The first 'green' building in Mauritius: Nautica Commercial Centre,
Black River
 In November
2010, a new concept in retail outlets and commercial offices will
be launching in Black River.
The Nautica Commercial Centre will be the
first 'green' commercial
building in Mauritius. It will set new standards in energy efficiency
and cost reduction, using technologies that work with the natural
environment to reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills and
enhance the working environment.
This is all well and good, but what does it really mean? The terms
'green' and 'eco-friendly' are being over-utilized, commercialized
and merchandized - in short the importance of their true message
is being lost.
So what makes a building truly green?
Contrary to popular belief a green building is not one which stops
at minimizing its negative impact on the environment. It also takes
into account its impact on our livable space.
| Where we work and live is important to us.
Our surroundings influence how we feel and how well we work
and interact. These factors are taken into consideration when
designing a green building. With Nautica, the result
is an intimate, attractive and comfortable environment, encouraging
leisurely shopping and ensuring repeat business. A vibrant,
fresh, eco-friendly working environment is, of course, conducive
to a pro-active and productive team. |
The various design techniques used to achieve such an environment
are:
- Day lighting - natural light is
increased throughout with large windows, replacing the need for
harsh florescent lights, creating a pleasant working environment,
increasing productivity and reducing costs. Any direct sunlight
is then filtered. The added advantage is a direct connection to
the stunning backdrop of the region's mountains and sea, inspiring
daily reminders of the privilege of living in such a beautiful
place.
- Cross-ventilation - natural airflow
is captured through the architect's ingenious positioning of the
building, along with the structured curves, which allow a breeze
to pleasantly flow through it (essential in this region!). This
provides for low maintenance and the reduction of air-conditioning,
all the while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
- Green roof - covering the roof
with vegetation cools the building, reduces energy costs, helps
clean the air and absorbs sound, so improving the indoor environment
(being able to make use of the landscaped space and enjoying the
view during afternoon tea is certainly a plus!).
- Rainwater collection - lowering
water bills and fostering a connection with nature.
- Special mineral paint - no VOCs
(Volatile Organic Compounds), UV resistant, colourfast and incombustible
- provides a safer, healthier indoor environment.
- Recycling - conserves the environment
and reduces landfill.
- Biodisc sewerage treatment - safe,
community friendly, compact, totally enclosed with low power consumption.
- Appropriate shading - reduces the
effects of the sun, making the environment more comfortable and
preserving furnishings for longer, as well as lowering the energy
bill.
The Nautica team is extending its environmental responsibility
to the maintenance of the historical Black River Post Office, the
upgrade of the road in front of the cemetery and the landscaping
and maintenance of the immediate areas. Regrettably, in the construction
of Nautica, two trees had to be removed. This has sat heavily with
the developer, Gimco, and the rest of the team (as we know it has
with the Black River community!). We are recycling the wood and
having a well-known Mauritian artist craft the planks into benches
for the centre.
Should you require more information on the leasing of retail or
office space in the centre contact Diane at Sasema Property Services
on 7467414.
|
Close