Sustainability “ Sustainable development and green operations are fundamental to the V & A Waterfront ’ s overall development strategy ,” says David Green , CEO of the V & A Waterfront . “ We have adopted a rigorous approach to green construction and sustainable design principles and the efficient use of natural and energy resources ,” he says .
The No . 1 Silo development is one of Africa ’ s most advanced intelligent buildings . Through innovative design solutions , combined with proven technology , the building works with the environment rather than against . It speaks to a wide range of sustainability issues and adheres to the strictest global environmentally sustainable building principles and requirements . Some of the more unique green features are the use of seawater from the Atlantic Ocean , which will be used to reject waste heat from the cooling plant and allows for significant potable water savings and improves the overall energy efficiency of the building . Heat generated from the IT server room will feed the underfloor water borne heating system to warm the reception area .
Another key innovation of the building is the double glazed double skin high performance façade that has a system of automatically controlled blinds between the internal double glazed system and the external single glazed skin which will track the sun as it moves across the building . The high performance façade reduces solar heat gain while maximising the natural light penetration into the building . The blinds prevent further heat gain and also control the solar glare in the office space . The double glazing prevents any radiant heat loss or gain to the office space . One of the benefits of this façade is to maximise views and natural light throughout the building .
HVAC The underfloor mechanical air-conditioning system addresses both energy efficiency and good indoor environmental quality . The system supplies cool fresh air from the raised floor , which then absorbs warmth as it rises and is extracted at ceiling level , thereby effectively preventing the build up of pollutants .
The architectural vision and mechanical design of the building has ensured optimal indoor environmental quality for those working inside the building so as to promote health and wellbeing . Building users have access to striking external views , ample natural daylight and care has been taken to specify paints , wood products and carpets that contain no harmful compounds that could possibly be inhaled by tenants when working inside the building .
Further to this , the building has been designed to also provide quality outdoor environments : a private roof garden , propogated with only endemic vegetation , and overlooking the harbour and Cape Town City bowl , provides a space for tenants to relax or work outdoors . A small herb garden helps to contribute to the daily food prepared in the buildings kitchen and composting units will , in turn , recycle organic waste generated in the kitchen .
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