Architect and Builder February/March 2019 | Page 71

HVAC
The VRV system allows for effective zonal control
in the building catering for simultaneous heating
and cooling within the different zones based on
desired internal conditions. Each floor is fitted with
a separate VRF system which allows for relative
ease in accommodating future office ‘churn’.
Block C has a slightly different application
for the first floor open plan area – this space is
served by two Hybrid Roof Top units that are
connected to VRF Heat Pump condensers. The
rooftop is also fitted with an economiser allowing
full fresh introduction when outdoor ambient
conditions allow.
Block E has been fitted with a central controller
that caters for temperature, time scheduling and
many other value add features.
Fresh air is introduced into the buildings to
comply with SANS 10400 Part 0. Air is introduced
into the space via either hard connections or
discharge to the rear of the ducted units in
exposed areas. Balancing dampers ensure the
correct amount of air is delivered to comply
with regulations. external façade elements. The same concept was
repeated internally for brick enclosed service areas
and feature walls.
Conceptually the B+P office is designed
over 2 levels, but with greater floor to floor
height to mimic the adjacent 3 storey buildings’
overall heights. Overall height is also guided by a
restrictive maximum height line, and an offset line
from neighbouring residential area.
For Block C, the lower level caters for mainly
client interface spaces, the barista-reception area,
with gallery/lounge spaces at the meeting rooms
and large open plan collab-cafe space where
different flexible functions are accommodated;
model building, laser cutting, sample boarding,
coffee drinking, printing and binding all happen here.
The upper level double volume office is the
‘creative hub’, where 90% of the staff work
together in a large space interrupted only by the
open ‘atrium cum auditorium’ space with “Google-
esque” steps and seating. An open, exposed steel
frame structure and roof with glazed façades,
envelopes the clustered rows of desks. There
are no cellular offices - working space is totally
egalitarian and flexible.
BLOCK C – BOOGERTMAN + PARTNERS
Architectural Features
For Block C the façades facing north and south are
near completely permeable with visibly linked large
glazed expanses. The markedly more solid, east
and west façades offer protection against solar
heat gain and so does a finely meshed shading
structure on the northern open terrace façade.
Double glazing to lower level, western façade
glass offers occupancy comfort to meeting rooms
and access to a Green Belt. Corobrik’s new black
facebrick was used for the feature treatment of Sustainability
From a sustainable design perspective, the
building has a 4-Star GBCSA Building rating and a
5-Star GBCSA Interior rating, managed by Solid
Green Consulting.
Passive design through East-West ‘solid’ façade
orientation, reduced glazed exposure and small
openings, work hand in hand with active design
features such as the sun screening, insulated roofs
(heat and sound), low energy lighting (LED) and
air-conditioning (VRV), to make the occupancy
comfort optimal.
The Main Straight
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