Seventy percent of the southern side of the building is insulated from exterior weather conditions by means of the 3-storey self-contained atrium space . This space includes the entrance foyer , lift and stair core , toilet block and coffee bar / lounge . The roof construction comprises a 270mm thick concrete slab , waterproofed and insulated with a layer of 50mm Isoboard insulation above the waterproofing . This is further insulated by an additional 70mm of loose concrete aggregate above the Isoboard .
Wherever external glass is not shaded by the building structure , highly reflective mirror glass is used . On the top floor , where there are balconies and sliding doors , this glass is shaded by a sunscreen projecting some three metres north from the glass surface . This excludes all penetrating sunshine .
Rainwater is gathered off the roof and directed into an underground tank about the size of a domestic swimming pool . This grey water will then be reused for flushing toilets and watering the landscape . The collection tank has an overflow mechanism which diverts excess water onto the N1 stormwater drain . Conversely , in times of water shortages , the system switches to the use of a borehole located on site .
brown and black . Zebrano wood panelling and door finishes add a natural look to the interior . This is offset by the introduction of stainless steel balustrades . Blue fluorescent uplighting is used in the entrance foyer and lifts .
A feature of the entrance and the atrium is the large west-facing window with blue , yellow and red panes . This reflects onto the polished floor in the late afternoons and is a kaleidoscope of colours .
Colour is used boldly on the external staircase walls and on the northern façade with silver Alucabond balustrade panels . This is a deliberate intervention in the continuous off-shutter concrete of the façade .
Colour Creeps In Colour is a recent flirtation in many of M / Architects ’ buildings . At the entrance , a splash of red on one of the walls breaks the grey and charcoal finishes of the other façades , whilst a tiled blue water feature dominates the landscape at the entrance . Inside , warm colours are used - cream , beige ,
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