These choices included locally-sourced reused furniture (from the old Boogertman office across the road), FSC sustainable timber, and flooring containing post-consumer recycled content. The library staircase leading up to the upper level office area doubles as an auditorium; and includes an acoustic curtain which is opened or closed when conferences or staff education sessions are held. This multi-functional staircase also houses the materials library, which demonstrates a variety of materials to assist with design decisions.

Conceptual design for Building C was undertaken by Bob van Bebber, while project director was Quintus van Eck. The building was designed to ensure that maximum daylight entered the space, while ensuring minimal solar heat gains. This allowed for reduced electrical lighting requirements and reduced energy bills. The extensive use of glazing in the design allows for a feeling of direct connection to the outdoor environment, and the inclusion of indoor plants introduces biophilic elements that enliven the interior spaces.

All interior lighting utilises LED bulbs and is on occupancy sensors to ensure that unused lighting is switched off, further reducing energy consumption. The canteen area is fully equipped with kitchen and preparation areas where staff can prepare healthy, mindful meals to promote an atmosphere of wellness.

Building C also houses a crèche that provides all working mothers at the firm with on-site childcare. Due to budget limitations, all staff members helped to paint this environment thus creating a sense of ownership for all families working at the firm.

Building tours are conducted for all who are interested in viewing this innovative office space.

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To deliver on the client’s green aspirations under an extremely tight timeframe, Solid Green Consulting and Ecocentric Green Building Consultants joined forces to deliver a complex process – including a comparative analysis of Green Star SA and LEED – that met the client’s Healthy Materials Program requirements, in line with Google’s drive to create a healthy and productive work environment to energise and inspire its employees.

Under #GreenStarSA, initiatives that address environmental concerns outside of the current scope of the relevant Green Star SA tool can be awarded Innovation points. In addition to a point for the Healthy Materials Program, Innovation points were given for two initiatives: Design-led Workspace (in which employees who have control over their workspaces are happier, healthier and more productive); and Thermal Verification Survey (monitoring for thermal comfort for a period of 6–12 months after handover).

Sustainable building features

• Using recycled and repurposed materials for several aspects of the interior fit-out.
• Low-flow water fittings and taps with temperature regulators to ensure reduced use of hot water.
• Energy Star office equipment.
• LED lighting with occupancy and daylight control.
• HVAC invertor units with occupancy control.
• Waste recycling of paper, plastic, glass and metals.

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