LOCAL PROJECT
Using timber as both the structural façade element as well as the internal and external finish is a first for South Africa and one that has contributed significantly both to the overall architecture as well as reducing the overall carbon footprint of the building .
The Ridge deploys some of the most advanced sustainable building technology available globally . 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 .
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 Waterfont ’ s Development Director and project leader for the Ridge , Mark Noble , explains why the office work experience is exceptional and how the Ridge ’ s bespoke features set it apart from other commercial buildings .
“ We designed the Ridge to be a world-class living , breathing building by incorporating a number of standout features , some of which are firsts for South Africa :
Air quality : The building operates on mixed mode interior climate control system , which includes the following features :
“ Natural ventilation , which significantly raises the indoor air quality and is controlled by the occupants . This means that office workers may open the windows to let in fresh air for up to 80 % of the year round .
“ An impressive atrium runs from ground to the third level of the building . Referred to as the ‘ central street ’, it helps to pull air through the building , in through the windows and out through the rooflights , while also bringing many other benefits to workers and visitors inside the building .”
Minimal HVAC ( air conditioning ) usage : The building incorporates passive ( non-energy consuming ) temperature control mechanisms several of which are unique , “ A virtual sum of parts that leads to a greater whole ”, says Noble .
The zigzag shaped engineered timber façade ingeniously orientates the glass windows towards the north or south , which prevents lower angle sun from the east or west from entering the office spaces . This provides natural daylight while reducing glare and patches of hot sunlight .
“ This has a major impact in promoting both fresh air quality and the saving of energy ”, says Noble .
“ All these measures mean that people inside the building will experience steady indoor ambient temperatures which respond slowly to outdoor temperature variations . The mixed-mode system design aims for the building ’ s conventional air conditioning system to be active for only 20 % of the year .
THE TIMBER FAÇADE
The façade on the top two floors of the building is constructed from locally sourced cross laminated mass timber ( CLT ) together with the more standard glass and aluminium panels in a unitised system . This is a very significant feature .
“ Using timber as both the structural façade element as well as the internal and external finish we believe is a genuine first for South Africa and one that has contributed significantly both to the overall architecture as well as reducing the overall carbon footprint of the building by 60 tonnes CO 2
( equivalent ) from the atmosphere ,” says Noble .
“ Our impact on the environment was a key consideration throughout the building project and therefore the 6 Star rating is an incredible achievement . Achieving certification means that we have succeeded , through collaboration with the development team , in building a high-performing , productive workplace that is healthier for our people and the environment ,” says Wayne Megaw , Operations Leader , Deloitte Africa .
The building is designed to be as comfortable as possible without needing air conditioning to heat or cool . The façade plays a very important part in a range of measures facilitating natural indoor temperature control and fresh air inside the building , instead of conventional air-conditioning , for most days of the year . This yields not only savings in operating costs for heating and cooling , but also greatly benefits the health , productivity , and well-being of building users . Tessa Brunette , the lead project engineer from Arup , says that the use of CLT is a large contributor to the green credentials of this building . “ Together with the buildings ’ intrinsic thermal mass , the façade is the most important ‘ machine ’ ( controlling indoor environment ) in the building . We reached our design response using first principles , in close collaboration with StudioMAS , the architects .
“ These design responses were then tested and refined by using advanced computer modelling methods . These included the testing
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