Page 7 - Landscape SA 103

PROJECT

V & A Waterfront introductory signage to
the public realm entrance, with heritage
villas and The Ridge. Planting mix complementing the sleek lines of the building

towards the north or south, preventing Rainwater harvesting is collected most important ‘machine’ in the building,
lower angle sun from the east or west from the roof and greywater from the controlling the indoor environment. The
from entering the office spaces. This building’s waste water points such as design significantly reduces the amount
provides natural daylight while reducing hand basins and cyclists’ showers. This of direct sunlight entering the building,
glare and patches of hot sunlight, and water is filtered, treated and re-used for which in turn means that internal spaces
has a major impact in promoting fresh all non-potable use; can rely on the selected mixed mode
air quality and energy saving. Roof lights • recycling: the focus on recycling system, and not need air conditioning
above the atrium allow optimal levels extends to the use of ecobricks in certain to remain comfortable. When windows
of natural lighting into the building and non-loadbearing structural elements of are open, the active ventilation system is
low-energy LED lighting is suspended the building; switched off. When the weather outside
between acoustic panels, helping with • interior greening: the natural is not suitable for natural ventilation, the
sound absorption; environment is a key factor, with plants building management system activates
• thermally activated building system and a planted balcony for occupants the air conditioning, provided that the
technology (TABS): this operates being features of the overall design windows have been closed manually.
throughout the warmer months, and philosophy.
is installed into the ceilings above Green star design rating
working areas of the buildings, cooling Tessa Brunette, lead project engineer
the internal environment with chilled at Arup, says that together with the The GBCSA awarded the project a six
water circulating through the floor building’s thermal mass, the façade is the star Green Star rating. Lisa Reynolds,
slabs. The cooler ceiling therefore cools
the air below, which circulates around
the workspace. TABS is an important
contributor to the mixed mode climate
control system at work inside the
building.
Other aspects of the building’s
sustainability features include the
following:
• power: the building has a specific
energy strategy with passive and active
energy as well as a solar array on the
roof which harvests additional power
when the sun is shining. In the case of a
grid failure, vital systems in the building
are kept going by means of a standby
generator;
• water resources: the building employs
low water flow devices in keeping
with Cape Town’s status as an arid city.
A 100m3 greywater and rainwater
harvesting system provides water for
toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.
Landscaping softens the buildings within the precinct

Landscape SA • Issue 103 2021 5