Monte Circle is being developed in response to the demand for high-end office space in the Fourways vicinity, offering tenants 4-star green-rated energy efficient office space. The development, set to further extend along Montecasino Boulevard from William Nicol to Witkoppen Road, will comprise of 65,000m² upon completion and has premium office space available. The offices have easy access to the N1 highway, Gautrain bus stop, hotels, entertainment, gyms, and a variety of retail outlets. The project forms part of the larger Montecasino precinct.
Monte Circle Building H was designed to be a multi-tenanted space with 5,500m² useable area and a construction area of 14,308m². The building will carry the same design aesthetics as the rest of the park with 345mm cavity walls around the perimeter as well as an insulated timber roof with a tiled roof finish. Omnia group of companies has taken up the entire building to serve as their new Head Office. The chemical company aims to lead the change from chemicals to green chemicals, using innovative technologies that protect life. The building strives to follow this green principle through from concept to detailing.

Building H is targeting a 4-star design rating. In keeping with the precinct’s design guidelines, there are numerous sustainable design elements such as LED light fittings as well as low flow sanitary fittings throughout the building. Motion sensors are used for lighting in the basements, lobby and toilets, and real-time energy consumption will be on display in the lobby. All the energy as well as water meters can be connected to an offsite monitoring system. An upscale generator provides a full power backup, while a domestic water back up can provide water to the building for two days.

Prior to construction, a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan was developed and implemented to minimize the impacts of construction work on the local environment. The building has also targeted to have over 70% of their construction waste reused or recycled. Furthermore, contractors on the project have 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. The project achieved innovation points for a GSSAAP team, where 5 professional team members and 4 members of the main contractor successfully completed the online Green Star New Buildings course, ensuring an enhanced understanding of the Green Star rating tool.

Bryan Charters, director of Nsika Architects, says the building is in a very visually prominent position on the corner of William Nicol and Montecasino Boulevard. He adds, “The visibility is key to its design and positioning, whilst respecting its orientation to the north and movement of the sun.” Besides the north orientation, the architect made use of several passive design elements in terms of energy efficiency. The east and west facades have less glazing, while the northern façade has deep overhangs and shading to keep direct sunlight out. Additionally, the northern façade is double glazed with low-E performance glazing.

Charters continues:

The fact that Omnia is taking the entire building allowed us some design flexibility. We were able to introduce a three-storey atrium in the lobby, interconnecting three levels. The roof garden with large planters and timber screens offers views all the way to the Magaliesberg. We try to encourage open air and outdoor environments for gatherings.

The reception and lobby area in the atrium will have an internal water feature, coffee station and a planted three-storey high atrium wall. Glass balustrading and an open staircase encourage the use of stairs instead of lifts. Each level has opening windows and access to external balconies for fresh air.

Monte Circle Building H has followed on from four previous successful Green Star rated buildings within the Monte Circle development. With an innovative approach to property development, Abland considers every detail from sustainable building practices, transport links, connectivity, state-of-the-art security, accessibility, green surroundings and improved work performance. Tinus van Zyl, project manager at Abland says:

Collaborating with a project team who share a common vision makes the certification process that much easier and allows us to push harder for sustainable solutions. It inspires us to develop more Green Star rated spaces.

Project Team

Owner : Abland
Accredited Professional : Solid Green Consulting
Architect : Nsika Architects
Electrical engineer : RWP Taemane Consulting Engineers
Fire engineer : International Fire Engineering (IFESA)
Lift specialist : Climate Control Consulting Engineers (C3 Engineers)
Mechanical engineer : Climate Control Consulting Engineers (C3 Engineers)
Quantity surveyors : Quanticost
Structural engineer : L&S Consulting (Pty) Ltd
Sustainable design review : Solid Green Consulting
Sustainable building consultant : Solid Green Consulting
Wet services : Wills Franklin Pretorius (Pty) Ltd (WF-P)
Main contractor : Gothic Construction
Project manager : Abland
Environmental consultant : Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd
Facilities management company : Abreal
Occupational health & safety manager : Rhulani Safety Consultants
Waste contractor : Lifetime Plumbing
Cleaning contractor : Gothic Construction
Landscape management company : Life Landscapes
Electrical contractor : Mocwiri Electrical
Lift specialist : Schindler