Architect and Builder November/December 2018 | Page 49

Engineering Challenges
The highly dramatic spiral staircase in the main
foyer, originally planned on the western end of the
triple volume, was relocated to the eastern end
after the suspended slabs were already cast. This
required the design of the staircase to be made
as light as possible and additional strengthening
of the floors allows the loading to be hidden
inside the ceiling voids where space and clearance
are at a premium.
The suspended concrete floors were
designed as post-tension slabs due to practical
and financial considerations. The design allowed
thinner, lighter floors with columns that could
be spaced further apart than practical with
conventional flooring, which gave the architects
a higher level of freedom in the design. This
came with the added responsibility of ensuring
that all coordination was done to the finest
detail with cast in supports for the façades
and service sleeves perfectly in place prior to
casting of the slabs.
of specialised bollards, tree up-lights and accent
lighting that complements the landscaping and
conforms to the low power consumption aimed
for. Both buildings are fed with a single 400kVA
auto change over back-up generator supporting
the facility 100%.
Landscape Design Concept
The prominent corner announcement is planted
with concentric half circular shapes of low clipped
hedging to emphasise the imposing arrival shape
of the glass façade of the main building. Different
species of clipped hedge planting in varying
heights form strong layers to offset free growing
mass flowering effects.
The building entrance façade and parking
deck is softened by the evergreen rhythm of
Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. Extended tree
ambiance is enhanced by using indigenous Fever
Trees and White Stinkwood trees throughout
the development.
Electrical and HVAC
During the entire electrical design process
emphasis was placed on efficiency whilst not
compromising the overall aesthetic look and
feel of the building. A combination of LED and
T5 energy saving fluorescent lighting solutions
delivered the desired efficiency in power saving
and budget outlines.
Feature lighting installed in the office reflects
the perfect combination between architectural
desires and practical application. Numerous
custom-made pendants, suspended linear and
free form LED lighting create a warm and inviting
atmosphere throughout. Motion sensors installed
throughout ensure that lighting in unoccupied
spaces is switched off to save electricity.
Albeit soft, the external lighting creates
a striking effect and accentuates the façade
features. LED lighting was utilised in the form
Fintech Campus
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