Architect and Builder September 2020 | Page 53

is an area that should receive increased attention from business decision makers. Several of the green building principles are geared towards user wellbeing, such as a balanced window-to-wall ratio that allows ample natural light into the offices. Furthermore, 89% of the office floor plates have access to external views. The building also uses non-harmful materials in the interior spaces. For the interior fit-out, and for any future refits and expansions, paints, carpets, adhesives, sealants and composite wood products will be specifically selected to minimise emissions typical of materials containing Volatile Organic Compounds. The integration of physical activity is essential to achieving health and wellbeing, and Building C makes provision for a more active, less sedentary, lifestyle through walkability and accommodating non-motorised transport options. Sited just over 1km from Centurion Mall and within 700m walking distance of the Centurion Gautrain Station, the building provides cyclist facilities on the upper basement level with two changing rooms and showers next to the main entrance lobby and secure bicycle storage for both staff and visitors on the same level. Preferred parking bays have also been provided on the lower, middle and upper basement levels close to the lift core and lobbies for fuel efficient vehicles like hybrid or electrical cars as well as mopeds, scooters and motorcycles. Car-share vehicles can also make use of these bays if there is a contractual agreement between the tenant and car-share company. Optimising Resources Behaviour of occupants is critical to reducing overall consumption, and energy and water sub-meters have been provided for all substantive energy and water uses to facilitate ongoing management of resource consumption. The building recorded a simulated 53% reduction in energy consumption when compared to a building constructed to SA National Standards. THIS SPREAD: Building C Westend 53