SAEON repurposes residential property to create a green office space

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The existing residential property was converted to fit SAEON’s office space requirements The drought-tolerant succulent garden

Due to envisaged future growth and a cost benefit analysis conducted on lease versus ownership, the SAEON national office in Tshwane decided to acquire its own office building.

The first step was to invite all building owners and office building estate agents to submit tenders for the cash sale of an office building that met or could be customised to meet SAEON specifications.

When the open bid process did not yield any offers, SAEON identified a residential property for sale within the desired location. The property is situated in 56 Florence Street, Colbyn.

The new national office is close to the capital city’s ‘science hub’ and the SANReN fibre grid line, which makes it an ideal location for SAEON. It is also within the required distance from the National Research Foundation (NRF) headquarters. The property’s location adjacent to the Colbyn Valley Wetland is moreover in line with SAEON’s environmental profile.

The newly refurbished building comprises offices, a reception area and two spacious meeting rooms, one of which will be shared with the NRF. The location offers quick and easy access to main routes and hence the availability of public transport for staff members. Due to the size of the property, the area designated for parking is large enough to comply with municipal regulations.

The National Office team immediately set about converting the property to fit its ‘green’ office space requirements. Landscaping in the form of an attractive and colourful drought-tolerant succulent garden offers a haven for staff during tea and lunch breaks. Recycling is big on the green office agenda and staff have easy access to a range of recycling bins.

New National Office contact details: Tel: +27 (67) 122 2196; Fax: +27 (12) 349 7719

National office staff members