PROJECT 25
However , perhaps the biggest differentiator at The Ridge is the presence of exposed slabs and services , a technical requirement of the innovative chilled slab cooling solution – one of the many unique sustainability features of the building . Special acoustic panels float underneath the slabs to provide appropriate levels of sound absorption for a comfortable office environment and suspended linear low-energy LED lighting between the panels follows a similar design rhythm .
“ From the beginning The Ridge was always going to be unique , and the interior really needed to respond to that brief . At the same time , it aligns the threads of Deloitte ’ s branding philosophy and the workplace strategy implemented at Waterfall City ,” says D ’ Adorante .
The sustainability features at The Ridge that contributed to its green rating from the GBCSA include energy-efficient and passive climate control measures , the use of renewable energy , sustainable water handling , reducing the carbon footprint of the building and a focus on the use of natural lighting , including natural ventilation through openable windows . Energy performance has been integrated fully into the design , which maximises natural light , ventilation and manages water and waste resources efficiently .
Plumbing Africa asked the Wet Services Engineer about the project : ( Responses from Jolyon Smith , Lead Mechanical Engineer and Usisipho Mkangelwa , Wet Services Technician of ARUP .)
Can you briefly describe the design brief ? The client ’ s brief was to provide a building that incorporated as many sustainable technologies as reasonably possible . With the previous water crisis in Cape Town and limited availability of water resources , the wet service engineer ’ s design was to integrated systems that will minimise water consumption . In the design of The Ridge , we were able to include a 100m ³ Rainwater harvesting system and a Greywater treatment system to provide water for flushing in the WCs and for irrigation of the planters within the building and surrounding landscaped areas of the Portswood Ridge Public Realm .
The project is provided with metered domestic cold water to supply kitchenettes , Canteen , Wash hand basin and Showers . The potable water consumption at The Ridge is minimal as the sanitaryware was specified as low flow fittings and the rainwater and greywater re-use system is used to meet the higher demands for flushing .
To achieve six-star rating what were the minimum requirements and how were these exceeded ? The design to meet the Green Star criteria required installing low flow rate for water fixtures and fittings , including spray fittings on taps , and using waterless urinals . To help mitigate smells sometimes associated with waterless urinals , a twice daily short flush is provided , which is controlled by the Building Management System ( BMS ). Rainwater and greywater system for all the nonpotable use such as flushing and irrigation . All the water points
Ground floor Xcellerator landscape .
August 2021 Volume 27 I Number 6 www . plumbingafrica . co . za