Construction World March 2018

PROJECT PROFILE

of our brand, our staff comfort and the way our operations run across our facility. We are very proud of the sustainable features that have been incorporated into the building design and have found the building to be climatically responsive – providing a comfortable internal climate no matter the external conditions. Although the metre to properly measure our electrical consumption was only fitted during the week of writing this, we are confident that during the daylight hours we are drawing little, if any, electricity from the Eskom grid to run our office facility. In addition to this, the careful sizing and positioning of the external windows also means that we require very little artificial lighting in the building during our operating hours. The design of the internal office layouts, careful positioning of the building on the site and strategic visual linking of certain departments to the yard space has meant that our operations are now more streamlined than they were at our previous premises. The raw industrial interior comprising galvanised steel finishes, exposed services and diamond ground concrete floors gives our clients a distinct impression that they are visiting an engineering firm geared to cater to all their crusher wear needs.” Accolade The project received a Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA) Award of Commendation in 2017 and Rassmann feels that it is always a highlight when your projects are acknowledged by others. “We knew that the client was happy with the outcome, as were we, otherwise we would not have submitted the project for the awards,

but to be recognized does cement that notion.” GIFA describes the project as a box in a box in a box but much crisper and lighter than can normally be expected from mere industrial buildings. “Fastidious detailing and a sense of width and space shows a generous but particular design state of mind. The client and staff have been transported by the architects to a work environment that is open, free and light and enhances collaboration and pride. Details, down to the patterning of landscaping steps in brick have been carefully considered. Views from within the structure are allowed to punch through the attached screen and are made more tantalising. One is aware of an openness, fostering a creative team of staff and management who are supported by this light-filled, fresh, tall, crisp and uplifting environment. “This project really was about creating something low maintenance which looked great, and at the same time, which operated on a sustainable level,” concludes Rassmann. “We used forthright sustainable technology to get the building to perform the way we wanted it to, things that should come naturally as common sense and which should be integrated into the design of all buildings. Unfortunately though, many of today’s commercial buildings are just designed for their looks.” Rubela Park, however, does the job it is supposed to do in terms of being eco-conscious, while at the same time offering a blueprint for commercial projects which goes against the grain – proving that a project can be budget conscious, low-maintenance, energy efficient and beautiful, all at the same time. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2018