The nominated projects make a positive contribution to their communities and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as the reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation and the use of sustainable or renewable construction materials.
There are two AfriSam-SAIA Award categories - one for built work that has been occupied for one year and the other for works of social importance, including research. One of the nominated projects is already making history in architectural and building terms.
Lakeside 3 is the first existing building in South Africa that has been redeveloped with the intention to obtain a Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) 4-star green rating. Three cutting-edge sustainable commercial buildings are among this year's qualifying projects. They are 44 on Grand Central, Midrand, Alexander Forbes Head Office in Sandton and Lakeside 3 in Centurion, all of which are in close proximity to the Gautrain rail link.
A residential property, House Jones - dubbed the country's 'greenest green house' - has been designed by Era Architects as a completely self-sustainable 'island' house in the heart of Johannesburg.
The Eastern Cape has two nominated projects - the Helenvale multi-purpose community centre and the South African Police Service 10111 radio control centre, both designed by The Matrix.
"Architects are an influential authority in shaping the future of design and consumer choices," AfriSam's CEO Stephan Olivier says. "These awarded projects show that green and sustainable designs, which make a difference to the environment as well as to those who work or live within the buildings, are also aesthetically appealing."
