29 Richefond Circle achieved a 4-Star Office v.1.1 As Built and Design rating. This is a commendable achievement noting the team’s effort in not only designing a best practice development but ensuring those designs are completed until practical completion and occupancy for future tenants.

This is a modern office development situated in the scenic neighborhood of Umhlanga Ridge, walking distance from the Indian ocean. An office developed by Growthpoint Properties which comprises of two basement floors, two office floors and third floor roof area. This boutique office building is surrounded by a xeriscape garden. The building has implemented internal building service and architectural sustainable initiatives which can be recognized as “Best Practice”.

Sustainable Building Features

Sustainable Construction Practices

• Prior to construction, a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan was developed and implemented throughout the development of the building to minimize the impacts of construction work on the local environment. The building has also targeted to have over 70% of their demolition and construction waste to be reused or recycled, throughout construction contractors far exceeded their expectations realizing almost 100% waste had been reused or recycled. Contractors on the project have also been conscious of the materials used within the structure, making use of concrete with reduced Portland cement and reinforced steel made of 92% of recycled content.

Energy

• Using energy modelling an annual benchmark for energy consumption has been set a 160 kWh /m2 / per annum. The project has achieved an 42% improvement over SANS 204 Notional Building model
• Sub-metering of major energy consuming systems is in place. Gathering information is key to understanding and managing building systems and to assess opportunities for energy savings. The behaviour of occupants and users of the building are critical to reduce the energy consumption of the building.
• Throughout the building there is the installation of occupancy sensors every 100m² of the UA, the occupancy sensors installed switch off the lights within the zone should there be no occupants within 15 minutes. Minimal hot water supplier will be integrated into the building. The lighting power density for 95% of the UA is less than 2W/m2 per100 Lux at 720 mm AFL with a default maintenance factor of 0.8
• All systems have been successfully commissioned to ensure the efficient systems are working as designed.

Indoor Environmental Quality

• The heating ventilation and air conditioning system is an air-cooled air system. Fresh air rate is supplied at 12.5l/s/person for 95% of the usable area.
• The development ensures that the heat rejection make use of the no potable water. This reduces the risk the project has to the legionella.
• Further the building has implemented a non-smoking policy. Clear signage and provision is made for smoking to be redirected to the outside smoking area.
• Adhesives sealants and carpets have low VOC emissions.
• All selected gaseous and fire suppression systems and thermal insulants used for the development have an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) of zero, to eliminate any contributions to long-term damage to the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.

Water

• Water closets, urinals and tape fixtures all reduce water consumption. WC’s and urinals all fitted with actuators to reduce and control water consumption. The project implements a rainwater harvesting system which provides water to the WC and urinals – further reducing the use of potable water.
• The building has made use of a xeriscape garden which surrounds the development which will not receive watering after the 12 months establishing period.
• The development has also implemented sub-metering of major water uses . Gathering information is key to understanding and managing building systems and to assess opportunities for water savings. The behaviour of occupants and users of the building are critical to reduce the water consumption of the building.
• All systems have been successfully commissioned to ensure the efficient systems are working as designed.

Building Information

Address: 29 Richefond Circle, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, 4319
Total gross floor area: 3770.3 m²
Total commercial office area: 3770.3 m²
Car parking area: 4768.26 m²

Project Team

OWNER: Growthpoint Properties
ACCREDITED PROFFESSIONAL: Solid Green Consulting cc
ARCHITECT: EPA Architects 
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: DBA Consulting
FIRE ENGINEER: Woollatt & Clarke
LIFT SPECIALIST: Schindler Lifts (SA)
MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Spoormaker & Partners
QUANTITY SURVEYORS: FWJK
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: ARUP
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSULTANT: Solid Green Consulting
WET SERVICES: Spoormaker & Partners
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: SHE Sage
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Land Art Studio
MAIN CONTRACTOR: Trencon

Certificate