HOPE ENTERPRISE

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
GROUP MEMBERS
1. ARSEMA WENDWOSEN
2. BETELHEM BELETE
3. DAGMAWIT HAILU
4. ELDANA BELETE
5. ELORA MEAR
6. EPHREM MENGISTU
7. MUSAB TOFIK
8. SELAMURAHMAN ASRAR
9. SELMAN HASSEN
EASTGATE CENTRE
• The Eastgate Center is an iconic building located in Harare, Zimbabwe, renowned for its innovative architectural design and sustainable features. This paper explores
the unique characteristics and sustainable elements of the Eastgate Center, highlighting its impact on energy efficiency, ventilation, and overall environmental
sustainability. By examining the building's design principles, construction materials, and natural ventilation systems, this paper demonstrates how the Eastgate Center
serves as a testament to sustainable architecture and provides valuable insights for future urban developments.
INTRODUCTION
• The Eastgate Center is designed by architect Mick Pearce and completed in 1996, stands as a pioneering example of sustainable architecture. It is located in the heart
of Harare. This mixed-use development showcases how environmental concerns can be seamlessly integrated into urban design. This paper aims to delve into the key
features that make the Eastgate Center an exemplary model of sustainable architecture.
The planning
• The mid-rise building has 5,600 m² of retail space, 26,000 m² of office space, and parking for 450 cars. Its style defines “old meets new”, where the traditional stone
architecture of Zimbabwe is combining with the modern brick and glass construction. It employs the 19th-century modernist technology of lattice steelwork; glass
suspension bridges and glass roof, along with localized stone masonry techniques. It is made up of two buildings connected through a glass roof. The atrium in-
between is composing of steel bridges and lifts. The lifts are suspending on cables from the steel lattice beams that run across them.
Design and construction
• The Eastgate Center's design draws inspiration from the concept of termite mounds, which maintain a stable internal temperature despite extreme external conditions.
The building's natural ventilation system replicates this phenomenon, enabling efficient cooling and heating throughout the year. The structure also optimizes passive
solar heating, utilizing large windows to harness sunlight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day. Furthermore, locally sourced and sustainable
construction materials were utilized, reducing the building's carbon footprint

• In nature, termites build skyscraper-like mounds that are ventilated by a complex system of tunnels. Drawing on the same processes, the design incorporates
extensive exposed thermal mass, shading designed in to the buildings external envelope, and air shafts to create a stack effect that reduces its temperature by allowing
cool air to enter its base and warm air to discharge at roof level. This process was supported by a series of large fans positioned in the building’s lower columns,
which further helped to cool its spaces.

• Owing to its natural ventilation design, we were able to regulate the building’s temperature without the need for energy-intensive air conditioning systems. By taking
these systems out of the equation, our strategy not only reduced the building’s operational costs, but also significantly minimised its energy use and carbon
consumption. This enabled Eastgate to provide a comfortable environment for people to work within, while still meeting the cost-efficiency aims of its original plans.
• A central aspect of the Eastgate Center's design is its innovative natural ventilation system. The building incorporates a series of ducts and chimneys that draw fresh
air from outside and circulate it throughout the complex. As warm air rises, it is expelled through the chimneys, creating a constant airflow that cools the building
naturally. This system significantly reduces the need for traditional air conditioning, resulting in substantial energy savings and lower carbon emissions.

• The Eastgate Center's design draws inspiration from the natural environment and local climatic conditions. The building's orientation maximizes solar exposure,
harnessing natural light and heat to reduce the reliance on artificial lighting and heating systems. The design also incorporates shading devices, such as overhangs
and louvers, to mitigate excessive solar gain during the hot season while allowing sunlight to penetrate during the cooler months.
Construction technique
• During the construction of the Eastgate Center, sustainable techniques were employed to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization. Construction waste was
managed effectively through recycling and reuse, reducing the overall environmental impact. Additionally, water conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting
systems and efficient plumbing fixtures, were implemented to minimize water consumptions.
• To further enhance its energy efficiency, the Eastgate Center integrates renewable energy sources. The building features a rooftop solar panel array that harnesses
solar energy to generate electricity. This clean and sustainable energy source offsets a significant portion of the building's energy demand, reducing reliance on fossil
fuel-based power and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

• The Eastgate Center utilizes advanced energy management systems to monitor and optimize energy usage. Smart controls and sensors are employed to regulate
lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems based on occupancy and environmental conditions. These systems enable precise control,
ensuring that energy is used efficiently and reducing wasteful consumption.

• It uses approximately 10% of the energy consumed by a conventional air-conditioned building of similar size.
• The energy-efficient design of the Eastgate Center yields several environmental benefits.

 By minimizing energy consumption, the building significantly reduces its carbon footprint and contributes to mitigating climate change.

 The integration of renewable energy sources further enhances its environmental performance.

 The reduced reliance on mechanical cooling systems decreases the demand for refrigerants, which are known contributors to ozone depletion.
conclusion

• The Eastgate Center serves as a testament to the possibilities of energy-efficient building design. Through passive cooling techniques, thermal mass utilization,
efficient lighting systems, renewable energy integration, and advanced energy management, the Eastgate Center showcases a sustainable approach to resource
conservation and environmental responsibility. Its innovative design and energy-efficient systems make it a model for future urban development, emphasizing the
potential for creating buildings that prioritize energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term environmental sustainability.
Reference
• Youtube

• https://inhabitat.com/building-modelled-on-termites-eastgate-centre-in-zimbabwe/

• https://archestudy.com/biomimicry-architecture-eastgate-center-harare-zimbabwe/