Architect and Builder Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 | Page 63

the V & A Waterfront. “We have adopted a rigorous
approach to green construction and sustainable
design principles and the efficient use of natural
and energy resources,” he says.
The No 1 Silo development is one of Africa’s
most advanced intelligent buildings. Through
innovative design solutions, combined with
proven technology, the building works with the
environment rather than against. It speaks to a
wide range of sustainability issues and adheres
to the strictest global environmentally sustainable
building principles and requirements. Some of
the more unique green features are the use of
seawater from the Atlantic Ocean, which will be
used to reject waste heat from the cooling plant
and allows for significant potable water savings
and improves the over-all energy efficiency of
No 1 Silo
the building. Heat generated from the IT server
room will feed the underfloor water borne heating
system to warm the reception area.
Another key innovation of the building is the
double glazed double skin high performance façade
that has a system of automatically controlled blinds
between the internal double glazed system and
the external single glazed skin which will track
the sun as it moves across the building. The high
performance façade reduces solar heat gain while
maximising the natural light penetration into the
building. The blinds prevent further heat gain and
also control the solar glare in the office space.
The double glazing prevents any radiant heat loss
or gain to the office space. One of the benefits of
this façade is to maximise views and natural light
throughout the building.
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