+IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE 13 by GreenEconomyMedia

IMPACT 13

Official publication of the Green Building Council of South Africa

SUSTAINABLE

Building Materials

IMPACT The official publication of GBCSA

WINNER

PROPERTY PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR 2019

Consulting Editor Robbie Stammers editor@positive-impact.africa Managing Editor Alexis Knipe alexis@greeneconomy.media Director Danielle Solomons dani@positive-impact.africa Editorial Contributors Chris Erasmus Melinda Hardisty Nicole Cameron GBCSA Editorial Advisory Georgina Smit Jenni Lombard Jo Anderson Design and Layout Carla Lawrence, CDC Design Media Sales Gerard Jeffcote Glenda Kulp Vania Reyneke

Joint Publishers Gordon Brown gordon@greeneconomy.media Danielle Solomons danielle@greeneconomy.media Head of Content Alexis Knipe Production Administrator Melanie Taylor Web Digital and Social Media Steven Mokopane

Chief Executive Officer Lisa Reynolds Finance & Operations Manager Levinia Palmer Marketing Manager Christy Borman

GE.tv Head of Production Byron Mac Donald MPeople Resourcing (Pty) Ltd t/a GreenEconomy.Media Reg no. 2005/003854/07

Cover image: Earthworld Architects

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any way or in any form without the prior written permission of the Publisher. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the GBCSA or the Publisher. All editorial and advertising contributions are accepted on the understanding that the contributor either owns or has obtained all necessary copyrights and permissions. GBCSA and the Publisher do not endorse any claims made in the publication by or on behalf of any organisations or products. Please address any concerns in this regard to the Publisher.

CALLING ALL THOUGHT LEADERS +Impact Magazine, the official publication of the GBCSA, presents thought leadership from local and international green building commentators and practitioners, and showcases the excellent work of GBCSA members. Are you a thought leader in your relevant field? GBCSA members are invited to submit stories about projects, design concepts, materials, research, and anything else that promotes a healthy sustainable built environment. Submit a 200-word description of your content idea with 1-2 images to: editor@positive-impact.africa

ADVERTISE WITH US For advertising and sponsored content contact Danielle Solomons: dani@positive-impact.africa Advertising rates are discounted for GBCSA members and further discounts are available for booking multiple editions in 2021/22.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

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INSIGHT A note from the editor, Robbie Stammers

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD +Impact welcomes our esteemed new board of thought leaders

PROJECT A LIFE WITH STYLE – NET ZERO The De Zicht Lifestyle Centre recently received a net-zero rating from the GBCSA

REPORT BANKING ON GREEN Unpacking the MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index 2020

CONTENTS

PROJECT ON THE CUTTING EDGE We unpack the latest two certified EDGE projects – The Crossberry-Cussonia and Devland Gardens

PROFILE Peikko Group Corporation prides itself on an almost sixty-year heritage of design and build

OPINION PIECE HEMP IS WHERE THE HOME IS Wolf & Wolf Architects tells us about its hemp house built in the Bo-Kaap

INNOVATION SUSTAINED EXPRESSION EXPRESSED SUCCESS We showcase the winners of the sixth The AfriSam-SAIA (South African Institute of Architects) Award for Sustainable Architecture + Innovation

OPINION PIECE WOOD IT WORK The mass timber industry is enjoying disruptive growth across the world again

GREEN BUILDING SERVICES, MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

GLOBAL GREEN WORLD We showcase ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall and celebrate what else is happening around the world in our space

INSIGHT

irst and foremost, it is my honour and pleasure to be appointed as the new Editor of +Impact magazine. I know I have big shoes to fill following Mary Anne Constable, and I look forward to continuing to provide engaging content for our esteemed readers. I am excited that this edition showcases two particularly strong sustainable methods of yore making waves again in building, design and construction, that being timber and hemp. Besides the fact we all know that timber has been used as a building material for centuries, one of the biggest advantages of using wood as a building material is that it is a natural resource. This makes it readily available and economically feasible. Timber is also a perfect example of an environmentally sustainable product, because it is bio-degradable, renewable, and carbon positive when used in construction. Of course, wood sequesters carbon and requires no high-carbon emitting fossil fuels to produce it (unlike other common building materials like bricks, steel or plastic). In this edition, David Elliot, Founder of the Mass Timber Focus Group explains how timber is enjoying disruptive growth across the world, as an increasing number of design professionals are choosing this renewable and time-honoured technology over concrete or steel. Then there is the rise and rise of hemp as another environmentally sustainable building option. Is building with hemp a new phenomenon? It hardly seems likely that human civilizations would have cultivated the plant for millennia for such a wide range of uses without using it in their buildings. It is unlikely, however, that physical evidence of any such use in ancient times would survive, since plant-based building materials will of course eventually decay, returning to the soil from whence they came. The same applies to timber. After all, that is one aspect of the very reason that we are interested in them today: low-impact building materials that will allow us to house ourselves ‘lightly’, without leaving behind us a legacy of adverse effects on the environment. In this edition, we chat with Wolf from Wolf & Wolf Architects on how and why hemp is the future of sustainable housing and that it has the potential to create a whole new industry and job pool, which is particularly relevant in our South African context. We are also proud to feature all the awarded and commended projects of the sixth AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Awards that were announced recently at a virtual awards ceremony, recognising some of Africa’s leading lights in the sustainable African architectural and design innovation space. Congratulations to all the winners! So until next time, stay safe and sound in these trying Covid times and batten down the hatches for the last of the cold weather before we welcome the sun back to our shores. Enjoy this edition and for any future ideas or comments please feel free to email me on editor@positive-impact.africa.

Editor

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

www.sanedi.org.za @sanedi.org @sanedi_org

HAS YOUR BUILDING RECEIVED AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING? It’s now mandatory for various classes of buildings over a certain size, to assess and display their energy performance. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), recently passed into law a set of Regulations for the Mandatory Display and Submission of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for Buildings. The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), an agency of the DMRE, is tasked with hosting and maintaining a national Building Energy Performance Register to keep track of progress towards the achievement of the national objectives set out in the EPC Regulations.

Entertainment and public assembly facilities, theatrical and indoor sports facilities, places of instruction and offices with a net floor area of at least 2000 m2 in the private sector, and 1000 m2 for buildings owned, operated or occupied by an organ of the state must be compliant with the EPC Regulations by 8 December 2022. For more information visit www.sanedi.org.za

IMPACT

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD BOB VAN BEBBER Bob van Bebber, a senior director at Boogertman + Partners spearheads the conceptualisation and delivery of many of the practices’ large complex projects. From Soccer City, the main stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to large mixed-use precincts as well as the largest single tenanted corporate head office in the southern hemisphere for Discovery Health. He was recently recognised by the South African Professional Awards as the winner of the Professional of the Year: Architecture Class Award as well as the Overall Professional of the Year for 2019. Van Bebber’s passion extends into urban design, interior design and education. www.boogertmanandpartners.com

GRAHAME CRUICKSHANKS Grahame Cruickshanks has worked as a professional architect, sustainability consultant and management consultant with 20 years of experience in the design, construction and property industry. Focusing much of his career on green buildings and an expert in his field, he has worked on a variety of Green Star and BREEAM certified projects and other building projects in South Africa, Singapore and the UK. Prior to joining Growthpoint Properties as the head of sustainability and utilities, Cruickshank's previous roles included managing executive for market engagement at the GBCSA and manager at EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services. www.growthpoint.co.za

JUTTA BERNS Jutta Berns is an industry leader and one of South Africa’s first internationally accredited green building professionals, establishing her company Ecocentric in 2007. She has degrees from the Universities of Bonn (Germany) and Cambridge (UK), and a diverse blue-chip client base. Berns specialises in sustainable and net-zero solutions for large property portfolios. She has several LEED Platinum and 6-Star Green Star projects in her portfolio, is a GBCSA faculty member, a Green Star Assessor and GBCSA TAG member, and winner of the Gauteng Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 Award by the Women’s Property Network and 2019 winner of the Established Green Star Awards by the GBCSA. www.ecocentric.co.za

MANFRED BRAUNE Braune currently holds the position of Director: Environmental Sustainability at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he leads the strategy and implementation of environmental sustainability across all spheres of the university since early 2019. He has also served as a non-executive director of GBCSA in a voluntary role since August 2020. Braune’s background is as a professional engineer, having worked at WSP Group for over 10 years as a consulting engineer, where he then started and led WSP’s green building business for three years and then worked for the GBCSA for 10 years. https://www.uct.ac.za/main/explore-uct/sustainability

MARLOES REININK Marloes Reinink is owner of Solid Green Consulting. With an academic background in innovation and architecture, she has been working as a sustainable building consultant for more than 15 years in South Africa and Africa. She founded Solid Green in 2010, which is one of the leading sustainability consultancies in Africa and achieved its 100th green building certification in October 2020. Reinink’s passion is advocating for a greener built environment and she recently started GreenED, an online education platform for sustainability in the sector. Reinink is an ambassador for the International Living Future Institute; a Living Future accredited professional; and a facilitator of the SA Collaborative Network for a Living Future. www.solidgreen.co.za

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

PROJECT

A LIFE WITH STYLE

NET ZERO Project dates Green Star rating Location Type of building 10

Certified February 2021 6-Star Green Star PEB certification, Net Zero Carbon Milnerton, Cape Town Public & Education Building (PEB)

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

De Zicht Lifestyle Centre recently received a net-zero rating from the GBCSA. Together with a 6-Star Green Star Public and Education GBCSA rating, these achievements are considered ground-breaking for the developers, who passionately pursue a green agenda. WORDS Nicole Cameron

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

Studio from

R609 900*

1 Bed 1 Bath from

R709 900*

2 Bed 1 Bath from

R889 900*

2 Bed 2 Bath from

R959 900*

“O

ver the years, we have introduced several innovations to make our developments more energy efficient, helping our customers manage their carbon footprint while reducing the burden of the cost of energy,” says Steve Brookes, CEO and founder of Balwin Properties. As the largest sectional title developer in South Africa, Balwin Properties currently has a total of 47 529 apartments in South Africa, of which 20 269 are EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency) certified.

ROOTED IN NATURE The De Zicht Lifestyle Centre, a single-storey community centre project located in Cape Town’s suburb of Milnerton, features a traditional farmhouse design, echoing the simplicity of the natural surroundings, while incorporating world-leading sustainability initiatives that contribute significantly to the estate’s overall eco-status. The building, designed by multi-disciplinary design studio dhk Architects, has been made to feel welcoming and people centred. The layout is compact but makes the most of the space with the use of lively, interactive interior spaces. The focus is on passive design with a lot of natural lighting and ventilation, together with insulation for optimal thermal control. Senior sustainability consultant Jesse Hamman of Solid Green, who worked on the project, says that a direct visual connection to the external environment has been provided for 80% of the occupied area, with glazed sliding doors and full-sized windows. “Clerestory windows further add to the natural lighting and connection with the building’s context, while glare is reduced with shading screens and large overhangs. Elements of biophilia have been introduced into the

PROJECT interiors with natural materials such as timber and stonework, and images from nature adding colour and texture,” she says.

MODELLED TO EFFICIENCY To minimise greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a net-zero rating (indicating that the total amount of energy consumed by the lifestyle centre equals the amount of energy created by the building), an energy model of the building was generated during the design stages and compared to a national model, with the resulting design showing a 100% improvement over a SANS10400 building. Modelling was also used to address the building’s internal operative temperatures, with a high level of thermal comfort ensured that is within the ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 acceptability limits for at least 98% of occupied hours. The building features a photovoltaic system installed on the roof that actively reduces the peak electrical demand and achieves a 5% improvement over the total load requirement. All separate or enclosed spaces are individually switched, which offers flexibility and makes it easy to light only occupied areas, saving on electrical consumption. Sub-metering of all major

The average cost premium of building green, over-and-above the cost of traditional construction, is as low as 1.1% up to a mere 5%, a figure which has decreased rapidly over the past decade.

The Lifestyle Centre overlooks the estate’s pool. Other outdoor features include a five-a-side soccer field.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

“Watertight Solutions”

National Distribution - including associated products

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PROJECT

The De Zicht estate includes a well-designed children’s play area, swimming pool and five-a-side soccer field.

energy consuming systems is in place, as gathering information is key to managing the system to assess opportunities for energy savings. Water consumption is monitored in the same way, with usage reductions achieved through the use of water efficient fittings, rainwater harvesting and a grey water system installed to reuse water used in the laundromat as irrigation. A learning resource displays energy and water usage, which sustainability experts have been proven to be a powerful tool in educating building users, increasing their awareness and knowledge of the environmental impact of their actions and over time changing behaviour. To further reduce environmental impact, all gaseous and fire suppression systems and thermal insulants specified have an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP)

of zero. By designating parking spaces near the building entrances for occupants with zero to low carbon emitting modes of transport, the lifestyle centre promotes the use of alternative fuel vehicles, motorbikes and bicycles. Close to the lifestyle centre, the De Zicht estate includes a well-designed children’s play area, swimming pool and five-a-side soccer field, all of which promote healthy outdoor living and a pedestrian lifestyle.

Growing the knowledge economy is essential in these times of climateand health-related stresses.

De Zicht Lifestyle Centre features a fully-equipped gym.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

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STss Prepaid Electricity * Water * Gas

There are many prepaid metering companies in South Africa today and as a developer or Body Corporate, how does one differentiate between them.

The following separates STss from its competitors:

• STss owns its vending platform. • Each development has a separate bank account with Fidelity insurance to ensure funds collected via prepaid are secure in terms of the EAAB. • STss has it’s a 24hour call centre, 7 days a week with afterhours technical support for any emergencies. • STss provides a monthly detailed vending report, with exception reports. • STss offers a cell phone application for direct token purchasing.

For an obligation free quote contact: Kevin Trollip from STss Marketing 071 882 9125 kevin@stss.co.za www.stss.co.za

PROJECT

AN ECO-LIFESTYLE “The estate is perfectly located for modern family living; just twenty minutes from Cape Town’s city centre and close to all amenities. The apartments themselves are wonderfully designed and include free eco-friendly appliances, prepaid utility meters and solar supplementation; so, the well-resourced lifestyle centre perfectly complements the emphasis on sustainable living across every aspect of De Zicht,” says Brookes. With construction activities carrying a notoriously heavy carbon footprint, due to the large amount of materials and energy used during the process, Hamman said that it was important for an Environmental Management Plan to be developed and implemented during the construction phase, which is specific to the project and ensured that the environmental impact associated with construction was minimised. “This went hand-in-hand with a Waste Management Plan, with activities directed in a way as to reduce the contribution of waste going to landfill during the building’s operational phase,” she adds. Hamman says that Balwin’s commitment to sharing the financial information relating to the design, construction and operation of the De Zicht Lifestyle Centre with the GBCSA plays an important role in contributing to the body of research regarding assumptions surrounding “additional costs” associated with sustainable developments. According to the GBCSA, and research conducted with the Association of SA Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) and the University of Pretoria (UP), the average cost premium of building green, over-and-above the cost of traditional construction, is as low as 1.1%, up to a mere 5%, a figure which has decreased rapidly over the past decade. Of course, there are many other benefits involved in building green, with customers investing in an EDGEcertified Balwin Properties home being able to apply for an Absa Eco Home Loan, for example, being just one of them.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

The estate is perfectly located for modern family living; just twenty minutes from Cape Town’s city centre and close to all amenities.

The project also committed to providing the contracting and design team with greater knowledge and skills on the entire Green Star certification process through the Green Star Accredited Professional online course, which also benefits projects. “Growing the knowledge economy is essential in these times of climate- and health-related stresses,” says Marloes Reinink, director at Solid Green. “In order to respond responsibly to user needs, clients and professionals need access to relevant and high-quality data to inform their decision-making processes on new projects.” Hamman says that these initiatives, which they applaud Balwin for, allowed Solid Green to target Green Star Innovation points for the project – financial transparency and professional upskilling. There is no doubt that the team behind De Zicht Lifestyle Centre has exceeded all targets, by implementing several innovative measures which have allowed for a new standard for developments of this nature to be set. Not only does this allow residents of the estate to enjoy a world-leading building with all its benefits, but it demonstrates once again that a more responsible way of developing and operating can become business as usual.

BANKING ON GREEN: Unpacking the MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index 2020 20

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

REPORT

The MSCI South Africa Green Annual Property Index 2020 is the fifth annual report of its kind in South Africa. It provides an independent, globally consistent overview of the investment performance across both green-certified and non-certified office buildings. WORDS Melinda Hardisty

Growthpoint Properties

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

Growthpoint’s 144 Oxford Road in Rosebank achieved a 5-Star Green Star design rating.

REPORT

Growthpoint Properties

Lincoln on the Lake office building in KwaZulu-Natal achieved 4-Star Green Star EBP and As-Built ratings.

SCI, an international company providing tools and services to support the global investment community, produces the index in conjunction with the GBCSA and with the sponsorship of Growthpoint Properties. Gareth Allison, executive director at MSCI, explains that many of the company’s global analyses include predicting possible future events to “stress test” the impact on property portfolios. Climate risks now form a large part of the potential future risks for property investment. Having tangible, measured results takes the guesswork out of investment decisions, enabling investors to understand key drivers of risk and return, and to build more effective and sustainable portfolios.

A total of 139 buildings were Green Star certified by the GBCSA, while the remaining 150 were not. Eileen Andrew, vice president of MSCI, explains that the index was first started to help investors justify the capital expenditure required to develop and certify green buildings. She says, “We have been tracking the returns of green certified offices for the last five years. Although we haven’t measured them through a full property cycle, what tends to happen is that the spread between property performances narrows during economic upturns and then widens through the downturn. Given the data we have seen thus far over the last five years, we can assume that this will hold in the case of certified and non-certified offices.” This certainly seems to be the case. Green Star certified buildings have consistently outperformed their non-certified counterparts over the five-year period. However, the results for 2020, which spanned the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa and the initial hard lockdowns, has shown that certified buildings are proving to be far more defensive, both in terms of income and capital.

PROMISING RESULTS The 2020 index, which was released in April 2021, was compiled using data sourced from various property portfolios across South Africa. The data set for 2020 comprised 289 Prime and A-Grade office buildings, with a combined value of R54.5-billion.

RETURN ON INVESTMENTS 14,0 12,0

11,8

Graph showing the total return on investments year on year for certified and non-certified buildings.

11,6

10,0 8,0

8,0

7,8

7,6

7.3

5,9

6,0

5,1

4.7

4,0 2,0 0,0 -2,0 -4,0

-1,6 -3,1 2016

2017

2018 CERTIFIED PRIME & A GRADE OFFICES

2019

2020

5 YEAR ANNUALISED

NON-CERTIFIED PRIME & A GRADE OFFICES

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REPORT

FANFARE IN FIGURES Over the index’s five years, the sample of Green Star accredited buildings has delivered an annualised outperformance of 260 basis points (bps) as its compound annual return of 7.3% exceeded the 4.7% of the non-certified sample. On a cumulative basis, this equates to a total return of 42.1%, outperforming the non-certified sample by 13.2%.

25000 23551 22475

21848

22077 21216.9

20000 17656

18152

17561

17514 16117.1

Growthpoint Properties

CAPITAL VALUE PER M2

Mayfair on the Lake, KwaZulu-Natal achieved 4-Star Green Star Office Design, As-Built and Existing Building Performance ratings.

15000

10000

0 2016

2017

2018

CERTIFIED PRIME & A GRADE OFFICES

2019

2020

NON-CERTIFIED PRIME & A GRADE OFFICES

Capital value per square metre for certified and non-certified buildings.

During 2020, with the property sector extremely stressed, green certified offices delivered a total return of -1.6%, while non-certified buildings stood at -3.1%. Green Star rated buildings showed a decline in net operating income of -5.8% versus the -10.1% of the non-certified offices, they showed a 40bps lower discount rate, and a much lower vacancy rate (12.7% versus 14.9%). The certified buildings showed a capital value 31% higher per square metre, and a more resilient capital growth. These results reinforced the link between quality, desirability, and Green Star accreditation.

Growthpoint Properties

MSCI

5000

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

“For investors, these results indicate that certified green buildings are attractive investment options as well as ensuring future climate resilience and delivering on mitigation interventions associated with green building design and operation,” says Andrew. Tenants in certified buildings were far less likely to give up their leases, and rental reductions and rebates were lower across the board for the certified buildings in the study. Georgina Smit, head of technical at the GBCSA, is excited by how positive the index results have been, even amid the global pandemic and all the related economic implications. “It highlights that quality

Pursuing certification sends a signal to the market that environmental impacts are being independently verified and quantified. It is a significant step-up from self-made claims of being green.

Cintocare hospital in Pretoria achieved a a 5-Star Green Star rating in Custom Healthcare Design.

REPORT

Growthpoint Properties

The Exxaro head office in Centurion achieved a 6-Star Green Star As-Built Rating.

spaces that are environmentally sustainable are still valued and sought after.” Green building certification is currently voluntary in South Africa, and there are no legislated requirements for developers to pursue this route. The numbers are indicating that certified green buildings make good financial sense and hold benefits on their own, providing tangible incentives for investors and developers. “Pursuing certification sends a signal to the market that environmental impacts are being independently verified and quantified. It is a significant step-up from self-made claims of being green,” adds Smit.

THE DESIRABILITY OF GREEN Even as office buildings across the country were emptying out as many businesses were downsizing amidst economic uncertainty and shifting to more remote or hybrid working models that require less office space, Green Star rated offices showed far lower vacancy rates. This seems to highlight the value that is now being placed on high performing buildings. There are, of course, the intrinsic benefits for building occupants in terms of the comfort of working in the space and in terms of the longer-term savings on water and electricity. Many individuals and businesses are also starting to engage more with climate change and how to mitigate disaster in that arena. Andrew highlights, “We are seeing, in developed markets like Australia, for example, that as tenant demand for green certified buildings becomes the norm, developers and subsequent owners will have no choice but to provide the product that is in demand, or their product will become obsolete.” She also explains that ESG (environmental, social and governance) is becoming a driving factor behind developers, landlords and tenants wanting to build, own, and occupy certified buildings. To raise capital, companies are more and more often being required to prove that they are managing environmental risks effectively.

The actual certification becomes particularly important here. Having a recognised Green Star rating (as opposed to possibly being a high performing building without formal accreditation) is a measurable standard, providing proof of a building’s performance to investors and valuators. Importantly, re-certification is required every few years for a building to maintain its accreditation based on operational measurements.

FUTURE FOCUS At this stage, the index only compares office buildings as this is currently the only building typology with enough certified buildings for a meaningful sample. However, as more buildings of different types are being certified, the intention is that many more commercial property types can also be compared in a similar way. The study does consider the use of electricity and water, which is generally much lower in certified buildings, however, there is a move towards being able to quantify CO² emissions in a more refined way to analyse actual climate risk reductions more comprehensively. “Climate risk mitigation is becoming a big consideration for investors and lenders and the ‘greening’ of properties is fundamental to this. MSCI is using climate metrics and ‘Climate Value at Risk’ to measure the warming potential of properties and the reduction thereof. This is an exciting space to watch,” adds Andrew. “From an investor’s point of view, there is ‘doing the right thing’ and then there is ‘doing well (financially) by it’,” says Grahame Cruickshanks, head of sustainability and utilities at Growthpoint Properties. The index results support the case for investing in greencertified buildings. Green Star rated buildings are better placed to attract and retain tenants which translates to a better bottom line. Green assets are also more future proof with the shift towards more ESG awareness and compliance.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

GreenWorx THE TIME TO BECOME AN #ECOWARRIOR IS NOW CLEANING SOLUTIONS

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PROJECTS

On the

CUTTING EDGE

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

While only a small percentage of residential developments are formally certified, getting an EDGE certification can have great economic and environmental benefits. WORDS Chris Erasmus

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

Sustainable & Affordable Housing Solutions Making a difference Uplifting communities Sustainable greening solutions Minimize the impact on the planet

083 637 0481 | info@insideoutconsulting.co.za www.insideoutconsulting.co.za EDGE Expert (SGS-Sintali EDGE Expert Partner) EDGE Auditor (GBCSA & GBCI)

n total, there are 194 countries that have submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reach their targets of reduced emissions through climate solutions, to help achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement. A 50% reduction in global building emissions is needed by 2030 in addition to achieving zero-carbon emissions by 2050. To achieve these ambitious goals, investors, developers and governments need to work together to meet the demand for buildings in a way that is economically beneficial and aligned with global climate goals. More evidence will help significantly to provide quantifiable proof to back the business case for green buildings in emerging markets, which will release a new wave of investors and developers taking leadership of the sector. Green initiatives can be approached in two ways on affordable housing projects. On a macro scale, governments can offshoot green building growth through progressive policies. The creation of both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives that are tied to certified buildings can create massive awareness among the developer community and galvanise markets into action. Incentives are particularly impactful when layered upon a building code policy at the municipal or national level that is well implemented and enforced. “On a macro scale, town planning plays an important role in making a community as opposed to another standard housing project,” says Eloshan Naicker, Green Star accredited professional (new building) and Edge-accredited professional, technical director, previously from IFC. Some ways that this can be done is with the inclusion of recreational spaces. These can reduce stress and encourage communal growth. Storm water management across a site reduces the risk of flooding and the water can be collected and used within recreational spaces or in times of drought. “Communal recycling facilities and waste management can stimulate job creation and reduce waste going to already stretched landfill sites. Solar powered streetlights save on electrical supply and make streets safer,” he says. Locating housing projects close to public transport nodes and efficient movement

PROJECTS networks within the communities makes commuting easier and safer. On a micro scale, simple design and construction methods are easily achievable. Water can be collected from roof gutters for flushing toilets and watering gardens or in times of water shortages. Low-flow sanitary fittings are affordable and significantly reduce the demand on water supply. Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting can be used throughout the home to save on electricity. LEDs consume less power and thus last longer. Investing in solar and other renewable energy means gives you a saving of about 2.5 less kW. “A typical three-bedroomed home that just runs off solar with LED will cost about R30 000 to R55 000 depending on how you use it. If you don’t use LEDs, it may cost around R80 000 to R120 000.” A heat pump is an energy-efficient water heater that removes free heat energy from the surrounding air and transfers this to the water in your geyser. Affordable, low-capacity domestic heat pumps (3.8kW or less) can be combined with an affordable geyser (100ℓ or 150ℓ) to create an efficient means of heating water. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank group, developed the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency) tool, which provides for 38 specification enhancements. By selecting some 14 of these enhancements it is possible to achieve the required savings. Aimed at any type of build, the EDGE tool is perhaps especially relevant for large-scale builds for the lowend of the housing market where, in South Africa as with many countries still in developmental phases, there is the greatest demand and where energy and water consumption savings are likely to be greatest and most effective. The social housing market, for example, deals with households earning between R3 500 and R15 000 per month. Reduced utility costs through EDGE interventions not only help such households to consume less water and electricity, but also shows how to manage consumption and utility costs. The process having been tried and tested successfully, most of the South African banks are now on board to provide preferential funding for buyers of EDGE certified units.

Façade of Crossberry Central.

PROJECTS

Looking into the operations of one of the players in the low-income housing market that uses EDGE tools to enhance outcomes for both developers and tenants helps illustrate the point. International Housing Solutions (IHS) is an equity investor in affordable housing projects with a market value of less than R850 000 per unit. Since 2007, IHS has invested in about 40 000 affordable housing units in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana and has recently obtained approval of funding to invest in Kenya. As one of the investors, the IFC required that IHS developed 5 700 residential units meeting EDGE post construction certification requirements. EDGE post construction certification requires that a unit must be redesigned to ensure at least a 20% saving of energy consumption, 20% saving of water consumption and 20% saving of embodied energy to manufacture materials compared to what standard building specifications would achieve. Currently, IHS has invested in 24 projects consisting of 6 851 units which obtained EDGE preliminary design certification in South Africa, of which 12 projects, consisting of 3 201 units, have already achieved EDGE post construction certification. These following two projects are the latest two EDGE certifications awarded by the GBCSA. Typology A

Crossberry-Cussonia lounge.

CROSSBERRY-CUSSONIA PROJECT, MIDRAND This project, consisting of 372 residential units constructed in three-storey blocks, is located near the Gautrain Midrand station in Johannesburg. The units consist of two different typologies. The following table illustrates savings that were estimated as well as the actual savings achieved according to the monthly monitoring information:

Energy consumption

Water consumption

Base Case

430.55kWh/m

14.75kl/m

Final Case

291.14kWh/m

10.19kl/m

Estimated savings

32.38%

30.09%

Actual consumption

215kWh/m

7.5kl/m

215.55kWh/m

7.25kl/m

50.06%

49.15%

Actual savings Actual saving % Typology B

Water consumption

Base Case

435.31kWh/m

16.7kl/m

Final Case

296.1kWh/m

10.63kl/m

Estimated savings

31.98%

36.50%

Actual consumption

234kWh/m

7.5kl/m

201.32kWh/m

9.2kl/m

46.24%

57.5%

International Housing Solutions

Actual Saving %

Crossberry-Cussonia bedroom.

Embodied energy

35.88%

Energy consumption

Actual savings

International Housing Solutions

CASE STUDY

Embodied energy

32.93%

Base Case savings refers to the estimated consumption if the design and specifications meet the current building regulations. The Final Case savings is the consumption as calculated by the EDGE tool, if the design and specifications are enhanced using the interventions as listed in the EDGE tool. The actual consumption refers to the average actual consumption per unit over the last 12 months, as recorded by a prepaid metering or smart metering system. PV panels are used to provide most of the electricity used by the geysers to provide hot water.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

PROJECTS

DEVLAND GARDENS

Typical block and walkway façade at Devland Gardens.

Inside Out Consulting

Devland Gardens consists of 870 social housing units located south-west of Johannesburg. The units consist of five different typologies and are constructed in two phases. Phase 1a, consisting of 330 units (three typologies only) has been completed and received EDGE post construction certification. As lease-up of phase 1a is still in progress, it is not possible to provide accurate actual consumption data to compare with the Final Case estimated consumption information. Accurate data will only be available once the units are fully occupied, and data for 12 months is available. The following table shows the detail of the various typologies of phase 1a, as well as the estimate consumption for the Base Case and Final Case estimates: Typology

Design criteria

Energy consumption

Water consumption

Embodied energy

Two one-bed/one-bath (26.69m2)

Base Case

137.52kWh/m

11.29kl/m

182 331.20MJ

Final Case

102.95kWh/m

8.61kl/m

67 790.74MJ

Estimated savings

22.90%

23.81%

62.82%

Base Case

147.83kWh/m

15.07kl/m

286 796.29MJ

Final Case

113.3kWh/m

11.42kl/m

105 856.51MJ

Estimated savings

23.36%

24.22%

63.09%

Base Case

170.50kWh/m

22.61kl/m

297 967.60MJ

Final Case

129.46kWh/m

14.86kl/m

112 184.8MJ

Estimated savings

24.07%

24.29%

62.35%

Three two-bed/one-bath (35.07m2)

Four three-bed/one-bath (43.04m2)

A centralised heat pump system is used to provide hot water. Devland is developed and managed in partnership with Instratin Properties.

LOW BUILD COSTS The additional construction cost to achieve the required savings was initially estimated at about R17 500 per unit or about 2.5% of the development cost. By understanding the interventions better, and selecting the most effective low-cost interventions, the additional development cost to achieve EDGE post construction certification has been reduced to about 0.5% of total development cost. The annual savings in utility costs for the tenants are about equal to the rent payable for one month. It is also considered important that the banks provide a green bond at lower interest rates to promote affordable ownership of EDGE post construction certified units. “By using the design enhancements as recommended in the EDGE tool, it is relatively easy and much more cost-effective to design a residential unit to save energy and water consumption and reduce the embodied energy to manufacture the material required for constructing the unit,” says Willem Odendaal, technical specialist on the two projects. Considering the general shortage of electricity supply, as well as water provision by the local authorities, a simple and cheap solution is to change the building

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EDGE really makes green certification achievable for all. It is simple to use, cost-effective and internationally recognised. regulations in line with the recommendations in the EDGE tool. The sustainability of the EDGE programme is considered important. Tenants, owners and property managers need to be trained to understand the benefits of living in an EDGE post construction certified unit to enable them to maintain the intervention, such as not replacing the LED bulbs with incandescent bulbs. To assist with the rollout of the EDGE programme, the training of about 500 developers, professionals and property managers by GBCSA was funded by investor KfW. “EDGE really makes green certification achievable for all. It is simple to use, cost-effective and internationally recognised,” adds Yvonne Pelser of Inside Out Consulting, who also worked on the projects. “In addition to the green credentials, it really makes a difference on the ground, by helping the social housing tenants at Devland save on the consumption of utilities and also reducing utility bills.”

PROFILE

Hollow-Core Flooring application with Peikko DELTABEAM®

A PIONEERING JOURNEY Peikko continues to charter undiscovered territory in the construction industry in South Africa…

s the global forerunner in slim floor structures, wind energy applications and connection technology for precast and castin situ, Peikko Group Corporation prides itself on an almost sixty-year heritage of developing innovative solutions that offer a faster, safer, and more efficient way to design and build. Headquartered in Lahti, Finland, the family-owned and managed company has sales offices in over 34 countries in AsiaPacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America, with manufacturing operations in eleven countries. Peikko South Africa was established and became fully operational in September 2018, with Daniel Petrov appointed as Managing Director. This year, Peikko celebrates the 30th anniversary of bolted column connections, an innovation launched by the company which has revolutionised the market. “The beauty of a bolted, mechanical connection is that it can be done with a small crew on site and no temporary bracing is needed. As soon as the nuts are tightened, the connection is movement-resistant and the crane can move on to the next column,” said Petrov, referencing Peikko’s input into the structural design of Fourways Mall, situated in Johannesburg’s Northern Suburbs and officially opened in August 2018. He said that using Peikko connections not only simplified the structural design but also improved onsite efficiency of work. “By shortening the floor-to-floor construction cycle time, Peikko provided substantial cost savings for the project,” he said. Peikko’s game-changing product all came down to a question asked by the company in the mid 1980’s: What if we used bolts instead? While it was difficult to get an entirely novel construction method accepted to the market, the design of HPKM® Column Shoes,

launched in 1991, offered the building sector a smaller, lighter solution that was strong and easy to use. Introducing column shoes dramatically changed the speed of construction process down to ten minutes for each column. Plus, the need for continuous column support was eliminated; and soon they became the industry standard.

JUST THE BEGINNING This innovation was only the beginning for Peikko. Four years after the initial launch, the larger PEC® Column Shoe was launched along with PPM® Anchor Bolts. This combination used even higher strength steel and enabled a higher load bearing. After some success in the domestic market of Finland during the early 1990’s, Peikko decided to take a step towards international markets. As in any industry, exporting and international operations in a new market is always a high-risk action that takes time to produce profit. However, Peikko had an excellent possibility of success at hand as the business competition was still non-existent, and soon the product

Precast Concrete Columns with Peikko HPM® Re-Bar Anchor Bolts and HPKM® Column Shoes

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PROFILE was introduced to the German market, and Sweden and Norway shortly thereafter. A few years later, in 2000, Peikko entered the Spanish market, quickly gaining a credible market position. During internationalisation, Peikko focused on learning from the new markets and developing their products. Special attention was given to obtaining European Technical Assessments (ETA) and Conformitè Europëenne (CE) markings. The work around ETA began in 2003, when Peikko started to create standards for bolted column connections and develop standardised procedures to assess safe performance. As new international market areas were landed, Peikko’s position was further solidified. In 2005, Peikko column shoes entered the Russian markets and in 2009, Peikko worked on its first seismic projects with customers in Turkey. At this time, Peikko made its largest single R&D investment as Peikko Designer® software was launched. With this software, Peikko wanted to make designers’ work as reliable and easy as possible and give them some room for creativity. After years of hard work, Peikko completed the pioneering development of the ETA performance requirements and test procedures for bolted column connections in 2010. Concurrently, the market was growing as per usual, as Peikko entered the APAC and Chinese markets in 2011, and later on established an office in Singapore. In 2013, Peikko reached a big goal: the ETA was granted to bolted column connections, which were soon followed by performance-based CE markings. Becoming the industry standard was officially reality, since no other company had been granted the ETA ever before. But still, Peikko was looking forward, knowing that a world-leading company is always looking for room to improve. In 2017, they introduced the first energy-dissipating, seismic-proof precast bolted column connection and their most recent huge innovation was launched this year, with the most advanced column shoe to date, BOLDA®. With its stronger design and elegant, more compact structure, it is the only ETA-assessed column shoe for higher loads in the world.

SUSTAINABLE IMPACT Given that the building industry is responsible for major ecological impact, with 40% of total energy use globally and 30% of the global amount of waste, Peikko is committed to constantly improve its operations and sustainability runs along in all R&D and manufacturing at Peikko. In many areas, they have already achieved a lot, but as a global company there are still areas where improvement is planned. “Sustainability is part of business in everything we do. It starts in our operations by reducing emissions and preserving resources, and continues by providing sustainable products and solutions for our customers. In that way, we can do for the environment much more since the real CO2 impact comes through our customers and us. Doing business responsibly with integrity, respecting diversity, and each other, reflects our core values,” said Peikko Group CEO Topi Paananen. With important choices that impact energy saving, safety and flexible adaptability of spaces made right at the design phase of a building project, Peikko’s DELTABEAM® slim floor structure is an extremely popular choice. With the product, more floor space is

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Peikko Bolted Connections in precast concrete columns; Design and Build for Warehouse Structure

Peikko COPRA® Anchor Couplers in Cast In-Situ Columns on site for support of structural steel trusses in Aquatic Centre Structure

achieved with the same building height. The same layout arrangement can be implemented with a smaller amount of volume, so the building’s heating and air conditioning costs are reduced. The shallow design reduces the structural thickness of the levels in a building, which, together with the flat lower surface of the intermediate floor enables easy and space-saving HVAC installations. More than 15 000 construction projects globally have been built using the same reliable technology. Peikko Product Development team leader Ján Bujňák pointed out that you don’t necessarily have to change the game with every product launched. “But of course, you can!” He pointed out that in an industry as heavily regulated as the construction one, if a new solution is 10% better compared to the old one, that’s already a significant and value-creating step forward. “Given the creative nature of the company’s founder, Jalo Paananen, it seems inevitable that bringing up and sharing new ideas is just part of Peikko’s DNA,” he concluded. “The COVID-19 crisis was devastating for the sector, and on a professional level, we recognised that the design-and-build method of construction will require some re-thinking and changes for the industry. This is where our products, systems and solutions fit in well in the South African construction sector. We look forward to rolling out our products on a larger scale, knowing that they help with faster construction,” concluded Petrov.

OPINION PIECE

HEMP IS WHERE THE HOME IS

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

It is estimated that the hemp industry will create 25 000 new jobs and be worth an estimated R10-billion by 2025.

+Impact speaks to Wolf from Wolf & Wolf Architects about its hemp house built in the Bo-Kaap and how hemp has the potential to change the face of the building industry. WORDS Robbie Stammers

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

OPINION PIECE

olf of Wolf and Wolf Architects has designed and facilitated almost all of the Western Cape’s hemp building projects to date, starting with The House that Hemp Built in Noordhoek that was built for South Africa’s foremost hemp expert, Tony Budden, from Hemporium, in 2011. Following this project was the hemp house in the BoKaap. The double-story Bo-Kaap hemp house was built using a timber and concrete structure with Hempcrete infill. Over 50% of the hemp was sourced locally from hemp cultivation research projects. This work forms an important landmark on a journey towards refining the combined use of timber and industrial hemp. Set within the culturally and historically sensitive Bo-Kaap, this project explores the use of timber, clay and lime plasters focusing on energy efficiency and the reduction of the carbon footprint of the building. The home has a built-in water catchment, a bio-digester in the basement and a green house on the roof with the potential for an aquaponic system. The design succeeds in addressing the street in a historically appropriate way while offering a contemporary interior space. “We pride ourselves on being strong advocates for the hemp industry in South Africa and are leaders in hemp construction nationally. Having built and

been involved in several hemp-built homes and, more recently, larger building projects, we understand the benefits and limitations of this material. The benefits to personal and environmental health are substantial,” explains Wolf.

GREEN BUILDING Hempcrete is an energy-efficient, low-impact, watersmart building material that offers a better carbon footprint than other home building materials. An alternative to cement blocks, which are very energyintensive, hempcrete can be an integral part of home building, using just enough energy to keep its occupants warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Hempcrete is made from hemp mixed with a formulated lime binder and water; it does not require heat to produce. This material can be formed to fit between the studs of a house as hempcrete or as bricks, blocks or panels set between a timber, steel or concrete structural system. Because it is less dense than regular clay or cement blocks, it reduces the load on the structure of the building. Hemp can also be used like stucco to protect the outside walls of new and existing homes from moisture.

Top Left: Bedroom showing hemp walls. Top Right: Stairs upto the apartment in the Bokaap hemp house. Bottom: Wolf & Wolf office.

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

OPINION PIECE

Bokaap hemp house seen from above, showing greenhouse and roof garden.

As a vapour-permeable material, it can absorb water when it’s raining and then expel it when the sun is shining. This is a huge advantage because, for many building materials, moisture problems can lead to mould and rot. Hemp takes carbon out of the air and therefore has lower embodied energy. Hempcrete absorbs more carbon than it emits during its manufacture, making it carbon negative. To put that into perspective: one cubic metre of hempcrete will sequester approximately 110kg of carbon from the atmosphere. An average-sized house would be built using around 50 cubic metres of hempcrete for the walls, meaning that an average hempcrete house would lock up 5.5 tons of carbon for the lifetime of the building. This compares to a more standard new house of a similar size, in which the walls would be likely to emit 48 tons of carbon into the atmosphere. This is a saving of 53.5 tons of carbon for every house built. It is clear to see that the carbon balance is not even close and that, notwithstanding slight variations in calculation methodology, building with hempcrete can significantly reduce carbon emissions, making it a more sustainable building material. Hempcrete’s ability to save carbon does not stop there. Hempcrete is an insulative walling material and has two crucial attributes in its favour to reduce carbon emissions and save on energy bills – the qualities of moisture management and thermal mass. Largely overlooked by building regulations, these attributes mean that hempcrete buildings require less energy to keep occupants warm and comfortable.

HOUSE OF STRAW “Our commitment to hemp is based on environmental as well as economic factors. In the context of South Africa, where we have both the suitable climate as well as large amounts of open land, industrial hemp

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could be cultivated and harvested in abundance with relative ease. It grows quickly, requires little water and has no pesticides or herbicides as it is inherently pest resistant, so its cultivation can be completely toxin-free. In fact, it can even contribute to the Phytoremediation of previously contaminated soils,” says Wolf. “Considering that hemp can also be used to create organic, durable and comfortable textiles, pressed for highly nutritional non-psychoactive oil, used in cosmetics and even processed to create an alternative to plastic, the cultivation of industrial hemp has the potential to substantially grow our local economy and provide sustainable and dignified jobs.

The cultivation of industrial hemp has the potential to substantially grow our local economy and provide sustainable and dignified jobs. “Afrimat-Hemp is making hemp blocks locally. They are currently using hemp imported by The Hemporium. We anticipate that the hemp licenses will be issued around October 2021. This will make blocks more affordable. Afrimat-hemp has developed a hempcrete mix and hemp-lime plasters suitable for new and heritage restoration work. They are also developing light weight hemp pre-fabricated panels for rapid construction and insulation work.” Of all the plant fibres used in construction, hemp boasts several characteristics that make it superior from both the ecological perspective and the economic one. With most conventional wall construction techniques, you can expect to find multiple layers of different

OPINION PIECE

Rendering of “Mickey’s Lighthouse” a project that Green Home, Wolf & Wolf and Hemporium are currently fundraising for.

materials, each performing only one specific function. For example, a steel- or timber-framed structure with a composite wall system requires an insulation layer, a vapour barrier layer, a breather membrane and a sheathing layer, as well as the finishing cladding, to name a few. A hempcrete wall can perform all of these functions itself and, due to the reduced number of connection points between these materials, a more air-tight envelope can be achieved.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING “Hemp construction can be straightforward and lowtech. It can create a whole new industry and job pool, which is particularly relevant in our South African context. This is the reason hemp is our material of choice for non-load bearing elements,” adds Wolf. In 2015, Greenhome, Wolf and Wolf Architects and Hemporium joined forces to build a hemp extension to Yiza Ekahaya. Yiza Ekhaya is a soup kitchen in the informal settlement of Khayelitsha in Cape Town and feeds and cares for over 250 people daily. This same team are currently fundraising for a further extension to Yiza Ekhaya, called “Mickey’s Lighthouse”, a three-storey hemp soup kitchen and safe house for young girls.

POIGNANT FACTORS ABOUT HEMP Very lightweight. Microbe- and insect-resistant. 100% biodegradable as it is fully organic. Excellent sound insulation properties. Sustainable to grow, harvest and process. Mould and rot resistant. Hemp absorbs moisture; one square metre of hemp can absorb up to 14 litres of water. It has excellent thermal insulation values and good thermal mass – well above regulation standard, leading to substantial energy savings compared with conventional building technologies. Unlike most other building materials, it is simultaneously breathable and inherently airtight. As a vapour-permeable building envelope, it regulates internal relative humidity, eliminating condensation on internal faces. It can be a zero-waste material, as previously used hempcrete can be reused and added to new mixes.

https://www.givengain.com/c/yizaekhaya/

Wolf and Wolf Architects are currently working on a 12-story building in the Cape Town CBD where they use hemp for the internal walls due to their good acoustic and thermal properties. Due to hemp being so light, they reduce the loading on the foundations and have a fantastic carbon footprint. The building will house a Hemporium retail store on the ground floor. “In the last three months, we have noticed an increase in the interest in hemp construction from four large architectural firms and developers seeking a way to create carbon neutral or negative buildings,” Wolf concludes.

Hempcrete is a carbon-negative material, meaning that it sequesters CO2 from the atmosphere. About 108kg of CO2 can be locked away as biomass per cubic metre of hempcrete for the lifespan of the building. Hempcrete is currently in the process of getting SABS approval and an Agrément certificate. The blocks do have a two-hour fire rating for nonload bearing walls.

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n n stage stage

2 - 4 NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 22--44NOVEMBER

Speaker Highlights

Speaker SpeakerHighlights Highlights

MASHUDU RAMANO

Entrepreneur in Transition RAMANO toMASHUDU a Regenerative & MASHUDU RAMANO Entrepreneur Transition SustainableinFuture Entrepreneur in Transition to a Regenerative & to Sustainable a Regenerative & Future Sustainable Future

KUNLÉ ADEYEMI Architect, KUNLÉ Professor ADEYEMI and Development Architect, Professor KUNLÉ ADEYEMI Researcher and Development Architect, Professor Researcher and Development Researcher

TERESA VAN DONGEN Dutch Bio-designer

TERESA VAN DONGEN TERESA VAN DONGEN Dutch Bio-designer Dutch Bio-designer

CLIVE WILKINSON Architect and CLIVE WILKINSON Interior Designer Architect and CLIVE WILKINSON Interior Designer Architect and Interior Designer

TOM HEGEN

German Aerial TOM Photographer TOMHEGEN HEGEN German Aerial German Aerial Photographer Photographer

ASHLEIGH MORRIS Chief Executive Officer, ASHLEIGH MORRIS Coreo Australia Chief ExecutiveMORRIS Officer, ASHLEIGH Coreo Australia Chief Executive Officer, Coreo Australia

www.gbcsacovention.org.za www.gbcsacovention.org.za www.gbcsacovention.org.za

Century City Century City Conference Centre, Conference Centre, City Cape TownCentury or Virtually Cape Town or Virtually Conference Centre,

in the persuit of beauty, a single brush stroke should suffice

+27(0) 82 789 9539 www.ewarch.co.za

A Pan-African research centre The design brief called for an environment that would facilitate and enhance trans-disciplinary research within the African context, where collective research has a strong focus on science leadership development. WORDS André Eksteen, project director, Earthworld Architects

uture Africa was to provide an integrated live-/ work environment for post-doctorate students from all cultures and backgrounds, fostering fellowship, understanding and collaboration among the vast diversity of cultures and disciplines on our continent. The re-imagining of this typology called for centralised spaces for interaction, facilitating collaboration and cultural interaction.

FUTURE FACILITIES • 280 one-, two-, and three-bedroom living units • Central hall (Future Africa hub) • Research commons • Conference facility: • 250-seater auditorium • Two 50-seater multi-purpose rooms • Six break-away rooms linked to the auditorium: doubling up as translation booths Future Africa is not only about place (locality) or space (building). It is about the contribution a building can make to the ecology in which it is developed.

CASE STUDY EARTHWORLD ARCHITECTS

FUTURE AFRICA: Developing African Science Leadership

2. Regenerative design / catalytic development • Breaking the buildings down in clearly defined elements offers the potential of outsourcing manufacture to small- and micro-enterprises • Design to allow for the establishment of new industries and micro-enterprises that can be funded by community banking • Informal systems in the developing communities already exist; if these can be augmented with quality control and moderation, a new sphere of democratised industrialisation will be established 3. Democratisation of building • Opening the building industry up to allow for small- and micro-enterprises to participate in large projects is key to the project • The level of ownership by contractors resulted in pride and a sense of accomplishment; traits lost to our industry since labour became a commodity 4. Parallel vs linear value / supply chains • Local skills were curated rather than using established, imported building systems • Materials sourced directly from or close to site • I ntegrating the production of the various manufacturers negated the need for linear value chains by material being handled only once 5. Systems thinking / inter-connectedness • The building is central to a system where people are key • Integration of the local economy, ecology and landscape were critical • The project and the impact during construction is just as important as the final product The landscape design forms part of the system by re-introducing 56 orphan crops and allowing foraging to explore alternative cuisines and creative interaction around new tastes, textures and colours.

CONCEPTS EXPLORED 1. Adaptability • Systems and tectonics were deliberately disentangled to allow for parallel off-site manufacture and on-site assembly • Levels of permanence can be read in the tectonics • Timber was used for the tertiary systems • This open building allows for adaptive re-use and re-cycling, as well as more inclusive contracting

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

INNOVATION

SUSTAINED EXPRESSION

Expressed success

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

The AfriSam-SAIA (South African Institute of Architects) Award for Sustainable Architecture + Innovation recently celebrated a decade of sustainable innovation in both urban and rural living environments with an integrated approach to communities, planning, research, architecture, building practice, natural systems and technology.

Earthworld Architects: Future Africa Campus

POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 13

INNOVATION

uilding for the future necessitates smart solutions and a transformation of existing construction practices. Leaders in the built environment have a significant role to play in creating new spaces that have the power to elevate, dignify and provide a better quality of life. This duty includes putting out real examples for the public to see, to make a case for sustainable architecture and why it is valuable and culturally appropriate for the African context. AfriSam-SAIA supports design projects that are responsive to the social complexities, growth requirements and needs of marginalised communities in South Africa and throughout the African diaspora. By working across the built environment, we can improve material efficiency, design and the re-use of buildings, as well as revisiting ancient best practices and knowledge systems that will set us on a new trajectory towards sustainability. Speaking at the event, director of DesignSpaceAfrica

and immediate past President of SAIA, Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa said the adjudicators viewed some exceptional projects of various scale and complexity. “It is evident that architecture of a high standard is being produced in the country, architecture that is commendable and internationally competitive – noting that sustainability is being given increasingly more attention by architects and their clients.” Eben Keun, general manager of the AfriSam-SAIA event since its inception in 2009, says the growth of the award over the years bears testimony to the positive impact sustainable design can have on the planet and its most in-need communities. “The projects that were recognised this year are an exciting indication of what can be achieved when sustainability considerations are front and centre.” Each category is judged according to five criteria: harmonisation, people upliftment, new ways of thinking, place-making performance and leadership.

THE AFRISAM-SAIA SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AWARD 2019/2020 CATEGORY A: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN A new building or group of buildings; the conservation, restoration and rehabilitation or refurbishment of existing buildings, historic precincts or areas. AWARDED PROJECTS Wolff Architects: Vredenburg Provincial Hospital (additions to)

Architects of Justice: Thanda Early Childhood Development Centre

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INNOVATION

Meyer and Associates Architects, Urban Designers: Botha’s Halte Primary School

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“peace of mind ﬁnancial control”

2ii Consulting Quantity Surveyors

T +27 (0)21 801 6476 www.2iiqs.com

INNOVATION

Frankie Pappas International: House of the Big Arch

Grosskopff Lombart Huyberechts and Associates Architects: Witklipfontein Eco Lodge

Awards continued on page 50

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SA Alternative Glazing Specialist

HEAD OFFICE 012 364 2420 NATIONAL NUMBER +27 (087) 724 6130 CELL 082 766 1842 E-MAIL anton@astragroupsa.co.za WEBSITE www.astragroupsa.co.za

HISTORY The Astra Group started its operation in 1985 as a Valiant Vikon skylight franchise.Due to changing needs the Astra Group has evolved into a multifaceted business, now a specialist in alternative glazing materials. In 2016, Anton Coetzee, our CEO was trained by Palram Industries Israel and appointed as their polycarbonate consultant for South Africa and Africa. With this newly acquired knowledge, Anton Coetzee developed multiwall profiles, fixtures and installation methods suitable for South African conditions. Anton offers the national architect fraternity a free S.A.I.A approved CPD workshop and design assistance PARTNERSHIP In our pursuit of excellence the Astra Group SA has partnered with Rodeca GmbH Germany to guarantee top quality products equal to Astra Group standards. ASTRA SERVICES Planning & Support • Material selection advise • Conceptual & structural design • Product procurement • Client Liaison Anton Coetzee • National Installation support

The Polycarbonate Guru

SUSTAINABILITY Rising energy prices and scarce resources and the burden on the environment calls for sustainable ideas and products. The construction industry has a special responsibility due to the extremely large amounts of material used. Construction materials of the future must last longer, save energy and be recyclable.

Demands on modern day facades and roofs. (The shell) must:

• • • • •

Protect the inside from the outside Have insulated qualities that reduces heat loads Saves energy by maximising natural light by avoiding solar heat gain Visually appealing giving the building a distinct character Recyclable products that are easy to dismantle after installation and given another life

Polycarbonate is virtually indestructible and extremely weather resistant, depending on the type of construction and specific initial situation, energy consumption can be reduced by 80%.

We make light go through walls.

BENEFITS: • Effective shading • Unique effect • No glare • Outstanding thermal insulation • High impact resistance • Light weight • Maintenance free • Recyclable • Chemical resistant

Innovation

Reflecting strips that changes the direction of the Sun

Deutsche Ingenieurskunst 50 years of revolutionary ideas and pioneering innovations setting trends in alternative construction materials and sustainable solutions. RODECA market leaders in the field of translucent Sheets and cladding systems has left its mark in many of the major cities in the world. LBE Click System

Vertical

Applications • Decorative Facades • Light Transmitting • Walls • Heat shied • Decorative • Roofing

U Panels

Horizontal

Applications • Decorative Facades • Light Transmitting • Walls • Heat shied • Decorative • Roofing

MFP Multifunctional Panels

Horizontal & Vertical

Applications • Decorative Facades • Light Transmitting • Walls • Heat Shield • Rain Scream • Roofing

LT Thermolight PLP Panels

Horizontal & Vertical

Applications • Decorative Facades • Light Transmitting • Walls • Rain Scream • Roofing

INNOVATION Awards continued from page 47

Earthworld Architects: Future Africa Campus

Douglas & Company Architects: Arklow Villa III

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WISHES TO THANK AND CONGRATULATE THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA AND ALL INVOLVED Services Provided and Features on the Future Africa Project: n n n n n n n n n n n

Building Thermal Design Integration of mechanical HVAC and natural ventilation Thermally Activated Building System (TABS) Displacement Ventilation full fresh air system Chilled water Central Variable Air Volume Air Handling Units with Economy Cycle Building Management System Kitchen Extraction Systems Cold and Freezer Rooms Integration between HVAC and building furniture and fixtures Variable Refrigerant Volume DX Air Handling Unit with Economy Cycle to Auditorium Variable Refrigerant Volume System to Conference Rooms

www.acend.co.za

Contact: Anton Frylinck 083 660 1506/antonf@acend.co.za

Edge to Edge 1275cc take pride in knowing we built this CIFA Award winning Clinic in Beaufort West in the Western Cape. We are a 8GB, level 3 BEE company with many years’ experience in building infrastructure. Our talented team are experienced in various areas such as, upmarket residential construction, Health care buildings and Educational facilities across the Western Cape. End of 2020 saw our team complete a brand new Cardio Thoracic NICU for Carte Blanche Making a Difference fund at Tygerberg Hospital which will help tiny babies from across the Cape survive cardio problems. Where can we build for you?

Tel: 021 851 4343 Mobile: 082 550 1522

www.wce2e.co.za

INNOVATION

Douglas & Company Architects: Arklow Villa III

Gabriel Fagan Architects: Hillside Clinic

Commended projects Tsai Design Studio: Bridges for Music Academy Nicholas Whitcutt Architects, Kevin Mitchell Architects: Skukuza Science Leadership Initiative Earth:Switch Architects: New Thanda School Facilities Awards continued on page 55

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The Hillside Clinic is a prime example where architect and client had sustainability in mind from the start of a project.

reenplan’s services included input on daylight levels and passive design, particularly with respect to building orientation and layout to improve occupant thermal comfort. The process of improving thermal comfort involves simulating a variety of building design inputs to find a combination that moderates the number of hot and cold hours experienced by occupants, as illustrated in Fig 1. Rock stores can help to improve indoor temperatures further. In summer, cool night temperatures are “stored” 50

Original cold

Original hot

Alternative cold

Alternative hot

T, °C

% time

in the rocks by blowing night air over them and the stored “cool” is used during the day to temper fresh air blown into the building. Fig 2 shows how outdoor temperatures can be tempered by a rock store so that fresh air at 18-22°C, instead of between 12-28°C, is supplied to the building. The stores at Hillside Clinic can provide air as much as 10°C below the outdoor air temperature in very hot weather. Rock stores have significant cost and comfort benefits – they reduce electricity consumption and the need for air-conditioning.

Passage 1

Room 1

Room 2

FIGURE 1. Temperature comparisons

Passage 2

Room 3

10 04/05

Rock store outlet 04/06

04/07

Outdoor Date

04/08

04/09

04/10

FIGURE 2. Fluctuating outdoor temperatures

For engineers and architects Competitively-priced software adaptable to your requirements

Modelling and assessment • Suitable for SANS 10400 XA and Green Star • Certified by Agrément SA

Advanced capabilities • Detailed HVAC design • CFD analysis • Optimisation • Daylighting • Thermal comfort

Official Reseller 021 882 8261 | sales@greenplan.co.za | www.greenplan.co.za

CASE STUDY GREENPLAN CONSULTING

NOT TOO HOT, NOT TOO COLD

INNOVATION Awards continued from page 52

CATEGORY B: RESEARCH IN SUSTAINABILITY Practice-based research work; project or report of social importance; technical impact or research in the field of sustainability in the built environment are eligible for submission. Awarded project Gauteng City-Region Observatory: Towards applying a green infrastructure approach in the region.

CATEGORY C: SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT/TECHNOLOGY A product or technology of social impact and technical significance in the field of sustainability and the living environment with an objective of changing lives. Awarded projects Energy Shift: PVT 1680 (Modular heat sink for solar panel) BOXA Possibilities: BOXA Possibilities Commended projects The Seen Collective: The Mama Jersey Simply Sustainable Consulting: Nchenje Homestead

CATEGORY D: SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL PROGRAMMES A project of social impact in the field of sustainability and the living environment. Awarded project Hustlenomics: Access to affordable housing Localworks: Gahinga Batwa Village (Uganda) Commended projects Richard Dobson Architects: Bio-efficient cookstove Richard Dobson Architects: Pop-up micro childcare facility The Retrade Project: Live Responsibly, while helping those in need Nsasani Trust: Women in STEM: A science and leadership initiative The GBCSA and +Impact magazine commend all the winners on making an impact.

THE ADJUDICATOR PANEL Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa, immediate past President SAIA, professional architect, and adjudication panel convener Somers Govender, practising professional architect Dr Gillian Adendorff, practising senior professional architect Nkosinathi Manzana, past non-executive director GBCSA and executive head of Group Real Estate Services: Commercial Buildings for Standard Bank Group Dr Philippa Tumubweinee, practising professional architect, academic and expert in sustainable architecture Sphephelo Mhlongo, a previous winner and professional architect, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works

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MORE HERE 55

SEEING THE WOOD FOR THE TREES

Future Africa Campus. Photo credit to Dook Photography.

ENGINEERED TIMBER PRODUCTS SOURCED GLOBALLY FOR EVERY APPLICATION. With decades of experience in the timber industry, we procure our stocks from sustainable timber organisations both locally and internationally.

Branches in Ballito, Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein & Cape Town sales@universalply.com | +27 (11) 310 9717 | www.universalply.com

ADVERTORIAL

The perfect fit: Universal Plywoods used at Future Africa Campus

ince 2007, Universal Plywoods has nurtured relationships with their suppliers and project partners, allowing them to become the region’s specialist distributor of engineered timbers of the highest grades and quality. Sustainable technology is at the heart of the Universal Plywoods’ product range and there is a continual strive to supply trades with sustainably grown, and sourced, timber. Partnered with frontrunners of the new forest industry and architectural design such as UPM Plywoods, Lunawood, Raw Studios and Earthworld Architects, Universal Plywoods was ecstatic to be an integral part of the Future Africa Campus, Pretoria. As described by Earthworld Architects, this dynamic living, learning and research environment “required a holistic approach to the subsequent urban design and architecture of the campus, with a specific focus on how architecture can play a role in fostering critical thinking and research”. It was what could only be described as an exhilarating conglomeration of like-minded environmentalists in their industries - this motivated and energetic team produced the iconic timber marvel that is the Future Africa Campus. Featuring sustainably grown timber from all parts of the globe, Universal Plywoods was representing the suppliers that believe in the same sustainable goals. The Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams and Birch Plywood structures were the ideal products for roofing due to their composite nature; multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives results in a much lower chance of the timber warping, bowing or shrinking. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) was used for the doors, mid-walls and room dividers and Birch Plywood was used for the structural beams, furniture and acoustic panels. Both these products stood out for their strength, sustainability, appearance and versatility. Lunawood Thermowood provided an incredibly stylish

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and dimensionally stable design and functional element to the decking and pergolas. Thermally modified using natural methods (heat and steam), Lunawood’s product is known for being resistant to decay, non-toxic and resin-free and can be used inside or outdoors in any climate. It is perfect for all seasons in Pretoria. The Future Africa Campus was a mammoth project, one that required a multitude of cleverly and economically designed plans and structures by Earthworld Architects and the Future Africa Campus management team. Earthworld Architects made note on their blog, 2018, of one of the many innovative ways in which they had carefully planned the use of timber: “Traditionally, a construction process changes many hands, going from sourcing, to manufacturing, to retail, eventually reaching site through contractors. Shortening this value chain would drastically reduce cost and time; dealing directly with manufacturers also allows for greater understanding of construction materials and improves quality control. Through inter-disciplinary partnerships with designers and manufacturers, flat-pack, structural timber portal frames were developed to carry the envelope of the (Future Africa Campus) dining hall. Designed in segments, the portals would be transported to site and assembled in a matter of hours, reducing the need for water, shuttering, heavy machinery, etc.” It was an astonishing team of industry experts that created the Future Africa Campus: superseding expectations, illuminating timber within the architecture and design industry and unifying the ultimate goal of sustainability. A project that Universal Plywoods was proud to be a part of. Universal Plywoods are committed to responsible business practices and sustainable products. Their suppliers have the highest ratings for responsibly sourced and manufactured timber, confirmed by a transparent and accessible certification process. Visit the website www.universalply.com to find out more.

OPINION PIECE

WOOD IT WORK Will mass timber disrupt in SA?

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The mass timber industry is enjoying disruptive growth across the world, as an increasing number of design professionals are choosing renewable wood over concrete or steel. The reasons are mostly ecological, but a key driver of this sustainable value chain is technology. WORDS David Elliott, Founder, Mass Timber Focus Group

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OPINION PIECE

he fragmented construction industry is divided into civil infrastructure and vertical building, and these again into sectors, build types, professions, and trades. Therefore, blanket statements regarding the disruption of the “construction industry” are non-sensical. The data in the familiar productivity graph below shows the regression of construction productivity since 1950 and holds true in part across the world. However, statistics are based on models with many variables and population samples, so it should be taken with a pinch of salt, as the industry is not homogenous. Productivity improvement has been the subject of various governmental task teams like the excellent UK report, led by Sir John Egan in the 90s, called Rethinking Construction.

speed achieved in 1930 on the Empire State Building. They delivered 102 floors in 14 months, with a record of 14 floor cycles in 10 working days. Structural steel unlocked this productivity, and hence the speed of our industrial sites with the help of Bentley™ or Tekla™.

CHOICES UNLOCK INNOVATION Material choices therefore limit or unlock opportunities for speed and technological advancement across design, fabrication, assembly and installation. The irony is that the designers and contractors on the Empire State were delivering elements manufactured off-site using DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly). Mass timber employs the same but with 3D modelling, which

Real productivity (GDP value-add per employee) by industry in the US.

Notwithstanding these data, those of us who have worked in the trenches on large commercial developments, have seen the huge effort it takes to achieve the fast-track programs and shrinking budgets. This creates a dichotomy.

FRAGMENTED VALUE CHAINS Construction supply chains are fragmented and complex as they are project centric. These teams design and deliver prototypes, which are handmade under significant time pressure. The industry will therefore not easily produce unicorns like we have seen in hospitality, transport, banking, telecommunications or photography. We need to narrow our focus to sectors and trades, as signature art galleries may contain office space, yet the flowing sculpted staircases in multi-volume atriums obviously cost more than speculative office builds. South Africa’s leading architects sculpt these iconic buildings as they have the budget, 3D design tools, machinery and trade contractors worth their salt. South Africa delivers large buildings in record time, and has world-class designers, yet we cannot match the

is suitable for robotic machining, and can shave 25% off the concrete program on mid-rise office builds.

SUSTAINABILITY AND COVID Climate change and the pandemic may be the catalysts needed for industry-wide innovation, as policy change can incentivise the use of renewable material or off-site construction towards a more sustainable future. Client-led change has proven the most successful way to improve industry productivity, and governments are re-committing to the Paris Agreement, so sustainable policies should surface post-Covid. Sustainability has migrated from green washing to re-structuring, as companies innovate, to reduce their carbon footprint. McKinsey’s report titled Laying the foundation for zerocarbon cement underlines this reality. Diversification and innovation will become the new norm for suppliers to stay in the game. Mass timber is the only comprehensively tested renewable structural material as it is harvested from sustainable plantations. An example below of enormous timber beams from 1995.

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7by6 Collaborative Design Engineers

Urbansoup Architects & Urban Designers

7by6 is a collaborative structural, façade and civil engineering practice. By striving for design that is elegant in its simplicity, We find ourselves at the crossroad where engineering design meets architecture.

Urbansoup is a multidisciplinary, tech-savvy firm changing the way we design, and the way we think about design. We have a deep understanding of how cities work – how they move and breathe, and how their complex parts fit together.

Douglas Adams wrote that the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything is 42, but we are always left wondering what the question should be. At 7by6 we focus on asking the right questions. The result is architecturally sensitive, efficient and enjoyable. We offer full structural and façade engineering services, ensuring that your building design is efficient and economical from concept through to construction. We assist with refurbishments, making existing structures work for new spaces. And we provide design consultations, offering structural and façade engineering advice. Collaborating with other disciplines is vital to our process in delivering a design.

7by6 Collaborative Design Engineers ask.us@7by6.com www.7by6.com

We earned our stripes on large publicly funded projects – transport hubs, urban renewal, bridges and large multi-use public environments – bringing a unique design aesthetic, practicality, and cost efficiency to the field of public architecture & placemaking. Ultimately all of this – our technology, our creativity, our expertise and experience – is used in the service of building architecture that’s durable, economically viable, environmentally friendly and user-responsive. Our overarching mission is simple – to build better cities.

Urbansoup Architects & Urban Designers info@urbansoup.co.za 011 026 8090 www.urbansoup.co.za

OPINION PIECE

INDUSTRY DISRUPTION There are many opportunities for technological disruption across the sectors and trades, which includes innovation in façades, HVAC and fire protection. However, mass timber is ready for use in mid-rise commercial, residential, cultural and public buildings. It would require further innovation to be economical enough for low-income housing.

Timber beams span nearly 100m at Oslo-Gardemoen International Airport in Norway.

Mass timber is the only comprehensively tested renewable structural material as it is harvested from sustainable plantations.

nexus from client to contractor. The graph below shows the benefits of the collaborative design approach with early contractor involvement annotated as ‘BIM Workflow’. BIM adoption should result in a designcentric project and can unlock value as seen in the Empire State Building example.

Collaborative design-build shifts the cost curve to the left by mitigating uncertainty.

Design-build allows the professional team to use DfMA and work with the contractor from concept to factory floor. Design software needs to have a Level of Development (LoD) 400, like Catia, Inventor or Solid Works; packages like REVIT are not developed to output fabrication tickets in microns, which CNC machines require. My personal learning experience was on the iconic Botswana Innovation Hub in partnership with SHoP Architects, New York. This is one of Africa’s most challenging façade projects in terms of process in scale and geometric complexity on the rainscreens. Tens of thousands of unique parts requiring barcoding for geo-locations as seen in the image above. Off-site construction re-allocates labour to controlled environments where the learning curves are shorter, and quality assurance and control is more manageable, which significantly improves productivity and mitigates some construction safety risks. Sustainability is a topic on its own, as mass timber significantly reduces the embodied carbon in the construction process. Every m3 of wood stores a ton

SHAKING OFF HISTORY Our adversarial contracting culture formed over decades on the back of the traditional building procurement system, which separates design and construction, and awards a contract to the lowest bidder. This system gave rise to an adversarial culture, creating a divide between the professional team and contractor, with the latter leveraging the contract to reclaim losses from an aggressive bid. These claims spill over into the value chain when trade contractors become a soft target for improving their cashflow or profitability. Design-build has grown exponentially in the UK, USA, and Australia on large infrastructure builds and even high-rise buildings. Project teams become partners by default, and although there are drawbacks, it delivers predictably to the client’s satisfaction. Professionals may resent the ceding of their contractual

Oslo Airport trusses as built.

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OPINION PIECE

South-West garden atrium of the Botswana Innovation Hub.

of CO2 and can contribute significantly towards a carbon neutral building. The experience gained on this project is what attracted my attention to the construction of the Daramu House in Sydney pictured below. This was the first mass timber commercial building that I had seen, as they do not exist in South Africa. The timber structure is fully exposed showing beautiful organic glulam posts and beams, with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor plates. This technology is on the rise globally, so when returning to South Africa, we founded the Mass Timber Focus Group to encourage local adoption and decided to use Daramu House as our mascot.

THE NEXT STEP The Mass Timber Focus Group (MTFG) are confident that we will see significant adoption of mass timber in South Africa over the next decade, with prices becoming competitive as the supply chain matures. My current day job is launching a business selling Swiss steel, and my MTFG colleagues are engineers, an architect, and an academic, and like me, this is their passion project. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of mass timber in South Africa, as we believe it will make a significant and sustainable contribution to our built environment.

David Elliot

Daramu House, Barangaroo Waterfront in Sydney, Australia.

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SOLUTIONS THAT SUIT EVERY NEED

FASTENING AIRTIGHTNESS AND WATERPROOFING SOUNDPROOFING FALL PROTECTION TOOLS AND MACHINES

FIND THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOU:

Mark O‘Connor - Area Sales Manager +27 79 905 657 7 - mark.oconnor@rothoblaas.com Rotho Blaas South Africa Pty (LTD) 27 Tamarack Crescent - Maple Creek, Sunningdale Milnerton, 7441 Tel: +27 0799056577 - Mail: southafrica@rothoblaas.com www.rothoblaas.com |

Rothoblaas is the multinational Italian company that has made innovative technology its mission, making its way to the forefront for timber buildings and construction safety in just a few years. Thanks to its comprehensive product range and the technicallyprepared and widespread sales network, the company promotes the transfer of its know-how to the customers and aims to be a prominent and reliable partner for developing and innovating products and building methods. All of this contributes to a new culture of sustainable construction, focused on increasing comfortable living and reducing CO2 emissions.

PROFILE

Rothoblaas pioneers a

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Rothoblaas, a multi-national company with its roots in the Alpine region of Italy, is one of the world’s leading companies in providing high-technology solutions for all those involved in the wood construction sector.

iven the company’s extensive knowledge and passion for timber as a versatile and natural material as well as its commitment to sustainability, it made sense that the structure and components of Rothoblaas’ new automatic warehouse in Cortaccia are made from timber. Although the automation mechanisms inside the warehouse are made of motors, tracks, electronics and steel – all materials that generate a great amount of CO2 in their production, as well as concrete foundations – this impact is offset by the important ecological advantages of a structure and shelving made from wood. “While this required more design effort, in the end the costs were the same as if we had used other materials commonly used in these projects, like steel and concrete,” said CEO Robert Blaas. “This is the first automatic warehouse in Italy made entirely out of timber and confirms Rothoblaas’ role as a forerunner and reference point. This effort shows once again that we are not afraid to put ourselves in the front line to support green building and make it grow.”

A RAPIDLY GROWING SECTOR Blaas says that in 30 years the timber market has gone from being a niche sector to a fast-growing sector that continues to challenge what seemed previously impossible. “From these humble beginnings, this method is now being used in the construction of entire residential areas built in timber and increasingly taller and more complex buildings that are at the same time safe, comfortable, healthy and have a strong architectural flair,” he said. Rothoblaas has grown in response to the development of the market, matched by a considerable increase in their range, which now offers multiple solutions for the many application needs of construction professionals.

We have a reputation of being pioneers, based on our ability to anticipate industry needs. warehouses and those planned for the near future. “We have made it automated to be able to handle larger quantities to support the company’s growth. We need to be ready to handle many special products in large quantities, to offer them at competitive prices and within the right time frames: all this because we guarantee solutions for designing and building in wood that are easily accessible and adapted to the needs of all markets,” he said. The company has grown to 22 subsidiaries worldwide (including South Africa) and the new warehouse will store 26 000 pallets, compared to 11 500 in the existing warehouse. The project also includes spaces for laboratories, a research centre, an auditorium and relaxation areas to enable all employees to live out Rothoblaas’ values to the full, both at work and in their free time. Sustainability has been part of the company’s agenda since 2012, when it built a 200Kw/P photovoltaic system, a heat pump and a steam heating and cooling system using the heat from the solar system. The company aims to self-produce 100% of their electricity needs through renewable sources by 2025, well ahead of the deadline set by the European Union. “We have a reputation of being pioneers, based on our ability to anticipate industry needs and to be easily accessible wherever our customers are in the world, enabling them to optimise their time and resources. We have no intention of losing this tradition,” concluded Blaas.

A GREEN AGENDA Logistics and warehouse manager, Alexander Vaja said that the new warehouse serves Rothoblaas as an efficient storehouse for timely replenishment to existing

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CASE STUDY THERMGUARD

GREEN BUILDING SERVICES, MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES

ULTIMATE CLIMATE COMFORT

co-Insulation cellulose fibre thermal insulation is manufactured at an ISO9001:2015 specialised plant in Kempton Park, and is familiar sight at developments – from highend security estates to low-cost gap housing. For Eco-Insulation client, Garden Cities NPC (RF), a Cape-based housing developer with a 100-year pedigree, the goal is zero-waste-to-landfill. According to group manager Renier Smith, “We are hoping to create the required awareness with our residents, contractors, suppliers and consultants alike; the latter resulting in a cumulative approach to achieve this goal.” Eco-Insulation, has been the source of SANS10400XA-compliant insulation to the Pinelands Development Company (PDC), the construction and development arm of Garden Cities for over eight years says Richard Ellis, who heads the Cape Town distributorship for Eco-Insulation. PDC has over this period received 1 000 tons of EcoInsulation above the ceilings of 2 600 GCH homes. “Cellulose fibre insulation solution aligns with our core approach to reduce, reuse and recycle,” confirms Smith. Eco-Insulation is made from 85% recycled newsprint waste and has a low carbon footprint. “The PDC relationship began with the onset of SANS10400-XA when our client required a turnkey insulation service that came with a warranty of compliance and 100% coverage in the roof space. Often contractors/installers neglect to ensure coverage with no heat-leaking air gaps in the corners

or under trusses caused by a product that can’t reach those places. These installations are not efficient and continue to leak heat out of or into the house below, winter or summer,” says Ellis. Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) considerations prevail. Installers like to work with the product since it is safe on the hands, eyes and throat and VOC-free. The product is certified at SABS, is fire-rated under SANS428 and is firm in the roof.

ECO-INSULATION info@eco-insulation.co.za www.eco-insulation.co.za

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PRODUCT REVIEW

FABULOUS TO FIT The warm beauty of wooden windows and doors

raditional installation and glazing methods don’t always do justice to even the highestquality products because on-site skills and standards vary. The best-made product may end up being less than perfectly glazed and fitted. That’s why Swartland introduced its Ready-2-Fit windows and doors, which are sealed and glazed in the factory during manufacture. The product is then thoroughly wrapped in protective two-stage packaging before being transported. When it arrives on-site it’s ready to be installed, which saves the builder time and money, and improves the overall quality of their workmanship at no extra cost. Swartland’s offering is unique in the wooden windows and doors market:

• Pre-sealed: During manufacture, all Swartland’s Ready-2-Fit windows and doors are pre-sealed with Maxicare, a high-quality, water-based sealant that ensures optimum protection against the elements. Maxicare boasts many benefits: it is an environmentally friendly sealant, with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, it is ultraviolet- and waterresistant, non-flammable, lead-free, and has an element of anti-fungal protection against dry-rot and other threats. It will also offer years of protection from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, cold, rain and sunlight. While Maxicare was developed in Germany, it copes well in Africa to cater for darker colours such as Teak and Imbuia, it contains heat-reflective pigments that lower the surface temperature of the wood to reduce natural contraction and expansion. • Colour choice: Swartland offers the following colour options: Teak, Imbuia, Light Oak and White, Bali Deep, Dusted Moss, Sombrero and Ivory Parchment. They’re in a natural palette that will enhance your home’s modern or traditional design. • Variety: Ready-2-Fit windows and doors are available in Swartland’s Cape Culture and Winsters ranges on request. • Low maintenance: What really makes water-based sealant a real winner is how it makes wooden windows

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and doors a cinch to maintain. There’s no need for laborious sanding and re-sealing. Just wash and wipe them down to restore their original beauty. • Glazing is standard: All windows and doors in the Ready-2-Fit range come pre-glazed with standard 4mm or 6.38mm safety glass, in compliance with national building regulations. Other types of glazing, including double-glazing – which improves insulation and reduces noise, as well as Low-E glass (low-emissivity, to reduce infrared and ultraviolet light) – are available on request. • Pre-hung doors: Swartland pre-hangs doors in their frames in the factory, with all essential hardware fitted. The building trade welcomed the move, as well as the introduction of adjustable frames to compensate for swelling and shrinking.

White

Bali Deep

Dusted Moss

Imbuia

Ivory Parchment

Light Oak

Teak

Sombrero

• Fixtures and features: Ready-2-Fit doors and windows offer several features to ensure security and energy efficiency, including: • Espagnolette lock, a multiple locking mechanism that enhances security and ensures a snug, draft-free fit. (Available in the Cape Culture Supreme range.) • Brass thumb-release handle • Double-glazing: A variety of thicknesses of glass is available to meet a range of needs • Composite gaskets, which form an airlock between the frame and casement, to improve insulation • Wood sections are available in varying thicknesses to ensure windows have optimal thermal and security properties • Four-bar friction hinges to handle the weight of the extra glass and thicker frame. • Compliance: Swartland continuously tests its products to ensure they comply with the National Building Regulations and the Consumer Protection Act. To ensure compliance with SANS613 Mechanical Performance Criteria, the Ready-2-Fit range is tested for deflection, structural strength, water-resistance, airtightness, operating forces, and energy efficiency. Exceptional quality and finish, minimal maintenance, backed by after-sales service. www.swartland.co.za

CASE STUDY ISOBOARD

THE HOME OFFICE And right there, we sense the contradiction in the name: home and office. It is almost an absurdity, an oxymoron, like military intelligence. WORDS Mark Russell, Isoboard

am sure most of us never intended that they would be one and the same. The commute between the two was a part of our lives, a time for planning on the trip to the office, and anticipation of family and comforts of home on the return trip. One destination for earning, one for refuge. And then… I wonder at how we have coped and adjusted, transitioning to the more self-sufficient role, the available technology such a boon to enabling remote collaboration, remaining in contact, while simultaneously avoiding physical interaction as much as possible. Behaving unhealthily, to remain healthy. Many homes were not designed to accommodate the needs of people having to work, study and create, as well as rest, replenish and recreate. And most of us need to separate the two, well, the men anyway, one thing at a time, and all that. There are those who can work effectively at the dining room table, while the organised chaos of family life flows around them. Not me. I need a place to put on my work persona, and be in command, master of all I survey. (I must now keep the cat out; I can’t deal with the competition.) Many of our customers have had to establish office space at home, by converting a garage, a spare room, a garden shed or a 20-foot container. (Never sure why people have spare 20-foot containers at home – but they do convert to great offices.) In my case, it was a single garage built on years ago as an afterthought, which would finally come into its own, rather than store the neglected accumulated detritus of my life. (Though, while tidying up, I did find a coffee percolator – one of those gifts that never had a place until the home office. Thank you Whatshizname, such prescience! The aroma alone restores my equilibrium.) The thing about garages, and I daresay sheds and spare 20-foot containers, is they were never designed to accommodate humans during office hours. Roofs in our summers can reach 70°C, and this heat will flow into the roof void. Humans have physiological needs, and one of these is moderate temperatures. Thermal comfort for us is generally between 20 and 27°C, the temperature range where most of us feel neither too hot nor too cold, and can manage our comfort by dressing appropriately, or opening windows sufficiently to allow a gentle crossflow breeze yet keep the cat out. The garage at home had mono-pitch steel sheeted roof, with a tatty ceiling, and no insulation. Removing

The thing about garages, and I daresay sheds and spare 20-foot containers, is they were never designed to accommodate humans during office hours. the ceiling exposed beautiful timber beams that required little effort to make into a feature of the new ceiling. We used three types of insulation: aluminium foil directly under the roof sheets to contain condensation and dust, a thermal blanket to act as acoustic insulation and IsoBoard “Isopine” between beams to do the thermal insulation heavy lifting, and aesthetically complement the timber beams. Of course, the foil and blanket contribute thermally as well. Having been through the past summer and winter, I can tell you this is a happy solution, ticking all the boxes. IsoBoard can offer aesthetic variety, being plain bevelled edge boards, 100mm and 200mm centregrooved Isopine surface profiles, and they are paintable with water-based paints and wood stains. My home office is easily the most thermally comfortable in the house, and, naturally, has the firm endorsement of the cat...

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PROFILE

THE ULTIMATE GREEN CLEANING SOLUTION If you are looking to invest in cleaning products for your home or business that put sustainability top of mind look no further than Green Worx Cleaning Solutions, Africa’s greenest cleaning, and most cost-effective products.

he company is South Africa’s foremost ecoaccredited bio-technology company (the only ISO4001-accredited bio-tech company in Africa), boasting a string of awards including, most recently, the 2021 MEA Best Sustainable Cleaning and Sanitations Solutions Provider and the Best Sustainable Cleaning Product Manufacturer in 2020. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Green Worx’s R&D team developed a bio-enzyme sanitiser that eradicates the virus within 30 seconds with 99.8% effectiveness. While the cost of using green cleaning products compared to chemically-loaded alternatives used to be an inhibiting factor in conversion, recent market cost analyses has proven that Green Worx can actually save contract cleaning companies, institutions, hotels and households between 30-50% on their acquisition cost when compared to conventional products, and a reduction in total cleaning product inventory of up to 51%.

HEALTHIER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, HEALTHIER FOR YOU Today’s consumers are far more environmentally conscious and careful with the choices they make, and the demand for green products has experienced rapid growth. Studies show that toxins present in traditional cleaning products can also be harmful to one’s health, so people are committed to making choices to protect themselves and their family against negative effects. Bear in mind, however, that the law regulating the use of the words “green”, “eco-friendly”, “chemical-free”, “renewable” etc isn’t in place and companies are able to use vague wording in their marketing, which isn’t necessarily substantiated by the product’s contents. “Green” can mean a number of things; that it doesn’t have harmful effects on the environment, that it is produced using less water, or that it is manufactured with recyclable material. Environmental claims made about products must however be accurate and substantiated and if they fail on this account they can be subject to action by the South African Competition and Consumer Council. Green Worx has achieved Global GreenTag certification, one of the world’s most robust, trusted and widely recognised ecolabels. John J Coetzee, CEO at Green Worx, said, “This certification is the culmination of many years of hard work. We don’t believe in ‘greenwashing’ – which not all South African manufacturers can claim. Our products, and all the ingredients used to create them, have a great impact

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on dirt, and no impact on the environment. That’s our commitment to creating a world that is cleaner, greener and smarter.”

FRESH, CLEAN AND POWERFUL Eco-friendly products offer a thorough, deep clean without the harmful odours and residue that are often left behind after harsh, commercial chemicals are used. They are often created with citrus and other aromatic ingredients that leave the entire room smelling fresh and clean. In a work environment, a pleasant fragrance has been shown to produce a calmer working environment and boost productivity levels. The benefits associated with using greener, environmentally friendly cleaners go far beyond the elimination of toxic fumes. In some cases, they may actually be able to preserve the surfaces of custommade/high-end equipment, making them look their best and perform better for longer periods of time. Green Worx offers an extensive range of products for home and industrial use, featuring bio enzymes and probiotics, all offering superior cleaning and sanitising solutions at an affordable price.

The 7by6 | Urbansoup Mass Timber Collaboration At 7by6 and Urbansoup, we recognise that our world needs change, and quickly. We are excited to be part of the drive towards using more sustainable materials and designs in architecture, and structural engineering. We want to change perceptions around the use of structural timber, spread the knowledge base of this wonderful, sustainable material and see it re-emerge as an integral part of buildings. To this end, we see our futures entwined in the use of mass timber. Current building techniques are antiquated. Innovation and efficiency are not synonymous with construction and the industry is stagnant. But it is ready for change. With a growing need for tighter programmes, lower Ps&Gs, and earlier occupations, offsite construction and design for manufacturer and assembly will become increasingly more important. Couple this with a dire, global need to address embodied carbon in buildings, and mass timber emerges as the natural answer.

Our nirvana is therefore a world where mass timber is preferred to the traditional materials of concrete and steel in architectural structures. But to get there we need to be sensitive to the present. We don’t need a radical approach, abandoning what we know or how we operate just yet. If we start now, all we need is to slightly adjust our course. Incrementally tweak our designs and realign our thinking. Before we know it change becomes organic, to the point where we don’t even realise that we’ve been a part of it all along. Hence our immediate desire to see hybrid building designs like the one we’ve proposed here for the University of Pretoria’s FABI building. A symbiotic blend of what we’ve come to know and trust with what we recognise is needed for positive, meaningful change. A change for the future, that respects where we’ve come from. True, sustainable growth. Be part of the change, ask us how.

7by6 Collaborative Design Engineers ask.us@7by6.com www.7by6.com

Urbansoup Architects & Urban Designers info@urbansoup.co.za 011 026 8090 www.urbansoup.co.za

GLOBAL

GREEN WORLD

Each edition of +Impact will showcase an international green building and celebrate sustainable leadership around the world. Since the world is finally able to watch the Olympics taking place in Japan, we felt it appropriate to draw attention to the fascinating ACROS Fukoka Prefectural International Hall.

Spring

Summer

ituated in the middle of Fukuoka City, Japan, ACROS Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall is a centre of international, cultural and information exchange and with over 304 800 metres of multipurpose space. The interior features a huge exhilarating atrium, as well as a number of attractive facilities including a full-scale music hall, an international conference hall, which has simultaneous interpreter booths that can accommodate six languages, the Cultural Information Centre providing useful information for tourists, and the Takumi Gallery, which has permanent exhibitions of traditional Fukuoka arts and crafts. For centuries, Fukuoka has been a city open to the world at the crossroads of Asia. The name ACROS is an acronym for “Asian Cross Roads Over the Sea,” ~ ACROS Fukuoka Foundation. It was designed by Emilio Ambasz, who is regarded as a green pioneer, and the

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Autumn

Winter

Due to the water drainage, similar to a mountain, the building goes through each of the four seasons in appearance. building recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020. The distinctive feature of this building is a systematised design of water drainage, similar to a mountain. This method allows natural irrigation to take place as water flows from the top of the building and further waters the surrounding vegetation on the way down.

Green Building Council South Africa is leading the way in respect to sustainability in the property and construction industry. Stay connected and in the ‘know’ on news and projects through GBCSA’s +Impact Magazine!

+IMPACT MAGAZINE FREQUENCY Issue 14: October 2021 Issue 15: December 2021 Issue 16: February 2022 Issue 17: April 2022

To plan your marketing campaign, please contact us on Preferential rates for GBCSA Members. Discounts offered for multiple edition bookings. Have a look at the official +Impact Magazine website here:

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Articles inside

PROJECT A LIFE WITH STYLE – NET ZERO

PROFILE Peikko Group Corporation prides itself on an almost sixty-year heritage of design and build

PROJECT ON THE CUTTING EDGE

OPINION PIECE WOOD IT WORK

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD +Impact welcomes our esteemed new board of thought leaders

OPINION PIECE HEMP IS WHERE THE HEART IS

INSIGHT A note from the editor Robbie Stammers