Lifestyle Home Garden is a fine example of an energy efficient, water smart business!

Having previously worked with Nsika Architects and Internationally renowned designer and landscaper, Ernest Wertheim of Wertheim, Van der Ploeg and Klemeyer during the last major refurbishment at Lifestyle back in 1997, they were both called upon again to design the new extension, which was also to include an office park component. In all, the property's footprint totals some 76 000m2, of which Lifestyle and related shops take up 10 000m2, the new Mica store takes up 3000m2, the office park component 2 656m2, a large Primi Life restaurant of 905m2 and a total of 1 020 new parking bays.

The addition of the two storey A-Grade office complex beneath the massive new parking structure, may seem a surprising addition to a garden centre, but actually the multi-tenant office component not only serves as an additional income generator for the complex, but it is also an economical way to utilise the double volume space underneath the parking deck. Light wells built into the parking deck filter light down below into the 'chasm' where the offices are located, while effective landscaping helps to provide a softer, natural focus within the context of the contemporary square design of the offices.

So, while the total building footprint has been doubled, the whole complex utilises the same kilowatts of electricity as before. Through the expertise of consultants, new systems have been developed and put into place at Lifestyle, including R2.3 million worth of solar panels, which not only services all under roof heating requirements, but also all the hot water geysers for the entire development.

Hot water at 59ºC, is produced by solar panels and stored in an insulated boiler underground and then further heated to 87ºC at night, when off-peak electricity can be utilized.

The water is then pumped through an extensive system of piping to all concrete floor areas of the retail section, which creates a pleasant ambient temperature all day.

During the day, light wells in the roof made out of polycarbonate sheeting provide natural light and also allows for more flexibility than a traditional air-conditioning system would. Additionally, when things get a bit too hot in summer, evaporative coolers help to cool the air down, providing a pleasant ambient environment - good for both people and plants.

Air-conditioning for the office component of the property is another ground-breaking area of ingenuity for the development. The cooling of the offices is undertaken by the production of gelled ice in seven 10 000 litre vats. Again the ice is made off-peak and the cold air utilised during office hours.

This system closes down non - essential electrical services as the property climbs towards the 600kw usage. Additionally, during the day, architecture itself has been used to keep the offices and shopping area cool through the use of external overhangs of 68º which bends
light and keep direct sun off the windows.

The Lifestyle complex now also includes a large new branch of the popular restaurant chain, Primi - in this case appropriately named, Primi Life. The intention behind this addition, apart from, of course, providing the centre with a stunning new restaurant, is to create a visible public microcosm of all the sustainable elements of the property, such as the use of solar panels for under floor heating, evaporative coolers, and the recycling of water from the hand wash basins to flush toilets and urinals. The aim is to appeal to other professionals or investors and to promote these systems through practical use.

Despite some catastrophic events, such as the devastating fire which ravaged the existing portion of the centre on the 14th March 2007, we were able to open for business within 6 weeks, with a brand new roof, a new home improvement centre as well as a computer management and till system. This in itself was a miracle. Even though the costs of installing such a sustainable system have been prohibitive and may take years to recoup, the end result is a pioneering example of the direction in which we all should be headed, 'to tread lightly upon the earth'.