Lighting in Design Q3 2019

but then raised the glass above desk height. This allowed us to offset the cost of glass, but at the same time strategically position it in the interior to allow a maximum ingress of natural light. The warehouse portion of the logistics facility had to be well laid out to accommodate the multiple daily deliveries via a fleet of 30 trucks which travel to approximately 800 outlets in South Africa. An array of drive-in bays, a large covered side curtain loading area and dock-leveller loading bays offer a variety of vehicles the space required for an efficient operation. “While translucent sheeting in warehouses is stan- dard,” says Lacovig, “we created a natural light band at around 9 m high to keep the translucent sheeting above the racking level to supplement the high bay LED lightingTo allow even more natural light into the facility we introduced a monitor at the centre of the roof design and included a newly patented system, one of the first to be installed, featuring a translucent smoke vent which, unlike conventional solid louvres, will let light in and also flap open completely when smoke needs to be extracted.” Froma sustainable point-of-view, general sustain- able practices were followed. Correct orientation and the use of double glazing on the façade – coupled with correct proportioning of this façade – ensures a passive control of natural light entering the building, as well as the thermal temperature gains and losses, improving energy efficiency. In addition, the façade’s design assists in reducing the noise from the busy road alongside the office. “We kept the size of the

west façade small, thereby limiting exposure to the harsh afternoon sun and have a smaller ratio of glass to solid walls,” states Lacovig. “ Roughly 50-60 people will be employed in the main office space, and the architects note that the business almost has the feel of a large family business. “Very early on in the process we were informed that the old office had a tiny kitchen space, but that was where all the office staff interacted. In this new office, we ensured that the staff have enough space to gather, work in a café-style area and even cook meals together. Cube Route’s head office is a busy yet relaxed environment where people are encouraged to bring their pets to work, so it really was a project where we could explore the boundaries of themodernworkspace,” says Lacovig. The interiors were designed to be as human- centric as possible with abundant natural light, high volumes and extra colour, without coming across as being overpowering and garish. “From the shape of the façade, it gives staff an interesting interior space, not your conventional four wall box. That in itself changes the quality of the space and the perception of the space you are working in, making it a building which is exciting to be in,” states Lacovig. This emphasis on aesthetic appeal – coupled with a human-centric design approach – has re- sulted in a unique, eye-catching building which devi- ates from the norm of a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to head office design.

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LiD Q3 - 2019