Architect and Builder July/August 2015 | Page 84

REFURBISHMENT WINNER BMW (South Africa) Head Office Refurbishing the architecturally iconic BMW (South Africa) Head Office building, originally designed by Hans Hallen in 1984/85, to reflect BMW’s corporate identity (NEUE ARBEITZWELTEN - new working environment) provided Boogertman + Partners with the opportunity to rejuvenate an enervated space by applying the principles of sustainability a nd current technologies. The interventions equipped the building to face the future on an equal footing with contemporary developments. The final product is a carefully engineered coexistence between an international corporate standard. It fulfils the needs of BMW (South Africa); creating a productive and pleasant working environment and extending the building’s lifespan by employing sustainable and green building principles. Conceptually the design maintains the spirit of the original building while infusing the envelope with the life of a new entity which is simple in aesthetic intent, while being energy efficient and sustainable. Transparency, natural light, occupant comfort levels, ventilation and universal access were all targeted with the single focus of achieving a designed and pleasing architectural solution to the client briefing requirements. BMW (South Africa) achieved a 4 star ‘Design’ GSSA rating, followed by a 5 star ‘As Built’ GSSA rating Refurbishing a building is inherently sustainable due to the reuse of embodied energy, however rejuvenating the structure into an energy efficient one is a notable transformation. 82 Maximum Innovation points were achieved which acknowledges the endeavour of the client and consultant team to achieve a notable building in terms of building technologies currently available globally. It is hoped that the impact of the refurbishment of the BMW (South Africa) Head Office will be felt within the building industry as a project which is solution-based in employing the principles of sustainable design. The interventions implemented acknowledge the spirit of the architecturally iconic building, while regenerating an enervated structure to be viable and compatible for the foreseeable future. Light, lines and simplicity define the conceptual design of the refurbishment and the final product is an expression of these uncomplicated notions while representing the internationally recognised BMW brand. Project Managers: Metrum Project Management Architects: Boogertman + Partners Architects Quantity Surveyors: BWR Quantity Surveyors Civil and Structural Engineers: Mott MacDonald PDNA Mechanical Engineers: Spoormaker and Partners Electrical Engineers: Quad Africa Fire Consultants: Chimera Fire Protection Green Consultants: Solid Green Consulting Other Consultants: Izazi Consulting Engineers; African Environmental Design Main Contractor: Barrow Construction Photography: Studio 88 Photography SAPOA Awards