Mechanical Technology April 2015

Mechanical Technology — April 2015

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Computer-aided engineering

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he vision for Sasol’s new build-

ing in Sandton was to somehow

link the look of the new building

to Sasol’s logo. The logo, which

encapsulates the company’s values,

comprises a central sphere, which de-

notes stability, while six rotating spheres

representing the ‘business units’ suggest

a force greater than the sum of its parts

– strength through synergy.

Paragon Architects took up the chal-

lenge to make this logo a visual compo-

nent of the design.

To make the logo come to life, Paragon

Architects studied the distilled essence

closely to interpret it into built form.

Sasol’s company structure was used as

the departure point for the conceptual

design of the building. The concept was

initially set up as a straight line linking

the various units. However this was

seen spatially as too constrictive and so

the form evolved into something more

serpentine, which in turn generated a

Sasol’s ultramodern future space in Sandton

With the help of Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks, Sasol, one of the

world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, is designing and

building its new corporate office on Katherine Street in Sandton – linking the

look to the logo.

The new Sasol building, based on its logo, encapsulates the central sphere, which denotes stability, while

six rotating spheres represent the ‘business units’. The whole design suggests a force greater than the sum

of its parts – strength through synergy.

more humanist space and was more

easily accommodated in the available

space on site.

A central core of work activities ties

the building together and the various ar-

eas are linked by a series of bridges. The

major challenge was the site on which

this building will stand – a curving edge

of Katherine Street. The architects had

to ensure this 10-story building, that will

serve as offices for up to 7 000 people

and span almost 70 000 m

, could be

accommodated and well connected both

vertically and horizontally.

It was important for Paragon to push

boundaries in this design, which is

characterised by light volumes externally

and two dramatic skylights (articulated

with acoustic baffles) internally. These

elements create a feeling of airy spaces

and allow as much natural light into the

structure as possible.

The concept of open, transparent

and remote workspaces is extended to

embody the values of Sasol to include

restaurants, canteens, art galleries, coffee

shops and a Sasol One Stop Shop.

The result is an external façade of

reflective performance glass, which has

a high light transmission level and maxi-

mises visibility out of the building whilst

maintaining a high comfort level.

There are over 2 000 panels of floor-

to-ceiling unitised double glazed panels

of vision glass and spandrels. The shapes

and glass variations are encapsulated in

each panel.

The spandrels are a bespoke textured

custom glazed unit, fired at 680 °C

with a silver backing, insulation and

an aluminium panel; the glass is Safety

Shield Imagin Krizet with Ipasol chrome

coating. This glass has not been used

in South Africa before and this project

seeks to exploit its properties to its best

advantage.

In addition to glass performance, the

building volumes have impacted on the

design. Where sections of the building

cast shadows onto itself, the size of the

spandrels reduce to allow more light

through. Façade patterning has gener-

ated an environmental analysis and heat

gain to reduce energy consumption and

maximise user comfort levels.

Externally the park-like staff facilities

include courtyards and braai and yoga

facilities with water-wise planted areas.

Sasol is very committed to supporting

birdlife in South Africa and this will be ac-

commodated by providing an indigenous

environment for birds. The landscaping

has been designed to shade the façade,

where heat gain is higher. On lower levels

planting gets thicker.

“Considering the complexity of this

building, BIM technology and Revit

modelling, have contributed towards

streamlining the co-ordination process

and allowed all 15 consultants to in-

teract with one 3D model. This has not

only made it easier to work together,

but we have also avoided wasting time

and building materials,” says Tershia

Habbitts, project architect from Paragon.

The team at Paragon Architects is

steaming ahead on Autodesk Revit and

Autodesk Navisworks. This is proving

to be extremely successful with the co-

ordination between consultants.”

The project is scheduled for comple-

tion in 2016.