The animation video below shows the different phases of the renovation of these very delapidated buildings and the final look & feel of the new offices and the entertainment area in the large courtyard.

You can stop the video anytime to look at the different scenes in details or orbit around the Sketchup 3D model at the bottom of the page.

Color Codes

• The parts shown in red will be demolished/removed.
• The parts in green will be built. 
• The grounds in orange will also be removed and replaced either by concrete slabs under new buildings or pathways beween green bushes.
• The salmon colored area will be brick-paved parkings.
• The brownish interlock courtyard will be redone with interlock pathways between a lot of green bushes, plants boxes & even small trees.

Green Building Principles

The renovation of the new ECC Offices is based on green - or sustainable - building practices which reduce environmental impact by conserving resources, minimizing waste, and lowering energy consumption. This leads to cost savings through reduced utility bills and operational expenses, while improved indoor air quality and thermal comfort enhance occupant health, productivity, and satisfaction. Green buildings also contribute to corporate social responsibility goals, enhancing brand reputation and attracting clients. 

Below are a few benefits of the different components of green building practices to be implemented in the new ECC offices for a healthier, more efficient, and more sustainable working environment for the employees and a lower impact on the planet.

Natural airflow improves indoor air quality by reducing pollutants, including airborne contaminants and odors, and regulating temperature and humidity levels. It reduces reliance on mechanical ventilation systems, leading to energy savings and lower operating costs while promoting a healthier comfortable and more sustainable work environment. Moreover, airflow can enhance productivity and cognitive function by providing fresh oxygen to the brain, increasing alertness and concentration.

Passive solar design optimizes natural sunlight and thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling. This sustainable approach conserves energy, lowers utility costs, and enhances comfort, making it ideal for Namibia's sunny climate, where temperatures fluctuate significantly.

Water coolers offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to AC units. They improve air quality by humidifying dry indoor environments, promoting comfort and well-being, while reducing energy consumption and costs.

Large aluminum sliding doors maximize natural light penetration, creating a brighter and more inviting environment that can enhance employee mood and productivity. Their expansive size facilitates easy movement of people and equipment, promoting efficient workflow and collaboration. Additionally, the modern and sleek design of aluminum sliding doors and windows adds a professional and contemporary aesthetic to the office space, making a positive impression on clients and visitors. Moreover, these doors are durable, low-maintenance, and provide excellent insulation, contributing to energy efficiency and cost savings in the long run.

Fixed windows between office rooms increase natural light penetration, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity among employees and at the same time, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the office environment while maintaining privacy and noise control between rooms.

Visible roof trusses provide a striking aesthetic feature, adding character and visual interest to interior spaces. Their exposed nature creates a sense of openness and volume, making rooms feel larger and more spacious. Additionally, visible roof trusses can convey a sense of craftsmanship and authenticity, adding to the overall ambiance of the building. 

Round tables in office settings encourage collaboration and inclusivity by eliminating hierarchical seating arrangements and facilitating open communication. They promote a sense of equality among participants, fostering teamwork and idea sharing. Additionally, round tables allow for better flow of conversation and interaction compared to square tables, enhancing productivity and creativity during meetings and discussions.

Pastel colored walls create a calming and soothing atmosphere, reducing stress and promoting productivity. These soft hues can also enhance creativity and foster a more inviting environment for employees and clients alike. Additionally, pastel tones can help to brighten and visually expand smaller spaces, improving overall aesthetics. Paints are lead-free and low VOC options, where available.

Indoor plants enhance air quality, removing pollutants and increasing oxygen levels, which boosts employee health and productivity. Nature photographs on office walls provide a calming atmosphere, reducing stress and boosting mood. They inspire creativity, improve productivity, and foster a connection to the natural world. Nature photographs & indoor plants enhance the aesthetic appeal of the workspace, creating a visually pleasing environment that promotes well-being and employee satisfaction.

Solar energy - including a solar geyser - reduces reliance on grid electricity, leading to cost savings and sustainability. It mitigates carbon emissions, contributing to environmental conservation and corporate social responsibility. Solar power provides energy independence and ensures uninterrupted operations during power outages. Moreover, installing solar panels can enhance the reputation of the office building as environmentally conscious, attracting environmentally-aware clients and employees.

LED lighting offers energy efficiency, reducing electricity bills and environmental impact. Its long lifespan minimizes maintenance costs and waste. LED lights provide consistent and flicker-free illumination, enhancing productivity and reducing eye strain.

Waste separation promotes environmental sustainability by diverting recyclable materials from landfills. It reduces waste management costs, conserves resources, and minimizes pollution. Additionally, it raises awareness about waste reduction and fosters a culture of responsibility among employees, leading to a cleaner and greener workplace and community.

A café-bar in an office building provides a convenient space for employees to socialize, collaborate, or unwind during breaks, fostering a sense of community among colleagues. It also enhances the office culture by creating a relaxed atmosphere where employees can recharge and refresh without leaving the premises.

Courtyard with plants between office buildings enhances aesthetics, creating a pleasant and inviting environment that boosts morale and productivity. It offers a change of scenery and fresh air, promoting mental well-being and creativity. Additionally, it can serve as a venue for informal meetings and client interactions, enhancing business relationships.

Water features in courtyard create a tranquil natural atmosphere, reducing stress and promoting relaxation among employees. The sound of flowing water can mask noise from surrounding areas, enhancing privacy and focus.

Security doors with face detection for office access provides a high level of security by accurately verifying the identity of individuals before granting access, minimizing the risk of unauthorized entry. This enhances overall safety for employees, assets, and sensitive information within the office premises. Additionally, face detection technology offers convenience, as it eliminates the need for physical access cards or keys, reducing the likelihood of lost or stolen credentials. Moreover, these systems can track and record access data, providing valuable insights for security audits and investigations.

Scope of Work

All the damage ceilings will be removed.  In the staff building (front side), the roof trusses will then become visible.  Sme internal walls will be demolished and a strong metallic structure made of I-beams will be erected to support the middle of the roof.  In that buiding, the roof is not insulated yet.  Sisalation will be installed and covered by OSB panels between the wooden beams.  The trusses will be cleaned, sanded & painted in white.  In the executive building (rear right side), new insulation will be installed and the damage ceiling will be replaced by OSB panels. In the new courtyard buiding (rear left side) for new toilets/shower, kitchen & storage room, a new roof will be erected, insulated & covered the same way as in the executive building.

All the floors will be broken down to min 50 mm deep and redone as cement floors with no cracks ;)

Clients/courier guys/visitors will enter through the reception at the end of the right parking, and from there into the courtyard.  That reception area is part of the extension at the end of the staff building where all the staff, admin & lab will be located.

In the staff building, the sitting design of the penta-tables will accommodate 18 staffs in the large front room after removing the passage walls.  The admin office with 2 desks will offer plenty of filing space for 2 people.

The opening of the middle room by removing the toilet wall, counter and extending by 2 m outside will offer a comfortable printing/binding area & cafe-bar room with mini kitchen as well as a more spacious toilet with wash basin.

The lab extended at the back by 2 m will offer plenty of storage & a double basin in the wet area.  Most of the existing shelves will be re-used in the lab & in some offices. The 2 freezer will slide on wheels under the high counter.

The L-shape executive building will have large sliding doors on the courtyard for all rooms except the long-shaped conference room ideal for projection as well as the filing room that can be used as a silent office ;)  The narrow toilet will be removed to give more space to the office while the office at the front will accommodate a sitting area with recycled palette sofa/chair and palette/spool table.  The large room next to the courtyard will be perfect for board room, VIP meeting or occasional space for oversea clients.  Fixed glass window between the reception and the front office will create more space.  In the filling room at the back, a large window to the conference/projection room will allow light from the skylight and also create more space.

The courtyard building will replace the old miniature toilets in the left corner and offer spacious female/male restrooms as well as a large shower, a full kitchen and a storage area for loading material into company cars (as well as high pressure washing bay).

The cherry on the cake will be the covered upper courtyard with a lot of green plants, bushes & small trees, a recycled water feature and very comfortable sitting area on palette sofas.  This place will be the choice for client meeting but also for lunches and parties with braai/pizza cooking area.

The left parking will be covered by solar panels producing up to 10 KW.  The solar installation comprising 15 KW lithium battery storage and 10 KW inverter will be lined to the grid.

Each building will be equipped with a water cooler unit on the roof.  In the staff building, the conduits will be visible between the trusses sdding to the industrial look of the renovation.  For the cold days of winter, wall heating wall panels will be installed next to each desk.

The property will be equipped with state-of-the-art alarm system with face recognition for the staff entrance & video intercom for visitor entrance.  The system will be linked to the 2 electric gates for parkings, 5 security cameras & the electric fencing.  There will be extra beams & movement detectors at specific places.

3D Model