Architect and Builder November/December 2015 | Page 28

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

The podium level and top floor level’s facades are
fully glazed, connecting seamlessly between inside and
outside, and the main entrance to each building takes the
glazing up to full height. The facade and glazed atrium
have been articulated to ensure optimal light penetration
throughout the office spaces, while carefully controlling
both glare and heat gain, ensuring occupier comfort and
energy efficiency.
The top floor is recessed to create wraparound
terraces, shaded by the crisp white projecting roof line.
The depth of the setback was informed by GSSA solar
shading requirements so that the roof provides adequate
coverage for the fully glazed façade on this level.
All of the glazing within the façade is double glazed
toughened safety glass, with three panel types: clear vision
panels, insulated spandrel panels, and solid aluminium

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composite panels. The glass specification was devised
by the façade engineers, LH Consulting Engineers in
consultation with the sustainability consultants, PJ Carew
in line with the 5 Star GSSA application.
The horizontality of the structure is broken up in vertical
glazing elements in the main façade, and by strong vertical
structural elements. Dark grey aluminium fins are used
to enclose the fire escapes and together with off-shutter
concrete signage walls form the walls of the ‘forest’,
providing solar screening and privacy for these spaces
from the busy Ratanga Road.
Sustainability
Bridge Park has been awarded a 5-Star Green Star SA
Office v1 Design rating by the Green Building Council of
South Africa bringing to five the number of Green Star

Bridge Park