The design of a traditional rustic farmhouse rooted in nature, peacefulness and simplicity consists of simple initiatives which contribute to the sustainability of the entire estate.

This 6-Star Design Community building is surrounded by a rehabilitated wetland. The building has implemented internal building service and architectural sustainable initiatives which can be recognized as world leadership.

Sustainable building features include

• 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.
• Minimisation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions associated with operational energy consumption is reduced. An energy model of the building was generated and in the design stages of the building compared to a notional building model. The building design showed an improvement of 100% (net zero operating emissions base building) over a SANS 10400 notional building.
• Provision is made to ensure all individual spaces or enclosed spaces are individually switched. This will offer greater flexibility for light switching, making it easy to light only occupied areas.
• The buildings peak electrical demand is actively reduced by the use of Photo voltaic system.
• A direct visual connection to the external environment is provided for 80% of the Community Centre Occupied Area. A high level of thermal comfort is ensured by addressing the internal operative temperatures through modelling and ensuring they are within the ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours.
• 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.
• A project specific Environmental Management Plan was developed and implemented throughout the duration of construction to establish guidelines to follow to minimise the environmental impact associated with construction activities. A project specific Waste Management Plan was developed and implemented to minimise the contribution of waste going to landfill
• The building achieves a savings through the use of water efficient fittings, xeriscape landscaping and a grey water system installed to reuse water used in the laundromat. The overall water demand of the building is reduced to 800m³ per annum.
• Sub-metering of major water consuming systems is in place. Gathering information is key to understanding and managing building systems and to assess opportunities for water savings.
• Balwin Properties has over exceeded the target by implementing several innovation measures which not only allow for a world leadership building yet also encourages the improvement of their contractor and design professional team, this is done through GBCSA online courses and further metering education measures.
• Learning resources are found throughout the whole internal and external fabric of the development A public display of the energy, water usage and indoor air quality levels within the development. A sustainability learning trail is implemented across the wetland landscaping which allows cyclists, joggers or walkers to explore the wetland whilst learning all the sustainability attributes of their estate.
• The lifestyle Centre promotes the use of alternative fuel vehicles, motorbikes and bicycles by designating parking spaces -near building entrances for occupants with zero to low carbon emitting modes of transport.

Building Information

Address: 28 Beacon Avenue, Linbro Park, Sandton, 2090
Total gross floor area:  1543.36 m²
Total PEB Site area:  62 914.09 m²
Car parking area:  154 m²

Project Team

OWNER: BALWIN PROPERTIES
ARCHITECT: VTC ARCHITECTURE
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: RWP TAEMANE
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: ROMOR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS
MECHANICAL ENGINEER: AIRTECH SERVICES
TRAFFIC ENGINEER: KANTEY & TEMPLER
LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT: LEAP
INTERIOR ARCHITECT: LYT ARCHITECTURE
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSULTANT: SOLID GREEN CONSULTING
MAIN CONTRACTOR: BALWIN PROPERTIES
PROJECT MANAGER: BALWIN PROPERTIES
QUANTITY SURVEYOR: BALWIN PROPERTIES

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