paving . Retail shops spill out onto timber decks and landscaped planters soften the hard stone surfaces of the podium . The timber has been left untreated to allow it to ‘ grey out ’ over time , allowing a seamless visual interface between the pavers and the timber . The podium has been landscaped quite significantly and creates a ‘ green ’ infinity edge between the podium and basement edge and the drop below to Minerva Road . The eye is carried over the edge to the green of the landscaped park below , creating a seamless urban green space .
HVAC System One of the systems that the team is proud to have been a part of is the innovative HVAC system . The building is conditioned by a four pipe chilled water thermal storage system . The phase change material thermal storage system reduces the building ’ s overall electrical consumption by more than 25 % when compared to an already efficient chilled water installation , resulting in an average monthly electricity saving of R6.40 per square metre .
The system offers individual control via a variable air volume diffuser . The system is compartmentalised and can be utilised for multiple buildings throughout the precinct . The 20-25 % initial additional cost for purchase and installation is recouped within a short time period .
Sustainability Sub-metering of major energy consuming systems is in place . Gathering information is key to understanding and managing building systems and to assess opportunities for energy savings . The wireless bleedingEdge Building Telemetry
System allows for intuitive access via apps on tablets and smart phones . Users can control and monitor the air-conditioning system , lifts , generators , UPS installation , extract fans , basement smoke extraction , sump pumps as well as the fire and security systems .
Minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption is reduced . An energy model of the building was generated and in the design stages of the building compared to a notional building model . The building design showed an improvement over a SANS 10400 notional building . The building is designed to achieve an energy consumption of approximately 209,5 kWh / m 2 / annum which amounts to over a 60 % improvement of energy use when compared to the notional building . There are potential carbon saving of 251,4 kgCo2 per year compared to a notional building .
Water Saving Initiatives The water system is estimated at saving ± 30 % translating to ± 2,742kl of water saved per annum . The building achieves savings through the use of water efficient fittings that limit the occupant water usage . Sub-metering of major water consuming systems is in place . Gathering information is key to understanding and managing building systems and to assess opportunities for water savings . The building is designed to reduce the consumption of potable water for the building ’ s fire protection and essential water storage systems .
Sandton Gate is setting the standard for the mixed use precinct in South Africa , creating a smart work , live and play environment that manages to keep a good balance between cost and sustainability .
Sandton Gate 699