Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa July/August 2014 | Page 70

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WINNER
Grundfos South Africa

Developed by Growthpoint Properties, Grundfos’
new headquarters are located on one of the most
prominent sites in Germiston/ Ekurhuleni, at the
junction of the N1 and R24 highways, which provides
excellent street exposure. With the site on a freeway
intersection, exposed to the main route to the OR
Tambo International Airport, it was imperative that
an iconic architectural statement, reflecting the
Grundfos worldwide ethos, was reflected.
Design
Grundfos was intimately involved in the design
and aesthetic that they wished to portray. The site
incorporates both the new head office (3,000m2)
and a warehouse (6,500m2). From the start, it was
envisioned that the head office should be green and
that a 4- star Green Star rating would be targeted.
With this in mind, every decision was made in
consideration of the environment.
Designed by Empowered Spaces, the office
block is conceptually constructed from two interconnecting blocks around a central, full height atrium,
and consists of two office levels over a ventilated
basement level. Using insulated concrete roofs, brick
walls and a large span of glazing, the design had to
stay true to Grundfos’ unique global architectural
language, but also incorporate a South African
impression. Linking this high-end office development
to a functional industrial space was a big challenge to
ensure both an aesthetic and functional integration.
There are a number of unique features, the most
distinctive of which are the two white boxes that
intersect to form the main entrance with the glass

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façades cut from it. The main entrance is another
statement space, although fairly challenging in
that the natural ground level was 2,5m lower than
the ground- floor entrance. It was decided to have
access from all directions and to break up the entry
into various levels to make the height difference less
noticeable for the visitor approaching the entrance.
The prominent orange façade is created from the
vertical shading louvres made up of Grundfos’ solar
panels and mesh. The mesh was created to allow
enough shading onto the glass, yet keep good views
to the outside. The louvres also harness the west
sun by means of solar panels, which generate the
electricity to run the filtration system for the building.
Aaesthetically, this is the architects’ favourite feature,
and it’s also the view that one gets from the freeway.
The water feature also stands out and is a reference
to Grundfos, the biggest pump supplier in the
world. It is made up of slabs sliding past each other,
penetrating out of the ground - a subtle reference to
geological dynamics with water pumped through.

Developer: Growthpoint Properties
Architects: Empowered Spaces
Project Managers: Growthpoint Properties
Quantity Surveyors: AECOM
Civil and Structural Engineers: Aurecon
Mechanical Engineers: Aurecon
Electrical Engineers: Conscius Consultants
Fire Consultants: Specialised Fire Technology
Green Consultants: Aurecon
Main Contractor: WBHO

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