but lessens its impact on theenvironment. The mall floors are white polishedsurface beds and the materials used are allmaintenance-friendly with an industrial feel. Thearchitects chose to use a dark colour roof for its 7

Blue Route Mall Blue Route Mall seeks With its origins in the late 1960s and early 70s, Blue A modest increase of 8,000m2 was realised so as to to set itself apart from Route Mall - then Town & Country - was one of South max out available bulk of 56.000m2, and a Africa’s very first major shopping centres. It became construction budget of approximately R700 million. established centres an integral part of the life of Cape Town’s Southern that use traditionally Suburbs and South Peninsula, being upgraded and The client’s desire was to provide an upgradedthemed architecture as expanded incrementally to suit changing times and experience that speaks to the demands and a design crutch. The meet the need for increased capacity. aspirations of its existing customer base, while at the designers set out to same time offering an entirely new kind of retail and achieve a new, almost lifestyle facility with the power to entice new shoppers. The quality of tenant, and rentals achieved would rise futuristic, design accordingly.palette which promises This was achieved over a multi-year construction that the Cape Town project in which careful management of phasingSouthern Suburbs’ best around existing operations was one of the keys to success. years still lie firmly ahead. Extroverted The future life of the centre was also an important However, by 2009 it was clear that a major intervention consideration, informing both the design direction of was required, not only to modernise what had become the whole centre and the decision to add an extended a rather dated centre, but to win back the clientele that portion of undercover parking during the late stages of had migrated to the competition over the years. To make matters worse, the deteriorating condition of the decades-old roof sheeting could not be resolved without major disruption, since all services (such as A/C and electrics) were structurally supported from it. A Bold Strategy Fountainhead (whose management arm is now incorporated into Redefine) took the bold decision to reconstruct the centre from the basement up, focusing on a qualitative improvement rather than increasing retail bulk.8

the mall’s construction. A New Community Focus Some of the funnier Futuristic The exterior of community comments on the Blue Route Mall the building again departsThe Louis Karol team was responsible for both the Facebook fan page are also sometimes the most from the traditional, witharchitecture and the interiors, and their design revealing: “I love all the space!”... “Finally we don’t its dramatic roof scapeinspiration was a modern and sophisticated centre have to drive out to Canal Walk”... “Finally we don’t and expanses of glazingwhich takes advantage of the clean slate afforded by have to schlep to Cavendish”... not to mention, “No at both the frontthe new construction. longer can I get away with schlumfing into Blue Route entrances and the food in my tracksuit: now I have to get dressed up in style!” court’s balconyThe new mall design breaks away from the traditional emphasising aspatial model of shopping centres as enclosed and What has been achieved is a community building that connection to the outsideinternal, combining generous mall widths and provides a new central focus for What has been and to the surroundingdramatic ceiling volumes with a luxurious surfeit of achieved is a community building that provides a new area. The externalnatural light and a refined palette of finishes. central focus for the people of Cape Town’s southern finishes knit together the peninsula Blue Route Mall 41 the people of Cape new mall with the existingComplementing the complex and dramatic ceilings, Town’s southern peninsula. building housingwhich give the new mall its defining identity, the Checkers, which had tointerior incorporates fittings and furniture custom- And if the social media comments are anything to go remain intact, and thedesigned for the project, as well as utilising new by, the community is well on-board. The result is a new cinema block intechnologies such as digital printed glass. new landmark building in the Tokai and which the form was Constantiaberg area, which offers a unique driven by theExternally, the inevitable challenge of incorporating environment, which will continue to set Blue Route requirements of thetenant signage into the architecture was met by the Mall apart for years to come. theatres.creation of a blue band as a design element, whichsimultaneously defined the zones in which the LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT’Sdifferent brand identities could be harmonised COMMENTsuccessfully. Shopping malls have traditionally presented a static lighting installation, which is purely functional. AtThe design is generous, in that malls are wide, space Blue Route we wanted to create changing lightingis in abundance, and the building offers itself up to scenes and make use of extensive layering inbroader community use. The malls form the function conjunction with the ceiling architecture.of modern-day streets, with space for kiosks,informal activities, promotions and communityevents. 9

In the deeper mall The major challenge within the mall was to ensure a Ground Floor spaces around the high light level throughout the various areas of the Where the ground floor punches through to the firstvoids between ground mall, while maintaining energy efficiency. floor slab, we had to deal with a very different lightingand first floor, custom scenario. Here, we only had a narrow bulkhead along made fittings were In order to achieve this, various lighting systems had the sides of the mall into which we needed to install to be implemented to deal with the very different cross fittings, which were sufficient to light the entire width of provided on the section details throughout the mall. the mall. balustrades. The bulk of the ground floor areas are lit by means of The solution was to use internally adjustable metal halide downlighters, which provide the general downlighters along the side of the mall, which were lighting. There is also a large amount of natural light directed in to the centre of the mall. penetrating the mall at high level, which also filters through to the ground floor. First Floor The first floor ceilings are totally different to the ground Using downlighters exclusively in an environment floor and are a combination of layers, curves, skylights results in dark ceilings. To counteract this effect, a and slots. The lower section of the first floor has a series of lighting slots were introduced in the flat bulkhead similar to the ground floor and was therefore ceiling areas. These slots mimic the floor tiling detail lit by a combination of internally adjustable and create a sense of volume by having light “within” downlighters and cove lighting. The main mall ceiling the ceiling itself. then rises from above this bulkhead into the high level curved ceiling structure. The series of 3 curves are In order to break the linear aspect within the mall, The new mall design breaks away from the traditional feature “leaves” were introduced within the flat ceiling spatial model of shopping centres as enclosed and areas. These “leaves” are raised sections within the internal. ceiling, accentuated by means of LED cove lighting and a random installation of LED sparkles. This GROUND FLOOR BASEMENT randomness not only brings playfulness into the mall, Blue Route Mall 45 but also ensures that the “leaves” have their own identity within the lighting installation.10

highlighted by means of colour changing cove lights. A water feature, withThe intention is that the fittings change colour from water lilies and specimenblue to white throughout the course of the day and sago palms, was plantednight, creating an ever-changing shopping in pots in the Centreenvironment. Management Courtyard, providing CentreWithin the curved high level ceiling, there are a series Management staff aof linear skylights which also punch through the serene space to haveceiling, creating distinct slots within the ceiling. meetings and lunches.These slots are accentuated by means of the LEDsparkles on either side of the skylight. This provided the curved bulkheads, accentuating the curves anda contrast to the flat lighting produced by the coves layers.and also enabled us to pull through the LED sparkletheme. The new Blue Route Mall is a statement of what a modern shopping centre should be. Using aFood Court combination of high impact, energy efficient lightThe food court is a study in curves and layers. The fittings, the lighting design both compliments andcurved high level bulkheads are fitted with the colour accentuates the architectural details within the mall.change coves which merge at the end of the food The colour changing aspect not only creates acourt. Each ceiling level has metal halide dynamic lighting installation but accentuates thedownlighters that provide the functional light, continual changing feel within the mall due thetogether with LED sparkles to accentuate the curves natural light ingress. The changes occur in a subtleand reintroduce the playful theme of the sparkles. manner, never detracting from the shops, whilst theThere are also additional coves on the underside of colour change also creates interest and a unique shopping experience. The overall result that has been achieved within the Mall is an excellent balance of technology, effect and cost. LANDSCAPE CONSULTANTS’COMMENT The brief called for the landscaping to support the new aesthetic of the centre. The site conditions are extremely harsh and include large amounts of 11

As the majority of the site had permeable paving, tree species had to have non- invasive roots and beevergreen so as not to clog up the paving. pedestrian traffic, poor soils, a high water table and allow soft planting and trees to green this part of the strong prevailing winds. parking area. In the past, this has led to the need for frequent The removal and replacement of the boundary wall on replanting of vegetation around the centre. Through Van’s Road affected certain council trees that had our design and soil management plan, we have been planted too close the wall. The trees were addressed and mitigated these factors. The planting replaced with large indigenous Syzigium guinense palette was dictated largely by what indigenous and landscaping and irrigation were installed along species could grow. the length of the road verge. Special tree surrounds were utilised around the trees The landscaping was done by Capecontours in the parking to separate the permeable paving Landscape Solutions and the water feature was drainage layer from the planting medium. installed by Water in Motion. Tree species included Acacia xanthophloea, Ceratonia seliqua, Cunonia capense, Disospyros whyteana, Ficus macrocarpa, Harpephyllum caffrum, Kiggeleria Africana, Olea europea subsp africana, Pittosporum viridiflorum, Rhus lancea, Rhus Pendulina, Syzigium guinense and Tarchonanthus camphoratus. The landscape redevelopment also included street furniture, benches and bicycle racks. A borehole was installed to reduce the potable water demand for irrigation purposes. Large planters and pots with a subsurface drainage system were positioned over the basement parking to12



Hotel VerdeOwner and project We have a responsibility as a company, as an extent to which you can go.” And the team at Hotel team alike are employer and as a visitor on this planet to live as Verde has gone to the greatest extent yet seen on the sustainably as possible. This is the only way we can continent – from locally sourced suppliers to passionate about survive long-term and hand over to our children in a sustainable practices on the building site to multiple sustainability and responsible manner. ways in which they can generate their own electricityare using the hotel and reduce waste to almost zero. and its cutting “We have an advantage because we are starting from edge innovations scratch. We could go from choosing recycled bricks and technologies and insulation, to installing a geothermal field, coupled to ground-source heat pumps. When you build new to demonstrate you can plan much more than if you retrofit an existing what can be done building.” towards a more Andre Harms, Sustainability Manager and founder ofsustainable future Ecolution Consulting, is a trained mechanical engineer and the expertise behind some of the more Developers/Owners Comment technical aspects of the building. Having spent 15 Mario and Annemarie Delicio of Dematech are the months at the South African Research Centre in owners behind Hotel Verde – Africa’s greenest hotel. Antarctica, Harms knows what it is to value everyday Dedicated and passionate about sustainability, they resources and is applying this dedication to each facet have transformed what was initially just a sensible of the project. “We have the opportunity to change the business proposition into a showcase for some of the status quo here,” he says. “We have looked at different most advanced environmentally conscious ways of doing everything, right from the word go.” technological installations as well as construction and operation practices in the world. This includes the photovoltaic (solar) panels cleverly positioned to provide shade as well as power. “They Construction on Hotel Verde, which is a part of the recently launched BON Hotels group, began over a year ago just outside Cape Town International Airport, with a team of contractors and experts dedicated to finding the alternative. “If you look at what can be done from a green angle you look at energy, water and waste reduction,” Delicio explains. “You then take each of these areas and work out how to implement alternatives, generating your own electricity for example. Then you need to explore the14

are mounted on the north façade of the building so as glasswill filter out hot rays, so less heat enters theto not only generate electricity but create shading for building reducing the need for air-conditioning.the windows that get the most sun.” In order to bypass the need for standardAnother is to dramatically reduce the amount of airconditioning systems, traditionally one of theconcrete required by utilising Cobiax void formers – biggest energy consumers, Hotel Verde will utiliserecycled plastic balls placed strategically within the ground source heat pumps made by 100 holes drilledconcrete slabs that are required for the various about 76m into the ground, where the temperature isfloors. They displace the concrete, saving a consistent 19 degrees Centigrade. Germanapproximately 535 m3 or 1284 ton while maintaining supplier, AGO Energy, will install a complex networkthe structural integrity. of piping and equipment specifically designed for Hotel VerdeHotel Verde also boasts a sophisticated grey water that uses the earth as a heat source in winter andrecycling plant that will contribute towards a 37% “heat sink” in summer, boosting efficiency andreduction of potable water use. dramatically reducing operational costs.“We have run a network of pipes through the building “There is no other hotel in Africa that has gone to thein order to reticulate the grey water, collect it and extent that we are hoping to achieve,” Delicio says.supply it to the toilets,” Harms explains. They will also “But going green is not just about the building, it’sbe utilising a rainwater filtering and capture system to about every aspect of the operation; zero waste toprovide water for the car wash and irrigation. The landfill for example.elevators will run on a regenerative drive, which willallow for about 30% of the input energy to be We might never reach that, but with the ideas we Good feeling. Hotel Verderecaptured and fed back into the building and have in mind we will come pretty close.” Open to the and the philosophydoubleglazed windows with spectrally selective public inAugust 2013, the hotel plans to incentivise behind it is where the Good thinking lies. This is definitely one of the most innovative hotels in the country and we are thrilled to be involved in a project of this nature.” 135

The hotel has adopted guests with credit notes and bar tabs for those who for existing buildings rating tool. The water saving a medium term target utilise towels more than once, for example, or don’t measures in place range from several significant high use the airconditioning. tech systems to many small initiatives implemented of “zero waste to throughout the hotel that all add up to a significant landfill” and a strict “It’s about getting customers involved and making saving. The implemented water saving measures waste management them a part of the whole green thinking philosophy,” combined amount to a sizable estimated 37% potable Delicio explains. water saving measured against the stringent LEED program will be Green Building baseline. Throughout the construction implemented during phase, the contractor has been made aware that operation. Waste will water is to be conserved as much as possible. Water be sorted on site and pipes and hoses have been monitored for leaks and constantly repaired as needed and subsoil drainage recycled and all water has been used for temporary landscaping organic waste will be establishment and irrigation. composted, both on The largest water saving initiative implemented in the and off site. design of the hotel is the grey water recycling plant. Water from the showers and bath tubs as well as Guy Stehlik, founder of BON Hotels, who will manage condensate from the HVAC fan coil units is drained to and operate Hotel Verde, says that the value of being a state of the art grey water recycling plant where it is involved in a project of this nature, plus its learning in filtered and sterilized. The processed grey water is terms of future hotels, is invaluable. “The three then reticulated throughout the hotel and used for the cornerstones of BON Hotels are Good people. Good flushing of all the toilets. thinking. The next most significant measure introduced in the Despite the fact that this is the first of its kind, the Hotel design to save water is the rainwater harvesting and Verde team doesn’t want it to be a secret; they want to subsoil water drainage use. The rainwater from share their convictions with anyone who’ll listen. “We approximately three quarters of the roof is captured might have the slogan ‘Africa’s Greenest Hotel’ right and passed through a filter before being channelled to now, but we hope it won’t be for long,” says Harms. an impressive 40,000 litre stainless steel tank in the “We want to show the continent what can be done. We want to challenge the industry as a whole.” Enviropedia Water Conservation Award At Hotel Verde, the utmost is being done throughout the design and construction phase as well as with operational policies ,once running, to save water on every front. The hotel is pursuing a Gold rating on the LEED green building rating system for New Buildings and Construction as well as a Platinum rating on the LEED16

basement of the building. The basement extends Owner and project team alike are passionate about Rainwater and sub-soilbelow the water table and so all water that would sustainability and are using the hotel and its cutting drainage water are usedotherwise want to migrate into the basement is edge innovations and technologies to demonstrate for all externalfiltered and collected in sumps before it also is what can be done towards a more sustainable future requirements such aspumped into the 40,000 litre tank. The water from the as well as to educate people of the need to move in irrigation. Washingtank is then used for outdoor uses such as irrigation, this direction. machines will use thecar washing and the cleaning of hardscapes. water from the final rinse Green notes and display screens strategically placed cycle for the pre-washNot only are the hotel’s gardens and landscapes throughout the hotel will describe sustainable cycle of the followingirrigated with rainwater and subsoil drainage water principles implemented. Guest rooms will have a load. Hotel Verde is alsobut they are irrigated with a drip irrigation system. All dedicated TV channel for displaying educational fitted with low flow tapsvegetation planted is indigenous or endemic and videos on sustainability and statistics on the energy and shower heads, andwaterwise. All toilets in the hotel are dual flush and and water use of the hotel. Guests will be makes use of dripthe urinals are waterless. Fittings and fixtures incentivised with a credit system to reuse towels and irrigation.throughout linen and not use airconditioning thus increasingthe building are low flow and only a select few of the their awareness ofupmarket rooms have baths. In the laundry washing the energy and water saved in doing so. Tours of thecycle, the water from the final rinse cycle, which is hotel will be offered to visitors and guests.practically clean, is used for the pre-wash cycle of thenext load. No evaporative cooling is used in the Programmes are being developed with schools in thebuilding. local community to give tours to and help educate children. Hotel Verde is strategically placed to play a key role in the future of green building and sustainability in SouthAfrica. At a recent award cermony, Hotel Verde won the prestigious Eco-Logic Award for Water Conservation, highlighting the many initiatives they have instituted to save water.At Hotel Verde it is believed that if you can’t measureit, you can’t manage it. For this reason all water,electricity and gas is sub-metered in order to trackhow much of each resource is being used at all timesin each sub-system and area of the building. Thisinformation will be automatically tracked andrecorded by the advanced building managementsystem. The building maintenance manager willhave access to this data and will then be able toidentify where efficiency is dropping and perform therequired maintenance.The hotel owner and operators are passionate aboutsaving energy and water and believe that it is of nouse to have a state of the art building that is run andmaintained suboptimally.An extremely detailed operations and maintenanceplan with be available to the operator to help correctlyuse and maintain all systems within the building inorder to maintain the highest possible degree ofefficiency across the board. The vision and passionfor looking after the environment and conservingenergyand water will be passed down to the staff.Staff across every discipline will be trained andincentivised to adopt a lifestyle of sustainability, notonly at work but also in their own homes andcommunities. This will be achieved through regulartraining workshops, education programmes andperformance reviews. 17

Not only is this Electricity Saving Measures One of the primary 14% of the hotel’s electricity requirements. This is a aesthetically pleasing causes for greenhouse gas emissions is the significant reduction on the municipal load required. production of energy in the form of electricity. but it also creates Electricity usage can be reduced by using more Hotel Verde 29habitat for bird life and efficient equipment, using equipment wisely as well as The hotel uses a grey water recycling system wherebythermally insulates the by utilising renewable resources such and wind and drain water from baths and showers is collected, area below. 50% of the solar power. Hotel Verde has taken all of the above recycled, and then used for toilet flushing. This willbuilding materials used measures to reduce the use of municipal electricity result in a significant reduction in municipal water and hence greenhouse gas emissions. Water use can consumption of approximately 1.5 million litres per in the construction of also be indirectly linked to greenhouse gas emissions annum.the hotel were sourced due to the processing and transport of the water. locally, saving energy Similarly, by reducing the amount of new materials A sustainability orientated approach to landscaping used in construction the negative effects of the has been adopted at the hotel. Exclusively indigenous and emissions process of manufacturing products from virgin and endemic vegetation has been used with connected with materials, including mining, manufacturing and preference to carbon capturing plants. The roof of the transporting them. transport, are avoided. The following are several ways reception and lobby area has been made a vegetated Furthermore, Cobiax in which the hotel has improved efficiency and found roof. void formers were alternate sources of necessary resources, and henceintroduced into several reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These slabs are therefore lighter, reducing the depth of the low load of foundation required. The Cobiax spheres are also carrying slabs saving made from recycled plastic. 1284 tons of concrete. Another aspect that displays Hotel Verde’s dedication The hotel uses energy saving mini bar fridges, energy to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is the efficient LED lighting throughout the building as well sustainable manner in which it will be operated. The as Energy Star rated office equipment and staff of the hotel will carpool and use public transport dishwashers. Each guestroom has a main power cut- wherever possible and there will be preferred parking off switch which is activated whenever the room key bays reserved for guests driving hybrid fuel saving card is removed from its slot, preventing unnecessary vehicles. Guests will be incentivised to adopt a more electricity use when the room is unoccupied. sustainable lifestyle by offering them rewards for refraining from using certain energy consuming Furthermore, the hotel will use energy efficient Kone luxuries, such as air-conditioning. elevators fitted with regenerative braking that recover 30% of the input energy. The heating and cooling for From renewable energy generation, to energy Hotel Verde’s HVAC system and domestic hot water efficient equipment and practices, to water makes use of a state of the art system utilising conservation, to innovative approaches to the geothermal ground loops coupled to highly efficient promotion of sustainable living amongst staff and heat pumps to achieve large energy savings. guests, there is no doubt that Hotel Verde is making a monumental effort to reduce its greenhouse gas As a means of reducing municipal electricity use emissions. through the use of renewable resources three vertical axis wind turbines are installed at the hotel entrance. Furthermore, Hotel Verde dons 220 locally produced photovoltaic panels on the roof and northern façade, resulting in an anticipated production of 78,000 kWh/ year. The combination of these two renewable energy producing measures will contribute to a minimum of18



Grantleigh TLC The unique Grantleigh A new inspirational Science and Math’s learning activated learning amongst the surroundingTLC (Titanium Learning centre expresses integrated sciences and technology communities. This initiative is named the ‘Bambisane in its architectural language and detailing, promoting Learning Trust’ and forms part of future phased Centre) was recently the building as a self-exhibition on an existing open initiatives which promote the development of maths awarded an site. and sciences. Architectural Category Concept Commendation The roof concept of the main auditorium building was morphed from the likes of a rib cage of a ‘bird’ deriving Certificate from the characteristic elements of flight, motion and lightness, South African Institute coupled with a fluent curvature lined steel beam of Steel Construction skeletal structure that concludes into the site. The roof form is exclusive as each curved cold rolled steel The Project beam increases in span from the west to the east The TLC ‘Titanium Learning Centre’ is located portion of the main building enhancing its organic approximately 25km north of Richards Bay, KwaZulu- aesthetic and present lifelike concept. Natal at Grantleigh Private School, Maposa. The new science centre neighbours an existing classically- Planning inspired main reception and auditorium buildings of The main building consists of two science laboratories the existing school and is framed by tall gum tree (1st floor), 144 seat raked auditorium, teachers office, forests. The 2 leveled building is grounded on an open and a boardroom which forms a protected courtyard site with intentions of creating a focal point at the enclosure with subsidiary maths and ablution blocks. conclusion of the tree-aligned promenade serving as a welcoming colourful invitation to the access of the The central courtyard forms the outdoor learning area school. where dissections and outdoor lectures are conducted. An outdoor amphitheatre is based Background centrally together with the old maths classroom block The project was funded by Richards Bay Minerals as a forming a protected inspiring activated learning space. development initiative to host top achieving students from rural disadvantaged areas, affording them the opportunity to integrate with pupils of Grantleigh School. This initiative facilitates the spread of science and technology to broader rural communities ensuring20

The intervention of a custom multidimensioned surrounding boardrooms and kitchen facilities that The main auditorium andscience timeline in the foyer transcends the foyer into are ancillary areas area positive inspirational space transmitting natural directly linked to the foyer. The foyer is open ended accessed via the mainlight from centrally positioned light wells. The which serves as a link to the courtyard and outdoor foyer porte cochere whichtimeline feature was conceptualised, constructed amphitheatre. umbrellas the entrance byand donated. use of a curved steel The building is perceived differently as one navigates sheeted structureThe planning and layout was arranged symmetrically around the building with an experience that is always tapering towards a focalwith the layout of the auditorium as the ‘leader’ of the relational from various viewpoints as it cannot be point surroundingscience lab and office layouts Grantleigh TLC 21 by experienced as an absolute whole. garden.the architectural team which converts the lowerraked ceiling foyer into a learning space by making Conclusionuse of information panels that display scientific The building was completed in August 2012. It wasmilestones and pioneers throughout time. recently awarded an Architectural Category Commendation Certificate from the South AfricanThe planning and layout was arranged symmetrically Institute of Steel Construction, congratulating thewith the layout of the auditorium as the ‘leader’ of the whole building team on work well done.science lab and office layouts. The administrationcomponent consists of an open plan office with 21

Tower Mall The mall opened in anarea where the primary catchment comprised more than 250,000 people and supplied a need which had been long awaited Dipula Income Fund’s newly developed 15,400m2 facilitate ease of access for the neighbouring Tower Mall in the growing Jouberton and surrounds communities of Alabama and Manzil Park which form western in Klerksdorp, City of Matlosana, opened on part of the primary catchment area. 25 October 2013, virtually fully let. The developers are Landmark, a well-respected retail developer. “This investment is in line with Dipula’s strategy of investing in quality assets in previously disadvantaged The primary catchment consists of more than 250,000 communities. We believe that this helps restore the people. Izak Petersen, CEO of Dipula Income Fund, dignity of these once forgotten people of our country. says the R155 million Tower Mall represents an Landmark and VH+SArchitects did a sterling job in the important investment in this community which, had design and development of this centre. This is an until now, remained underserviced in terms of retail asset for the people and we are delighted that we can facilities. be part of this and are certain that it will act as a catalyst for more investment in the area” says “This is the largest ever private investment into this Petersen. community and amongst the largest in the City of Matlosana in recent years,” says Petersen. “The “Through a steering committee, the community played investment goes beyond providing a quality mall and a vital role in assisting us make this investment a excellent retail for this community. It is also an reality”, states Lionel Kisten from Landmark. “We also investment in the community which will boost received excellent support from the municipality.” employment and skills.” The Developer About the Mall Developer of Tower Mall, Landmark Real Estate The mall is situated on a prominent location with Services, identified the potential of this community excellent visibility and accessibility. There is a planned and purchased the land some five years ago. bridge across the N12 freeway, which will further22

“VH+S Architects designed a financially feasible mall accomplished.”that creates a stand-out attractive, modern, vibrantshopping environment,” says Lionel Kisten, Landmark also worked closely with local governmentExecutive Director of Landmark. and is helping the mall’s tenants to employ local people, where practical, creating benefits for the“Tower Mall will be the first modern shopping centre local economy which will endure long after the mallin this area and will definitely be the impetus to further opens.commercial development and local economicgrowth.” “We hope the mall will continue to empower the local community in a way that is sustainable in the longLandmark is a BEE property development company term,” says Kisten.that specialises in developing shopping centresacross South Africa in previously disadvantagesareas, rural areas and small towns. Among its manysuccesses are Makhado Crossing in Louis Trichardt,Bara Mall in Soweto, Naledi Mall in Vosloorus,Shoprite Centre in Thokoza and Metropolitan Centrein Ennerdale.The name Tower Mall was inspired by the watertowers alongside the shopping centre. This isn’t theonly way the development is inclusive of its localcontext. “Keeping it local is at the heart of thisdevelopment. We have a local contractor fromKlerksdorp, Ludick Construction, employing localpeople and small businesses directly from thiscatchment area also had substantial inputs into theconstruction process,” says Kisten.This maximises the amount spent in the community.It makes sense. We want the people who are going touse this resource to feel a sense pride in what they’ve 23

As the first one-stop Tower Mall is funded by Absa, designed by VH+S mentioning here that this was the first time in 5 yearsshopping centre in the Architects and its leasing consultant is Citynet. that Shoprite has taken beneficial occupation on the agreed date. area, Tower Mall was The Developer worked closely with Citynet and Dipula over 96% full prior to to ensure the right tenant mix at the right rentals. In Design and Architects doing so it secured leading retailers selected to meet Tower Mall is yet another feather in VH+S Architect’s opening. It’s little local shopping needs including anchor retailer cap as the office is growing from strength to strengthwonder that Tower Mall Shoprite. and a worthy addition to an already impressiveis proving popular with international portfolio since their inception in Februaryretailers. Its immediate 2008. catchment area VH+S worked hand in hand with Landmark Real includes a growing Estate Services from the start of the project in early population of some 2008 to completion, to design a legacy centre to 250,000 people from enliven and empower the local community, who would Jouberton, Alabama, otherwise have to travel into Klerksdorp centre some 18km away for their groceries and also without their Manzil Park and own transportation in many cases. Kenana. The Site National retailers opening at Tower mall include Recognising the design process as a team effort Cashbuild, KFC, Jet, Pep, Mr Price, KFC, Clicks, FNB, between developer, QS and contractor; VH+S strikes Standard Bank, Capitec Bank, Old Mutual Bank, the balance between financial feasibility, functionality African Bank and Vodacom, among others. and aesthetics of the centre – bringing all together in harmony. “We’re pleased to invest in a quality retail asset that supports the sustainable performance for our The importance of all team members in a coordinated investors and supports the sustainable progress of its effort is paramount to the success of any project, and community,” says Petersen. the concerted effort of all the professionals involved resulted in the great success of the centre. The Professional Team The professional team was headed up by JSA Project Manager’s and VH+S Architects as joint principal agents. The success of this project was largely due to the collaborative approach of the entire professional team that consisted of VH+S Architects, JSA Project Managers, WSP Group Africa (Pty) Ltd, BSM Baker (Pty)Ltd, Crane Registered Quantity Surveyors, Manus De Bruyn Consultants and Cairnmead. Together with the contractor, Ludick Construction, they not only delivered the project on time but it is also worth24

The leasing / retail design of the centre, as the first wall. Beyond this sit the carefully considered face The taxi rank to thestep of the design process posed certain challenges brick lined, tiled columns that frame the shop-fronts. Southern side of thedue to the restrictive site proportion as well as centre, with direct accessrequired visibility from the N12. The challenges were To the East lies the food court and amphitheatre. The through an open mall andovercome by placing the main anchor (Shoprite) amphitheatre itself nestled below the individual outward facing retail, actsshop in the deepest most prominent portion of the buildings will no doubt come into its own in time. This as an important catalystsite, and the national sub anchors (Cashbuild, also doubles as a water retention area to minimise in creating the requiredFairprice furniture and Jet) to the ends and middle of the footfall to the centre,the centre, wrapping all retail around a centrally impact of the site on the already strained storm water acting as an anchor inlocated parking plate, serving shops directly in true system. itself. The leasing andconvenience fashion. design considerations in this regard are important,The logistics of servicing the site from a delivery, as not all tenants benefitvehicular movement as well as pedestrian foot traffic from positioning adjacentnecessitates the linkages between the main road to the taxi rank, thoughand entrance, past all line shops and anchors and others, i.e. food andfinally linking to the taxi rank, whilst attempting to service stores find greatseparate all pedestrian, customer vehicular traffic benefit.and delivery traffic, to sustain the convenience factorrequired for these types of centres. The public transportation hub sits nearby with dedicated access into and out of the centre toDesign facilitate ease of use for the Jouberton population.The entrance features stand proud above theparking plate & beckon invitingly to you as you stroll Every inch of the centre was considered, designed,towards the entrance; each feature becoming more drawn, & debated over, redesigned, redrawn &elaborate as you near it. The shadows leave striking reconsidered, down to the placement of individuallinear lines across the building with neat slivers as tiles. This has paid dividends in the ablution facilitiesthe sun pierces through the voids in each individual where the strong liner lines were carried through to the walls, floors, doors and ceilings leaving clean lines and upmarket finishes whilst still remaining sensitive towards the budget. Commendation should also go to Louis Van Eeden of Ludick Construction who worked tirelessly day & night to have the centre completed on time & to the exacting standards of VH+S. 25

Process Engineering The University of Stellenbosch’s Process EngineeringDepartment presents a contemporary face to the Stellenbosch streetscape The University of Stellenbosch has only just officially and placement of the most prominent feature within opened the new extension to their Process the building composition – theAtrium. Engineering Faculty, completed in December 2012. Background The brief called for an extension to the Through this movement spine, the conveyance of raw over-capacitated Process Engineering workroom and and waste materials to the workrooms occurs on a tutorial rooms, as well as the creation of much needed weekly basis, but its function is manifold: circulation, office and post-graduate study spaces. natural lighting, informal learning area, compositional “spine” and plan ordering device. The client expressed a need to break away from the stark, functionality of the existing engineering The Atrium is the buffer zone between a semi-private building’s elevations in favour of a more pleasing north-facing block, housing mainly offices, and a visual aesthetic, while at the same time ensuring public south-facing block, housing laboratories, optimum functionality within the workings of the teaching and study facilities. building. It is the latter that presents itself to Banghoek Road, One of several architectural challenges was to while the former looks out onto an existing water efficiently combine large, loud workroom conditions canal. In addition to the primary Atrium axis, a with more personal, quiet study areas in a single secondary north-south axis and movement line exists building within a tight footprint. between amenities (ablutions and vertical circulation) and educational spaces. Every zone in the building Utilising every square meter to create opportunities for benefits from a direct link to the Atrium, with the learning, whether formal or informal, presented the intentionAresponsible decision from the University to architects with interesting challenges. Various site retain an existing coral tree between Blocks C and E constraints such as the existing position of Block E determined the placement of the entrance and general (the storage facility), the coral tree and existing approach to the building. The entrance foyer, Atrium services informed design decisions. and vertical circulation are linked in a satisfactory combination. Architectural Conceptual Response Form, Massing and Tectonics The Atrium is set up as The site, due to its prominence on the corner of the strongest and tallest element within the Banghoek Road, provided the opportunity to create a composition. Spaces are arranged vertically as “clip- building of visual importance for the Engineering on” volumes to theAtrium spine. Faculty. Both the workroom and laboratory are situated on The existence of an important movement connection ground floor with teaching and office spaces on the between Block C (the existing workroom) and Block E upper floors. This arrangement is reflected on the (the storage for raw materials), gave rise to the idea exterior with a recessed, fairface finish to the ground26

floor base, over-hung by the flush-glazed offices andteaching floors.Three skylights to the second floor study space areonly just visible from the street, and create visualinterest in an otherwise flat roof aesthetic.All external staircases have been expressed assculptural elements spiralling around charcoal spinewalls with long vertical slits. The generouslyproportioned internal staircase is a continuation ofthe same idea, creating moments for interaction andinformal learning en route to the classroom.Environment and TechnologyLarge flush-glazed areas assist in breaking awayfrom the traditional inward-focused classroom andstudy space to a new outward-focused learningenvironment.This connection with the surrounding natural beautyassists with creating a pleasant learningenvironment, especially in the post-graduate studyspace.The orientation of the existing building complex is notideal. The orientation of the new extension followssuit due to various site constraints. North-facing flushglazed areas have been double-glazed to assist withheat control.An internal screen, comprising Soltis fabric, assists The building deviates from traditional waterproofingwith glare and heat control without obscuring views techniques with the application of Xypex to the entireto the outside. concrete structure, ensuring a waterproof concrete barrier with minimal maintenance cost and effort.The prominent Atrium acts as a lantern. It scoopslight into the centre of the building, assisting Summaryillumination in the deep workrooms and open plan The new extension to Process Engineering sets outoffices. to create a more interactive and stimulating student environment where informal learning is promotedMechanical ventilation is assisted by a passive alongside formal classes.system circulating hot air naturally upwards and outthrough the tallAtrium. 27

Grundfos Head Office The building is an iconic architectural statement, reflecting the Grundfos worldwide ethos Grundfos’ new headquarters are located on one of the ensured by Empowered Spaces Architecture who most prominent sites in Germiston/ Ekurhuleni, at the created the contemporary style. junction of the N1 and R24 highways, which means great exposure potential. With the site on a freeway Unique Features intersection, exposed to the main route to the ‘OR There are a number of unique features, the most Tambo international airport’, it was imperative that an distinctive of which are the two white boxes that iconic architectural statement, reflecting the Grindfos intersect to form the main entrance with the glass worldwide ethos, was reflected. façades cut from it. The main entrance is another statement space, although fairly challenging in that Design the natural ground level was 2,5m lower than the Grundfos was intimately involved in the design and ground- floor entrance. It was decided to have access aesthetic that they wished to portray. While the site is from all directions and to break up the entry into owned and developed by Growthpoint Properties, it various levels to make the height difference less incorporates both the new head office (3,000m2) and noticeable for the visitor approaching the entrance. a warehouse (6,500m2) for Grundfos South Africa. From the start, it was envisioned that the head office The prominent orange façade is created from the should be green and that a 4- star Green Star rating vertical shading louvres made up of Grundfos’ solar would be targeted. With this in mind, every decision panels and mesh. The mesh was created to allow was made in consideration of the environment. enough shading onto the glass, yet keep good views to the outside. The louvres also harness the west sun The office block is conceptually constructed from two by means of solar panels, which generate the inter-connecting blocks around a central full- height electricity to run the filtration system for the building. atrium, and consists of two office levels over a Aaesthetically, this is the architects’ favourite feature, ventilated basement level. and it’s also the view that one gets from the freeway. The water feature also stands out and is a reference to Using insulated concrete roofs, brick walls and a large Grundfos, the biggest pump supplier in the world. It is span of glazing, the design had to stay true to made up of slabs sliding past each other, penetrating Grundfos’ unique global architectural language, but out of the ground - a subtle reference to geological also incorporate a South African impression. Linking dynamics with water pumped through. this high end office development to a functional industrial space was a big challenge, to ensure both Exterior & Interior Finishes an aesthetic and functional integration. This was Lynne Blumberg Interior Design took on the challenge28

of the exterior and interior finishes, which also had to ?Wind turbines on the roof to generate electricity; A water- jet feature and astay true to the worldwide Grundfos buildings and ?All building materials guided by the Green Building largely green space areGreen Building Council regulations. The colour Council of South Africa Green Star requirements - surrounded by oversizedpalette consists of shades of crisp white, warm low VOC and 0% formaldehyde; white umbrellas,charcoal and black, injected with the bold Grundfos ?Materials from demolished buildings on site reused providing the perfectblue, dynamic red and fresh lime. The clean, in the construction of the building; relaxation area. Thepowerful lines of the building are reinforced in the ?Landscaping requires almost no watering - atrium is also a fullyreception area, which is also home to a floating endemic to area; functioning water-reception desk. A glass image of a raging waterfall, ?70% of construction waste redirected from the recycling plant.backlit with LED strip lighting against watery, silver landfill due to reuse or recycling of the waste;porcelain, showcases the magnificently designed ?Fresh air provided at a rate of 12.5l/s/p, exceedingGrundfos pumps. Oversized palms, bold Grundfos minimum regulatory requirements by 150%;blue seating, white swivel chairs, a trio of stainless- ?Daylight glare control via vertical fixed shadingsteel low- slung coffee tables and Nguni hides, devices;complete the picture. Large pumps are used as ?High frequency ballast provided for 100% ofpieces of art, creating an integrative sculpture ?usable area (UA);display area, which in turn leads to the atrium. ?Variable speed drives for mechanical equipment installed to reduce operational energyFurther on, a funky, colourful canteen boasts a glass consumption;graffiti wall. The space has certainly been designed ?Heat pumps for domestic hot water production forfor both efficiency, and the wellbeing of the staff, and kitchen, emergency rooms and gym;this was important to the company. ?Energy uses of 100kVA or greater submetered, and energy consumption effectively monitored throughThe architect believes that the project, as a whole, the BMS;has pretty much achieved what was originally ?Dedicated parking spaces provided for fuel efficientenvisaged: improved ability to deliver outstanding vehicles;customer service, fantastic working environment for ?Cyclists’ facilities provided;their staff, maximum brand exposure and - of course ?Rainwater harvesting system present, with- the great engineering and aesthetic of the actual treatment of water to drinking quality;building. ?Efficient water fittings; ?Water meters for all major water users;Sustainable Initiatives ?Arecycling waste storage facility?The building is orientated south to allow maximum light penetration with minimal heat gain from the sun;?Insulation used on all the roof slabs, under all exposed concrete soffits and even of the glass façades;?Grundfos solar panels to generate enough electricity to run the entire Grundfos waterfiltration system;?Building designed to allow external views and light penetration to 80% of the floor area, reducing lighting requirements;?All lights to be low energy fittings, with light and motion sensors; 29

Alice Lane PHASE ONE Situated on the corner of 5th Street and Fredman Drive, the building, occupied by Standard Bank, Marsh and Virgin Active amongst others, affords magnificent views and good exposure This building was designed to form an important piece piazza to ‘flow’ through the ground level of the building. of an urban puzzle. The building is one of three office blocks that sit on a landscaped piazza. The intention Green Aspects behind the piazza is to create an open public space Location to amenities such as public transport, and that links the offices to each other and to the facilities within the building, such as the gym and surrounding streets and buildings, providing office coffee shops, play a significant role in achieving the tenants and the public with a pleasant environment to Green Star SA rating, as this makes transport (with its conduct business and relax in. associated emissions) and access to the building more efficient. ARCHITECT’S COMMENT Client’s Brief and Concept The building was designed The building boasts green features such as energy to frame views from the piazza of the surrounding efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems, and is vistas and to terminate views on the piazza. It allows a designed in such a way that a maximum amount of transparent view through the building’s arched natural light is let into the building, as well as affording underbelly while framing the gardens within the piazza as many occupants as possible external views from and defining the piazza’s relationship with the sky and their desks. the views. The building is also located on a brownfield site, and Elements Defining did not require the disturbance of previously unused The east façade ‘leaping-horse’ structure with its land for construction. corresponding west façade balcony opening are innovative elements which clearly define the lines of This means that the project included elements like this building. double glazing and performance glass, careful monitoring of R- and U-values of materials, recycling This leaping-horse is essentially a bridge structure of water, green parking bays and passive heating and that spans 25m at third floor level, with three levels of cooling systems. offices above. This sculptural bridge was designed to form part of the ABOVE: SECTIONAlice Lane 41 Physical Data Parking levels: 6 Rentable floors: opening to the views of Bryanston and to allow the Ground plus 6Area under construction: 44,000m230

Rentable area: 18,750m2 Lifts are standard Melco/ 40mm thermal insulation to specification.Mitsubishi. Type 4: 6mm Eclipse Advantage grey toughenedUnitised Panel Elements safety glass. U-value: 3.4 W/m2.K Type 5: 6mmThe glazing/panel types are as follows: Eclipse advantage grey safety glass; powder coatedType 1: Outer pane: 6,38mm laminated Ener-G- galvanized back panel colour QQL 258 charcoal;Smart Neutral safety glass; 12mm gap; Inner pane: 40mm thermal insulation; powder coated internal6mm clear toughened safety glass. aluminium panel, colour QQX 202 Matt new Silver. U-value: 3.9W/m2.K.U value: 2 W/m2.K The building was designed toframe views from the piazza of the surrounding vistas Roof Areaand to terminate views on the piazza Alice Lane 43 There is 300m2 of open space on the roof which has been provided for use by the gym.Type 2: S ingle g lazed s pandrel: 6 .38mm laminatedEner-G-Smart Neutral safety glass; Air gap: 50mm Goosebumz, an astro-turf-like product, has beenfrom glass to back pan. Powder coated back pan with applied straight on to the waterproofing.40mm thermal insulation to specification. Developer’s ReportThis was to retain a glass aesthetic without Abland, together with Standard Bank and Pivotalcompromising insulating qualities. Property Investment Fund, opened the doors to Phase One of the triple A grade office space inU-value: 0.5 W/m2.K Type 3: 4mm composite August 2013. Triple A grade is reserved for only thealuminium coil faced panel, colour to be specified. most prestigious buildings with high quality finishes 31

Phase two and three will be ready for occupation from August 2014 and August 2016 respectively. and state of the art systems. The building is in the prime feature a central ‘street-scaped’ piazza between the location for business in Johannesburg, in the heart of three phases. This square will be pedestrian-friendly Sandton, on the property on the corner of Alice Lane and and will contain a naturally green environment, a first 5th Street, which used to house the Standard Bank, for Sandton office offerings. The piazza will be home Sandton branch, opposite Sandton City shopping to convenience service related retailers, including centre. Standard Bank, restaurants, coffee shops, hairdressers, dry cleaners and food outlets. A The development required the demolition of the existing premier gym, which is easily accessible from the Standard Bank building. The end result will be three new piazza level and the parking garage, is situated in prominent buildings. phase one. Tenants will have access to 70,000m2 of office and retail The R2-billion Alice Lane development is located in rentable space. An extensive basement parking the heart of Sandton, with easy access to the structure will ensure that all tenants and visitors have Gautrain station, malls, embassies, hotels and sufficient secure parking. The development will also offices.32 19