Pioneering Power Resilience at Rosebank Mall
A first-of-its-kind hybrid energy system setting the standard for commercial energy independence in Africa.
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Nathan York
- Managing Director
Delivery date:
May 2025
Project duration:
18 Months
- Autodesk Construction Cloud
- HoloBuilder
- Integration with Neointelli’s central controller
- Lithium-ion battery technology from Freedom Won
- BIM coordination
- Digital project delivery tools
- Site documentation via HoloBuilder
- Clash detection and design validation
- Remote collaboration tools
- Training for facilities management teams
- Support in embedding operational manuals into the digital model
Industry
The Challenge
At the height of South Africa’s energy uncertainty, Rosebank Mall needed more than just backup during load-shedding. With skyrocketing electricity tariffs and national grid instability, the challenge was twofold: ensure uninterrupted power and counter rising operational costs. The solution had to be both financially strategic and technically robust. Complicating matters were tight timelines, a wide array of subsystems, and the coordination of multidisciplinary teams – from electrical and HVAC engineers to fire specialists and architects. Navigating this complexity required more than traditional project management – it demanded real-time collaboration, visibility, and smart digital integration.
Project Goals
York Bros Construction had these goals in mind:
- Implement a fully integrated backup energy solution combining solar, battery, gas/diesel generators, and the Eskom grid.
- Deliver cost savings by offsetting peak-hour electricity tariffs through battery storage.
- Ensure operational continuity regardless of Eskom outages or supply issues.
- Design a scalable, replicable solution for other Hyprop-owned malls.
- Reduce ROI period through smart energy arbitrage and tariff avoidance.
- Equip the facilities team with digital tools for ongoing maintenance and management.
Solution
With Modena as our technology partner, we executed a hybrid energy system that includes a 1.3MW solar PV installation, a robust lithium-ion battery bank, and bi-fuel generators. All components are orchestrated by Neointelli’s smart controller, enabling seamless transitions between power sources. Crucially, Modena introduced us to HoloBuilder and Autodesk Construction Cloud, which transformed our workflows. These tools offered a real-time, 3D view of the build, allowing the team to monitor, collaborate, and avoid costly clashes – saving us nearly R1 million in variation orders. The system architecture also includes cybersecurity features and a comprehensive digital twin for predictive maintenance.
Business Outcomes
- Estimated cost savings of R1.5 million per month through smart energy use.
- Return on investment reduced from 7 years to 3 years and 2 months.
- Enabled real-time project collaboration and remote monitoring via HoloBuilder.
- Delivered a scalable prototype for future energy projects across South Africa.
- Equipped the facilities team with a digital twin for smarter operations and forecasting.
- Significantly reduced risk and variation orders through early clash detection.
Conclusion
What began as a response to an unreliable grid became a landmark in sustainable commercial development. With Modena’s digital solutions integrated into every phase, we delivered more than infrastructure—we enabled long-term energy intelligence. This project isn’t just a success for Rosebank Mall, but a blueprint for commercial power resilience in South Africa.
Our current ROI estimate is four years and eight months, and with another increase likely in August, we’re forecasting an estimated three years and two months. – Nathan York
York Bros Construction is a highly respected, multi-disciplinary construction firm focused on delivering innovative, turnkey solutions in infrastructure and commercial property development. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, they’ve established a track record across South Africa for excellence in engineering and execution.
Modena AEC & Infrastructure is your digital technology partner. With an unwavering dedication to innovation, we’re at the forefront of delivering advanced solutions and insights, keeping our clients abreast of industry changes, introducing new technologies and workflows that drive enhancements within their business. We remain committed to our ethos, “helping you deliver better projects”.
INSPIRING
Partnerships:
Heleen Grimsehl
Director
Francois Bredenkamp | Greg Reid
Co - Founders & Directors
Nathan York
Managing Director
Architecture, Building Services, Consulting, Consulting Engineering, Construction, Construction Design, Electrical, Electrical Engineering, Other
Francois Schutte, Director
Stephanie Esterhuizen, Associate and National Drawing Office Manager
Building Services, Electrical, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Fire Engineering, Wets
Jacques Erasmus
Head of Projects
Michante Davies
Culture Custodian
Trevor Lovell
Managing Director
Mario Ferreira
Contracts Director
Jaco Buys
Director at PR Engineering
