Designing the best possible outcomes

Investment in infrastructure is a key priority. Marvick Janse van Rensburg, managing director, MDCC, expands on his company’s solutions and growth strategy.

MDCC’s design, project management and programme management specialisations follow a multidisciplinary approach that combines engineering and architecture. Their core experience in buildings, concrete structures, water, wastewater, process engineering and roads was expanded in 2019 to include electrical and electronic engineering. Mechanical engineering, including HVAC, is being added during the balance of 2020.

“Flexibility, adaptability and project management excellence have defined our business to date,” says Janse van Rensburg. “But perhaps our most defining quality has been the personalised service we offer. That will remain the mainstay of our business philosophy, working side by side with our private and municipal clients. This ensures that design and cost are fit for purpose. In other words, projects are not over- or underengineered, since we know that assets must add value.”

“At MDCC, our architects and engineers constantly evaluate new technologies and approaches proven elsewhere in the world. An example is steel frame construction for commercial and residential buildings, as well as the specification of more thermally efficient materials that reduce HVAC loads,” he continues

Based in Gauteng, MDCC has completed larger- and smaller-scale projects for private clients, local municipalities and metros nationwide. The latter include Ekurhuleni, where MDCC designed a series of main bulk outfall sewers.

Water and sanitation projects

A prime example of a value engineering project in the water sector was the Pudimoe water purification works in Taung, North West, for Dr Ruth S Mompati District Municipality. The project was split into two phases. Phase I entailed the refurbishment of the original 1962 plant, which was brought back online with a process capacity of around 6 Mℓ/day. This was followed in Phase II by the design and construction of a new and adjacent 8 Mℓ facility.

“Given the tight footprint, we needed to adopt an unconventional approach for the new plant, which features a very compact design,” explains Janse van Rensburg. “That meant holistically assessing the interconnecting structural and process engineering elements to achieve the best result. Being in a remote area, we further ensured that the plant would be robust and simple to operate, with minimal instrumentation.”

The 1962 plant featured pumps and related components supplied by a USA-based OEM at the time. Mechanical breakdowns, combined with the difficulty and expense of sourcing parts, became a major issue. MDCC made sure that the upgraded and new plants were equipped with locally sourced and accredited components.

“Where municipalities don’t have the in-house capacity to operate and maintain plants, we strongly recommend that they outsource these functions to specialists like MDCC,” he adds.

For either water or wastewater, Janse van Rensburg says another option to fast-track delivery is the installation of plug-and-play package plants for schools and communities. In rural areas, borehole water can be used for treatment and treated wastewater can be used for purposes like irrigation.

Medical and pharmaceutical

Within its commercial and industrial building portfolio, MDCC is seeing an upswing in the medical sector, where the firm is currently involved on a range of projects. These include alternations and extensions to the Wilmed Park Private Hospital in Klerksdorp. Work is also ongoing for pharmaceutical clients for factory and warehouse expansions.

“When it comes to hospitals, it’s essential that the project team leads with a specialist architect – a capability we have within MDCC,” says Janse van Rensburg.

Construction is also nearing completion on a R350 million upgrade at the Excelsius Nursing College in Klerksdorp. The scope includes new six-storey residences, and training facilities.

“Our MDCC team has a proven track record in innovation and our mission is to apply this approach across our specialised disciplines in helping to rebuild and revitalise South Africa’s infrastructure-led economy. Good design practice comes from experience and the results speak for themselves,” Janse van Rensburg concludes.

As a professional multi-disciplinary team we strive to share our passion, knowledge and expertise with clients who require an above-average service.