Standard Bank, Johannesburg

Architects: GLH, Associate Architects, Grosskopff Lombard Huyberechts, Johannesburg Electro technique: Claassen Auret Inc., Johannesburg HVAC: Craig Cumming, Johannesburg Energy and daylight in the faÁade: Kˆster Lichtplanung, Frankfurt am Main

Standard Bank – Johannesburg, South Africa
Project overview

Standard Bank’s headquarters in Johannesburg is a prominent complex that anchors the business district of the city. Designed by Grosskopff Lombard Huyberechts (GLH) in collaboration with Arup and local engineers, the project comprises offices, trading floors and public spaces. Johannesburg’s high altitude means intense solar radiation and large temperature swings; the building needed to provide comfort without excessive reliance on air conditioning.

Design challenge

The double‑skin façade was conceived to mediate between the harsh external environment and the interior. However, even with a cavity, the glass would admit significant direct sun, risking overheating and glare. The façade had to support natural ventilation strategies and integrate seamlessly with the building’s mechanical systems. A shading solution within the cavity was needed to reflect heat and harness daylight.

RetroSolar strategy

The project used RETROFlex louvers in the cavity of the double‑skin façade
retrosolar.us
. Positioned behind the outer glass, these louvers reflect direct sunlight before it reaches the inner skin. Because they are protected from the weather, the louvers maintain their reflective properties and require minimal maintenance. The energy concept and daylight design were developed by Köster Lichtplanung, ensuring that the louvers complemented the building’s HVAC strategy. By placing the shading in the cavity, the designers preserved the aesthetic integrity of the exterior and allowed the inner façades to open for natural ventilation when conditions permit.

Building physics and performance

The retro‑reflective louvers block a significant proportion of solar heat while allowing diffuse light to pass through, thus reducing cooling loads and enhancing daylighting. The cavity acts as a buffer zone, with rising warm air vented at the top and cooler air drawn in at the bottom. This natural stack effect reduces reliance on mechanical ventilation and contributes to occupant comfort. The louvers’ mirror finish ensures that any light that does enter is directed onto the ceiling rather than causing glare at workstations.

Architectural outcome and significance

Standard Bank’s headquarters is celebrated as a pioneering green building in Africa, partly due to its innovative façade. The use of RetroSolar technology within a double‑skin system demonstrates how tropical and subtropical buildings can achieve high levels of environmental performance without compromising architectural expression. The project has influenced subsequent high‑performance office developments in Johannesburg and other cities with similar climates.