Architect and Builder January/February 2016 | Page 29
infrastructure. Polished concrete flooring beautifully
reflects the filtered sunlight streaming through
the vast urban pergola that spans the plaza, while
seamlessly integrating the various components of the
design. Hardwood timber from harvested invasive
Sugar Gum trees softens and warms the plaza with
decks, seating and pergola covered bar counters.
Adjacent to the square, the developers agreed to
extend the landscape towards Hertzog Boulevard,
where existing trees were supplemented to create
a consolidated and striking Plane tree avenue that
provides a sheltered connection to the city. Earth
berms and planting provide shelter to the seating
alcoves along the avenue.
The plaza is enormously popular and has already
become one of the most vibrant urban rooms in the
city while successfully integrating engineering and
ecological function.
approximately 30%. Redefine is also investigating
the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on the
tower roofs, to save energy. The common areas of
the building have been fitted with energy-efficient
lighting using timer controls and the lights in these
areas will be automatically switched off when not
in use.
Conclusion
The Towers can be seen as a highly successful
refurbishment of one of Cape Town’s iconic
Foreshore buildings: due not only to the striking
glass façade reflecting the history and topography
of Cape Town but also the efficiency with which
this project allowed a working building to continue
operating throughout a comprehensive structural
and design process.
Sustainability
The redevelopment has significantly improved
energy efficiency at this property.
The Towers is likely to get a 3 or 4 Star Green Star
SA rating from the Green Building Council of SA on
completion when it is certified. In terms of the existing
building rating tool, further annual assessments will
follow which allow asset management to improve
the rating further as time proceeds.
It has been challenging to make changes to
an existing building that has only managed to get
a 2-star rating for energy efficiency, while it was
still occupied by tenants. The Towers remained
operational throughout the upgrade, and formed part
of the Green Star SA Existing Building Performance
pilot programme.
The new flushed glazed system on its external
façades will reduce the cooling demand by
The Towers
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