panel . Over 2,000 panels have been designed . The vision glass is a reflective performance glass which has a high light transmission level and maximises visibility out of the building whilst maintaining a high comfort level . The glass product is AGC Stopray vision 36T .
The spandrels are a bespoke textured glazed custom glazed unit , fired at 680 º with a silver backing , insulation and an aluminium panel ; the glass is Safety Shield Imagin Krizet with Ipasol chrome coating . This glass has not been used in South Africa before and this project seeks to exploit not only design but materiality .
In addition to glass performance , the building volumes have impacted on the design . Where sections of the building cast shadows on itself , the size of the spandrels reduce to allow more light . Façade patterning has generated an environmental analysis and heat gain to reduce energy consumption and maximise user comfort levels .
It was important for Paragon Architects to push boundaries in this design which is characterised with light volumes externally and two dramatic skylights articulated with accoustic baffles , internally . These elements drive a light and airy concept . The building has 7 basements levels with ten storeys above ground . The concept of open , transparent and remote work spaces is extended to embody the mores of Sasol to include interactive facilities such as restaurants , canteens , auditoriums , art galleries and coffee shops .
While currently housing 2,500 employees , along with 300 auxiliary staff , the building can accommodate more employees as the company grows . The building is extremely flexible in terms of its design . There is room to densify quite comfortably and to reconfigure space quite quickly , so should there be a requirement , the building allows for it .
The main contractor tender was awarded to Aveng Grinacker-LTA and the 3 year construction programme reached completion during November 2016 . Paragon Interface won the tender for the Interior Design , Space Planning and Service coordination commission .
Sustainability The building achieved a 5-Star Green Star SA-Office v1 Design rating in October 2016 . Sustainable building features include :
• There are four air cooled chillers in the basement and three reversible heatpumps on the roof .
30 Sasol