The central atrium
penetrates all the office
floors and encourages
visual and social cohesion
by functioning as an
interactive hub for the
building’s occupants
44
were not achievable. The detail design of these
façade surfaces therefore became the primary
canvas with wh ich to define the character of
the building.
The adjacent busy traffic circle results in the
building, for the most part, being viewed from
a moving vehicle. For this reason, the design
responds to this movement with a flush glazed
“skin of glass” which wraps around the building,
mimicking the curve of Umhlanga Rocks Drive.
The use of coloured and tinted glazing is
purposefully employed to create a distinctive
checker board patterned façade, which takes its
inspiration for the neighbouring building within
the complex.
This affectionately named “Bar Code
Façade” is appropriately bold in scale and
extends over four of the office floors, articulated
by recessed floors on ground and fifth, and is
terminated by balconies at the east and west
ends. This monochromatic super graphic
approach challenges perceptions by blurring the
distinction between window and façade
cladding. Various design models were explored
between the architect, sustainability, and
façade consultants.
Minimising solar gain and internal glare
issues of this North East to North West façade
demanded that actual window area (vision
panels) be limited to 35% of the total façade
area. This total area would also deliver the
required natural light requirement without over-
reliance on artificial office lighting, provided that
the vision panels were equally distributed
throughout the length of the façade and
extended to internal ceiling height.
The balance of this façade comprises
alternate white and charcoal coloured, back
painted, glazing panels which form the external
cladding to an insulated and gypsum lined
interior. The use of low iron glass was utilised
to obtain a true white colouration.
Sustainability
Both developers of the Joint Venture
embrace sustainability and green principles in
the design and operation of its new building.
From an early stage, it was decided that the
completed project would be certified by the
Green Council of South Africa. The design team,
specifically Paul Carew Consulting, worked in
close collaboration with Rewardsco, to realise
a building custom-designed around the client’s
needs and requirements, but still allowing for
future flexibility.
The new building was designed to Green
Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA)
4-Star Green Star rating specifications. These
design criteria have included fly ash concrete
mix in its construction and the use of low volatile
organic compound, paint, adhesives and carpets.
Environmental control is by means of a watercooled air conditioning plant which is serviced
from a central chiller plant. Roof and wall
insulation, as well as air conditioning zoning also
keep temperatures comfortable.
LED and low energy light fittings within
common and office areas, infra-red motion
controlled lighting within parking levels, and air
source heat pumps for all water heating
requirements, further assist in reducing the
building’s energy demands. Daylight harvesting
and installation of DALI lighting system ensure
the office areas are kept bright while reducing
overall electrical consumption.
Water saving sanitary and brassware fittings
are employed throughout, which includes
motion controlled urinals and taps. Stormwater
harvesting provides landscaping irrigation needs.
A Building Management System (BMS)
monitors the electrical demand, temperature
control and water usage in all areas of the
building. The system highlights areas where
energy or water is wasted, enabling a quick
response to resolve the issues.
Rewardsco received 4-Star Green Star
Design Certification during construction and is
currently in the finalisation process for
submission to obtain 4-Star Green Star Built
Certification. Thoughtful design was applied to
Rewardsco creating a stimulating working
environment that reduces building utility costs
by employing sustainable alternatives to the
benefit of the occupants.
RewardsCo