+IMPACT Magazine Issue 25

COVER STORY
Western Cape • Gauteng • KwaZulu-Natal
Services:
• Air-conditioning Maintenance
• Remote Monitoring on
HVAC Plants
• Chiller Plants
• Building Management
Systems (BMS)
• Retrofit projects
for HVAC systems
• Water Treatment
• Energy Optimisation
• IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)
monitoring
Unit J6, Centurion Business Park, Bosmansdam Road, Montague Gardens, Western Cape, 7441
t: 0860 555 734 | f: 0860 444 734 | e: info@sfigroup.co.za | www.sfigroup.co.za
filtered, directly to each one’s own space. The fit-out
optimised indoor air quality – around 66% higher than
required by building regulations (SANS 10400-O). From
a health and comfort perspective, these mini offices
are entirely independent of those adjacent. ENS took
cognisance of the importance of health and wellness as
a future-proofing element. Evaporative cooling towers or
other evaporative cooling systems are eliminated from the
design of the building.
“Importantly,” says Sherratt, “the fit-out focused on
acoustics, and was awarded an innovation point for speech
privacy. These quiet, sound-proofed spaces were fitted
with specific sound-dampening features such as acoustic
Class C ceilings, at least one acoustic wall panel, acoustic
rated walls, and doors with acoustic frame and threshold
seals, particularly to facilitate e-meetings.”
POINTS OF VIEW
Traditionally, offices are placed on the perimeter of an
office level and a few have the privilege of having a view,
symbolic of yesteryear’s hierarchical approach to space
allocation. Not here. All ENS’s “own spaces” are in small
clusters in the centre. Tagge explains: “We deliberately
removed all offices away from the windows. We placed the
Everybody is able to share the extensive
views and the “wow” spaces.
communal and functional spaces there, so everybody is
able to connect to the extensive views and share the “wow”
spaces. So, from stepping out of the lift, corridors radiate
from that central point to each individual “own space”, and
from there, continue onwards towards the windows. The
idea is that you’re always walking towards the natural light.”
There were also strong sustainability reasons for moving
offices away from the impact of the perimeter. Climate
is far more controllable when it’s unaffected by cold or
heat from the glazed facade. Heat and cold transmission
is more stable when that factor is removed.
A HEALTHY MINDSET
The fit-out design focused on health in innovative ways.
At the arrival point on each floor – and in three or four
other positions – are dedicated hand-wash basins. They’re
well-designed, inviting features, with greenery and partial
privacy screens around them, so health remains front of
mind. “They invite a shift of mindset,” says Tagge. “It’s not
Making Buildings Healthier... Together
All offices were deliberately moved away from the
windows to allow for communal and functional
spaces, so everybody enjoys the extensive views.
A focus on wellness includes
feature hand-wash stations.
Strijdom van Merwe’s striking land art stone
sculptures are part of the earthy, organic
theme carried throughout ENS’s offices.
A larger private meeting room – strong art
pieces are well showcased in ENS’s offices,
particularly on the client-facing 23rd floor.
POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 25
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