Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2014 | Page 54

WINNER: ARCHITECTURAL CATEGORY No. 1 Silo, V&A Waterfront No. 1 Silo, part of the first phase in the Silo precinct development of The V&A Waterfront, won the Architectural category. This 10-storey development consists of an east and a west wing built on two levels of a mega-basement covering the whole site. Structural steelwork was the solution to provide slender support to the façades, walkways, bridges, lifts and feature stairs, while economically extending the cantilevers of the conventional post-tensioned slabs framing the atrium. The roof of the atrium is positioned above the open volume area spanning 17 metres. A composite steel and concrete Bondek slab was designed to serve as the primary support and waterproofing line to an accessible and functional roof. Another critical design element of the atrium was the feature staircase that served the five office levels. Heritage requirements regarding the treatment, restoration and reinstatement of the existing structures were of the utmost importance. Underpinning the heritage silo and buildings constructed in the 1920s was a great challenge to the structural engineers and contractor. No.1 Silo has been awarded a 6-star rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa. The development is the country’s latest – and largest - green office building. It is only the second office building to be awarded this rating in South Africa and the first in the Western Cape. Hugh Fraser, representing the South African Institute of Architects on the panel of judges said: “No 1 Silo, like all buildings, will be measured by the passage of time, but steel ensures this should be an enduring contribution to the local architectural community,” he concluded. Developer/Owner: V&A Waterfront Architects: Rick Brown & Associates; VDMMA Structural Engineer: GR Sutherland Associates Quantity Surveyor: MLC Quantity Surveyors Project Manager: Mace Management Services Main Contractor: WBHO Steelwork Contractor: Anchor Steel Projects Detailers/Detailing Company: Anchor Steel Projects Cladding: World of Windows Façade Engineer: Arup 54 Steel Awards