Project
The Ridge deploys some of the most advanced sustainable building technology available globally , as well as original blue-sky thinking . It was borne from the V & A Waterfront ’ s vision to set new standards for the future of commercial office buildings . The final design was the result of the creative inputs of the project ’ s multi-disciplinary design team , which worked closely together .
Over the past decade , the Waterfront has blazed a trail of sustainable development , rewarded with Green Star accreditations by the Green Building Council of South Africa . Individual buildings include the Allan Gray building at No . 1 Silo , the Watershed and No . 5 Silo , all 6 Green Star buildings plus several other firsts which include former Grain Silo which became Zeitz MOCAA ( Museum of Contemporary Art Africa ) and the boutique Silo Hotel , as well as No . 6 Silo incorporating the Radisson Red ( the first 5-star Green Star hotel ).
David Green , CEO of the V & A Waterfront , explains that this project showcases the capabilities of the Waterfront as a developer in providing custom designed office or mixed-use accommodation to the highest standard in line with the needs of the customer .
“ The Ridge and our other developments provide a working example as to how it can be done for companies that are looking to the future of their businesses in a sustainable way with a focus on both environmental performance and the greatest asset a company has : its people . This development represents the confidence that our company and its shareholders have in the future of Cape Town as a destination and our confidence in South Africa itself ”, he says .
Vusi Nondo , the executive manager for development at the V & A Waterfront explains that the Ridge has been an important milestone for the Waterfront in its rollout of bespoke office space , mixed use , and retail offerings .
Gareth Griffiths Imaging Gareth Griffiths Imaging
Ecobricks get covered with concrete , which is then blown into the cavities using compressed air . Concrete can then be screeded to begin the work on the floor , once set .
A safety feature on Level 3 ( only ). These actuators are required for makeup air for the smoke extract system . Essentially , they open automatically when the smoke alarm goes off to allow make up air to enter the building as the smoke extract fans at the top of the atrium activates and suck air out . Only windows on the ground floor in the canteen , and alternate windows on the 3rd floor have these actuators .
© Arup
This rendering shows how the Thermally Activated Building System ( TABS ) works , by cooling the concrete structure by means of water circulating from the chiller and heat pumps on the roof . The cooler soffit hence cools the air below , which circulates around the workspace .
Gareth Griffiths Imaging
Displacement ventilation system – note the grilles in the floor .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I November 2021 33