Architects Of Justice Architects Of Justice 2018 Review | Page 11

office buildings as they are predominantly in use during the day when electricity generation is taking place,
thereby removing the necessity of installing a costly battery and inverter system within the building.
To complement the green credentials provided by the solar façade controls and the PV installation, a
large mono-pitch roof harvests rainwater which is stored in a sixty kilolitre tank above the ground floor
boardroom. This water will be used for irrigation of landscaping and the washing of vehicles.
The building is laid out over three levels; a ground floor housing the reception, a boardroom, a meeting
pod, an open plan sales office, covered parking and a garage; a mezzanine floor housing a staff lounge with
kitchen, executive offices and an indoor planted area (to incorporate greenery into the building interior);
and a first floor housing the administration offices. “Although internally we went for an industrial finish, the
windows and ceiling spaces were designed in such a way that the building could be retrofitted at a later
stage into a more traditional office environment,” says Rassmann.
AOJ worked closely with, and enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the client from early in the project (“The
design was loved from the beginning and was happily approved. In fact, there were very few adjustments
from the original concept,” substantiates Rassmann), and after utilising the facility, Caldas Engineering
couldn’t be happier; “After having occupied the building for a number of months now, we can say that
these offices have had a positive impact on our business in terms of it being representative of our brand,
our staff comfort and the way our operations run across our facility. We are very proud of the sustainable
features that have been incorporated into the building design and have found the building to be climatically
responsive – providing a comfortable internal climate no matter the external conditions. Although the
metre to properly measure our electrical consumption was only fitted during the week of writing this, we
are confident that during the daylight hours we are drawing little, if any, electricity from the Eskom grid
to run our office facility. In addition to this, the careful sizing and positioning of the external windows also
means that we require very little artificial lighting in the building during our operating hours. The design of
the internal office layouts, careful positioning of the building on the site and strategic visual linking of certain
departments to the yard space has meant that our operations are now more streamlined than they were at
our previous premises. The raw industrial interior comprising galvanised steel finishes, exposed services and
diamond ground concrete floors gives our clients a distinct impression that they are visiting an engineering
firm geared to cater to all their crusher wear needs.”
The project received a Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA) Award of Commendation in 2017 and
Rassmann feels that it is always a highlight when your projects are acknowledged by others. “We knew that
the client was happy with the outcome, as were we, otherwise we would not have submitted the project
for the awards, but to be recognized does cement that notion.” GIFA describe the project as a box in a
box in a box but much crisper and lighter than can normally be expected from mere industrial buildings.
“Fastidious detailing and a sense of width and space shows a generous but particular design state of mind.
The client and staff have been transported by the architects to a work environment that is open, free and
light and enhances collaboration and pride. Details, down to the patterning of landscaping steps in brick
have been carefully considered. Views from within the structure are allowed to punch through the attached
screen and are made more tantalising. One is aware of an openness, fostering a creative team of staff and
management who are supported by this light-filled, fresh, tall, crisp and uplifting environment.”
“This project really was about creating something low maintenance which looked great, and at the same
time, which operated on a sustainable level,” concludes Rassmann. “We used forthright sustainable
technology to get the building to perform the way we wanted it to, things that should come naturally as
common sense and which should be integrated into the design of all buildings. Unfortunately though, many
of today’s commercial buildings are just designed for their looks.” Rubela Park, however, does the job it is
supposed to do in terms of being eco-conscious, while at the same time offering a blueprint for commercial
projects which goes against the grain – proving that a project can be budget conscious, low-maintenance,
energy efficient and beautiful, all at the same time. AoJ