Adaptable Workspace Concept

5 Parks is designed to cater to the evolving needs of the modern workforce. Tenants can configure various workspaces, ranging from private offices to collaborative areas. This adaptability ensures that employees have diverse options for optimising their work environment, fostering productivity and innovation.

A Timeless Architecture

The architectural design prioritises longevity through a combination of simple, clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic. The intention was to create a structure that stands the test of time both functionally and visually.

5 Parks seamlessly integrates with the pedestrian-friendly streetscape established by the adjacent 7 Parks building. While maintaining consistency with the surrounding environment, the design also has distinctive characteristics along Parks Boulevard. This ensures a sense of continuity while allowing the building to assert its individual identity within the urban landscape.

Louise O’Raw, Director at GLH Architects, says that a paramount consideration was the selection of materials that exhibit durability and require minimal maintenance. For instance, tiled panels that look like timber provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance without the maintenance demands associated with timber.

The building incorporates a thoughtfully selected glazing solution, particularly evident on the main façade. The use of transparent glazing maximises the penetration of natural light, which both enhances the occupant experience and aligns with energy efficiency goals by reducing reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours.

Louise explains that an automated blind system, which incorporates the potential for very precise programming and controls, has been added to the clear glass facades. She says, “The system is currently set to have simple but effective control but can be reprogrammed in future to be more interactive, possibly even including light harvesting where appropriate.

We designed a solar panel pergola as an architectural feature for the 4th floor terrace which incorporates bi-facial PV panels that we hope to realise sometime in the future for additional energy generation. We would also like to see the introduction of vertical gardens to the facades, which could really enhance both the indoor and outdoor environment and expand the project’s greenscape. I feel that, with the measures taken to achieve these certifications, 5 Parks Boulevard upholds the philosophy of the precinct to create a desirable urban lifestyle that will stand the test of time.

Resource efficiency strategies

Environmental strategies have been implemented to enhance the wellbeing of users such as ample fresh air, access to external views, and plenty of natural daylight.

Thato Molapo, Modelling & Simulation Consultant at Solid Green, explains that advanced modelling techniques were leveraged to generate an energy model of the building during the design stage, comparing the building to a SANS 10400 notional building model. This helped to inform the building design to ensure high performance from a building envelope perspective.

Building Glazing Performance modelling was conducted, and performance values were agreed with the architect and mechanical engineer. Energy modelling also facilitated an assessment of internal operative temperatures, ensuring compliance with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours, guaranteeing a high level of thermal comfort.

Jennifer Dean, Sustainable Building Consultant, adds that 5 Parks’ roof is high enough for the footprint to be fully maximised for PV panels without being overshaded by adjacent buildings. A solar installation boasting a capacity of 217,1kW generates 340.9MWh annually, significantly reducing the building’s reliance on energy derived from coal and lowering the project’s carbon footprint.

Resource efficiency measures include equipping individual or enclosed spaces with occupancy sensors, providing precise control and minimising energy consumption. Office lighting was intentionally designed to avoid over-illumination, maintaining an average illuminance level of no more than 300 lux. Furthermore, water efficient fittings have been specified that limit occupant water usage to 0.54L/day/m2. Sub-metering of major energy and water-consuming systems is in place.

Limiting Emissions and Waste

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.

The implementation of a project-specific Waste Management Plan during construction guides activities to minimise environmental impact. Additionally, the building incorporates a waste recycling storage area, meeting Green Star sizing requirements and facilitating recycling of paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metals, thereby reducing waste to landfill during building operations.

Through sustainable practices, careful material selection, a commitment to creating a healthy indoor environment, and integration with the surrounding environment, the building embodies responsible and forward-thinking design practices in the contemporary urban landscape.

Project Team

Owner: Intaprop
Accredited Professional: Solid Green Consulting
Architect: GLH Architects
Electrical Engineer: RWP Consulting Engineers
Fire Engineer: WSP
Lift Specialist: Schindler
Mechanical Engineer: Adaptive Resource Engineers
Quantity Surveyors: Agora Africa
Structural Engineers: Pure Consulting
Sustainable Design Review: Solid Green Consulting
Sustainable Building Consultant: Solid Green Consulting
Wet Services: Izazi Consulting Engineers
Main Contractor: Concor
Project Manager: Morta Consulting
Landscape Management Company: Insite Group
BMS Systems Professional: Adaptive Resource Engineers
Photography: Philip Schedler Photography

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Our proactive approach extends beyond task execution; we proactively identify potential challenges, take initiative, and foster effective collaboration. Through collaborative problem-solving, I have gained valuable insights that have expanded my problem-solving capabilities beyond what I could achieve independently.

I was born and raised in Sandton, attended Jeppe High School and hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from Inscape Higher Education. While I have always been fascinated by architecture, I have also been driven by a desire to deepen my understanding of sustainability within the built environment.

In today’s world, sustainability is of paramount importance, encompassing the preservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment. Social responsibility also plays a significant role in achieving sustainability goals. By integrating these elements into the design and construction processes, I believe we can create a built environment that not only minimises its environmental footprint but also enhances the well-being of its occupants and contributes to a sustainable future. My aspiration is to make a positive impact toward a sustainable future in South Africa.

As a member of Solid Green’s modelling and simulation team, I am responsible for generating SANS XA 10400 reports and conducting performance modelling. Our team is actively engaged in seeking innovative solutions, employing methods such as brainstorming and extensive research.

My experience at Solid Green has ignited my passion for further studies in sustainability and engineering. Gaining a deeper understanding of engineering principles within the modelling department will enhance my skill set and enable me to contribute more effectively to our sustainability objectives. I look forward to learning more, contributing more and, ultimately, helping to make the world a better place for people and nature.

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Wardah’s role, Technical Services Success Manager, is new to the Solid Green portfolio. The primary function of this role is to complement the overarching strategic direction of the modelling and simulations department in accordance with the company’s vision, mission and long-term goals. The Technical Services Success Manager is also responsible for steering the department in the most profitable direction through innovative business development initiatives and an established industry network.

“I joined the company quite recently, yet I already feel like I belong,” says Wardah. “Coming from a big corporate environment, the culture in Solid Green is definitely different. Solid Green is truly a family style environment. Just by taking a moment to observe the team dynamic, how they interact, how passionate everyone is about sustainability and how they value one another, truly impacts my excitement about my future.”

There is a lot that motivates me. My family is at the forefront, followed by my ambition to make a difference in my career and my determination to leave behind a legacy that my child can be proud of.

“My introduction to sustainability happened during my early childhood years. I spent every other holiday at my uncle’s farm in Genadendaal, spending time in nature, living off the land and witnessing the simplicity of life. To me, this is sustainability.

“I am passionate about the property sector, and I intend to incorporate my passion for sustainability in the best possible way. Of utmost importance is changing the perception of what sustainability means as well as the factors that hinder people from ‘going green’ in the property sector. Value is a big factor, especially value in monetary sense. This is what influences developers, investors and financial institutions.”

I know that my experience at Solid Green will definitely bring me closer to achieving my life goals for education as well as career goals. It has also afforded me the opportunity to be part of the largest sustainability consultancy in Africa, and to contribute towards making a difference in the property sector and furthering the legacy I would like to leave behind.

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As a young person working in the field of sustainability, I believe it is important for us to act and take responsibility for our future. In my role at Solid Green as Modelling & Simulation Consultant, I am looking forward to contributing to the advancement of the built environment through high-performance building solutions and innovation.

No matter how complex global problems may seem, it is we ourselves who have given rise to them. They cannot be beyond our power to resolve.

Daisaku Ikeda – peacebuilder, Buddhist philosopher, educator, author and poet.

Being part of such a proactive team means being part of a community that is committed to making a difference, and having the opportunity to continuously learn, grow and develop into a leader. My experience at Solid Green has influenced my direction. With the Solid Green team, I have experienced the spirit of “Ubuntu” in the work that we do and in a personal capacity. I have never been more motivated to become an expert in everything that I do and grow into a sustainability engineer.

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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

A building’s energy performance refers to the net energy consumed in kilowatt hours per square meter per annum (kWh/m²/year). An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) accounts for all major energy consuming systems including heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and lighting; and, once obtained, is valid for a period of 5 years.

An EPC is required for:

• All commercial and non-residential buildings (e.g. schools, shopping malls, theatres) greater than 2000sqm;
• Government buildings larger than 1000sqm.

The above-mentioned buildings will be assessed on data that is compiled over a 2-year period. This data would come from recorded data that can, for example, be gathered through energy sub-metering systems; energy bills or measurements. Energy from garages, car parks, storage areas and outdoor services (such as security, landscaping and lighting) can be excluded from the EPC provided that this energy does not exceed 10% of the total energy performance of the building.

What is the purpose of an EPC?

EPC’s will be available publicly and will give greater knowledge to buyers about the historical consumption of a building. Similar EPC’s have been in effect in Europe and the UK since 2007, where they are required when selling a property.

The main purpose of an EPC is to monitor systems and gather data to inform the management of buildings and decisions around consumption and occupant behaviour moving forward – thus giving a road map on where consumption can be improved. In South Africa, over 77% of our electricity is produced by coal. Pair that with our current load shedding situation, and a knowledge of our buildings’ energy usage has become even more important.

In addition, the SANS 10400XA regulation is heading towards an imminent update. The increase in energy demands and regulations will now force building owners, project teams and tenants to be more aware during all processes of a building. The EPC may be a time-consuming exercise to achieve but, over the long run, it will help building owners and users to understand their usage.

EPCs will also be used when properties are sold. As EPCs can be viewed by anyone looking to buy property, the energy usage of different properties can be easily compared, allowing for a greater knowledge of operational costs to be estimated before purchase and rental agreements are signed.

Impact on the South African market

Gathering sufficient data over a period of time will also have the effect of allowing the energy performance of buildings in this country to be compared to how buildings perform internationally. Improvements in energy efficiency systems can be made with the knowledge gained during this process, eventually driving the further development of standards in this sector.

Over time, buildings will be marketed and sold as truly accredited and recognizable buildings. This doesn’t only apply to new buildings but also to existing buildings, which should be able to achieve a higher market value through improved energy performance, even though the building itself may be decades old.

I believe that EPCs represent an important opportunity for market change. With energy assessments and performance certificates we can shift owner and tenant mindsets around energy use, ultimately helping to decrease our dependence on fossil-based fuels in this sector.

Additional resources:

1. https://www.greenbuildingafrica.co.za/building-energy-performance-reporting-now-mandatory-in-south-africa/
2. https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202012/43972gon700.pdf

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