Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa July/August 2014 | страница 29

Good acoustics in the offices and common
areas was important. The acoustic engineers
worked with the interior designers to ensure
their designs took this into consideration.
SUSTAINABILITY
Initially the Portside project aimed for a 4 Star
Office Design rating, however the clients saw
the opportunity to raise the benchmark for
this AAA grade commercial development,
and the professional team were able to
achieve a 5 Star Green Star SA (GSSA) v1
Office Design rating, representing “South
African Excellence”, as administered by the
Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA).
This is especially significant as Portside is the
first tall building in the country to receive
such certification. At the time of writing, the
building is being assessed for a 5 star Green
Star As-Built rating.
Portside has focused on the environmental
initiatives associated with GSSA projects, including energy reduction through an efficient air
conditioning system; the capturing, storage
and reuse of rainwater as well as grey water
for use in toilets thus reducing potable water
use; the use of low embodied energy materials
such as recycled reinforcing steel and cement
replacement with industrial waste products;
and the maximisation of natural light through
the provision of a double glazed façade.
One of the distinguishing features in
Portside is the application of LED light
fittings throughout. This significantly lowers
the energy consumption and is a first fo ȁ