The Connexxion , Centurion
OVERALL WINNER | CORPORATE OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS | SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
This culturally rich building is home to its diverse African workforce and its continental visitors alike . The Connexxion embodies the African philosophy of inclusivity in design through true diversity & the foundational philosophy of ‘ UBUNTU : I AM BECAUSE WE ARE ’.
The new headquarters of mining giant Exxaro forms part of the second phase of Growthpoint ’ s Lakeside development . While the building is owned by Growthpoint , it has been tailored to Exxaro ’ s specific requirements .
Designed by AMA Architects , this 18,000m 2 office building is generous in its Spatial Poetic and noticeable in its urban scale . Its curvaceous form creates a seamlessly flowing experience of boundary and has pedestrian links from the Gautrain Station to the Centurion Mall . In Africa we respond to Nature , its pristine light , its lush plants , our fresh air , and the natural textures of soulful and organic materiality . Through its generous fluidlike spaces the presence of the sky forms an abstract cloudlike-pattern , reflected in the curves of the glazed ‘ canvas ’ envelope . The curvaceous building is skirted with generous terraces and connects to the outdoors with pleasant external views , balconies and a roof terrace .
Arrival at the building is through a welcoming triplevolume entrance and reception , which open onto an airy atrium that soars upwards at the core of five floors of efficient , light-filled workspace . It includes a level dedicated to meeting , interacting , engaging and collaborating , and features a restaurant and canteen with a kitchen , state-of-the-art auditorium and a coffee shop .
The Connexxion has a Six Star Green Star Rating . It has also been awarded a Silver Level WELL Core and Shell Certification from the US-based International WELL Building Institute .
The office , which can accommodate 1,000 staff members in its 5-storey structure , naturally has complex work environment considerations . Adele van Zyl , Director at thinkspace , the firm responsible for the interiors , said that their approach to the project was multi-faceted , but the underlying goal was to shift Exxaro ’ s work environment to an innovation inspiring , collaborative hub . “ By factoring in Activity Based Working ( ABW ) into our design , we purposefully shifted the company towards a modern and collaborative environment , removing any friction and encouraging communication at every level in the organisation .”
The design and structure of the public spaces within the building was a key focus area . “ The primary concept was to connect people in the common areas before they continue with their daily tasks , allowing them to share ideas and discuss what they are working on . This approach promotes collaboration , innovation and communication between Exxaro divisions that otherwise might have been isolated from each other ”, said van Zyl . While great in concept , it was vital that Exxaro bought into the vision and embraced this approach . Suffice to say , they have since taken to it like ducks to water , working towards discovering the short and long-term benefits of this new way of working . For Van Zyl , the commitment to creating activity-based working from Exxaro was a pivotal aspect of the project . “ The approach we took , which forms part of a growing international workspace trend , involves designing each area of each company function according to their unique needs and activities .” In essence , Activity Based Working dispels ideas of the traditional workspace in favour of an agile and flexible environment which allows staff to work , interact , and collaborate in a way that best suits them and their needs .
Adding to this modern workplace environment , thinkspace adopted the ideologies of the client , and brought the identity of the mining giant to life through their surroundings . Exxaro ’ s sectors of focus , namely water , energy , agriculture and coal formed the foundation of the underlying creative concept for the project . These sectors and their symbolism formed an integral part of our design and the identity for the project .
Owner / Developer : Growthpoint Properties Architect : AMA Architects Project Manager : GladAfrica Project Managers QS , Structural & Civil Engineer : AECOM Electrical Engineer : CA Du Toit Mechanical Engineer : Aurecon Wet Services : Royal Haskoningdhv Fire Consultant : Chimera Fire Lift Specialist : Solutions for Elevating Environmental Consultant : GA Environment ; Aurecon Interior Architect : thinkspace Landscaping : Interdesign Landscaping Architects Main Contractor : WBHO ; Stefanutti Stocks ( Bulk Earthworks )
64 SAPOA Awards