from the start . The sustainability strategies of the building were developed around four pillars :
• High Comfort + Low Energy
• Daylighting + Lighting
• Low Embodied + Healthy Materials
• Well + Green
One of the building ’ s more innovative design features is the use of Thermo-Active Building Systems ( TABS ). This solution employs heated or cooled water which is run through pipes cast into the concrete slabs , harnessing the power of buildings thermal mass and radiant temperatures to achieve user thermal comfort .
There is a delicate balance between having enough natural lighting and external views , which assist in occupants ’ comfort and reduce the need for artificial lighting , and creating too much heat gain and glare in a building . The atrium uses fritted glass in the lattice shell roof to reduce the solar heat and glare while still allowing comfortable daylight levels . The façades utilise solar performance glass in conjunction with carefully positioned passive shading elements externally .
The d-school is one of the first buildings on the UCT campus to implement a PV system on its roof . While this does not make the building self-sufficient , it greatly reduces its reliance on grid power . The buildings base electrical energy usage has also been targeted though efficient light fittings combined with daylight and occupancy sensors . As the flexibility of space is so important the lighting and corresponding sensors are digitally addressable which allows the building to adapt as needed through time to meet the changing demands of its users and its climate .
Rainwater is harvested and combined with water-saving devices and electronic flushing to all sanitaryware to reduce demand on municipal water . Energy and water metering is also provided on all major systems in order to assist the building managers track and optimise operational efficiency .
Indoor environmental quality remained a connecting thread throughout the design process . The result is a mechanical solution that provides a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation with 100 % fresh air , carbon dioxide monitoring , adequate daylighting , glare reduction , generous external views , low volatile organic compounds for all internal finishes and suitable acoustic quality .
The building itself is envisioned to be a learning experience for users by showcasing its sustainability features and telling its environmental story through informational signage and digital displays of its energy and water usage . The principle of a Teaching Building ensures that the d-school can be a vehicle to visualise sustainability , involve users in the performance of the building , draft new behavioural norms and
28 d-School