15 finalists for AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture

The awards recognise buildings that are the result of an integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They show that design and sustainability can and should be mutually reinforcing. The nominated projects make a positive contribution to their communities and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as the reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation and the use of sustainable or renewable construction materials.

Nominees - Built category

• 44 on Grand Central, Midrand - TC Design Architects
• Alexander Forbes, 115 West Street, Sandton - Paragon Architects
• Helenvale Multi-Purpose Community Centre, Port Elizabeth - The Matrix Urban Designers and Architects
• House Jones - residential property in Hurlingham, Johannesburg - Era Architects
• Koidu Mine, Sierra Leone - Collis and Associates
• Lakeside 3, Centurion - Ama Architects
• Monaghan Farm, residential property in Lanseria - Claude Bailey & Architecture Design
• New Architecture wing at the Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria - Crafford & Crafford (Arno Pieters)
• Saps 10111 Radio Control Centre, Korsten, Port Elizabeth - The Matrix Urban Designers and Architects
• Seed Library, Alexandra, Sandton - Architects of Justice
• Unisa Phase 2, Parow, Western Cape - Michele Sandilands Architects

Nominees - Research category

• Promoting the use of sustainably grown plantation timber in South Africa - Collis & Associates
• Tshedimosetso House, Hatfield in Pretoria - Urban Concept Architects, Ado Architects and SNA Architects
• Use of recycled construction waste in concrete - Collis & Associates
• Vukuzakhe, Durban - Koop Design

Commenting on the nominees, AfriSam's CEO Stephan Olivier says, "Architects are an influential authority in shaping the future of design and consumer choices. These awarded projects show that green and sustainable designs, which make a difference to the environment as well as to those who work or live within the buildings, are also aesthetically appealing."

Sindile Ngonyama, president of SAIA and chair of the adjudication panel, adds, "South African architects are keeping up with global trends to create sustainable buildings, neighbourhoods and communities. We are delighted that 2013/2014 entries come from around the country and recognise everything from large corporate headquarters to residential homes, as well as the cost-effective SEED Library by the Architects of Justice that can be replicated throughout the country."

The panel comprises sustainability thinker Gita Goven; Llewellyn van Wyk, principal researcher in the built environment at the CSIR; Daniel K Irurah, senior lecturer at Wits University; Philippa Tumubweinee, senior lecturer at the Department of Architecture at the University of the Free State and AfriSam's Vincent Blackbeard and Mike McDonald.

For full details of the projects, go to www.4tmrw.co.za.