1 Discovery Place, South Africa

A landmark headquarters that redefines workplace design through sustainability, innovation, and wellness.

Client

Growthpoint Properties

Project date

January 2014 - September 2023

One of South Africa’s largest health insurance and financial services providers, Discovery, had established its landmark headquarters at 1 Discovery Place in Gauteng’s economic hub, Sandton. Completed in 2018, this world-class development has become one of the largest and greenest office buildings in Africa, making waves in the built environment for its scale, sustainability, and commitment to employee wellness.
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The opportunity

Discovery envisioned a headquarters that would go beyond being an office building; it had to be a symbol of innovation, wellness, and sustainability. The brief called for a development that not only delivered a state-of-the-art workplace but also set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility and created a connected, people-centred precinct in Sandton.

The project began in 2014, with the goal of delivering an office complex spanning 150,000 m² (approximately 18 rugby fields) plus 24 rugby fields of parking space. Alongside office levels, the building required a Tier 3+ data centre, rooftop activity zones, and expansive, naturally lit spaces to enhance the daily lives of employees and visitors.
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What we did

As the appointed mechanical and environmentally sustainable design (ESD) consultant, Zutari integrated architecture and building services to achieve Discovery’s ambitious energy, water, and wellness targets.

Key solutions included:

  • Energy-efficient systems: Optimally designed lighting, façade analysis for daylight and heat control, and advanced envelope design.

  • Water efficiency: Greywater and rainwater harvesting, and low-consumption sanitary fittings.

  • Indoor environmental quality: Carbon monoxide monitoring, atria filled with natural light, and designs that maximise fresh air and daylight.

  • Wellness-focused spaces: Rooftop running track, indigenous gardens, and visually engaging staircases to encourage active movement.


To support this, Zutari used 3D modelling, energy and daylight simulations, CFD analysis, and integrated BIM platforms to deliver a seamless design and coordination process.
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The project established a flagship development for the client, positioning Discovery as a leader. As the first building in Johannesburg’s Sandton Summit precinct, it set the standard, leading to the project team being re-appointed to help develop this sustainable, smart precinct.

The outcome

The Discovery building received a 6-Star Green Star SA rating, affirming its place as one of Africa’s most sustainable large-scale office developments. Beyond energy and water efficiency, the design created a healthy, people-first workplace and connected precinct that extends value into the broader urban environment.

The project’s success positioned Discovery as the flagship development within the Sandton Summit precinct, and Zutari was re-appointed to continue shaping this world-class smart, sustainable hub.

Recognition included:

  • South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Awards (2019): Interiors, Corporate Office Development, and Overall Winner.

  • CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards (2019): Commendation in Engineering Excellence (Projects with a value greater than R250 million).

  • CESA Aon Visionary Client of the Year (2016): Growthpoint Properties, co-developer.
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“Being a part of this landmark project has been an honour as well as a fantastic learning curve as to what can be achieved when sustainability, wellness and community are the golden thread throughout each design decision.”

Martin Smith Design Director, Expertise Leader - Building Services, Built Environment Africa

Martin Smith

Design Director, Expertise Leader - Building Services, Built Environment Africa

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