Formfunc Studio Interiors Green Star V1 Certification (former location)
The Formfunc Studio Johannesburg facility, our previous business premises, consisted of an office, showroom facility, and warehouse, and was located in Lanseria Corporate Estate in Johannesburg. The project, with a strong focus on energy, water, and waste efficiency, achieved a Green Star v1 Interiors 6 Star Rating for its interior fit-out in October 2019. In 2024, we relocated to new premises.
The project led by specialist sustainability and environmental consultants from the Terramanzi Group attained the highest possible Interiors Green Star v1 certification – the second such rating to be awarded in South Africa for an office and distribution centre.
Director and co-founder of Formfunc, Kim Kowalski says that the aim of the project was to create a workspace that was not only functional but optimised health, wellness, productivity and efficiency – all within an advanced and ergonomically designed workspace.
In order to attain this exclusive international rating, the project consultants along with IT solutions provider, Aethyr IT and design specialists, Mask. Design and other contractors had to assess every element of the fit-out and scope of work to ensure that it would score a rating of between 75 and 100 credits in accordance with the Green Star Rating Tool. Categories evaluated and rated under the Green Star SA Rating Tool incorporate a range of factors and elements that required forethought and considered from the materials used, to Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) and emissions.
A strong focus was placed on:
• The interior space featured unplastered walls and exposed ceilings, minimising the use of redundant resources, as well as floor-to-ceiling glazing that took advantage of natural sunlight, allowing for a large amount of natural daylight throughout.
• The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system was designed to improve outside air rates into the building—exceeding SANS 10400 requirements—while sensors monitored and controlled carbon dioxide levels within the office.
• Water and electrical meters were installed to provide real-time consumption updates on multiple mobile devices and reduce overall water and electricity usage. Consideration was also given to the paint and sealant products used to ensure they had extremely minimal to no VOCs.
• The office also had a recycling station and a composting unit for organic waste. To further encourage the reduction of carbon emissions, employees had direct access to cyclist and motorbike parking on the premises.
“It was a challenging and ambitious project,” notes Kowalski. “But it was a labour of love and is a fitting tribute – and a living legacy to Peter Kowalski, my husband and co-founder of the company we started in 2009.” “Peter was extremely passionate about doing things right, it was who he was – and it was a mantra he applied to his everyday life, no matter the task. He would have been proud of what we were able to achieve.
