Ellipse Waterfall Phase 1, developed by Attacq and Tricolt, achieved a four-star Green Star multi-unit residential rating for the ten-storey Newton and eleven-storey Kepler towers in January 2022. Construction on the first phase of this high-rise luxury apartment development began in November 2019 and is now complete.

Ellipse Waterfall will ultimately have 600 apartments

Ellipse Waterfall Phase 1 was designed and developed to meet the four-star Green Star SA multi-unit residential design V1 and as-built certification requirements. In phase 1, Newton has a total of 119 dwellings ranging from one- to three-bedroom units, while Kepler houses 151 dwellings ranging from one- to four-bedroom units.

The development will ultimately comprise four residential towers, with the 16-storey Cassini Tower for phase 2 and the Galileo Tower planned for the third and final phase. Once complete, the 45 000m² precinct will include 600 apartments.

Sustainability the key focus in developing Waterfall City

Nico Barnard, city planner at Attacq, says: “As part of Attacq’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, sustainability is a key focus area for the group in developing Waterfall City. Our vision is to develop Waterfall City as a safe, sustainable, mix-use city that provides a vibrant and healthy living environment.”

Jean Paul van Huffel, project manager at Tricolt, comments: “I am pleased with the solutions that we were able to incorporate, which include removing backfill and rubble for separation and recycling and ensuring that 70% of the reinforcing used on site was recycled. Externally, we introduced a lot of water-sensitive planting to reduce the demand on irrigation, and up-lighting has been eliminated to reduce light pollution.”

Towers designed by dhk Architects

Designed by a multidisciplinary design studio, dhk Architects, the elegant form of the towers will deliver a highly recognisable landmark in the heart of Waterfall City. Claudia Mela, senior associate at dhk, says: “The architecture is both bold and discreet, featuring a striking facade of glass and solid panels that allow the buildings to be presented as a singular, legible architectural form. The design moves away from simple all-glass towers and will be recognised as an enduring and site-responsive addition to Waterfall City.”

Ideally located

Ellipse Waterfall is situated next to the Mall of Africa and is well connected to local amenities and existing public transport infrastructure. The towers are located within walking distance of several local amenities including a pharmacy, laundromat, restaurant, shops, cinema, ATM/bank, hospital, offices and a school – all of which help to reduce emissions associated with private transport. Open active play areas and outdoor exercise stations will also promote an active lifestyle.

Achievement of Green Star energy points

Annelidé Sherratt, head of department for green building certifications at Solid Green, explains that Green Star energy points were achieved by using thermal comfort modelling to demonstrate that the units are comfortable without mechanical ventilation. In addition, the super basement that runs below the scheme, over two levels, is entirely naturally ventilated except in the event of a fire.

All major energy and water-consuming systems are sub-metered. Several energy-efficiency measures were implemented, including good levels of daylight within dwellings, occupancy sensors for all individual or enclosed spaces, the provision of hot water by heat pumps that are supported by a hot water storage tank and the use of energy-efficient appliances that are provided to each unit.

Carefully chosen materials

Materials were also carefully chosen. All steel used in the project has a post-consumer recycled content of at least 54%, and 20% of the project’s total contract value is represented by materials or products that have been sourced from within 400km of the site. NFX bricks with 21% perforation were used for all brick applications to reduce the embodied energy and resource depletion associated with virgin materials used in masonry units.

The Building Users Guide compiled for the towers recommends that new construction should aim for a 30% reduction of the quantity of Portland cement as an average across all concrete mixes and a 60% recycled content of all steel by mass. Where timber is used, 50% (by cost) of all timber products used in the building and construction works should be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber, reused or recycled timber.

For more information, contact Solid Green Consulting:
Tel: +27 11 447 2797
Email: hello@solidgreen.co.za
Website: https://www.solidgreen.co.za/

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