• The HVAC control system is designed to optimise efficiency based on time of the year and building occupancy .
• The atria have underfloor heating in the floor slabs . Fan coil units in the ceilings provide heating and cooling to the spaces .
• Rainwater is harvested from the roof and podium and greywater is collected from showers for irrigation and flushing toilets and urinals .
• Efficient office and parking lighting operate on occupancy sensors .
• Hot water is provided by two heatpumps .
• Fresh air is provided at a rate of 12l / s / p .
• There is a high level of thermal comfort for 95 % of the usable area .
• Energy uses of 100kVA or greater and all major water uses are sub-metered & controlled via BMS .
• 70 % of usable area has direct line of sight to the outdoors .
• Paints , adhesives & sealants and carpets with low or no VOC were used .
• Automatic blinds are programmed to block glare from the office spaces .
Landscape Architecture Sasol ’ s landscape concept draws from the acknowledgement of three primary aspirations . The first is to provide the building with a base and perimeter that is almost entirely a greened zone . This solution nestles the architecture softly into its surrounding context and also assists in the beautification of views both out of and towards the building . The second aspiration is to provide a landscape that is as fluid and interactive as the architecture it supports . The third influence develops in response to , and in celebration of , the Sasol Group ’ s clear commitment to the conservation of natural habitats and environments . The focus then accrues in the need to create gardens and spaces that are aligned with the patterns of nature , encourage biodiversity , and allow for the preservation of a delicate balance and understanding that hangs between man and the environment .
The notions listed above translate into organic and flowing lines . These lines are introduced even at one ’ s first experience of the building as one is drawn up into the sweeping entrance , enveloped up off the street into a space that bridges between two expansive reflection pools and welcomes one into the sculptural volume that is the Sasol Headquarters . The integration of the outdoors and the indoors is immediately visible . The large entrance reflection pools continue their sweep into the main atrium and encompass the circulation
route up from the basement , and pockets of forest filter the element of greening in from outside .
Fluid paths lead the visitor out onto the Podium Level landscape , serene and encompassing , allowing for the thoughtful absorption of art pieces and sculptural elements . Winding pathways guide visitors through the full and rich vegetation displays , that celebrate and showcase carefully selected indigenous trees and shrubs that are specifically known for their bird and butterfly attracting characteristics , possibly allowing too for the display of information from the Sasol Birding Collection . As one moves around the building on Street Level , Podium Level and the upper terraces , one experiences the different biomes created through specific planting selection .
The planter walls rise and fall organically , containing rolling and sweeping berms and a forest of indigenous trees . The walls also transform in portions to become seating elements . The planter walls also weave in and out , creating sculptural spaces that open up to the sky and that will , with the aid of integrated lighting designs , come to life at night .
The undulating language in this garden , informed by the architectural forms that it surrounds , defines the landscape design philosophy , which is stitched through into all external and terrace areas .
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