Comprising five floors and a roof floor level, 5 Parks boasts a total Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 9193sqm, excluding parking spaces. Leveraging its strategic location in Dunkeld, in close proximity to Johannesburg’s major commercial, entertainment, and transportation hubs, the project actively promotes walking and cycling.

Adaptable Workspace Concept

5 Parks is designed to cater to the evolving needs of the modern workforce. Tenants can configure various workspaces, ranging from private offices to collaborative areas. This adaptability ensures that employees have diverse options for optimising their work environment, fostering productivity and innovation.

A Timeless Architecture

The architectural design prioritises longevity through a combination of simple, clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic. The intention was to create a structure that stands the test of time both functionally and visually.

5 Parks seamlessly integrates with the pedestrian-friendly streetscape established by the adjacent 7 Parks building. While maintaining consistency with the surrounding environment, the design also has distinctive characteristics along Parks Boulevard. This ensures a sense of continuity while allowing the building to assert its individual identity within the urban landscape.

Louise O’Raw, Director at GLH Architects, says that a paramount consideration was the selection of materials that exhibit durability and require minimal maintenance. For instance, tiled panels that look like timber provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance without the maintenance demands associated with timber.

The building incorporates a thoughtfully selected glazing solution, particularly evident on the main façade. The use of transparent glazing maximises the penetration of natural light, which both enhances the occupant experience and aligns with energy efficiency goals by reducing reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours.

Louise explains that an automated blind system, which incorporates the potential for very precise programming and controls, has been added to the clear glass facades. She says, “The system is currently set to have simple but effective control but can be reprogrammed in future to be more interactive, possibly even including light harvesting where appropriate.

We designed a solar panel pergola as an architectural feature for the 4th floor terrace which incorporates bi-facial PV panels that we hope to realise sometime in the future for additional energy generation. We would also like to see the introduction of vertical gardens to the facades, which could really enhance both the indoor and outdoor environment and expand the project’s greenscape. I feel that, with the measures taken to achieve these certifications, 5 Parks Boulevard upholds the philosophy of the precinct to create a desirable urban lifestyle that will stand the test of time.

Resource efficiency strategies

Environmental strategies have been implemented to enhance the wellbeing of users such as ample fresh air, access to external views, and plenty of natural daylight.

Thato Molapo, Modelling & Simulation Consultant at Solid Green, explains that advanced modelling techniques were leveraged to generate an energy model of the building during the design stage, comparing the building to a SANS 10400 notional building model. This helped to inform the building design to ensure high performance from a building envelope perspective.

Building Glazing Performance modelling was conducted, and performance values were agreed with the architect and mechanical engineer. Energy modelling also facilitated an assessment of internal operative temperatures, ensuring compliance with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours, guaranteeing a high level of thermal comfort.

Jennifer Dean, Sustainable Building Consultant, adds that 5 Parks’ roof is high enough for the footprint to be fully maximised for PV panels without being overshaded by adjacent buildings. A solar installation boasting a capacity of 217,1kW generates 340.9MWh annually, significantly reducing the building’s reliance on energy derived from coal and lowering the project’s carbon footprint.

Resource efficiency measures include equipping individual or enclosed spaces with occupancy sensors, providing precise control and minimising energy consumption. Office lighting was intentionally designed to avoid over-illumination, maintaining an average illuminance level of no more than 300 lux. Furthermore, water efficient fittings have been specified that limit occupant water usage to 0.54L/day/m2. Sub-metering of major energy and water-consuming systems is in place.

Limiting Emissions and Waste

All selected gaseous and fire suppression systems, refrigerants 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.

The implementation of a project-specific Waste Management Plan during construction guides activities to minimise environmental impact. Additionally, the building incorporates a waste recycling storage area, meeting Green Star sizing requirements and facilitating recycling of paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metals, thereby reducing waste to landfill during building operations.

Through sustainable practices, careful material selection, a commitment to creating a healthy indoor environment, and integration with the surrounding environment, the building embodies responsible and forward-thinking design practices in the contemporary urban landscape.

Project Team

Owner: Intaprop
Accredited Professional: Solid Green Consulting
Architect: GLH Architects
Electrical Engineer: RWP Consulting Engineers
Fire Engineer: WSP
Lift Specialist: Schindler
Mechanical Engineer: Adaptive Resource Engineers
Quantity Surveyors: Agora Africa
Structural Engineers: Pure Consulting
Sustainable Design Review: Solid Green Consulting
Sustainable Building Consultant: Solid Green Consulting
Wet Services: Izazi Consulting Engineers
Main Contractor: Concor
Project Manager: Morta Consulting
Landscape Management Company: Insite Group
BMS Systems Professional: Adaptive Resource Engineers
Photography: Philip Schedler Photography