Architect and Builder November/December 2018 | Page 38
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
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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