The development division of RMB Properties has begun construction on a development for the short-term insurance company, OUTsurance, in Swartkops, Centurion.

The custom-designed development is a three-storey facility comprising a gross lettable area of 9 400sq m that will accommodate about 760 people at an occupation density of 1 236sq m a person.

RMB Properties development manager, Mark van Wyk, says OUTsurance's rapid growth since its inception in 1998 resulted in the fragmentation of the organisation over a number of different buildings in Highveld Techno Park, Centurion.

"In attending to the property requirements of OUTsurance, RMB Properties identified that the timing was right for OUTsurance to consolidate its operations.

Through the evaluation of various consolidation options, it was confirmed that Centurion, the node preferred by OUTsurance, did not have an appropriate existing facility for redevelopment.

"A proposal for a custom-designed building was accepted by OUTsurance as a viable option", van Wyk stated.

A locational analysis resulted in the choice of a site adjacent to the Mashie Golf Course in Swartkops, Centurion that is bounded by Embankment, South and Kwikke streets and close to retail, transport and other public amenities.

The masterplan for the site allows new development in two phases, the first phase comprising 9 400sq m and a second phase of 6 200sq m. RMB Properties is currently developing the first phase.

The building's flexible design will accommodate future organic growth in the organisation for a period of three years and is largely an open-plan facility with raised flooring, and a saturated services grid throughout.

A floor-to-ceiling height of 3,5m has been catered for, to create the correct balance between area and volume.

The design also provides for natural light, through skylights and windows, with sun screening to control direct sunlight and glare.

Van Wyk says the nature of call centres necessitates a functional design to optimise efficiencies and improve productivity, without forsaking ergonomics and the human element.

"The nature of the business, along with the high occupational density nature of contact centres, can result in a stressful working environment.

"We believe the design addresses this by providing  for employees to break away, through the introduction of open space and shared facilities like pause areas, canteen facilities, landscaped gardens and a volleyball court," he says.

Parking is provided in the form of a naturally ventilated, semi-basement and covered surface parking, the provision for parking being well in excess of industry norms, to cater for the higher occupancy density (6 bays per 100m).

Occupation for the facility is planned for 1 October.