+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 22

PROJECT
PROJECT
Indoor air quality monitors assess temperature,
humidity, VOCs, carbon monoxide, dust particles
and nitrogen dioxide levels, quickly alerting to any
abnormalities or spikes. Plant room CO2 levels are
monitored and automatically corrected if necessary. A
green cleaning policy was implemented that adheres to
environmental best practices for interior cleaning. The
policy will ensure that building users and maintenance
personnel are not exposed to potentially dangerous
chemical, biological or particle contaminants.
Real plants, natural daylight and versatile space types
make the office feel comfortable and attractive.
“The design is intended to stimulate all five senses,”
continues Batley. “There is running water, art, a lot of
greenery, textured walls, colour and special lighting to
change moods as you experience the differing areas,”
he says. “We have built a ‘central park’ in the middle
of the offices that became the screen between public
and private areas.
Good, Smart, Well and Design
were defined as being answers to
the new requirements for a future-fit
office environment.
CONTEXTUAL DESIGN
The “Design” pillar encompasses all the aesthetic
design decisions, as well as where and how materials
and finishes are sourced. Kahn adds, “Priority was given
to locally sourced materials, both from a carbon footprint
point of view and to encourage local social investment.
But this pillar also focuses on L2D’s requirement to be
‘rooted’ in the South African context.” This allowed for
the inclusion of bespoke artwork and colours, as well
as some innovative materials.
“The most prominent and innovative design feature,”
says Syfert, “is the use of 100 000 compressed, plastic
toothpaste tubes recycled into a three-dimensional
wave ceiling feature with integrated LED lighting to
accentuate the forms.” Batley adds that the material was
cheaper than using timber for a similar feature, but that
it takes a brave client to embrace such new materials.
L2D invests significantly in art and is acutely aware
how the pandemic had affected artists. Kahn says that
the art consultants, Latitudes, curated a unique and
bespoke collection of art that aligns to the key design
themes. One piece, a colourful “beehive” screen, was
made by women in the workshop of Bethany House, a
non-profit organisation that shelters and rehabilitates
women and children.
Priority was given to locally sourced materials, both from a carbon
footprint point of view and to encourage local social investment.
The wave form ceiling was created from
100 000 recycled toothpaste tubes.
One highlight of this project is
the special attention to air quality
within the office.
DOING GOOD
The “Good” pillar aligns with L2D’s GOOD spaces
building block. The objective of this pillar is to transform
an old, unappealing office space into something new
and exciting that is more suitable to the changing work
environment, while also being good for both the planet
and the building occupants. Targets are set to minimise
electricity and water use and efficient fittings were
installed throughout while usage, consumption and peak
demands can be monitored and assessed using smart
meters linked to the building management system (BMS).
Waste stream audits are done on all of L2D’s portfolio
to minimise waste to landfill. In this case, office waste
feeds into the existing Sandton City waste stream, a high
percentage of which is either recycled or composted
with very little going to landfill.
“Biophilic design is also utilised for the project, where
real plants and natural daylight are incorporated to
reduce stress, enhance mood and improve the creativity
and productivity of the office occupants,” adds Kahn.
Natural wood walkways divide carpeted desk areas.
There is a “mat of moss” as a backdrop to the entrance
logo signage. It survives on moisture from the air with
a little air purification from time to time, but needs no
actual watering, muses Batley.
BEING SMART
The “Smart” pillar aligns with L2D’s SMART Spaces
building block, which encompasses the company’s
overall digital transformation strategy. As technology has
developed, and as the working world has changed since the
pandemic ushered in remote work and online collaboration
as a normal part of the working world, there has been a
steep rise in the technological demands of efficient office
spaces. “The aim for the new office was to create a plugand-play
setting that is mostly wireless and allows for a
combination of online and offline collaboration options
for L2D people,” explains Kahn.
KEEPING WELL
The “Well” pillar relates to L2D’s SAFE Spaces building
block, which focuses on safety, health and hygiene.
Elri Syfert from Solid Green handled the Green Star
submission for the project. She explains the importance
of Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) to the health and
wellbeing of people occupying the buildings. “One
highlight of this project is the special attention to air
quality within the office,” she says. “At least 95% of the
nominated area is provided with fresh air at a rate of
10l/s/person, which is a 33% improvement over the SANS
10400-0:2011 requirements.”
A colourful honeycomb screen, created by the
beneficiaries of local NPO, Bethany House, adds
vibrant colour and interest to the office space.
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POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 22
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