Transformation of Sandton Twin Towers results in Green Star rating

Artist impression of completed development

Aurecon is providing the structural engineering and environmentally sustainable design services for the Atrium on 5th project.

With development management services provided by Liberty Properties, the 24,713m² P-grade office block is the first building in the Liberty Group's portfolio to achieve a Green Star accreditation from the GBCSA.

"We are absolutely delighted that Aurecon, one of our key partners in the transformation of the Sandton Twin Towers into Atrium on 5th, are the recipients of this prestigious industry award," Maurice Mdlolo, managing director for Liberty Properties said. "The award is as a result of Aurecon being instrumental in supporting our vision to create a green building out of the refurbishment of a 32 year old iconic Sandton property, ultimately proving that a truly sustainable building can be created from an existing one."

Driving factor

Because sustainability was one of the driving factors behind this refurbishment, the rejuvenation of this building presented the ideal opportunity to incorporate numerous environmentally sustainable principles into the design, some of which include:

• The entire building structure was re-used, therefore there was no need for the construction of an energy intensive new building structure.
  
• The building's glass façade will not only make it one of the most eye catching buildings in Sandton, but the suspended glass atrium - a first in South Africa - together with the new high performance low E single glazed and insulated façade will provide the building with optimal access to views and daylight whilst minimising heat losses through the envelope.
  
• The building has been fitted with a new air-cooled variable air volume air conditioning system to maximise energy efficiency and ensure thermally comfortable indoor conditions.
  
• To reduce the building's carbon footprint, an energy efficient base building lighting system has been installed, which will consume less than 2 W/m2 per 100 lux, or 8 W/m2.
  
• Water efficiency strategies such as low flow fixtures have also been implemented.
  
• Another sustainable design feature is the installation of a green wall in the atrium, incorporating a unique system made from recycled material.

Atrium on 5th is ready for occupancy, with just the glass atrium façade due to be completed late in 2014. Upon completion, the aim is to also achieve a 4 Star Green Star SA As-Built rating.