Architect and Builder July/August 2015 | Page 56

The site was one of the last remaining open erven in the Tyger Valley Waterfront precinct and forms the bookend of the developments around the water’s edge GROUND FLOOR PLAN The building is equipped with a full range of energy-saving measures including minimising embodied energy in its structure thereby reducing energy usage and carbon emissions, resulting in lower operational costs. In order to minimise carbon footprint, materials were sourced as locally as possible. The overall insulation is excellent and this is achieved through high-performance double glazing and insulated spandrel panels. The concrete used contains pulverised fly ash that reduces its embodied energy, as well as material excavated from the site. An energy recovery system is implemented to recover energy generated by lift car breaking. 54 All timber on site is either FSC certified, re-used, or re-cycled. Where a ‘timber’ finish was specified, environmentally sustainable wood composite was used. The Edge uses water from the quarry for both heat-rejection (summer), and heat absorption (winter). The HVAC system effectively runs on ‘free’ cooling for extended periods of time. The lighting system is adaptable to various levels of daylight and occupancy and is a major contributor to the energy efficiency of the building. The Edge utilises a rainwater harvesting system and all taps and toilets are water efficient. The Edge