NEWSWORTHY
FIRMENICH RECEIVES GBCSA ’ S 6 STAR GREEN STAR INTERIORS RATING
Refurbishing a building provides opportunities for companies to make their buildings more efficient , increase sustainable measures and improve the work experience for staff . Firmenich , in line with its global commitment to three strategic streams ; acting on climate change , embracing nature and caring about people , have taken bold and considered steps in delivering an exceptional facility which has received a Green Building Council South Africa ( GBCSA ) 6 Star Green Star Interiors rating .
Firmenich worked with the Tétris Design and Build team to deliver a holistic solution that considered the entire eco-system of a workspace . A 6 Star Green Star rating is a notable achievement , underscoring an organisation ’ s commitment to future proofing its business where climate change and resource availability are key considerations .
An initial workplace strategy , assessment of technical laboratory requirements and a light study resulted in 85 % of employees seated within 7m of natural light . Laboratory technicians have views outdoors , meeting rooms are filled with daylight , and an extended glass and steel atrium provides a much-needed staff informal meeting , connecting and eating area .
A 75 % reduction in municipal power use through the installation of 110kw photovoltaic roof panels with battery storage ensures continuous productivity despite power outages . This saving is combined with a 67 % reduction in reliance on municipal water achieved through collecting and processing rainwater from the roof and parking . Water collected is stored in a 100,000-litre underground tank before being pumped into a 5,000-litre tank above the ground and then through reverse osmosis treatment to generate potable water for staff .
Air quality in the work environment is core to Firmenich achieving a healthy workspace and is essential in a space dedicated to producing tastes and fragrances . Positive and negative air flows are engineered to ensure that smells stay inside laboratories and don ’ t extend beyond these areas . The HVAC system distributes fresh air throughout the space , and CO2 monitors continually measure air quality .
Aesthetic comfort is added to the efficiency of the refurbished building through open-plan workspaces with informal seating and collaboration areas marked with bold wallpapers and patterns that identify different divisions ’ workspaces . While aligning with the company ’ s global brand guidelines , there is also a strong use of pattern and geometry informed by local African shweshwe fabrics to anchor the project in its regional context . The connection to nature and clean air is continued through the addition of large planter boxes that provide screening in open areas and custommade plant features that fill the hallways and the double-volume reception area . Staff can also access an outdoor deck under the shade of large trees in the landscaped gardens for work breaks .
The final result is a revitalised office for the Firmenich business that sets a benchmark for a rigorous approach that considers every detail towards improving the overall performance of a building and the comfort and wellbeing of the teams working within them – a truly sustainable solution .
NEW LUXURY BATH RANGE
Imagine the perfect luxury bath and the answer will always be V & A . World renowned for the creation of beautiful freestanding baths – as British as they come – V & A baths have pure blue-blood heritage although they are manufactured in South Africa . Each new range is as iconic as the last , with an international design aesthetic and universal appeal . Italtile ’ s exclusive new V & A range – Lussari – is no exception . Destined to become contemporary classics , the three size offerings in Italtile ’ s Lussari range offer harmoniously smooth curves and sensual sloping sides , designed to enhance most bathroom styles , from classic to modern , thanks to the deceptive simplicity of shape . As with all V & A baths , the Lussari models are moulded out of V & A ’ s unique Quarrycast . This trademarked compound is a blend of volcanic limestone ( a very special white rock ) with high performance resins . Together , they form a complex 3D matrix that delivers the signature V & A look and feel – velvety smoothness and warmth – underpinned with unrivalled durability and insulation . Quarrycast has extraordinary heat retention quality , which means there ’ s no need to top up with hot water and interrupt your precious tub time . Greater relaxation and water saving guaranteed . Lussari 1 is a more compact shape for a smaller bathroom . Lussari 2 is a mid-size offering , while Lussari 3 is the perfect tub for real stretch-out luxury ( or a shared soak for two !). Lussari 1 : 1,540 x 700mm Lussari 2 : 1,660 x 730mm Lussari 3 : 1,780 x 760mm All baths are 550 tall ( 502mm depth ) The Lussari range is exclusive to Italtile and each model in the Lussari range comes with a 25-year guarantee .
Interior Watch 101