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Zeroing in
The interior spaces are all aimed at creating a mood of rest and wellbeing through the use of colour, light and texture.
The REID Lifestyle Centre targets both Green Star and net zero certifications. PHOTOGRAPHY RDF PHOTO; LYT ARCHITECTURE
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n May 2020, The REID Lifestyle Centre achieved a 6-Star Green Star Public & Education Building (PEB) certification. Part of an upmarket lifestyle estate situated close to the Marlboro Gautrain station, the building is also targeting a net zero Carbon Level 2 rating. Last year, Balwin registered over 16 000 units for EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) as part of an ongoing pledge to mainstream green lifestyle developments. These units are spread over 10 residential developments across South Africa, with each development sporting a Lifestyle Centre. “Balwin Properties is a proudly South African residential development company. We pride ourselves on developing affordable, eco-friendly apartments and strive to be national leaders in building green. Our valued clients reap the benefit of
this,” explains Steve Brookes, CEO and founder of Balwin Properties. “Over the years, we have introduced several innovations to make our developments more energy efficient, helping our customers manage their carbon footprint while reducing the burden of the cost of energy. Now our customers can apply for an ABSA Eco Home Loan, an added benefit of purchasing an EDGEcertified Balwin Properties home,” continues Brookes. The Reid lifestyle centre includes business, leisure and sporting amenities such as boardroom facilities; a restaurant, cinema and games room; a children’s play area; and a gym, swimming pool and sports fields. WETLAND REHABILITATION
Nomamfengu Mbele, Sustainable Building Consultant at Solid Green Consulting, explains that the siting
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of the project provided interesting opportunities for the professional team. “The site – to the east of the N3 (Eastern bypass), south of Marlboro Drive (M60) and north of London Road (M40) in the Linbro Park area – falls outside the Central Business District, and contains a wetland. This challenging location encouraged the team to consider sustainability initiatives, which ensure that the development is contributing to its environment – including the development of a watercourse management plan, wetland rehabilitation, and a focus on ensuring minimal light pollution from the lifestyle centre.” The upgrade to the degraded wetland system, which is directly adjacent to the lifestyle centre, included using the wetlands as an attenuation and water-treatment system for stormwater. The lifestyle centre opens towards the
wetland area, and the landscape design integrates the swimming pool and restaurant with the wetland area. A nature trail through the wetland is also part of the wetland rehabilitation plan. RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
Mbele explains that, as the lifestyle centre is targeting a net zero carbon rating, its 15kWp photovoltaic solar system will be expected to meet 100% of the building energy’s needs – which is also possible thanks to the array of energy-efficiency measures that have been implemented. All enclosed spaces are individually switched, making it easy to light only occupied areas. And zoning does not end at the lighting system – the HVAC units have motion sensors that switch the units off if spaces remain unoccupied for a predetermined time. Balwin is
