that spans the plaza , while seamlessly integrating the various components of the design . Hardwood timber from harvested invasive Sugar Gum trees softens and warms the plaza with decks , seating and pergola covered bar counters .
Adjacent to the square , the developers agreed to extend the landscape towards Hertzog Boulevard , where existing trees were supplemented to create a consolidated and striking Plane tree avenue that provides a sheltered connection to the city . Earth berms and planting provide shelter to the seating alcoves along the avenue .
The plaza is enormously popular and has already become one of the most vibrant urban rooms in the city while successfully integrating engineering and ecological function .
Sustainability The redevelopment has significantly improved energy efficiency at this property .
The Towers is likely to get a 3 or 4 Star Green Star SA rating from the Green Building Council of SA on completion when it is certified . In terms of the existing building rating tool , further annual assessments will follow which allow asset management to improve the rating further as time proceeds .
It has been challenging to make changes to an existing building that has only managed to get a 2-star rating for energy efficiency , while it was still occupied by tenants . The Towers remained operational throughout the upgrade , and formed part of the Green Star SA Existing Building Performance pilot programme .
The new flushed glazed system on its external façades will reduce the cooling demand by approximately 30 %. Redefine is also investigating the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on the tower roofs , to save energy . The common areas of the building have been fitted with energyefficient lighting using timer controls and the lights in these areas will be automatically switched off when not in use .
Conclusion The Towers can be seen as a highly successful refurbishment of one of Cape Town ’ s iconic Foreshore buildings : due not only to the striking glass façade reflecting the history and topography of Cape Town but also the efficiency with which this project allowed a working building to continue operating throughout a comprehensive structural and design process .
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