Boogertman + Partners has renovated the headquarters of the Bayerische Motoren Werke automotive group in Midrand, near Johannesburg. The authors of the project tried to preserve the original concept of Hans Hallen (Hans Hallen), functionally transforming it. The architects were guided by the idea of a new BMW working environment (Neue Arbeitswelten), which provides for the creation of the most comfortable environment for relaxed interaction between employees. Their goal was also to maximize the principles of energy efficiency and sustainable development: to reduce energy consumption, to recycle and reuse existing materials.
Light and simplicity have become the leitmotifs of the updated exterior. The outer façade of the ring building was preserved with minimal intervention, while the inner façade was dismantled and replaced with panoramic glazing with rotatable fritted glass lamellas. They serve as automatic blinds for optimal sun exposure: continuous natural light saves energy and improves indoor comfort.
The worn-out slate roof was dismantled and replaced with a modern RHEINZINK titanium-zinc sheet seam roof with a blue-gray prePATINA blaugrau surface. In the open air, this material eventually becomes covered with a noble patina, which provides the metal's natural protection against corrosion. Titanium-zinc roofing does not require special maintenance and painting during operation, does not fade and serves for over 100 years. At the same time, the RHEINZINK alloy is environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable. For cladding 2600m2 of the roof, 19 tons of titanium-zinc were required.
The dismantled slate was used to erect the walls in the building's garden. Newly used materials were also used in the interior, for example, the carpet was 95% made from recycled fishing nets. According to Boogertman + Partners architect Judith Paterson, 98% of the building material was recycled during the renovation.
The engineering networks of the structures were replaced with the most modern ones, which required the construction of a separate block in the neighborhood. Instead of PVC pipelines, pipes made of more environmentally friendly high-density polyethylene were installed. Outdated light sources have been replaced by energy-efficient LED lighting in conjunction with motion sensors. Bathrooms and swimming pools have been renovated using technologies that minimize water consumption.
As a result, the Green Star Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has awarded the refurbished BMW headquarters a five-star Green Star. This implies that the facility is certified as one of the country's leaders in sustainable resource use, material recycling and a responsible approach to the environment. “Light, lines and clever simplicity make up the success of the new BMW office building. This implementation strengthens the image of a world-class automotive company and reflects its expertise in technology, innovation and attention to detail - in this case in architecture,”concluded the GBCSA.
