Façade
The cost parameters specified by the developer
also transferred to the building façade, with an
emphasis on strict glass to solid ratios. The façade
is a lightweight ETICS façade system. Although not
used often in South Africa, the team considered it
a great façade solution if applied correctly. It was
important to ensure that the detailing around the
façade was finished properly to make sure that the
envelope of the building offered longevity.
Materials
The podium comprises a combination of large
urban pavers and natural stone. White stone
offcuts from Hannelie Coetzee’s stone art works
were used in the design of two water features
and the transition borders between planters and
paving. Retail shops spill out onto timber decks
and landscaped planters soften the hard stone
surfaces of the podium. The timber has been
left untreated to allow it to ‘grey out’ over time,
allowing a seamless visual interface between
the pavers and the timber. The podium has been
landscaped quite significantly and creates a ‘green’
infinity edge between the podium and basement
edge and the drop below to Minerva Road. The
eye is carried over the edge to the green of the
landscaped park below, creating a seamless urban
green space.
the building’s overall electrical consumption by
more than 25% when compared to an already
efficient chilled water installation, resulting in an
average monthly electricity saving of R6.40 per
square metre.
The system offers individual control via a
variable air volume diffuser. The system is compartmentalised
and can be utilised for multiple
buildings throughout the precinct. The 20-25%
initial additional cost for purchase and installation
is recouped within a short time period.
Sustainability
Sub-metering of major energy consuming systems
is in place. Gathering information is key to under-
HVAC System
One of the systems that the team is proud to
have been a part of is the innovative HVAC
system. The building is conditioned by a four pipe
chilled water thermal storage system. The phase
change material thermal storage system reduces
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