Horizon Capital’s latest development, Ibis House, has just become the first certified 4 Star Green Star office space for small to medium tenants in South Africa.
Green building initiatives at Ibis House focus on energy and water efficiency, as well as improving the working environment for occupants.This Premium-grade building of 1 400 square metres is situated in The Estuaries precinct in Century City. Horizon Capital’s CEO, John Witter, believes that by becoming the smallest green-rated commercial office building in South Africa, it proves that going green is not impossible for smaller developments. He says it also offers relatively smaller tenants the opportunity to become part of the ‘green movement’.
Green building initiatives at Ibis House focus on energy and water efficiency, as well as improving the working environment for occupants. The development’s green consultant, Terramanzi, expects an electricity saving of 36 percent, or approximately R150 000 per annum or R10 per square metre, when compared to a regular building of a similar size.
In the last five years, The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has granted Eskom increases of 32 percent, 25 percent, 24 percent, 16 percent and 13 percent, with many believing that this is the tip of the iceberg as Eskom looks to plug its estimated R225 billion revenue shortfall over the next five years. The electricity savings inherent with green buildings thus becomes more vital than ever before.
Terramanzi also outlined a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 65 percent and a reduction of water for irrigation purposes of 90 percent. Other green features include DSI occupancy sensors to control recessed energy efficient fluorescent light fittings, electronic control gears for all fittings, LED fittings for security fixtures and walkways, T5 lamp technology, inverter technology in the air conditioning system, water efficient fittings, energy metering, elimination of water based heating and cooling systems to save water, exceeding minimum fresh air ventilation rates, internal blinds and permanent shading for glare control, low VOC paint and a waste management system and recycling facility in the basement.
In addition to the generous allocation of parking bays at Ibis House, there are two E-Parking facilities located in close proximity to The Estuaries precinct that enable employees to use a ‘park and ride’ system. Bays are rented out on a monthly basis and employees can make use of the free shuttle service, which operates from 6am to 10pm. There are two MyCiTi bus stops conveniently located outside the entrance to The Estuaries, so employees and visitors can be dropped directly outside the precinct.
Golden Arrow buses also operate in Century City, and the newly upgraded train station now forms part of the MyCiTi bus route. In line with targeting a 4 Star Green Star rating, Ibis House also has shower facilities, bicycle storage facilities, change rooms and lockers.
Witter says such advantages, combined with other initiatives, make Ibis House a green investment for Horizon Capital’s clients, and ensures that their properties are ‘future-proofed’, be it against increases in utility costs, potential energy and water supply problems, tightening legislation, carbon taxes, mandatory carbon disclosure or costly retrofits in the future.
Ibis House is ideally positioned facing north, opposite the Crave coffee shop, which is set in beautifully landscaped gardens with water features and seating, and offers a tranquil space to relax outdoors. The building is also in close proximity to various amenities, including Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Curro Private School, Virgin Active Gym, Intaka Island nature reserve, hotels, conference facilities, coffee shops and a day-care centre.
Ibis House consists of eight sectional title units. Letting has commenced with some units still available, ranging from 126 square metres to 235 square metres, which could be combined to create a larger space such as a 700 square metre floor if required.
The finishes throughout the development are of a high quality, and each unit has air-conditioning, a kitchenette, ample natural light and stunning views. There are also large terraces and balconies, and generous tenant installation allowances available. The building is Telkom enabled and is fibre-ready for Century City Connect.
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