Rewardsco Block B is the central building of three linked structures occupying the northwest boundary of the site on Umhlanga Rocks Drive. Within walking distance of numerous amenities, Umhlanga Arch and other upcoming developments, it is also easily accessible from highways and major routes. The building has four levels of office space and three parking levels, with a total commercial office area of 3652m². Client and tenant, service provider Rewardsco, is committed to consistently adopting new innovations that improve its facility’s energy performance, water savings and waste management.

The two key components of the design brief were to create a new architectural aesthetic which would stand out as a landmark on the Ridge while complementing the existing architecture of their current offices, and to link all three buildings to each other at various levels. The final phase of the Rewardsco precinct development has just been completed with the official opening on 1 November 2022.

Hilton Lawrence from HL Architecture explains, “From a building aesthetic point of view, the most difficult part of the brief was creating a new architectural language while complementing the very bold existing aesthetic. The decision was taken to spend money on two primary façades, the façade facing Umhlanga Rocks Drive as well as the internal façade that interacts with the podium parking areas and arrival points.”

A dark glazed unitized system with integrated white fins was proposed. The oblique views of the Umhlanga Rocks Drive façade meant that the swooping shapes created by these white blades are in strong contrast to the black glass and the aesthetic changes as you approach and pass by the building. The swooping blades with tapered edges also allowed the opportunity for us to integrate the signage into the façade without creating a visual distraction.

Several sustainability items were incorporated. Block B reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption by ensuring the project only uses energy efficient LED light fixtures that have been fitted with motion sensors. The building makes use of natural daylight as much as possible to offset electrical lighting, and an energy efficient HVAC system and other energy efficient equipment have also been installed.

Sub-metering of all major water and energy consuming systems is in place. An integrated BMS system records and logs energy and water usage within the building and data can be displayed in real time.

According to Makhosazana Mthethwa, sustainable building consultant at Solid Green, one of the most interesting features is the water system linked to the attenuation and retention ponds that were developed as part of the precinct. “The ponds were designed to store excess stormwater in the area. All five office buildings within the precinct draw from these ponds, thanks to early design decisions. Water from the ponds is pumped to Block B’s 60kL storage tanks and is used for toilet and urinal flushing as well as landscape irrigation and heat rejection. Water efficient sanitary fittings have also been installed to conserve water as much as possible.”

Mthethwa says:

This project is a great example of how all members of the design team have collaborated from concept to finish. The project is also proof that an integrated design process results in balanced designs and reduced waste of resources.

With a collaborative approach that also integrated sustainability concerns from the outset, Rewardsco has been able to achieve a noteworthy Green Star certification for its eye-catching development in Umhlanga.

Project Team

Owner: Erf 3144 Umhlanga Rocks Property Trust
Accredited Professional: Solid Green Consulting
Architect: Hilton Lawrence Architecture
Project management: Capex Projects
Electrical engineer: RWP KZN
Fire engineer: Lotter Consulting
Developer: Zenprop
Mechanical engineer: VMG Consulting & NPN Maintenance
Quantity surveyors: MLC Construction Cost Consultants
Structural engineers: Zutari
Civil engineers: Zutari
Sustainable building consultant: Solid Green Consulting
Wet services: Redline Consulting
Main contractor: Trencon
Environmental consultant: Guy Nicolson Consulting
Facilities management company: Zenprop
Interior designer: Novospace
Landscape architect: Ochre Office