The project promotes environmental awareness and inspires behaviour change through its green design principles. The Montessori School (660.1 m²) features a single-floor structure with sustainable materials, fostering holistic child development. The Lifestyle Centre (1928.1 m²) includes wellness and recreational spaces, serving as the community’s social hub. Key design elements include biophilic design, smart building technology, and adaptable spaces. The project sets a benchmark for future eco-friendly developments, blending sustainability with education and community engagement.

Building Information

Address: 0A Kliprivier Dr, Rietvlei 101-Ir, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2053
Total gross floor area: 2588 m²
Total gross floor area School: 660.1 m²
Total gross floor area Lifestyle: 1928.1 m²
Total ‘building types’:  Custom PEB

Sustainable building features include

This project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through green design, energy efficiency, water conservation, landscape integration, and occupant well-being.

Green Design

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Locally sourced, non-toxic, recyclable materials reduce carbon emissions and enhance durability.
• Green Roofs: Provide natural insulation, mitigate urban heat, support biodiversity, and manage stormwater.
• Natural Ventilation: Strategic window and vent placement reduces HVAC dependence and improves indoor air quality.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: LED fixtures with smart controls cut electricity use.

Energy Efficiency

• Renewable Energy: Solar panels reduce fossil fuel reliance.
• High-Performance Insulation: Minimizes heat loss/gain, reducing energy for heating/cooling.
• Low-E Windows: Maintain comfortable temperatures with minimal energy use.

Water Conservation

• Rainwater Harvesting & Greywater Recycling: Reduce municipal water demand.
• Low-Flow Fixtures: Conserve water without affecting performance.

Landscape Integration

• Native Plants: Minimize irrigation, support local biodiversity.
• Green Spaces: Promote relaxation and connect architecture with nature.

Health & Well-Being

• Active Amenities: Padel courts, skateboard parks, and bike trails encourage fitness and community.
• Biophilic Design: Greenery, natural light, and peaceful spaces reduce stress and enhance well-being.

• 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.
• The buildings peak electrical demand is actively reduced by the use of a solar photovoltaic system with a 66.2Kwp capacity and an annual production of 111 MWh/year.
• The building achieves savings through the use of water efficient fittings, rainwater harvesting and a grey water system installed to reuse water used in the laundromat as irrigation.

Project Team

OWNER: Balwin Properties
ACCREDITED PROFFESSIONAL: Solid Green Consulting
ARCHITECT: Boogertman and Partners
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: Aftek Consulting
MECHANICAL ENGINEER: IMECH Consulting Engineers
QUANTITY SURVEYORS: Balwin Property
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: Kantey and Templer Consulting Engineers
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN REVIEW: Solid Green Consulting
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSULTANT: Solid Green Consulting
WET SERVICES: Wills Franklin Pretorius
MAIN CONTRACTOR: Balwin
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: Bokamoso Environmental
AMS CONSULTANT: Solid Insight
RAINWATER HARVESTING: Rapid Water Solutions
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Vibing Gardens

Certificates

Greenstar

NET Zero

Building Users Guide