Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa March/April 2015 | Page 47

mechanically ventilated to prevent the build-up
of noxious fumes, carbon dioxide and carbon
monoxide. Ventilation shafts are provided with
low level and high level grilles and fans are rated
for smoke extraction.
Wet Services
A water storage tank of sufficient capacity to
provide for the consumption of the building for a
period of three working days was provided in the
basement. The tank capacity was based on storing
30 litres of water per person per day, including
kitchen and bar areas on the topmost floor.
Domestic water is pumped from the water
storage tank via the pipe reticulation to the end

Acacia House

fittings by means of a variable speed pump set
with built-in redundancy consisting of at least
two individual pumps, located at basement
level adjacent to the water tank. These pumps
will only deliver the water flow and pressure
required to match the demand at any particular
time, and in doing so, provide energy efficient
operation. Also, the design and operation