+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 26

WORLD LEADERS IN
RESIDENTIAL
SUSTAINABILITY
BEST IN THE WORLD
SOCIAL HOUSING 2022
GORDONS BAY | WESTERN CAPE | SOUTH AFRICA
When Balwin Properties decided to build
a new residential estate in Gordon’s Bay,
Cape Town, it was always the plan to have
a lifestyle centre as its hub. The Greenbay
Barn is an impressive structure, characterised by two
massive barn doors. These doors open to reveal a tree in
the middle, serving as a living centrepiece.
The idea behind the Greenbay Barn was to have
a communal area where residents could eat, exercise,
work, socialise and play. The amenities on offer include
a fitness centre, yoga studio, café, multipurpose sports
field, office space, swimming pool, amphitheatre, dog
park and laundromat. “The Greenbay Barn plays a pivotal
role in fostering a sense of community and providing
convenience and recreation for residents,” comments
Steve Brookes, CEO of Balwin Properties.
“Sustainable development is a key differentiator for us,”
he says. “We regard science-based targets as a business
imperative that drives innovation in new technologies
and operational practices. This ultimately saves money
and increases competitiveness. Our mission is to continue
to improve the growth of the low-carbon economy,
differentiating Balwin as a responsible brand that cares
about its homeowners, the environment and the planet.”
SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN
As with most of Balwin Properties’ projects, sustainability
was never an afterthought, but an integral part of the
early design process. Lloyd Tinney, Balwin Energy’s green
Accredited Professional for New Buildings and Major
Refurbishments, explains how they sat down with Solid
Green Consulting to see which environmental considerations
they could incorporate into the building’s design.
“Initially, we met with Solid Green to discuss our goals
of achieving a 6-Star Green Star rating,” says Tinney.
A few design aspects were changed (with minimal cost
implications) as they didn’t fit in with the overall green
strategy. “These decisions will pay off in the long run as
the building will perform more efficiently and be less
reliant on water and electricity,” he maintains.
Partnering with Solid Green was a no-brainer, says
Tinney. “The value of having them as the sustainability
consultant on the project was critical to ensure our goals
were met,” he asserts. “Knowledge and experience learnt
from previous projects have played a massive role in
knowing what strategy will work best and allowing us
to achieve our goals,” he says.
Jennifer Dean and Kamohelo Selepe of Solid Green
Consulting say the 6-Star certification was a first for
both of them, making them proud of their contribution.
“From the start, we made sure the sustainability goals
were clear and applied them during the project’s various
phases,” Dean states. “Particular attention was paid to
energy efficiency and renewable energy, water efficiency,
waste management, user comfort and connectivity.”
One of the first things Solid Green did in the design
phase was come up with an energy model of the proposed
barn. From a greenhouse gas emissions perspective, the
building design showed a 100% improvement over a SANS
10400 notional building.
The Barn plays a pivotal role in fostering
a sense of community among residents.
PROJECT
6 STAR GREEN RATED BARN LIFESTYLE CENTRE
GREEN BONDS
GREEN BOND MASSIVE
20 YEAR SAVINGS!*
Latest Awards
44 International Property Awards
Audrey
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A tree forms the living centrepiece
of the Barn, the hub of the Greenbay
property development in Gordon’s Bay.
POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 26
59