THE Mutual Tower in Windhoek was inaugurated by President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Tuesday.
The tower is a state-of-the-art building with 20 levels. There are 11 office levels, one gym level, four basement levels, three podium levels and a mechanical level at the top.
The building cost N$260 million to construct and is the largest single investment in property in post-independence Namibia.
The Mutual Tower uses 40 per cent less energy than conventional buildings.
Part of this ‘green’ approach is the air-conditioning system, which uses water evaporation to cool the air. The tower also has an air circulation system that provides fresh air, instead of recycled air.
This creates a healthier environment and reduces the chances of airborne infections and allergies.
Groundwater is drained from the basement levels and used to flush the toilets and water the plants in and around the buildings.
The positioning of the building was carefully planned to limit the heat impact and reduce the glare from the sun.
To further help with the cooling of the building cascading plants have been planted on all balconies.
All the offices have been set in an open-plan format. According to the designers, this allows interaction between colleagues, promoting open lines of communication, facilitating the sharing of ideas and strengthening team cohesion.
Old Mutual and its sister companies, Mutual and Federal and Nedbank, will have their headquarters in the building.
