buildings constructed in the 1920s , together with operational basements , were underpinned to allow the construction of basements beneath them , thus maximising income generating area .
During the operation , the neighbouring Nedbank office block , as well as the Clock Tower Precinct , continued to operate despite the heavy machinery and complex operation which was underway literally within metres .
Office Block Component The incredible attention to detail that was effected by the architects to achieve a clean uncomplicated light structure called for some avant garde structural design . ‘ Floating ’ glass box breakaway rooms were cleverly cantilevered 6m off the main structure and very slender 16m structural steel bridges , together with cantilever staircases , provided linkages between levels within the huge volume central atrium . The external glass façades were supported by a 1,000m 2 space truss matrix of slender structural steel spanning up to 30 metres .
To acquire the 6 star Green Rating that was achieved required some very specific input from both the civils and structural disciplines . Contributing factors included the reuse of rubble for the complex underfloor drainage system , as well as the use of recycled steel , while pushing the reduction in cement contents to above standard industry norms .
of the V & A Waterfront . The aim and intention was to develop the building ’ s conceptual underpinnings and façade resolution to reflect the inherent integrity of these buildings which were mostly efficient , direct and honest in the manner in which they responded to their often pragmatic briefs .
The building is sustainable and well beyond the requirements of “ best practice ”. A Green Star “ as built ” rating is currently being sought and it is the first office building in Cape Town to achieve a 6 Star “ design ” rating . The client ’ s commitment to the environment ensured that sustainability sat at the heart of the design process .
CONCLUSION The building seeks to find a balance between the requirements of a contemporary office building and the historic industrial building typologies
No . 1 Silo 225