• 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.
Sasol 33