African project Waterfall Public Transport Holding Facility – South Africa
This area is also provided with posters to encourage and educate users on what materials can be reused and recycled .
“ The most notable feature of the design would undoubtable be the planters ,” says Pillan . “ They are the first elements the drivers notice before entering the courtyard . Secondly would be the canteen canopy roof .” Large overhangs on the building blur the distinction between interior and exterior spaces . Hardscape surfaces and roofing material with qualifying Solar Reflectance Index ( SRI ) values were chosen to minimise the urban heat island effect ; and robust materials such as sheeting , steel and face brick were chosen for easy maintenance . Clearvu fencing has been used on the ablution block and canteen for security as well as for maximum cross ventilation and natural light .
Because the client requested the facility to have a 5 star green rating , the environment played an important role in the overall design and materiality of the project . “ We started with the site and assessed the slope . This allowed us to position the facility ( building ) and parking accordingly to allow for a natural storm water runoff . In the initial conceptual design , we looked at the orientation of the spaces required by the client and decided to separate each function . By doing this we were able to maximize the amount of natural lighting into each space which would reduce the amount of artificial lighting need ,” says Pillan . “ The smaller buildings also allowed us to eliminate the need for mechanical ventilation by allowing for cross ventilation through the space . Because solar was going to be the only source of power for the project , these aspects are important to think about in order to reduce the power consumption of the site .” By also separating the buildings and orientating them in a courtyard typology , it allowed airflow through the space , natural storm water run-off , visual security overlooking the entire site and a private space for the taxi drivers to gather in the centre .
The building is completely off grid , with a solar PV installation located on top of the ablution block to provide power for the offices , canteen and refuse area . Solid Green ’ s Annelidé Sherratt reveals that this installation is capable of producing 6177kWh of electricity , resulting in a net positive building . The horizontal zoning of the building eliminates the need for vertical circulation and water heating facilities , which also saves energy .
All sustainable building features have been incorporated in such a way to educate building occupants on how the sustainability initiatives implemented in the building work , and the associated environmental benefits of these initiatives . Water efficient sanitary fittings have been specified , and water and energy consumption results available from energy and water sub-meters are displayed on a dedicated screen for public viewing .
In addition , a Building Users ’ Guide was developed to inform visitors and staff working in the building of relevant building operations that influence them and on which they have an effect ; to provide information on management systems that optimise the building ’ s environmental performance ; and to ensure that all future alterations , additions and programme changes adhere to the intent of the Guide .
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