Above the basements sits 7-level building with a roof terrace. The project is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating and has incorporated a number of sustainability initiatives to achieve this, including PV panels, and environmentally friendly material choices and has focused on the users of the building by ensuring non-toxic materials and finishes are used in the interior fitout, including a prayer room/quiet room for occupants to use for prayer and meditation needs.

Building Information

Address: Dock Road, Victoria and Albert Waterfront, Cape Town
Total gross floor area: 10 045 m²
Total commercial office area: 10 045 m²
Total parking area: 12 889 m²

Sustainable building features

• Environmental strategies have been implemented to enhance the wellbeing of the building’s users such as access to external views, and plenty of natural daylight.
• Other features that are focused on occupant wellbeing include the inclusion of a prayer room, cyclist facilities to promote physical exercise, and the use of low VOC paints, adhesives and carpets to limit the toxins in the air.
• Sub-metering of major energy and water-consuming systems is in place. Water-efficient fittings are also being installed that limit occupant water usage.
• In addition, to minimise greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption, an energy model of the building was generated during the design stage, comparing the building to a SANS 10400 notional building model. This energy model has helped to inform the building design to ensure a high-performing building from a building envelope perspective.
• Modelling also enabled internal operative temperatures to be assessed to ensure that they are within the ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours, thus ensuring a high level of thermal comfort. Building Glazing Performance modelling was also carried out and performance values were agreed with the architect and mechanical engineer.
• In terms of reducing energy consumption, provision has been made to ensure that all individual or enclosed spaces are individually switched with occupancy sensors. The project also saves energy by providing office lighting that is not over designed, with an average maintained illuminance level of no more than 400 lux.
• 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.
• In terms of Green Star, three main requirements had to be met before the project commenced with demolition and construction – a Waste Management Plan (WMP), an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
• To reduce waste to landfill during building operations, a waste recycling storage area has been provided in the basement within 20m of the exit. This dedicated area meets the Green Star sizing requirement, and will accommodate paper and cardboard; plastic, glass and cans; and metals.

Project Team

ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL: Solid Green
ARCHITECT: SVA
INTERIOR ARCHITECT: Paragon
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: Solution Stations
FIRE ENGINEER: Ekcon
LIFT SPECIALIST: Schindler Lifts (SA) (Pty) Ltd
MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Triocon
QUANTITY SURVEYORS: Brian Heineberg and Associates
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: Sutherland
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN REVIEW: Solid Green
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSULTANT: Solid Green
WET SERVICES: Ekcon
MAIN CONTRACTOR: WBHO
PROJECT MANAGER: Igual
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Paragon

Certificate

Building Users Guide