Construction Review Africa

Since 1989

July-August 2020, Vol 31 No.4

144 Oxford Rosebank, South Africa

Modular Construction Drones in Construction Material and Labor Waste

SOLVING HYDROGEN SULPHIDE ISSUES WITH INTELLIGENT DOSING REDUCE CHEMICAL COSTS BY

70%

EASY OPERATION

REDUCED PIPE MAINTENANCE

GRUNDFOS iSOLUTIONS PUMP

CLOUD SERVICES

INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR WASTEWATER NETWORKS Grundfos iSOLUTIONS presents a unique Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) solution designed to mitigate corrosion and remove odours caused by the presence of H2S in sewer systems.

An advanced algorithm in Grundfos Remote Management (GRM) monitors H2S occurrences, while a SMART digital dosing pump automatically releases the optimal dosage of chemicals in the wastewater. The solution reduces corrosion in the pipes and pumping pit, prevents dangerous situations and ultimately eliminates H2S odours.

Find out how Grundfos iSOLUTIONS can optimise your wastewater network with intelligence at www.grundfos.za

Trademarks displayed in this material, including but not limited to Grundfos, the Grundfos logo and “be think innovate” are registered trademarks owned by The Grundfos Group. All rights reserved. © 2020 Grundfos Holding A/S, all rights reserved.

WASTEWATER NETWORKS:

MANAGING EDITOR Robert Barnes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Francis Makari EDITOR - in - CHIEF Dennis Ayemba COUNTRY EDITORS Uganda -- Betty Betty Nabakooza Nabakooza Uganda Nigeria -- Boladale Boladale Ademiju Ademiju Nigeria South Africa Africa -- Jimmy Jimmy Swira Swira South WRITERS, WRITERS Pascal Musungu, Musungu, Anita Anita Anyango, Anyango, Pascal Patrick Mulyungi Mulyungi Patrick WEB & & GRAPHIC GRAPHIC DESIGN DESIGN WEB Gerald ArnoldOswald Oduor Sales and Marketing Manager Sales andFaith Marketing Mburu Manager Faith Mburu ADVERTISING ADVERTISING Kenya: William Mutama, Joyce Kenya: William Mutama, Lilian Khavosa, Ndamaiyu, Lilian Khavosa Joyce Ndamaiyu, Wendy Kinya South Africa: Rachel Molapo, Winnie South Africa: Thuli Nkosi, Winnie SentSentabire, Angeline Ntobeng abire, Angeline Ntobeng,

CON Since 1989

Current Issue

July-August 2020, Vol 31 No.4

144 Oxford

144 Oxford is a premium-grade office development in Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa aimed at capitalising on the demand for office space in the popular precinct

Uganda: Uganda: Nobert Nobert Turiyo, Turiyo, Selina Selina Salumah Salumah Namuli Namuli

Rosebank, South Africa

Modular Construction Drones in Construction Material and Labor Waste

Botswana: Botswana: Dickson Dickson Manyudza, Manyudza, Gerald Gerald Mazikana Mazikana Ethiopia: Ethiopia: Haimanot Haimanot Tesfaye, Tesfaye, Ruth Ruth Girma Girma Tanzania: Tanzania: Tom Tom Kiage Kiage Malawi: Malawi: Anderson Anderson Fumulani Fumulani Ghana: Ghana: Samuel Samuel Hinneh, Hinneh, Caleb Caleb Donne Donne Hadjah Hadjah Zambia: Susan Kandeke Zimbabwe: Chiedza Chimombe Rwanda: Collison Lore Nigeria: Seni Bello China:Weng Jie

The editor accepts letters and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world.

Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may request your name to be withheld from publication. We reserve the right to edit any material submitted .

Send your letters to: info@constructionreviewonline.com Construction Review is published eleven times a year and is circulated to members of relevant associations, governmental bodies and other personnel in the building and construction industry as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services in Africa, the Middle and Far East. The editor welcomes articles and photographs for consideration. Material may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in the journal. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Š All rights reserved.

REGULARS Editor's Comment 3 Corporate News 4 Events 5 cover story: 144 Oxford; premium-grade office development in Rosebank

6

How Modular Construction Prevents Disruptions in Projects

8

Waste Reduction in Projects: minimizing environmental impact

10

Covid-19 Resilient Buildings: Preventive Measures

14

Renovating a Small Apartment: Create the space of our dreams

18

Published by Group Africa Publishing Ltd Head Office and for all enquiries: 3rd Floor, Vinodeep Tower, Baricho Road, Nairobi 00100 Kenya, Tel: +254 722525326 +254-20-8000307 Email: info@groupafricapublishing.com

Uganda Agent Projects Unusual Uganda Ltd. Jemba Plaza, Luwum St. Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 776 883181 bettykatongole@yahoo.com

Botswana Agent Cadline (Pty) Ltd. P/Bag 494 Gaborone, Botswana.

E-mail: botswana@constructionreviewonline.com South Africa Agent College Publishers CC 14 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, Sandton +27 (0)011 875 4328, info@collegepublishers.co.za Ethiopia Agent Haymi Advertising Services 22 Mazoria, Genet Bldg 4th Flr P.O. Box 1316 - 1110 Addis Ababa Tel: +251 118 955 855,

TENT Renovation a Small Apartment

July/August 2020 Volume 31 No.4

Editor's Comment

Covid -19 will definitely change how working spaces are designed

Add space to your small apartment or even add value to your property using these carefully thoughtout ideas

18 Drones in Construction

Drones are all the rage. LEts take a look at how they are taking over the construction industry and bringing efficiencies and safety

20 Drones in Construction: Becoming a common sight

20

Generator Problems: Effective toubleshooting

22

Profile: Symbion: 4O Years of Architectural Excellence

26

Profile: Twiga Construction Celebrates Golden Jubilee

34

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted a whole new dimension to worker and building health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and contact routes. Droplet transmission occurs when a person is in close contact with someone who has respiratory symptoms.

This mode of transmission forced countries to impose lockdowns and advocate for ‘working from home’.

During that period it became apparent that as much as people can work from home, humans are social beings and need interaction with people to remain productive and positive. That established, it is now quite clear that there has to be change in how workspaces are designed going forward in order to accommodate such situations.

Architects will now begin to consider factors such as density reduction, circulation, physical barriers, screening stations and functionality when they are designing a workplace, in preparedness of such a pandemic. Moreover, healthy buildings mean healthy workers, and healthy workers mean productive workers.

Things like: Can physical contact to shared surfaces be reduced, or even avoided altogether; or where contact is unavoidable, should we rethink the materials that these surfaces are made of, as well as their texture and durability; will be considered. A move towards more health conscious designs will definitely reduce the impact of such a pandemic on businesses as far as workforce productivity is concerned.

Robert Barnes

Cell: +251 930 099 152 Email: ethiopia@groupafricapublishing.com Ghana Agent Image Consortium 1st Floor, The Ecobank Building, Tesano.

Tel: 233(0)30 223 2728 I 233(0)274807127 I +233(0)206299159 Fax: 233(0)24 882 8286 Email: ghana@groupafricapublishing.com, Calebhadjah@gmail.com Kenya Agent Northwest Ventures Ltd P.O. Box 16414 - 00100 G.P.O Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 20 2679808 Email: kenya@constructionreviewonline.com, info@northwest.or.ke Nigeria Agent Rahma Associates B23/24, Aishetu Emoewa Plaza, 196, Iju Water Works Road, Ifako Ijaye Lga,Agege, Lagos.

Tel: 234-1-7347860 Email: nigeria@constructionreviewonline.com Rwanda Agent Kolline & Hemed Inc., B.P. 3328, Kigali, Rwanda E-mail: rwanda@constructionreviewonline.com

Zambia Agent Dayflex Limited, Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka, Zambia.

Email: zambia@constructionreviewonline.com

Tanzania Agent: Group Africa Publishing Ltd tz@constructionreviewonline.com Dar-es-salaam

CORPORATE NEWS

Graco introduces SaniSpray Graco introduces SaniSpray HP airless disinfectant sprayers for sanitising, disinfecting and deodorising jobs

Builders Opens First Store in East Africa Africa’s leading retailer of home improvement and building material products and service solutions, Builders, has opened its first outlet in Kenya at the Waterfront Karen.

This is the retailer’s first venture into East Africa and one that will give it a formidable presence in the region’s largest commercial hub.

The store comprises almost 10 000 m2 of trading and dispatch space along with a garden center. It offers something for everyone, from the renovation enthusiast and homeowner, to the small business owner and commercial contractor.

This will bring the total number of Builders stores beyond South Africa to nine. Kenya joins Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia as regions outside the retailer’s stronghold for continued growth.

The investment is worth KES 500m and is expected to substantially bolster the local economy.

Builders is an established brand providing solutions for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, small businesses or large contractors.

The product range covers building materials and home improvement requirements for flooring, paint, sanware, kitchens, lighting, electrical, appliances and more.

Safety is currently at the top of everyone’s priority list. At Graco, it is their goal to provide all their customers with the best tools to overcome any challenges they face. Today, these challenges include sanitising surfaces against the COVID-19 germs. To disinfect almost any surface safely, fast and thoroughly, we have developed a dedicated top-performing disinfectant sprayer line: SaniSpray HP. Why SaniSpray HP? • High speed & productivity Proven speed and performance of Airless spraying technology for efficient application. Choose the SaniSpray HP model by its flow rate to match job requirements.

• Consistent application coverage from edge to edge Proper surface coverage to meet chemical dwell time requirements.

• Built for your applications Uniquely built with the highest grade materials that are compatible with disinfectants, sanitisers and deodorisers — unlike traditional airless paint equipment.

Frumecar presents DIY “do it yourself” concrete batching plants Frumecar, experts in comprehensive solutions for the concrete industry, has set up an innovative self-installation service for its plants: equipment ready to be assembled by the customer and started up remotely by Frumecar’s technicians.

Due to the current Covid-19 crisis, it has become difficult for people to travel between countries. This situation may pose a problem for our customers’ investment planning.

Therefore, Frumecar has created an installation model that harnesses the latest technologies, where customers are able, if they wish, to easily assemble plants with the remote supervision and support of Frumecar.

With this system, the customer receives the precast plant tested and ready to be assembled. The plant comes with a tool box with all of the elements necessary for its installation, a tablet with the assembly instructions and a video that explains the entire process. Through the tablet, the customer has direct contact with Frumecar to enable a remote start-up and offer the option of asking any questions that may arise during the installation of the plant.

The ULTIMATE industrial grade flooring, discover CONCEPT-70, now in Kenya Decomagna ltd enters the contract market in East Africa with a revolutionary FLOOR, designed for schools, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, childcare facilities, public buildings, shopping malls and general high traffic areas.

All designs boast a 0.70mm wearresistant layer that can handle the toughest conditions, while the compact backing copes admirably with moving objects such as hospital beds, desks or chairs. That’s why it comes native with a class 43

The Concept 70 is the ultimate in multi-purpose floors 4

CR | July/August 2020

HEAVY INDUSTRIAL warranty of 10 years, a credential unrivaled by other heavy duty industrial vinyl floors.

A number of revolutionary technologies have been implemented in the creation of the Concept 70 including a Compact (high density) backing for additional rigidity and substrate support, a 0.7mm wearlayer capable of withstanding the highest traffics and is designed to be used in INDUSTRIAL GRADE APPLICATIONS (ie. can support forklifts, heavy machinery, hospital beds and equipment such as CTscanners).

meter long rolls, minimizing the need for joints and welding. This also makes this floor hermetically sealed and fully waterproof!

Patented technologies, such as Sanitec®, an antibacterial treatment, that keeps all Concept 70 floors hygienic by inhibiting bacteria growth. This means the Concept 70 is an ideal benefit when installed in care facilities or hospitals.

Patented Hyperguard plus PUR technology makes this semiseamless heterogeneous vinyl floor extremely easy to maintain and provides an extra protection layer.

What’s more, the floor needs no additional polishing, sealing or Made in Belgium by IVC, the waxing once installed. concept-70 vinyl comes in 2 or 4 www.constructionreviewonline.com

EVENTS

2020 Junior Indaba postponed Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, a decision has been made to postpone the 2020 Junior Indaba to 3rd and 4th November.

The Big 5 Construct Kenya Postponed

KZN CONSTRUCTION EXPO

The Big 5 Construct Kenya, annual trade event connecting the global construction community in East Africa, is moving dates and will next be held from 3 - 5 November 2021, at the Kenyatta International Convention The expo is an unprecedented opportunity to access Centre in Nairobi.

The KZN Construction Expo brings together thousands of KwaZulu-Natal’s construction professionals ranging from small contractors through to architects, quantity surveyors, property developers, government The 2020 Junior Indaba will take a critical representatives and industry associations. view of both the state of play in South Africa and the exploration and junior mining ‘hot spots’ in the rest of Africa. Local and international experts will give their views on the latest political, economic and regulatory developments and why certain regions are succeeding in achieving a thriving exploration and junior mining sector.

Panel discussions will focus on such themes as the demand and future role of coal in the African energy markets; which commodities are hot this year; the impact of 4IR and the transition to a low-carbon economy on junior miners; and how local and international investors view the risks and challenges of junior mining. www.juniorindaba.com

KZN’s building and construction value chain from project owner to contractor in a unique setting allowing In the wake of the current Coronavirus for prestigious visibility, interactive networking and pandemic and in consultation with our key stakeholders, we believe that it is in on-site demonstrations.

the best interest of all parties involved Durban International Convention Centre, Durban, to postpone The Big 5 Construct Kenya that was scheduled from 4 - 6 November South Africa 2020.

EVENT DATES AND TIMES 21 September 2021 – 09:00 – 18:00 22 September 2021 – 09:00 – 16:00

In light of the growing excitement the event was generating for its upcoming fourth edition, this was not an easy decision to take.

The new dates are intended to allow participants to plan ahead and come together for a successful trade event that will support businesses and construction professionals to thrive in the post-Covid-19 World.

The Junior Indaba, for explorers, developers and investors in junior mining, is brought to you by Resources 4 Africa, the organisers of the Joburg Indaba

Kenya - Architectural Association of Kenya

- Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers

- Institute of Engineers of Kenya - Association of Professional Societies of East

- Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria

Zimbabwe

Africa APSEA)

- Association of Professional Women

- Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors

- Kenya Property developers Association

- Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers

- Institution of Surveyors of Kenya

Association Partners

Nigeria

- Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia

- Association of Consulting Engineers of - Kenya

South Africa - ASAQS

and Quantity Surveyors (AQSRB)

- Association of Ethiopian Architects

- Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya

- The Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (Cifoz)

- SAICE

- South African Council for the Quantity

- Tanzania’s Registration Board of Architects

Ethiopia

Surveying Profession

Ghana - Ghana Institute of Engineers

Engineers Of Nigeria - Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria - The Nigerian Institute of Architects - American Association of Petroleum Geologists Africa Region

- Khuthaza ( Women for Housing)

- Architects Registration Council

- Concrete Manufacturers Association

- Ghana Institute of Surveyors

- Green Building council of SA

- Ghana Green Builders Association

- South African Property Owners Association

- Ghana Institute of Planners

- Master Builders South Africa

- Association of Building and Civil Engineering

- Building and Construction Skilled Artisans

Contractors of Ghana

Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN)

Uganda

- Nigeria Society of Engineers - Nigeria Institute of Architects

Institute of Surveyors of Uganda

Namibia

Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) &

Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors

Zambia

Uganda society of Architects

Association of Consulting Engineers of Namibia

- Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA)

Botswana

- Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors

- Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors

Tanzania

- Construction Regulation Board (CRB)

www.constructionreviewonline.com

- Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (ABCEC).

July/August 2020 | CR

5

COVER STORY

144 Oxford

Prestigious and iconic development in Rosebank, South Africa 144 Oxford is a premium-grade office development in Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa aimed at capitalising on the demand for office space in the popular precinct. Conceived by Growthpoint Properties in 2015, the US $71.4m project features two extended office towers connected by a central atrium. It consists of nine occupiable floors and six basement levels for parking.

Design and concept Growthpoint appointed Paragon Architects South Africa to design the iconic development. A primary feature of this striking building is the imposing central atrium which interconnects the two office 6

CR | July/August 2020

towers. A 25 m steel girder spans the top of the atrium, creating a massive open area free of columns. The girder also supports the glass façade by means of steel beams spanning the same length of the girder, onto which the glass is clipped. As space is a crucial element of the overall aesthetic of the building unwanted columns would detract completely from the design criteria of the atrium.

Every part of the building has performance glass of different types, based on the planning of the building. On the northern side, for example, there are three types of double-glazed glass systems: 50T, which is a more clear lower performance glass which doesn’t reflect much sunlight; then a Cool-lite ST120 glass – a higher www.constructionreviewonline.com

COVER STORY

The scope of Paragon’s design includes all common interior floor space of the building, including the atrium, bathrooms and common passageways. Each tenant is free to design their own interior space while following a Tenant Criteria Document provided by the property owner. As tiles play an important role in the interior design, only the best Italian tiles, being world leaders in this field, were selected for this purpose.

performing glass which is very reflective allowing very little heat through; followed by a Solar E plus grey, darker black-grey glass – slightly less performing which, being dark in colour, attracts more heat.

The roof is a functional combination comprising a flat concrete roof housing mechanical plant – with air circulation going through a second “soft” roof above the main roof. In addition, two full backup generators have been installed to keep the entire building fully operational during power outages.

The six basement areas accommodate over 1 500 sizeable parking bays and encourage green star points through features such as bicycle storage racks, motor-cycle bays, showers and change rooms.

Logistics played a key role as no lay down area was available on the site. This meant that all façades were pre-fabricated off-site and were then installed immediately on delivery, which was tightly planned and coordinated and thus required no storage on site.

Project positioning 144 Oxford is well positioned with Gautrain nearby and directly opposite the Rosebank Shopping Mall and The Zone, enabling refreshing walking in an urban environment and enjoyment of its retail space. Dedicated traffic lights opposite the entrance to 144 Oxford encourage pedestrian access.

Green Star Design Initially the building was designed for a 4-Star Green Star design.

However as construction progressed it soon became clear that a 5-Star Green Star Design Certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) was quite feasible as the design was nine points ahead of the GBCSA requirement for a 5-Star rating. 144 Oxford currently awaits confirmation of this rating application from GBCSA. A four star design rating was achieved.

Façades, blinds, electrical systems, lights with motion detectors, recirculation of radiant heat and harvesting of rain water are all primary contributors to the 5-Star Green Star rating – as is the planting of indigenous plants in the deceptively large garden area, creating a very important aspect of the exciting vibe of the building as a whole.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July/August 2020 | CR

7

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

How Modular Construction Prevents Disruptions in Projects

C

onstruction industry being one of the largest industries in the world, represents 14% of the global GDP. However, disruptions in construction projects continue to prevail. These disruptions are caused by several external factors like natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, volatile material cost due to geopolitical issues, emergency situations like COVID-19 pandemic and many more.

Modular Construction industry plays a vital role during such disruptions by bringing the advantages of a manufacturing or production industry to building projects. Modular construction is a process where individual building modules are constructed in an off-site controlled and isolated manufacturing facility and assembled together at the building site.

One of the biggest differences between traditional construction and modular construction is that modular construction can save up to 50% of the overall required time frame than that of the traditional construction.

Modular construction also increases quality while reducing waste, improves budgeting and design flexibility and improves personnel safety by implementing preventive measures in emergency situations like coronavirus.

Reducing Project Delays with Modular Construction Since most of the man hours happen in the isolated manufacturing facility, the amount of materials, equipment and personnel are the building site is greatly reduced. The site work mainly involves assembling the prefabricated 8

modules on scheduled days considering external factors like weather conditions while the prefabrication continues regardless of the weather conditions. This reduces the overall time frame to a great extent.

Traditional construction methods must be temporarily suspended due to various external unfavorable conditions like weather, day-today traffic and social distancing during current emergency situations. Thus, building projects implementing modular construction are far less likely to experience delays that that of traditional building construction projects.

Improving Work Safety With workers split into groups where some work on prefabricating modules while others work on assembling the modules on the building site, project owners have a much better control over the building site. Excessive work at heights in greatly reduced since modules are manufactured on ground level before they are assembled when required.

This allows project owners to implement safety precautions and also maintain the work speed according to the project time frame.

Emergency situations like coronavirus outbreak has introduced major challenges for the construction managers at project sites and adapting to the recommended preventives is the need of the hour. Some of the hurdles are: Maintaining social distancing in reduced spaces, PPE kits introducing uncomfortable situations for construction workers, particularly in hot weather; monitoring of all personnel becoming

CR | July/August 2020

impractical looking at the layout of the construction site.

These hurdles can be mitigated in manufacturing plant. Social distancing can be implemented effectively with a proper workflow layout, indoor conditions can easily be controlled and monitored to eliminate the discomfort of PPE kits and the staff can be monitored easily in indoor spaces. Introduction of robots can also be implemented in manufacturing units where social distancing is not viable.

Adapting to Finances for Modular Construction Up to this point, we have seen that modular construction is capable of offering many advantages, but one of the main barriers in modular construction is finding sufficient finance for building projects. The cash flow distributed throughout the project in traditional construction and modular construction is: In traditional construction, the expenses are evenly spread throughout the process. Materials are normally purchased in batches as the project proceeds. This allows building owners time to manage the required finances.

In modular construction, the activities that are carried out in sequence in traditional construction are completed simultaneously.

Modules for different floors are fabricated at once and assembled whenever required.

Purchasing all the materials upfront consumes a large amount of the project budget.

With access to more financial options, modular construction would be possible in a larger number of projects.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

PRODUCTS NEWS

Helping create infrastructure that improves the world’s communities Franki Africa provides dedicated expertise in: • • • • •

Ground Improvement Deep Foundations Grouting Earth Retention Near Shore Marine Works

As part of the connected companies of Keller, Franki Africa offers a comprehensive range of geotechnical and marine engineering services including both design and construction for the General Construction, Civil Engineering and Mining Industries. Call Franki today about your next project.

011 062 7600 | info.za@keller.com | www.franki.com

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Material and Labor Waste Reduction in Building Projects

C

onstruction is an ever growing and a highly competitive industry.

Waste management has become an important part of the construction industry to minimize environmental impact.

Construction Management is a process where project owner(s) are provided with the planning, coordination and control of the construction process from start to end which includes aspects like cost, timeline, quality, safety, function and waste management as well.

Whenever construction waste is mentioned, we normally tend to imagine demolition waste or leftover materials pieces. However, there are many hidden forms of waste that need to be considered to increase efficiency and also reduce cost. Inefficient MEP system layout and change orders are one of the commonly observed issues that contribute to construction waste.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most powerful tools for handling and preventing construction waste at the design stage. BIM can detect component clashes, eliminating order change when detected, 10

CR | July/August 2020

and also allow a 3D visualization of the building system so MEP engineers can make better decisions in optimizing the designs efficiently.

Share spaced have many MEP components that can be suspended above a ceiling, embedded in the walls or floor, or even distributed in vertical shafts. In particular, equipment rooms have lot of components coming from different systems sharing small spaces.

Designing an optimal layout for distribution systems is one of the most difficult challenges when it comes to embedding different MEP components like plumbing pipes, fire sprinkler pipes, air ducts, electrical conduit and hydronic pipes in shared spaced.

Inefficient layout of these elements tend to increase the material requirement and in turn increasing the cost as well. The cost of individual unit may be low but when many elements are installed inefficiently, the cost starts to rise exponentially.

Also, optimizing the MEP layout using the conventional 2D drawing software can be difficult considering the relative positions www.constructionreviewonline.com

PRODUCTS NEWS

of the component layout. Since building systems are usually drawn on different sheets, overlapping them in 2D would only create more confusion with cluttered drawings.

All these limitations and drawbacks can be effectively eliminated with BIM as it provides a 3D model of the designed layout with higher technical details and also assist with component clash detection. This in turn, greatly reduces the installation process consuming less time and low manpower.

Change Orders During the process of Construction Management, the design firm calculated the project budget on behalf of the project owner. Even though factors like waste management are considered, the design layout and the budget is calculated with the assumption of no change orders. Unfortunately, change orders can be observed in many construction projects.

These disruptions lead to excessive wastage of the 3 most important resources; Materials, Skilled Labor and Time.

This generally leads to increased overall cost and delay in completion of project. In buildings with tenant spaces, delay in completion of project means owners cannot start collecting rent till the project is completed.

Change orders are generally a result of ineffective design errors which leads to design system clashes. These clashes are classified into 3 main types: • • •

A Hard Clash occurring due to overlapping component layout, which means the installation is physically impossible.

A Soft Clash occurring due to improper functioning of components based on their positions.

A Workflow Clash that affects the sequence of project activities like interference between subcontractors due to equipment layout.

Now let’s have a look at construction waste that can occur even after optimal project design layout and how to eliminate the issue.

Prefabrication, a Waste Prevention Strategy Construction waste can still occur even after having an optimal design layout and no change orders. For example, the dimension of the design components vary from project to project but the component materials like pipes and electrical conduit come in standard sized. Some cutting is required to meet the required dimensions.

Prefabrication is a process where the all the component materials are assembled based on the required dimensions in a factory or manufacturing unit before moving them to the construction site. This helps the project owners use prefabricated modules and reduce the overall waste. Even if there is any waste, it can be used for reuse and recycling.

BIM coupled with prefabrication can further help optimizing the modular components before production. BIM can help visualize these optimized dimensions of the components in the design layout in 3D. www.constructionreviewonline.com

July/August 2020 | CR

11

ADVERTORIAL

Accurate Steel Mills Limited Your supply partner in any circumstances

In our last publication, we talked about just how much optimism there was for the year 2020. How projects had been lined up to increase the growth and development of our great country. All that changed upon the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). It became our new reality. It affected around six million people globally.

It caused lockdown of airspaces. It caused lockdown of counties. It threatened to destroy the growth and progress of our country economy. But we fight back and continue to do so.

The steel industry continues to fight for a stabilisation of pricing within an uncertain market. During the past few months, we have seen: • An exchange rate shoot to almost 109 Kenya Shillings/US Dollar. This remains very significant given that all raw materials are imported and all bills are, therefore, US dollar denominated.

• A severe shortage in raw materials caused either by exporters unable to find vessels to ship raw materials or countries retracting their export licenses from companies to focus on steel being redirected to support the local economies.

This is a very different experience from anything ever seen in the past, and it is likely that the impacts of Covid-19 will continue to be felt long in 2021. As this becomes our new ‘normal’, we must find a way for projects and work to proceed, and Accurate Steel Mills remains your partner in this process. With the latest measures of curfews, we have managed to ramp back up to almost full production and are well stocked with all raw materials. Our doors remain very open to business and we have seen a huge surge in new customer relationships that we are eager to support.

the opportunity to upgrade further because we aren’t satisfied with just complying. We always go the extra mile.

2. Increases in product offerings from new installations. We are increasing our product range and beginning testing on a number of new products, from sections to channels.

3. We are increasing the capacity of our current hollow section production mills through new installations and greater efficiency mills.

All of these improvements (and many other in the pipeline) make us very confident that we can continue to be your primary partners in all of your building requirements. When

you need the best quality, there is no one else you would rather put your faith in.

Accurate Steel Mills continues to remain at your service – we will continue to update you during the year on our progress with each product. Please give us all your inquiries and continue to follow us in Construction Review Magazine or on our social media platforms. All of our investments have seen a slight Covid-19 impacted delay, but we are confident that we will finish and reveal them to you as soon as possible. We thank you for all your support and most importantly, stay safe during this time!

We have taken this opportunity to make a variety of internal changes within our processing to become more environmentally conservative and efficient in our production. Amongst a whole host of factory improvements, we have: 1. Upgraded our pollution control mechanism at our furnace operations to European standards. Our previous standards had already complied with the PPI requirements of the environmental agencies, but we used 12

CR | July/August 2020

www.constructionreviewonline.com

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July/August 2020 | CR

13

Preventive Measures for Ensuring you have Covid-19 Resilient Buildings

S

ince the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, commonly known as Corona Virus, we have been striving to keep the virus away from our system. It’s no surprise that the COVID-19 outbreak is not going to go away overnight. While the health officials are trying to develop a vaccine and contain the outbreak, there are strong evidences that controlling indoor air quality will in turn lead to protecting buildings from COVID-19.

Here are Top 4 Preventive Measures for ensuring you have COVID-19 Resilient Buildings: Ventilation controls on normal settings Under normal conditions, a process termed as “Smart Ventilation” is used to adjust the ventilation system for the desired IAQ results. This practice can be quite misleading considering emergency situations like COVID-19 outbreak. Most buildings use Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) strategy which automatically reduces the outdoor air intake below the normal design rates based on occupancy. However, this may result in higher concentration of virus particles due to reduced airflow.

While reducing recirculation of indoor air regardless of the occupancy in emergency situations. Airflow under normal settings help dilute and remove the virus particles from the air which reduces the risk of virus infection.

14

DCV should be temporarily disabled and ventilation systems should to configured to normal settings for COVID-19 prevention to supply as much outdoor air as possible.

This can also be done easily with a Building Automation System (BAS).

Ozone based disinfectant systems When we hear about Ozone it generally strikes us as a good or a needful gas, the protector of earth blocking harmful radiation from space. While Ozone has it’s uses on space level, it has it’s uses on ground level too. Ozone is said to be one of the most powerful disinfectants with effectiveness of about 50 times more of that of most popular disinfectants like chlorine.

Ozone is capable of destroying bacteria and viruses (including COVID-19).

There are a few things that one should be aware of when using Ozone Based Disinfectant Systems. Ozone, when directly exposed, may cause shortness of breath or lung pain to a people with a healthy respiratory system. The symptoms may be aggravated for people with conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

It is highly recommended that you check if a UVGI system meets the UL 2998 Standard – Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Zero Ozone Emission. Ozone disinfectants can be used in hotels, workplaces, Spa and beauty salons, etc as a preventive measure.

CR | July/August 2020

Use of suitable air filters Air Filters coupled with Ventilation Systems can further increase the effectiveness of capturing the viral particles. The most efficient air filters are those which have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 to 16.

HEPA filters are capable of trapping even higher percentage of fine particles.

However, filters with highest rating should not be purchased without an HVAC assessment. While capturing the tiny particles, they can restrict the airflow.

As mentioned earlier, the airflow should not drop to unacceptable values if the ventilation systems don’t have enough capacity. Buildings should not have air filters that may choke the HVAC system as renewed indoor air won’t help in keeping the viruses and bacteria away.

Lastly, COVID-19 has been hindering the operation of all business sector since the beginning of the pandemic but companies have come to realize that remote collaborations has improved the efficiency in business. This has not only helped businesses to operate smoothly but also limited the spread of infections.

Construction industry has slowly started adopting innovative solutions and testing new concepts and its effectiveness which in turn may help achieving a permanent benefit for the industry. www.constructionreviewonline.com

6968 200, 0711 079 200

customerservice@dayliff.com

ALL IN PRECAST

PRECAST ALL IN

nd r high-e perts fo ipment: x e l a b The glo roduction equ p plant an 350 precast more th se from

+ epxrpoejerticts on all contine +

nts

and houses s w-cost ilding system lo r fo s u n b o t ti n lu ta so is ake-res r every earthqu ology fo t n h c te n achine uireme latest m udget and req b t c proje

+ “We offer the best production equipment ´made in Germany´ to install affordable and high-quality Christoph Müller-Bernhardt homes for Africa.“

For current reference projects: www.vollert.de

Executive Sales Director Africa

As internationally acknowledged expert we are providing customized machinery and plant engineering solutions for state-of-the-art precast concrete production.

Everything you need for a profitable investment. Made in Germany. Since 1925. www.vollert.de | precast@vollert.de | www.youtube.com/vollertprecast

AZ_Construction Review Africa_180x130_muc_Mar20.indd 1

www.constructionreviewonline.com

11.02.2020 13:03:02

July/August 2020 | CR

15

EVENTS NEWS

16

CR | July/August 2020

www.constructionreviewonline.com

ADVERTORIAL

Advanced Technological Tools:

Utilizing Inertial Navigation Technology for 3D Mapping, Locating & Managing Underground Pipelines

Location, location, location. That’s a primary concern for safe operation of underground infrastructure. But utilities often populate state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with low accuracy XYZ data. Low quality XYZ data is often due to legacy issues or unclear specifications for new-built projects, but regardless of the cause, we must do better for safer operations.

Reduct is a pioneer and world leader in the development of inertial navigation pipeline mapping systems (aka Gyro systems). Reduct’s Ductrunner mapping solutions can map pipes and ducts with a minimum Internal Diameter (ID) of 30mm/1.25”, regardless of material, or type of utility.

Inertial navigation technology provides solutions on several levels. Utility owners prescribe it to obtain accurate as-built data of existing and new built infrastructure for their GIS platform. Likewise, Utility owners use it as a due diligence tool to verify as-built accuracy of infrastructure acquired from third parties or contractors. Contractors, on the other hand, can use it to reduce installation risk by verifying the shape of an existing data duct prior to pulling in a power or data cable.

Surface tracing is not required, so pipes and ducts can be mapped to any depth and may cross any terrain.

Measurement accuracy is dependent on the quality of the technology, the level to which the probe is aligned inside the pipe, and the skill of the operational team. Achievable accuracies are in the order of 1/2000 in the XY (horizontal plane) and 1/4000 in Z (depth).

Inertial navigation solutions are an accurate and valuable addition to the array of mapping technologies. True, they require an empty or waterlogged conduit, but within that segment they are by far the most effective technology.

Gyro systems are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference and can be used in densely metalized areas and near railways and power lines.

Standard Reduct system output standards are xlsx, csv, AutoCad script, kml and xml format in the desired point frequency. This means that measurement results can seamlessly be uploaded to all commonly used GIS platforms.

Introduction to Inertial Navigation Technology Inertial Navigation Probes typically contain a range of inertial sensors such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers. From sample to sample, an inertial navigation probe measures the angular rate of change of its core axis (i.e. changes in Heading (azimuth), Pitch (inclination), and Roll. Simultaneously, wheels encoders recordt the distance travelled.

Together, these create a 3-dimensional profile.

Reduct in Africa Pipe and duct location issues are uniform across the globe, and Africa is no exception. Over the past three years Reduct has participated in a several African trade shows to assess the response from utility owners, regulators, and contractors. “We believe that current investment plans, developments in asset management, and regulation on the African continent offer an exciting opportunity.” says Otto Ballintijn, CEO of Reduct NV, “However, we also realize that the African continent is vast and therefore we are in search of eligible local distributors to market and support our solutions to ensure the best possible service to our clients.“

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July/August 2020 | CR

17

RENOVATIONS

Renovation Tips for a Small Apartment

T

hese renovation tips for a small apartment offer you the opportunity to create the space of our dreams or add value for your investment. For small apartments, limited space always comes up when thinking of renovation ideas.

However, lack of space should never be a hindrance to what you want to achieve, let it inspire you to be creative in making use of the available space. With innovative thinking and crafty ideas, you will be a step further in creating a cozy and stylish apartment.

If you however need some tips, here are some ideas for your inspiration.

Let in the light Getting enough light in a small apartment is always a challenge, but you can play around with classy ideas and come up with ways to maximize the amount of light.

• Consider knocking down a wall that faces an attractive view and install a floor to ceiling window. Large windows create a luxury feel to the home as well as illuminate the place with extra natural light. A plus, you get to usher in the outside while sitting on the couch by just

18

CR | July/August 2020

•

•

opening the curtains.

Still on adding windows, install a window on the ceiling to let in more light. Sunroofs will allow you to stargaze from the comfort of your home.

When it comes to the paint, the color really matters when it comes to lighting up a space.

You don’t want to go for darker colors that won’t reflect natural light. Besides, they also make the room appear smaller. Go for white or pastel for the walls to reflect natural light and allow the room to appear bigger and brighter.

Add on the storage Another of my renovation tips for a small apartment covers the area of storage space which is also a challenge with small apartments due to the limited area available. If you are renovating to create a space of your dream, it will not feel cozy with clutter. If it is for resale, the storage area is one consideration that buyers will be keen about. You need to think of ways to maximize storage while leaving the apartment looking spacious. www.constructionreviewonline.com

RENOVATIONS

•

•

•

Consider adding floating shelves on the walls to store decorations and small items that make a room appear messy.

Create wall-mount storage in the kitchen to hang your cookware and free up space in the cabinets for other things.

Invest in kitchen cabinets to maximize on storage. Consider going for ready-toassemble cabinets for a small kitchen as you can easily customize them to your desire or as the space permits. Readyto-assemble cabinets for a small kitchen are affordable and durable. In addition, they are easy to assemble; you can do it yourself with little carpentry skills or call for a professional.

Make the place appear bigger One thing you would want to achieve with renovating a small apartment is to make space appear bigger and spacious. There are several ways that you can achieve this.

• Consider using the same floor tiles in the bathroom so that the shower blends seamlessly for the room to appear bigger.

• Lose the door for a transparent glass slab

•

•

•

in the bathroom.

Install pullout tray tables that you can slide out when you need it and tuck it back when not in use.

Do the flooring diagonally such that you see the broadest part of the pattern as the first thing when you enter a room. It makes the room appear wider.

Paint the walls in a stripped pattern to make the room appear longer.

Loft it Creating a loft is one of the most space-saving trends with small apartments, and it is now the in-thing in creating modern small apartments.

The advantage of incorporating a loft in your renovation is that you get to save on space and earn an extra room while at it. If you have high ceilings and the permits allow you to have one, consider a loft above the living area to use as a storage area for your books. You can also consider adding it in the children’s bedroom to act as a place for guests or a place to store their toys.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July/August 2020 | CR

19

DRONES

The Rise of Drones in the Construction Industry

D

rones in the Construction Industry are becoming a common sight.

Also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), they are no longer just a hobbyist tech gadget. Many industries and commercial fields have started utilizing drones seeing the wide extent of information they are capable of providing.

Construction industry is now proving to be one of the main adopters of drone technology as it provides a birds-eye view of the construction site, machinery and people. Drones has redefined the way buildings are designed and constructed by improving the design accuracy, quality, implementing personnel safety and simplifying the maintenance of the building.

Drones in the Construction Industry are able to assist project managers and supervisors to fulfill their roles much more effectively and also in identifying differences between as-designed plans and as-built plans.

Recent technological innovations in drones are now capable of taking thermal photos along with add-ons like GPS. Let’s take a look into some of the key applications of drones during different stages of the building life cycle.

20

Building Site Evaluation Before purchasing the land, it is important for landowners to fully understand the terrain and the land distribution. The traditional land surveillance methods required a lot of labor, time and money.

These methods are now being replaced by drones since they prove a bird’s eye view of the entire land. With the use of drones, the captured images can help land owners get a better understanding of the land before the investment.

Drones eliminate all of the human error involved in the land inspection with much higher accuracy and also save a lot of time required for collecting all the necessary data. The data acquired by the drones can be used by engineers to measure the land dimensions, elevation changes and also help with an estimate of the material volumes.

3D Scans Drones in the Construction Industry can also be used for photogrammetry: creating 3D models by scanning existing structures.

This is helpful especially in renovations and retrofitting, since it allows the creating of a detailed model with actual conditions.

BIM software can be used for importing

CR | July/August 2020

the model and used as a reference. The data from drones can also be converted into virtual building models which will allow the clients to view the final outcome of renovations and retrofitting before the construction work even begins. This allows clients to also have a better understanding of spaces.

Supervision and Progress Checkups One of the most common application of drones in building projects is to use them for inspection throughout the site construction lifespan, and also to check whether the schedule is being followed or not. For supervision, drone help project contractors with the following functions: Getting consistent construction images that can be compared throughout the progress by setting up weekly predetermined flights, and also for supervising construction quality.

Monitoring the progress by overlaying the captured images onto the building designs and drawings so project owners can confirm that the work is moving according to the plan.

The high-quality images can be compared to the actual building progress to identify www.constructionreviewonline.com

DRONES

any flaws like misplaced or misaligned elements.

Drones eliminate the human error aspect in building inspection and supervision with the ability of providing the project manager with high-quality images and necessary data from any viewpoint.

Maintenance and Damage Assessment UAVs are useful not only during the construction process, but also after the completion. One of the important applications of UAVs post building completion is, maintenance planning. Also, drones coupled with as-built drawings, can be used for future renovations and upgrades. Some other situations where drones prove to be very useful are: Damage assessment during natural calamities like tornado or hurricane.

Drones can fly around the site, identify the extent of damage caused and provide information like areas that need immediate attention.

Drones equipped with thermal imaging can

be used to detect hot air leakage and poorly insulated areas in the building site.

Health and Safety Traditional construction methods involved a lot of labor for inspections and supervisions. This included inspecting construction areas that would expose workers to risks like accident and injury at heights. At such times, project owners

www.constructionreviewonline.com

can use drones to gather all the necessary information without exposing surveyors to injury and with a higher level of accuracy as well. UAVs can be extremely helpful in emergency situations like the COVID-19 outbreak by limiting the need for personnel.

This allows project managers to implement the recommended safety precautions at all times and ensuring the project runs as smoothly as possible.

July/August 2020 | CR

21

GENERATOR MAINTENANCE

Troubleshooting Most Common Generator Problems

G

deteriorate over time. You should enerators are very important in always ensure that the battery holds case of extended power outages. a proper charge and if it no longer However just like any other does that, you have to replace it. machine, generators can malfunction and fail to serve their purpose. In that case, troubleshooting generator problems is • Low on coolant: A generator may sound an alarm or simply shut quite important to ensure your generator down when the coolant level is operates in tip top shape. low; this may be caused by a failed block heater. Not all generators The following are a few common are equipped to detect low coolant problems that may cause your generator levels; instead, there is an alarm to malfunction: when the temperature of the coolant is rising. When this happens, add • The generator won’t start: This more coolant if levels are low, but if may be caused by two factors: Lack it persists you may need to check for of fuel: Lack of fuel or low quality a leak. Leaks commonly source back fuel are often reasons generator-set to the block heater hose since the engines fail to start. Fuel quality block heater produces so much heat, is very important for the smooth which has the most contact with the running of the generator and should hose, leading to faster wear and tear. always be checked. You should always ensure water or other contaminants are not in the fuel or • Block heater wear and tear: The block heater is tasked with heating in the unit’s filtration or delivery the coolant so that it circulates the systems. Low battery: 80% of engine block and keep the engine generators’ failures to start are due block warm to prevent thickening of to faults in the set’s battery. Weak oil. Since it runs all day there is an or low charged batteries are quite aspect of wear and tear that affects it common. Even a well-charged, wellfunctionability. Despite the fact that maintained lead-acid battery will

22

CR | July/August 2020

www.constructionreviewonline.com

GENERATOR MAINTENANCE

block heaters are often used in cold climates to start the engine, they are also essential in warm climates because they reduce wear and tear by maintaining more consistent temperatures throughout the cooling system.

• Leaks: A generator could be suffering from oil, fuel, or coolant leaks. The most common cause of fuel leaks in newer generators is not getting enough use, while in older generators, bad belts are more likely associated with a leak in a line or check valves failing to store fuel in engine. Nevertheless, what might seem like an oil leak in some instances is actually the result of engine slobber or wet stacking. This is the accumulation of unburned fuel, carbon particles, condensed water, and acids in the exhaust system. Legitimate leaks can occur when there is a block in the heater hoses. This can lead to extreme temperatures that can affect the hoses.

Another common cause of leaks is overfilling of the base tank.

• Not in Auto: Generators have control panels that allow operators to manage their settings. The panels display important engine and alternator information. If the machine reads ‘Not in Auto,’ or something like ‘breakers open,’ ‘emergency stop buttons activated,’ it has likely been switched into “’Off/Reset’ via the main control switch. To fix this issue, the generator must be physically reset to turn off the alarm.

FULL RANGE:

YOU NEED, ANY TIME, ANYWHERE

1KVA - 4200 KVA

GENERATORS SALES, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

Market leader in Generator sales, installations and back up support in Kenya.

More than 25 years of KOHLER-SDMO (France) generator distributorship within Kenya and Uganda.

RYCE EAST AFRICA

020 653 1786

ryce@ryce.co.ke

KAMPALA ROAD INDUSTRIAL AREA

+254 733 714 108 / +254 734 800 201

www.ryce.co.ke

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July/August 2020 | CR

23

ADVERTORIAL

HANSGROHE AND YOU Your preferred partner on projects!

Whether you’re working on your home, or are in the commercial, residential, or hospitality sector, hansgrohe is the partner you need to integrate planning, supply and quality design, every time.

Why Hansgrohe? hansgrohe is the ultimate partner to retail and trade, consistently delivering the highest quality, tailored goods and services is what makes them an industry leader in luxurious taps and showers. Quality is the cornerstone of hansgrohe’s corporate philosophy and long-standing commitment to be right by your side.

“We assure you, that you can always put your trust in our quality promise, made by hansgrohe, before, during, and after installation,” says the official hansgrohe spokesperson.

Ensuring precision hansgrohe has, over its illustrious history, developed a tried and tested method for delivering projects with perfection. The process has been honed, cultivated and shaped into a model of flawless collaboration, so that you get the most out of your project, every time, hand-in-hand with hansgrohe.

Whether you have questions, problem queries, recommendations or specific wishes, hansgrohe is at your service, conducting regular site visits for ultimate peace of mind. All work comes with a 5-year guarantee, unique, cutting-edge innovation and more than 600 design awards in tow.

From consulting on the technical specifications and ensuring there is adequate supply during planning, to delivering on time, every time, plus holding plumbers accountable through the highest level of training, you can rest assured that your project will embody the same values and ethos that has tipped the spear for more than a hundred years.

Commercial From imposing, environmentally-conscious corporate giants on the Johannesburg skyline to companies whose reach transcends national borders, hansgrohe’s commercial footprint extends the world over; in shopping centres, business hubs and high-tech skyscrapers that are fitted with trademark German luxury and precision. hansgrohe’s pride lives on in every completed project, in every corner of the globe.

Residential hansgrohe’s showers and taps bring elegance and understated beauty to homes and residential developments.

An eclectic mix of hansgrohe products adorns many houses, apartment buildings and estates, creating the ideal balance between opulence and modern functionality; with perfectly crafted products to suit the individual requirements of each room.

Hospitality It is no surprise that hansgrohe products have been featured in a number of exquisite developments in the hospitality industry, primed as they are for exuding class and luxury. Low-flow fittings on taps and shower heads complement some of the world’s finest hotel rooms – the epitome of Sustainable by Design.

Partners at Home hansgrohe products are used in buildings all over the world, as the company supplies products to over 140 countries, and directly into the homes of the people. It goes without saying that Hansgrohe are the preferred partners on projects for everyone.

So what’s your next project… and how can hansgrohe help? hansgrohe. Sustainable by Design

PROFILE

Symbion: 4O Years of Architectural Excellence

Villa Rosa Kempinski

W

hen the history of architecture in Kenya is finally written, the name Symbion will be firmly engraved therein. For it is incomprehensible to discuss the architectural sector in Kenya without mentioning Symbion Architects and the role the renowned studio has played in shaping the built environment in this country and beyond.

Indeed, numerous major landmarks in Kenya and the larger East Africa region bear Symbion’s signature. From hospitality to highrise commercial complexes, health to education, residential to mixed use developments, Symbion has featured constantly. The firm has undertaken projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Botswana, Mozambique and Seychelles and maintains a regional presence with offices in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kampala.

This year, the firm that has built itself a reputation for greatness is celebrating 40 years.

It was on 8th September 1980 that two architects,

The Village Market 26

CR | July/August 2020

www.constructionreviewonline.com

PROFILE

Peter Derek Thomas and Jon Antony Cavanagh, came together to establish an architectural practice that would later outgrow them to become the big name that it is today. From the humble design partnership, Symbion is now recognised as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading architectural practices, providing core services that include: Architecture, Interior Design, Project Coordination, Project Management, Design Management, Value Management, Information Management, Contract Management, Independent Technical Audits and Urban Planning. It has an enviable portfolio that puts it right in the league of the big players, having served more than 200 public and private clients.

Symbion and its team of skilled project managers, architects and interior designers together with specialist consultants are able to offer comprehensive design services from the initial feasibility study through to the completed contract on all types of work ranging from small one-off extensions to large commercial, health, hospitality and residential developments.

The Social House

Says Managing Director Arch Mutua Mutuku: “We have a depth of knowledge and expertise afforded by a cumulatively widely skilled team where each team member brings a different perspective to the solution of a brief, which provides for high quality, professionally delivered multi-layered solutions to client requirements.

This in turn ensures value to the client through the lifetime of the project.” According to Arch Mutuku, it is these synergies that create a competitive edge that sets the award-winning practice apart from others. The firm also leverages on cutting edge technology, acquiring latest software and hardware for its team to remain ahead. Symbion is a fully CAD-based operation, using ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Sketch-up and 3D Max. All the architects, interior designers and technicians are CAD efficient.

The Symbion team currently consists of 9 architects, 2 interior designers, 6 technicians, 2 project managers and 11 administrative staff. At the helm are Architects Mutuku (Managing Director), Oscar Ogunde (Executive Director) and Arthur Oyugi (Executive Director). Lorna Moraa is the Group Finance Director while Arch George Munene serves as Associate Director. Retired Arch M.A. Lord serves as a consultant.

A wealthy portfolio The Villa Rosa Kempinski, a five-star hotel in Nairobi popular with visiting heads of state and international business executives, is one of the many jewels in the firm’s crown. Others include Kampala Serena, Nairobi Serena (renovation), Kigali Serena, Speke Resort & Convention Centre (Uganda), Ngorongoro Serena Crater Lodge (Tanzania), Hotel Polana (Mozambique) and many other high-end developments across the region.

The Village Market www.constructionreviewonline.com

July/August 2020 | CR

27

ACCESS RAISED FLOORS

CONTRACT CARPETING

LUXURY VINYL TILES

Our range of Access raised floor systems, used to raise Data centre floors, is trully world class.

Our range of wood-look vinyl tiles are truly made for heavy commercial and residential spaces.

•

• • • • •

• • • •

600x600x32mm calcium sulphate panels, HPL finish, steel sheet bottom Point loads over 680 kgs, 6660N Antistatic and Fireproof system Perforated/ Aluminium grill tiles for cold air circulation available.

Electronic Discharge Floor (ESD) for Clean rooms and un-raised data centres available clean rooms GRASS CARPET FOR BALCONIES, PATIOS OR PLAY AREAS

Real timber look and feel Easy to clean, no need for polish and wax Best for commercial offices, homes, shops 15-year manufacturer warranty Water resistance PVC and water proof click system available • Quieter and warmer than other tile finishes ROLLER BLINDS

Email: info@designcorporate.co.ke Website: https://www.designcorporate.co.ke/ Tel: 0725-826206, 0735-112206, 020-2466140

Congratulations Symbion Kenya on your 40th Anniversary. We are proud to be associated with you!

TRIDENT PLUMBERS LTD Consulting Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers

Getso Studio, 60 Muiri Lane, Opposite Galleria Mall, Karen, Nairobi.

Telephone: +254 20 388 2283 +254 720 696 500, +254 786 696 501 Email: info@getso.co.ke

BAT HEADQUARTERS, NAIROBI

Registered plumbers, sanitary engineers, general contractors, installer of boilers, compressed air, firefighting systems, ventilation & air conditioning systems

SYMBION @ 40 As Trident Plumbers Limited, we extend our heartiest congratulations to your company for completing 40 glorious years of success. You have achieved tremendous growth and have built eminent good will in the community.

When you began your business there was very healthy competition in the market but you with your diligence faced it and have built an outstanding position in the market. It is our pleasure that we have been working with you for the past years and we have always found fruitful results in our work experience.

With your commitment and sincerity you have from time to time proved your worth and have gained the much deserved recognition. With your services, the community has gained a lot.

You have always kept customers satisfaction as your priority and have never resorted to any wrong means for any work. Your employees consider it a privilege working in your company where they get all facilities possible. Not only do you provide a learning platform but also offer a growing career curve for them.

We wish you all the success for many more years to come and we hope to continue doing business with you in future.

Likoni Mall, Mombasa

Standard Chartered HQ

BAT Offices

Go forth and conquer Symbion!

We are proud to be associated with you in the construction of the Likoni shopping complex, BAT Phase 1 & 2 and Standard Chartered Hub at Westlands

Likoni Mall, Mombasa

Congratulations Symbion Kenya on your 40th Anniversary. We are proud to be associated with you.

Astral Plaza, Old Mombasa Road Kyangombe, Nairobi Tel: +254 20 2081501 Email: info@tridentplumbers.com. Website: https://www.tridentplumbers.com/

Your dedication and insight are really inspiring. We wish you many years of great achievements. We are proud to be associated with you. Happy 40th anniversary.

LANDMARK DESIGNS LTD.

P.O. Box 29823-00100 Nairobi, KENYA Mob.1: +254725494922 Mob.2: +254721470871 Email: info@landmarkdesignsltd.com

Landmark Designs Ltd is a Kenyan based Designbuild Landscape Architectural and Urban Design firm, which provides ecological landscape planning, and design solutions for a broad range of projects within East Africa. We deliver projects from design conceptualization through to the actual project implementation ensuring that the project vision is not lost at any stage of the project.

We offer the following services: • • • • • • •

Master Planning Site Planning Landscape and Urban designs Conceptual Design Living Walls and Green Roof installation Planting design and specification Landscape Construction & Maintenance

We are proud to be associated with Symbion Kenya Limited

Norkun Intakes Ltd Electrical & Mechanical Consulting Engineers UAP JUBA

MERU COUNTY HQ

KIZINGO CREST

Congratulations Symbion Kenya on your 40th anniversary. We are proud to be associated with you.

Morningside Office Park 3rd Flr, Ngong Rd, Kilimani | P.O. Box 605, 00100 – Nairobi, Kenya | info@norkun.com | 254(0)729 381 360, +254(0)736 230 287

PROFILE

BAT Offices

In office buildings, Symbion is behind such developments as 14 Riverside Drive (Nairobi), Lotis Towers (Kampala), National Drug Authority Towers (Kampala) among others. In the health and education sectors, Symbion has made its mark, being behind such projects as Aga Khan University Centre (Nairobi), GEMS Cambridge International School (Nairobi) and Bomu Hospital (Mombasa) to name just a few. In retail, Symbion carried out the extensive extensions to the upmarket Village Market in Nairobi and was also behind Lake Basin Mall.

All this in addition to numerous interior design and renovations to major offices, banks and shops, not to mention an equally impressive portfolio of project management undertakings.

Arch Mutuku, who joined the firm in 2002 and has been instrumental in the firm’s recent accomplishments, is proud of all the projects that Symbion has successfully executed and finds it hard to single out individual projects as standing out.

“We put in our best in every project, and each project will particularly excel in certain features depending on the thrust of the solution to the brief,” says the seasoned architect. “As such it is not easy to pick a favourite, but if we did, we would go with 30

CR | July/August 2020

Aga Khan Hospital

www.constructionreviewonline.com

PROFILE

Symbion staff the most recently completed, which is either the Village Market, or Nairobi Serena.”

He notes that the Village Market was a complex project which challenged the firm to improve on an already successful and unique project. “We had to reference the history of the mall whilst bringing in newer ideas in terms of materials and technology, creating continuity and freshness at the same time. We had to figure out how to scale up the organic forms of the existing mall to a much more dense extension whilst ensuring harmony between the two scales; and all this in the context of managing a complex building program involving a new hotel, retail and service areas. The outcome speaks for itself.”

“Villa Rosa Kempinski is one that still draws some strong reactions through it is a much older project now,” adds Arch Mutuku.

Awards of Excellence Over the years, Symbion has been recognized for its innovative multi-sectorial projects, severally bagging peer-organized and other awards. The firm has prominently featured in The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) awards, taking away multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze accolades over the years. Some of its award-winning projects include Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Kampala Serena, Crested Towers (Kampala),

www.constructionreviewonline.com

Arch Mutua Mutuku, Managing Director, Symbion Kenya

July/August 2020 | CR

31

PROFILE

NDA Building, Kampala

Nairobi Safari Walk and Kensington Housing Estate.

Ethos The firm’s philosophy has been to grow talent in the region. It has therefore been working with young university graduates to ensure that the Symbion legacy lives on years to come.

Symbion also participates in various Corporate Social Responsibility activities as a way of giving back to the society. For instance, its employees have taken part in the Beyond Zero campaign in Kenya aimed at ensuring safe child delivery among mothers in Kenya.

The firm has also been involved in various projects in semi-arid areas to provide water to residents. Additionally, Symbion also supports the Mama Sarah Obama Foundation which supports

32

orphans and poverty stricken children in Kenya.

Industry and Future of Symbion Arch Mutuku points out some challenges affecting the construction industry particularly in Kenya, many of which he concedes have been captured in the draft National Construction Authority (NCA) construction industry policy.

“One challenge is low access to affordable project financing, which affects completion rate of projects,” he notes. “There are many proposals that come through, but a good number get delayed or shelved because of lack of financing. There is also the challenge of inadequate skilled and competent workforce, which results in poor execution of projects or otherwise the projects are executed expensively.

CR | July/August 2020

There is also inadequate capacity for enforcement of standards and regulations which results in many projects being put up without involvement of professionals, putting the users at risk.”

He says many of the challenges can only be resolved at a higher policy level accompanied by adequate enforcement by the various regulatory bodies, adding that professional bodies can support this process through lobbying for and contributing to improvements in the policies.

On the future of his practice, Arch Mutuku is upbeat and sees the firm expanding into a multidisciplinary organization in the real estate industry becoming part of a leading global design conglomerate.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

POWER TO THE PEOPLE POWER TO THE PEOPLE

WE ARE PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WE ARE PROUD TO BE WITH SYMBION ASSOCIATED WITH SYMBION

We would like to congratulate Symbion Kenya Limited on their 40th Anniversary Celebrations.

This is a significant milestone and we are wishing them success in the future.

Patronics Services Ltd

Patronics Services (U) Ltd

P.O Box 18245 – 00500

P.O Box 22760

Nairobi, Kenya

Kampala, Uganda

Head Office:

Head Office & Showroom:

The Oval, Wing A, 5th Floor

Plot 99, 6th Street, Industrial Area

Jalaram Road / Ring Road Parklands

Tel: +256 750 558 160

Tel: +254 733 519 774 Patronics Services Ltd +254 202 191 646 P.O Box 18245 – 00500 +254 786 752 472 Nairobi, Kenya Email: info@patronicsservices.com

+256 414 341 685 Patronics Services (U) Ltd Email: uganda@patronicsservices.com P.O Box 22760 sales.ug@patronicsservices.com Kampala, Uganda

Head Office:

Head Office & Showroom:

The Oval, Wing A, 5th Floor

Plot 99, 6th Street, Industrial Area

Jalaram Road / Ring Road Parklands

Tel: +256 750 558 160

Tel:

+254 733 519 774

+256 414 341 685 Patronics Services (Rwanda) Ltd Email: uganda@patronicsservices.com P.O Box 1529 +254 786 752 472 sales.ug@patronicsservices.com Kigali, Rwanda info@patronicsservices.com +254 202 191 646

Email:

Head Office: KG 601 St. 16 Gishushu District GASABO Tel: +250 788 660 517 Patronics Services (Rwanda) Ltd Email: rwanda@patronicsservices.com P.O Box 1529 Kigali, Rwanda Head Office:

www.patronicsservices.com KG 601 St. 16 Gishushu District GASABO

Tel: +250 788 660 517 Email: rwanda@patronicsservices.com

in @laxconke

www.patronicsservices.com

www.laxconke.com

www.constructionreviewonline.com www.constructionreviewonline.com

July/August July/August 2020 2020 | CR | CR 33

PROJECT

Twiga Construction Celebrates Golden Jubilee

T

he name Twiga Construction is well known in the Kenyan construction industry. Over the last 50 years, the name has been a familiar signature on numerous construction projects in the residential, commercial, health, educational and other categories.

The company operated as Twiga Construction Company until 2014 when it underwent restructuring to become Twiga Construction Limited.

Based in Baba Ndogo, a sprawling suburb of Nairobi teeming with large industries, Twiga Construction Ltd offers a wide range of services including construction, design build and construction management. The company takes pride in its experienced and skilled technical and administrative staff who are key to successful execution of projects to the satisfaction of clients.

The construction industry in Kenya is one where only the most competitive firm survive. Every contractor strives to attain a competitive edge over other players. One of the most critical assets a contractor can have in Kenya today is in-house production facilities. This enables a company to

not only save on hiring but also deliver projects at a much faster rate. Conscious of this reality, Twiga Construction has put together several workshops in its expansive complex. These include: Aluminium Fabrication Workshop • Here, the company maintains adequate aluminium stock levels and is able to service orders quickly by producing doors, windows and frames quickly.

Clients requiring glass curtain walls are also served faster.

Wood Joinery • In this workshop, the company maintains an extensive range of machinery to design and produce any kind of timber products including doors, frames and bespoke furniture.

Precast Concrete • Precast concrete products are usually in high demand and practically all projects utilize them. Twiga Construction Limited produces a wide range of concrete products in-house.

These include road kerbs, slabs, paving blocks, window sills, hollow pots and related products.

Steel/Metal Fabrication • In this workshop, mild steel products such as steel casement windows, handrails, steel trusses, columns and others are fabricated. Reinforcement bars are also bent and cut to required sizes.

Stone Cutting • The company produces a wide range of colour stones for external and internal cladding in this section.

The company is also fully equipped with standard construction machinery, equipment and vehicles to enable it undertake any kind of construction project without subjecting clients to delays.

Projects Twiga Construction has accomplished many projects during its time. To mention very few: Residential: 250 houses, 336 flats and civil works for the former Nairobi City Council in Huruma plus 320 houses, 400 flats and civil works in Kariobangi for the same client. Others are Mugumo Villas P.O. Box 38425-00623 Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel: +254 20 4453365/4453366 Cell: +254 720 052365, +254 734 796566 Email: info@electrotech.home.co.ke

Congratulations TWIGA CONSTRUCTION LTD on your Golden Jubilee 34

CR | July/August 2020

www.constructionreviewonline.com

PROJECT

in Lavington Nairobi; Deerpark luxury houses and 24 apartments for Riverside Mansion Ltd. Commercial: Sarit Centre Phase 1 and 2; Kalson Towers; Fortis Tower; Geminia Insurance offices and Uchumi Hypermart on Langata Road.

Educational and Health: Daystar University Valley Road; Kenya College of Communications Technology (extensions to classrooms, hostel and civil works); Brookhouse Junior School Karen and MP Shah Hospital Doctor’s Plaza.

Other projects include PCEA Evergreen Church in Runda and Moi International

Sports Centre Kasarani (civil works).

As the company marks its Golden Jubilee, there is no doubt that Twiga Construction Limited has been a major contributor to the built environment in Kenya and continues to do so. In the years ahead, the company hopes to continue doing what it knows bet and let its excellent record speak for itself.

Sawarn Singh & Sons Ltd ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS DESIGN INSTALLATION REPAIRS COMPLIANCE

Congratulations Twiga Construction Ltd on your Golden Jubilee. We are proud to be associated with you on the DSM PLACE project www.constructionreviewonline.com

TESTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY RENEWABLE ENERGY

Parklands Road, Gate no. 29 P.O. Box 10603-00400 Nairobi Tel: +254 6553690/6553691 Cell: +254 705 110108 Email: info@ sawarnsingh.com Website: www.sawarnsingh.com

July/August 2020 | CR

35

Advertisers Index Grundfos......................................................................... IFC

Getso............................................................................... 28

Kalekim........................................................................... 1

Trident Plumbers Ltd...................................................... 28

Franki.............................................................................. 9

Sava Builders Ltd............................................................ 29

Jessop & Associates........................................................ 11

Norkun Intakes Ltd......................................................... 29

Accurate Steel Mills........................................................ 13

Landmark Designs Ltd.................................................... 29

Davs & Shirtliff............................................................... 15

Kens Metal Industries Ltd............................................... 33

Vollert.............................................................................. 15

Patronics Services........................................................... 33

Reduct............................................................................. 16

Laxmanbhai Construction Ltd........................................ 33

Fit Tight Fasteners Ltd.................................................... 21

Twiga Construction Ltd.................................................. 35

Ryce East Africa.............................................................. 23

Sawarn Singh & Sons Ltd............................................... 35

Hansgrohe....................................................................... 25

Mabati Rolling Mills....................................................... IBC

Design Corporate............................................................ 28

Doshi Hardware.............................................................. OBC

To advertise with us: Send Email to info@groupafricapublishing.com

Receive an annual subscription to Construction Review Africa directly in your inbox every month FREE!

and also get weekly bulletins on the major happenings in Africa’s construction industry.

Click online and get this offer now! https://constructionreviewonline.com/register/

36

CR | July/August 2020

www.constructionreviewonline.com

PROTECT YOUR WALLS FOR UP TO 15 YEARS

THE ULTIMATE EXTERIOR PAINT.

PROTECTS AGAINST ALL WEATHER ELEMENTS

BascoPaintsKenya

@basco_paints

@bascopaints

the ONLY WAY to ask the experts.