
Tshwane House, a modern municipal centre, in Pretoria focuses on bringing the local government closer to the people. It is established on the site of the old Munitoria building, with the new City of Tshwane headquarters and council chamber setting the tone for the spatial reconfiguration and rejuvenation of the inner city.
Social connection and integration
Tshwane House, designed by LYT Architecture, has been built with easy access for pedestrians. The director of LYT Architecture, Warren Stanley, explains: “Most importantly, it is the building’s integration into the social context and its social connection with the City of Tshwane that define its identity and sets it apart from other civic buildings in the city.
“We aimed to create a defining structure for the chamber – a recognisable object that can be identified by the people of Tshwane as a symbol of the decisions that are made by their appointed representatives.”
Bringing government closer to the people
Many sustainable features were included to comply with the government’s commitment to green building. It has achieved a five-star Green Star SA – Office v1 Design rating.
A variable air volume (VAV) air-cooled system is connected to CO₂ monitors that ensure optimum fresh air is provided, at a rate of 12l/s/p. Paints, adhesives, sealants and carpets with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were specified. For the 1 590 city employees, 70% of the useable area has a direct view of the outdoors, with thermal comfort maintained in 95% of the useable space, all to guarantee indoor comfort.
Efficient lighting and occupancy sensors were installed throughout the building, with an energy use of 100kVA or greater. Major water uses are sub-metered and controlled via a building management system. Water from a rainwater harvesting and filtration system is used to flush the toilets and urinals, efficient water fittings were installed and greywater is harvested from showers for irrigation.
The chamber facade of approximately 3 500m², is clad with RHEINZINK prePatina Blue-Grey, seamed zinc. RHEINZINK is a natural material, with its light grey colouring coming from the alloy in the form of a patina. In time, this patina will age to a slightly darker colour. Low to no maintenance is required for the life of the material, which is expected to be well over 80 years.
For more information, please visit www.rheinzink.co.za
LYT Architecture
Tel: +27 11 061 9700
Website: www.lyt.co.za
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