Architect and Builder August 2016 | Page 66

FIRST FLOOR PLAN Motion sensors are utilised throughout basements, common areas and meeting rooms. These are also zoned so as to ensure that lights are switched off in times when specific areas are experiencing low occupancy. Tenants are also encouraged to utilise sensors similarly. The usage of low wattage T5 fluorescent fittings in basements and tenants spaces, as well as LED fittings for common areas, feature lighting and façade lighting has also helped reduce the power requirement for lighting. The HVAC system was designed to be of a very high efficiency. As the main consuming factor of electrical power, the implementation of this technology has seen a notable saving in power when compared to normal HVAC systems. The building is currently running at 40.95 Watt/m2 across the 7,400 gross floor area of 8,583m2.This is well below the industry design standard of 60W/m. GROUND FLOOR PLAN FIFTH FLOOR PLAN Dynamic sound masking was implemented on the floor that Regiments has occupied in order to actively cancel noise from surroundings and within the office, thereby creating a comfortable environment for those working in the largely open plan office space. INTERIOR DESIGN – REGIMENTS HEAD OFFICE The brief to Interior Designers, Ink Design Lab, was to create a modern office environment for a progressive, values driven financial services company. The office would be fitted with state of the art communications technology, suggesting a fast moving, high technology environment. Within this workplace setting, the client wanted a humane and enabling environment where highly skilled and committed professionals would flourish. Spatial Idea / Design Intention In planning the office, the intent was to create a dynamic, user-friendly environment where the office worker and other private users of the space could interact seamlessly with their clients. The space was divided into clear private and public zones. The strategy was to put the public spaces on the ground floor and more private spaces were placed higher in the building. Public spaces, such as meeting rooms and training rooms, were placed close to the lift shafts at the entrance to each floor. The technical hub of the organisation was placed in the middle of the building to achieve efficient cabling runs. People were placed along windows for natural light and meeting rooms and other support spaces were placed away from the windows, in the middle of the floor plate. In addition, to achieve a healthier environment, the materials chosen were low emission materials (low Volatile Organic Compound). LED lighting was used, punctuated with feature lights to create points of interest. Choice of Materials and Colours In order to translate the brief of creating an Africaninspired office into the design aesthetic, warm, 64 35 Ferguson