V&A Waterfront goes for six green stars again

This is the V&A Waterfront's first residential development in more than five years, since the completion of the Marina Residence development, and one with sustainability at its core.

"With the international shift towards sustainability, we no longer see it as just a trend - this is the standard we align to. Sustainable building and greening practises are at the core of our business practises and past, current and future developments at the V&A Waterfront," said David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront.

The Green Building Council of South Africa developed the Green Star rating system to provide an objective measurement for green buildings and to recognise and reward environmental leadership. Sustainable buildings are designed and constructed according to high environmental standards, thereby minimising energy demand, reducing water consumption and making use of materials with a low impact on the environment. The aim is to create healthier and more productive environments for people to live and work in.

The categories in the Green Star SA rating tools include Management, Indoor Environment Quality, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Land Use & Ecology, Emissions and Innovation. Points are awarded for actions that demonstrate that the project has met the overall objectives of the Green Star SA.

International best practice design

No2 Silo applies international best practice design to position it at the forefront of sustainable functionality. The materials employed are low-energy lighting, high-performance glass that provides thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as sustainable timber sources that are FSC certified. No.2 Silo also uses sea water as a cooling agent, a centralised solar-heated hot water system and external solar shading. Water-efficient showers, toilets and energy and water-efficient kitchen appliances, energy saving devices and even a website allowing homeowners to track and manage their water and energy consumption, are all included.

Other features include a communal rooftop entertainment and relaxation area. Facilities include a gas braai area, a 10m x 3.5m ozonated, solar-heated pool and water-wise garden - all with spectacular panoramic sea and mountain views. As part of the 24/7 urban philosophy, No.2 Silo residential development will also feature a 24-hour security system, private secure parking for all residents as well as a concierge service that will attend to all management and security issues.

Heritage listed

The No. 2 Silo residential development, situated on Silo Square adjacent to the six-star green rated No1 Silo, will comprise 31 apartments featuring seven storeys of one- and two-bedroomed apartments ranging between 70m² to 157m², set on the water's edge. This area is named after the original Grain Silo building. Completed in 1924 by SA Railways and Harbours, its location was driven by its connectivity to the docks and the resultant rail infrastructure. The building was such a principal part of the city's urban character that it has been heritage listed by the authorities. Silo Square will embrace the historic landmarks of the former grain elevator and silo buildings, which will become the centrepiece of a public plaza that will incorporate a combination of public space and commercial development.

"The V&A Waterfront is an extension of the city and a neighbourhood within the city. The development of Silo Square honours the initial vision of the V&A Waterfront to remain the most desirable place for Capetonians to live, work, shop, play, stay and eat at and to be an integral part of the City of Cape Town and of the ongoing regeneration of the docklands," said Green.