INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS: WINNER
Ecobank, Accra, Ghana
The overall vision was to create a world-class facility
that is contextually rooted and celebrates the spirit of
Ghana. The development is defined by best practice
green principles in creating an energy efficient building.
The design is characterised by two building components
mediated by a multi-volume entrance atrium which
supports movement and connectivity. The tallest element
houses the executive office component at fourteen levels
high, while the lower component accommodates the public
banking hall complimented by meeting rooms, canteen
and auditorium. The design forms an easy flow of interior
spaces without losing connection with its exterior. This
is achieved by means of a focal spiral staircase, leading
up to a glass ceilinged pane and the use of floating light
fittings and glass layering throughout the design.
Energy modeling and simulating energy consumption
over an entire year was necessary to optimise for the
tropical climatic condition. Careful selection of glazing
systems and exterior shading were strategically integrated
as energy efficiency measures for glare and heat gain
reduction. Close communication and collaboration with
both local and international suppliers was fundamental
in the design and building process to deliver a solution
that would be within budget, innovative and would not
compromise on quality.
Numerous challenges were overcome by embracing
sustainable and economical building solutions. An
optimised response to solar orientation, balanced with
an inside out approach that incorporated its immediate
context was integral to the design. A key focus was to
create a clear separation between public and private
functions with cross programming of spaces in order
to maximise flexibility. A sense of infinity and growth is
created through abstraction; spiral and extraction design
elements and technologies were developed to create the
dynamic building form.
Building construction in Ghana is challenging as a result
on non-availability of local industries and suppliers of
materials. As most items had to be imported, procurement
and time management was of paramount importance.
Close communication and collaboration with local and
international suppliers was fundamental in the design
and building process to deliver a solution that would be
within budget, innovative and does not compromise on
quality. Innovation from the design start right through to
furniture selection was achieved through the hands on
approach adopted by all consultants involved. The end
product succeeding in end user satisfaction within its
unique cultural surrounds.
Developer:
Sandpark Properties Limited
Owner: Ecobank Ghana Limited
Architects:
ARC Architects Pretoria;
Mobius Architecture Ghana
Quantity Surveyors:
DElQS; Antwi Baah Consult Ghana
Project Managers:
GHC Africa;
Diagonal Projects Africa
Civil Engineers and Structural Engineers:
HBS Consulting Engineers;
ABP Consulting Engineers Ghana
Electrical and Mechanical
Engineers: CKR Consulting;
UJE Engineers Ghana
Landscape Architects:
Insite Landscape Architects
Main Contractors:
Micheletti & Co;
Energoproject Ghana
80
SAPOA Awards