The Atholl Towers office development in Johannesburg, South Africa, was recently awarded a 5-Star Green Star SA Rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).
Aurecon was commissioned by ALW Estates (Pty) Ltd to provide Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) services for the project, which exceeded the initial Green Star ambitions for the building by incorporating a range of innovative sustainable features.
Located between Katherine and Patricia streets in Sandton, Atholl Towers was developed in two phases. The first phase was completed in 2011 and comprises a 4 500-m2 office building with the Volkswagen Group South Africa’s Sales and Marketing Operations as tenants. The second phase, completed in April 2015 comprises 10,211 m2 of offices and 480 parking bays, with five basement levels.
Marni Punt, Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) Consultant at Aurecon, says the building is a modern, iconic design with open concept spaces. Some of the noteworthy aesthetic features include full-height façades, frameless glass and overhanging elements that create uniquely framed views of a shared public outdoor area between the two phases.
“Aurecon’s ESD team worked closely with AMA architects and other project consultants to create an exceptionally energy- and water-efficient building that meets the sustainable development needs of the client. The frameless, full-glass façade is not only energy efficient, but it has a self-cleaning silicone base that ensures minimal maintenance in future,” says Punt.
Some of the other energy efficiency features include optimised air conditioning, a central heat recovery system and motion sensor light fittings. The domestic hot water system is integrated with the air conditioning system to receive recovered heat during cooling or simultaneous cooling and heating modes. When cooling is not required by the air conditioning system, it acts as an air-cooled heat pump to efficiently deliver heat to the domestic hot water system.
Sustainability initiatives include the use of recycled shutter boards for concrete casting, recycled steel components, the use of low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint, low formaldehyde timber and finishes, the smart application of insulation materials and blinds to maximise thermal comfort for building occupants, as well as a rainwater harvesting and water conservation systems. Otis GeN2 regen drive elevators, which are up to 75% more efficient than non-generative drive lifts, complete the green features.
“We initially set out to achieve a 4-Star Green Star SA – Office v1 Design rating but, by incorporating extra cost-effective green features and initiatives, we were able to achieve the 60 points required by the GBCSA for a 5-Star Green Star Rating without incurring additional costs for the client. Atholl Towers marks the first Speculative Green Star Rated building for ALW Estates and Aurecon is proud to be involved in this landmark achievement for our client,” says Punt.
More information from Adrienne Brookbanks
T +27 12 427 2066 E Adrienne.Brookbanks@aurecongroup.com
