Thanks to its consistent growth, RMB Corvest has recently co-developed new “green” premises to meet its continued expansion. From March 2013, the company will operate from an all-new building in Illovo, Johannesburg. When moving to premises in The Reserve in Illovo in 2007, the team from RMB Corvest believed these would allow sufficiently for the team’s expected expansion. Now, just five years later, the company is relocating to new offices to facilitate its ongoing growth. “As new clients and team members have come on board, our business has not only made use of all the space available, but expanded beyond its capabilities – with select staff working from home towards the end of 2012,” says Dick Merks, director: RMB Corvest. “As such, our relocation reflects the success of the company over this short time period.”

With the move planned two years ago, the company identified a suitable property for development at 8 Melville Road – literally a brisk walk from the old office space. Co‑owned with the developer Intaprop, it has been developed by over the past 12 months. RMB Corvest will be sharing the space with two other professional services businesses, namely the architectural firm responsible for designing the development, as well as a firm of attorneys. “By taking the head lease of the full building whilst subletting the remainder, we should be able to accommodate the continued growth we anticipate over the next five to 10 years,” explains Merks. In line with the company’s philosophy of responsible business practice, it was RMB Corvest’s intention to develop a “green” building from the outset, capitalising on design, functionality and construction to create an energy-efficient environment. “We jointly decided on a four-star green building with our co-owner,” Merks explains. “As we progress however, it looks like we may exceeded even our own expectations and achieve a five-star rating.”

Ensuring ambient temperature is maintained throughout, the new building incorporates double-glazing as well as “green walls” – expanses of plant growth that span the entire eastern and western facades to deflect heat. “Glass screens offer additional protection, whilst allowing natural light to penetrate the offices.” Merks adds that where air-conditioning has been used, state-of-the-art low-consumption, energy-efficient models have been installed. “All onsite water usage is facilitated through rainwater harvesting. Another major green factor is our choice of building materials, with the use of plastics being kept to an absolute minimum. Wherever possible we have drawn on our clients as suppliers and Africa Thermal Insulations, Jojo Tanks and Aluvert have all contributed to this exciting project. ”With a building’s green star rating about far more than its construction materials alone, the offices’ proximity to public transport will prove beneficial to both staff and clients. “We are creating a walkway that leads directly to the Gautrain bus-stop just behind the property, and have included bicycle racks and showers in the building’s layout to encourage those who live nearby to cycle to work rather than drive,” says Merks. While the look and feel of the offices is in line with what has come to expect from RMB Corvest, Merks says that these are sure to complement the service that clients can continue to look forward to. “For the team, perhaps the most exciting thing about this move is the new memories we look forward to creating here: the potential deals signed, the clients engaged and the ongoing expansion of the company.”