T
African project
Centurion Square
he site, which previously consisted of a parking area, is bound by existing
buildings with extensive servitudes and dolomitic ground conditions
that proved to be quite challenging. The layout of the two office blocks
create a landscaped piazza on the south western side of the site and a
diagonal ‘street’ in the negative space between the two buildings to draw
pedestrians through from the north eastern corner.
Given the depth of the floor plates and ‘squat’ proportions of the offices, a
central atrium along the length of each building was introduced to enhance
natural daylight into the building and to create the option of further
dividing each floor plate should multiple tenancies be required in future. These atria,
being open to each floor level, would also increase connectivity and communication
between the various office levels.
The triangular corners created by the north/south ‘splice’ on the north corner of the
site, are seen as prominent parts of the buildings where executive offices, receptions
and boardrooms are located. Restaurants are proposed at ground floor level. Externally
these acute glazed corners provide opportunity for some ‘drama’ and definition to the
entrances, in contrast with the remaining façades which are treated as calm but highly
articulated compositions.
The articulation is created by generally setting back the ground and top floor level
glazing from the building line, and accentuating the middle floors. A layered effect is
created by extending the cladding to these two floors above and below the floor levels
respectively, giving vertical proportions to what is otherwise a horizontally linear
approach. The combined effect of this is not only a finely balanced façade but also the
integrated provision of shading to the bottom floor and a balustrade to the top floor.
Internally the common parts of the building are designed to be modern but warm and
comfortable, with natural graphic themes and accent lighting providing focal elements.
The office space is uncluttered and light, with feature pause areas on the ‘bridges’ over
the atria. Roof level landscaped entertainment spaces complete the end user experience
of each building.
Lood Welgemoed from Boogertman & Partners Architects, says that the building
achieves a 61% improvement in carbon emissions through installation of various
energy sub meters, web-based energy meters as well as motion sensors all in an effort
to reduce energy consumption associated with the lighting. “The efficient water fixtures
and fittings that have been installed in the building also results in significant savings of
potable water consumption. Rain water will be harvested from the roof area to be reused on the site and greywater collected from sinks and showers will be captured and
treated for landscape irrigation purposes.”
Tiffany Boesch, Group Financial Director of PPS, a financial services company, says
the company is proud to be part of the development as it is PPS Property Fund Trust’s
latest green office development. “Investing in green technology will not only lead to
cost reductions in the long term, but will also result in reduced use of resources and
have a positive impact on the health and wellness of the occupants and surrounding
community. At PPS, about 15% of our members are professionals within the built
environment and we therefore are duty bound to be at the cutting edge of construction
trends and green building technology.”
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