Leading South African black-owned engineering consulting firm, GIBB, is proud to be associated with the overall winner of the 2014 South African Property Owners Association Awards - V&A Waterfront’s No.1 Silo office building in Cape Town. The SAPOA event held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre recently recognises the importance of property development to the South African economy and the community in which it serves. SAPOA honours those property innovators, developers, owners and built environment professionals who, through the quality of their products, have contributed significantly to the enhancement of the industry.

The project saw GIBB design various transport features including the basement parking design, pedestrian access, signage design, cycle routes, walking routes and vehicle access systems. “It is a great honour to have been part of the team who clinched this award for the transport services in the construction of No.1 Silo. Not only does this development promote the use of sustainable transport – but it is located in close proximity of a MyCiTi bus stop, and other frequent public transport systems. This award is testament to GIBB’s continued quality and project excellence,” said GIBB’s Technical Executive, Andrew Bulman.

The No.1 Silo office building also achieved the very first South African building 6 Star Green Star ‘As Built’ rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa for its impressive and environmentally-friendly construction. It is only the second building to be awarded a 6 star rating in South Africa and the first building to achieve this rating in the Western Cape.

The internationally-recognised rating is awarded to buildings which not only incorporate sustainable principles in their design but can also offer proof that these design principles work in practice, long after construction is complete. 

David Green, V & A Waterfront CEO said, “We could not be more proud of this achievement. Our development team work tirelessly with our partners to ensure that we not only measure up to global best practice and innovation, but that we exceed them. It is our vision that the V&A Waterfront will be the global benchmark for development.”

Bulman added that the recognition received for this pioneer project shows a great team effort between all involved. “From design through to construction, everyone worked hard at prioritising sustainability. The award showcases GIBB’s excellence in design and innovation. The award is attributed to the growing belief that this is a great firm that is associated with successful and award-winning projects.”