Architect and Builder September/October 2015 | Page 43

to the whole or part of the apartments, as
required. The air-conditioning condensers were
positioned on the roof of the building and the
piping ducted to each apartment.
Because the condensers are away from
the apartments, the installation could be
provided without any mechanical noise near
the apartment and, also, servicing and repairs
could be done without work taking place in
the apartments.
Hot water cylinders were positioned in
cupboards which are accessed from the
common passages. Therefore, a faulty or burst
geyser would not cause inconvenience to the
occupants and these repairs can be done from
the common passage.
All updated telephone, internet and
data connections were made available to
the apartments.
Sustainable Elements
• Recycled garden waste: All garden waste
generated is mulched / chipped for reuse in
the planted areas.
• Low VOC paints have been specified.
• The irrigation system makes use of treated
effluent from the Potsdam water works as
per all the developments in Century City.
• The ponds and water features make use of
stormwater recharging for top-up purposes.
• LED lighting is used in the common areas as
well as in the individual apartment kitchens
and bathrooms.
• Timers and photocells are used in the
basement and external common areas.
• Movement sensors are used in the basement
and common areas.
• Load limiting relays are used in the Apartment
Distribution Boards. (i.e. when the oven is
switched on, the geyser will switch off.)

Palm Royale

• Performance glass is used on the west,
south and north façades to assist with
managing the heat load experienced by
the building.
• During construction, the services of an
environmental officer were used to manage
the contractor as well as ensure compliance
on his part with respect to various waste
management and environmental plans.
Landscaping
Major features in the landscaping have been
the large water bodies around the buildings
and the 6m high berm extending across the full
distance of the site between the buildings and
Ratanga Road.
The water bodies are generous and
carefully engineered to make the water move
continuously. The water is mechanically
aerated and pumped in such a way as to flow
unceasingly in the same direction.
Around the water, the planting and landscaping is compatible with the wet conditions
and is beautifully maintained which is most
pleasing visually and enhanced by the
tranquillity offered by water and by the attentive
bird life.
The high berm provides a barrier between
the buildings and Ratanga Rd and offers
elevation in the levels of the garden. The height
of the trees and shrubs is enhanced and, at the
same time, reduces any noise from the road.
The continued work by focused landscaping
staff makes sure that the immaculate gardens
retain their quality.
With the panoramic views from the higher
floors, which encompasses the vista from Table
Mountain up to Melkbosstrand, the added
attraction looking down offers the same beauty
in the landscaped gardens.

The spacious two and three
bedroom apartments range
in size from 100m2 to 237m2
and vary from garden
apartments to penthouses

6TH FLOOR PLAN

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