WITS University had identified the need to free up academic and office space for various schools in anticipation of increased enrolment of post-graduate students as per the Wits 2022 Strategic Vision. Building an environmentally friendly building with a low carbon footprint without compromising end user comfort was essential. The WITS Commerce, Law, and Management (CLM) precinct redevelopment needed to be fulfilled through a space optimization strategy, which included the development of a new building to accommodate an administrative function in a new centralized location.
The professional team was asked to explore a radiant heating and cooling system, specifically a Thermally Activated Building Structures (TABS) system, to control the internal environment of the new building. It was a requirement that the system must significantly reduce operating cost for the University. The TABS provides a comfortable environment by controlling surface temperatures and minimizing air motion within a space, utilizing the concrete’s thermal mass by embedding pipes carrying water for heating and cooling in the building structure.
Controlling the internal environment of the building without using conventional air makes this project unique. The building envelope is controlled through piping within the concrete structure. An air-cooled chiller is located on the roof of the building, and the unit is used to heat and cool the water which circulates in the tubes embedded in the slab.
For meeting rooms, the team used active chilled beams, applying this principle for general heating and cooling, which works well in environments where humidity can be controlled.
In addition, a glass passenger lift was installed with access control to ensure that selected end-users of the CLM building can use it. A glass door stretch lift was designed and installed to carry thirteen passengers, with a load capacity of 1,000 kg, a lift speed of 1 m/s, and three stops.