African project
Solid Green offices – South Africa
This philosophy is carried throughout the spaces with indoor and outdoor planting
– a green wall leads from the entrance into the main workspace; plants are located
through the open plan work areas; succulents form sculptural elements along
the north-facing balcony overlooking the street; and small-scale urban farming
is planned for the open-air terrace. Solid Green’s signature green is also subtly
incorporated into various furnishings and fittings, giving the spaces a bright,
attractive quality; and the staircase connecting the entrance and mezzanine levels
is a lightweight, sinuous vertical element.
For maximum energy efficiency, radiant cooling and energy efficient equipment
(laptops and printers are Energy Star rated) have been specified. All light fittings
are energy efficient LEDs with occupancy sensors. And a 1.8kW thinfilm solar PV
system has been added to the roof which takes the office to net zero energy on
an annual basis. Rainwater tanks and water saving fittings are planned, as well as
rainwater harvesting for irrigation of the exterior vegetable garden.
A key feature of the refurbishment was the installation of Solid Green’s own Solid
Insight – a software platform that generates accurate live metering data that can
be accessed from any device with an internet connection. By integrating with the
office’s smart-metering systems, the application enables automated billing for
energy and water consumption, while environmental reporting is also handled
automatically.
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