avoid energy and space wastage from make-up air fans . A central Building Management System ( BMS ) controls and monitors all HVAC systems via an intuitive user interface . Other services such as domestic water , elevators , fire panels , UPS systems , generators and energy meters are also monitored via the BMS . The system is used as an invaluable tool for building fine tuning through the use of logged trends and active monitoring of real-time cooling energy efficiency ratios .
Challenges The design of the building had several challenges that needed to be resolved . These included a complex system of beams and strengthening of columns around the observation lift shaft that supports all of the pause areas and their different floor plates . This was accomplished through the detailed analysis and design of the concrete work in this area to ensure the bare minimum was utilised to maintain the open flow of space between the floors . Furthermore , the atrium roof on the 5th floor needed to tie into this system and span 22m between the Main and Podium buildings . A feat accomplished through the design of post tensioned concrete beams that are shaped to reduce the visual impact on the 4th floor office space . Another structural challenge was the feature ‘ V ’ and ‘ Y ’ columns on the ground floor that channel the forces generated by all the office floors off the main façade line and into the basement structure . This was done to ensure that the building has a polite and approachable outdoor space that is available for functions in the building .
Fire Safety Attached to the observation lift lobbies is the main communication stair that doubles up as the main central fire escape . It was important to keep this stair open and inviting to the user , whilst still complying with the safety regulations . It was done through a set of drencher sprinklers on to a flush glazed shopfront and a 3-hour rated roller shutter door , effectively converting a feature staircase into a functional escape . The open feeling to the building was maintained through the use of smoke curtains to control the environment in a
570 No . 1 Mutual Place