Residential property developer Balwin Properties has secured its tenth 6 Star Green Star Design rating on a lifestyle centre for the Thaba Eco-Village Lifestyle Centre and Montessori School, located within the Thaba Eco-Village residential estate, in Gauteng.

The recognition, awarded by the Green Building Council of South Africa, also includes a Net Zero Carbon Level 1 Design rating.

"As South Africa’s foremost residential property developer, we prioritise environmentally responsible practices while delivering high-quality apartments and lifestyle centres to our valued clients,” Balwin CEO Steve Brookes says.

Spanning 1 928 m² for the Thaba Eco-Lifestyle Centre and 660 m² for the Montessori School, these facilities seamlessly blend modern educational and community amenities with sustainable design.

The lifestyle centre features wellness and recreational spaces, serving as a social hub for the community, while the Montessori School incorporates sustainable materials in its single-floor structure to support holistic child development.

The project utilised eco-friendly, locally sourced, non-toxic and recyclable materials to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the building's durability. A green roof over a portion of the Montessori School provides natural insulation, mitigates urban heat and supports biodiversity, while managing stormwater effectively.

Windows were strategically placed to maximise views and natural ventilation and minimise reliance on heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems to ensure optimal indoor air quality.

Energy-efficient LED lighting with smart controls reduces electricity use, while high-performance insulation and low-emissivity windows help maintain comfortable temperatures with minimal energy consumption.

A solar PV system with a capacity of 66.2 kW generates 111 MWh/y, actively reducing the building’s peak electrical demand. A thorough energy model was developed to benchmark performance against a notional building, demonstrating a 100% improvement in net-zero operating emissions.

Water conservation measures include low-flow fittings, rainwater harvesting and dual flush toilets which are flushed with either rainwater or treated water from a future wastewater treatment plant.