Walls & Roofs Jnl 3'11 by Media in Africa

VOL 12.3 APRIL / MAY 2011 R38 incl. VAT

IN THIS ISSUE: Revestir 2011 – The latest trends

Mall of the North Waterproofing & greening roofs Concrete – the 20th century material

M U LT I P L E AWA R D W I N N I N G P U B L I C AT I O N

Contents

Volume 12 • Number 3 • 2011

Regulars

On the cover

|| SHOPFRONT 08 The versatility of aluminium shutters 18 A well-kept secret revealed

|| CONCEPTS & VISIONS

Exceptional wall and cladding effects has turned the home of Yamaha Distributors South Africa into an iconic, high-profile building. The project called for a lightweight wall of 150m x 8m to be manufactured in three months.

VOL 12.3 APRIL 2011 R38 incl. VAT

IN THIS ISSUE: Reverstir 2011 – The latest trends

20 Odd building designs Find out more about the innovative walling and cladding solutions on page 50.

|| GREEN DESIGN

Mall of the North Waterproofing green roofs Concrete – the 20th century brick

22 Green star ratings

|| ARCHITECTIVES 106 Racking up the green stars in concrete

Trade Comment

110 Tiling academy creates entrepreneurs

dynamic partners

111 Corobrik partners with Merafong

Lightweight concrete facades have not realised their full potential in the building

FEATURES

industry as yet, even though the benefits of

|| THE MALL OF THE NORTH

using such facades are immense. Abstract

26 Featuring the Mall of the North

walls and finishes in lightweight concrete are

42 Hollow Core slabs for cinema seating

faster and simpler to manufacture and install.

44 Aesthetics and energy efficiency

It is our opinion that the developers of the Yamaha building are pioneers of the new

|| Concrete

trend and, with many buildings ready for renovation and

46 Then vs Now

upgrading, we will see architectural firms willing and able to

50 Turning the mundane into extraordinary 54 Concrete roof tiles

design landmark buildings. Developers wanting to differentiate themselves from the mainstream will most likely embrace this new trend and we should

|| TILES & ADHESIVES

see both new buildings and renovations being part of an

62 Revestir 2011 70 Calculate how much grout is needed 73 SICIS the art mosaic factory

ever-increasing usage of lightweight facades. Also corporates wanting to brand their buildings could see this method as a way to enhance their image in times to come.

|| ROOFING 74 Green roofs and waterproofing issues

Alan Rosenthal

82 Roof gardens

Managing Director of Dynamic Partners

86 A house build from sand

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WINNER: SAPOA Property Publication of the year.

FINALIST: PICA Awards 2010

Insights from the editor

new exciting mall opened Walls & Roofs had the wonderful opportunity to visit the brand new Mall of the North a couple of weeks before its grand opening and you can see this inspiring development come to life in this edition of the magazine. The 75 000m” mall boasts 180 stores and was completed at a cost of approximately R 1.2 billion. The owners, Resilient Property Income Fund, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment and Moolman Group appointed MDS Architects to bring their vision to reality. Functionality was married with brilliant design to produce a light filled and airy building grounded by earthy colours and a natural theme throughout. I really enjoyed the ellipse-shaped roof and angular ceilings juxtaposed at angles to the complex glass roof. Extensive use of concealed and direct lighting, glass and light colours makes this wonderful venue to spend time in. However, the project does come with its own set of intricacies including the complex roof structure, the sloping site (only good when tobogganing) and the need to upgrade the surrounding infrastructure to service the mall. Read more about this amazing project from page 26.

publisher: Media in Africa (Pty) Ltd www.mediainafrica.co.za Contact information: International: Tel +27 12 347 7530 • Fax +27 12 347 7523 E-mail walls@mediainafrica.co.za PO Box 25260, Monument Park, 0105, Republic of South Africa First Floor, Unit G, Castle Walk Corporate Park Cnr Nossob & Swakop Streets, Erasmuskloof Ext. 3 the WALLS & Roofs team: Editor: Marlene van Rooyen – 083 327 3746 marlene@mediainafrica.co.za Key Accounts Consultant: Shayne Lessing – 082 945 5030 shayne@mediainafrica.co.za Founder: Schalk Burger (1943 – 2006) Journalist: Adrienne Brookbanks – 082 468 4566 adrienne@mediainafrica.co.za Business Unit Coordinator: Lorraine Coetzee lorraine@mediainafrica.co.za Publishing Manager: Liezel van der Merwe Financial Director: Fanie Venter Financial Manager: Sietske Rossouw Accountant: Denise Bakker Design & Layout: Ilze Janse van Rensburg Proofreader: Angus Reed Reproduction & Printing: Business Print Centre WALLS & Roofs focusses on the aesthetics of walls and roofs and technicalities pertaining to the aesthetics. Readers are welcome to contact

Concrete: Then vs Now

us for any information. WALLS & Roofs is published six weekly by

Concrete has always been seen as a rather inflexible and very rigid building material. How has this material changed in recent times and along with it, construction methods? Read this exciting article on page 44.

Media in Africa (Pty) Ltd. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy of information published.

AWARDS

Latest tile trends from Brazil Walls & Roofs’ intrepid journalist attended the recent tile show in Brazil, and brought us the latest trends in tiles. Hot off the stands, we bring them to you in a spectacular visual feast from page 60.

Marlene van Rooyen

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free www.mediainafrica.co.za MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION

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SHOPFRONT

Broad portfolio of products

for architectural coatings and construction

hether for roofs, floors or walls – BASF offers the broadest and most versatile portfolio when it comes to formulating paints and construction chemical products for interior or exterior applications. At the European Coatings Show in Nuremberg in March, BASF presented new products and future-oriented technologies in the field of dispersions, effect pigments, pigment preparations, resins and additives. With the focus on environmentally friendly solutions that convince consumers of their performance and quality, BASF presented the following highlights during the trade fair.

Interior paints that offer added value For several years now consumers have been calling for eco- and health-friendly wall paints. With its water-based binders sold under the Acronal brand, BASF offers odour-free dispersions that are low in VOCs and free from formaldehyde and APEO. But the binders can do more than that; when interior wall paints based on Acronal DS 6282 X are used, stains can be washed off the wall without leaving any residue. Even sophisticated and flat matt paints are made more robust and long-living by the binding agent. Owing to the good binding properties of Acronal DS 6270, interior paints maintain their original shade – hence this pure acrylate dispersion is particularly suitable for the dark and strong colours that are currently fashionable.

New inorganic grades BASF also launched new inorganic grades for Luconyl NG, the aqueous pigment preparations for architectural paints and coatings. The label-free Luconyl NG range is both VOC- and APEOfree, while also conforming to the GHS 2015 standard. It covers a wide colour range and features excellent durability for waterbased and solar heat management façade coating systems.

Functional pigments for solar heat management Unbearably hot dark surfaces exposed to sunlight are a thing of the past. The innovative pigments and pigment preparations from BASF like Paliogen Black, Sicopal Black, Xfast Black or Luconyl NG Black make it possible to formulate surface coatings that significantly reduce the heating effect in sunlight despite their dark colour. BASF also featured stylings (formulated coatings) for architecture and construction applications based on its special solar heat management techniques.

Polymers for the construction industry

Firemist Velvet Pearl EH 921 (9P130I) is an effect pigment for decorative applications based on a new BASF technology that enables a unique effect that hasn’t been possible before: matte appearance and sparkling in directed light. Applied in decorative paints, Firemist Velvet Pearl EH 921 provides the unique character of patinated surfaces.

Modern materials need to meet all environmental standards and, at the same time, ensure fast and easy processing. With its dispersions, powders and additives, BASF offers a comprehensive range of raw materials for the manufacturing of construction chemicals, which are free from APEO, ammonia and formaldehyde. The low-odour and low-VOC dispersions sold under the brand name Acronal are particularly well suited for the formulation of floorcoverings and tile adhesives that meet the requirements of the EC 1 or Der Blaue Engel (The Blue Angel) environmental labels.

Innovative solutions for exterior wood applications

Waterproofing membranes and sealants – efficient and powerful

As the leading manufacturer of polymer dispersions BASF also offers a comprehensive and environmentally friendly portfolio of binders and primers for exterior applications. Transparent and semi-transparent wood coatings based on Acronal DS 6288 X can be applied easily and evenly, are absorbed quickly and have good adhesive properties – even when exposed to humidity. This ensures that wooden patio furniture or decking is much longer lasting, and this binder is suitable for satin as well as matt varnishes that are applied to tropical wood such as Bangkirai.

Cementitious waterproofing membranes that protect buildings from water ingress are made more powerful and efficient by Acronal, excellently bonding to all kinds of substrates. At the same time they are particularly flexible and ensure a high crack-bridging ability, even at low temperatures. Acrylic sealants containing Acronal do not need plasticisers that may migrate to the surface after application. Hence, sealants can be painted over easily and their adhesive qualities last for years. Due to their easy handling and high performance, they are a genuine alternative to silicone sealants in many fields. v

New pigment

Nanotechnology The COL.9 nano-based binder not only makes façades look great for longer. From now on, even substrates such as concrete, stone or tiles can be coated with COL.9. This means that annoying tyre marks or oil stains on garage floors are a thing of the past. However, the functional principle is the same for both façade and

floor applications: the binder combines the benefits of synthetic resin dispersions with those of silicates. The organic part of the binder – the acrylic resin – ensures sufficient elasticity while the mineral part lends the coloured coating the required rigidity. This makes coatings particularly resilient as well as resistant to dirt and chemicals.

BASF Holdings South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 011 203 2422 Fax 011 203 2430 E-mail: petra.bezuidenhout@basf.com Website: www.basf.co.za

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SHOPFRONT

ARCELOR MITTAL

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ARCELOR MITTAL

SHOPFRONT

The versatility of aluminium shutters In numerous locations, aluminium roller shutters are used as a security barrier – but they also have a number of other uses. For example: they can be used to close up an entire house or commercial building when it is unoccupied; they function as both a wall and security barrier for shopfronts; and can act as room dividers when a large space needs to be divided up.

ightweight, compact and unobtrusive, Trellidor Rollerstyle shutters are available in a number of curtains designs, from solid slats that provide a complete black-out to perforated slats that allow varying degrees of air circulation and filtered light, assisting with internal climate control. “Our shutters have been used to create safe havens in homes by closing off the bedroom area. They’ve been used as exterior walls for patios, opening up the area when in use and protecting it from bad weather or theft at night. They’ve even been used to protect exotic fish tanks from the heat of the midday sun,” commented Wayne Halgryn, Trellidor project manager. The shutters are quiet and easy to operate. Automated units are fitted with Somfy motors and can be remote-controlled. Somfy are the recognised worldwide leaders in this technology, and the system is wireless with manual override in case of power failure, an essential feature where electricity supply is unreliable. When not in use, Trellidor Rollerstyle shutters roll up out of sight into a neat shutter box, which can be concealed in the wall if installed in a new building, but still accessible for maintenance. Retro-fitted units will have an exposed but compact shutter box. Trellidor franchises countrywide have seen an increased demand for Trellidor Rollerstyle shutters, especially in projects where conventional security barriers are unsuitable. The new range is guaranteed by Trellidor and manufactured to the same high standards expected of this well-respected brand. v

Trellidor Rollerstyle aluminium shutters can be used to cordon off a safe area within the home.

Trellidor Rollerstyle aluminium shutters • Are inconspicuous and discreet • Are lightweight and easy to operate • Provide excellent insulation and noise reduction • Roll up into a neat, compact shutter box • Can be automated with manual override in case of power failure

Automated Trellidor Rollerstyle shutters can be programmed to close at designated times to protect precious items such as this exotic fish tank, which needs shade from the midday sun.

Trellidor Rollerstyle Tel: 031 5827460 Email: enquiries@trellidor.co.za Website:www.trellidor.co.za

SHOPFRONT ADVERTORIAL

Bespoke

Glass and aluminium solutions to improve air conditioning

CGA Fenestrations (Pty) Ltd (CGA) is a leading manufacturer and installer of bespoke glass and aluminium solutions to the construction and infrastructure development industries, and a company within the Accentuate Limited group.

Technal International Products at the new college in Phokeng, Rustenburg

perating primarily in the manufacturing and installation area, with design and specification being an additional service they offer their customers, using their years of experience and qualified professionals in their specialised area. CGA Fenestrations has grown to become a major player within the construction industry, and is proud to be one of seven accredited manufacturers and installers of the internationally acclaimed Technal International product range in South Africa, CGA is currently the largest installer of these aluminium systems in the country. Technal offers a unique range of aluminium systems, curtain walling, doors, and windows for the building industry. During the past 50 years of creation and innovation, Technal has established

an unrivalled reputation, and has become a market leader in Europe in aluminium joinery throughout a wide range of sectors and industries. Technal has had ISO 9001 certification in place since early 1993, and since 2004 has also been certified ISO 14001 certified, for the sustainable management of its Toulouse headquarters in France.Â Now active in more than 70 countries, Technal has always been developing close relationships with architects and metal builders throughout the world. One of the larger projects that has been successfully completed by CGA recently was the installation of a wide selection of Technal products and high performance glass from GSA for a new college in Phokeng, Rustenburg, built for the Royal Bafokeng administration, working under the main contractors,

SHOPFRONT ADVERTORIAL

The college was built for the Royal Bafokeng administration

JST-Stephanutti Stocks JV. This project represents one of the largest installations of Technal products so far completed in South Africa. “The Technal Aluminium system with performance glass, combined with other building techniques, designed by the architects and successfully implemented by JST-Stephanutti Stocks JV, which cater for the local environment, has made this building energy-efficient with no need for air conditioning systems in 95% of the building, which in turn provides a saving on electricity consumption,” says CGA’s Business Development Manager, Herman Prinsloo. v CGA Fenestrations (Pty) Ltd Tel: 012 666 8000 E-mail: sales@cgaf.co.za Website: www.cgaf.co.za

SHOPFRONT

Introducing fresh colours

– laminate range

G Bison, one of South Africa’s leading panel product manufacturers and distributors, recently added a wide range of exciting new colours to its collection of High Pressure Laminate (HPL) products, as well as five new gloss Melamine Faced Boards. PG Bison marketing manager Jason Wells says, “The aim of increasing the amount of colours and textures is in line with PG Bison’s design-focused approach.” “Designers are continuously looking for interesting colour, textural and patterned inspirations, and PG Bison’s range of Formica HPL and LifeSeal Worktops in the newly launched Fresh colour options are the ideal solution.” Along with the new colours, the old favourites were also maintained, says Wells. “Along with the 37 brand new colours, 28 existing colours were preserved, as well as 19 existing imported colours, 19 existing colours that have been commercially matched and four new high gloss black granite colours. All these now form part of PG Bison’s standard stock ranges. Of course, additional international ranges are still available for unique specifications, but these are subject to lead times.”

Surface finishes The tactile qualities of texture can really add to the visual impact of colour and pattern. Currently, PG Bison’s Formica HPL is available in the following finishes – Glaze, Gloss, Satin, Loglare and Woodtex. However, along with the introduction of new colours, PG Bison has also added three new surface finishes to its range, Crystal – a deep-etched finish; Fine Grain – a raised, natural texture; and Enhanced Gloss – offering a high gloss finish with a higher scuff resistance for horizontal applications. Each of the new colours will only be available as a stock item in a specific surface finish. If a different surface finish is required, a lead time of 8-10 weeks will apply, and pricing and minimum quantities need to be confirmed

New colours available in Formica HPL and LifeSeal Worktops • Formica High Pressure Laminate (HPL): Formica HPL offers the most versatile of surfacing materials, providing an unbeatable low maintenance, durable and dependable surface that will

continue to look good for many years. Formica HPL is fabricated using sheets of resin-impregnated kraft paper, together with a resin-impregnated décor paper for the surface. These sheets are pressed together under high heat and pressure so that the resins bond the construction together into a homogenous decorative laminate. It provides an easily cleanable and hygienic surface, making it an excellent choice for kitchen surfaces. It is also extensively used in shopfitting and work surface areas such as desks and reception counters. • LifeSeal Worktops: Combining a substrate or core of quality BisonBord and a surface of Formica HPL, Formica LifeSeal Worktops merges the durability and strength of its two constituent components to create versatile work surfaces. Formica LifeSeal Worktops are further enhanced by the addition of a balancing backing material (applied to the exposed underside of the top), together with a resin sealant LifeSeal strip. This strip is applied on the postformed edge where the Formica HPL meets the BisonBord, which protects the joint from moisture. Formica LifeSeal Worktops offer the same exceptional characteristics of Formica HPL, making them an excellent choice for work surfaces in places such as the kitchen, where hygiene is of utmost importance. During installation, all exposed edges, including the back-edge, joints and cut-outs for sinks and stovetops need to be sealed with a suitable sealant, such as exteriorgrade varnish, to protect from moisture ingress. LifeSeal Worktops will migrate from 3,530mm to 3,660mm in length, which will be a phased approach as old stocks run out and are replaced by the new laminate sheet sizes.

New glossy Melawood As part of PG Bison’s Fresh Colours launch, for the first time, five new MelaWood colours will be available in a gloss finish. These include Black Gloss, Charcoal Gloss, Light Grey Gloss, Burgundy Gloss, White Gloss. Only suitable to vertical applications, the Gloss Melawood will only be available in a sheet size of 2 800mm x 2 070mm and with a thickness of 16mm. This product will boast two gloss surfaces, supplied with a protective film on both sides for transport. Matching impact edging is also available. v PG Bison Tel: 086 010 9379 Website: www.pgbison.co.za

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Earthy new colour palette

ADVERTORIAL

inspired by nature

Continually in demand in South Africa, Dulux Weatherguard exterior paint has recently received a colourful makeover with the launch of seven new earthy shades set to transform homes around the country. Inspired by nature, Weatherguard’s new palette has been developed from the findings of intensive research conducted into current trends, as well as in-depth consultation with colour experts.

“T

hough brighter colours are slowly making their way onto exterior surfaces, it still seems that South African consumers prefer to colour the exterior of their homes with a palette that echoes our unique and beautiful outdoor environment. With an increasing awareness of greening our planet, trend mapping confirms our need to connect and co-exist with nature, and what better way to start than with the home,” explains Dulux’s colour expert, Sonica Bucksteg. “The new Weatherguard range of colours (Leopard’s Lair, Bushveld, Karoo Land, Cinnamon Dove, Valerian Clay, Nightingale Grey and Pheasant Feather) has been inspired by elements in nature that we are familiar with, from clay and stone to the colours of the vast open spaces of the Karoo. The mesmerising colour display of our local animals has also served as our muse, including the regular feathered visitors to our gardens and the wondrous wild animals in our national parks,” adds Bucksteg. Though the new colours have lent the brand a fashionable and contemporary look and feel, Weatherguard remains one of South Africa’s most popular and trusted exterior paints to protect your home against all weather conditions.

Claimed to be flexible and continues to be the paint of choice when it comes to covering hairline cracks (between one and two millimetres) prevalent in South African plaster work. The textured paint hides minor imperfections and is tough, durable and waterresistant. Furthermore, the tried and tested brand offers superior fade resistance ensuring lasting coverage and radiant colour for longer. Wheatherguard is also available in a smooth finish and Ultratex (which is an even heavier textured finish). “Though Weatherguard’s existing colours remain a popular choice, our new palette has been exceptionally well received with the recently launched shades already making their way onto the exterior walls of South African homes. We firmly believe that with Weatherguard’s refreshed palette of colours, people will be inspired to change the look and feel of their homes and enhance their living spaces,” says Dulux brand manager Mayan Desai. “Colouring our world remains an important part of the Dulux philosophy, and while Weatherguard’s DNA of flexibility and durability will enable the brand to continue doing its job of covering hairline cracks as well as minor imperfections, it will also transform the appearance of South African homes, whilst adding superior protection against all weather conditions,” concludes Desai. With South Africa’s natural beauty serving as Weatherguard’s colourful inspiration, people cannot but be compelled to give the exterior of their homes a refreshing new makeover. With Weatherguard’s durable and flexible offering, the result will be one of lasting quality, protection and colour that echoes South Africa’s exceptional landscapes. v Dulux Trade Tel: 011 861 1000 E-mail: info@dulux.co.za Website: www.duluxtrade.co.za

SHOPFRONT

Dual protection from pests and crime

n searching for a solution to keep flies, snakes and criminals out of his newly built home, Lephalale resident Polla Coetzee opted to secure the entire house with Trellidor Clear Guard security screens and is delighted with the results. Trellidor Ellisras franchise owner Abrie Loubser is equally happy with a job well done, and a customer that has already begun recommending his product to others.

Avoid being pestered by insects and snakes while enjoying the outdoors by enclosing the patio with Trellidor Clear Guard screens.

Trellidor Clear Guard security screens: • Help deter thieves, insects and snakes • Are attractive and streamlined in appearance • Are corrosion-resistant even in coastal conditions • Carry a Trellidor warranty

The biggest attraction of Trellidor Clear Guard for Mr Coetzee was the fact that the high-tensile stainless steel mesh screens making up the majority of the product allow clear views of the outside. His house is situated on picturesque farmland with lovely views of the Waterberg Mountains and it was important to both himself and his wife that these views were not obscured. “We’ve enclosed our patio on all sides with Trellidor Clear Guard screens which means we can sit outside without being bothered by annoying insects or snakes, and our furniture is safe from theft when we’re not at home,” he said. Abrie Loubser commented, “Trellidor Clear Guard was only recently added to our product range and this installation of 52 units was a fantastic and welcome challenge for us. We measured, designed, manufactured and installed security screens individually for the patio, all the windows and the external doors. The range of product designs included French doors, sliding doors panels, hinged doors, casement windows and sliding window units.” The sliding Trellidor Clear Guard window screens proved ideal for rooms where space was limited. They slide open and closed sideways, taking up little space and allowing easy access to the windows for cleaning purposes. Each Trellidor Clear Guard units consists of an aluminium frame fully surrounding the industrial-grade stainless steel mesh screen. The screen keeps out pests such as flies, mosquitoes and snakes, which are a nuisance for all residents in this region. The units, having surpassed a number of internationally recognised strength tests, also help deter criminals. v

Trellidor Clear Guard security screens are unobtrusive and can be fitted to almost any door or window style.

Trellidor Clear Guard Tel: 031 5827460 Email: enquiries@trellidor.co.za Website: www.trellidor.co.za

SHOPFRONT

New paint uses nanotechnology to protect building exteriors Paint manufacturer Duram has launched Duram NanoTech, a selfcleaning exterior wall paint that uses nanotechnology to develop a dynamic, protective molecular layer. A first in South Africa, this paint contains self-cleaning, photocatalytic nanoparticles which are continually energised by the sun’s UV rays, even on cloudy days, to loosen and decompose dirt, mildew, fungi, algae and pollution.

performance, even though the technology is still in its infancy. “We are constantly on the hunt for ground-breaking technologies that will enhance the benefits of our paint, as in the case of NanoTech where we monitored international trends before we developed it to change the South African paint market,” says Greaves. NanoTech’s active ingredient is energised by the sun,

“Being a small, independent paint manufacturing company has given us an advantage in introducing new concepts and technologies into the paint market,” says Simon Stekhoven, CEO of Duram. “Likewise, size is important in NanoTech. Microscopic-sized nanoparticles (each less than a millionth of a millimetre in size) are integrated into the molecular structure of the paint giving performance and protection that far exceed the traditional pigments used in conventional paint,” says Stekhoven. Duram has designed this new generation of paint technology to include a protective layer of ‘sunblock’ that is embedded in the paint, helping to preserve its vivid colour. “We have needed to adopt a strategy of innovation in order to compete with the larger, established paint brands in South Africa. We have found being focused on sourcing new raw materials and internationally developed technology has given us the edge,” says Stekhoven. According to Duram’s Technical Manager, Ken Greaves, the company has seen how nanotechnology can vastly improve paint

continually working to ensure a longer attractiveness of the building years after exposure, unlike conventional paints that deteriorate over time. Ideal for the South African environment, the nanoparticles offer excellent protection against our extreme conditions, specifically the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. In addition to NanoTech’s enticing enhanced weatherprotective qualities and self-cleaning nature, the paint has an inbuilt hardness, is scrub-resistant and requires low maintenance. Duram has designed a pure acrylic formulation with a smooth matt finish that resists fading and chalking, bridges hairline cracks and minor imperfections, with an 8-year guarantee. As an environmentally friendly product working with nature to self-clean, NanoTech is water-based, non-toxic, lead- and heavy metal-free with no added harmful ingredients. v Duram (Pty) Ltd Tel: 0800 500 222 Website: www.duram.co.za

100% Made in Italy tile range to transform spaces “Flow”, a new product by Ceramiche Caesar, is the ideal mix between a contemporary look and high technical performance. The product is the result of intensive research and 100% Made in Italy manufacturing, boasting six colours in a comprehensive range of chromatic shades. With its three available surface finishes, natural, bright and miniscratched, Flow can be used in both residential and large commercial venues. For more information, visit www.caesar.it, to which full acknowledgement and thanks are given.

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U.S. ceramic tile market on a roll Coverings 2011 – often regarded as the most important exhibition in the ceramics industry for the American market – will be taking place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas from 14-17 March 2011, and Roberto Fabbri, chairman of the bourgeoning ABK Group, is really looking forward to it. “The American market is really delivering in terms of both product spread and demand, and turnover, which rose by 31% in 2010. Coverings is the perfect opportunity to meet American customers and for us to present our new collections, which are freely inspired by the natural world,” he says. “The U.S. still offers ceramics manufacturers significant opportunities for growth and with this year’s stateside exhibition, we hope to repeat past significant successes with these new products,” he concludes. The new ABK collections rediscover the charm and the colours and textures of nature’s finest woods and stones and, for high-impact interiors that ooze personality, they are the perfect choice to create floors and walls attuned to contemporary living that will stand the test of time.

ABK Group Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A. Tel: +39 0535 761311 Website: www.abk.it

Supreme-quality acrylic roof paint Plascon has a long and proud history of innovation in the paint industry with its roots established in South Africa over a century ago. Supplying paint and related materials to the industrial and commercial sectors as well as the retail market has made Plascon South Africa’s premier paint provider. A strong synergy of research, technology, people, products and partners has made this position of leadership possible. Plascon SA was the first South African paint company to manufacture ready-mixed products, and it continues this tradition by bringing many new products and improvements to the market. One such development is Plascon Nuroof – a high-quality acrylic roof paint. Plascon Nuroof keeps the roof looking new for longer by protecting it from harsh weather conditions and environmental pollutants, because it contains a unique

Enviroshield formulation with a UV-resistant protector, ensuring that the roof retains its colour and beauty for longer. This advanced acrylic roof paint is an extremely durable, weather-resistant coating that is ideal for both cementitious and galvanised roofs, particularly as it is guaranteed for seven years (excluding flat roofs). It may also be used on cladding, galvanised garage doors, galvanised gutters and downpipes. Easily applied by brush, roller or airless spray, Nuroof can be overcoated within one hour, thus enabling two coats to be applied during the same day. In addition, the equipment can be cleaned simply with water after use. Available in 5-litre and 20-litre cans, Nuroof is provided in a range of attractive colours which dry to an attractive sheen finish. Plascon Nuroof Tel: 086 020 4060 E-mail: advice@plascon.co.za Website: www.plascon.co.za

SHOPFRONT

Quality glass installations and services, completed to AAMSA’s requirements

A well-kept secret revealed

aj Govender of Govender’s Aluminium & Glass of Johannesburg has been running a tight ship of glazing installations since 1991 (20 years) and has built up a reputation for the company that has seen it go from strength to strength on a reputation of repeat business. The philosophy of this B-BBEE Level 1 company has been one of utmost integrity, people advancement and training which has resulted in a staff complement of highly competent glazing specialists, with a reputation for superior quality. This can be attested to by all who have worked with Govender’s over time and refer to them as their preferred glazing partner. These preferences are based on Govender’s providing superior quality installations and service; sensitivity to price; the establishment of excellent working relationships; steady growth and sound management principles. The list of impressive projects undertaken by Govender’s ranges from glazing repair work and maintenance; upmarket homes; complete internal glazing of entire shopping centres such as Alberton City; very impressive glass curtain walls (new Head Office for Basil Read); and even an accumulative series of projects at OR Tambo International Airport totalling R60-million. All of the glasswork and cladding one sees whilst boarding the Gautrain at the Rhodesfield, Malboro and OR Tambo Stations was competently completed to the entire satisfaction of the professional teams on these projects. Govender’s work is always completed to the requirements of AAAMSA and the National Building Regulations and where necessary verified by a Certified Professional Façade Engineer.

Another of the great feats of Govender’s worth mentioning is their perpetual ability to deliver work on time and within budget, without the unpleasant surprise of the extras and under-quoted ‘add-ons’ for which so many in the glass industry are notorious. The current economic situation for the glass industry is a tough one, with many glazing companies going through trying times as the pinch is felt in the slowdown of the building industry. Raj Govender comments, “The winning recipe to weather this economic climate is to design and value-engineer glasswork with products that do not compromise on quality and effectiveness, and to be batting well at a time when pricing is so competitive and there is no room for any fat at all.” “If you are not completely on top of your projects, this leaves you in a position where making even the slightest error can render losses of a magnitude that is difficult to absorb.” “The precariousness of a situation like this requires unrelenting care and sharp attention to detail. Utmost reliance on well-trained staff is of great importance because they can be a source of costly mistakes should their training be a little bit shaky. All businesses need to heed this, and well-trained staff enables Govender’s to be ideally poised to handle this type of situation,” he concludes. v Govender’s Aluminium & Glass Tel 011 334 2621 Fax 011 334 6051 E-mail: dennis@gag.co.za Web: www.gag.co.za

Govenders Aluminium & Glass cc

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With quality to be proud of ...we have it covered Team players in glazing project management specializing in always being;

LOGO

• With exceptional levels of technical expertise • Highly competitive

Govenders Aluminium & Glass Cnr. Durban & End streets, City and Suburban, Johannesburg 2001 Tel: (011) 334 2621 • Fax: (011) 334 6051 Web: www.gag.co.za • E-mail: dennis@gag.co.za

• Timeous • On budget • Programme conscious

BEE RATING LEVEL 1 19

CONCEPTS & VISIONS

The Fuji television building in Japan The Fuji Television Head Office Building is a famous 123,45 m tall building in Tokyo. The building design, which was done by Tange Associates, divides the building space into an office tower and a media tower linked by three enclosed pedestrian bridges that strengthen the structure and make it highly earthquake- resistant. The massive silver ball at the top of the building is an observation platform made of titanium. The area is 32 m in diameter, allows for a 270° view and it weighs 1200 tons. During construction, the spherical observation platform was built on the roof of the 7th floor and then raised to the 25th floor with a hydraulic jack.

Dancing House in Prague Croatian-born Czech architect Vlado Milunic designed the strikingly modern building, which is nicknamed “Dancing House”, in co-operation with Canadian-born architect Frank Gehry in 1994-1996. The building looks like two people dancing together and holding hands, with a skirt that sways to the music. The nickname “Fred & Ginger” is also often used to refer to the building (referring to the legendary dance duo, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers).

CONCEPTS & VISIONS

Dancing House stands out amongst other historic attractions in Prague, such as the NeoBaroque, Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings the city is famous for. The ultra-modern design was controversial at the time, causing a big public debate. Ten years down the line, however, the house has its place amongst the main architectural attractions in Prague.

Public library in Kansas Designed by Loredana Sava Architect, the Kansas City Public Library with its book theme is considered to be one of the most unusual-looking buildings in the world. “I know that we live in a high-tech society, that everything revolves around computers, mobile phones and the Internet, but I still think that books have a very important role in our formation as adults, as they educate us, develop our imagination and improve our vocabulary and many other features,” wrote Sava in an article on Homedit.com. The walls of the building look like a row of books that are neatly packed together, showing only the title and the author of famous books such as Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (published in 1962) and the satirical, historical novel Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. “It is a unique way of advertising and I don’t know for sure if it worked or not, but I honestly like the idea and the building,” said Sava.

Wonderworks Museum in Florida The upside-down Wonderworks building in Orlando, Florida, looks like a building that was ripped out of the ground (soil, concrete and palm trees hanging suspended) and placed firmly on its roof. The 82-foot (78,8 m) tall building is flipped over with its triangular pediment rooted into the pavement. The right-hand corner of the building looks as though it is flattening a 20th century brick warehouse. The Wonderworks building was designed to emphasise the way-out activities that take place on the inside (including a Titanic exhibit and a hurricane ride with 65 mph winds). v

GREEN DESIGN

More local commercial buildings achieve

green star ratings By the end of 2010, the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) announced that there are now three buildings in South Africa which have been certified under the GBCSA’s Green Star SA rating system, one of these achieving both a Design and an As Built Certification.

he green projects are Nedbank Phase II in Sandton, Nedbank Ridgeside in Durban North and the Villa Mall in Pretoria. These buildings are the first to achieve independent certification in SA, with many more in the pipeline. “We are excited that we are covering both office and retail centre buildings with our current ratings tools, and very pleased with the take up of these tools in the South African market.” says Bruce Kerswill, GBCSA Executive Chairperson. The GBCSA, after launching the Green Star SA Office v1 and Green Star SA Retail Centre v1, have awarded four certifications to date and received applications from 15 other projects. “While a number of projects are working towards the Green Star SA standards and benchmarks and even more using the tool as a guideline, four certifications have already been awarded,” explains Manfred Braune, Technical Executive of the GBCSA.

About the projects Nedbank Phase II in Sandton This 45 000m2 extension of Nedbank’s existing head offices in Sandton Johannesburg Sandton was the first project in SA to achieve a 4 Star Green Star SA Office Design v1 rating in October of 2009 as well as a 4 Star Green Star SA Office As Built v1 rating in September 2010. The project scored highest under the Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ), Management and Transport categories of the Green Star SA tool. The building is designed to capture and recycle rainwater and reuses it in the building. The project has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment for an onsite blackwater treatment plant (sewage treatment) that is pending approval from the authorities. The water savings will largely be achieved through the use of water efficient fixtures and fittings, as well as the rainwater treatment plant. To save energy the project has also included an efficient central air-conditioning plant, variable speed drives for air-conditioning and an individually addressable digital lighting control system. Nedbank Phase II also includes a a CO2 monitoring system and maximised external views – these are all initiatives that improve the indoor environment quality, and impact on the occupants’ health, comfort and productivity.

Nedbank Ridgeside in Durban North This 300m2 new office building in Umhlanga Ridge received a 4 Star Green Star SA Office Design v1 rating. Developed by Zenprop, with Nedbank as the tenant, the architecture is “contemporary, but with a strong ecologically sustainable design influence” says David Talbot of dhk architects, the lead architects on the project. Increased fresh air rates, a CO2 monitoring and control system, large amounts of natural light and external views, the use of low VOC paints (Volatile Organic Compounds) and low formaldehyde composite wood products all contributed to Nedbank Ridgeside

GREEN DESIGN

The Villa Mall scored highest under the Management, Energy, Transport and Water categories of the Green Star SA tool.

receiving a high score for Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ). In terms of energy efficiency, the office building boasts an efficient central air-conditioning plant, highly efficient fluorescent office lighting design and a light switching zoning strategy. The water savings will largely be achieved through the use of water efficient fixtures and fittings, as well as through rainwater capture and recycling, as well as reduced potable water requirements for landscaping.

The Villa Mall in Pretoria This 130 000m2 shopping centre in Pretoria was the first project in South Africa to achieve a Green Star SA – Retail Centre Design v1 rating in October of last year. The centre was being developed by Capicol and planned to have over 300 tenants. Construction stopped in 2010. “The Villa Mall scored highest under the Management, Energy, Transport and Water categories of the Green Star SA tool,” says Braune. In the Management category, this was achieved largely through committing to extensive commissioning of equipment, quarterly monitoring for the year after practical completion, as well as the development of a ‘green lease’ that tenants were signing. The goal of the green lease was to ensure that quantities of energy, water and waste are monitored, tracked and improvements targeted annually, with related responsibilities between the landlord and tenant recorded in the green lease.

design, the building is also planned have a large photovoltaic (PV) array on the roof of the parking deck. According to the design, the PV array will be the largest in the country to be located on a building – approximately 2MW peak power. Approximately 5 500 PV panels will be used to cover an area of 40 000 m2. The planned water savings will largely be achieved through the use of water efficient fixtures and fittings, as well as through grey water (shower and basin water) and rainwater capture and recycling, and reduced potable water requirements for landscaping due to selection of plants that will not require irrigation - these are all aspects included in the project design. According to WSP Group, potable water consumption for landscape irrigation will be reduced by 50%. “We are very excited to have awarded our first 4 Green Star SA certifications and with the number of applications coming in. It is a significant task for developers to put together a submission and the fact that we are seeing good uptake of the tools shows that the South African property industry is ready to adopt global best practices in green building,” concluded Nicola Milne, CEO of the GBCSA. Construction has halted at the Villa Mall indefinitely. For more information, visit www.gbcsa.org.za, to which full thanks and acknowledgement is given. v

PV panels at Villa – largest in the country

Besides energy efficient Variable Refrigerant Volume systems for air-conditioning of tenancies and a highly efficient lighting

green design ADVERTORIAL

GLASS BRICK CLADDING

is versatile, efficient, sustainable and good-looking

Having been in operation for almost 40 years in South Africa, Aluglass Bautech has grown – both in size and reputation – to become one of the foremost manufacturers and suppliers of acoustic products, doors and partitions, shower doors and sun control products in the country.

is manufactured to exacting EN and ISO standards, with test certificates available for fire resistance, acoustic values, bulletproof competency, and much more. It provides contemporary architecture with a new advantage: a more precise control of thermal dispersion to protect the environment.

Energy-saving and thermal technologies

ne highly successful range within the extensive Aluglass Bautech sales programme is the Seves range of quality glass blocks. Aluglass offers new solutions to architects and design professionals focused on long-term sustainability, who will appreciate the strong aesthetic impact of building façades made entirely of glass blocks. Amongst the many features that Seves glass blocks bring to any project is innovative technology, which reduces thermal transmittance of the classic glass block by up to 50%. It also reduces the expenditure of energy through the glass blocks, thus improving their energy efficiency – keeping the heat inside during winter months and blocking the heat out during the summer. As glass block is entirely recyclable at the end of its lifecycle, it is also safeguarding the environment. The Seves range of glass blocks is imported from Europe and

Glass blocks provide a series of technical characteristics often found only in other building materials and they offer important solutions for two fundamental construction needs: energy saving and security. Apart from being able to moderate light (depending on the design, colour and finishing of the glass block as well as how the wall or structure is created), glass blocks can also provide significant levels of thermal and acoustic insulation, impact resistance, and resistance to fire. Thanks to these high-performance features, glass blocks can used in critical applications such as railway stations, seismic zones, or in any project requiring specific technical characteristics. One of the most important characteristics in a security material such as glass block is its capacity – be it a single element or a component in a wall – to resist mechanical strain, thermal shock and to provide an effective barrier in case of fire, giving occupants time to run to safety. In certain instances, specifically designed glass blocks can guarantee thermal insulation levels superior to those of conventional walls of equal thickness, therefore contributing to the conservation of the environment and the overall comfort of the interior space.

Using glass blocks in noisy areas Glass blocks contain an inner air chamber that provides elevated levels of acoustic insulation, thus permitting the use of these blocks in loud and noisy environments, and Seves dedicates a complete line of high-performance glass blocks, called Technology, to these technical characteristics.

Green design INTERIOR ADVERTORIAL

Testing of the new energy-saving glass blocks The new ENERGY SAVING glass blocks have been subjected to the following laboratory tests in addition to the standard tests required to obtain CE certification in accordance with norm UNI EN 1051-2. • Compressive strength test on the bearing surface of the glass block in accordance with norm EN 1051/1:2005

• Thermal endurance test in accordance with norm EN 1051/2:2008 • G-Value calculation in accordance with norm EN 410:2000 • U-Value calculation in accordance with norm EN 673:2005 • Sound insulation test in accordance with norm EN ISO 717/1:2007

Sustainable and ecological technology

reduce the thermal transmission caused by convective motion. The result is a classic glass block, such as the famous Pegasus (19 cm x 19 cm x 8 cm) that can reach a thermal transmittance value of U=1,5 W/m² K. The glass block is also eco-friendly because it is entirely recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. It is made from all natural raw materials by a low-impact production process where the excess remnants of one production cycle are used in the next one. Aluglass Bautech stocks a standard range of Seves glass bricks, but regularly imports to give customers the freedom to choose exactly what suits their needs and décor requirements, with a wide range of sizes, designs and colours to choose from. All values are certified by international laboratories, and a copy of the relevant certification can be requested through Aluglass’ technical service department. v

Due to its continual efforts to safeguard the environment and conserve energy, Seves marks an important achievement in glass architecture with the introduction of a more sustainable and ecological technology. Thanks to special investments in the production process, and to ongoing collaboration with national scientific institutes, Seves has redefined and reset the U-value limits for the thermal transmittance of glass. The new and innovative technology modifies the reflective and transmissive properties of the glass block, without altering its mechanical and chemical characteristics.

Thermal transmittance of the glass block reduced by up to 50% Seves developed the ES technology, which effectively reduces the expenditure of energy through glass blocks, thus improving their energy efficiency. With the introduction of a low-emissivity glass plate and pressure-controlled argon gas, ENERGY SAVING (patented by Seves) effectively reduces the thermal transmittance of the glass block up to 50%. The glass plate is inserted between the glass block halves to interrupt the thermal bridge, while the argon gas is added to

Aluglass Bautech Tel: 011 451 8400 Fax: 011 609 8097 E-mail: mailbox@aluglass.co.za Website: www.aluglass.co.za

MALL OF THE NORTH feature

The Mall of the North The Mall of the North is Polokwane’s newest 75 000 m², state-of-the-art super-regional shopping centre. As early as February 2010, over 95% of rented area was signed up by tenants who wanted to book their space at Limpopo’s single largest property investment.

he Mall, which is owned and developed by JSE-listed property company Resilient Property Income Fund, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment and Moolman Group, cost approximately R1,2-billion and officially opened on Thursday, 14 April 2011. The shopping centre features 180 shops, with anchor tenants including two supermarkets in excess of 5 000 m², Pick n Pay and Checkers. A great number of jobs have been created by the construction of the Mall with of the order of 1000 workers on site daily during construction. “Mall of the North is set to reflect the essence of Polokwane by incorporating elements of natural design, texture and local materials to create a leading example of localised shopping that meets international standards,” says Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard.

Texture, light and shadows The external finishes of the centre comprise dry-packed natural stone. “The main focus was on the use of texture, light and shadows. Accent lighting and concealed lighting, rather than floodlighting, create a warm and hospitable atmosphere. The contemporary use of glass and irregular patterns throughout the centre add interesting focal points to the interior of the mall. The use of skylights will ensure natural light reaches through to the lower levels and sliding doors will create permeable space within

the centre. The tiling used within the centre will carry through the theme of a natural setting, with the use of light and earthy colours,” explains Flanagan. When asked to explain the architectural interpretation of the development, Pierre Lahaye of MDS Architecture (the company that designed the Mall of the North) says that the main focus of the centre’s design was to contextualise the building in its environment and give it a sense of place. “The most important aspect for us was to integrate the building into the landscape. Limpopo is characterised and known for its wildlife and bush atmosphere. This was to be emphasised, rather than overshadowed by the centre. We drew inspiration from the surrounding forests and mountains, and have placed a strong emphasis on texture and colour. We have also stressed the importance of being environmentally respectful, and have re-used as much as possible from the site,” says Lahaye.

Changing the city’s skyline The modern roof design of the mall has changed the skyline of the Limpopo city. The design of the roof comprises a series of carefully constructed ellipsoidal domes, each comprising a curved structure made of aluminium and glass. The domes are also functional, enabling an abundance of natural light and thus reducing the number of light fittings needed within the mall. The spine of the larger, dominant dome spans the entire length

mall of the north

MALL OF THE NORTH feature

Contractors involved with the roof of the Mall of the North: • WBHO: Main Contractor • Geustyn Horak: Skylight glazing • Omnistruct: Structural Steel Manufacture and Erection • Robertson Ventilation Industries: Roof Louvres • Roofing Guarantee: Roof Sheeting and flashing

of the skylight. The steel frame structure of the larger dome is fastened directly to the roof – creating an impactful focal point. “The domes present an ultra-light, almost air-borne structure with clean lines – a radical departure from the design reminiscent of older-generation shopping centres,” says Lahaye. The delicate appearance of the many domes, built to withstand high winds, heavy weights and contraction due to heat and cold, is fortified by their superb design. Fitting and placement of the domes had its own set of challenges, explains Johann Kriek of Resilient Property Income Fund. “We are satisfied that we have a near-perfect fit of steel and concrete. To get to this point we have had to comprehensively survey the built structure and ensure that the glazing specialist and contractor work closely,” says Kriek. “The dome structures add interest and an appealing invitation to passers-by. This is no ordinary shopping centre and, in line with this, we have applied every modern feature and design principle to ensure that Mall of the North offers shoppers the best in innovative design whilst being environmentally conscious,” adds Jannie Moolman of Moolman Group.

MALL OF THE NORTH

Getting the roof right “There were a few challenges that needed to be overcome in order to create the concrete domes as well as the upstand beams of the roof,” says Quinton Oliphant, the contracts manager on the project from WBHO. Large amounts of concrete had to be poured and casted within a short amount of time in order to create the complex gutter beams for the roof. The gutter beams consisted from various size concrete beams that were cast in situ.The structural steel beams had to be raised with a crane to get them in position. “A lot of survey time was spent on giving the exact curve of the roof,” explains Oliphant. “The design curve radius changed on the central ‘eye’ skylight while we were constructing the beams. A portion of the beam was already cast when the change came through. It took a bit of fine coordination to marry the on-site situation with the new drawing, and then ensure that the structural steel subcontractor made the steel to the site dimensions. In the end it fitted like the proverbial glove,” said Oliphant.

Abiding by safety laws when constructing intricate roofs The glass atrium roof was created with aluminium panels that rest on a structural steel support skeleton – similar to the shape of a whale skeleton. The intricate roofing system design also had its own challenges regarding safety regulations, Oliphant tells Walls & Roofs magazine. “Parts of the skylights were designed with many interlinking beams at different levels. The strip skylights – the ones bracketing the central eye – required a lot more barricading than was originally anticipated. Because of the different levels workers were lured into walking where barricading was not provided. This situation was rectified to deal with the practicalities and to close off dangerous shortcuts,” says Oliphant. The panels for the glass atrium roof were all measured on site to as-built dimensions. The gaps between the panels were sealed with silicon and the ridges and eaves received aluminium flashing. The smaller dome skylights received louvres.

The sloping site One of the other challenges that needed to be overcome at the Mall of the North was the sloping site. “We needed to blast approximately 120 000 m² of rock in order to create the terraces for the building,” says Oliphant. Blasting the rock deeper than necessary gave us the opportunity to create space for the underfloor services. The rock was crushed on site and the excess rock was used for road building. “The site is in two levels. The Bulk Earthworks contract blasted, cut, and filled to provide level areas. The Mall structure’s two levels were constructed from these level platforms. A modular block retaining wall [Enviro-Wall] separates the upper platform from the lower platform. The modular retaining wall blocks were also used externally to support the School Road above the Mall access road below,” says Oliphant.

Energy efficiency “We wanted the design of the mall to incorporate a number of environmentally friendly features. As a developer, it is crucial to ensure that our future brick and mortar assets are environmentally responsible and as energy-efficient as possible,” says Flanagan. The practical application of the green strategies is evident in the architectural design of the building. “Mall of the North has incorporated careful building measures that have resulted in the reduction of heat loads, maximisation of natural light, the use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials and more,” says Lahaye. The design of the Mall of the North incorporated insulation, white roofing, cavity walls and energy-efficient glass to help to thermally regulate the building. On the western side of the building, which will receive the harshest rays of sun during the day, shading devices were installed to cool the building. The revolving doors at the entrances of the building will ensure the building does not experience great amounts of heat loss during the winter months. The lifts have been designed to store kinetic energy, which will be used for regeneration in the event of a power failure. Escalators will also have motion sensors, effectively running slower when not in use. Solar geysers, gas systems, natural ventilation systems, metered taps and low-flushing mechanisms in bathrooms will all contribute to the expected energy saving.

high-spec products

The lifts have been designed to store kinetic energy, which will be used for regeneration in the event of a power failure. The abundance of natural light in the region was also used to its maximum capacity throughout the centre. Furthermore, energyefficient globes with circuit timers and solar and motion sensors will be used liberally.

Tenants responsible for excessive energy use The entire centre will be monitored by a BMS (Building Management System), which comprises a central network that evaluates energy usage throughout the building. The building owners will also be holding tenants responsible for excessive energy use. “Each tenant will be allocated a

certain amount of power and will be held responsible for any irresponsible use of energy,” adds Kriek. “The tenants will be expected to comply with the NERSA requirements and this prerequisite has been welcomed by tenants, in particular the national retailers. This indicates a growing trend in the joint participation between tenant and landlord in being more ‘green’ conscious,” says Kriek.

Conservation of the environment A strong conservation ethos was applied throughout the development of the Mall of the North. During construction, Continues on page 34

MALL OF THE NORTH

Commercial partitions & gypsum

solutions at

Mall of the North

he question of quality opposed to speed is a controversial and often hotly debated topic for architects and interior designers. Economics and demand require buildings to go up quickly and affordably albeit the potential compromise on quality. Lafarge Gypsum appreciates the need for the two pillars of smart construction, namely time efficiency and cost-effectiveness. While Gypsum products are quick and easy to install without the necessary drying time required for alternate wet trade solutions, they still differentiate great interiors from the average with characteristics that enhance public spaces. Lafarge Plasterboard was extensively used throughout the Mall of the North project. The product is designed for internal ceilings and partitions in retail, commercial and residential applications. It consists of an aerated gypsum core encased in and firmly bonded on both sides with a special plasterboard liner to render a smooth, yet highly functional surface. It offers durable, recyclable properties and superior aesthetic qualities. The preferred product range of Lafarge Gypsum is founded on high quality, consistency and innovative design methods using a unique process.

Lafarge Plasterboard was extensively used throughout the Mall of the North project.

Superior finishes and the strength of solid reinforcement match the speed of installation every time, bringing the divide between architectural lessons of the past and the most advanced technology. Â Lafarge Gypsum profiles innovative products for the future. Lafarge Gypsum South Africa Tel: 011 389 4500 Fax: 011 864 6816

MALL OF THE NORTH

Mall of the North is secure

with roller shutters

oll-Up Serranda’s roller shutters secure both the backof-house openings as well as the shopfronts of many retail outlets at the newly built Mall of the North in Polokwane. Roll-Up Serranda sales consultant Sebastian James worked closely with contractors WBHO as well as the national retail chains to ensure that each door met the specifications and was installed on time. “It was a great project to work on which went very smoothly, from initial tendering in 2009, through manufacturing and early installations in 2010, to the fitting of the last door in March 2011. This is due to our long-standing working relationship with WBHO as well as the competence of Connie de Beer, whose company Uno Systems is Roll-Up Serranda’s agent in the area,” said James. Roll-Up Serranda worked with WBHO during the building of the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup, installing over 117 roller shutters to food outlets and other access doors. These were all solid- panel, galvanised steel doors, some electric and some manual or chain-driven. “We also worked with WBHO during the building of Greenstone Mall in Johannesburg – a project that was similar to The Mall of the North in that we were contracted to install roller shutters at the entrance of many national retail outlets as well as service doors.” The Mall of the North required over 90 doors, ranging in width from three- to eight-metre spans in varying heights. “At Reggies we installed striking red entrance and exit doors as well as a cashier’s service hatch measuring 4m x 1m, showing that we’re able to install a wide spectrum of roller shutters in terms of size and finishes,” said James.

The specifications for Roll-Up Serranda roller shutters varied from industrial galvanised steel manual doors for service areas to electric doors powder-coated in corporate brand colours for retailers such as Game, American Swiss, Sports Scene, Total Sports, Due South, Exact and Ster Kinekor. v

Dual-purpose roller shutters provide both front door and security barrier in a single, space-efficient unit.

Roll-Up Serranda roller shutters: • Can be easily integrated into the building’s design • Can be linked to semi-intelligent electronic security systems • Function as both front or back door and security barrier • Can be customised to reflect branding • Range in size from small counter closures to unusually large openings

Trellicor Roll-Up Serranda Tel: 011 494 5809 Email: dkearney@rollup.co.za Website: www.rollup.co.za

MALL INTERIOR OF THESPACES NORTH feature

MALL OF THE NORTH feature

Continued from page 29

Project team Development and leasing: • Flanagan & Gerard • Moolman Group Investors: • Changing Tides 91 • East & West Investments • Resilient Property Group Total GLA: 75 000 sq m Classification: Super regional shopping centre Location: Polokwane, Limpopo. Situated in the highly accessible area of Bendor on the junction of the N1 (eastern bypass of Polokwane) and the R81 Modjajiskloof (Duiwelskloof ) Road, the shopping mall will provide easy access from the N1, with close proximity to national and provincial roads. Architects: MDS Architecture Quantity Surveyors: Norval Wentzel Steinberg Traffic Engineers: PD Naidoo & Associates Structural & Civil Engineers: L & S Consulting Electrical Engineers: Rawlins Wales & Partners Mechanical Engineers: WSP Group Programme & Tenant Coordination: Orion Project Managers Main Contractor: WBHO

over 200 aloes were removed from the site and cared for in close proximity. On completion of the construction, the natural vegetation was replanted at the centre. Moolman says that this process was a painstaking task. “Some of the rescued aloes are exceptionally tall, and there was a risk of the heads of the plants breaking off during the conservation process. Polokwane has also received a large amount of rain in the past season, and there was also a risk that the aloes would rot,” says Moolman before adding that, despite these complications, almost all of the aloes rescued would be rehabilitated back into their natural environment. Wherever possible the earth, stone and vegetation from the site has been re-incorporated into the development. Natural crushed stone from the site has been used to create the gabions (wire-covered blocks filled with stone) that will be found in and around the centre. The rock has also been incorporated in the road upgrades taking place around the development. By retaining and re-using as much earth and stone as possible on site, fuel emissions are also decreased by eliminating the need to cart this material to landfill sites. It also avoids increasing landfills.

Upgrading the surrounding infrastructure The project also wasn’t without its infrastructure challenges. The owners and developers had to invest around R30-million in a detailed roads project that is based on a long-term view of traffic flow in and around the centre. “Improvements have been planned not only to assist traffic requirements for mall visitors, but also to assist local authorities with overall traffic management,” says Patrick Flanagan. Gaillard Rossouw, Director of PD Naidoo & Associates Consulting Engineers, the company tasked with the road upgrade project, says, “Prior to the construction of the Mall of the North, the big traffic generators were primarily shopping centres on the outskirts of the city and the city itself, and with the construction of the mall and its role in stimulating the local economy, it is likely that traffic will increase”. v

MALL OF THE NORTH feature

Mall of the North reflects inbound solar Thanks to product innovation and ongoing technical improvements brought to the coated steel roofing market by leading Australian multinational BlueScope Steel, the Mall of the North enjoys a significant sustainability advantage over many other mass retail developments elsewhere in the country. The designers, MDS Architects, had the foresight to specify signature BlueScope Steel product Clean COLORBOND™ steel in Cape White colour for the 42 000 m² roof that covers the Mall, supplied via Safintra as Saflok 700 profile. The roof was constructed by Roofing Guarantee. “It is generally accepted that sustainability implies a minimisation of impact over time. It also refers to immediate and ongoing positive impact on operating conditions such as carbon emissions caused by energy usage”, says Wayne Miller, GM of BlueScope Steel’s South African operations. If the future of building is going to be about reducing operating carbon emissions via minimising energy consumption, then known high-end sustainable steel products, such as those supplied by BlueScope Steel, will have a considerable role to play. In addressing the South African roofing products market, BlueScope Steel has committed considerable R&D resources into developing and marketing new and improved ZINCALUME® steel and Clean COLORBOND™ steel which outperform traditional galvanised steel, pre-painted galvanised steel and fibre-cement types of roofing. In addition, the high-performance paint system on Clean Colorbond steel incorporates various sustainability and long-life features including high reflection of incoming solar radiation; exceptional colour retention; anti-chalking; dirt resistance; and antifungal properties. Correctly applied, it should give a lifespan up to four times longer than standard galvanised steel or pre-painted galvanised steel variations in a similar building environment. The white-coloured Clean Colorbond steel minimises the fraction of inbound solar energy absorbed and maximises its reflection – resulting in a cooler roof in summer. BlueScope Steel has specially designed its super polyester paint systems to perform in high-UV environments, so ensuring that thermal performance is maintained over a long period of time. Due to the lighter weight per m2 of the aluminium/zinc coating, heat absorption and emissivity of upper and lower roof surfaces are minimised, so limiting the amount of energy re-radiated upwards and downwards from the roof into the surrounding spaces. BlueScope Steel products locally are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty to perforation, and warranty applications should be applied for prior to commencement of the building to ensure you are using the correct product and so maximise the performance of your roofing/cladding. You can contact BlueScope Steel for more details on its warranty policy and/or requirements. Wayne Miller urges architects to monitor what is happening on site. “You will be doing the client a great service in the long run and making a contribution to sustainable or green building methods. Each roofing panel made from our product has been uniquely branded on the under surface, so check for the brand.” v BlueScope Steel Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel: 021 442 5420 Email: wayne.miller@bluescopesteel.com Website: www.bluescopesteel.co.za

MALL OF THE NORTH ADVERTORIAL

The roofing sheets for the Mall of the North were rolled on-site.

ROOFING

THE MALL OF THE NORTH: SEAMLESS SERVICE MADE THE DIFFERENCE On projects the size and scale of the Mall of the North, teamwork and meticulous planning make the costly difference between a project delivered on time, on brief, and on budget, and a project fraught with costly delays.

MALL OF THE NORTH ADVERTORIAL

team of professionals working in close collaboration is able to rapidly address bottlenecks and unexpected bumps in the implementation process, building lasting relationships of trust and mutual respect. Safintra Roofing was proud to be the supplier of Saflok 700 concealed-fix roofing which was used for the vast roof area of the Mall of the North. The roofing was rolled on site using a mobile mill and, from arrival of material through to completed installation, the contract was delivered seamlessly. Commitment to its clients is a Safintra trademark. This goes far beyond the sourcing of material, the quality of its roll forming and the performance of its leading profiles. Safintra prides itself above all on its client service which goes the extra mile, and makes a real difference to all its customers. Safintra was awarded the prestigious roofing contract for Mall of the North based on a combination of factors including astute material sourcing, its track record of strong project management, and the provision of expert technical support it committed to the implementation team from start to finish. Safintra prides itself on its strong relationships with professionals such as MDS architects and The Roofing Guarantee Company (Mall of the North). The company also worked with Empowered Spaces architects and Cladco for the construction of the Yamaha showroom and offices in Johannesburg. With a national footprint in all major centres, Safintra commits to strong hands-on involvement throughout the project, from initial specification and material sourcing, through the roll forming and on-site installation process, to post-installation support. The project management team is made up of experienced personnel

who remain on the project throughout – continuity is vital, and our clients appreciate the accountability this provides. For the Mall of the North, continual on-site support was provided from the Safintra Polokwane offices, while the material sourcing and logistics were managed from Johannesburg. The mobile mill and material arrived on site as planned and rolling / installation progressed according to the critical path timings, right down to the final sign off. Another recent project, the Heineken brewery, was the largest of its type in South Africa with over 200 000 m² of sheeting and cladding supplied by Safintra, which played a key role in ensuring the project was completed 3 months ahead of schedule. Safintra believes that Service makes a tangible difference to every project, from large to small – Safintra’s philosophy that proves its worth time and again. SAFINTRA currently has sales and roll forming operations in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane and Nelspruit. Safintra Tel: 011 823 4027 Fax: 011 823 4288 Website: www.safintra.co.za

MALL OF THE NORTH

High-security

staff protection at Mall of the North stores

ne of the most exciting recent developments in Polokwane is the massive 75 000 m² Mall of the North shopping centre (the biggest in Limpopo) that boasts 180 new shops offering a wide selection of leading brands and fashion, and Mutual Safes has been in demand to provide turnkey anti-bandit protection for the cash office staff of many of the stores. As part of the mammoth Mutual Safe & Security Group, the Airtube & CIT Safe division is regarded as a preferred supplier – almost a preferred partner – by many of the big retail companies in South Africa and this is endorsed by the number of security solutions that have been provided on this project. Divisional director Dunga Toussaint says, “In an environment such as this the main aim is to protect the staff in the event of a robbery, and for this project we provided Massmart companies Game and Dion Wired with bullet-resistant anti-bandit doors and pay windows, observation windows, bulk cash transfer units, and staff access control. “These are all locally designed, and Game also has a fire escape door that is a little different in that it is on a timer, so when the emergency exit bar is pushed the door doesn’t open immediately – it has a delay that will deter any robbers trying to exit the premises,” says Dunga.

“The access doors provided are interlocked, so when one door is open the other is closed to provide controlled access to the cash office,” she says. “But Massmart was not our only large client on this project, because we also provided complete turnkey installations for Edgars and Shoprite Checkers at the Mall of the North.” Mutual provides three types of anti-bandit doors depending on the level of firearm resistance required: the Mutual Model G1 anti-bandit door provides protection against handguns up to and including 9mm Parabellum; the G2 against handguns up to and including .357 Magnum as well as 12-gauge shotgun firing buckshot; and the G3 can handle AK47 assault rifles up to and including 12- gauge shotgun firing Brenneke cartridges. “For example, the G3 has armour plating on the door, and it is then clad with a veneer of the client’s choice,” says Dunga. “This is a sandwich construction, but as there is staff working in this environment, it must look good – you don’t want them to be faced with a steel door and feel that they are working in a prison all day.” “It must be stressed that these are bullet-resistant doors, which are not burglar- resistant doors – so they are not there to protect the money overnight if somebody comes in with angle grinders, oxy-acetylene equipment and so forth. They are not designed for that; the anti-bandit doors and bullet-resistant windows are there to keep the staff in the cash office secure in the event of a robbery,” says Dunga. “All our products are manufactured in our Pretoria factory, which is certified as compliant with ISO 9001/2008 Quality Management Systems standards. When our clients walk into their new stores the safety products function in the way they are supposed to, and we pride ourselves in offering a complete turnkey project with supply, installation and commissioning all under our control to ensure that the finished installation is up to the standard required for the client to start trading,” she concludes. v Mutual Safe & Security (Pty) Ltd Tel: (012) 803 6051 / 810 9814 E-mail: dunja@mutual.co.za Website: www.mutual.co.za

MALL OF THE NORTH

Putting the finishing touches to the Mall of the North

urban-based Interspray was set the task of carrying out all the painting – interior and exterior – at the prestigious Mall of the North shopping centre in Polokwane which represents the largest building of its type in Limpopo. Interspray has been in existence for 40 years, during which time it has established an enviable reputation for workmanship and client service which qualified it for this project that involved the application of around 72 000 litres of paint covering 190 000 m² of surface area.

“Midas Paints were used for the bulk of the work, which was conducted using conventional painting methods. Plascon and Dulux were also applied in some of the National stores, where specified by the owners of these stores. In addition a large

proportion of the off-shutter concrete soffits were completed using specialised spraypainting equipment,” said Interspray’s Paul Lutchman. “For the majority of the contract period we used our partner Alpheus Masuku to look after the work on site where he managed the +/- 15 painters used on this contract. This number of painters was increased to about 25 for the last 4 weeks to facilitate the handover of the project timeously. Paul Lutchman, who is a major share holder in Interspray, oversaw and managed the contract from his base in Johannesburg. “In conclusion we at Interspray would like to thank main contractors Messrs. WBHO and all their staff for their loyal support of our company,” said managing member Kevin Pitout. v

Interspray Tel: 031 465-4058 / 9 Fax: 031 465-4972 Email: interspr@iafrica.com

INTERSPRAY DURBAN cc Painters & Decorators

INTERSPRAY

Tel: 031 465-4058 / 9 Fax: 031 465-4972 Email: interspr@iafrica.com 3 Forest Place Rossburgh 4094

MALL OF THE NORTH

Fixed Solar Shading Systems • Fixed & Controllable Solar Shading • acoustic louvres Glass Solar Shading Systems • Screening louvres, Rain Defence & Performance louvres

GautenG

Kwa Zulu natal

Tel: +27 11 608 4640 • Fax: +27 11 608 4643 Chris Edwards: 082 855 9776 Email: chrise@robventind.co.za Eric Whelan: 082 452 2257 Email: ericw@robventind.co.za

Tel: +27 31 307 4640 Fax: +27 31 304 6640 Ron Burns: 082 936 0562 Email: ronb@robventind.co.za

Solar Shading Industries is the sole Southern Africa distributers of Colt Solar Shading Systems Technology and Products

MALL OF THE NORTH

Hollow Core slabs for cinema seating!

lthough Coreslab is still only in its fourth year of operation, its reputation for high-quality, factorymade concrete slab products – and meeting clients’ needs – means that the service provided by the company is in considerable demand for a wide range of applications. The advantage of using Coreslab products is that they are factory-made to exact requirements which means there is no risk of poor workmanship, incorrect placing of reinforcement, or under-strength or poorly compacted concrete – all problems that are often encountered on site. They also dispense with the need for shuttering and supports, after-installation cleanup, and on-site storage space, in addition to which there are no time delays due to fixing reinforcement, placing of concrete and the setting, curing and hardening of the concrete. One of the most interesting applications that Coreslab has been involved with recently was the 720 m² high-quality concrete slabs installed for Ster Kinekor’s new cinema at the Mall of the North – which provided the terracing required for the installation of the seating. This is the first time that this product has been used in a cinema application. On this project, Coreslab was approved and ordered by the main contractor, WBHO, who was looking for an alternative to conventional in situ concrete, although the accuracy of these slabs was of paramount importance. Jaco de Bruin, managing director of Coreslab, said, “We measured each cinema before manufacturing the slabs, and site coordination was also very important because we made use of WBHO’s tower crane to assist with the installation.” “These were our standard slabs used in a different application, although we did have to make a few minor changes to suit the

cinemas,” he said. “Also, we used recycled steel for the reinforcement, and the end result is very similar to the slabs that we supply for outdoor stadiums, where we have specific moulds for this purpose.” “By using our slabs, WBHO not only saved on the actual cost of the concrete works but also on time, because we did the cinemas much faster than their original plan to do it with the conventional in situ concrete method,” said De Bruin. Coreslab was established in 2008, manufacturing Rib and Block slabs, together with Hollowcore slabs, and to guarantee that only the highest quality standards are adhered to in the manufacturing of its Hollowcore products, Coreslab uses Spiroll machines imported from England. In addition, to ensure optimum performance, the company has its own workshop and maintenance team. Initially the marketing focus was on the housing sector of the market, but as the news of Coreslab’s cost-saving technology started spreading, the company was soon expanding into new markets, including office buildings, reservoirs, showrooms, shopping centres and governmental projects – and, of course, cinemas! v Coreslab Tel: 082 677 7469 E-mail: info@coreslab.co.za Website: www.coreslab.co.za

MALL OF THE NORTH

CORESLAB is proud to be assosiated with hollow core slab installations at Mall of the North

Manufacturers of Hollow core slabs & related concrete Products The AdvAnTAges of using CoreslAb: • No shuttering or support props are needed • No storage space needed on site • No time delays • No risk of poor workmanship • No ceilings required • 30% Saving on the weight of the floor • Up to 600m2 of Hollow core flooring can be placed in one day

services offered by coreslab: • ASSISTANCE with layout • DESIGN of the floor panels • MANUFACTURE of Hollow core flooring • TRANSPORTATION of floors to site • INSTALLATION of floors

We are the only manufacturers of Hollow Core slabs in Limpopo Cell: 082 677 7469 • 082 677 7487 • 082 442 0807 e-mail: info@coreslab.co.za Adress: Portion 21, of Plot rietfontein, Polokwane www.coreslab.co.za

CONTIDE TRADING AS

CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE PRE-CAST STRUCTURES

MALL OF THE NORTH

Aesthetics and energy efficiency go hand in hand

aint-Gobain’s construction products were specified in Limpopo’s landmark Mall of the North, contributing to the centre’s aesthetic appeal and boosting its overall energy efficiency. Saint-Gobain Gyproc RhinoBoard was used to create the dramatic ceiling features around the centre’s 50 m wide main skylight, emphasising its unique leaf-shape and character. RhinoBoard 9,5 mm was fixed to a Donn T37k screw-up grid system, with the combination of products offering a versatility that meets the expectations of the most innovative architect. This RhinoBoard and Donn combination was used in ceilings throughout the first floor of the Mall of the North, enhancing the

extensive inclusion of natural light into the centre’s ambience. The feature ceilings added to the architectural interest of the centre, allowing the different colours of light experienced during the day to play a vital role in the décor and atmosphere of the complex. Gyproc RhinoBoard was also used in various walling installations throughout the centre’s first floor, with the RhinoWall Secure walling system specified in several banking and jewellery shop installations. RhinoWall Secure comprises four layers of Gyproc RhinoBoard 15mm around a sheet of steel, and offers the benefits of lightweight construction: quick erection time; reduced logistics, a cleaner site, and less onerous foundation requirements. The Mall of the North is located in one of the country’s warmer regions, and careful attention had to be paid to the energy efficiency of the construction solutions in light of soaring electricity costs. Cavitybatt insulation by Saint-Gobain Isover was specified as part of the walling systems on the first floor, helping to reduce the demand on the mall’s cooling systems. Cavitybatt also improves the acoustic performance of walls – a vital consideration in improving the comfort of a mall environment. Saint-Gobain Weber supplied a variety of specialist tile adhesives products that were used in various parts of the complex. All three Saint-Gobain companies are founder Silver members of the Green Building Council of South Africa, and offer a variety of products, systems and solutions that answer the needs of the most demanding construction projects. v For more information about Gyproc, Isover or Weber products, please call 0860 27 28 29.

MALL OF THE NORTH

CONCRETE feature

Concrete

From an aerial view, the roof structure looks like a clam. Pic source: www.wikimedia.org

THEN vs NOW The oldest concrete discovered was in the floor of a hut in Israel, dated around 7000 BC. Varying forms of concrete have been in existence for thousands of years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Walls & Roofs takes a look at some of the classical pieces of architecture along with newer, evolved concrete projects to see how this building material has changed the way we design.

THEN:

Replicable Precast Concrete

Condominiums

Colonnade Condominiums - Singapore For many years concrete has been seen as flexible building material that can encourage ease of construction. The Colonnade in Singapore, which was completed in 1980, is a prime example of how design professionals have been using concrete in innovative ways to simplify construction and add value for building owners. Architect Paul Rudolph initially proposed the Colonnade Condominiums be composed of factory-built units to be assembled on site. His intention was to design a housing structure as a set of prefabricated units hoisted onto a structural frame (these ideas were developments of the previously designed but unbuilt Graphic Arts Centre of Manhattan). Rudolph intended to

make the construction of large-scale buildings more feasible with these flexible, yet standardised, units which he referred to as the “twentieth century brick”. Due to technical and financial constraints, however, Rudolph needed to expel the possibility of the prefabricated units. Instead, Rudolph built the Colonnade with pour-in-place concrete in order to convey the aesthetic qualities of his initial design goals. In order to add scale to the building mass, the massive building’s floor plan is divided into four rectangular quadrants through a recessed elevator core and staircases. The units are lifted off the ground with a series of columns in order to encourage movement on the ground.

classical Japanese tragedy, “Tale of Heike”. This site saw the rise and fall of a clan in the 12th century and the tale is still cherished and told among the people of the neighbourhood. According to the architects, the idea of creating a building that resembles an “immortal tree” was deemed suitable for the collective housing built in such a historical place.

NOW:

The Kresge Auditorium at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a thin-shell concrete dome and copper roof. The building was constructed during the early 1950s by architect Eero Saarinen. The elegant thin-shell concrete structure is one-eighth of a sphere rising to a height of 50 feet (15,2 m) and sliced away by sheer glass walls so that it comes to the ground on only three points. The technology used for the shelled concrete with copper cladding was innovative for the times. Each of the 1226 seats of the concert hall has an unobstructed view since there are no interior supports for the overarching dome (which weighs only 1200 tons).

Collective Housing Units Concealed in Tree-Like Concrete Wall

THEN:

concrete

CONCRETE feature

Lightweight Concrete Roofs

Concrete shell roof structure of Kresge Auditorium – MIT Campus

Villa Saitan - Nishioji-hachijo, Kyoto. Pic source: Koichi Torimura

Villa Saitan - Nishioji-hachijo, Kyoto The collective housing construction by EASTERN Design Office shows that segmented housing complexes needn’t be impersonal. Instead of forming clusters of replicated flats, the building looks like one large home. A concrete wall with holes that resemble a trunk, leaves and roots covers the architecture of the building. The shapes on the walls can also be seen as clouds floating over the trees. Sunlight is able to filter through the holes in the wall, just as light would filter through trees and clouds in nature. EASTERN Design Office explains the methods they used in order to create windows that replicate sunbeams that filter through trees: • The dwelling units needed to be elevated one metre from the ground; • The centre of the wall is curved; • A curved winding slit is made on the curved wall surface and the shape of the holes match the winding slit; • The centre of the façade is sculptured; The site where Villa Saitan is built was once the site of the Shihachijo palace, which was the residence of the hero of the

The thin-shell concrete structure at the Kresge Auditorium is one-eighth of a sphere rising to a height of 50 feet. Pic source: www.wikimedia.org

NOW:

Intelligent Concrete Skins

Cultural Center of Meudon-la-Forêt – France Serero Architects won the competition for the new Cultural Center of Meudon-la-Forêt in France. The design is a building wrapped by an organic concrete shell. The intelligent skin refers to the cladding, which consists of white concrete that integrates bits of gravel and limestone from around Meudon in its composition. The roof of the Cultural Center is an important performance element of the project. The south side of the sloped roof incorporates PV panels that will harvest part of the electrical energy consumed by the building and it integrates devices that control the interior lighting and atmosphere of the building. Continues on page 48

CONCRETE

The architects drew on nature for inspiration for the building, which follows the orthogonal grid of the district while creating a close connection with the ground space. The envelope of the building is lifted above the hall to reveal circulation and movement within the building.

David J. Witmer developed plans for a unique reinforced concrete building that would consist of five concentric pentagons separated by light wells and connected by radiating spokelike corridors. It would have five storeys and include a six-acre (3,5-hectare) interior court, numerous ramps and escalators, a large shopping concourse on the first floor, taxi stands and bus lanes, and parking for 8 000 cars. To conserve steel and other metals, concrete ramps instead of elevators were used to connect the floors, and outside walls were made of reinforced concrete. At a time of peak employment, 13 000 workers laboured on the project. By 30 April 1942, about eight months after ground breaking, the contractor completed the first two sections of the building and War Department personnel began to move in. The building was finished by 15 January 1943. A great deal of thought was given to protecting the Pentagon from fire. Its steel-reinforced concrete construction makes it a fireresistant building and, in addition, the main interior walls above the basement level are of masonry. The basement, which houses storage rooms and maintenance shops, is divided into fire areas

THEN:

Reinforced concrete for fire protection and rapid building The Pentagon – Washington, D.C. In 1941, before the United States entered World War II, the Quartermaster Corps’ Construction Division was tasked with providing office space for approximately 40 000 workers that were previously housed in 17 buildings. While the federal government considered building temporary offices, the engineer who headed the construction division, Brigadier General Brehon B. Somervell, had another idea. Somervell summoned prominent civilian architect George E. Bergstrom and an Engineer officer, Lieutenant

A team of one architect and one engineer had four days to design an office building to house 40 000 workers in 4-million m² of space, not more than four storeys high, with no elevators. Source: www.hogville.com

The Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Source: www.asrema.com

Colonel Hugh J. Casey, and told them they had four days to come up with an airconditioned office building to house 40 000 workers in 4-million m² of space, not more than four storeys high, with no elevators. Plans for the proposed War Department headquarters proceeded quickly. Bergstrom with architect

by reinforced concrete firewalls with double, automatic firedoors. 410 000 cubic meters of concrete went into the building. The structure cost more than originally estimated (expenditures of US$63-million, although later calculations put the figure above US$80-million).

CONCRETE

Fernando Martin Menis, Felipe Artengo Rufino and Jose Rodriguez-Pastrana Malagón (known collaboratively as AMP arquitectos) used volcanic rock, local stone, native timbers, and pour-in-place concrete to create dramatic effects. Board-formed concrete was used for the cantilevered fins that envelope the presidential residence as well as for the ceilings of the major public spaces. “As we learn more about concrete we take greater risks, to achieve the greatest possible expressive and dynamic force. What concerns us is how to adapt the material to our formal intentions, how to obtain inclined volumes, a certain play of light and shadow, creases, folds or tensed surfaces. The craftsmen here are good and the labour costs are low, so the possibilities are infinite,” says Pastrana (www.concrete.net.au).

Board-formed concrete was used for the cantilevered fins that envelope the presidential residence. Pic credit: Daniel van der Merwe.

NOW:

Expressing local culture and landscape for a Government building The Presidential Seat of the Government – Canary Islands The Presidential Seat of the Government of the Canary Islands in Tenerife, housing the official residence and the offices of the chief of regional government, represents a synthesis of powerful architectural language and the island’s affinity with a harsh volcanic landscape.

Oil was added to the timber formwork of the ceiling to create a stained effect on the concrete. Pic credit: Daniel van der Merwe.

The concrete was cast into a beehive shape in certain areas of the building. Pic credit: Daniel van der Merwe.

The precast concrete panels are hung from the ceiling via cables. Pic credit: Daniel van der Merwe.

Walls & Roofs would like to give thanks and acknowledgement to Daniel van der Merwe from C&CI, Isabelle Yafil from Serero Architects and Anna Nakamura from EASTERN Design Office for material contained in this article. v

CONCRETE

Turning the mundane into

extraordinary! This fantastic new building – apart from housing the inland marketing and administrative offices for Yamaha – will also feature a 200-seat theatre, coffee bar, and a full retail store offering the entire range of Yamaha-branded clothing and accessories. The concept for this job was developed by Empowered Spaces Architects partner Terence Shacklady, who wanted to build a building of exceptional design on the main highway entering Johannesburg. “The existing building had no aesthetic appeal at all, and working with Dynamic Partners, a specialist ‘sculptor’ of façades and special effects, we were able to turn this into a special building by using simple and effective techniques,” said Shacklady. Empowered Spaces Architects has specialised in commercial property development for the past decade and now boasts an extensive portfolio of commercial, industrial and retail projects. Dynamic Partners are described as being architectural and constructive artists, specialising in the aesthetic enhancement of both interior and exterior enhancements.

Quick installation time

he combined effort of a willing client, a very progressive architect and a specialist supplier in providing exceptional wall and cladding effects has turned what was just an existing and quite ordinary office block into an iconic, high-profile building overlooking the M1 motorway in Marlboro, Sandton. This is the new home of Yamaha Distributors South Africa – to be known as Bidvest’s World of Yamaha – which is now housing all the Yamaha divisions located in Gauteng, including music, audio visual, power products, motorcycles and intelligent machinery, with the addition of a new 2000 m² showroom. The marine division will also have a stronger regional presence at the new premises.

Managing director Alan Rosenthal says, “The Yamaha project called for a lightweight wall of 150 metres x 8 metres to be manufactured in three months and to be fully installed within five months from initiation.” “It was impossible for the wall to be built in the timeframe given using any other method and the cost of using a heavyweight solution would have required a huge civil engineering solution to hold it to the building.” “To solve the problem, our textile concrete expert, Rob Guess, developed a steel frame and polystyrene plug system coated with a 3-ply textile concrete manufactured in twenty eight flat panels of 8m x 3,6 m panels and CNC machined curved panels of 8m x 5m each – the first time that such large panels have been supplied,” said Rosenthal. “The Yamaha panels weighed less than 1000 kg and were lifted on to a steel subframe and bolted into position. Seamless joining ensured an aesthetically pleasing result with the whole wall plastered using a specially formulated coating and finally painted with a white cement paint and silicone sealant.” “Textile concretes are ideal for changing the appearance or modernising buildings with lightweight cladding which can weigh as little as 60 kg per square metre,” said Rosenthal, “and the efficacy of this technology is there for all to see on the prestigious Yamaha building.” “As artists, we continually try to challenge our abilities and we pay tribute to Bidvest and Empowered Spaces for their foresight which will undoubtedly lead the way forward in a new trend” Rosenthal concludes. v Dynamic Partners Tel: 011 782 8824 E-mail: alan@dynamicpartners.co.za Website: www.dynamicpartners.co.za

CONCRETE

DYNAMIC

PARTNERS

concrete expertise with Dynamic partners we take on impossible projects and create spectacular results The concept for this job was developed by a very progressive architect for a building on the main highway entering Johannesburg. This project called for a lightweight wall of 150 metres x 8 metres to be manufactured in three months and to be fully installed within five months from initiation. It would have been difficult for the wall to be built in the time frame given using any other method and the cost of using a heavy weight solution would have required huge civil engineering solution to hold it to the building.

with a 3 ply textile concrete and this was manufactured in 8 x 3.6metre panels. This was the first time that such large panels have been supplied.The panels weighing less than 1000kg were lifted on to a steel sub frame and bolted in to position. seamless joining ensured an aesthetically pleasing result with the whole wall plastered using a specially formulated coating and finally painted with a white cement paint and silicone sealant. MaTerIals useD

DesIgn Our textile concrete expert developed a steel frame and polystyrene plug system coated

steel framing with polystyrene attached and the entire structure coated with a 3 ply textile concrete.

Dynamic partners â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 011 782 8824 â&#x20AC;˘ E-mail: alan@dynamicpartners.co.za

www.dynamicpartners.co.za

CONCRETE

Berg River Dam, winner in the Civil Engineering category of the 2009 Fulton Awards. There have been 31 entries for the CSSA awards this year.

Major projects entered for 2011

Fulton Awards

he prestigious Fulton Awards for excellence in the use of concrete are made every two years by the Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA), with the Cement & Concrete Institute (C&CI) as anchor sponsor, and this year thirty-one major South African building and civil engineering projects compete for these awards. There are six categories: Civil Engineering, Building, Concrete in Architecture, Unique Design Aspects, Construction Techniques, and Innovative Technologies. Several projects have been entered in more than one category. John Sheath, CEO of the Concrete Society, says 11 entries emanated from Gauteng, eight from KwaZuluNatal, five from the Western Cape, four from the Eastern Cape, and one each from Limpopo, Free State, and North West provinces. The Fulton Awards will be presented at a gala function at the Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg on 4 June 2011. Judging was carried out by the presidents of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), Seetella Makheta; and the South African Institute of Architects, Fanuel Motsepe; and the CEO of the Concrete Society, John Sheath. The projects in contention were completed in 2009 or substantially completed by the end of 2010. v

The entries for this year’s Awards are: • Gautrain Project – Balanced Cantilever (Bombela CJV); • 15 Alice Lane Towers (Sotiralis Consulting Engineers); • Port of Ngqura Container Terminal – Phase 2 (Hochtief Concor JV); • Hospital Bend Pre-selection Scheme (BKS); • New Auditorium, Vaal University of Technology (G. Liviero & Son Building); • Gillooly’s Interchange Bridge (Goba); • Warwick Triangle Viaduct (Goba); • Cape Town Stadium (BKS); • Mgeni Viaduct (SSI Engineers & Environmental Consultants); • Blackburn Pedestrian Bridge (SSI Engineers & Environmental Consultants); • Incrementally launched bridge N1/R21(Aurecon); • Peter Mokhaba Stadium (Aurecon); • Radar Towers at George Airport and King Shaka International Airport (Stefanutti Stocks Civils); • Mountain House Roofs (Hulme & Associates); • Mohokare Bridge (BKS); • Dube Trade Port and King Shaka International Airport (BKS); • Coega River Bridges (Basil Read/Newport Construction JV); • Moses Mabhida Train Station (Arup); • Rehabilitation of Bospoort Dam Wall and Auxiliary Spillway (Stefanutti Stocks Civils); • Widening of St Andrew’s Bridge (Stefanutti Stocks Civils); • KSIA N2 incrementally launched bridge (Ilembe Engineering JV); • Durban Harbour entrance widening and deepening (Group 5); • Bridge Jack under railway line N17 (Group 5); • Gautrain absorptive/reflective noise barriers (Southern Pipeline Contractors); • New parkade for Cape Town International Airport (GLS JV); • Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (KV3 Engineers); • Circa on Jellicoe (Studio MAS); • 7th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge (SSI Engineers & Environmental Consultants); • Gautrain Viaduct 15 and elevated station (Vela VKE); and • Cape Town BRT (Chryso SA).

CONCRETE

Tensartech TW1 System brings new

technology to retaining walls

eMaCon Products was established in August 2004 by Silvio Ferraris and since then it has gained an exemplary reputation for quality products and customer service with a sales programme that includes locally manufactured retaining blocks that carry the SABS mark, and the internationally acclaimed Tensartech TW1 retaining wall system (under licence), thus bringing exciting new retaining wall technology to South Africa. The advanced technologies of interlocking concrete blocks and geogrid systems have been introduced by Kaytech Engineered Fabrics with the development of a new enhanced version of

A geogrid is a synthetic material that is generally characterised by woven bands of narrow elements to form a regular grid-like pattern with voids between the woven bands. the standard interlocking concrete block. Kaytech is an African pioneer in geotextiles that is well established as a reliable, lowcost supplier to the mining, civil engineering and building sectors, and has been providing Africa and other export regions with geosynthetic solutions for nearly 40 years. Garth James, marketing director of Kaytech, says the Tensartech TW1 Wall System consists of precast concrete modular facing blocks in combination with Tensar geogrids which reinforce the soil mass.

A geogrid is a synthetic material that is generally characterised by woven bands of narrow elements to form a regular gridlike pattern with voids between the woven bands. It is the tensile strength of these bands and the open spaces that lends reinforcing strength and, when used as part of a retaining wall, geogrid adds strength to the wall by integrating the fill material behind the wall with the structure of the wall itself. “This high-efficiency connection between facing unit and geogrid is a distinctive feature of the system, creating strong, durable, maintenance-free retaining wall structures,” says James. Tensar grids have a major advantage over other available geogrids and geotextiles in that the polyethylene uniaxial grids are punched and stretched from an extruded sheet of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) – not woven, stitched, neither sonically nor heat welded. This means the geogrids are monolithic, and the intersecting nodes are an integral part of the grid, having much higher junction strength and being far less likely to pull apart under extreme stress, ensuring a homogeneously bound soil reinforced mass. To maintain and develop ReMaCon’s market share in

KwaZulu-Natal, the company has recently appointed a new sub-licensee for the manufacture of its products in the province – BrickCast, which was established in 1993, started production of retaining walls ten years later, and now has its Head Office in Phoenix, Durban, and factories in Ladysmith, Glencoe, and Verulam - the newest and the largest. Managing director of BrickCast Shaun Sewnath says, “We manufacture and supply all types of concrete products, with our core business being paving and dry-stack retaining walls. We hold the SABS marks in paving (since 1997) and masonry (since 2004), and are currently in the process of applying to the SABS for the new dry-stack retaining systems.” v ReMaCon Tel: 011 393 5504 Fax: 011 393 5502 Website: www.remacon.co.za

CONCRETE

Concrete roof tiles

are finding favour in affordable housing

he Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) maintains that concrete roof tiles are fast becoming the preferred roofing material for affordable/lowcost housing sectors. A striking example is provided at the Kleinmond Housing Project near Hermanus, where some 370 000 double roman plus standard terracotta tiles were supplied for the project. Supplied by CMA producer member Marley Roofing, the tiles were laid on engineered timber trusses provided by Airton Timbers. The trusses were delivered in kits and the roof tiles were supplied in bundles of 36 which facilitated quick roof installation. Marley’s under-tile membrane was also used.

Based on a cost-effective timber roof-truss system, the CMA Roofing System successfully demonstrated what could be achieved with an innovative approach. Both companies provided on-site training in roof construction. CMA director Hamish Laing says that the introduction of the Agrément-approved CMA Roofing System in 2004 acted as a catalyst for an avalanche of entry-level housing projects in which concrete roof tiles were used. Based on a cost-effective timber roof-truss system, the CMA Roofing System successfully demonstrated what could be achieved with an innovative approach. “Before our system was introduced it was thoroughly tested to meet all the technical requirements of Agrément South Africa.

Sample roofs were subjected to stringent tests, one of which entailed roof trusses being loaded with more than twice their total design capacity and nearly four times their working load capacity – far in excess of what would normally be applied – with no measurable movement.

Roofs covered with concrete tiles are not only the most attractive and durable roofing solution but, when all cost parameters are accounted for, the most cost-effective as well, “Roofs covered with concrete tiles are not only the most attractive and durable roofing solution but, when all cost parameters are accounted for, the most cost-effective as well,” says Laing. The Kleinmond Housing Project was the first to re-introduce modular masonry to the South African entry-level housing arena and also boasts several other noteworthy features. These include: fibre-cement window frames with aluminium inserts; 30mm thermal-efficient ceilings; power-floated flooring; rainwater storage; solar water heating; photovoltaic solar power generation; and external meranti doors with glass inserts. v Concrete Manufacturers Association Tel: 011 805 6742 Fax: 086 524 9216 E-mail: main.cma@gmail.com

CONCRETE

Saving operating costs at

The Quarter development

he Quarter, a multi-level destination complex to be built adjacent to the first dedicated conference centre in Ballito, is utilising tilt-up construction which enables savings in time, money and operational costs amongst several other benefits. The tilt-wall design of the complex is a striking feature of the slick, contemporary architecture of The Quarter, which sets the right tone for what promises to be the hot new spot for locals, holidaymakers and business tourists, covering 3800 m² of retail, office and showroom space including Ballito’s first food quarter. This multi-level development is the latest project for JNM Construction’s Tilt-Up division using a method of concrete wall panels cast on site and hoisted into place with cranes. “We first utilised the technology in 2003 for 6000 m² premises for LG Electronics,” comments Brent Youens, director and contractor of JNM Construction, KwaZulu-Natal. “Upon completion of the works, the success of the project was irrefutable. The project was delivered within budget and the construction time was 30% less than that predicted had conventional construction methods been used,” adds Youens. “The Quarter is an ideal property for this type of construction, given the relatively flat open site and design considerations,” he adds. Louise Gibson, managing director of ComProp, the development facilitators and marketing agents, says that the advantages in terms of its fast-track construction, lower capital investment, maintenance, durability, lower insurance premiums and operating costs are benefits from both a landlord and tenant point of view. Tilt-Up construction is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, and at least 10 000 buildings, enclosing more than 650 million square feet, are constructed each year using this construction method. Concrete elements (walls, columns, structural supports, and so on) are formed on a concrete slab, usually the building floor, but sometimes a temporary concrete casting surface near the building footprint. After the concrete has cured, the elements are tilted from horizontal to vertical with a crane and braced into

position until the remaining building structural components (roofs, intermediate floors and walls) are secured. Since JNM’s first development in 2003, the company has utilised tilt-up construction for the design and erection of numerous projects throughout KwaZulu-Natal, the latest being a retail centre in Richards Bay. Tilt-up has been used in buildings as large as 1,7 million square feet, with individual panels reaching as high as 91 feet and weighing 150 tons. In the United States, as reported by the TCA, 15% of all industrial buildings were created using tilt-up construction.

Seen on the development site for The Quarter are (from left) Brent Youens, director of JNM Construction, Shani Dickson, rentals manager and Louise Gibson, director of ComProp

Given its success in the United States, builders in Australia, Mexico, Canada and more recently in South Africa are increasingly using this method. A high-profile example in South Africa is the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga. Construction on The Quarter is scheduled to commence on 1 May and will be completed by end November 2011. v ComProp Tel: 032 946 2727 Fax: 032 946 3962 E-mail Address: info@compropballito.co.za Website: www.compropballito.co.za

CONCRETE ADVERTORIAL

Simple, effective solution

enhances speed of construction T

he task was set: Build an architectural bridge abutment as fast as possible and with limited costs for the Al-Mawaleh Highway Bridge on the Sultan Qaboos Road, a six-lane, 200km highway connecting Muscat with Oman’s second city Sohar. The problem was solved by using Tensartech TW1 modular precast concrete blocks. This solution also met the architectural requirement of providing a structure that was in keeping with the castellated forts typically found in the country. The walls of the bridge towers, the face to the abutments and the benched embankments were completed with Tensartech TW1 modular precast concrete blocks to match the stone used in the locality, and the versatility of Tensartech TW1 enabled the system to be dry-laid over a concrete footing in a variety of configurations to meet the design requirements. A fast construction time was also imperative, to minimise disruption to the highway, and on this project the Tensartech TW1 Wall System saved about 40% in time and material costs over conventional reinforced concrete techniques. The fast-track completion of 9 400 m2 of wall facing was completed in just 90 days. Also, the Tensar geogrids, being able to accommodate a wide variety of fill materials, allowed the project to benefit from using structural fill from a local borrow pit. This speed of construction was achieved through the inherent simplicity of the Tensartech TW1 system, in conjunction with 24-hour support from local Tensar agents Muna Noor Manufacturing & Trading LLC.

This project is a prime example of the aesthetic appeal, ease of construction, cost-effectiveness and functionality of the Tensartech TW1 system, which has been used extensively in South Africa. In South Africa these high-quality retaining wall block structures are manufactured and marketed by ReMaCon, which provides the only retaining block in the country that carries the SABS mark. The ReMaCon manufacturing and sales programme includes a comprehensive range of retaining wall blocks and erosion control systems including its design-registered ReMblok 30 with extension piece. This product is a completely new concept in South Africa, designed to economise and to technically improve on designs for high and/or surcharge-loaded structures, particularly in ‘cut face’ situations. Other available systems require a double block skin to achieve the same design factors of safety, with little locking mechanism to tie the double skin together. To ensure the integrity of its structures, ReMaCon offers engineering design services, with the installation undertaken by specialist concrete retaining block contractors. v ReMaCon Tel: 011 393 5504 Fax: 011 393 5502 Website: www.remacon.co.za

ReMaCon Tel: 011 393 5504 or 082 857 9512 Fax: 011 393 5502 Website: www.remacon.co.za

CONCRETE

Entries called for

C&CI Short Film

Competition

The Cement & Concrete Institute (C&CI) is calling for entries for its third annual Short Film Competition; this year, students are invited to project the future of the African urban environment and specifically the role of concrete in it. The announcement states that science fiction today is as much a study of urban landscapes and human systems as it is about technology; as much a musing on the near future as it is on the distant future; and students are challenged to offer a Science Friction vision of the future South African city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be it utopian or dystopian. Submissions can be in the form of a mock news report; a documentary (from 2060?); a visual poem of future landscapes; a human drama in Hillbrow 2020; footage from the laboratory after the aliens landed in Cape Town or other futuristic predictions. A proposal for consideration must be submitted by 03 May; judges will select invited teams to submit their pitch on 21 May; and the final submissions of films are to be in by Friday, 09 September 2001. For enqueries or submissions contact Wessel van Hysteen or Naledi Mokhele at Tin Rage Productions Tel: 011 477 2414;

e-mail: tinrage@iafrica.com ; or Daniel van der Merwe at C&CI Tel: 011 315 0300; email: daniel.vandermerwe@cnci.org.za; or you can visit the website for further information: www.cnci.org.za

CONCRETE

Retaining walls at new Century City development One of the preconditions for the approval of the greater Century City development was that a viable passenger rail connection be created to the existing Cape Town – Bellville – Stellenbosch line. The master plan foresaw a modern railway station with easy pedestrian and bus access to Century City and a convenient Park & Ride facility. Phenomenal growth at Century City and the advent of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup accelerated the plan somewhat. Funded and supported by PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of SA), Century City and the Department of Transport, construction on the R45m project started in October 2009 and was completed in May 2010. The open tender by PRASA for a turnkey project was awarded to KV3-Superway Consortium. Subcontractor Decorton Retaining Systems was appointed to construct the retaining walls – up to 2 m high and 265 m long – on the outside- facing sides of two new platforms. These include ramps and a staircase structure to facilitate emergency evacuation.

Due to extremely waterlogged conditions on site, a 700 mm x 250 mm raft foundation of rock, wrapped in filter fabric, was installed below the concrete foundation of equal dimensions. From this level Decorton proceeded with a steeply inclined Terraforce L12 retaining wall while simultaneously placing and compacting the imported backfill which was reinforced with geo-grid every 420 mm and securely anchored within the blocks. The top one-and-a-half rows of blocks are filled with concrete, thus creating a solid and stable base for the asphalted siding platforms. v Terraforce Phone: 021 465 1907 Fax: 021 465 4047 Website:www.terraforce.com

CONCRETE

Innovative solution for

Bodker Pipeline project

he challenging repair of the Bodker Tunnel undertaken by the Department of Water Affairs featured a major rehabilitation of the Gamtoos canal system in the Eastern Cape that was achieved using Agilia Self-Compacting Concrete from Lafarge Readymix, with minimum disruption to the supply of irrigation water. The Gamtoos River valley with its fertile alluvial soil is a major production area for export citrus fruit, together with vegetables and a wide range of other crops for the local market. The majority of the crops are grown under irrigation; the canal system, constructed in the 1960s by the Department of Water Affairs, is the lifeline for the farmers. A portion of the water supply is also transferred to the Loerie Dam for distribution after treatment to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Traversing majestic but difficult mountainous countryside, the open canals, tunnels and siphons were in need of rehabilitation. The original Bodker Tunnel comprised 140 m of concrete tunnel located in difficult terrain and with difficult access.

Rehabilitation

Timing was essential

The rehabilitation works, carried out by WK Construction for the Department of Water Affairs, involved lining the tunnel with a 1,9 m diameter steel pipe and grouting the annulus with concrete. The conveyance and compaction of the concrete were major challenges, particularly as all works had to be carried out during two shutdown periods each of only two weeks.

The time spent on the repair was critical to avoid dire consequences for some of the farmers: the total shutdown period was restricted to two periods of a fortnight each, spaced approximately four weeks apart. “Agilia played a major role in completing the key concreting phase in only ten days,” says WK Construction’s contract manager, Richard Pringle. “The way in which Agilia filled the annular void from the base up with negligible segregation after being dropped 90 metres and pumped over 140 metres was extremely impressive.” Endorsing Pringle’s comment, Site Manager Martin Deyzel said that he had worked fifteen years for WK Construction and Agilia was an eye-opener and a winner. He also complimented Lafarge on their excellent service with on-time deliveries in challenging terrain, backed every day with full technical support. Cost is generally a barrier to choosing a self-compacting concrete compared with standard readymix concrete. “Apart from performance considerations, with the time constraints, the use of conventional concrete was not an option,” stated Don Hodgkinson, managing director of MSW Consulting Engineers. “The integrity of the Bodker Tunnel installation was vastly improved with the use of Lafarge’s Agilia. Whilst prior approval for the use of self-compacting concrete was obtained from the Department of Water Affairs, this was our first experience with the product. It certainly lived up to its expectations and we will definitely use it again.” v

A standard self-compacting concrete (SCC) is usually considered to have a 120- minute handling lifetime and requires offloading from a truckmixer in a single continuous pour. Agilia SCC was supplied from the Lafarge Readymix plant in Uitenhage and transported for two hours to the top of the adjacent Bodker Siphon, where it was discharged into a chute and conveyed by pipeline to a hopper at the bottom of the hill some 90 m below. From the hopper, the Agilia was pumped 140 m through the original concrete tunnel, finally discharging into the annulus between the new steel liner and the original concrete tunnel.

“The process involved subjecting the Agilia to handling practices that are generally not even possible with conventional concrete!” comments Lafarge Readymix’s product manager, Brent Paterson. “The product’s performance exceeded the client’s expectations, while saving labour costs and the need for extra pumping lines. In addition, Agilia was achieving 28 day strengths of 55 to 60 MPa.” Careful planning and excellent coordination were also required between the Readymix delivery team, the concrete pump and hopper teams, and the grouting team at the pipe shutter inside the concrete tunnel to ensure a smooth operation with no blockages.

Lafarge Agilia Tel: 021 508 8000 Website: www.lafarge.co.za

CONCRETE

TILES & ADHESIVES feature

Revestir 2011 This year’s Revestir event, which was hosted by Anfacer – The Brazilian Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers – saw a myriad of new trends, sustainable products, inventive designs and cutting-edge technologies. It was held on March 22 – 25 at the Transamérica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil, and Walls & Roofs was there to get all the inside information and exclusive pictures on what the world of tiles has been up to over the past 12 months. International guests

Antonio Carlos Kieling, president of Expo Revestir and CEO of Anfacer.

Besides launching the worldwide trends in ceramic, wood laminates, granites, marbles, glass products, ornamental stones and mosaics at the expo, Revestir welcomed international icons in contemporary architecture in an International Forum of Architecture and Construction as well as the KITCHEN & BATH expo. The Forum was aimed at architects, interior designers, engineers and retailers. Revestir is the largest covering materials trade fair in Latin America. This year’s show had exhibitors from over 40 countries and visitors from over 65 countries. “Over 45 000 people visited Expo Revestir this year and we expect that the business created will amount to R$160-million (+/-ZAR688-million),” said Antonio Carlos Kieling, president of Expo Revestir and CEO of Anfacer. On the last day of the expo, the Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Fernando Pimentel, came to visit the event. “The Dilma Rousseff government is making huge strides to foster developed sectors of industry. The coverings sector is one of them. I am very proud of what I’ve seen, not just as a Minister, but as a citizen of Brazil,” commented Pimentel.

TRENDS FROM BRAZIL

Granites, marbles and other ornamental stones

Granites, limestones and marbles were among the most successful products in the decorative segment at this year’s Revestir event. Santo Antonio Granitos, one of the pioneers of standard and exotic ornamental stones in Brazil, launched a quartz crystal called Lumix. The 100% natural product is waterproof as well as stainand scratch-resistant. Another exhibitor, Alicante, showcased their range called Technistone, which combines a rustic look with the latest technology in quartz surfaces. Levantina, a multinational company that has the largest number of own quarries worldwide (a total of 69 quarries in Spain, Portugal and Brazil)

Rustic themes a highlight at Revestir 2011 One of the prominent themes at Expo Revestir was rustic-looking tiles. The tiles on display were available in a range of sizes (such as small 2,5cm x 2,5cm to large-format tiles)

Below: The rustic-looking tiles from Lepri Ceramicas are almost identical to a brick and mortar wall.

Above: Lepri Ceramicas combines different types of rustic-looking surfaces to create a striking effect. The company is known for its eco-products and it also displayed lines of products made from spent fluorescent lamps in various colours.

Coralito was mined from one of Levantina’s own quarries.

tiles & adhesives

TILES & ADHESIVES feature

Metallics

A number of exhibitors had new, metallic tile ranges. Mosaik, for example, had a range of silver and copper-coloured tiles that created the effect of bevelled mirrors. Mosaik’s tile products are 5cm x 5cm and come mounted on 30cm x 30cm screens with minimum joints. The Colormix brand, which specialises in glass and porcelain tiles, also launched a number of new metallic lines. “There are 12 new lines of chips and mosaics that we presented at this year’s Expo,” said Arthur Granger, director of marketing at Colormix. “The tiles are coated with different materials, like marble, brushed stainless steel and aged copper. We invested in creating metallic pads because we believe that these materials will be the trend in architecture and decoration in 2011,” said Granger.

Mosaik sought inspiration from the luxurious textures and culture to create three lines of stainless steel inserts.

The large-format tiles by Passeio had a dark, copper coating.

Left: The album The Wall by Pink Floyd inspired the creation of the line Brick. The rectangular shape allows the composition of an almost infinite number of miscellaneous and coating systems by combining shapes, textures and finishes that pass between the classic and bold.

TILES & ADHESIVES feature

Continued from page 63

Textures Spiralled, textured surfaces from Castelatto.

Castelatto creates interesting textures.

Continues on page 68

TILES & ADHESIVES feature

Inspired by modern architectural forms, the Brazilian line by Pietra Revestimentos takes textures to a whole new level.

TILES & ADHESIVES

All-in-one light weight waterproof tile adhesive and grout

ulti Construction Chemicals (MCC), a company which has been in the industry for over 25 years, has developed an All-In-One tile adhesive, grout and waterproofing product. The new adhesive sprouts from MCC’s highly successful light weight adhesives and incorporates MCC’s vision in developing technology driven adhesives for the tiling market.

Why All-In-One light weight tile adhesive? • Waterproof: Waterproofing products such as torch-on and slurry sealed systems are often very expensive and time consuming. Such systems are not necessary as All-in-One is waterproof and can be used in interior and exterior conditions such as bathrooms, kitchens, patio’s etc. • Cost/time saving: The new product line incorporates three main benefits because the All-In-One is a grout, adhesive and waterproof product. This provides a substantial cost saving to labour, as tiling can be completed in one day rather than the industry norm being two to three days. • Superior Performance: The new technology that has been incorporated into this new range of light weight tile adhesive offers excellent workability and has a 3-5 year manufacturer’s guarantee when instructions are followed. 1. All in one 500 Light weight – 3-year guarantee 2. All in one 510 Light Weight – 5-year guarantee 3. All in one 530 Light Weight – 5-year guarantee

Multi Construction Chemicals (MCC), a company which has been in the industry for over 25 years, has developed an All-In-One tile adhesive, grout and waterproofing product. 66

• Transport savings: The cost of transport becomes a challenge when transporting construction products to and from sites. Approximately 25% can be saved on transportation costs by using MCC light weight tile adhesive, due to the fact that more bags can be transported per load and no transporting of grout is necessary. • Coverage: MCC’s All-in-one tile adhesive gives the user 12 liters wetted yield identical to the industry norm of 20 kg bag, thus giving you coverage 3 – 3.5m2 per 15 kg bag Other products within MCC’s range include concrete admixtures, curing compounds, various epoxies’, joint sealants, floor hardeners, concrete grouting and many more. MCC has branches in Gauteng, Polokwane, Rustenburg and Durban. v Multi Construction Chemicals (Pty) Ltd Tel: 011 864 4654 Fax: 011 864 4406 E-mail: sales@mccsa.co.za Website: www.mccsa.co.za

high-spec TILES & ADHESIVES products

TILES & ADHESIVES feature

Continued from page 65

Glass trends – comments from designers and architects

Glass innovations in tiles and mosaics were an obvious theme at this year’s Expo Revestir. According to designers that participated in the International Forum of Architecture and Construction, designers and architects are increasingly using glass in both interior as well as exterior applications. “We have started to use glass extensively in our projects, primarily to enhance the effects of light,” said Kimberly Sheppard from New York-based Gabellini & Sheppard, who participated in the Forum. “Glass that has different levels of translucency portrays light in different ways, making it a remarkable material to work with,” said Sheppard. “Glass is an age-old material, but it is currently undergoing a major technological transformation,” said Michael Gabellini from Gabellini & Sheppard. “Instead of simply using glass as a window, architects and designers are using glass as a substitute for interior walls, which not only increases the space but provides more opportunities when the lighting is taken into consideration during the design phase.” Acclaimed designer Julieann Humphryes, director of yoo Design Studio in London, commented: “Using glass in contemporary projects is an interesting development. In today’s environment, where high-rises need to be constructed in a shorter amount of time, architects also need to focus on creating a comfortable environment,” said Humphryes. “Designing a building in Marrakesh, for example, would require an architect to rather use glass as a skylight or create pockets of warmth with glass windows instead of increasing the amount of direct light. Skylights really make sure that one maximises the enjoyment of space throughout the day,” said Humphryes.

D’Glass is an industry pioneer in creating handcrafted glass coatings.

TILES & ADHESIVES feature

Unique trends and new launches Below: Designer porcelain tiles by Ceramica Bardelli. Design by Pierro Fornesetti.

Left: The floral prints on Batistella CerĂ˘micaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of tiles had raised, translucent effects, which drew many visitors to touch the pieces on display.

Below: Special decorative pieces, such as borders, drew a lot of attention at Revestir. These pieces by Ceramic Art Giseli give designers the ability to create custom environments.

TILES & ADHESIVES

Tiles & bathroom ware for Birchwood Hotel With the addition of 215 rooms to the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng, Tile Africa Contracts supplied all the tiles and bathroom ware for this extension. “We are proud to be associated with this development and to have supplied tiles for the interior and exterior as well as accessories for the bathrooms,” says Craig Irvine, national contracts manager for Tile Africa Contracts. Tile Africa Contracts supplied approximately 2500 sheets of rustic porcelain mosaics, Manchester baths, Sydney wall-hung and Gallery toilets as well as Demola bathroom accessories including three-litre stainless steel dustbins for the bathrooms. “The mosaics are installed from floor to ceiling in the centre of the walls as a 300 mm backdrop for the shower rose and mixer, in a contrasting colour to the tiling, to create an interesting focal point and accent for the bathrooms,” says Diana Ford, owner of Delineo Projects, specialists in interior design and project management, and the interior designers for the extensions to the Birchwood Hotel. From the Delineo team, Allison O’Keeffe was full-time project manager on the project, assisted by Michelle Hobson as designer, and together they were responsible for specifying the finishes to the extensions. In addition to the mosaic tiles, Tile Africa Contracts supplied 4500 m² of 330x330 mm Umbria ceramic non-slip tiles in Burnt Sienna for the outside walkways. “In the walkways we used the Umbria tile which complements the wall colours chosen for the building and its neutral colour allows it to blend into the beautiful gardens. The non-slip capabilities of the tile comply with the client’s requirements for a safe environment for the guests,” says Ford. v Tile Africa Contracts Tel: 011 979 0327 Website: www.tileafrica.co.za

The easy way to calculate how much grout you will need As an addition to the service that TAL provides to its clients, the company has provided a handy grout calculator to help users to determine how much grout will be needed when tiling. The calculator can be found on the TAL website www.tal.co.za under the DIY section. To calculate the amount of grout required, insert the width, length and thickness of your tiles. You will also need to add the joint thickness you desire, the total square metres of tiles required in the room as well as the packaging size of the grout in kilograms.

“The grout calculator enables you to determine the exact amount of grout you will require to get the tiling job done and will save you from buying excessive grout,” says Sharon Hill, technical adviser for TAL. Once you have inputted the required fields, the tool will calculate the packaging sizes and number of bags needed to complete the job. The calculator is quick and easy to use and a helpful tool that will assist you in buying the correct amount of material for the job and cutting costs. v TAL (a division of Norcros SA) Tel: 0860 000 825 (Technical Advice Centre) Website: www.tal.co.za

TILES & ADHESIVES ADVERTORIAL

The professional choice for walls TAL (a division of Norcros SA) offers an effective range of products, suitable for any tiling application, including ready-mixed adhesives for wall applications.

“W

ith a track record of over 35 years in the industry we are market leaders in quality, service and technology,” says Marius Botha, inland sales manager at TAL. Having pioneered every type of tile-fixing adhesive in the local market, TAL is at the cutting edge of new technology and new product development. TAL Flex is a thin-bed, ready-to-use paste adhesive that is used for fixing lightweight tiles to flexible surfaces and partition walling. It has immediate tile-grip characteristics that minimise tile slump. TAL Flex is ideal for fixing lightweight tiles in upsidedown tiling situations such as window and doorway arches. The product is suitable for interior and exterior use, but should not be used in extreme wet conditions, or on floors. TAL Super is similarly a thin-bed, ready-to-use paste adhesive that is high-strength and specially formulated for fixing lightweight ceramic wall tiles in dry interior applications. It is not suitable for use in wet or exterior conditions, or for floor tiling. For wet areas, depending on the wall surface area and tiles being used, TAL recommends the use of a cementitious adhesive in which TAL Bond is used to replace the water used in the mix. TAL provides its customers with additional services at no cost, such as site inspections and the testing of tiles to ensure they meet specifications. The TAL Warranty Programme offers developers, specifiers and architects a 10-year warranty on any tiling installation, provided the Materials and Methods specification is issued by TAL for the project, TAL products are used strictly in accordance with the specification, and the tiling is undertaken by a TAL-registered tiler, or the tile installation is monitored by an engineer nominated by TAL. “ The possibility of any failure is alleviated as we at TAL carry the risk on the client’s behalf,” says Botha. Accredited to ISO 9001: 2000, TAL products are designed, manufactured and tested to the strictest standards, thereby assuring customers that products will perform to specification. v

TAL, TAL FLEX, TAL SUPER and TAL BOND are registered trademarks of Norcros SA PTY Ltd.

TAL (a division of Norcros SA) Technical Advice Centre: 0860 000 TAL(825) E-mail: taltech@norcrossa.com Website: www.tal.co.za

TILES & ADHESIVES

Wall success with correct adhesives and background preparation

ile cladding is a popular method to enhance the look of new and existing interior and exterior walls, providing a hardwearing, long-lasting and low-maintenance finish. Trends and fashions change, but it is possible to achieve diverse aesthetic finishes by laying tiles in different patterns using various types of tiles, or combining panels of tiles with materials such as textured wall coatings. “With such a wide variety of tiles available, ranging from ceramics to natural stone and glass, it is important to ensure that the correct adhesive is used during installation,” says Sharon Hill, technical adviser for TAL, one of the foremost adhesive manufacturers in South Africa. “The correct background preparation will ensure tiling success, however sufficient curing of the substrate and good workmanship are just as essential. TAL makes the following recommendations to ensure that the correct surface preparation takes place and proposes products for the different types of surfaces,” she says. To assist specifiers and contractors, here is a table giving TAL’s recommendations for background preparation.

SURFACE

BACKGROUND SURFACE PREPARATION

ADHESIVE : INTERIOR

ADHESIVE : EXTERIOR

Rendered walls – woodfloated (rough)

Renders (plaster) must be in good condition and at least 14 days old

TAL Super or any powder adhesive

Any powder adhesive and TAL Bond

Rendered walls – steelfloated (smooth)

Renders (plaster) must be in good condition and at least 14 days old When using a powder adhesive, prime with a TAL Keycoat slurry

TAL Super or any powder adhesive

Any powder adhesive and TAL Bond

Concrete / Off-Shutter concrete

Concrete must be in good condition and at least 28 days old. Prime with a TAL Keycoat slurry

TAL Super or any powder adhesive

Any powder adhesive and TAL Bond

Brickwork

Must be in good condition and at least 28 days. Prime with a TAL Keycoat slurry

Any powder adhesive

Any powder adhesive and TAL Bond

Gypsum plaster (Rhinolite) PVA paint Enamel paint

Domestic Interior: Chip thoroughly (80%) and prime with TAL Keycoat. Background must be in good condition. If using a powder product, prime with a TAL Keycoat slurry Commercial / Exterior: Chip thoroughly, remove all traces of existing gypsum plaster/ paint. Background must be in good condition. Prime with a TAL Keycoat slurry

TAL Super or any powder adhesive

Any powder adhesive and TAL Bond

Ceramic tiles

Must be in good condition, firmly in place, clean and free of dirt or grime. Prime with a TAL Keycoat slurry

TAL Super or any powder adhesive

Please consult TAL 0860 000 825

All boards or sheets must be in good condition and must be well braced at maximum 300mm centres in both directions. Seal timber with TAL Superprime. Seal asbestos with TAL Keycoat. Seal gypsum boards with TAL Keycoat. If using a cement-based adhesive, then also apply a TAL Keycoat slurry. Note: Use only exteriorgrade boards externally.

TAL Flex for wall tiles or any powder adhesive TAL Bond for floor tiles

Please consult TAL 0860 000 825

Timber boards Asbestos sheets Gypsum boards

TILES & ADHESIVES

Use a notched TAL wall trowel or TAL wall applicator for lightweight ceramic wall tiles on interior walls only. For heavy and/or large-format floor tiles or for exterior or wet special conditions, use a notched TAL floor trowel to ensure a solid bed of adhesive. Exterior cladding installations require a far stronger and more flexible adhesive system. All external installations will be exposed to building movement, thermal expansion and contraction, as well as inclement weather. “To cater for these conditions it is necessary to incorporate TAL Bond, a latexbased additive, in the adhesive and grout mix,” says Hill. The TAL Materials and Methods Specification document includes complete technical instructions on curing times for substrates, background preparation, adhesive and grout systems, and tile panel movement joints. The Specification document acts as a benchmark and

control document before, during and after any contract. It will make certain that contractors tender on the correct products, and can also be used to ensure that there are no deviations from the specification on site. TAL has a national technical advice line and offers free onthe-job advice on any contract, big or small. The experience and expertise of its technical advisory staff is only a phonecall away. This service is complemented by TAL’s free technical specification service to the building industry. v TAL (a division of Norcros SA) Tel: 011 206 9700 ShareCall: 0860 000 TAL (825) E-mail: taltech@norcrossa.com Website: www.tal.co.za

sicis the art mosaic factory In support of SICIS’s commitment to environmental performance, SICIS materials have undergone testing to confirm the following green attributes and their associated contribution to certifications including LEED, Green Communities and Green Globes:

Where we are now and where we are going? SICIS has always recycled and reused the waste from their own production SICIS is now processing materials that contain preconsumer recycled content. As soon as the required history is created you will see the recycled symbol on all the products that comply and that will contribute to LEED certification. Some of the sustainable features from SICIS glass mosaics include: • Solar Reflectivity Index (SRI) value: Solar Reflectivity Index (SRI) value: SRI values ranging from 31-47, a compliant range for Non-Roof Heat Island Effect credits in the referenced green building rating systems.Heat Island Effect High Solar Reflectance to reduce impact on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats by mitigating heat island effect. The application of SICIS glass mosaics contributes to the Heat Island credits when used as finish surface, for example a patio, roof or hardscaping. The application of SICIS glass mosaics can contribute to earning LEED SSc7.1, Heat Island Effect, non-Roof when used as an exterior hardscape finish surface, for example as a patio or walkway.

• Naturally Photocatalytic: Photocatalysis (Green* SICIS green* glass mosaic collections containing high quantities of Titanium Dioxide have been tested and proven having 100% percent photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic activity signifies the following inherent properties; anti microbial, anti mold, anti fungus (What you see). Naturally abates noxious gases improving air quality (What you don’t see). Look for the SICIS Green* on the majority of our glass mosaics! These characteristics can contribute to LEED certification. IEQc4.3 is the LEED credit for flooring systems (Indoor Environmental Quality credit 4.3 - Flooring Systems). Most SICIS products are free of integral organic-based coatings and sealants and comply with LEED requirements for hard surface flooring therefore may contribute to this credit. All other SICIS products are undergoing Floorscore certification for compliance with the referenced green building rating systems. • Low-Emitting Material: Most SICIS products are free of integral organic-based coatings and sealants and comply with LEED requirements for hard surface flooring. All other SICIS products are undergoing Floorscore certification for compliance with the referenced green building rating systems. v For further information please visit www.sicis.it

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green roofs and

waterproofing issues Picture: During the day, each of the petals of the roof is a fountain. Source: Propertyjoseph.files.wordpress.com

Greenroofs can refer to “living vegie” roofs, vegetated roofs that harness solar energy or roofs that collect and recycle rainwater. In this edition of Walls & Roofs we take a look at some remarkable greenroof projects around the world – and how some of these projects dealt with waterproofing issues.

Largest vegetated roof in the Southern Hemisphere – Australia City Councils and influential business groups in Australia have been promoting the benefits of greenroofs since 2008. Last year, the largest greenroof project in Australia (and the entire Southern Hemisphere) was announced. The Victorian Desalination Project will have a “living tapestry” of 98 000 Australian indigenous plants over a roof area spanning more than 26 000 m².

The desalination plant, which will be the largest desalination plant in the Southern Hemisphere, will be built on the Bass coast near Wonthaggi in Victoria. The roof will form part of the desalination plant’s sophisticated roof system that will be created with the goals of blending in with the natural landscape and providing acoustic protection, reduced maintenance and thermal control. The AUS$ 4,3-million greenroofing contract was awarded to Flytogreen Australia. Flytogreen will be using a foam resin, which is described as “breakthrough technology”, as an underlay in order to trap water and nutrients and help the vegetation to grow. The greenroof system has been extensively tested with a scale model flourishing at Waratah Bay since the beginning of 2009. Premier John Brumby said the design, installation and construction of the desalination plant’s greenroof would be among the largest coastal revegetation projects in Victoria’s

Project details: Victorian Desalination Project Location: Near Wonthaggi, Victoria Principal contractor: Thiess Degrémont Completion: Scheduled December 2011 The largest greenroof project in the Southern Hemisphere will be constructed at the Victorian Desalination Project in Australia. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2011. Source: Cgn.org.au

The US$ 30-million Gary Comer Youth Centre is located in one of Chicago’s poorest neighbourhoods. history and would deliver major environmental benefits to communities in the region. “The living greenroof will be planted entirely with local native species, providing a sustainable centrepiece for a project that will secure the future water needs of our state,” said Brumby. The desalination plant will provide up to 150-billion litres of water each year to Melbourne. Australian Water Minister Tim Holding said the environmentally sensitive design of Victoria’s desalination plant meant it would be unlike any other desalination plant in Australia, or the world. “The design of the greenroof garden is based on wind testing and water demand modelling and on a scale model that has been growing at Waratah Bay since February 2009,” said Holding. The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2011 and will be delivered by AquaSure with Thiess Degremont as the design and construction contractor.

Alternative uses for vegie roofs and waterproofing systems The award-winning, US$ 30-million Gary Comer Youth Centre is located in one of Chicago’s poorest neighbourhoods. Designed by John Ronan Architect, the centre was created specifically to support the activities of the South Shore Drill team and programs for children of the neighbouring Paul Revere School. The greenroof, which is located over the gymnasium and cafeteria and encircled by the broad windows of the third floor, provides a constructive environment for the comprehensive “seed-to-table” program for the youths in the area. There is 24 inches (61cm) of engineered lightweight soil and, under the direction of garden manager Marji Hess, the rooftop produced more than 1 000 pounds of food last year alone. The garden collects rainwater and serves to reduce the urban heat island effect. The project utilises the lightweight, low-profile Garden Roof Assembly by American Hydrotech – a recognised leader in greenroof waterproofing systems. The system can be safely installed on roof and plaza decks now engineered to handle the heavy load requirements of a traditional greenroof.

Gary Comer Youth Centre Project Name: Gary Comer Youth Centre Green Roof Year: 2006 Owner: Comer Science & Education Foundation Location: Chicago, IL, USA Building Type: Healthcare Type: Intensive System: Single Source Provider Size: 8160 sq.ft. Slope: 1% Access: Accessible, Private Submitted by: Greenroofs.com Architect: John Ronan Architect Landscape Architect: Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects Garden Manager: Marjorie Hess, Gary Comer Youth Center Structural Engineer: ARUP Greenroof System: American Hydrotech

Design considerations for greenroofs Hydrotech lists the following design considerations when creating a greenroof:

Membrane In order for a greenroof to be successful, it must first function as a roof and remain watertight. Ideally a roof membrane should have the following characteristics: • Have a long successful track record; • Be able to function in a wet environment; • Have no seams; • Be fully bonded to the substrate; • Be easy to detail; and • Be installed by authorised applicators.

roofing: damp proofing & alternative uses for roofs

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS feature

Insulation The growing media used on a garden roof does have some insulation value, but since this value varies greatly depending on moisture content, it should not be taken into consideration when calculating the thermal requirements of the roof structure, advises Hydrotech.

Technical benefits

Wind uplift

The system is able to retain 50%-90% of a typical rain fall on the roof and it also processes airborne toxins and re-oxygenates the air. Additionally, the peak flow volume is greatly reduced and the peak flow period is delayed by as much as 4 hours, minimising the impact on existing sewer systems. Additional thermal resistance is also provided by greenroofs and the noise levels are reduced (typical extensive greenroofs reduce reflective sound by up to 3 dB and improve sound insulation by up to 8 dB). Source: Hydrotechusa.com

An important design consideration for garden roofs with insulation is that the overlying growing media weight must be adequate to prevent wind uplift and to ballast the insulation against flotation. Typically a minimum of 15-20 pounds (7-9 kg) per square foot (929 cm2) of media dry weight is adequate to meet this requirement, says Hydrotech. “Wind pressures can vary greatly across a roof. At the centre of the roof a thin media layer of a minimum of 15 pounds per square foot (7 kg per 929 cm2) may be adequate. At the roof Continues on page 78

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

Waterproofing par excellence!

luz brothers SA (a subsidiary of Iluz Brothers ltd Israel) is the sole South African distributor of a wide variety of internationally acclaimed waterproofing systems. They are based in Sandton ,Johannesburg and represented throughout the country. Whilst providing waterproofing services to industrial, commercial and residential applications, Iluz Brothers Waterproofing Systems main aim is to successfully distribute world-leading spray waterproofing products to the industry. As a result, it has successfully completed many prestigious projects for Standard Bank, Grinaker, Bombela Civil Joint Venture, the Gautrain Project (Sandton, Rosebank and Park Stations), Tiber, and StaniLib, which means that Ilux’s innovative technologies are already impacting on the way the local markets handles its waterproofing. With years of experience outstanding expertise in waterproofing solutions, Iluz Brothers undertakes to meet clients waterproofing needs in a professional and highly skilled manner, which often means that with a team of just two trained men combined with the company’s expert technology, most waterproofing projects can be completed at the rate of 2000m² per day.

Waterproofing The comprehensive move away from more out-dated applications to the modern, innovative spray technology is an international trend that is now available through Iluz Brothers from Bitum, a leading manufacturer based in Israel. Iluz Brothers SA is the sole distributor throughout South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa for this exciting product range. For over half a century, Bitum has been developing and manufacturing advanced sealing and insulating products, including two-component spray-on polymer modified bituminous waterproofing material; polymer modified bitumen mastics (water-based and solvent-based); advanced acrylic coating for roofs and external walls; and silicon based coatings. A resume of a few main line products is shown below.

caring for the environment Iluz Brothers has undertaken to supply and install waterproofing technology that is environmentally friendly, with the aim of minimising any negative impact on the environment. The spray equipment runs on a diesel system which reduces the carbon footprint compared to a petrol system, and all materials are water based, odourless and non-toxic. The spray system is effective in eliminating wastage, spills, and any damage to the environment. In addition, certain products carry insulation benefits that allow the building users to contribute to a reduction in their carbon footprint because of these properties. Products are all cold spray formulations, thus reducing the need for standard industry gas driven torch on emissions and the related hazards.

Multigum The high elasticity of this sealer, together with its strength, allows for high bridging capacity over infrastructural cracks as well as for the sealing membrane continuity. Its elasticity is also preserved in

very low and high temperatures, thus ensuring high resistance in extreme temperatures without cracking. The greatest advantage of Multigum is its spraying application, which provides an easy and fast operation that provides excellent total sealing results, superior to most other sealing methods. Multigum is user and environment friendly, being water-based, and is non-flammable and is odour-free. Multigum also has the insulation ability to reduce the temperature within the area that has been sprayed, up to 2-4ºC cooler.

Mastigum This elastic bitumen mastic has outstanding elongation properties of over 1,300%. It fills every crack, bridges every gap and can endure extremes of temperature without any loss of quality. The spraying application ensures full adhesion because Mastigum particles fill every space or crevice perfectly, to provide 100% waterproofing -becoming an integral part of the surface, fusing into one entity. It displays no vertical creep and one spray application achieves a wet layer thickness of 3mm. Mastigum is a safe non-toxic, water-based product, with no danger of poisoning; it is also non-flammable and odourless.

Flexigum As a two-component elastomeric sealing material that is applied by spraying, Flexigum is based on a special bitumen emulsion, enriched with high concentration polymeric latex of the highest quality. The polymeric latex endows Flexigum with an especially high elasticity and resistance to a wide range of temperatures.

Bitumseal This is a two-component, elastic cement mixture for multipurpose sealing, designed for positive and negative sealing. Made of minerals, cement, hydraulic additives and latex, Bitumseal combines elasticity, adhesion and excellent water tightness, with excellent adhesion to substrates such as concrete, wood, metal, and PVC. Ideal for sealing structural walls, inside and outside, above or under ground level; suitable for sealing building foundations, drainage canals, bathroom walls and floors, concrete flower boxes and outside stone or marble-coated walls, Bitumseal is not designed to seal exposed roofs, but is compatible for sealing drinking water reservoirs. The Bitum sales programme also includes BTl- combined thermal insulation, based on internal reflective radiation barriers combined with polyester fibres insulation layer. The innovative technologies provided by the Iluz Brothers sales programme are having a high impact on the South African market and the way the local market does its waterproofing. With years of experience and a vast knowledge of waterproofing solutions, the company undertakes to satisfactorily meet client’s waterproofing needs in a professional, highly skilled, and environmentally friendly manner. v Iluz Brothers SA Tel: 011 262 4000 E-mail: reception@iluz.co.za Website: www.iluz-brothers.co.za

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

www.iluz.co.za Te l : 0 11 2 6 2 4 0 0 0 F a x : 0 11 2 6 2 6 6 6 4 Email: reception@iluz.co.za

22 Archimedes Street Kamerville 2197

Postnet Suite 152, Private Bag X23, Gallo Manor 2052

Specialists in all we do.

W AT E R P R O O F I N G T E C H N O L O G Y

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS feature

Continued from page 75 perimeter and corners, high wind uplift pressures may be such that multiple rows of precast pavers may be needed to prevent uplift. The taller the building, the greater the risk of wind uplift,” says Hydrotech. In windy areas, or in the case of sloped roof applications, wind can also scour the surface of the growing media, before there is sufficient plant cover to combat the effects of wind. Erosion control blankets must be incorporated and properly secured to prevent wind scour or blow-off of the loose soil material. An architect or engineer should be consulted to determine the wind uplift design requirements of the roof.

Roof drainage For safety purposes, roof drainage designs should include at least two outlets or an outlet and an overflow per roof level. All outlets must be kept clear of vegetation by installation of a vegetationfree zone around the outlet, and covering the outlet with an inspection chamber.

Good waterproofing principles still apply Hydrotech says that good waterproofing principles must be incorporated into a greenroof’s design. Flashings should be terminated at a minimum of 8 inches (20 cm) above the finished surface. For greenroofs this means the growing media, paving, etc. in front of doors, the minimum height above the finished surface can be reduced, provided that the flashing terminations can be turned in, under the door threshold and/or means of free drainage are incorporated (i.e. a linear drainage grille).

Roof penetrations and perimeter details Wherever possible, penetrations for pipes, equipment, skylights, etc. should be concentrated together. This helps to simplify waterproofing details and allows for more unbroken areas for plantings. All roof penetrations, as well as all perimeters, should be encircled by gravel or other ballast-covered, non-vegetated areas.

Attention-grabbing projects – world’s largest solar-powered hotel The Solar Valley Micro-E Hotel, also known as the Himin Sun-Moon Mansion, is positioned as the world’s first environmentally friendly theme-park-style hotel. The building is a showcase of solar design, boasting approximately 50 000 m² of solar panels on the exterior. The magnificent structure, which opened in 2009, has floating frames, over two thousand solar collectors above its roof and an energy conservation rate up to 88%. The five-star, 800 000 m² hotel is located in the economic hub of Dezhou. Himin Group constructed the building on the site of their own company’s headquarters. According to Jetsongreen.com, the building is about 30% more efficient than China’s national standard. The building is modelled after the sun dial structure and its white exterior represents clean energy. Besides being a sustainable hotel, the building also supplies space for exhibition centres, scientific research facilities as well as meeting and training facilities. The PV panels on the roof are just part of a huge list of energy conservation strategies, including seasonal heat storage, ceiling radiation, energy-saving glass, rainwater collection and sunshading panels. The PV panels on the roof generate approximately 36 000 kWh per annum.

Lotus-like structure has intentional hole in the roof The amazing Asian ArtScience Museum, which is part of the Marina Bay Sands property in Singapore, showcases the unity of arts and sciences, which are the common denominators that connect all aspects of nature and human life. The 6 000 m² art / science facility houses 21 galleries. Renowned architect Moshe Safdie designed the roof so that it looks like a lotus flower while it serves as a rain water collector. The large dish-like surface of the roof is a water collector that drains rainwater towards the centre where a natural fountain is formed. During the day, each of the petals of the roof is a Continues on page 84 World’s largest solar-panelled roof in China. Source: Sightbywalk.blogspot.com

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ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

Waterproofing solutions – for big or small projects Since it was established 72 years ago, a.b.e. Construction Chemicals has provided waterproofing products for around 900 000 South African houses alone. So, it’s not surprising that there is a trusted a.b.e. product for just about every area to be waterproofed. Contractors and home improvers have come to know and trust the various combinations: • For metal roofs: a.b.e. 4 metal primer, used in conjunction with super laycryl or super laykold, and a.b.e.’s polyester membrane; • For exposed, flat concrete roofs: a.b.e. bituprime followed by 4mm abedex and a final application of silvakote; • For showers and small balconies: the duraflex and ecofelt application that allows for tiling or painting afterwards; • For large balconies: bituprime, followed by layers of 3mm and 4mm unigum waterproofing membrane, and a final layer of malthoid 5-ply roofing felt for tiled surfaces; • For retaining walls: bituprime, followed by 4mm abedex or

unigum membrane, with abedrain G providing draining and protection; and • For basement tanking walls: bituprime, followed by 4mm unigum membrane and abedrain G, again to provide drainage and protection. a.b.e. waterproofing is not only used around the home but has also been specified effectively for major infrastructural, industrial and commercial projects, including major projects and undertakings such as Gautrain viaducts and stations, Medupi Power Station, FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup soccer stadiums, Pier 14 Shopping Centre in Port Elizabeth, Union Spinning Mills also in Port Elizabeth, Polokwane Reservoir, Steinhoff-PG Bison timber plant in KwaZulu- Natal, and the Linksfield Heights apartment block in Johannesburg. a.b.e Construction Chemicals Limited Tel: 011 306 9000 E-mail: theunism@abe.co.za Website: www.abe.co.za

Roof gardens

for green building

As the emphasis on ‘green’ building continues to grow, a.b.e. Construction Chemicals feels that more South African property owners and architects should consider converting rooftops into gardens and, to assist in these projects, the company supplies a wide range of roof garden waterproofing products. The creation of “green spaces” in the sky has several environmental, economic and social benefits – and is increasingly being mooted in countries with far less conducive climates than South Africa. Chicago, for example, expects to have more than 370 000 square metres of gardens on the roofs of 400 buildings by the end of this year; and renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano has designed a ‘green roof’ over the new California Academy of Sciences building in San Francisco. From an environmental point of view, roof gardens clean the air and provide micro-climates for fauna and flora. A major economic benefit is energy saving: roofs with gardens lose 30% less heat in winter; are cooler in summer; and also offer year-round sound insulation. They can substantially reduce the temperature of roofs; will protect roofs from rain, hail and wind damage; and houses with roof gardens could also have increased resale value. Among many social benefits is the fact that roof gardens can absorb up to 75% of rainfall, thereby reducing run-off and the impact on stormwater systems which can lead to flooding. The gardens also create new spaces for living and entertaining in heavily built-up urban areas.

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals’ waterproofing products for roof gardens include: • super laykold – to coat the roof surfaces. This is a rubberised bitumen waterproofing which has for years been widely used in South Africa for sealing and repairing leaky, galvanised roof sheeting; holes; overlaps; valley gutters; and roof screws. • ecofelt (or “flashpack”) – which is then laid over the area with further coats of super laykold. ecofelt is an exceptionally rugged, non-woven, continuous-filament, needle-punched polyester geotextile. • abedrain – a lightweight high-density polyethylene protection membrane which offers great resistance to all chemical agents often found in soil and groundwater. abedrain is used to protect bituminous membranes in walls, basements, foundations and roof gardens. • Index Defend H – a waterproofing membrane with an antiroot additive. The product provides a continuous barrier against roots, even along overlaps. a.b.e Construction Chemicals Limited Tel: 011 306 9000 E-mail: theunism@abe.co.za Website: www.abe.co.za

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

The lotus-inspired, dish-like surface of the roof acts as a water collector, draining towards the centre where a natural fountain is formed. Source: Wikimedia.org

“I wanted a structure which captures the dynamic city and I wanted it to look as if it is afloat.” fountain. During the night, the roof can be closed to serve as an amphitheatre for striking light and laser shows with fireworks. Water that falls on the roof collects into a waterfall cascading through the museum atrium into the pool below. The water will also be circulated for use in the restroom facilities. “It’s like a cylindrical waterfall which also acts as a water feature. Rainwater is also recycled for use in the restrooms as part of Singapore’s Green mark programme,” says Safdie when explaining the intentional hole in the roof design. Source: Nst.com. The brief from the Singapore government included integrating nature by having green open spaces, conserving energy and a need for the design professionals to focus on modern architecture – which closely represents the spirit of the republic. The sculptural interior wall forms are illuminated with natural light. Safdie and his team came up with over 40 models to get the structure just right. “Skylights in the roof punctuate the promontory, bringing daylight to the galleries at the lower levels,” says Safdie. The steel and glass roofing structure, called The Welcoming Hand of Singapore by Las Vegas Sands Corp. chairman Sheldon Adelson, has already made a big impact on the waterfront skyline. The fact that Moshe Safdi and Associates had only four months

to come up with the concept for the Marina Bay Sands property makes the whole construction an engineering triumph. “I wanted a structure which captures the dynamic city and I wanted it to look as if it is afloat. So we started with the impression of the fingers, with each finger being mathematically defined. With a precise geometric set of the fingers, it lends a certain elegance to the structure,” said Safdie. Mathematical “tweaking” needed to be taken to extreme levels to ensure the concept could be constructed. In order to make the museum buildable and efficient, it had to be designed, engineered and constructed with the latest 3-D technology. The building form consists of twelve “fingers” or “petals” (10 large fingers and two smaller ones) that form bay windows with magnificent views. The primary surfaces are made of special glassfibre-reinforced polymer (a material that is mainly used in the skins of high-performance racing yachts). Construction of the roof was completed on 8 February, 2011 and the building was opened to the public on 17 February, 2011 at 13:18pm (the time chosen by the project’s Feng Shui master). Besides the museum, the Marina Bay Sands property also boasts a mall, hotel, casino and shopping centre. According to Nst. com, the property is billed as the largest investment in the world for a single integrated resort. Walls & Roofs would like to give thanks and acknowledgement to www.hydrotechusa.com, www.flytogreen.com.au, www.architects24.com, www.jetsongreen.com and www.greenroofs.com, for information contributed to this article. v

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

Damaged roofs: shoddy

building quality to

blame?

r Hennie de Clercq, executive director of the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC), is of the opinion that when a cyclone, tornado or hurricane hits, even well-constructed buildings may suffer damage. New Orleans in the U.S.A. and Queensland in Australia are prominent examples. However, the recent heart-wrenching images in South Africa of schoolchildren working in the open because the roofs of their schools have been blown off are not as a result of winds of this nature but rather because of shoddy and unacceptable building quality. “Roofs being blown off in this country are certainly not isolated incidents; people who are familiar with the building industry know that many roofs are damaged by wind each year, including those of houses, commercial buildings, factories and other buildings. Low-cost houses are particularly susceptible and the excuse is typically that there was a ‘tornado’, or some other ‘act of God’. Insurance companies normally seem to be quite happy with this explanation and, more often than not, pay out if the building was insured,” says De Clercq. “But the reality is that there are precious few tornadoes and no cyclones or hurricanes in South Africa – on average less than one severe windstorm per year hits a built-up area. It is extremely rare for a wind strong enough to blow off well-constructed roofs in this country.” “The fact is that it is entirely possible and economically feasible to build roofs that are strong enough to survive the winds that are typically encountered here,” he says. He adds that there should not be more than one incident per year on average in the entire country of a roof being blown off by wind. Why then is it that we have an epidemic of damaged roofs year after year? According to De Clercq this can be attributed to carelessness and sloppiness. “Carelessness is basically where the developers, be they in government or in the private sector, do not ensure that quality materials and compliant workmanship are specified, while sloppiness comes about through a lack of supervision resulting in poor workmanship and a general decline in standards,” says De Clercq.

He says that greed is the root of the problem. “This is clearly apparent: firstly, through the willingness of those responsible to use substandard roof sheets, screws and other items used for fixing the sheets to the structure; secondly, through those responsible for taking all kinds of shortcuts like, for example, appointing contractors who can’t do the job properly and not getting professional advice.” De Clercq says that while most of the substandard material is imported, much of it is also produced by unscrupulous local companies

Fixing the endemic problem How can building owners, property developers, government departments, architects and engineers ensure that this endemic roof problem comes to an end? The SAISC recommends the following steps. Firstly, for any building bigger than a single dwelling an engineer should be appointed to take specific responsibility for all aspects of the roof, including the support structure. For houses, great care should be taken by all responsible in the specification of the roof structure. Secondly, good quality material must be specified and used. Only roof sheets tested in accordance with SANS 10137 should be allowed. Thirdly, only roofing contractors that have demonstrated the ability and preparedness to do professional and compliant work should be employed. Furthermore, there should be a system in place where these contractors are constantly checked to ensure they adhere to the specifications and to acceptable standards in general. “The time has come to cease looking for external excuses and to understand that the solution to the problem is entirely in our own hands. As long as we do not accept responsibility for the pain and suffering caused by this substandard work, it will continue unabated. Following the above guidelines is what is required and, while this may require a little more effort from all those involved in the construction industry, the dividends reaped in the end will be more than worth it,” concludes De Clercq. v SAISC Tel: 011 726 6111 E-mail: info@saisc.co.za Website: www.saisc.co.za

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

A house

built from

SAND

nspired by a book called The last hours of essential sunlight by Thom Hartmann, mechanical engineer Michael Matthews has built a house in White River near Nelspruit that is made of sand. “The book refers to fossil fuels and how they will eventually be exhausted as a source of energy. In addition, the burning of these fossil fuels is a cause for global warming. This led me to build an energy efficient, self sufficient house that has little impact on the environment,” explains Matthews. Matthews’ house was built with a technology known as rammed earth, which has been used for millennia. The building of rammed earth walls involves a process of compressing a damp mixture of earth that has suitable proportions of sand, lime and clay (sometimes with an added stabiliser) into an externally supported frame, creating a solid wall of earth. Soil is a widely available, low cost and sustainable resource. Therefore rammed earth walls can be built with unskilled labour, which makes this a cheap technology that has a low impact on the environment. Furthermore, rammed earth can also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of buildings.

layers, and each labourer can manage to compact a 1,5m wide section of a wall,” explains Hattingh. “There were time constraints as one rammed earth wall had to be completed in one day, because doing half one day and the other half the next day would have resulted in cold joints, different colours of the wall and even cracking. Therefore we used a pan mixer when combining the soil as it was faster than hand mixing, and also assisted in making a more consistent blend of soil, hydrated lime, 6-8mm crusher stone, and water.” A measure taken to prevent water seepage and movement of moisture from the ground up was that the walls were built 150mm above ground level, on three rows of clay face bricks. “An important design aspect with regard to the rammed earth walls was their thickness. The average size of a wall is approximately 220mm thick. These walls are 450mm thick, which increases the thermal mass of the walls, meaning that it takes a significant time for these walls to heat up and cool down. The theory is that any heat that is absorbed during the day will slowly be released during the night, promoting a fairly consistent temperature,” says Hattingh. Even though rammed earth walls can be dated back as far as 5000 BC very few modern houses use this technology. This

Walls Geotechnical test results showed that the soil on the property in White River was suitable for the walls. Unfortunately, the soil was on a wetland area and any excavation would disturb the surrounding environment. Therefore, it was decided to buy soil from a nearby borrow pit. After acquiring suitable soil, the next step was to build the formwork. Johan Hattingh, the building contractor for the project, explains, “The formwork for the wall was made from shutter board with wooden backing frames that were bolted together in the standard 1,2m by 2,4m size. Acting as a mould for the desired shape and dimensions of each wall section, the formwork created a cavity which was filled with the soil mixture and then compacted. The two opposing wall faces had to be held together with pony clamps. “Since each wall is 450mm thick, the cavity between the formwork is 450mm thick. When one starts to build a rammed earth panel, one has to climb into this small space. As the soil mixture is compacted into layers, a measured amount is poured into the cavity for every layer. A person starts to level out the soil mixture to 120mm thick, and then manually compacts the soil with 100mm x 100mm metal hand tamper to approximately 75mm in thickness. An entire wall will have about 40-60 different

is partly why the engineer (Eric Dickson) designed such large foundation footings and beams (foundations were one metre wide and the rammed earth walls had a zero bearing). The other reason lies with clay soil conditions the weight of the compacted walls and the substantial weight of the roof. Six tons of reinforcing and 35 m3 of concrete were used for the foundations. Columns were cast before the rammed earth walls were made. The rammed earth walls would be zero bearing walls, with the concrete columns carrying all of the weight – the tallest columns being 3,5m in height.

Roofs One of the most interesting features of the house is its planted roof’. This is a rib and block structure, where the ribs are steel lip channels and the blocks are polystyrene. This reduces the weight of the roof and also improves the insulation qualities. Matthews planted a few water wise plants, but has left the rest of the roof to develop at its own natural equilibrium. Designed to carry 450kg/m², the roof was an 8m x 30 m span and had to be very strong. This was because a course layer of

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

gravel (30 tonnes) was applied directly over the concrete slab following a layer of geotech fabric to assist with the drainage of water. On top of this was a 200mm layer of top soil which was dug up for the house foundations. It was calculated that when saturated, the top soil was able to retain nearly 80 tonnes of water. Therefore, a large amount of reinforcing and a fibre additive was also added to the waterproof concrete mix in order to boost the roof strength. Furthermore, the roof was designed at a 7,5ยบ angle in order to facilitate drainage. Cast as a single slab, the roof comprised over 100m3 of a special waterproof concrete mix designed by Lafarge. Chryso South Africa was also involved in the construction of this unique building. Regarding the rammed earth walls, a number of test walls were made before the house was constructed, and these started to crumble. This was due to oxidation, and to prevent this from happening to the house Chryso Conseal was applied to the wall. This product, when applied to porous surfaces, will reduce crumbling, improve permeability and impart a harder, denser surface by reacting with the free lime and binding it to form solid calcium silicate hydrates. When it rains, water will now run off the wall without any of it being absorbed. This product had a dual role as a waterproofing agent as well.

After application, there was a faster surface hardening of the walls and there is absolutely no water seepage. This product was tested in November 2009, when the whole of Nelspruit experienced the worst storm in 22 years. Houses lost their roofs, trees were blown over onto cars and signposts were flattened. The newly built walls withstood a considerable amount of rain. Also, Matthews was disappointed with the roof once the concrete was poured and set. The roof was poorly finished and a small stabilisation crack appeared. To further prevent the roof from leaking, it was sealed with Chryso Hydroflex, a cementitious based, UV stable waterproof and protective coating, with a 4mm crack bridging capability. A huge problem with the roof was plastering. When a brick wall is plastered, the bricks manage to absorb the moisture from the plaster, helping it to set quickly. This is not so with polystyrene. Compounding this problem was the constant rain and high atmospheric moisture levels experienced in White River. To solve this problem, Chryso Cim was used as a bonding agent, which significantly increases plasticity, cohesion and adhesion of the plaster to the ceiling while acting as a waterproofing agent. In addition, Chryso Xel GTC was used to help the plaster set and harden quickly. As the first construction chemicals manufacturer to join the Green Building Council of South Africa, and a company committed to sustainable development through its range of practices and products, Chryso South Africa was privileged to be involved in providing products to assist in the building of this unusual house. v Chryso SA Tel: 011 395 9700 E-mail: hannes@chrysosa.co.za Website: www.chryso.com

Your no.

Waterproofing Solution For all your roofing requirements and maintenance programs.

Can be applied over old waterproofing without removal

â&#x20AC;˘ We specialise in assisting our clients with waterproofing solutions for both pitched and flat roofs. â&#x20AC;˘ Waterproofing products can be applied to any surface from metal to concrete, and it carries a 15-year maintenance free warranty.

Waterproofing productS available are: BUCCANEER LIQUID PLASTIC COMPOUND

before

Can be applied by brush, towel or spray, once applied and cured, it forms a thick plastic skin that will form and remain a flexible waterproof coating. Can be applied to concrete, plaster, wood asbestos, ferrous and non ferrousmetals, fiberglass, plastic, fibre cement and corrugated iron, It is available in any colour.

BUCCANEER LIQUID PLASTIC FLOOR COATING

Can be applied from horisontal floor to vertical wall, thereby providing a completely seamless and waterproof surface that is easily washable and resistant to most chemicals & oils providing a maintenance-free surface where you need it most.

after

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

“Pizza Delivery Service!”

apco, one of South Africa’s leading and most highly regarded stockists and manufacturers of ceiling and partition systems and components, is still revelling in the comment made by one of its major competitors, “Capco’s service is like pizza delivery - we take 2 to 3 days with our deliveries - we cannot compete with Capco”. With a focus on customer service, Capco has gained market share by continually striving to offer the best solutions for the ceiling and partition industry. Capco supplies some of the most advanced drywall products and tools on the market, for example, Trim-Tex PVC profiles for sharp accurate edges and softline aesthetics; Marshalltown Tools that improve productivity and job quality; Daiken Mineral Fibre Ceiling Tiles that have an SABS Class 1 fire index and are moisture resistant; and CKM Suspended Ceiling Grid, which is accurate, strong and easy to install - to name but a few. Each product has its own unique stand-out characteristics that give these products such a competitive advantage. As a preferred supplier amongst contractors due to complete and on time deliveries, Capco has successfully supplied the following projects in South Africa recently - King Shaka International Airport; SA Banknotes; Bridge City Commuter Station; Nedbank; Standard Bank; Discovery; Softline; Denys Reitz; Brits Mall; and Greenstone Shopping Centre. These brilliant ceiling and partitioning products are available from Capco -one of South Africa’s leading stockists and distributors - and the latest Capco product innovations include:

Sigma Plaster Trim Innovation being one of the key areas of Capco’s vision, the company has recently re-designed its Shadowline Plaster Trims for a perfectly finished ceiling. Now available in 20 x 20mm, 30 x 30mm and 50 x 50mm profiles, clean and neat powder coated aluminium sections provide the ultimate solution for almost any architectural language. The new downstand is specifically designed to facilitate 9mm Gypsum board and 3mm skim plaster with tolerance.

Sigma Tee Closer Sigma Tee Closer satin white epoxy coated aluminium is designed to close off neatly the exposed perimeter of a main tee or cross tee of floating ceilings. It is clipped onto the tees and secured with 4.2 x 13mm Wafertek screws at 900mm centres. v CAPCO cc Tel: 031 569 6090 E-mail: byron@capco.co.za Websites: www.capco.co.za & www.autospec.com

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

High-performance adhesives for stadium

refurbishment

ith the combination of solving a major problem and meeting a very tight installation schedule, Sika’s highperformance Sikadur-Combiflex System provided a new lease of life for the ailing Gelvandale Stadium, situated in northern Port Elizabeth. Constructed in the mid-1960s, the stadium needed refurbishment, which is what the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality decided to do – with a view to providing a world-class training facility for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup. Transformed into a multi-purpose sports arena featuring a cycle track, athletics track, swimming pool, and soccer and rugby pitch, this modern sports facility will also benefit the local community of this previously disadvantaged area – an important long-term advantage.

The main challenge facing BNM Architects and contractors SBT Construction was the existing precast seating. This revealed 30 mm chamfered recesses that had been filled with a non-shrink grout which did not allow for the movement caused by loads. After the first rains the electrical control room was flooded as a result of the non-movement of the precast

seating. Although already over their allocated budget, the engineers appealed to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality for an increase in order for the job to be completed. Without hesitation the Sikadur-Combiflex System was specified for its renowned efficacy when used for construction, expansion and connection joints and cracks. Consisting of a flexible Hypalon waterproofing tape and a suitable Sikadur epoxy adhesive, this system when fixed to joints allows for irregular and high movement in more than one direction while maintaining a high-quality seal. Initially the vertical joints were filled with Sikaflex-11 FC, creating a PU band at the vertical and horizontal junction, and producing a flat surface prior to application of the bandage to prevent hard, sharp edges or lips, which might cause the bandage to tear. Sikaflex-11 FC is a one-part, moisture-curing, elastic joint sealant and multipurpose adhesive, based on polyurethane, and is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. Following this, more than 2 000 m of Combiflex tape (cut to 75 mm width) was applied to the chamfered recess between the seats, using Sikadur-31CF as an adhesive, and enabling the joints movement of more than 25%, especially when loaded with spectators crowding the stadium at high-profile sporting events. Sikadur-31CF (52 x 7,5lt) is a two-part, thixotropic, epoxy adhesive and repair mortar which can be applied to a range of component surfaces, both dry and damp. It hardens without shrinkage, has a high-strength adhesive as well as a high initial and ultimate mechanical strength and is impermeable to liquids and water vapour. As a complex and thorough joint sealing procedure, application of the Sika Combiflex system requires a qualified contractor, and therefore MCS (Multi Contract Specialists) were appointed to perform the application of this specialised joint sealing project. This urgent project was completed in just over two weeks, with two weeks to spare before the start of the World Cup competition – making the success an even bigger victory. v Sika South Africa Tel: 031 792 6500 Email: headoffice@za.sika.com Website: www.sika.co.za

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

Lightweight steel roofing system for large projects A

n industry leader in the steel roofing system sector, MiTek has developed a lightweight roofing system called the Ultra-Span Light Gauge Steel Truss System, which is ideal for projects with large roofing spaces. Not only can the system be easily erected on site within a very short time, but its unique features enable it to be the ideal solution for large commercial projects and industrial applications.

Unique member profile

appropriate position eliminating all site wastage. • The final roof erection and bracing is on the same basis and principle as employed in timber nail-plated roof trusses – the only difference being that all connections are screwed and not nailed. In a similar manner to nail-plated timber roofs, the completed roof is also inspected and a certificate issued.

Fit for large projects The Zambesi Retail Mall Extension chose Ultra-Span for the roof of their project. The magnificent roof consists of three separate roofs spanning between 7,5 m up to a maximum of 30 m clear covering an area of 7 200 m² (7 700 m² including overhangs). The Zambesi Retail Mall Extension won the Light Steel Frame Building (LSFB) award from the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) Steel Awards in 2010. Another project that chose Ultra-Span due to its large span capabilities was construction company Lamprecht Properties, for a new shopping centre in KwaNobuhle, just outside Uitenhage. The R120-million retail development required roof trusses for the 18 500 m2 roof that would be easy to erect on site within a short amount of time.

The biggest advantage of the Ultra-Span system is the unique member profile shape. Purposely designed with less steel per meter than other systems, the Ultra-Span truss shape is fabricated with only three components (chords, webs and connectors).

Absolute construction simplicity • All truss components are simply screwed together to form a completed roof truss – this work can be done by even unskilled persons after initial training (women could also be used in this process) – more than 200 low-cost trusses can be assembled with a 3 person team in one day = sufficient for approx 20 lowcost roof structures. • Completed truss is extremely light (approx. 12kg/ 7m span truss) – this allows small trusses to be lifted into position by one person – or larger completed roof sections to be lifted by crane. • All roof structure materials can be provided to exact required length, simply requiring assembly or installation at the

The unique member profile shape was purposely designed with less steel per meter.

LSFB was chosen for the Zambesi Retail Mall Extension to provide the required structural strength at minimal weight.

Why use this lightweight steel roofing system? • Elegant simple system, with all members straight and true for a level roof. • Span capability from small low-cost to large 40 m clear span commercial structures. • Longevity of product due to galvanized coating plus inherent properties of non-combustibility, resistance to borer and fungus attack. • Lower weight reduces transportation costs, improves handling and erection. v MiTek Industries (Pty) Ltd Tel: 011 237 8700 Email: marketing@mitek.co.za Website: www.mitek.co.za

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

Waterproofing for

roofs and ceilings

uccessful waterproofing of roofs and ceilings is made possible with innovations from Cemcrete that are sure to provide the necessary waterproofing products and systems for any roof or ceiling. Regarding roof coatings, Cemcrete’s RoofPaint is an excellent product. The outermost layer of the roof is perhaps the most vital part to keep in pristine condition as it is perpetually exposed to nature’s elements including harmful UV rays, hail, and general weather abrasion.

Roofseal can be applied to the entire roof, and benefits the longevity of the roof in general, but it can also be applied to specific worrisome areas or can be applied as an alternative to paint, as it is available in six different colours to meet any design requirement. Both applications assure superior waterproofing as alternatives to generic waterproofing products as they were designed specifically for roofs and ceilings. v

Cemcrete also offers an additional waterproofing aid to RoofPaint, namely Roofseal, which provides an exceptionally durable membrane system that is extremely waterproof and easy to apply. Cemcrete’s RoofPaint has been adapted to meet these needs by presenting a roof paint that contains mica and silica for maximum film protection against UV light and weather abrasion. This super-durable coating is available in 16 different colours (including popular slate, terracotta, white, grey and green) to suit any design, and it is suitable for application on cement/concrete and new/old corrugated iron roofs, providing a top-of-the-range coating that serves as a primary waterproofing system. Cemcrete also offers an additional waterproofing aid to RoofPaint, namely Roofseal, which provides an exceptionally durable membrane system that is extremely waterproof and easy to apply. It is suitable for use on concrete, bituminous felt, timber, galvanised iron, asbestos cement and foam cement, and is a perfect base for RoofPaint, as it seals the roof and allows the paint to last much longer. The Roofseal system (which includes a tightly woven polyester membrane) is so effective it acts as a binding agent for roof tiles so that weather abrasion does not misplace them.

The Roofseal system (which includes a tightly woven polyester membrane) is so effective it acts as a binding agent for roof tiles so that weather abrasion does not misplace them. Cemcrete Tel: 011 474 2415 Fax: 011 474 2416 E-mail: info@cemcrete.co.za Website: www.cemcrete.co.za

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

Light steel frame supplier

expands its services

ereeniging-based leading light steel frame building system supplier Razorbill Properties has increased its construction capacity during the last quarter to triple its original capacity. As part of its ongoing commitment to skills and entrepreneurial development the company has implemented a training programme which will ensure that all erectors receive accredited training in their relative fields.

A Small Business Development programme is also in place which will see members of the local communities that the company operates in receiving the required assistance to effectively develop their business skills whilst facilitating processes with financial institutions. These initiatives effectively handle community-related matters for Razorbill clients in line with the B-BBEE guidelines, allowing the company more time to focus on its core business.

Project Management Services Following the excellent results achieved over the last two years the company drew on its resources to include personnel with 10 years project management, coordination, and financial experience to deliver a project management service to its customers. The first project in this arena was successfully completed in time and below cost for a Gauteng client during the last quarter of 2010. This highly satisfied customer has already committed its next three projects to working with Razorbill.

Production upgrade

As part of its ongoing commitment to skills and entrepreneurial development the company has implemented a training programme which will ensure that all erectors receive accredited training in their relative fields. 100

The Razorbill production department was expanded to double its previous capacity, enabling the company to supply its evergrowing customer base whilst ensuring peace of mind for all existing and future customers. This, in conjunction with new equipment that is in process, will broaden the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customer base whilst expanding its range of products for both the local and growing export market. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speed, reliability and capacity you require, contact Razorbill today. v Razorbill Properties (Pty) Ltd Tel: 079 501 9324 Fax: 086 271 7411 E-mail: vernon@razorb.co.za

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

Razorbill Properties 127 (PTY)Ltd. Shop 26, Vision 21 Park, Steelroad, Vereeniging, 1930 Chris Smith (CEO) Cell: 082 808 3295 路 Email: chris@razorb.co.za Vernon van der Westhuizen Cell: 079 501 9324 路 Email: Vernon@razorb.co.za

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ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

Polymer film used for damp- and waterproofing in buildings: SANS 952-1 Polymer films are widely used for damp-proofing and waterproofing buildings. For this reason, the recent publication of SANS 952-1 (full title SANS 952-1, Polymer film for dampproofing and waterproofing in buildings Part 1: Monofilament and co-extruded products) is important news for all involved in the building and construction industry. Deon Enslin, a member of National Committee SC 59J, Construction Standards – Waterproof membranes, films and barrier products, explains why.

manufacture of polymer membranes which are not fit for use in certain applications, such as when used under roof tiles where only a virgin raw material should be used. Also, because plastic membranes come in different thicknesses, the standard sets a minimum thickness for each product which ensures adequate performance.” “The building regulations insist on conformity to SANS 952. Part 2 of this standard, which covers laminated (non-woven) products, is currently in the process of being prepared.” Who would use the standard? Enslin says, “The standard is widely specified by architects, quantity surveyors, developers, and especially institutions which provide finance such as the banks.” “Polymer film used for damp-proof coursing to prevent rising damp is mandatory in terms of the building regulations when used in brick walls built as part of structures which are for domestic or industrial applications,” Enslin concludes.

“SANS 952-1 was written to standardise the thicknesses and performance requirements for the polyolefin membranes used for damp- and waterproofing in buildings.” “The standard is of the utmost importance to the building industry as there is growing use of recycled materials in the

SABS Tel: 011 813 2180 Fax: 011 813 2188 E-mail: deone@gundleapi.co.za Website: www.sabs.co.za

Roof painting

to go green

Vital Health Foods has adapted its roof in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the company, thus joining many top-level companies that have painted their roofs with Thermoshield. Since painting the roof, Vital Health Foods has reduced its electricity usage, which in turn reduces the burden on the environment. Thermoshield is a special white coating, developed by NASA research, which reflects and repels heat and sunlight. It forms a barrier against the sun with millions of hollow ceramic beads clustered together forming ‘air pockets’. The beads tolerate heat for up to three hours, and then heat is transferred to the beads below. Essentially, it takes much longer for heat transferral. When the sun shines on a roof, the temperature inside the building rises between 75% and 95%. By coating the roof with Thermoshield, which repels sun rays like a mirror, the heat isn’t transferred into the building. It’s cooler inside by up to 45%. What’s more, it will help the building stay warm in winter. “Since painting our roof with Thermoshield, we have recorded a significant reduction in the roof space temperature which translates into a reduction in usage of airconditioning throughout the facility,” says Peter Tremlett, maintenance manager at Vital Health Foods.

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“When we compare general electrical consumption in April 2009 to consumption in the same month last year, it shows a decline of 36 000 Kwh, resulting in a saving in excess of R23 000, and when we save electricity, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint.” In addition to electricity reduction, Thermoshield also decreases how fast the roof ages, reduces maintenance costs and creates a more stable temperature-controlled environment for the international-standard production facility at Vital Health Foods. It’s almost like wrapping the roof in plastic to protect it from water, rust, heat damage and ultraviolet radiation. This goes to show that environmentally friendly initiatives are not only aimed at saving the planet, but also make good business sense. As market leader in the health foods industry, Vital Health Foods is joining other leaders in the manufacturing industry to set new green standards and to inspire other companies to follow suit. Thermoshield E-mail: spm@thermoshield.com Website: www.thermoshield.com

ROOFING: DAMP PROOFING & ALTERNATIVE USES FOR ROOFS

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Beautiful ranges

ARCHITECTIVES

alive on display

104

Design Syndicate, the wallpaper suppliers to top commercial projects both locally and abroad, recently opened their stunningly revamped showroom in the Johannesburg. Within easy reach from main arterial highways, the showroom has been designed to serve as a

Marlene van Rooyen (Editor) with Peet and Jozua from The Guys.

hub for designers and decorators to meet and exchange ideas while browsing through the numerous catalogues on show while enjoying a freshly brewed cappuccino. Visit them at 39 La Rochelle Road, Springfield, Johannesburg.

James Norris (Design Syndicate) with clients at the showroom opening.

Design Syndicate Wallcoverings Tel: 011 434 1330 E-mail: james@desyn.co.za Website: www.designsyndicate.co.za

New showroom caters to professionals and public

Tiletoria opened their newly redesigned showroom in Northriding recently. The product ranges have been expanded to make it easier for professionals and homeowners alike to put their dream setting together. The showroom design has been changed to allow a flood of natural light and the display area has been enlarged significantly to showcase their numerous products. Basins are displayed on suspended shelving, appearing to float in the air, next to their toilet counterparts, making it easier to fit the suite together. Tiletoria’s range includes porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tiles, complemented by mosaics and rounded off by laminated flooring. Vanities, taps, baths, basins and WC’s are all on offer at Tiletoria. Visit them at their showroom located in the Northlands Deco Park.

Tiletoria Tel: 021 511 3125 Fax: 021 511 3119 E-mail: info@tiletoria.co.za Website: www.tiletoria.co.za

ARCHITECTIVES

De Kock to leave the GMBA Colin de Kock, the executive director of the

new GMBA training for owners and staff

Gauteng Master Builders Association,

of SMME and QSE enterprises; set up and

will be leaving the GMBA at the end of

directed Building Industry Learner Training

June this year.

for the training of learners in the absence

De Kock, 61, who has headed the

of CETA assistance; and established GMBA

association since 1996, is leaving to pursue

training of Health, Safety and Environment

other interests. He has played a major

personnel, where the second intake of

role and spearheaded several important

students qualified this year.

GMBA initiatives during his spell in office, particularly in the realm of training and

Gauteng Master Builders Association (GMBA)

advancement of skills within the industry.

Tel: 011 805 6611

For example, he set up and directed the MBA Resource Centre which provides Colin de Kock, director of GMBA

education and training in management to

Fax: 011 805 6718 E-mail: info@gmba.co.za Website: www.gmba.org.za

emerging building contractors; established

To perceive colour is to experience We tend to take colour for granted, not realizing the influence colour has on our daily lives. We see our surroundings and we see them in colour. Colour is light and light changes colour. We actually don’t see colour, we experience colour. Human beings receive 80% of their information from the environment and colour belongs to the environment. To perceive colour means to experience, in other words to become conscious or aware. But this awareness is more complicated than just being aware, because a multitude of factors work together partly on a conscious level, partly on an unconscious level. Of these six factors, some colour designers who are unsure in their use of colour have a tendency to “play it safe” and copy colour trends. Some paint companies out of lack of colour knowledge base their colour programme on the colour trends. There is nothing wrong with their colour choices and combinations, but what they don’t realise is that they are manipulating the human being’s most complex sense, that of vision, by luring them into classified colours. The human being unfortunately, has very little colour knowledge, if any, and believes whatever people – especially in the paint world - advise them to use. “We must realise that an interior (or a building/house) that carries too heavily and forever the professional signature of its

designer, and permits no contribution from its user, may be a fine monument, but it is nevertheless a tomb”(Quoted in Kleeman. The challenge of Interior Design. Boston 1981) No architect, colour designer, paint company, trends can ever replace your subjective feelings and needs. The best colour designer in the world is your own two eyes and your own feelings. We refer to it as Humane Colour Design. “If you see and experience designed/trends colours on the wall, you just stay in the house, but if you see and experience your colours on the walls, you live there!” Acknowledgement and thanks is given to Dr.Van Aardt du Preez for this article, published in conjunction with Cedar Paints. Dr. du Preez is the first and only South African to be invited to exhibit a colour assignment at the 50th International Exhibition of the IAC in Geneva. Cedar Paint Tel: 012 804 2130 / 086 123 3277 Fax: 012 804 8517 E-mail: cedar15@argent.co.za Website: www.cedarpaint.co.za www.autospec.com

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ARCHITECTIVES

Racking up the green stars in concrete Simply defined, a green building is one which is energy- and resource-efficient and environmentally responsible, incorporating design, construction and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate its negative impact on the environment and its occupants. For a building to be officially classified as green, specific measures must be taken. These include careful building design to reduce heat loads, maximise natural light and promote the circulation of fresh air; the use of energy-efficient airconditioning and lighting; the use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials; the reduction of waste, and the use of recycled materials; water-efficient plumbing fittings and water harvesting; the use of renewable energy sources; and sensitivity with regard to the impact of the development on the environment. One of the biggest problems facing architects, engineers, contractors and developers that are striving to produce certified green buildings is to find products that are themselves certified as being sustainable and meeting the green rating requirements. However, anyone dealing with ReMaCon Products for the supply and installation of precast concrete retaining block elements doesn’t have that problem, because the ReMblok 30 retaining blocks and grass planter blocks are not only proud SABS Mark holders, but they have also passed the Green Star Ratings.

Annexure H Item 4.10: Concrete (Green Star credit Mat-5) Nomenclature: ‘Portland cement is substituted with industrial waste products (fly ash, slag, etc) for minimum 30% cement replacement for in-situ concrete, 20% for precast concrete and 15% for stressed concrete. If possible, 10% of all aggregate used for structural purposes is recycled and no natural aggregates are used in non-structural uses (subgrade, backfill, base courses, etc).’

ReMblok 30 retaining blocks and grass planter blocks: • 23% DuraPozz substitution for Portland cement = 30kg DuraPozz + 100kg cement (42.5) [30/130=23%] (Minimum is 20%) • 22,38% of aggregate used is recycled crushed concrete of dolomitic aggregate origin (Minimum is 20%) • 80% of aggregate materials are sourced within 50km, 20% cement content within 400 km of the site.

Item 4.11: Steel (Green Star credit Mat-6) Extension pieces used to add mass and depth: • 100% waste off-cut steel reinforcing of deformed 5mm hightensile stressing steel • 100% of aggregate used is recycled crushed concrete of dolomitic • aggregate origin

Item 4.15: Local Sourcing (Green Star credit Mat-11) Slider panels (used to close gaps between blocks to prevent wash-out): 100% of aggregate used is recycled crushed concrete of dolomitic aggregate origin What should not be overlooked is the fact that once planted the grass planter blocks also add to the aesthetic appeal of the building and to the overall ecological sustainability of the area. ReMaCon Tel: 011 393 5504 Fax: 011 393 5502 Website: www.remacon.co.za

Cheap raw materials are a threat to paint industry’s reputation Speaking at the first of the S.A. Paint Manufacturing Association (SAPMA) “supplier evenings” that was held in Bedfordview on 10 March, Sanjeev Bhatt, operations director of Uniresins, warned that South African paint manufacturers who consider only price and use cheap, inferior resins in their mix are lowering paint quality and damaging the reputation of the coatings industry. Alrode-based Uniresins has the capacity to produce up to 15 000 tonnes of synthetic resins – which bind pigments to surfaces being painted – per year. Discussing the dangers of cutting corners and opting only for price consideration in raw materials selection, Bhatt said the paint manufacturing industry in South Africa would have to move with the times and be prepared to spend more on new products based on different technology and innovations to boost quality and lift the status of the industry as whole. “There is, for a start, the matter of environmental protection. SAPMA has made major progress in its quest to rid South Africa of leaded paints but the next hurdle for paint producers will be the lowering of Volatile Organic Compounds. It will need a bit of a mindset change for both the industry and consumers: South Africans tend to think that you must be able to smell the solvent/alkyd in paint.” “But, whether we like it or not, the age of Green Alkyds

106

Deryck Spence, executive director of SAPMA (left), pictured with Sanjeev Bhatt, operations director of Uniresins, at SAPMA’s first “supplier evening” in Bedfordview.

has arrived. In many overseas countries, gloss enamels with strong vapour and relatively high VOC content are already not allowed to be applied to school or hospital walls. Uniresins is currently working on the development of low- to zero-VOC water-dilutable resins with the same performance properties as solvent-based products. The performance of the resins, furthermore, will not compromise the paint’s hardness, gloss or drying times. The challenge for us will be to persuade the market to switch to these green resins,” Bhatt stated. He praised the SAPMA initiative to launch the new “supplier evenings” for the role it can play to keep the industry updated on new developments and also the opportunity for networking it offers. SAPMA Tel: 011 455 2503 Website: www.sapma.org.za

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Clay Brick Making Goes “Green” in South Africa A visit to Langkloof Bricks in the Eastern Cape was recently undertaken by the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC), together with implementation partners Swisscontact (Swiss Foundation for Technical Co-operation) and SKAT (Swiss Resource Centre and Consultancies for Development), to see progress on the construction of the first Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) in South Africa. A first for a country outside Asia and for the African continent, the “green” kiln heralds the beginning of a new era in clay brick manufacturing spearheaded by Langkloof Bricks, located between Humansdorp and Jeffrey’s Bay. Pioneered in India and Nepal and brought to South Africa with funding by SDC, VSBK is a project that satisfies all the criteria of sustainable development, and brings huge environmental, social and economic benefits to South Africa. The VSBK technology aims to increase the energy efficiency of the brick-firing process. Coal consumption and therefore CO2 emissions will be reduced by up to 50%, in line with the national goal of fighting climate change. VSBK will also reduce particulate matter – the cause of many respiratory illnesses – by 90%. Social benefits include a safer and healthier workplace. Specific skills training will be provided in order to reach the required level of VSBK technology. Economic benefits include a huge reduction in energy cost due to the efficient use of coal, and a much smaller percentage of breakage during the brick production process; investments in the construction of kilns of R750 million over the next 12 years are expected. Nico Blake, executive director of Langkloof Bricks, says, “Clay bricks remain one of the most affordable building materials in terms of durability, low maintenance, recyclability and overall sustainability; VSBK allows us to continue offering top-quality clay bricks to South African builders through green technology.” Francois Droz, Resident Director: SDC Southern Africa, comments: “South Africa’s Energy Efficiency Strategy sets an ambitious objective of a 33% reduction in final energy demand by 2020; SDC – through VSBK technology and the many other facets of our Climate Change domain – focuses strongly on improving energy efficiency in the building industry as a measure to assist achieving this objective.” The site visit is a historic first for technical development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and precedes the official inauguration of the Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln at Langkloof Bricks which will take place in August 2011. SDC is the official aid agency of Switzerland which combats poverty and promotes economic development in third world and eastern European countries; Swisscontact – a non-profit organisation founded by the Swiss private sector – grows the private sector in selected developing countries as a means to reducing poverty; whilst SKAT – an independent resource centre and consulting company – is committed to sustainable development in developing countries and countries in transition.

Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) Tel: (+41) 31 322 34 75 Fax: (+41) 31 324 16 94 E-mail: info@deza.admin.ch Website: www.sdc.admin.ch

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Iluz opens new branch in Botswana Iluz Brothers SA (a subsidiary of Iluz Brothers Ltd in Israel), which is the sole South African distributor of a wide variety of internationally acclaimed waterproofing systems, has recently opened their first Branch in Botswana , the first of many to come in the near future all over Africa. The new branch is run by Steve McIntyre with an installation team and equipment for the distribution and installing of Bitum waterproofing products and services, which include Flexigum – a 2-component elastomeric sealing material that is applied by spray; Bitumseal – a multipurpose spray-applied 2-part sealer; Multigum - highelasticity sealer; and Mastigum – elastic bitumen mastic. Anyone wishing to know more should contact Steve McIntyre in Botswana Tel: +267 714 10369; email: steve@iluzbotswana.com, or Alex Lepley on 011 262 4000.

Iluz Brothers SA Tel: 011 262 4000 E-mail: reception@iluz.co.za Website: www.iluz-brothers.co.za

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Façade refurbishment

at 12 Fredman Drive, Sandton

Hunter Douglas South Africa was awarded the project for the refurbishment of the external façade, an upgrade that was undertaken with full participation and

interaction with the professional team and the client. This building is the hub of the dynamic Sandton financial district and has had to compete with a number of highprofile new buildings in the vicinity.

Sandton, being a modern and vibrant business centre of Gauteng, is in high demand with clients and landlords competing for tenancy, which gives rise to the need for them to keep pace with the changes happening around their assets. Based in Randburg, Hunter Douglas SA is a specialist company fabricating aluminium cladding, sun louvres and ceilings for the architectural industry, and on this project it was responsible for the design and installation of the Hulabond façade cladding and integrated louvres, which resulted in a complete new aluminium envelope around the building, providing a modern and sophisticated solution. Over 4000 m² of Hulabond composite panels in Champagne colour, with 550 m² of matching Celoscreen louvres have been installed throughout the entire extent of the building’s façade, and 1365 m² of Hunter Douglas Type 84R louvres were used as screens to provide a solution to the stairways. The successful execution (time and cost/budget) of this installation was the result of close collaboration between the client and the professional team. The main contractor for this project was Blain Projects; the architects and designers were Infinitude Design; N Smallwood was the quantity surveyor; and the client was Colliers International. Hunter Douglas Tel: 011 793 3461 E-mail: Izito@hd-sa.co.za Website: www.hunterdouglascontract.com

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ARCHITECTIVES

Tiling Academy creates entrepreneurs

The Norcros SA Tiling Academy in Olifantsfontein opened its doors in 2006 and has equipped 120 learners with tiling and entrepreneurial skills since its inception. Now largely self-funded, the Academy is the first institution of its kind in South Africa to offer a formal tiling qualification and aims to address the absence of an officially recognised training course for tilers in South Africa’s growing construction industry. Unemployed learners are trained at the Academy as tilers, equipping them with a marketable skill. “The academy presents the learners with a formally recognised qualification for tilers that the South African building industry does not offer, while providing skills training and employment opportunities to previously disadvantaged learners,” says John Smith, technical training officer for TAL. Twelve learners are selected for each intake, with recommendation by the Department of Labour in Kempton Park, and undergo a 10-week programme consisting of theoretical and practical skills that meet the unit standard requirements. One of the prerequisites is that learners hold a matric certificate with English and Mathematics. As part of the training, learners participate in basic first aid including applying health and safety standards in a work area. Other areas that are covered include the procurement of materials, tools and equipment; calculating construction quantities to develop a work plan; erecting, using and dismantling access equipment; plastering walls and screeding floors and

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steps; planning and preparing to tile; applying tiles to plastered surfaces, floors and steps; and monitoring a job. Upon completion of this training module, the learners receive a certificate of competence from the service provider, Unique Training Solutions (UTS), as well as a complete tool kit. The training equips learners with the skills to become entrepreneurs as it teaches them to start their own business and become selfemployed. Norcros SA provides all the learning materials to the learners including product training on Johnson Tiles and TAL products. “Skills development is important to us as a company and we want to make sure that the graduates receive all the recognition they deserve,” says Smith. Applications for the Norcros SA Tiling Academy can be made through the Department of Labour in Kempton Park.

Erratum In Journal 2 of Walls&Roofs, the editorial team incorrectly attributed quotes in a ThermocousTex article to Nic Dancer. The comments made in the article should have been attributed to Thomas Datel from ThermocousTex. Walls&Roofs also placed an incorrect spelling of the corporate name, ThermocousTex. We sincerely apologise for any confusion or misunderstanding this may have caused.

Graeme Smith appointed to lead Chryso operations

Graeme Smith has been appointed Chief Operating Officer for Chryso Southern Africa. Following Chryso’s recent acquisition of a.b.e. Construction Chemicals, Norman Seymore is now CEO of both companies while Smith has filled the new position of COO for Chryso. With over 27 years experience in the construction chemicals industry both locally and internationally, Smith brings a wealth of expertise to Chryso at a key stage in the company’s development. He is familiar with both Chryso and a.b.e. operations as previously was the South African sales manager for concrete products at Fosroc Construction Chemicals – a company that was sold to a.b.e. in 1996 and subsequently to Chryso in 1998. In addition, he has worked for Fosroc in the United Kingdom and was director of the United Kingdom Concrete Admixtures Association. Immediately prior to his appointment at Chryso, Smith served as managing director of Ash Resources for six years. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am thrilled to be joining Chryso at a time when there is huge growth within the company. Although current construction market conditions remain tight, I am confident that Chryso will build upon its leadership position within the admixtures industry.” Chryso SA Tel: 011 395 9700 E-mail: hannes@chrysosa.co.za Website: www.chryso.com

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Corobrik partners with Merafong

As part of the factory’s social and labour plan Corobrik Driefontein has embarked on a certified Local Economic Development (LED) project in collaboration with the Merafong Municipality. “We donated 100 000 of our Wild Wheat bricks to the local municipality in Driefontein to build industrial hives in Khutsong, near Carletonville. Industrial hives are formal structures where various informal businesses can operate from. Roadside traders including shoemakers, mechanics and hairstylists will now have a place to operate from, instead of the street. This is an initiative by Merafong City to rid the pavements of informal traders and we are delighted to be part of such an inspiring project. Most significant though is that the project could be creating 300 jobs,” says Heinrich von Wielligh, Corobrik’s factory manager at Driefontein. He adds that the Wild Wheat Travertine bricks donated for the project are perfectly suited to the demanding environment it will service. “The light colour blends well with the busy hub of the taxi rank and the maintenance-free, colourfast attributes of our bricks mean that the aesthetic appeal will last a lifetime. Apart from the physical benefits of our face bricks, traders can rest assured that the thermal efficiency of our products will provide cooler interiors to maximise production on hot days. Our clay bricks naturally regulate the temperature flow through the walling envelope, moderating internal temperatures and comfort levels. Being noncombustible our Wild Wheat brick is the best indemnity against fire,” he says. Approximately five people can be comfortably accommodated inside a hive at any given time. The project was commissioned after the Merafong Municipality received complaints from the

public claiming that street traders were using public benches to display their merchandise. Wendy Machema, Community Liaison Officer for the Merafong Municipality, is grateful to Corobrik for its donation. “Corobrik’s contribution has allowed this project to progress steadily. Because the budget had already been approved when we received Corobrik’s generous donation of 100 000 bricks, we were able to revaluate the budget to include other crucial requirements for the project,” she says. Apart from donating the face bricks, Corobrik’s Paulus Tolman, a qualified bricklayer at the Driefontein plant, assisted with training the local labourers employed for this project. “The training was a challenge as many of the workers had no prior experience in building or construction, however Paulus’s knowledge and skill contributed to a successful training program. Being involved in this project has afforded us two opportunities to positively contribute to and uplift the community. While donating our bricks was essential, training was equally vital. It is rewarding to be part of a project where each worker has been equipped with a valuable skill that can be used after the project to find employment. Such initiatives that serve to empower the underprivileged are pillars of hope for the poor and we at Corobrik are committed, where we are able, to championing such endeavours,” concludes Von Wielligh. Corobrik Tel: 031 560 3111 Fax: 031 565 1532 Website: www.corobrik.com

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Whether you are a professional decorator, or DIY enthusiast, it goes without saying that you need a product which offers a professional and lasting finish. Dulux, an international leader in premium-quality paint, provides a comprehensive range of coatings for both indoor enhancement and outdoor protection. With the widest collection of colours and finishes, Dulux is the solution to create impactful colour scheme for any project.

Preparing your surfaces

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Colour, in all its shades and hues, has the power to transform any living space. From making a building look larger to reflecting more light, the use of an appropriate palette on both the exterior and interior can be the most effective tool at your disposal. With this in mind, the colour, as well as the type of paint you choose to use on a building’ has a profound impact on the overall look and feel that is created.

Preparation is key to the lasting success of any paint project. Dulux’s pre-décor range provides quick and easy solutions to ensure you have a well prepped surface which will ensure a long lasting perfect finish, every time. The Fixit range has everything you need for any preparation task.

Eco-friendly Dulux products have no added lead. The company aspires to being an innovative, socially and environmentally responsible organisation with brands that provide value for money, good technical performance and minimal impact on the environment. Dulux Trade is a silver founding member of the Green Building Council of South Africa. Their Step Towards Greener philosophy is evident in their all round approach to sustainability, products, services, communities and people. Dulux Trade Tel: 011 861 1000 E-mail: info@dulux.co.za Website: www.duluxtrade.co.za

Call for entries: PIA and SAIA architectural awards Entries are being called for, for the Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA) Awards for Architecture 2011, and the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) Award of Merit & Award for Excellence 2012. The awards programme is run in two stages over a two-year period. During the first stage, the regional Institutes invite submissions, appoint and convene a panel of jurors to decide the regional Awards for Architecture and eligible projects to be submitted for national consideration. The regional Awards for Architecture are announced and made at a regional function that takes place during 2011. The second stage of the programme starts during 2011 with the submission of entries by the regional panels of assessors for consideration for the SAIA Award of Merit and the SAIA Award for Excellence. A national panel of jurors, convened by the SAIA president, will convene in November 2011 to select the projects it wishes to inspect from the submitted entries. During the first few months of 2012 the national panel of jurors will inspect the projects in loco. The SAIA Awards of Merit and the Awards for Excellence will be announced at a national function during the SAIA biennial convention during the latter half of 2012. The PIA invites

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members to submit entries for the regional and SAIA awards programme. Eligible projects will be forwarded to the national panel of assessors for adjudication of the SAIA Award of Merit. Work may be submitted to the Region by the author or nominated by any member of the Region with the author’s, or other responsible person’s, permission. Projects that fall in an area under jurisdiction of the regional Institute, and were completed during the period 01 January 2009 to 31 December 2010, are eligible for entry to the PIA and SAIA’s awards programme 2011-2012, and all the regional Institutes are inviting entries for the awards. For full details, contact the PIA – Tel: 012 346 1051; Fax: 012 346 1016; or e-mail: admin@pia.org.za. The regional Award for Architecture will be announced and conferred at the PIA Gala Dinner and Awards function, which this year coincides with the PIA iDea Conference (Design) on Thursday, 29 September 2011. Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA) Tel: 012 346 1051 E-mail: admin@pia.org.za Website: www.pia.org.za