• LYT Architecture for Balwin Properties

    LYT Architecture for Balwin Properties

  • LYT Architecture for Balwin Properties

    LYT Architecture for Balwin Properties

  • RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

    RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

  • RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

    RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

  • RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

    RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

  • RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

    RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

  • RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

    RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

  • RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

    RDF Photo for Balwin Properties

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Multi Use

LYT Architecture’s The REID Lifestyle Centre targets a second certification

Located in South Africa’s Johannesburg and developed by Balwin, the project now aims for a Net-zero Carbon Level Two rating after achieving a Six Star Green Star Public and Education Building certification

by Georgina Johnston 09 September 2021 Sustainable Buildings

In 2020, Balwin registered more than 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 across 10 residential developments across South Africa. 

The Reid Lifestyle Centre, part of an estate, includes business, leisure and sporting amenities such as boardroom facilities, a restaurant, cinema and games room, a children’s play area, and a gym, a swimming pool and sports fields.

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.

Nomamfengu Mbele, Sustainable Building Consultant, Solid Green Consulting

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.  

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 targeting an overall energy consumption of -9kWh/m2/year, fewer than the 125kWh/m2/year requirement.

Sensors were installed to continuously measure the air quality, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, like dust, and nitrogen dioxide in the centre. This information, together with data on energy and water consumption, is displayed publicly throughout the building as a learning resource because the behaviour of users is critical to reducing consumption. Circuit level monitoring has also been implemented, which allows for a more specific data collection process from individual circuits to optimise operations and align with net-zero carbon reporting requirements.

The overall water demand of the building has been reduced to 800 cb m per annum through the use of water-efficient fittings, xeriscape landscaping and a greywater system installed to reuse water used in the laundromat.

As client, contractor and quantity surveyor on the project, Balwin Properties paid attention to the selection of construction materials as well as waste management practices. This includes specifying concrete types which result in a 40% reduction of the quantity of Portland cement, steel products with 90% recycled content, and masonry units with a minimum of 20% perforation. Balwin also committed to 20% of the project contract value being dedicated to products sourced within 400km of the site, and 1% of the project contract’s value comprises recycled and reused materials. An internal waste recycling storage area has also been provided, which allows for occupants to further divert waste away from landfills. 

Gabriel Hugo of LYT Architecture says that focus was placed on creating ambient light without the glare that changes over the course of the day as the sun shifts; "this was done using large overhangs, South facing clerestory windows and rotatable shading screens. The ample natural light thus provided, together with views over the adjacent wetland, provide a strong sense of seasonal and diurnal cycles."

The centre’s windows have openable sections and, in spaces where this was not possible, wall vents have been installed to allow fresh air to circulate. In the gym, wall fans have been installed in strategic positions, to push the fresh air through the space. 

To enhance the connection to nature, several biophilic features were incorporated. These include the use of natural materials such as timber and stonework in the interiors, views over the wetland, and elements that evoke nature, such as the pool and its water fountain which creates both visual and auditory interest. The objective of this connection with natural systems is to heighten both the awareness of nature and, hopefully, encourage environmental stewardship of the surrounding ecosystems.


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