Architect and Builder November/December 2018

for planting and called for the use of pots. Large, simplistic pots were placed in groupings of three’s and four’s to create a bold impression and allow the planting of shrubs and additional trees, creating a stronger sense of place. The positioning of the pot groupings were done in such a way to create maximum visibility of the building whilst allowing free flowing pedestrian traffic though the area. In addition to the existing trees, carefully preserved during construction, Ekebergia capensis (Cape Ash) trees were introduced in the pots for their evergreen canopy, ornamental shape and ability to cope with semi-shade conditions. The landscape was further extended by introducing creepers on the vertical plane of the building also highlighting the architectural features of the façade. Sustainability Water efficient initiatives have been implemented in the new development. These include sensor taps in the ablutions facilities, kitchens and pause 38 area faucets. In addition to this, all showers in the building are fitted with low-flow showerheads. These initiatives collectively reduce the building’s potable water demand. A significant portion of the building occupants will have a direct line of site to the outdoors. This means that people can adjust the focus of their eyes beyond the building, helping to prevent eyestrain. Research has shown that these micro- breaks can improve concentration. The extensive glass façade as well as internal atriums also allow ample natural light to enter the building, resulting in a reduced need for artificial lighting. Glass façades often come with the downside of daylight glare which can be very uncomfortable for building occupants seated where direct sun shines onto the workspace. Blinds have been installed to all office floors to mitigate the above and optimal occupant comfort is ensured. Energy saving light fittings have been installed throughout the building. Office floors and meeting rooms have also been fitted with occupancy sensors with lighting zones no greater than 100m 2 . This minimises the energy consumption for lighting purposes by a large extent, turning off lights in unoccupied zones. All water use and major energy consuming equipment is metred and connected to the BMS for real-time monitoring, allowing for timeous reporting and response on all faulty systems. This ensures that the building operates as per the intended design. The interior of the building is finished with materials that provide building users with a desirable acoustic environment. Multiple roof layers contribute towards the reduction of external noise pollutants travelling into the workspace. These include steel roof-sheeting, slip-sheet roof, layers of gypsum plaster and acoustic ceiling tiles. Tremendous commitment and effort from the Baker Street

Architect and Builder November/December 2018 | Page 38