Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2014 | Page 43

ADVERTISERS ON THIS PROJECT:
CA du Toit
Consulting MultiDisciplinary Engineers
JC Van der Linde &
Venter Projects
Building Contractor
Jeremie Malan
Architects + Interiors
Architects
LCM Skin & Laser Clinic
The diagnosis and treatment of
skin disease using advanced
scientifically proven techniques in
medical and cosmetic medicines.
Otec
Civil & Structural Engineers
Pretoria Institute for Architecture
Institute
Q-Mech Consulting Engineers
Consulting Mechanical Engineers

external walling system was employed. It
consists of pre-coloured steel sheeting to
the outside, insulation to the middle and
drywall boards to the inside. All are fixed to
lightweight steel studs fixed between the
floor slabs.
Window opening widths of over 5 metres
are achieved without heavy concrete or
steel lintols. Flashing details around windows
and joints are meticulously detailed. The
drywall system speeds up construction
and avoids the complications of wet trades
at heights.
A dark coloured face brick is used for the
ground level infill panels to emphasise the
structure of the lighter coloured concrete
frame floating above. The elevation and
boundary wall facing the street has intricate
facebrick detail patterns which pays homage
to Pretoria’s tradition of face-brick buildings.
The accessible flat roof is finished with
open jointed concrete paving blocks which
are laid loose on spacers, set on an insulating
membrane above torch on bitumen. This
creates a hardwearing walking surface
that effectively shades and protects the
waterproofing system.

shaded glazed areas provide good quality
natural light to supplement electric light. Dual
flush concealed cisterns and waterless urinals
reduce water use. Rainwater is collected into
roof tanks for irrigation of the planters on
the building.
The use of fair face concrete, face brick,
galvanized steel and pre-coloured sheeting
makes for durable, low-maintenance external
finishes. External plaster and paint is limited
to a feature wall at ground level. The building
is designed to withstand the local climate
and age gracefully with the minimum of
maintenance costs.

SITE PLAN

Sustainable Design
The bulk of office windows are orientated
north or south and and are sheltered by
generous alumium filigree shading panels.
Openings on east or west facades are minimal
and fully protected by aluminium filigree
panels over their full aperture. Glazing is of a
Low-E type.
Energy efficient fluorescent & LED lights
are used. Movement sensors control the
lights to further reduce energy use. The large,
Tram Street

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