Efficient water management for The One

By Bernard Bronkhorst, Modular Plumbing Solutions, Cape regional manager, and edited by Tanya Olckers

Modular Plumbing Solutions, Cape Town recently undertook a project in Stellenbosch, The One, to install several water management systems.

The One residence in Stellenbosch. All images supplied by Modular Plumbing Solutions

We know that efficient resource management is of exceptional importance, particularly in South Africa. This particular project was one that took innovative engineering and collaborative execution. The One residence in Stellenbosch was looking to manage their water, starting the project early in November 2023. The project took just over a year to complete, finishing mid-December in 2024.

The project involved an extensive supply and installation of various water management systems, including HDPE drainage and stormwater management, MLP water supply, cold water backup storage, and a state-of-the-art hot water generation plant.

The brief for this ambitious project encompassed a comprehensive range of installations designed to enhance water management efficiency. Key components included:

• Valsir HDPE drainage systems
• Valsir MLP water supply systems
• Jojo water tanks for backup storage
• Hot water generation plant featuring Sirac modular heat pumps and Wilo pump sets

Piping systems.

The project’s scope necessitated meticulous planning and execution, particularly considering the tight timelines and space constraints. One of the most significant challenges encountered during the installation was the sheer volume of units required to be completed within a short timeframe. The project demanded a rapid turnaround, which necessitated strategic planning and coordination among various teams.

Another notable obstacle was the placement of hot water equipment in a particularly tight plant room footprint. The engineering team had to navigate these constraints while ensuring optimal functionality and accessibility of the equipment.

The installation process was marked by innovation and efficiency. Recognising the scale and time-sensitive nature of the project, the team opted for prefabricated HDPE cast-in drainage systems. These were constructed off-site, transported to the location, and then precisely positioned to minimise on-site labour and time.

In addition, a manifold water reticulation system was employed, allowing individual water pipes to be cast into each point while the manifold itself was installed within the duct. This approach not only expedited the installation process but also reduced the number of walls that needed to be chased, thereby simplifying coordination among various services within the units.

The stormwater system was designed to effectively channel all runoff from roofs, podiums and balconies down the building through cast-in downpipes, leading to an attenuation tank situated below Basement 01. This system ensures that excess water is managed efficiently, contributing to the overall sustainability of the building.

A robust water storage solution was implemented, featuring six 10 000ℓ JoJo tanks located in the basement, which collectively hold 60 000ℓ of water. The water is pumped to the roof, where three additional 10 000ℓ JoJo tanks are situated. From there, the water is distributed throughout the building to the hot water plant and various outlets.

The hot water generation setup is impressive, consisting of 18 x 30kW Sirac modular heat pumps, four 11 000ℓ Thermocubes, and five Wilo hot water return pump sets. Each block within the building is equipped with its own dedicated hot water return pump set, ensuring efficient and reliable service.

The high-quality products used in this project were sourced from reputable suppliers, including Plumblink, Incledon, Sirac, and Industrial Valve. Notably, the installation also made use of Scheduled 10 welded stainless-steel piping within the plant room, ensuring durability and reliability.

Rainwater harvesting helps cut costs.

One of the urinal installations.

The project at The One exemplifies the synergy between innovative design, strategic planning and expert execution. By overcoming challenges and utilising advanced technologies, the installation team has set a new standard for efficient water management systems. This project not only highlights the importance of collaboration among architects, engineers and contractors but also underscores the ongoing commitment to sustainable practices in building operations.

The successful completion of this project was made possible through the efforts of a skilled team of professionals. The stakeholders included:

• Client: Buffshelf Co.
• Architect: Boogertman and Partners
• Engineers: Eckon Consulting Engineers
• Main contractor: WBHO Cape
• Plumbing contractor: MPS Cape

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