University of Cape Town – Neville Alexander Building

Design that comes full circle for UCT’s School of Education  

In 2022, the University of Cape Town (UCT) embarked on an ambitious project to construct the Neville Alexander building for its School of Education department. As a renowned educational institution, UCT’s primary goal was to create a conducive learning environment that fosters optimal teaching and learning experiences. This involved ensuring a comfortable air temperature and allergen-free air for all occupants while also incorporating energy-efficient systems to reduce their carbon footprint and align with their green initiatives.

The client brief demanded a high-efficiency building. The variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning system offered efficiency across various combinations and enabled multiple indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit. The incorporation of heat recovery systems further optimised energy usage, allowing simultaneous heating and cooling operations within different areas of the building. In the main auditorium, the architects had to work around the existing lighting features to seamlessly integrate the Samsung 360 Cassettes. This aesthetically pleasing solution complemented the auditorium’s design, impressing all stakeholders involved.

HVAC solution – Samsung 360 Cassette

UCT’s Project Electrical Engineer – Avine Dhevdathsh

Engineering consultants – WSP Engineering

HVAC Installers -Airvent Airconditioning & Ventilation