The project consists of a warehouse, showroom and an office space that extends through to the first and second floors with a total GFA of 16 080 m2. The project is located in Gosforth Park, Germiston. This occupant users’ guide will give occupant the tools and knowledge to efficiently operate all building services and systems and provide information on sustainable initiatives that have been incorporated to target and achieve the 4-Star—Green Star SA Ratings.

Building Information

Address: 1 Suzuka Rd, Gosforth Park, Germiston, 1401
Total gross floor area: 15 690 m²

Sustainable building features

• Environmental strategies have been implemented to enhance the wellbeing of the building’s users such as access to external views, and plenty of natural daylight.
• Other features that are focused on occupant wellbeing include the inclusion of a prayer room, cyclist facilities to promote physical exercise, and the use of low VOC paints, adhesives and carpets to limit the toxins in the air.
• Sub-metering of major energy and water-consuming systems is in place. Water-efficient fittings are also being installed that limit occupant water usage.
• In addition, to minimise greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption, an energy model of the building was generated during the design stage, comparing the building to a SANS 10400 notional building model. This energy model has helped to inform the building design to ensure a high-performing building from a building envelope perspective.
• Modelling also enabled internal operative temperatures to be assessed to ensure that they are within the ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours, thus ensuring a high level of thermal comfort. Building Glazing Performance modelling was also carried out and performance values were agreed with the architect and mechanical engineer.
• In terms of reducing energy consumption, provision has been made to ensure that all individual or enclosed spaces are individually switched with occupancy sensors. The project also saves energy by providing office lighting that is not over designed, with an average maintained illuminance level of no more than 400 lux.
• 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.
• In terms of Green Star, three main requirements had to be met before the project commenced with demolition and construction – a Waste Management Plan (WMP), an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
• To reduce waste to landfill during building operations, a waste recycling storage area has been provided in the basement within 20m of the exit. This dedicated area meets the Green Star sizing requirement, and will accommodate paper and cardboard; plastic, glass and cans; and metals.

Project Team

OWNER: Bidvest Properties
ACCREDITED PROFFESSIONAL: Solid Green
ARCHITECT: Empowered spaces architects
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: MNS Consulting Engineers
MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Ing Plan Consulting Engineers
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: DG Consulting
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN REVIEW: Solid Green
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSULTANT: Solid Green
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Bidvest Top Turf

Building Users Guide