Can you firstly tell me a little bit about the AfriSam-SAIA Award and what it entails?

The AfriSam-SAIA Award recognises buildings that are the result of an integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They show that design and sustainability can and should be mutually reinforcing.

All nominated projects need to 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.

Paragon Architects tends to design large buildings, so the impact is likely to be great. We seek to design beyond the Green Star proposals and incorporate measures that reduce our impact on the built environment.

What does it mean for Paragon Architects to win an award such as this?

Paragon Architects is delighted and privileged to have received this award. It is confirmation that sustainable design is finding traction in large commercial buildings, whose footprints are substantial. We hope that this inspires the profession, the construction industry and our society in general to contribute towards a more responsible built environment. It is enormous affirmation for our staff, who worked rigorously on the project, our client, Zenprop Property Holdings and the contractors with whom we worked.

Can you please explain the process that went into designing this building?

Three proposals were generated for the site. The first was a tall tower with a lower annex adjoining, the second a lower structure with a less efficient plate. The third was the final proposal which combined the requirements of the tenant with adherent efficiencies. The resultant architectural design responded to sound basic core values including orientation and light.

We consulted closely with Zenprop and the tenant, Alexander Forbes, from the outset on the ramifications of the sustainable design. There are cost implications and we wanted them to be able to make informed decisions from the start. We were briefed in September 2010. It took three weeks to conceive and two weeks to refine. Documentation began immediately. The project went on site in February 2011. At times the site was a 24 hour a day operation. The building was occupied by Alexander Forbes during September 2012, three weeks ahead of schedule. The documentation evolved continuously with the sustainable elements in mind.

Can you also tell me a little bit about the design of the building and what makes it so sustainable?

Firstly, harmonisation. This is a large building (38 000m2 rentable area, 100 000m2 constructed area). Its size alone is going to have an impact on the environment. How the building was accommodated in a commercial environment was very important. Access to public transport and the provision for alternative transport systems were considered from the outset. Office buildings are an integral part of contemporary life and how this could be harmonised was considered, to reduce its impact.

Secondly, people upliftment. Facilities were carefully considered when designing for a workforce of 2500 people. These include a crèche, various dining facilities, a gym, nail bar and faith based meditation spaces. Green is only one component of sustainable architecture, which also includes providing a stimulating and pleasurable work place for staff.

Thirdly, placemaking performance. The orientation of the main façade was northwest, which is a very difficult façade to handle with light and heat. The façade is a very powerful aesthetic element, so a lot of care was given to its design. This provided the vehicle for architectural expression. As a result, the building appears as it works, rather than some diagrammatic representation. As the building is on a brownfield site, and orientation could not be changed, this meant that the perfect balance between allowing too much and too little light into the building had to be ensured. Each elevation was treated differently, depending on the sun exposure. The north-west and south-east facades had spectrally selective coatings which allowed light but reduced heat. The glazing that had an increased east and west exposure was reduced in size and a dark tinted glass was utilised.

Finally, evolutionary paradigm. The Large Office genre is going to be an integral part of our lives for a while in the future. The huge impact a single large building has on the environment needs to be explored, pursued and improved. This building has reduced water and energy use; introduced indigenous planting into the work environment; provided alternative transport offerings. Other conceptual departure points included centralised services and efficient plates for circulation and churning (changing the activities or functions of portions of a building).

The accommodation impact was designed to reduce any negative impact on water, energy and waste. Reduced power consumption, re-use of water and recycling initiatives have contributed to reduce water consumption by 70%, waste generation by 50% and energy consumption by 40%.

Because of the large workforce the building also has a didactic role in informing employees on possible contributions that can be made to sustainable architecture at home. For example, significant efforts have been made to reduce paper use and draw attention to recycling efforts.

What is next for Paragon Architects?

We are currently designing and are on site with the corporate offices for Sasol. This 76 000m2 building is aiming for a Five Star Green Star rating and will incorporate all the lessons we learnt on 115 West Street.

We are also expanding our genre of work to include residential projects, where we are re-examining apartment living volumes to promote light and reduce circulation; urban interventions in Alice Lane in Sandton, where a public piazza is to be accessed off the street and projects in Africa, which we find very exciting.

For more information about Paragon Architects and Paragon Interface, visit www.paragon.co.za.