Name and Location
Sasol corporate office development project, Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
International integrated energy and chemicals company Sasol.

Project Description
Sasol is building its new corporate office on Katherine street, in Sandton, Johannesburg. The vision for the new building is to link the look of the new building to Sasol’s logo, which encapsulates the company’s values and  comprises a central sphere that denotes stability, while six rotating spheres representing the business units suggest a force greater than the sum of its parts – strength through synergy.

The concept was initially designed as a straight line linking the various units. However, this was deemed to be spatially too constrictive, with the shape evolving into a more serpentine structure. A more humanist space was subsequently generated and was more easily accommodated in the available space on site.

A central core area of work activities ties the buildings together and the various areas are linked by a series of bridges. The major challenge is the site on which this building will stand – a curving edge of Katherine street. The architects have had to ensure this ten-storey building, which will serve as offices for up to 7 000 people and span almost 70 000 m², can be accommodated and is well-connected vertically and horizontally.

The design is characterised by light volumes externally and two dramatic skylights (articulated with acoustic baffles) internally.

These elements create a feeling of airy spaces and allow as much natural light into the structure as possible.

The concept of open, transparent and remote work spaces is extended to embody the values of Sasol to include restaurants, canteens, art galleries, coffee shops and a Sasol One Stop Shop.

The result is an external façade of reflective performance glass, which has high light transmission and maximises visibility out of the building, while maintaining a high comfort level.

There are more than 2 000 panels of floor-to-ceiling unitised double-glazed panels of vision glass and spandrels. The shapes and glass variations are encapsulated in each panel.

The spandrels are a bespoke, textured and custom-glazed unit, fired at 680°, with a silver backing, insulation and an aluminium panel; the glass is Safety Shield Imagin Krizet with Ipasol chrome coating. This glass has not been used in South Africa before and this project seeks to exploit its properties most advantageously.

The building volumes have impacted on the design, in addition to the glass performance. Where sections of the building cast shadows onto itself, the size of the spandrels will be reduced to allow for more light. Façade patterning has generated an environmental analysis and heat gain to reduce energy consumption and maximise user comfort levels.

Externally the parklike staff facilities include courtyards, braai and yoga facilities, as well as water-wise planted areas. Sasol is committed to supporting birdlife in South Africa and this will be accommodated by providing an indigenous environment for birds.

The landscaping has been designed to shade the façade, where heat gain is higher. On lower levels, vegetation becomes more lush.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
The project is scheduled for completion in 2016.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Paragon Architects (design).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Sasol group media manager Alex Anderson, tel + +27 71 600 9605 or email alex.anderson@sasol.com.