2014

AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture:

Alexander Forbes / 115 West Street, Sandton

115 West Street in Sandton was developed by Zenprop Property Holdings for tenants, Alexander Forbes. The project has achieved 4-Star Green Star SA Office v1 Design and As-Built certifications. The consolidation of two offices into a single efficient office space for 2,500 people involved creating state of the art work facilities and upgrading technology services, with added security. Sustainability features include the use of renewable materials such as bamboo; the extensive use of low VOC paint; grey water collection; the integration of passive heating and cooling systems; waste recycling; and planter walls constructed from off shutter concrete. Preferential bays for fuel efficient, hybrid and carpooled vehicles, as well as 140 bicycle bays and cyclist shower facilities, have been provided to encourage the use of non-motorised transport.

South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC):

Best Corporate Building: 30 Jellicoe

In keeping with the mores of Investec and the tenant, a classical architectural approach was adopted in concept. The design comprised a raised platform at street level that included parking but was expressed as a planted volume. The offices sit atop the platform and are heavily screened to the east and west, with deep overhanging sun screens on the north that were designed in response to a series of sun studies. Internally, the orientation of the blades directs the user’s view to the treed residential suburbs beyond.

South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Awards:

Commercial Office Development – Winner: Alice Lane Phase 1

The first phase of the Alice Lane Development, a building designed to accommodate tenants Marsh and Standard Bank, received a 4-star Green Star SA Office V1 Design rating from the Green Building Council SA. This achievement is due to the careful consideration of systems and materials including passive heating and cooling systems, double glazing and performance glass, careful selection of materials, water recycling, and green parking bays. This building formed the last important piece of the urban puzzle, the Alice Lane Precinct, which surrounds a green lung in Sandton, the financial hub of sub-Saharan Africa.