Architect and Builder February/March 2019 | Page 33

of trees that reflect and provide hints as to the
sustainable nature of the building. The same
pattern is repeated in the planting of the green wall.
The Green wall was suggested and followed
through as part of the improvement of the site’s
ecological value, as no greenery existed on the
site. This formed part of other green garden areas
on the roof levels of the building.
The dark colour of the building allows it to
merge itself well within the fabric of the city and
buildings in close proximity. The dark walls set
off the white screens that dominate the façades.
Challenges
The main challenges for the Engineers were
the foundations and retaining walls in such a
confined space as well as the demolition of
the existing building in very close proximity to
Electricity House
heritage buildings. The Architectural challenge
was to integrate a functional depot building into a
commercial sphere in the heart of Cape Town; to
present a finished product that formed its function,
that delivered on its Green Design initiatives and
blended well with its surrounding buildings.
Sustainable HVAC
A green building requires additional fresh air
to increase the indoor air quality and reduce
the effect of air born deceases. Due to this
additional fresh air it increases the amount of
air conditioning required for the building. As air-
conditioning is a big contributor to the energy
usage of the building the designers reduced this
by conditioning the fresh air and use an enthalpy
wheel to recover some of the energy in the exhaust
air of the building.
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