Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa March/April 2015 | Page 27

Workmanship
The two main façade features comprise
white off-shutter concrete fins and portals
and a coated aluminium clad corner feature.
The concrete was painstakingly detailed to
make aesthetic merit of shutterwork and
jointing. The sourcing and construction
was coordinated with the contractor and
supplier and was ground breaking for SA. The
aluminium cladding comprises solid panels
with a pearlescent coating, giving a more
lustrous effect to that of other commonly
available products.
Plastered surfaces have an application of
acrylic bonded coating, which was enlivened
by the considered use and placement
of jointing.
Interior public spaces make extensive use
of FSC European oak with a grey oiled finish.
Facilities
Facilities for staff include a canteen with a
coffee and food counter. The main feature of
the building is the central open courtyard with
planting and integrated and movable seating.
This space is accessible to all staff from the
canteen and main foyer spaces and allows for
open-air lunches and quiet retreat from the
office environment. The design also allows for
adaptability in the case of corporate functions.
The office levels are provided with 5 pause
areas with kitchenette, bar, table and lounge
seating. Other facilities include bicycle,
change and shower areas for office staff.
Environmentally Sustainable Design
Chevron has a Green Star rating of 5. Use of
non-vehicular transport is encouraged by
providing bicycle racking for staff and visitors
and shower facilities.
The envelope is double-glazed with
high performance glass and is screened by
integrally designed concrete and aluminium
shading devices. More than 80% of the office
space has a direct line of sight to the outdoors
and allows for maximum ingress of filtered
natural light. An even spread of lumen levels
for artificial lighting was achieved.
Rain water is recycled for use in toilets and
is provided for pool filling in the adjacent gym.
Acoustics were addressed with low
reverberation levels and sound transfer.
Tenant Covenance
Chevron desired to accommodate 450 staff
with sufficient parking, amenities, safety
and operational excellence. The company
had occupied its headquarters for 40 years
and wished to own and occupy a new
headquarters for a similar design life. They
owned its headquarters and were in a position
to apply the value of its existing asset against
the cost of the new. As such, the new building
is 100% let to its owner, who plans another 40
year incumbency. Future expansion has been
Chevron

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