TO BUILD - Issue 8

To Build Handbook

TO BUILD Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Decor

Is your building sick?

Don’t air your problems!

Engineered stone What is tops in your kitchen?

Paver Power Pedestrians producing electricity! issue 8 | April 2013

Issue 8 • April 2013

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[

“A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight.” – Robertson Davies

]

foreword WITH the new look of this handbook we’ve ensured that the aim of the publication is maintained while creating a more reader-friendly product that is easier to navigate. Looking back at TO BUILD’s very first issue, we’ve come a long way and have embraced changes to continually deliver a first-class publication.

The sentiments of the quote above make me realise that “old age” should be recognised as it is the culmination of a journey to maturity. I also believe that change is important as it creates longevity.

I am sure that all our readers and advertisers will enjoy the new look of TO BUILD. Please don’t hesitate to offer your advice and ideas – we look forward to getting feedback from you.

I’d also like to extend a great thank you to all our advertisers and readers for their input and constant support which has made it possible for us to have grown to the eighth issue of this handbook.

We hope to meet our readers at our stands at Decorex Cape Town in April and Decorex Johannesburg in August and look forward to having all of our advertisers on board in the next issue of TO BUILD, due in July 2013.

Elroy 2

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8

PUBLISHER

Issue 8 April 2013

MEDIA XPOSE Excellence in exposure Shaun Mays Elroy van Heerden Cell: +27 72 365 4877 elroy@tobuild.co.za Tel: +27 21 424 3625 Fax: +27 86 516 7277 PO Box 27337, Rhine Road, 8050 EDITOR Johan Schronen editor@tobuild.co.za SUB-EDITOR Narike Lintvelt narike.lintvelt@gmail.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Natasha Arendorf Monique Holtzhausen-Hinds Peter Kidger Elyse Klass Karen Lambrechts Ayanda Ndlovu Sané Ndlovu Shirley Williams Lindi Zikalala

To Build Handbook

TO BUILD Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Decor

DESIGN & LAYOUT CDC Design cdcdesign@telkomsa.net

Is your building sick?

Don’t air your problems!

ADVERTISING Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za Damien van den Ordel damien@tobuild.co.za

Engineered stone What is tops in your kitchen?

CONTENT CO-ORDINATOR Melanie Taylor Tel: +27 21 424 3625 Fax: +27 86 516 7277 artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

Paver Power Pedestrians producing electricity! issue 8 | April 2013

Issue 8 • April 2013

ACCOUNTS Shaun Mays Tel: +27 21 424 3625 accounts@mediaxpose.co.za

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COVER ART: SWARTLAND

PRINTED BY Tandym Print www.tandym.co.za Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein.

Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

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PNEUMATIC AIR TUBE SYSTEMS Ð LOGISTICS MADE EASY For the efficient on demand transport of: • Hospital patient files • Hospital Ward dispensing • Pharmaceuticals & medication • Forensic samples/evidence • Private & confidential documents • Laboratory results & test results • Blood products/samples • Valuables • Industrial products • Money (Banks)

What is a pneumatic air tube system and how does it function?

It is a distribution of network tubes, through which carriers of various sizes, transport items to and from designated destinations. Pneumatic tube systems are used for rapid and spontaneous transports of goods that require safe, traceable and reliable delivery. A Blower unit generates suction or compression of air that propels the carriers through the, customer specific tube network. Many aspects of the system allow items to be delivered to wherever it is desired; distance and height do not represent obstacles for such a system.

We offer: • Cash handling systems • PC controlled Tube system solutions • Multi-functional pneumatic tube systems • Point to point tube systems The above are all designed and implemented according to your specific needs and wants SOLUTIONS FOR THE MODERN HOSPITAL Ð MULTIFUNCTIONAL PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEMS Fast, reliable, safe & secure Features: No hospital is the same, so why should your air tube system be?

• Stations can be added to the system at a later stage should the need be required • Flexible Modular technology • For spontaneous, non-planned transports of goods, as well as delicate samples • For goods up to 3,5 kg • High speed 8m/s (30km/h) • Horizontal and vertical transport • Fully automated, computer controlled, 24h monitoring • Individually designed tubes and stations • Minimal maintenance requirements • High system availability • RFID tracking of goods • Automatic carrier return feature Benefits: • 24/7 system operation • Time and costs saving due to optimized logistic processes • Spontaneous transports • Faster availability of test results • Reliable delivery • Patient and staff safety • Reduction of work load, concentration on main activities • Optimized processes increasing quality and efficiency • High Return on investment CASH HANDLING SOLUTIONS Ð YOUR MONEY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE SECURE Cash Handling and Point to Point Systems Swisslog’s pneumatic tube system provides secure cash logistics in retail, department stores, airport parking and other applications. The system provides high speed transport of cash when needed at the registers, while providing secure transport to safe deposit areas. This solution also assures that large cash supplies can be stored in safe areas away from registers.

Benefits: • Maximum security for customers and staff • Cash supply reduced at the cash registers • Faster reconciliation of cash receipts • Preventative measure against criminal access • Internal cash logistics optimized PostNet Suit #69, Private Bag x132, Centurion 0046 P.O Box 643, Melkbosstrand, 7437 JHB: (T) 012 653 1529 | (F) 012 653 7682 CPT: (T) 021 557 0773 | (F) 021 556 3706 www.dnalogic.co.za | www.rowa.de | www.swisslog.com contact@dnalogic.co.za

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Representing

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Shhiinnee S CONTENTS Arm & Side Chair

Arm & Side Chair

Foreword Editor’s Note Cover story: Swartland News & Reviews Student Awards Out & About Listing: Architects S h i n e A r m & S i d e C h a i rListing: Interior Designers Listing: Building Contractors Advertisers’ Index

2 10 12 16 177 182 184 185 186 191

ine S hS iid einCn eS er m h AS r m &h hair A & Side Chair

DIvISIONS ARChItECtS QuANtIty SuRvEyORS LANDSCApE ARChItECtS INtERIOR & ExtERIOR DESIgN & DéCOR ENgINEERS ROOFS, CEILINgS, INSuLAtION & pARtItIONINg FLOORS WALLS WINDOWS & DOORS hOmE & ACCESS AutOmAtION ELECtRICAL LIghtINg & AIR CONDItIONINg BLINDS, ShuttERS & AWNINgS KItChENS & ACCESSORIES BAthROOmS & ACCESSORIES tImBER & DECKINg www.chairexpress.co.za pAINt & DECORAtIvE COAtINgS Blue Black Orange Green Cream Red White SECuRIty & SAFEty Blue Black Orange Green Cream Red White Blue Black Orange Green Cream Red White FuRNItuRE i rxe p x p r e s ss. cBlack o.za Orange Green Cream Red White w w w. wc wwhwwaw. c.i chrhaeaBlue i r e x prr ees s s . c o.. zca o . z a w w w . c h a i r e x p r e s s . c o . z a CONStRuCtION Contact: Lindi Gaspar, Tel: 011 434 0444, Fax: 086 567 5689, Cell: +27 72 611 6944, Contact: Lindi Gaspar, Tel: 011 434 0444, Fax: 086 567 5689, Cell: +27 72 611 6944, Contact: Lindi Gaspar, Tel: 011 434 0444, Fax: Rosettenville 086 567 5689, Cell: +27 72 Centre, 611 6944, Address: 44 Hulbert (Cnr Rd),Rd), New POBox Box 39108, Booysens, Address: 44 Rd Hulbert Rd (Cnr Rosettenville New Centre,Johannesburg Johannesburg PO 39108, Booysens, 2016 2016 Blue Black Orange Green& CONtRACtORS Cream Red White Contact: Lindi Gaspar, Address: 44 Email: Hulbert lindi@chairexpress.co.za Rd (Cnr Rosettenville Rd), New Centre, Johannesburg PO Box 39108, Booysens, 2016 Email: lindi@chairexpress.co.za www.chairexpress.co.za Email: lindi@chairexpress.co.za Tel: 011 434 0444, Fax: 086 567 5689, BRICKS & pAvINg Cell: 72 611 6944, Contact: Lindi+27 Gaspar, Tel: 011 434 0444, Fax: 086 567 5689, Cell: +27 72 611 6944, w w w . c h a i r e x gREEN p r e s s .BuILDINg co.za Arm & Side Chair

Blue

Black

Orange

Green

Cream

Red

White

Contact: Lindi Gaspar, Tel: 011 434 0444, Fax: 086 567 5689, Cell: +27 72 611 6944,

Address: 44 Hulbert Rd (Cnr Rosettenville Rd), New Centre, Johannesburg PO Box 39108, Booysens, 2016 Email: lindi@chairexpress.co.za

Address: 44 Hulbert (Cnr Rosettenville Rd), New Centre, Address:Rd 44 Hulbert Rd (Cnr Rosettenville Rd), New Centre, Johannesburg PO Box 39108, Booysens, 2016 Email: lindi@chairexpress.co.za Johannesburg PO Box 39108, Booysens, 2016 Contact: Lindi Gaspar, Tel: 011 434 0444, Fax: 086 567 5689, Cell: +27 72 611 6944, Email: lindi@chairexpress.co.za

31 37 41 45 51 55 69 79 85 91 95 105 111 117 125 135 139 147 153 159 165

Address: 44 Hulbert Rd (Cnr Rosettenville Rd), New Centre, Johannesburg PO Box 39108, Booysens, 2016 Email: lindi@chairexpress.co.za

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Your HP Designjet / Plotter Specialist Partner with a reliable specialist: HP Designjets/Plotters A1/A0 A4/A3 Printers Ink & Paper Secondary Hardware that compliment your printing infrastructure: A1/A0 Scanners Digitizers Trimmers & Laminators Contact us for more information: Call 012 998 8842 or visit our website on www.azero.co.za

We also boast an exceptional Technical division.

They offer full technical support on: HP printer hardware Services & Repairs on HP Designjets, Laserjets and MFP’s Maintenance Agreements that can be customised per client requirements

CONTENTS New residence in Groenkloof, Pretoria

22

Vulindlela Academy Office Extension

27

Blue plaque buildings

34

Quantity surveyors, our unsung heroes

38

Eco-friendly pools

42

Plantscaping

49

‘Painting’ with LED lighting

57

Pondering printers

52

Ceiling systems

57

Loft living

62

Carpet art

73

Loving laminates

76

Bamboo scaffolding

80

Clay brick pros

84

Plastic window frames

86

The building whisperer

92

Out of the black hole

94

Pavers producing electricity

97

Sick Building Syndrome

102

Measuring up for blinds

107

Outdoor blinds

109

Kitchen tops

114

Sanitary savvy

118

Engineered stone

120

Wood treating

127

Timber frame construction

129

Anti-bacterial paint

136

Roof paint technology

138

High-tech home automation

141

Ergonomic furniture

149

Going with the flow

156

Affordable housing

161

Green buildings make sense

167

Waterfront project gets six green stars

169

Contact Wesley Francis or Divan van Vuuren on 012 998 8842 for assistance

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Environmentally friendly

- Uses less concrete - Less green house gasses produced - Less noise and dust pollution - Smaller environmental impact - Recyclable

“The obvious choice”

Precast Technology 

Free quotations and price estimates.



Design, delivery and installation included.



Delivery in up to a 400km radius.



Most widely used cost effective international type of precast flooring and walling.



Faster construction in all weather conditions.



Dry installation with slabs placed directly from the truck.



No propping, site curing or skimming required with dry process and smooth soffit.



Clean and efficient construction method.

DF Malan School Centre

Nominated for the 2013 Fulton Awards Innovative Construction | Architectural Concrete

Celebrating 25 Years

Portland Port P o land orr ttland ortland land HOLLOWCORE

(021) 972 1111 | sales@portland.co.za | www.portland.co.za PORTLAND HOLLOWCORE_fcp.indd 1

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ed’s letter Knowledge is power, there’s no getting away from it. At school, in colleges and universities, people are empowered with knowledge. In the media the community find relevant information to live their daily lives better, whether it’s information about the weather, stock prices or crime.

And in the business world, such as our construction industry, knowledge is indeed power.

A builder who reads about new roof truss designs providing a more cost-effective solution will save money which knocks on to save the client money. or an architect who spots an article about cutting-edge lintel technology will certainly benefit from that information while consulting with a client who needs wide open spaces in a new structure.

And engineering and architectural or interior design students keeping abreast with the latest technology and trends in the construction industry will be empowered by the information which the most up-to-date textbooks may not carry.

Bottom line, just like a country whose army has better intelligence about the rival and would likely conquer their opponent on the back of that strategic knowledge, so will competitors in any industry beat their rivals in tender applications and such because they have the edge in the knowledge and information department.

As editor I’m in awe of what is happening in the South African construction arena, all of which I learn from the articles that pass through my hands.

Many business-to-business publications have become valuable digests of the latest and greatest in trends and technology in a specific sector, just like TO BUILD is empowering its readers with knowledge from the market place. I would prefer to change the term “advertising” to something like “industry training sessions” .

At the editorial helm of TO BUILD I am privileged to be exposed to so much “learning material” about the construction industry after looking at every advertisement and article. As we fill TO BUILD’s pages for each edition, I feel more and more empowered with information.

Thank you to all our readers and advertisers for being part of this amazing learning experience that never stops – a real perk of my job.

Johan Schronen editor

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cover story

The future of wooden windows and doors is here

Evolved to perfection WOODEN window and door manufacturer Swartland has launched a new range that will revolutionise the building industry: pre-finished wooden windows and doors.

Wooden windows and doors add warmth and elegance to any home. Traditional window installation methods are not able to guarantee a perfect result every time because of inconsistent levels of workmanship. Even once installed, until they are adequately glazed and sealed, exposure to the elements could damage the raw timber. With Ready-2-Fit windows and doors, this problem is a thing of the past. Ready-2-Fit windows and doors are professionally finished, glazed and ready for installation.

Maxicare wash ’n wipe maintenance kit.

In cold weather Low-E glass reduces the amount of heat loss by reflecting it back inside.

What is the Ready-2-Fit range?

It’s a range of wooden windows and doors that are sealed and glazed before they leave the Swartland factory, so when they arrive on-site they are ready to be installed with no further labour required to seal or glaze them. This not only saves the builder and homeowner time and money, it also ensures that the windows and doors are protected against exposure to the elements and vastly increases the overall build quality. Ready-2-Fit is available in both Cape Culture and Winsters Collections.

About being pre-sealed Ready-2-Fit wooden frames are pre-sealed with Swartland’s new German-manufactured Maxicare water-based sealant, which increases their ability to withstand the elements. Maxicare is an environmentally friendly option with low VOC emissions. It also offers a number of other benefits – it is UV-resistant, non-flammable and lead-free and

In warm weather Low-E glass reflects the sun’s energy and reduces heat gain in the home.

will protect the wood from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, cold, rain and sunlight for years to come. It is also stain-resistant, waterrepellent and durable. Darker colours such as Teak and Imbuia contain heat-reflective pigments, which lower the surface temperature of the wood and help reduce natural movement. Maxicare also contains anti-fungal agents to protect the wood against fungus, especially dry rot.

How to order the Ready-2-Fit windows and doors: Swartland’s pre-sealed, pre-glazed options are available for all its Cape Culture and Winsters products. They can be ordered through all leading building merchants. When ordering, be sure to specify one of the Maxicare colours below.

IMBUIA

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LIGHT OAK

MAHOGANY

TEAK

WHITE

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cover story Wash ’n wipe means no more sanding

Swartland’s sub-frame system

A major advantage of the water-based Maxicare sealant is that it makes wooden windows and doors easy to maintain. Instead of sanding, simply wash ’n wipe your timber windows and doors to restore them to their original beauty. Before the onset of both summer and winter all you’ll need to do is inspect your windows and doors and apply the specially formulated wash ’n wipe maintenance and touch-up kit.

Swartland has launched an innovative sub-frame system. Made from PVC-U, these cavity closers will make fitting their windows and doors simple and precise, especially when installed by accredited installers. The sub-frame system offers the architect and builder a fast, hassle-free installation method that will ensure superior build quality.

No sanding is required

PVC-U cavity closers are the simplest, most effective way to seal window cavities, while also creating a rigid template for the bricks. The tight fit ensures the best thermal performance and forms a barrier against condensation and mould growth.

The pack comes complete with a cleaning agent, protective emulsion, protective glaze and a sponge, and is available from top building merchants nationwide.

All Ready-2-Fit windows and applicable doors come pre-glazed with standard 4mm glass or 6,38mm safety glass, in accordance with the National Building Regulations. Double-glazing and Low-E glass is available on request, depending on the application and level of thermal insulation and acoustic performance required.

Mechanical properties Swartland continuously tests its products to ensure that they are compliant with the National Building Regulations. In order to ensure that its windows are compliant with the SANS 613 and 204 (Fenestration Products) Mechanical Performance Criteria, the Ready-2-Fit range of windows are tested for deflection, structural strength, water-resistance, air-tightness, operating forces, and the best possible energy efficiency. As a result, all Swartland’s Ready-2-Fit windows have unique mechanical property values, from A1 to A4, assigned to them.

Benefits of the Swartland Ready-2-Fit Range • Easy wash ’n wipe maintenance • Excellent durability ensured with Maxicare water-based sealant • Trouble-free installation saves time and significantly reduces costs • Improves build quality at no extra cost • Validates the Swartland guarantee • Eco-friendly, energy-efficient solution • Constant testing to ensure compliance with the National Building Regulation and Consumer Protection Act. • Ready-2-Fit offers good thermal and sound insulation depending on the glass you choose. Speak to your Swartland consultant about our glazing solutions.

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Multiple benefits of the cavity closers

Saves money Not only does one save time and money by not having to seal and glaze on-site, every square metre of cavity closer should also save you around 10 bricks.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

Effortless 3-step maintenance procedure Step 1: First clean the casement using a wet, lint-free cloth. If necessary, a mild cleaning agent can be added to the water.

Step 2: Apply the cleaning agent to the window frame surface. Allow it to work in for a few minutes and then remove using the enclosed sponge and plenty of water. Allow to dry.

Step 3: To protect and preserve the original colour of the wood, you can maintain the surface once or twice a year. After Step 2, spray the protective emulsion evenly on to the sponge and wipe surface evenly. Allow to dry and polish the surface with a clean cloth.

Touching up: Repair small scratches and hairline cracks with ease (max 2cm in diameter). Roughen area briefly and apply the protective glaze.

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advertorial

MiTek® Nail-Plated Timber structures MiTek as the leading Roof Truss System supplier in South Africa and the world, with a network of over 140 licensed prefabricated timber roof truss manufacturers across Southern Africa, provides a competitive and economic solution to even the most complex of roofing problems. This MiTek fabricator network, using MiTek’s state-of-the-art software programs, provides high quality, purpose engineered truss units to satisfy the need of an ever increasingly complex roofing market.

Examples illustrating the diversity of application:

Residential: Ideal for all types of residential roof applications from very small to extremely large. Also especially well-suited for Attic roof applications thereby creating extra living space at a lower overall building cost, a benefit still underutilized in South Africa.

Commercial: Well suited for all types of commercial roof applications up to about 16m span, thereafter transportation can become challenging. Also especially well-suited to steep high pitched roof structures rather than low shallow pitched.

Multi-Purpose: Nail-plated timber framed structures can be utilized in so many different ways from Formwork to Seating-stands to simply exposed structures.

This clearly illustrates the simplicity, beauty and strength of nail-plated timber structures.

Extra-ordinary: With special engineering input from MiTek’s own professional team of engineers it is possible to create some very large and unusual roof structures, as illustrated by these two projects: Sarela View Church using laminated timber and a 40m clear span Sports Hall.

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MiTek® Ultra-Span® Light gauge steel structures The low mass per m2 (between 2-10kg/m2) of this roofing system ensures both savings on the supporting structure as well as on transportation and erection costs. Large sections of the roof can simply be pre-assembled on the ground and hoisted into position on the walls – making this one of the most viable roof systems in the range of 20m to 40m clear span structures.

Examples illustrating the scope of applications:

Residential (trusses): With savings on trusses due to larger spacings added to further savings on erection due to the light weight (approx. 4kg/m2) and the convenience of no site wastage, these roof structures are ideal for low-cost housing projects with Tiled or Sheeted roofs. The roof trusses are supplied pre-assembled or in Kit-form for site assembly.

Residential (purlins): The strength and diversity of the Ultra-Span profiles make it an ideal choice for simple purlin roof applications as often found in low-cost housing.

Span capabilities vary from 3m -6m with a very low mass of only 2kg/m2 of roof area. With no site wastage and all materials being galvanized, it is ideal in even remote areas.

Community: Even Church projects or other community projects with larger spans (as shown above 28m & 30m spans) for both tiled and sheeted roofs are easily managed with Ultra-Span trusses whilst maintaining the vaulted ceiling effect.

Commercial: With a proven track record of many successful applications in large clear spans (Spar-Brighton, Zambezi –Mall), Ultra-Span is one of the most economical roof structure solutions in the range from 16m -35m – this applies especially to low-pitched roofs.

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MiTek Industries South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel: 011 237 8700 E-mail: marketing @ mitek.co.za Website: www.mitek.co.za

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news and reviews

Aurecon to occupy a second green office building What could possibly be better than a green office building? The answer is quite simple: two green office buildings!

Engineering, management and specialist technical services group Aurecon achieved a first in Gauteng in 2011 when its Lynnwood Bridge Office Park building, situated just off of the N1 highway, achieved a 4-star GreenStar rating from the Green Building Council of Southern Africa.

In order to accommodate anticipated further growth in staff numbers, Aurecon will soon occupy a portion of a second green office building, linked to their existing one via a pedestrian bridge. The building has been designed as two towers which rest on a single basement. Aurecon will occupy the eastern tower from April 2014.

CMA on the move The Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) has moved. Its new address is 16 Horn St, Chloorkop, Kempton Park.

Now in its 41st year, the Association is the country’s official representative body of the precast concrete industry. In addition to promoting the wider use of precast concrete, it collaborates with the South African Bureau of Standards in introducing and revising industry standards, stages seminars, and publishes technical literature on precast concrete applications.

The new premises, which are being leased from ReMaCon Properties, were built using precast concrete elements supplied by CMA members.

The CMA’s new office premises in Choorkop, Kempton Park.

Contact the CMA at 011-805-6742 or e-mail admin@cma.org.za

KayDav weathering the storm In an industry still battling the effects of slow macroeconomic growth and consumer debt‚ timber products supplier KayDav reported a 13% increase in headline earnings per share from 10.3c to 11.6c‚ driven by increased profitability and the effect of share repurchases.

Bizcommunity reported that KayDav’s revenue increased by 13.9% to R550.9m last year from R483.6m the previous year. The group experienced pressure on gross margins during the second half of the 2012 financial year, resulting in gross profit for the period being just 12.2% above that of the previous year.

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But the lack of selling price inflation as a result of the oversupply of wood-based panels still continue to hamper sales growth, according to a KayDav spokesman.

Although the building material and renovations market has fared slightly better than the broader construction segment‚ with many firms benefiting from the lucrative home improvement and DIY sector‚ it remains fragile because consumer spending is under pressure.

The group had a net tangible asset value of R114.8m at the end of December 2012 and made a capital distribution to shareholders of 6c per share.

4/4/13 5:22 PM

news and reviews

More than skin deep

By Shirley Williams

Alternative clay brick products for the inner and outer skins of cavity walls is a smart and affordable housing solution.

The Communicare Bothasig Gardens Project in Cape Town, built in double-skin clay brick with Roklite plaster bricks internally and Corobrik face brick externally, has been recognised for setting new standards for affordable integrated settlements in South Africa.

Bothasig Gardens is fully tenanted and comprises 120 new apartments on a 2.5ha site in the heart of Bothasig. The apartments, in six separate doublestorey face brick buildings surrounding landscaped open spaces, are designed to provide high quality, comfortable accommodation at a monthly rental that starts as low as R650.

With affordable building and low lifecycle costs being key requirements, clay brick construction with face brick provided the answer. The maintenance-free qualities support the lowest lifecycle cost outcome.

Warm enduring colours and textures and a human scale of face bricks add the finer elements to this project’s sustainability equation, importantly meeting

the aspirations of the intended occupants to live in clay brick dwellings.

The project has fulfilled the developer’s mandate of going beyond just providing a roof over people’s heads to address, improve and upgrade the surrounding communities, creating opportunities that complement long-term socio-economic integration. Accommodation of a very high quality offered at rentals that are lower than those generally applied in Bothasig and Edgemead define the Bothasig Gardens’ substantial value offering.

Commenting on the quality of the development, minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale pointed out that the Bothasig Gardens development is “an asset to the community and will play a critical role in increasing property values in the Bothasig area”.

These face brick apartments debunk the myth that social housing has to be of a lower standard and provide an example of how large-scale, affordable rental accommodation can create a focus of excellence in a community.

In summing up Corobrik’s involvement with the project Christie van Niekerk, manager of Corobrik Western Cape, said, “Bothasig Gardens presents a great example of what can be achieved cost-effectively in clay brick with the face bricks mitigating future maintenance costs being placed on communities least able to shoulder such a burden, and through that enhancing the lifetime value equation of the project. It has been a pleasure to have the Corobrik brand associated with the high standards achieved at Bothasig Gardens.”

The architects selected Corobrik Constantia Travertine clay face bricks interspersed with sections of plaster work for the affordable housing development Bothasig Gardens in Cape Town.

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news and reviews

CEF House ranks top in the Energy Barometer Survey Central Energy Fund (CEF) House in Sandon, Johannesburg, is, for the second consecutive year, the winner in the Head Office category of the National Energy Barometer Survey for the 2011 utility year.

Dr Braam Dalgleish, By participating annually, National Energy CEF House has been Barometer business able to use the Energy unit manager Barometer to monitor if it has remained ahead of the pack in the commercial building sector when it comes to operating its building in an environmentally considerate manner.

The runner-up in the Head Office category of the National Energy Barometer Survey 2011 is Exxaro Corporate Centre in Pretoria and in third place is Anglo Gold Ashanti’s head office in Johannesburg.

Categories assessed in the 2011 survey included head offices, hospitals, hotels, and motor car dealers, but due to non-disclosure agreements not all winners in all categories may be announced. Three Cities Hotels had three hotels that performed top of the group – in no specific order they are Greenway Woods Resort in White River, Mpumalanga; the Royal Palm Hotel in Umhlanga, KZN; and the Peninsula All Suite Hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town.

In the Hospitals category Mediclinic entered purely to assess its own internal portfolio to assist them in making informed energy-efficiency investment decisions.

Sanitary giant’s helping hand The Geberit Group Corporate Social Investment (CSI) project, in collaboration with the Mike Horn Pangaea 1 team, recently gave 800 disadvantaged learners in Port Elizabeth the comfort of proper ablution, which so many other school children take for granted.

The project at Fontein Primary School began in June 2012 and Geberit’s initial commitment was to renovate and upgrade the ablution blocks. While working closely with the school, Geberit expanded

on the original project to assist in other areas. The existing eight toilets and piping were removed and replaced with 30 Geberit concealed cisterns and wall-hung toilets for the 800 pupils. In addition, MEPLA water supply piping and HDPE drainage systems were installed and several ceilings and the storeroom refurbished. The Mike Horn Pangaea 1 team expanded and adjusted their scope of work according to the school’s needs.

Geberit Worldwide is committed to community upliftment where they provide basic hygiene and education.

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Green Intelligence With the focus on going green it’s always good to find products where the use of solar energy enhances the usefulness of the product as a whole, not only from an energy conservation point of view.

One such product is the Intelli-Vent™ Solar Roof Ventilator – an exhaust fan that is installed on just about any roof and which draws the hot air out of a building, helping to cool it while encouraging the circulation of fresh air. As the solar panel is integrated into the design it requires no electrical connections or assembly. This also makes it ideal for remote locations.

Up till now this was the domain of wind-driven turbine vents of the type that can be seen on a large number of industrial buildings. But as the owner of Intelli-Vent, Paul Gouws, explains: “Wind-driven ventilators operate most efficiently on windy days.

However, typically the hottest days are those where there is no wind. The beauty of the solar-powered roof ventilator is that the more the sun shines, the harder it works – just as you would want.”

The Intelli-Vent™ is very low-profile and has a sleek look about it, giving one the impression that besides industrial and commercial applications this product would make a stylish addition to most residential homes.

See their advert on page 168 for more information and contact details.

Shree embarks on R350m Durban development Shree Property Holdings, one of South Africa’s leading property development and logistics companies, has spent R350 million buying 22 sites – totalling 125 000m2 – in phase one at Dube TradePort in Durban. The company has also staked a claim to 250 000m2 in phase two, which is launching in 2014.

The deal will result in a huge air freight logistics warehouse and cold storage and distribution facility being built adjacent to the Dube Cargo Terminal. This will be an expansion of Shree’s existing property in Sydney Road

close to Durban Harbour. By the end of 2013, six small warehouses of 2 000m2 each will be completed and the first 25 000m2 warehouse will be ready for a roof wetting.

Shree Property Holdings is responsible for cold storage for up to 70% of South African commercial fruit exports that go to 38 countries worldwide. It is also the largest fruit storage company in the southern hemisphere. Its two main clients are Capespan, SA’s largest fruit exporter, and California-based Dole, the single largest exporter of fruit and flowers in the world.

The bathroom maketh the mall They say the most important room in a house is its kitchen, but when it comes to shopping centres and other public places, the bathrooms often “maketh the mall” – or not.

So it comes as no surprise that Franke Washroom Systems, a world-leading provider of intelligent washroom solutions that has made its mark in the functionality, design and durability departments, recently ran a competition open to architects, interior designers and students.

The brief was to design a public ablution facility using Franke Washroom Systems. The purpose of the competition was to introduce the public to the hygiene of stainless steel bathroom products in the everyday bathroom environment and shift away from the idea

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that stainless steel is industrial, impersonal and cold.

The winner of the professional category, Philip Darby from PDI Design Consultants in Bryanston, won an all-expenses paid trip to the ISH Plumbing and Sanitaryware Fair in Germany in March 2013.

The Best Concept Design was won by Stephen Parkes from AdlerPrice Architects in Cape Town. In the student category Murray Farquharson from BHC School of Design took 1st prize, Andrew Mboyi from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 2nd prize and Simone Biggs from The Cape Peninsula University of Technology the Best Concept prize, winning R5 000, R2 000 and R1 500 respectively.

All the winning designs, as well as the top 20 designs, can be viewed at www.frankedesign.co.za

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project focus

New residence in Groenkloof, Pretoria Mellet & Human Architects, based in Pretoria, received awards of Merit and Excellence in the 2011/2012 Corobrik-SAIA awards programme for the design of this new house.

The project is situated in Groenkloof, an established suburb of Pretoria sought after for its central location, mild climate, large properties, richness in trees and views of the capital city. Today the area is characterised by younger couples moving in and renovating the older properties.

The owners of this property, one of who grew up in the area and is a landscape architect, wanted to move from their existing large house into a newly designed, smaller house on a subdivided portion of the property.

This subdivision is situated below the existing house and borders the street to the north and the Groenkloof Nature Reserve to the west.

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A challenging brief The brief called for a compact, easy-living house which had to accommodate an extensive art collection accumulated over the years, consisting mainly of pictures and sculptures by South African artists. Accommodation had to provide open-plan living areas, two en suite bedrooms, a study and sufficient storage space.

It was a challenging brief: the small site is steep and narrow and existing trees and views from the house at the back had to be retained. In favour of the stand are the beautiful views over the capital city, the ideal north orientation and the bordering reserve which is like an extension of the property.

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project focus The resulting house is like a high-level penthouse absorbing the unobstructed views. The property was terraced in order to provide living areas on one level with basement parking and utilities below. This makes the house barely visible from the street. The house is unpretentious and unobtrusive in its setting against the hill, blending with the existing vegetation. It becomes part of the hill and responds sensitively to its environment.

A visitor’s ramp from the parking area makes a turn and reveals as a surprise the expansive view through the glass front door. Moving through the house one is constantly aware of this view since all rooms feature a glass skin to the north. Sliding doors open onto wooden decks, linking the house with the indigenous garden, which in effect becomes an extension of the house.

The linear floor plan running east-west provides all northern living areas and bedrooms with a gallery. This gallery doubles as a circulation space, linking the public and private spaces, and is also an exhibition space for the collection of paintings.

The building has a low profile with strong horizontal lines merging with the land and trees and allows the building at the back to retain its uninterrupted views.

The design incorporates clerestory windows that ensure the interior is extensively flooded with natural light, resulting in pleasant living spaces.

Warmth and an intimate atmosphere are created by the choice of materials for the interior and exterior.

Natural stone, wood and textured finishes create a down-to-earth ambience. The building essentially becomes part of the hill and responds well in its logical layout and detailing to the climate, slope and views.

The house relies on solar energy and gas for cooking, making it environmentally sustainable.

The integration of the building to its environment is further enhanced by the well-planned garden designed by the landscape architect owner. The art collection is extended into the garden where powerful sculptures create focal points anchoring the view.

Award of Excellence The awards bestowed by Corobrik and the South African Institute of Architects recognise, promote and create public awareness of excellence in architecture and is run every two years.

The citation by the judges of the awards on the design included the following excerpt: This house conceptually infuses an art and sculpture gallery into a residential dwelling. By taking advantage of the spectacular views surrounding the site, whilst humbly confining itself to an untamed slope of the property, the house becomes a showpiece of unlimited visually captivating site lines.

It is often the case that the homes of art collectors are austere with disproportionate interior volumes; a notion turned on its head by this residential building as it evokes a down-to-earth ambience within well-proportioned indoor spaces.

MELLET & HUMAN ARCHITECTS T +27 12 460 9011 E mharch@mweb.co.za www.mellethuman.co.za

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project focus

Vulindlela Academy Office Extension Client: Development Bank of Southern Africa Location: Midrand, Gauteng Architectural Team: Holm Jordaan Architects and Urban Designers Contractor: Mbale Construction Mechanical Engineers: KV3 Engineers Electrical Engineers: Dientsenere Tsa Meago Energy Specialist: Omnibus Engineering Landscape Architects: Insite Landscape Architects Quantity Surveyors: De Leeuw Civil / Structural Engineers: Wedge Projects

The brief called for an extension to existing office buildings on the Campus of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Midrand, Johannesburg.

The new addition, although small in scale (approximately 1000m²), had to be in line with the sustainable policies of the DBSA. In essence a very simple rectangular pavilion, the new addition responds to both the scale and layout of the existing training facility. The form steps

to accommodate the angular site, while allowing maximum exposure to north. Vertical screens contrast the horizontal character of the new building while the Highveld landscape is continued on the stepped, grass-planted roofs.

Access from the existing facility is afforded along an axis that extends from the existing conference venue all the way to the new extension. A new courtyard space is created inbetween the existing

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project focus buildings and the new facility, where a water fountain enlivens and cools the transitional space. Essentially this space holds the built masses together as a central datum point, with access to adjacent new spaces along a covered outside stoep area. Visible from afar, a high screen to the east announces the public entrance and unites the façades of existing and new.

Building depths do not exceed 10m, a measure that is advantageous in terms of environmental control – both relating to natural light and the reduction of air conditioning. While the flat, planted concrete roof has thermal advantages, it steps to allow light to filter into spaces. Rain

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water is harvested for internal use. Materials and finishes had to match and complement the existing building, resulting in a low-maintenance face brick finish.

A structural grid of 5 x 5m is used for the new building. This allows for an ideal building width to accommodate environmental control, structural efficiency and spatial flexibility. Passive environmental design strategies are applied in the design for the new facility. The layout, insulation, window size, orientation, shape and proportions have all been optimised in order to use the least possible external energy for thermal comfort.

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Lighting

Solar PV generation

The section of the new building was carefully considered to allow reflective light through clerestory openings. Incoming light falls on reflective surfaces to distribute light evenly. Ceilings are placed at angles to help distribute and guide light to maximum benefit while also providing acoustic buffering. The placement of workstations was carefully aligned with the lighting strategy whilst allowing flexibility.

In addition, efficient lights and occupancy/light level switching is applied to save energy consumption.

Screens play a major role in controlling the environment, especially for the diffusion of direct sunlight along horizontal strip ribbon windows.

Most strategies are above target maximum demand but have a huge secondary benefit of reduced consumption. In order to ensure the total consumption reduction of 88.5MWh/annum, a further grid-tie PV generator of 12.6kWp produces approximately 22 517 kWh/annum.

The photovoltaic array is approximately 100m2.

This system provides an additional 3% of the total Vulindlela complex energy consumption.

Air conditioning Air conditioning is the single biggest load and consumer in office buildings. The strategy for the new

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project focus extension is four-fold: Reduction of need by passive design and fresh pre-cooled/heated air supply, reduced load through energy-efficient equipment, under-floor heating through a solar heater and lastly solar cooling with an air ventilation system.

In line with the energy strategy of the building, a chiller is installed on the concrete roof over the store area. This feeds cold air via the light shaft to the central spaces in the office and hot air is introduced by means of air pipes feeding hot air from the ground level.

Sustainable landscaping Existing trees are preserved as far as possible. New trees are all indigenous and landscaping water-wise.

In addition, as part of the environmental strategy, it was decided that a planted roof will harvest water.

Water is channelled into a storm water system to a lower level sump in the courtyard. A solar pump distributes water to tanks on a level higher than the

roof where it can be gravity-fed for landscaping and grey water purposes.

Solar warm water The conventional electrical geyser is replaced with a solar hot water system.

Generator switching The standby generator is equipped with a new panel.

This allows the system to switch on the standby generator once a critical demand level has been reached.

The effect of all the above systems is that a 10% saving for the whole Vulindlela Complex is afforded.

Despite the integrated approach to systems, the language of the new addition is in no way dictated by systems per se. Architectural design strategies around proportioning, horizontality and simplicity are therefore not compromised as a result.

T 012 460 3226/7/8 F 012 346 4168 E pta.admin@holmjordaan.co.za www.holmjordaan.co.za

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Architects

Archite

Architects

Nicholas PlewmaN architects .................................... 32 sharP shoP architects ....................................................... 33 lP architects............................................................................. 36

www.saia.org.za

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ARCHITECTS (PTY) LTD

COMMERCIAL RETAIL HEALTHCARE RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS HOTELS & MIXED USE DEVELOPMENTS

www.sharp - shop.co.za VISCOUNT ROAD OFFICE PARK 8 Viscount Road, Bedfordview Block C, Unit 10, First Floor

Tel: 011 615 6742 Fax: 011 615 1335 SHARP SHOP ARCHITECTS_fcp.indd 1

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editorial

The plaque hunter

By Johan schronen

a Blue Plaque in london displays the building’s history.

Johannesburg is leading the way in protecting the country’s building heritage.

James Ball, founder of The Heritage Portal, has a fetish about plaques on old buildings. This master student of history is fanatical about preserving south africa’s archictectural heritage and has become an expert in the conservation of south african buildings with cultural and historic value.

Global inspiration The Blue Plaque intiative, which started in london in 1866, identifies and labels buildings worthy of protection. Today there are about 850 Blue Plaque buildings in london while in other cities across the world the initiative has inspired conservation groups to research the history of old buildings and drive a process to register and protect them.

Ball says the bug bit him a few years ago. “If I visit a new town or city I book at least a day to go plaque hunting. a lot of people find this incredibly strange but for me plaques are magical portals leading to exciting worlds. They are subtle invitations to discover phenomenal stories, people and places,” explains Ball.

Over the past year Ball has been conducting a plaque survey of Johannesburg and says estimates from the plaqueing gurus are that the city has between 150 and 200 plaques.

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Johannesburg’s landmark Cuthberts Building

Johannesburg leading the way “I’m up to about 111 and have a long list to process for the next few months. my dream is for Johannesburg to become the most plaqued city in the world and for south africa to become a global Blue Plaque destination with other cities to follow suit,” says Ball.

“The Brits still spend exponentially more than we do on the initiative. They have a small Blue Plaque industry that provides work for manufacturers, researchers, historians, managers and administrators.

In Johannesburg we depend largely on a group of passionate volunteers and active City officials.”

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Another iconic Blue Plaque site in Johannesburg, the old Standard Bank building.

Calling fellow plaquers “Since starting the website www.blueplaques.co.za last year I’ve received many angry calls and e-mails from people who feel their area should be better represented. For me this is a good sign that there is huge demand and I can’t wait to see plaques installed in many more areas. If the need is there we will find the resources,” says Ball.

Promoting cultural tourism Ball says he sees no reason why plaques can’t be seen as young, vibrant and exciting. He believes they are the perfect way to get young people from

all backgrounds interested in our country’s rich and complex history.

“Plaques have the power to foster community spirit and civic pride and if marketed effectively could certainly attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to our shores every year. The physical plaque is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of potential. In a few years’ time I see the Blue Plaque brand operating across multiple platforms. Imagine a South Africa with Blue Plaque books, apps, tours, memorabilia, education programmes, blue plaque schemes and so much more. We haven’t even begun to harness the immense power of the plaque!” he says enthusiastically.

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80 Corlette Drive; Melrose North P.O. Box 2293; Parklands; 2121 GPS 26˚ 07’51.90″S 28˚ 03′ 52.10″E

LP ARCHITECTS_fcp.indd 1

Tel: + 27 11 442 6260 Fax: +27 11 442 6468 enquiries@lparch.co.za

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Quantity Surveyors

Quantit

Quantity Surveyors DE LEEUW GROUP ...................................................................... 39

www.asaqs.co.za

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editorial

The unsung heroes Behind the scenes our quantity surveyors are one of the most important links in the construction team.

DID you know that at first, a quantity surveyor’s service was required only after the completion of a building, not at the planning stage as is the case today? Here we take a look at the history and the profession today to celebrate the QS – often the unsung hero of the construction industry.

The “measurers” of the 19th century The quantity surveyor emerged in England at the beginning of the 19th century, although the firm of Henry Cooper and Sons of Reading was established as early as 1785. Prior to the first recorded usage of the term “quantity surveyor” in 1859, the terms “measurer”, “custom surveyor” or “surveyor” were used.

In those early days the quantity surveyor acted for the master tradesmen, measuring the work after completion and submitting final accounts to the building owner. As a result of these activities it

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increasingly became the practice of building owners to have work executed under contract and to call for tenders before any work was undertaken. A procedure therefore developed whereby building owners would approach an architect to design a building. Drawings and specifications were distributed to selected master builders, who would then submit tenders for the total price rather than a collection of prices from master tradesmen.

Builders soon realised it was important to appoint quantity surveyors and so the independent professional quantity surveyor gained consultant status. 40

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editorial What is a quantity surveyor?

Quantity surveyors act in liaison with architects, consulting engineers and contractors to facilitate and produce accurate costs of projects.

The title quantity surveyor was reserved under the Quantity Surveyors’ Act of 1970 for exclusive use by those who had obtained the necessary qualifications and experience prescribed under the Act. In terms of it, such persons must register with the South African Council for Quantity Surveyors before they may offer their service as consultants to the public.

Quantity surveyors are required to comply with a strict code of professional conduct which includes responsibility to their employers or clients and to their profession, having full regard to the public interest.

Services offered by quantity surveyors QS firms generally offer a wide spectrum of services to their clients but naturally tend to gain experience or concentrate their services in specific fields.

The services they offer include: Estimating and cost advice • Estimates and cost advice during all stages of the development of a project are essential if the correct decisions with full awareness of their financial implications are to be made.

• Sophisticated techniques, extensive cost data banks and an intimate knowledge of building and construction economics enable quantity surveyors to provide reliable cost advice.

Cost planning • Clients want to know that they are receiving value for money, not only with regard to the capital cost but also in respect of the running and maintenance cost of a project.

• Cost planning enables decisions on various design alternatives to be made with actual costs being constantly monitored against original budgets.

Property development advice • A building should meet the functional dimensional and technological requirements for which it was designed, should be aesthetically pleasing and meet the cost limits of the client’s budget.

• A quantity surveyor is able to provide pre-design feasibility studies involving technical and/or economic investigations, thereby enabling a client to decide whether and in what way to proceed.

Advice on tendering procedures and contractual arrangement • The choice of an appropriate form of contract for any given project will depend on the nature of the project, the circumstances under which the work is to be carried out and the particular needs of the client.

• Quantity surveyors, in collaboration with architects, are able to advise their clients on the most advantageous procurement methods available, including: contracts incorporating bills of quantities, provisional bills of quantities, schedules of rates, negotiated, lump-sum, managed and cost-plus contracts, package deals, and turnkey offers.

• While bills of quantities are generally regarded as the most economical and best method of obtaining a competitive price, alternative methods and types of tender documentation available need to be carefully examined in consultation with the quantity surveyor, architect, and other contractors before a final decision is made.

Cash flow budgets and final accounts • The quantity surveyor’s duty is essentially one of cost control. They measure and value work in progress, determine the value of variations ordered by the architect or engineer and ensure that a fair and equitable settlement of the cost of the project is reached in accordance with the contract conditions.

In conjunction with the architect and other consultants the quantity surveyor will ensure that the financial provisions of the contract are properly interpreted and applied.

Act in disputes • Quantity surveyors possess knowledge and expertise in the fields of costs and contracts which equip them to prepare valuations for fire insurance, advise in the settlement of insurance claims, and to be called as expert witnesses or act as arbitrators in any court or arbitration on building disputes.

Remuneration Quantity surveyors are remunerated according to a recommended scale of fees, set out in the Tariff of Professional Charges published by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors. Fees are generally based on a percentage of the value of the work handled, varying in accordance with the type of work done or the scope of services rendered.

With thanks to the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

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Landscape Architects

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Landscape Architects

ServeSt LandScaping............................................................ 43

www.ilasa.co.za

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editorial

Green pools are the new craze

By Johan Schronen

Move over chlorine – natural eco-friendly pools are the way of the future

COMING across a crystal-clear rock pool somewhere high up in a mountain after a long tiring hike is always bliss. It’s nature’s perfect swimming pool with no electricity-sapping pumps, filters or chemicals.

If Mother Nature can get it right without any hightech ozone-attacking interventions, why can’t we?

The negative side effects of toxic chemicals, especially if not administered accurately, can quickly turn a pool into a health hazard.We all know chlorine’s damaging effects on hair and skin and now a number of studies have linked inhalation of the chemical by swimmers to asthma too.

For health and environmental reasons, many developers and home owners have expressed

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interest in organic alternatives that are not only environmentally friendly, but also look great.

Taking a leaf from nature’s book An eco-friendly pool simply relies on natural plant and animal life, which if managed properly, require no chemicals to maintain. Self-cleaning mini-ecosystems produce water clean enough to be drinkable – and you don’t need a shower after a swim. Organic pools are low-maintenance and the installation costs are about the same as conventional pools.

Pools can be constructed from a wide range of natural material such as rock, river stone, clay and gravel. Concrete or vinyl linings can also be used.44

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editorial The key element of an organic pool is the introduction of plant life which goes hand in hand with animal species such as frogs and dragonflies.

Being natural filtration systems, the plants enrich the pool with oxygen, support beneficial bacteria that consume debris and harmful organisms, and offer a habitat for animal life. The result is an ascetically appealing, ecologically diverse system that is relatively inexpensive to build and maintain

Low-tech Although one cannot merely dig a hole, line it with rocks and fill it with plants and water, it is a relatively low-technology process that does not need a rocket scientist to it pull off.

A percentage of the pool’s surface area must be reserved for shallow plants, either at one end or perhaps in a ring around the sides. This is because you need to separate the swimming area of the pool from the filtration plant zone.

Water passes through the fibrous root structure of the plants where bacteria serve as a biological filter, getting rid of contaminants and excess nutrients in the water. Decomposer organisms, also found in the plants’ root zones, consume the bacteria and in the process eliminate underwater waste build-up.

The shallow plants also warm the water and provide a habitat for frogs and many invertebrate species which welcome the breeding grounds and return the favour by eating mosquito larvae.

The water needs to circulate continuously for the plant roots to work their water-cleansing magic.

One may also need to aerate the water so the water organisms’ oxygen needs are met and because without oxygen, the pool could become stagnant.

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Local natural pool company Local company EcoPools has not let grass grow under their feet and followed the global trend to go green with swimming pools. The company tailors their designs to suit different settings, environments and the requirements of individual clients.

For more than two decades Ecopools has been designing, installing and consulting for clients in South Africa and abroad. They also base their designs around aquaculture like their counterpart in the States.

EcoPools founder Jerome Davis, who holds a PhD in aquatic bio-engineering, also introduced a consulting service to the company, assisting clients in outlying areas to build their own natural swimming pools. The company shares their technical knowledge but requires clients to sign a confidentiality agreement to protect their intellectual capital.

Existing pools can also be converted to natural organic pools or new pools can be constructed from scratch. Construction costs vary with design and materials depending on the extent of the aquatic garden and plumbing system. But from then on you won’t have to deal with pool chemicals, shock treatments or expensive services.

As there is no algae to be filtered out by a high-pressure pump and filter, organic pools use a much smaller pump to just circulate the water.

And to take it a step further, wind or solar power can be introduced to drive the pumps. EcoPools has also introduced a unique airlift pump that oxygenates the water, leaving you time to enjoy lazing around the pool instead of backwashing on a Saturday afternoon.

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Interior & Exterior Design & Décor

Interior

Interior & Exterior Design & Décor

Heidi Jager interior design ............................................. 46 style decor ................................................................................ 48 elemental Pots ......................................................................... 50

www.iidprofessions.com

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editorial

Decorators seeing the light

By Johan Schronen

LED lighting systems have become prominent features of interior design. use the most efficient and environmentally friendly lighting system that is not only green and efficient, but also easy on the eye.

New generation LED The new generation of LeD lighting solutions enhance high-end interiors by creating a specific mood and atmosphere using a subtle combination of lighting types and colours. Rooms, open-plan offices and hallways can realise their full potential at the hand of a creative and capable lighting guru.

Cost benefits and convenience

Credit: agreensupply.blogspot.com

A LOUNGe, boardroom, hotel foyer or any other elegant interior is a waste of space if care is not take with illumination. Gone are the days when little thought was given to light systems.

Painting with light Today interior decorators “paint” with light. Choosing the right source of light, intensity, colour and position is critical to creating the right atmosphere for a space, whether it’s an office, art exhibition, bar or social club.

And with growing concerns about our environment and how we conserve energy, it’s also becoming an extremely important part of any company’s image to

The operational life of current white LeD lamps is 100 000 hours. This is 11 years of continuous operation, or 22 years if switched on only half the time.

The long life of an LeD lamp is in stark contrast to the average life of a conventional incandescent bulb, which usually lasts only 5 000 hours. If a light needs to be placed in an inaccessible spot, using LeDs eliminates the need for routine bulb replacement.

There is also no comparison between the cost of LeD lights vs traditional incandescent options. The old incandescent bulbs that need frequent replacement make LeD systems dirt cheap. For office buildings and skyscrapers, maintenance costs to replace bulbs can be enormous. These issues can all be eliminated with the LeD option.

But the real gem of LeD lighting lies in reduced power consumption. When designed properly, an LeD circuit will be 80% efficient, which means 80% of the electrical energy is converted to light energy.

The remaining 20% is lost as heat energy. With incandescent bulbs it’s the other way around.

Realistically the cost savings would even be higher as most incandescent light bulbs blow out within a year and require replacements whereas LeD light bulbs will burn for more than 10 years.

The bottom line is if you walk into any building where you see old-fashioned light bulbs, you know you’re in a not so smart environment.

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editorial

The power of plantscaping

By Johan Schronen

This company is passionate about bringing the outdoors indoors.

We all know what landscapers do, but what is plantscaping? That’s a new one, I thought. Perhaps a fancy name for gardening. And then I came across a company employing the greenest fingers in South Africa.

Integral to building design Interior plants and greenery is an integral part of building design and is an important part of the quality experience of shoppers and in office complexes.

Interior plantscaping enhances the work environment and encourages a positive mindset in staff, contributing to productivity.

If execuflora’s customer response is anything to go by, people wanting a quality experience indoors need plants. The company hires plants instead of selling them – an approach that is fast gaining popularity for a host of reasons.

They service in excess of 90 000 plants for their

more than 3 000 clients nationally and produce subtle ever-changing indoor scenery.

Designed and arranged by top design consultants and rotated on a monthly basis, their flowers are living sculptures of nature. And on top of that, renting means that clients never have to change the water or throw out dead plants ever again.

Tallest greenhouse in SA To produce an industry-leading service execuflora has invested considerable capital over the years into their own greenhouse facilities. These currently total 12 700m2 and include the tallest commercial greenhouse in southern Africa for the holding and acclimatising of up to 8-metre tall plants.

These greenhouses allow execuflora to be largely independent of plant suppliers and hence they have control over the supply and quality of plants required for their operations.

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lorraine van tonder c: 072 227 2922 t: 021 851 5649 lorraine@elementalpots.co.za www.elementalpots.co.za

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Engineers

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www.cesa.co.za

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editorial

Pondering printers

By Johan Schronen

If you need to print large format in-house, ponder four main considerations and make the right choice to save you time and money.

THE printer salesperson arrives at your office and you are bombarded with technical information, facts and figures. The rep is smooth, persuasive and all the answers come convincingly at rapid fire. You know you are in for a substantial investment in your office – but you are still not sure, you want to “phone a friend”.

The basics The four most important considerations for a “fool’s guide to buying an office printer” are: • colour or black-and-white • cost • performance and speed • image quality The decision-making process is determined by these four main points to ponder.

Colour or B&W Choosing between colour or black-and-white (B&W) may not be as straightforward as it sounds. For example, a colour large-format printer can print in B&W for approximately the same cost as a monochrome printer, especially at lower print volumes.

So consider your use of the printer. If it will be printing posters, photos, technical documents, drawings or presentations, you will most likely choose colour. However, if speed is a major consideration, you may prefer B&W, as these printers generally perform faster.

Print robustness also comes into play. If your prints or copies are to be used outside on a construction site, for example, you probably need the prints to be waterproof. Prints made on B&W large-format printers can provide this specification. However, some colour printers also offer a waterproof solution. Printers using colour toner or pigment ink or colour printers that can print on special waterproof media will also do the job.

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Cost The cost of printing in B&W on a colour printer is about the same as on a dedicated B&W when your monthly print volume is low. The two main cost factors of printing in your office are the purchase price of the unit and the running costs of your printing system over time.

Although tempting, it is not wise to base your purchase decision on the purchase price alone.

A cheap printer with costly toner cartridges is an expensive printer in disguise. And even when you have evaluated the running costs, you’re still not done.

You may think you’re getting a bargain on the printer itself but if your machine breaks down or simply can’t keep up with your copy demand, you will be paying too much in the long run.

Performance and speed When judging the performance of a large-format printer you tend to look at the printer speed listed in the technical specifications. However, the time from when the clock starts ticking after you’ve pushed the send button to send a print job from your computer to 54

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editorial the printer until you actually hold the print in your hand is what’s really important.

Compare it to the maximum speed your car can do and the actual time it takes you to drive to your local shop. Don’t spend money on a Formula One car when all you need is a car to get your groceries at the local shop.

Optimisation does not automatically mean a faster printer. If you have a long print run of documents, throughput speed (that’s the top speed of our car) is most important. If the machine is used occasionally, then the first print coming out must be in a short time.

Looking at our car analogy again, that’s how long it takes you to get your car out of the garage and get to the local shop.

Image quality When you think about large-format printers and image quality the first thing that springs to mind is resolution, expressed in dpi (dots per inch). It may sound counterintuitive, but high resolution does not necessarily offer the best quality.

Compare it to digital cameras. Nowadays high dpi is no guarantee for high-quality photos. When printing, the way the large-format printer interprets the data is as important as the print technology itself. When printing technical drawings, for example, it’s essential that dotted or fine lines are printed clearly. You don’t want to lose information such as a line that represents electrical wiring at a construction site.

In a nutshell, considering resolution versus image processing, take into account the way the printer interprets the data instead of looking only at the resolution. The quality of the “interpreter” is especially important when you work with fine or dotted lines and detailed prints.

Another consideration is quality and media dependency (what paper you are printing on).

For B&W large-format printers, no matter what media you use, the print quality is more or less the same. But when using an inkjet printer, quality can vary tremendously. And when printing on glossy or photo paper versus normal paper, differences can occur in colour output and the quality of thin and fine lines.

The proof is in the pudding The best possible way to judge image quality is to see it for yourself. Take a typical file to a demo and print it out. Make sure when comparing image quality of large-format printers that the prints are made on the same material. Judge the quality on the aspects that are important to you.

These are the more important considerations when investigating your options to buy a large-format printer.

Others include ease of use, security, product options, floor space and environment.

For more information, check out Océ’s “9 things to consider when buying a large-format printer” on their website at www.oce.co.za

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Roofs, Ceilings, Insulation & Partitioning

Roofs,

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editorial

Overhead innovation

By Ayanda Ndlovu

A local company has developed a state-of-the-art ceiling system poised to be the leader of the pack.

LAFARGE Gypsum recently launched its brand-new Lafarge Master Grid™ ceiling grid after months of product development. This will replace the former ceiling product from Lafarge, the Gridlock Ceiling Grid.

The features and benefits of the SABS-approved Lafarge Master Grid™ are at a new level of innovation, according to product manager Kgomotso Ramoitheki.

“The product Lafarge Gypsum is introducing into the market is a perfected grid,” Kgomotso comments.

“Lafarge Gypsum has broken boundaries to ensure performance, durability and ease of installation.

Benchmarked against existing products in the market, including imports, our Lafarge Master Grid™ delivers the complete package!”

The Lafarge Master Grid ceiling systems have added strength with a safety factor of 2.5, enabling the product to handle a weight of 27kg/m2<superscript 2>at hanger spacing of 1.2 metres.

Kgomotso explains the benefit of these product features is that they allow the main tees to accommodate non-standard sizes of boards around the perimeter as well as more frequent support to accommodate multiple boards for high-tech solutions in acoustics and thermal solutions.

The steel capping of the Lafarge Master Grid™ is also stronger than the former aluminium-capped product.

Furthermore, the Lafarge Master Grid™ has an improved clipping mechanism, ensuring remarkable system integrity at the most integral part of the grid, enhancing installation efficiencies. Ease of installation cuts down on labour, which means a saving for the contractor – and ultimately for the client.

The design of the clip also allows the T-sections to be re-used while the recycling potential of these parts raises the eco-friendly level of the product.

Versatile

Fire safety

Designers can look forward to the incomparable versatility and flexibility of the product with intermediate slot locations at 100mm intervals in the main tee and hanger holes at 65mm intervals on the bulb of the main tee.

The Lafarge Master Grid™ offers exceptional fire safety due to the innovative fire punch-out holes that retain the integrity of the main tee by allowing for expansion in the event of a fire, thus preventing the ceiling panels falling from the grid system during a fire.59

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For all your Perlite requirements

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This safety feature is a major plus in shopping centres, office complexes, entertainment venues, churches and schools where large groups of people occupy the venue. In the event of fire, heat and flames, smoke inhalation and falling debris such as ceiling panels are major threats to the occupants of the venue.

“Lafarge Gypsum Ceiling and Partition Systems are precision-manufactured to comply and often surpass all South African structural and product codes,” says Jean-Paul Croze, anaging director of Lafarge Gypsum in South Africa.

“Our systems are designed by international engineers and technicians to meet the requirements of the ever-changing building industry, bringing to the market commercial, industrial and residential solutions that are eco-specified throughout South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” he adds.

The new Lafarge Master Grid™ will also carry the Lafarge 10-year warranty to make it the industry’s system of choice.

12 years in the running Lafarge Gypsum began operations in South Africa in 2001, offering interior finishing solutions through the manufacture of gypsum-based building materials for constructing, finishing and decorating interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial and institutional construction projects.

The company is a division of Lafarge South Africa Holdings, one of southern Africa’s foremost manufacturers of cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates and gypsum products. Lafarge South Africa is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the French global company Lafarge.

Innovation is a core focus for Lafarge Gypsum.

Achieving market leadership through the provision of innovative production and installation solutions is one of the company’s foremost ambitions.

Lafarge Gypsum regularly introduces new product solutions to the market in response to the needs of its customers, offering a comprehensive range of decorative choices with enhanced functional efficiency.

Lafarge Gypsum is ISO 9001:2000-accredited, which means the company is required to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements. This includes enhancing customer satisfaction through the effective application of systems and processes for continual improvement.

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editorial

Don’t move out, move up!

By Johan Schronen

With space at a premium, architects and home owners with a creative mindset are looking at roof cavities.

ONE of the reasons behind a roof cavity – that dusty “wasted” space between the ceiling and the roof sheets – is to create an insulating buffer of air to help keep the indoors temperature even.

But in recent years, with so much innovative insulation technology and new materials available, one can easily turn that roof cavity into usable space without affecting the temperature.

More architects are including loft living spaces in their designs from the outset, but many retrofit loft extensions in older homes and other buildings turn out very well and add character and space to the structures.

Call in the experts It is however not simply a case of building a box in the roof and finding space to put the stairs. The size of the cavity, the position of the load-bearing walls, stair access, existing plumbing and electrical wiring in the roof plus the design of the existing trusses must all be taken into consideration.

It’s advisable to consult with professional loft room installers for an opinion. You would also need to submit proper plans – with engineering specifications in many cases – to the local building authority for approval.

Companies specialising in loft rooms have developed innovative ways to come up with great spaces that many home owners never knew they had. A combination of materials including wood, PVC and fibre cement boarding, boarding, steel and other composite materials are being used to create attractive and functional upward extensions.

Professionals these days offer durable structures that are fire-resistant, rot-proof, mould-resistant and have superior thermal and acoustic qualities.

What are the specs?

The specification sheet of one of the leading contractors in South Africa, Witch Rooms – a company with 40 years’ experience in this field –

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is a good reference for home owners considering having their loft space developed.

Their stringent specifications for basic loft rooms include: • Grade 5 structural timber for the skeleton and shell of the building, which will bear the wall frames and trusses.

• Cross bracing and noggings, as well as lintels above all windows and doors, to strengthen and reinforce the new structure.

• Roof trusses, which are made on site and are bolted for extra strength.

• The timber frame shell is clad externally using Nutec boards that are plastered with special

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•

•

•

•

•

bonding liquid and WR compound, providing flexibility, excellent adhesion and durability. Other cladding includes profile logs, shiplap (machined pine) and veneers, as well as fibre cement shiplap.

The cladding is then treated with undercoat and super acrylic paint. All finishes are designed to match existing structures.

Isotherm insulation and other approved insulation is installed in the wall frames, under the floor and above the ceiling to protect and provide ideal indoor temperatures and sound insulation.

Floors are provided in a choice of tongue and groove pine or saligna, or with a shutter ply base suitable for carpeting.

The internal wall finishes consist of 15mm rhino board plastered with Rhinolite and painted in the client’s choice of colour.

The new structure is wired in to the existing electrical installation, with allowance made for new circuit breakers for light and plug points.

A Compliance Certificate is issued for all electrical work.

• Windows and doors of steel, hardwood, PVC or aluminium may be selected from a range of specialist manufacturers.

• Clients have the option to include either freestanding or built-in fireplaces, designed to complement the internal décor of the new structure.

• Floors and walls are capable of supporting ceramic tiles and fittings.

• All projects are built in accordance with SABS Codes of Practice for Timber Buildings and National Building Regulations and an independent engineer’s certificate is issued for the new structure.

• This means that all Witch rooms are built with materials thoroughly tested for their suitability for the application for which they are to be used.

Finishing off The finishings options for loft extensions are endless.

Home owners can choose log cladding, stone veneer or painted fibre-cement weather boards, all of which could transform the extension to an attractive focal point in the façade of your home.

For more information about moving up and not out, visit www.witchrooms.co.za

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TM

FEATURES AND BENEFITS FOR BOTH SUSPENDED GRID AND PLASTER GRID Astounding rigidity and stability, ensuring uncompromised grid strength and, as such, low deflection under load.

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Lafarge Master Gridâ&#x201E;˘ now offers an improved clipping mechanism, ensuring remarkable system integrity at the most integral part of the grid, enhancing installation efficiencies. The design of the clip allows the T-sections to be re-used.

Exceptional fire safety due to innovative Fire Punch Out holes that retain the integrity of the Main Tee by allowing for the expansion in the event of a fire, thus preventing the ceiling panels falling from the grid system.

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advertorial

Pro Lok 700: the roofing choice for the future When the South African Container Depot in City Deep, Johannesburg, needed to extend its building, the Pro Lok 700 concealed fixed-roofing system was once again used with excellent results.

ROOFING erector Cerbon installed the 28 tons of roofing material with ease and no problems. Pro Lok 700 is a vertical clip-in roofing system with a metal clip track and Technyl C216CV30 extruded anchor towers. These anchors were specially designed to accommodate the extreme temperature variances of the Highveld during wintertime. Designed for commercial and industrial use at low roof angles, this product consists of three wide pans with two stiffening ribs each. Pro Lok 700 also has four ribs, each 41mm high.

Bidvest, the holding company of the South African Container Depot, wanted a secure building with natural light. The building had to be absolutely watertight, but financially viable to erect.

Pro Roof Steel Merchants, the manufacturer of Pro Lok 700, used a mobile mill to roll form on site. This process enables the roofing erector to utilise long length sheets (up to 50m) in order to minimise the possibility of water entering into the building through the roof.

The long length sheets were roll-formed at ground level and then lifted onto the roof where they were installed into the direction of the prevailing winds. This installation method ensures the integrity of the roof during storm conditions.

Pro Roof is dedicated to supplying the best in concealed fixed-metal roof sheeting for the South African market.

Pro Roof Steel Merchants T +27 012 542 7576 www.proroof.co.za

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Cape Crete ......................................................................... 70 & 71 Bates aCCess Flooring........................................................ 72 CeramiC Wholesalers .......................................................... 75 transit Floor Coverings................................................. 78

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editorial

Carpet Art

By Johan Schronen

Handmade carpets are underfoot art that touch all the senses.

UTE Hennings does not produce carpets, she creates underfoot artwork. She believes a carpet is much more than a floor covering – it completely changes a room by touching all the human senses.

Bare floors, blank canvasses Hennings says bare floors are blank canvasses in her eyes. Carpets influence the optics, acoustics and sensation of the room. The eye will perceive the pattern and the image. The body, mainly the foot, will feel the material and the ears will experience the sound in the room. Hennings says her creations touch all the senses.

After studying design in Aachen, Germany, Hennings was determined to link her creative design talent with something functional. She moved to Namibia where she founded Nakara Carpets and set out to make her dream of producing carpets as functional art come true. The ambitious Hennings recently moved to Somerset West, Cape Town to be

more accessible to her growing client base.

“I want my creations to enhance the beauty of everyday life, not only visually but through all the senses,” she explains.

“Initially, I used the natural colour shades of Namibian karakul wool which was washed, spun and then hand-tufted,” she says. But the limited colour variety of karakul wool forced Hennings to start using other wool types with a broader natural colour range to meet the requirements of her clients’ design briefs.

She then went on to use wool, silk, bamboo, hemp and linen to produce a diverse ranges of carpets and rugs.

Hand-tufting Today Hennings employs a team of highly capable and creative men and women. Every carpet that leaves her workshop is a unique piece of art. She says the process of producing handmade carpets is “very involved”.

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After consulting with a client a drawing is made to show the design and colour scheme of the end product. Woven polyester cloth is stretched on a wooden frame, forming the basis for a carpet and forms the canvas on which the artist draws a motive.

The wool or other material is then woven into the cloth with a hollow needle. Afterwards the carpet is covered with rubber on the reverse side. Finally the pile is trimmed level and everything is done by hand.

Quality is not negotiable when it comes to her carpets, states Hennings. She says up to 42 threads per stitch are used to form a dense, solid surface which feels soft but is strong.

Custom sizes Nakara can custom-manufacture carpets as floor coverings or wall hangings according individual clients’ requirements and tastes. Hennings says “any size, structure, form and colour” is possible.

“We can source a wide range of colours and we are expert at producing exceptionally large carpets that may be difficult or impossible to find elsewhere,” she states.

Hennings encourages clients to create their own inspired masterpieces by starting off with rough drawings. She wants her clients to be involved in the process. “In this way the carpet or rug becomes a

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true reflection of the individual’s inspiration and his or her personality. Anything can inspire you but Mother Nature is often where we find the most beautiful shapes and colours,” she says.

Competition Hennings held a design competition late last year and received amazing designs. Leon du Plessis, the winner of the competition, was inspired by the image of a tree trunk that had been sawn through.

As his prize, Nakara handmade a carpet using his winning design.

“His design, which he named Stumps, was outstanding and beat the other entries, many of which were also very good,” says Hennings. Du Plessis’s design celebrates nature through her art form.

“Although taken from nature, the colour scheme Leon chose remains modern and is timeless.”

Hennings and her team have now for almost 24 years been handcrafting the finest designer rugs and carpets for discerning clients across the world. Hennings deals with individual home owners, interior designers and architects with the same passion.

“Every carpet, every rug, after all these years, are still works of art. People don’t merely walk on my carpets – they experience art,” says Hennings.

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editorial

Loving laminates

By Johan Schronen

The natural, real thing is normally the best. But with technology advancing at a rapid rate we should give man-made alternatives a chance.

IN ALL spheres, especially in the construction industry, alternative materials are gaining popularity and in many cases outshine the â&#x20AC;&#x153;genuineâ&#x20AC;? article in performance and durability.

A fairly recent arrival in the building environment is laminated flooring. This flooring system simulates wood in the same way post-form melamine kitchen counters resemble marble or granite.

Durable and hygenic

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Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring system comprising of processed or composite (fibre) wood like hardboard, a photographic layer that provides the motive, and melamine (plastic) that provides the durability and strength â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all fused together in the lamination process.

The South African Wood and Laminate Flooring Association (SAWLFA) explains the make-up of laminated flooring in more detail: The wear-resistant overlay The wear resistant overlay is the transparent sheet over the decorative layer that gives the floor its strength. This overlay is impregnated with melamine, almost the same substance that is used on your kitchen counter top, but more durable as a floor

Credit: scheritagecorridor.org

Laminate flooring has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years. It is easier to install and maintain than traditional hardwood flooring, costs less and requires less skill to install than solid wood floors.

Coupled to these benefits is its durability and the fact that it is hygienic and relatively easy to maintain, making it a winner. Consumer demand is proof.

Composition

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takes much more traffic than a table. This overlay is what makes the laminate floor resistant to abrasion, scratches, cigarette burns, chemicals, stains, etc. The weight and quality of this overlay are important factors to take into consideration when buying a laminate floor.

The decorative layer This is the layer that gives the floor its wood-like appearance. It has a purely aesthetic purpose but in some laminates it is also impregnated with melamine, making the floor even stronger.

The high-density fibre (HDF) board The HDF board is also important to take into consideration when looking for quality. One of the biggest problems with wood is that it is “living” and therefore expands and contracts depending on weather conditions. Often when proper expansion gaps (there should be a 5-8 mm gap at the walls and an expansion joint every 10m) are not made when the floor is laid the floor “pops” because it can’t expand out, so it expands up.

It therefore makes sense that the denser the HDF board is, the less it expands and contracts and this lowers the likelihood of any problems after installation.

Many boards have a moisture-resistant resin impregnated into them and this should be used in the moister areas of the home, although this resin does also lower the amount of expansion and contraction that takes place in the floor.

The counter-balance/stabilising layer The counter-balance board is also impregnated with resin and protects the underneath parts of the floor from any damage. It provides stability to the floor and decreases the chances of the floor deforming or “bowing”.

Installation Laminate floors are reasonably easy for a DIY home owner to install but one should not be pennywise and pound foolish, ending up with a floor that does the job but looks a little unprofessional.

Laminate flooring is packaged as a number of tongue and groove planks which are slotted into one another. Installed laminate floors typically “float” over the sub-floor on top of a foam/film underlay, which provides moisture- and sound-reducing properties. A small gap of about 10mm is required between the flooring and any immovable object such as walls, as this allows the flooring to expand without being obstructed.

It is important to “tap” the planks back together using the proper tool to prevent dirt filling the gaps, making it difficult to close them later.

Skirting boards can be removed and then reinstalled after laying of the flooring is complete for a neater finish, or small beading trims can be fitted to the skirting boards. Saw cuts on the planks are usually required at edges, and also around cupboard and door entrances.

Care It is important to keep laminate floors clean. Over time dust, dirt and sand could scratch the surface in high-traffic areas. Felt pads can be placed under the feet of furniture to prevent scratching the laminated surfaces.

It is also important to keep laminate floors relatively dry as water can cause the planks to swell, warp and bow. Some brands are more water-resistant than others, but water spills aren’t a problem if wiped up quickly.

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Walls

Walls

Walls

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editorial

Bamboo will do

By Johan Schronen

For generations the Chinese have been scaling buildings on seemingly flimsy bamboo scaffolding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but they have an excellent safety record.

STRONG, engineer-designed scaffolding, put together of sturdy steel tubing and secure connectors, grows on the outer skin of new skyscrapers, reaching high up into the sky. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always an awesome sight to see construction workers perched on their suspended platforms, as small as ants, when the buildings they work on reach roof height.

Handed down over generations But in China the art of scaffolding, which has been handed down from generation to generation, is very

different. It has not changed since the first skyscrapers started spiking out on the Chinese skyline.

And they use bamboo poles tied with plastic strips!

Bamboo has been the material of choice for scaffolding in China, particularly Hong Kong, for a very long time.

It seems risky but is surely one of the most interesting ways to assemble scaffolding.

As it is extremely eco-friendly, inexpensive, durable and strong enough to carry the weight of site workers, their tools and materials, Chinese contractors continue to use the method.

Credit: wescapelife.co.za

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Benefits of bamboo Bamboo is lightweight and not as hard as typical metal scaffolding, so it can easily be cut and tailor-made to suit any contour of construction. It can be shaped to follow irregular architectural features of a building and it does not take a long time to build. Bamboo is also easily transportable from site to site and no machinery is needed to assemble the sections.

The platform sections of the scaffolding consist of closely spaced horizontal bamboo poles that form large working spaces. Bamboo poles are cleverly arranged to reduce the number of posts needed to cause minimum obstruction to pedestrians and vehicles underneath.

Double-layered scaffolding consists of an outer layer of scaffolding and an inner layer of posts and ledgers (horizontal sections that are fastened to the vertical uprights ) Between the two layers, short poles or transoms (crossbar pieces) are used to support timber planks or closely spaced bamboo to form platforms.

Track record The safety and effectiveness of the bamboo scaffolds depends on the workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skill and knowledge which is passed down to younger workers through an

apprenticeship system and on-the-job learning.

At first glance bamboo pieces tied together as scaffolding seems dangerous but the system has a phenomenal safety record. And with so many other benefits, why change a perfectly good system?

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QUIETING THE WORLD

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ith growth and development what it is in the world of business today, wouldn't you prefer a flexible solution to your space needs? Yes? We thought so.

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Our flush jointless RE-usable system, uses a patented stud-and-tack system, with aluminium top and side trims, and any number of possible finishes to suit the rest of your interior décor and design. The REusable wall is prepared off-site and arrives at your new location ready to fit. It looks likedrywall once done, but goes up in half the time. This clean fix system greatly reduces the mess usually created by interior construction of walls. You can choose from full height, angular, curved, graphic designed or interactive demountable walling, depending on your specific needs.

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editorial

Clay bricks lend efficiency to police

By Peter Kidger

Brickwork is an integral design aspect of a new SAPS Radio Control Centre.

THE new R100-million South African Police Service 10111 Radio Control Centre in Korsten, Port Elizabeth, is a world-class facility built primarily to improve on SAPS response times and provide a significantly improved and more efficient call-out rate to the country.

A tight brief “The brief was in no way open-ended and was set out within strict criteria, with specific areas and sized accommodation to suit the particular needs of the end user,” says project architect Neal Fisher. The brief was developed through numerous workshops held between the design team and end user, facilitated by the client, and finalised through stringent design reports and sketch plan committee approvals.

“The need for design workshops was crucial in planning the relationship between the two key divisions to be housed within the building, that being 10111 and Radio Technical, and the core functioning between them,” he explains.

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A firm base Although conceptually there was a need for transparency, it was also fundamental to ground the building to provide a firm base to work from. This was achieved by detailing the four outer corners of the building’s structure in face brick. These corners wrap around textured plaster and seemingly elevate just off the surface of the surrounding finishes through a recessed shadow line of raw terylene to help soften its connection.

“The bottom two courses of face brick above the recessed plinth is in essence a result of the need for a composite beam to form the cantilever in the brickwork,” notes Fisher. The brick-on-edge and soldier course in the brickwork rests on a continuous length of 5mm galvanised steel plate over the full width of the wall and a concrete cavity filled to the height of the soldier course.

“The differing course configuration also facilitated the need to tie back into the required brick courses of the inner skins,” explains Fisher.

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Windows & Doors

Window

Windows & Doors Gemini Frameless....................................................................... 87 TDM.................................................................................................... 89 Armour Elite.............................................................................. 90

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editorial

Window water woes

By Sané Ndlovu

An attractive windowsill design called for a special waterproof solution and presented a challenge.

WINDOWS often present waterproof challenges.

Architects come up with great designs but at times push the boundaries somewhat and leave building contractors with a headache.

A window design at the new head office and distribution centre of Equity Pharma Holdings in Pretoria involved non-standard windowsills constructed from four separate concrete slabs. This presented a problem for Archstone Construction.

The challenge “The challenge they faced was how to waterproof the corners of the slabs as there were gaps on all four corners which could lead to water flowing back into the building,” explains Chaitan Manga, general manager at tile adhesive company TAL “The solution was to waterproof the corners using X-Pruf ElastoCem and to add X-Roc SkimCoat to finish off the concrete and make it aesthetically pleasing.”

Waterproof membrane X-Pruf ElastoCem is a two-component polymer modified waterproof membrane which is supplied in readymix kits.

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The product is used for bridging gaps and waterproofing concrete. When mixed, an easily brushable coating is produced. It can be applied by a stiff brush, roller or trowel to obtain the desired thickness.

X-Roc SkimCoat is a single-component cementitious polymer modified concrete skim coat for use in horizontal, vertical and overhead applications.

This product, applied from a thickness of 1mm up to 5mm, gives concrete an aesthetically pleasing smooth and uniform finish and colour. Both products are manufactured locally by TAL. Construction of the head office building began in December 2011 and the first phase was completed and ready for occupation in September 2012 – with its windowsills ready for winter this year.

Maximising concrete performance Manga says TAL continues to deliver innovative solutions that its customers can trust and adds that as part of TAL’s building solutions division, the X-Calibur range of construction chemistry solutions consist of product systems designed to maximise concrete performance, prevent decay and repair damage.

TAL customers have continued access to the expertise and advice of highly qualified technical advisory staff through its advisory service and a freeof-charge detailed materials and methods specification can be drawn up for specific installations.

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editorial

Plastic is perfect

By Johan Schronen

Not all window frames are wood or metal – plastic frames are a great solution to the challenges of the elements.

COMMONLY known as UPVC, that stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, these frame systems are durable, attractive and virtually maintenance-free.

The first thing one would ask is: are all plastics the same and is a UPVC frame not just “cheap and nasty” plastic?

The fact is plastic can be engineered to suit many specific needs, offering a range of different properties.

UPVC is stronger and more durable than common plastics.

UPVC will not rot or corrode, making it ideal for all areas – especially at the coast. It is virtually maintenance-free and requires no painting or treatment. It is also germ-resistant.

Industry leader The late Pat Richards, who founded UPVC Window Systems in 1990, entered the market with a relatively new concept at the time. AECI Plastic Systems was one of the first local producers of UPVC profiles for the window and door market in South Africa. Prior to this, imported European products had been used but were not ideally suited to the South African climatic conditions.

The UPVC industry continued to grow steadily, with

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Pat Richards becoming one of the pioneers in the country. Although his main competitor was always the aluminium window industry, Pat remained faithful to his product and produced only UPVC windows and doors.

After time, the product began to speak for itself.

As a top-quality product, demand increased steadily, with a particular interest being shown by overseas investors buying homes in the Cape where Pat was based. These investors contributed considerably to the growing interest of the South African public and were instrumental in generating a steady demand in the country.

After Pat’s passing in 2004, the business was taken over by Owen Clayton, a successful entrepreneur with expertise in many facets of business, in particular the construction industry for over 35 years.

In order to cater for a broader spectrum of clients in the window and door industry, and as a result of increasing demand from the public and satisfied clients, aluminium windows and doors were introduced as an extension to the product range.

But still today many contractors and distributors honour Pat for the groundbreaking work he did in the UPVC window and door frame industry, especially in the Cape.

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ADVERTORIAL

TDM (PTY) LTD Selling more than just the DOOR TDM, situated on a 10 hectare purpose built sawmill & factory site, was established in 1961 and celebrates its 52nd Its adherence to the ISO standards receives regular audits by DM situated on a 10ha Purpose built sawmill & factory anniversary this year!

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the SGS, this is turn providing the grounds for TDM’s promise

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TDM has always been proud of manufacturing quality doors-toinbeaddition to TDM’s SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) mark bearing status, the company also manufactures in compliance with the ISO 9001 quality assurance TDM’s front man for all it’s door manufacturing arena TDM has always been proud of manufacturing quality management system.

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is Alvee Lazarus. Having joined the company some 30 doors- in addition to TDM’s SABS (South African Bureau years ago, Lazarus is tasked with all TDM’s door testing & of Standards) mark bearing status, the company also Its adherence in tocompliance the ISO standards receives regular audits by the SGS,functions, this in turn providing the out grounds for basis assessment which are carried on a daily manufactures with the ISO 9001 quality TDM’s promise to be the leading manufacturer of quality doors. at the company’s in house testing facility. assurance management system.

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Its adherence to the ISO standards receives regular audits by the SGS, this is turn providing the grounds for TDM’s promise to be the leading manufacture of quality doors.

TDM has always been proud of manufacturing quality doors- in addition to TDM’s SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) mark bearing status, the company also manufactures in compliance with the ISO 9001 quality assurance management system.

TDM’s front man for all it’s door manufacturing arena is Alvee Lazarus. Having joined the company some 30 years ago, Lazarus is tasked with all TDM’s door testing & assessment functions, which are carried out on a daily basis at the company’s in house testing facility.

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Home & Access Automation

Home &

Home & Access Automa Centurion SyStemS ............................................................... 93

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editorial

SA could lead the way with smart cities

By Natasha Arendorf

A building whisperer’s infrastructure IT solutions.

David Bartlett, head of IBM’s smarter Buildings initiative

ExpErts are saying that south African cities have the potential to be the first truly “smart” cities on the African continent and develop significant competitive advantage in this regard – if the conversation starts now.

According to David Bartlett, head of IBM’s smarter Buildings initiative, there is a global urgency to create smarter cities, corporate buildings and campuses.

Buildings worse than cars Buildings currently consume over 40% of the world’s energy and emit more carbon dioxide into the environment than cars. By 2025, buildings will be the largest energy consumers on earth with energy costs alone representing about 30% of an office building’s total operating costs. What’s more, on average up to 50% of energy and water used in buildings is wasted.

With the unprecedented proliferation of smart sensors and control systems over the last decade, many buildings now have the ability to measure,

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sense and see the exact condition of practically everything in them. But these systems often operate independently – understanding a building from a holistic point of view requires collaboration between facilities and It organisations at new levels and creates the need for new transformational skills in organisations and businesses.

Sharing information “the ultimate smart city, building or campus is one where all the systems share information with each other,” says Bartlett, and adds that smarter buildings can save as much as 40% on energy costs, 50% on water, and up to 30% on building maintenance.

Bartlett has been heralded as “the building whisperer” by the likes of Forbes and Facilities Engineering on account of his insight into smarter infrastructure solutions, how wasteful energy practices affect the bottom line and the enormous potential of sustainability practices for businesses of all sizes.

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editorial

Clifton’s smart choice

By Karen lambrechts

Millionaire’s Mile fibre-to-the-home was worth the wait.

IronIcally, residents in one of the most expensive and upmarket suburbs in South africa had to wait until recently for good satellite television reception – and it came with a bang! after Smart Village, a company specialising in high-capacity fibre-to-the-home (FFTx) networks, installed an optical fibre network along Victoria road in upmarket clifton, cape Town, the main road running through the plush seaside suburb can for the first time enjoy clear DStv broadcasts.

Fibre feed The new fibre feed also brought a range of valueadded services, such as telco-grade VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephone services, high-speed broadband access, and the ability to carry any IP signal, including ccTV and access control services.

Smart Village managing director chris van der Walt says clifton was one of the only urban suburbs in South africa where residents have experienced poor satellite reception.

Reception shadow “Due to the suburb’s location and the influence of the mountain, the DStv satellite signal strength to many

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homes in this area was varied and certainly not at the quality that Multichoice strives to maintain,” Van der Walt explains. “as a result, the decision was taken to install a centralised satellite head end to distribute digital signal over fibre to homes connected to our clifton network.”

Smart Village has helped residential estates and businesses in corporate office parks to become “future-proof” through consultation, recommendation and installation of the latest in FTTx technology.

“The technology we developed and deployed to create truly integrated and connected homes around Sa has helped us present a much-needed and long-awaited solution to clifton residents”, adds Van der Walt.

Worth the wait clifton building manager Mike Miller says they are very pleased to finally be able to receive satellite television as well as a host of other services thanks to the worldleading technology installed.

He adds they’ve been hoping for a long time to find a solution for an improved DStv signal but with top-shelf security and internet access to boot, the new fibre feed has made up for the many years of frustration clifton residents had to endure.

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Electrical, Lighting & Air Conditioning

Electric Electrical, Lighting & Solent Trading........................................................................ 96 Metraclark................................................................................. 98 Gree Air Conditioning..................................................... 100 Timber Fans................................................................................. 101 National Cables.................................................................... 104

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editorial

People paver power

By Johan Schronen

If one single footstep can produce 8 watts, imagine the electricity a crowd at a soccer stadium or shopping centre can produce.

WE ALL know about solar power, wind and water energy as alternatives to fossil fuel to generate electricity.

So what was a young British university student smoking when he thought he could convert the pressure of a person’s footsteps into electricity?

Nothing, he was just thinking out of the box – and he got it right.

Kinetic energy As part of his industrial design and technology degree, Laurence Kemball-Cook came up with an electricity-generating paver made of waste material including old truck tyres and plastic. It captures kinetic energy when it flexes just 5 millimetres under the feet of pedestrians.

He called his paver Pavegen and named the company he started the same.

The kinetic energy is stored in tiny batteries under the surface of the tile and is used to power lights.

Kemball-Cook’s first designs were aimed at illuminating small spaces such as bus stops, but with a large number of the pavers in high-traffic areas such as sport stadiums and shopping centres, the possibilities

are limitless. The innovative pavers can be used to operate a range of low-power applications, including lighting, signs, digital ads, and wi-fi zones. The centre of the tile illuminates when stepped upon, informing the passerby of their contribution to the environment.

Award winner Kemball-Cook went on to scoop several awards and pocket huge amounts of prize money, which helped him develop his invention into a commercially viable product.

Once a Pavegen tile converts energy to electricity, 5% of it is used to light the round LED-lighted logo in the center of each tile. The other 95% is either directly fed to the application or stored in a battery for later use. Pavegen is also working on a new system that will feed the power directly into a grid.

The tiles are completely waterproof, so they can endure rain, snow, and ice. Mechanical testing of the tiles for destruction proved they would last at least five years, but Kemball-Cook says ideally they would survive for 20.

Pavegen’s tiles have a minimal carbon footprint.

The rubber in the tile comes from old tyres and about 99

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But Pavegen pavers had earlier proved themselves after being installed at a school in Kent in 2011. The pavers, laid in the busiest corridor of the school, power the lighting in the corridor and helps to reduce the school’s electricity bill.

Eventually, with a proposed larger roll-out, the Pavegen system is expected to power more than half of all the lights in the school.

Meanwhile nearly 30 permanent and temporary Pavegen projects have been installed in the UK and Europe. Pavegen has also been harnessing underfoot energy at music festivals where foot-stamping revellers power the lights without realising it.

Major roll-outs Now Pavegen has partnered with Siemens to install tiles in Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia, to power lighting there. Installations are also planned for a major London train station and a shopping centre in Athens. Interest in the technology is also growing in the United States where several American schools are planning to install Pavegen tiles.

80% of the polymers used for the other components can be recycled. One footstep generates about 7 watts of electricity but it can vary depending on a person’s weight. Each step pushes the rubber down so little that a person would hardly notice it.

Commercially viable After showcasing his invention at a London design show, Kemball-Cook secured his first big order from a shopping centre in Stratford.

The slabs were laid at the central crossing between the London 2012 Main Stadium and Westfield Stratford City where the footsteps of spectators and other pedestrians are now powering lights at the stadium and in the area around it.

Rival products But not to try to burst the Pavegen bubble, the harvesting of energy produced from footsteps is not a new idea. Other companies in Holland and elsewhere make similar products using piezoelectric materials.

First discovered in the 1880s by Pierre and Jacques Curie, piezoelectricity is generated when certain crystals such as quartz, topaz, and cane sugar are squeezed or put under stress.

Kemball-Cook won’t say how his paver works because he considers the technology, proprietary information. But he does explain that it is a hybrid technology and claims “there’s nothing else like it”, stating that his tiles are 200 times more efficient at producing power than any rival product.

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editorial

Is your building sick?

By Johan Schronen

Your air-conditioning system could be sending your staff to the doctor in droves.

SICK Building Syndrome (SBS) is a combination of ailments attributed to a home, office or factory. In 1984 the World Health Organization (WHO) linked most cases of Sick Building Syndrome with poor indoor air quality.

It was found that most sick buildings had flawed heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Toxic fumes from some office machinery and industrial machines in factories where there is lack of adequate fresh-air intake and exhaust air ventilation were found to be one of the culprits Companies then dealt with the symptoms after the fact by just boosting the overall turn-over rate of fresh air exchange with the outside air, instead of dealing with the root of the problem.

History In the late 1970s, it was found that non-specific symptoms were reported by tenants in newly constructed homes, offices and nurseries. The media

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called it “office illness” and the term Sick Building Syndrome was coined by WHO in 1986.

At the time WHO estimated that up to 30% of office buildings in the West had indoor air problems and suffered from SBS to some extent.

Poor indoor environments then started to attract attention globally. A high-level Swedish allergy study designated “sick” buildings as a cause of an allergy epidemic in the country at the time. In the 1990s extensive research into sick buildings was carried out and various physical and chemical factors in the buildings were examined on a broad front.

The problem was highlighted increasingly in media and was described as a ticking time bomb which kickstarted several counter-action plans.

Symptoms Occupants of buildings usually start to complain of symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose and

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throat and skin irritation and rashes, among others.

Several sick building occupants may report individual symptoms which do not appear to be connected. The key would be the increased incidence of illness in general with onset or exacerbation within a fairly close time frame – usually within a period of weeks. In most cases, SBS symptoms will be relieved soon after the occupants leave the particular room or building.

There may however be lingering effects which may not clear up immediately after the occupant leaves the building. In some cases, particularly in sensitive individuals, there can be long-term health effects.

Causes Sick Building Syndrome is often caused by inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor or outdoor sources, or biological contaminants. Many volatile organic compounds, which are considered chemical contaminants, can cause acute effects on the occupants of a building. Bacteria, moulds, pollen and viruses are types of biological contaminants and can all cause SBS. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recently revised its ventilation standards to provide more fresh outside air per person in offices. But the Society warned that

pollution from outdoors, such as motor vehicle exhaust fumes, can contribute to SBS.

Prevention A list of preventative measures can be employed to combat SBS. These include: • cleaning for removal of algae, mildew and mould from walls, floors, furniture and working surfaces • eliminating bacteria and viruses • pollutant source removal or modification to storage of sources • replacement of stained ceiling tiles and carpeting • use of paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides only in well-ventilated areas, preferably during periods of non-occupancy • increasing the number of air exchanges through natural ventilation and air condition • proper and frequent maintenance of air-conditioning systems.

In recent inspections local companies found that clogged air-conditioning units with dirty filters harboured bacteria and actually contributed to SBS in many cases.

Looking after the “health” of your office, shop, factory or home means you are looking after the health of your staff, clients and family. The air conditioners are a good place to start.

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Blinds, Shutters &Awnings

Blinds,

Blinds, Shutters &AwSouthern Right..................................................................... 106 Cape Patio Blinds................................................................... 108 Luxaflex...................................................................................... 110

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editorial

Size does matter Measuring up windows and doors to fit new blinds or shutters seems easy, but don’t get it wrong – it could cost you thousands. Windovert provides some basic tips to get it right. error in measurement could mean that your blinds will not hang properly. It could also lead to the lifting mechanism not working correctly.

If, however, you would like to do your own measuring for a rough guideline on costs, then keep the following in mind: • Measure each window meticulously – horizontally at the top, centre and bottom plus vertically along both sides and at the centre. Then measure diagonally too.

• These measurements will give you an excellent indication of whether your window is square or not.

What to do if your window is not square?

INSTANT gratification – that’s when you want it, and you want it now. And that counts for information too.

We all daydream about improvements to our homes and then of course we want want to know how much it’s going to cost – not tomorrow, but yesterday.

Many companies have nifty online quote calculators that will spit out the bottom line digits immediately. But before going there, we need to measure.

If your window is not square you should consider a face fix where the blind is fixed to the “face” of the wall.

To improve light control Windovert recommends that the blind overlap the opening by at least 4cm on each side and at the bottom of the opening.

To ensure a perfect fit, invest time in a perfect measurement.

Credit: www.sxc.hu

Measure twice Measuring the dimensions of a window or door accurately can be a challenging task, easier said than done. Windows are not always perfectly proportioned and as homes age they also shift and settle. This can sometimes throw windows out so that they aren’t perfectly square.

It is therefore advisable to use a professional to do a final measure before you order your blinds or shutters. As the blinds will be custom-made to fit a specific area (window or door), even the slightest

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CAPE PATIO BLINDS Relief from the SUN WIND and RAIN

Stylish and Elegant | Create a Room in a Day | Roll Up Roll Down | Resturant and Domestic

SMS “QUOTE” OR EMAIL GARY for a free quote in your area Tel: 021 829 7299 | Cell: 083 95 66 878 Email: info@capepatioblinds.co.za / www.capepatioblinds.co.za

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editorial

Patio blinds bring style and versatility Bring the outdoors in and create a room in a day with the growing trend of patio blinds.

TRENDY patio blinds have become much more than just a cheap option to enclose a stoep. Create a bistro atmosphere or European pavement café ambience in your home or business – at a fraction of the cost of conventional décor.

Cost and application Gary Barrett, MD of Cape Patio Blinds, says that in a nutshell, the growing popularity of this niche product boils down to “cost and application”. Barrett explains that to manufacture and install patio blinds cost far less than bricks, mortar, windows, doors, and the labour associated with building.

“Blinds also come without the hassle and mess of building. From the design and order of your patio blind to installation is no longer than 10 days and requires only an hour per blind to install,” explains Barrett.

He adds that the patio blind that creates a bistro or town square café effect offers you a versatile outdoor/ indoor entertainment area. Being able to roll the blinds up when not in use is a huge advantage as you are not hindered by bulky sliding doors.

Fast and universal “And it can all happen in a day,” says Barrett. On top of it these blinds are universal and can be fitted to any

structure, while being stylish and elegant. Recently Cape Patio Blinds have started installing more and more blinds in the commercial field too. Patio blinds are becoming popular with restaurants and pubs and even hospitals and shopping centres.

“Just last year we created a dry-loading bay for a local importer who needed extra space and was worried about goods getting wet in rainy weather when being delivered. This was quite a challenge as the load area was over 5m high and 15m long,” says Barrett.

“We have also used our blind systems to create spray booths for various panel beaters and this too is working well,” he adds.

Up for the challenge “I’ve moved down from Johannesburg where I first cut my teeth and gained tremendous experience in the outdoor blind industry. But here in Cape Town with its unique weather patterns it’s a different story,” he says.

“There is definitely a difference in what materials need to be used in various parts of our country,” Barrett adds. “But once the blinds are up they will not only protect you from the elements, they’ll also turn that dreary old stoep into a perfect indoor/outdoor entertainment area and add value to any home.”

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Kitchens & Accessories

Kitchen

Kitchens & Accessories Salvocorp......................................................................112 & 113 RSA Stoneart............................................................................ 115 Franke Kitchens.................................................................... 116

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editorial

Kitchen counter tops are some of the most hard-working surfaces in your home, so don’t skimp on them.

IN ANY kitchen the work tops are an important functional and aesthetic factor in the overall design.

The wrong choice will spoil your kitchen but be warned – it’s not only about the visual effect, many practical consideration come into play too.

You need to consider maintenance, durability, the look and feel you want and, of course, your budget.

On the market suppliers offer a range of options from shiny or matt finish tops, metal, natural wood or real or engineered stone.

does not scratch easily. Granite is heat-resistant but unfortunately porous so it falls short on hygiene compared to engineered stone. More than 300 patterns are available and they vary in price depending on the pattern and whether it’s imported or mined locally.

Choice galore

Marble This natural stone is a feast for the eyes but is very porous. It stains easily and its tiny pores could trap bacteria after food preparation, threatening overall hygiene in the kitchen.

Let us consider some of the offerings on the market: Post-formed laminates These tops are mostly chipboard or medium-density fibreboard (MDF), often rounded on one or both sides and laminated on one side with a hard melamine layer.

A huge range of colours and motives are available.

Laminates are the cheapest option but can be stylish and reasonably durable.

Natural wood Being extremely porous this is probably your least hygenic option for a kitchen top although they are attractive. Wood requires more maintenance then other materials as it scratches easily and also stains and burns under hot objects such as pots and pans.

Ceasarstone and other engineered stone products This is a popular tradename for an engineered product imported from the States in slabs and cut here to size for local distributors. Caesarstone, one of the leaders in the field, looks and feels like natural stone but has the advantage of giving designers more freedom in choosing dimensions. Patterns are consistent but this option is on the expensive side.

A host of other manufacturers produce engineered stone tops in many colours and patterns.

Granite Here you would be opting for the most expensive material on the market but it is very durable and

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Credit: J.V. Granite

Top-notch counter tops

Stainless steel Stainless steel counter tops are commonly used in commercial food processing and preparation venues.

It is durable, easy to clean and hygienic but seldom looks good in domestic kitchens. Stainless steel scratches easily but it will last a lifetime.

The most popular trend in South Africa remains laminated post-form tops as good value for money with engineered stone tops being the first choice for clients with less restrictive budgets.

Turn to page 120 in our Bathroom Section where we take an in-depth look at engineered stone.

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KKX411 Product Code: 820066

FRANKE KITCHENETTE Ideal for Garden Cottages, Studio Apartments and Student Pads, the Franke Kitchenette offers the compact convenience of having the stove and sink integrated together in a single unit. Food preparation is made effortless, moving between high speed plates and accommodating sink bowl and drainer. Supplied with a 38mm PVC waste fitting and plug.

Call Centre: 0861 372 653 â&#x20AC;˘ enquiry.fsa@franke.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.franke.co.za

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Bathrooms & Accessories

Bathroo

Bathrooms & Accessorie AMS................................................................................................... 119 Gerberit SA.....................................................................122 & 123 Bespoke Bathrooms............................................................. 124

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editorial

Sanitary savvy

by Elyse Klass

Cobra taps into the public transport market with vandal-proof products.

Public buildings call for durable, robust and vandalresistant fittings, which is why cobra’s hard-wearing Star range and its unique tamper-proof flush valves was the obvious choice for cape Town’s two new integrated rapid transport (iRT) system bus depots.

The depots form part of the Western cape’s R309million iRT cape Town lines project and will house the city’s new buses. construction on the first depot at Atlantis started in January 2012 and on the second depot in the cape Town cbD in March 2012.

The obvious choice The cobra products were specified for the depots’ new public bathroom and kitchen facilities. Taps and mixers from cobra’s rock solid Star range were used throughout. cobra has manufactured this range for more than 40 years and it is renowned for its durability, low maintenance and cost-effective replacement parts. cobra’s commitment to green design was once again acknowledged with the specification of two

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water-saving products – its metering shower roses as well as its toilet and urinal flush valves. The shower roses regulate consistent water flow to nine litres per minute, while the dual flush toilet and urinal flush valves are manually activated.

“The cobra representative was very helpful in specifying durable yet aesthetically pleasing sanitaryware that was well-suited to the industrial nature of the depots. The scheduling was thoroughly done and the contractors had no problems in procuring the cobra products,” says Maretha Perold, project architect at Gallagher lourens Architects (GlA). “it’s been fascinating to watch the construction of this massive infrastructure project and very interesting to have been involved in a small part of the project,” says Robert van coller, technical sales representative at cobra. “GlA was very clinical in its approach in selecting the products, which we know will last the city for years to come.”

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editorial

Cast in stone

By Johan Schronen

The “real” McCoy ENGINEERED stone is a composite material made of crushed quartz stone bound together by a polymer resin. It is used primarily for kitchen countertops and is gaining in popularity as it is as good – and in some instances even superior – to natural stone.

Manufacturing equipment The Italians were the first to manufacture equipment to produce engineered stone by mixing about 93% quartz and 7% polyester resin and pressing it into slabs or blocks.

There are now several other companies producing similar machinery and stone products, many of them in China where there is an estimated 100-plus suppliers.

In India there are about 40 slab producers.

Composition

Quartz is the major filler, although other materials such as coloured glass, shells or metals can also be added.

A typical engineered stone product consists of 93% quartz by weight and 7% resin. Different resins are used by the various manufacturers, with epoxy and polyester resin being the most common. Chemicals including UV absorbers and stabilisers are also added and peroxide is added to aid curing.

Properties Engineered stone is less porous and harder than natural stone. The least porous varieties are more resistant to mould and mildew than traditional stone.

Its uniform internal structure also means it does not have hidden cracks or flaws like natural stone.

The polyester resin binding agents allow some flexibility, preventing cracking under pressure. The binding agents often continue to harden over time, leading to a loss of flexural strength. Polyester resins are not completely UV stable and it is therefore not advisable to use engineered stone outdoors.

Continuous exposure to UV can cause discolouration and breakdown of the resin.

Some material could also be damaged by direct heat. Quartz-based engineered stone is more heat-resistant than most granite, marble and

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editorial limestone, among other natural material.

Quartz-engineered stone can however be damaged by sudden temperature changes, therefore manufacturers recommend that hot pots and pans not be placed directly on the surface.

Test findings In a recent test report published in Consumer Report Magazine, 11 samples from leading suppliers – including natural and engineered stone – were tested by staining, scratching, slicing and scorching them.

The magazine’s test results showed that only granite, among natural products, could perform significantly in the tests. Marble was at the bottom of the ratings and limestone didn’t fare much better.

But quartz-based engineered stone edged out granite because of slightly better overall performance.

Engineered stone countertops were found to offer the best of both worlds. They are durable and aesthetically pleasing and this man-made material is more hygienic than natural stone due to its non-porous surface.

Cutting and drilling The chemical reaction of the hardening process may cause tensions in the slab, which may crack the slab while cutting it, according to reports by experts on granitequartz.blogspot.com The site warns that in most cases cracking may occur if you do not do the first few cuts correctly, as the breakage risk decreases significantly after the first few cuts.

There are a few simple tips to follow, although different brands could have specific machining requirements.

Cut-outs for drop-in washbasins etc. are one of the most risky cutting tasks. It’s important to cut rounded and not square corners, which become stress points under pressure. Drilling a 5mm or bigger hole in each corner before cutting the cut-out with a diamond disc will reduce all risks of cracking.

Cutting diagonally should start from the outside of the slab inwards – don’t try to plunge-cut.

The cut should go all the way through right off the slab. Use a diamond disc in good condition to cut and diamond-tipped drill bits for making holes.

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Timber & Decking

Timber

Timber & Decking

Merensky..................................................................................... 126 ITC-SA.............................................................................................. 128 Flydex Contractors......................................................... 130 SAWPA.................................................................................132 & 133 Amoretti..................................................................................... 134

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LEADING SUPPLIERS OF SUSTAINABLE LUMBER – SPECIALISTS IN PINE, EUCALYPTUS AND OTHER HARDWOODS

MY

CY

CMY

K

WWW.MERENSKY.CO.ZA | INFO@MERENSKY.CO.ZA KZN: +27 (0) 31 700 9844 | WESTERN CAPE: +27 (0) 21 945 1444 | EASTERN CAPE: +27 (0) 41 581 0137 MARKETING NATIONAL: +27 (0) 11 450 1230 GAUTENG : +27 (0) 11 626 1002

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editorial

Give your wood a treat

By Johan Schronen

In timber frame buildings and other applications, the treatment of structural timber, especially exterior sections, is of utmost importance.

THERE are a number of different, mostly chemical, preservatives and processes that can extend the life of wood, timber, wood structures or engineered wood.

These generally increase the durability and resistance and prevent it from being destroyed by insects or fungus.

Hazards Wood industrially pressure-treated with approved preservative products poses some risk to the public and needs to be disposed of properly. In 2003 the American wood industry stopped treating residential lumber with arsenic and chromium (chromated copper arsenate, or CCA). CCA was replaced by copperbased pesticides with exceptions for certain industrial uses, but according to the South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) arsenic was still being used in South Africa As with most commercially grown timber, South African plantation-grown pine and eucalyptus are not durable and are therefore subject to attack from fungus and termites.

The main chemicals used in here are CCA and creosote. CCA gives the timber a greenish hue while creosote leaves the timber pole dark brown to black.

Treatments In South Africa we have six hazard-class levels of treatment: 1. H0-i Interior This is for interior use only. Protection is only offered for prevention of certain commonly occurring insects and is a mild treatment process. The products in this category are specifically for mouldings, ceilings, floor boards and joinery.

2. H2 Internal (low hazard) This is also for interior use only and timber treated

under this classification should be roof trusses, laminated beams, internally used structural timber, ceiling boards, flooring, panelling, doors, cupboards, skirtings, window frames and plywood. The chemicals used here would be mainly CCA, TBTNP and boron.

3. H3 Exterior above ground (moderate hazard) CCA and creosote are mostly used for this and higher H-class treatments. H3 covers balustrades, fencing bearers and slats, outdoor decking and beams, garden furniture, laminated beams, weather boards, steps, cladding, stairs, log homes, gates, fascia boards and plywood. Spacers and cross arms used with electrical, distribution, telephone and light poles are also treated with H3.

4. H4 Ground contact (high hazard) This level of treatment helps protect agricultural posts and landscaping structures from rotting and termite attack. Also recommended for treatment in this hazard class are playground structures, fencing, pergolas, carports, flower boxes, decking, bridges and stakes, as well as electrical, distribution, telephone and lighting poles.

5. H5 Freshwater (high hazard) Timber which falls into this category is that exposed to continual wetting or where the timber is planted in wet soil. Timber which falls into this category could be jetties, drains, walkways, retaining walls and slipways.

6. H6 Marine (high hazard) Only the use of the CCA chemical with creosote is recommended for this application. Only timber treated with both these chemicals will offer complete protection against marine borers. Jetties, slipways, retaining walls and walkways fall under this section.

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Head Office SAFCA Building | 6 Hulley Road | PO Box 686, Isando, 1600 Tel: +27 (0) 11 974 1061 Fax: +27 (0) 11 392 6155 E-mail: enquiries@itc-sa.org Branches South/Eastern Cape | KwaZulu-Natal | Western Cape Branch Committees Bloemfontein | Southern Cape | Port Elizabeth | East London

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editorial

Wood you?

By Johan Schronen

Timber-frame buildings are coming to the fore as home owners become more environmentally conscious.

ALTHOUGH the construction of timber-frame homes is steadily becoming more popular in South Africa, a major uptake of timber-frame construction is still not foreseeable in the nearby future.

Brick and cement has traditionally been the preferred method of construction fuelled by a perception entrenched in South African society that a brick house is solid and timber homes are not as durable. The majority of people who have timber-frame houses commissioned are just building holiday homes on the coast.

But home owners have become more sensitive to environmentally sustainable construction and are increasingly considering alternative construction materials such as timber. They are looking with renewed enthusiasm at timber-frame buildings as a sustainable option for a primary home, not just a holiday pad.

Timber-frame building is generally faster than conventional brick and mortar construction. When proper insulation is introduced to roofs and wall cavities, timber structures offer excellent thermal qualities in hot or cold weather.

The Institute of Timber Frame Builders, using gazetted national standards of timber-frame construction set by the South African Bureau of Standards, ensure the quality of timber-frame construction

The history of timber construction in SA In a recent presentation delivered at the HWZ Third Wood Conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, timber-frame construction expert Jacques Cronjé said 70% of the world’s population

live in timber-frame homes and there has been a resurgence in the popularity of timber homes in Europe in the past decade.

Looking back in history Cronjé said the predecessor of the timber home in South Africa was wood frame and iron-clad houses, some imported in kit form from Europe and others designed and built locally in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The historic Smuts House was pre-fabricated in the UK, shipped to India and later brought to South Africa where it was re-erected at Doornkloof for South African statesman Jan Smuts in 1909.

Cronjé said an example of an iron-clad timber-frame building designed and built locally is the Globe Tavern in Barberton, which opened for business in 1887 and was designed by Arthur Hubert Halder.

After that era of timber-frame building, iron-clad timber-frame buildings fell out of favour with the local authorities and a period followed when they were all but completely outlawed. Many of our older title deeds still have clauses like “no corrugated iron”, stated Cronjé.

He further said that up to the 1950s, the few timber buildings that were built were still being built of hardwoods. It was only around that time, with the introduction of preservative treatments, that softwoods such as pine started gaining popularity as a construction material and in the 1960s timber buildings were reintroduced as an alternative to brick and mortar.

In 1982, some members of the timber building industry got together to form the Timber Frame Builders Association, now called the Institute of Timber Frame Builders, which went a long way in achieving 131

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LET US TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOORS TIMBER SUNDECKS, PERGOLAS, RAILS, SCREEN WALLS, JACUZZI CLADDING, SOLID WOODEN FLOORING & MORE

Contact details: PO Box 166706, Brackendowns, 1454 Tel: 011 868-3520 | Fax: 086 542 0063 | Cell: 082 678 8146 Email: info@flydex.co.za | Website: www.flydex.co.za

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editorial the recognition quality timber buildings enjoy today, particularly with regards to local authorities and lending institutions.

The benefits of timber-frame construction In his presentation Cronjé unpacked the benefits of timber-frame construction as follows: • Insulation: – and therefore energy costs. With a potential electricity hike of around 16% for the next 5 years, energy costs are becoming a very real consideration.

• Natural home: Many clients choose to build a timber home because they want a more natural home that better fits into its environment. The same applies to beach resorts and lodges in nature.

• Ease of construction and time to construct: It takes significantly less time to build a timber home than a similar brick and mortar home. It’s also easier to alter or add on to at a later stage – and is a lot less messy.

• Difficult and sensitive sites: Due to using relatively lightweight materials, timber construction is the solution for difficult to access sites where getting timber there is easier to manage than bricks. On sensitive sites timber construction also allows one to nestle right in between the existing vegetation with minimum disturbance. There are also cost savings on steep sites by using suspended floor structures • Versatility: Thanks to the extreme versatility of timber, your timber home could be anything from a humble log cabin or a grand Cape Cod-style beach house to a sleek glazed and clad post and beam house or a digitally crafted open-plan contemporary house with a free-form doublecurved roof.

Sustainability The major benefit of timber-frame construction is sustainability. Cronjé pointed out that buildings are collectively one of the largest consumers of world energy resources.

In present times of global warming and changing weather patterns sustainability – and more specifically, sustainable building – is fast progressing from a buzzword to a necessity. Society is increasingly being called upon to make carefully considered environmentally friendly choices in terms of what we consume and what carbon footprint we leave behind.

Cronjé said that out of the various raw materials to choose from for building, timber has by far the lowest embodied energy and if grown in a sustainably managed plantation is a truly renewable building resource.

He added that global debate over sustainable management of forests and the dangers of deforestation have led to the development of forest management certification, ensuring that timber from plantations is harvested sustainably.

Timber homes are included in the South African National Building Regulations standards, in SANS 10082, Timber Buildings. When built to these standards timber-frame buildings also automatically achieve the standard required for registration with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC). They are also easily designed to meet the requirements of the new energy efficiency regulations, SANS 10400 Part XA. Cronjé said that as the pressure on resources increases, the efforts to slow down global warming escalate. But as energy costs also escalate along with ever-increasing technologies, he predicted that there will be a shift – “possibly a large one” – towards timber frame construction.

About Jacques Cronjé

Jacques Cronjé graduated with a BSc in Building Management from UCT in 1990. He worked for NST Construction, a firm specialising in log and timber homes, from 1992 to 1994 as draughtsman and operations manager. In 1995 Cronjé joined T&B Log Homes and worked as site manager on various projects in the Garden Route and in 1996 as the contract manager on a timber resort hotel on Praslin Island in the Seychelles.

From 1997 to 1999 Cronjé was a manager at T&B Log Homes involved in operations, production and product research and development. In 2000 he worked as a technical consultant with Cape Island Homes, a company specialising in the construction of upmarket timber-frame homes. Cronjé then joined Tradon Architects in 2001 as a partner, timber consultant and specialist designer of timber homes. He obtained a BComm in Economics in 2003 from Unisa and has attended various courses on sustainable development and sustainable building.

He started his own practice, Jacques Cronjé Timber Design in 2007, to focus on the design of timber buildings. He is registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) as a professional senior architectural issue 8 technologist (Pr.S.Arch.T).

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What you need to know when buying and using Preservative Treated Timber

How to plant a pole

Poles intended for planting in the ground must be purchased at required lengths. Never plant a cross-cut end of a treated pole or post into the ground as this will expose the untreated heartwood to fungal and termite attack resulting in premature failure.

South African Wood Preservers Association Promoting timber treatment and treated timber products Tel: 011 974 1061 or E-mail: sawpa@global.co.za Website: www.sawpa.org.za

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en hen ative ve

TIMBER TIMBER IS PRESSURE IS PRESSURE TREATED TREATED WITH WITH PRESERVATIVES PRESERVATIVES TO TO PREVENT PREVENT FUNGAL FUNGAL DECAY DECAY (ROT) (ROT) ANDAND INSECT INSECT ATTACK ATTACK (WOOD-BORER (WOOD-BORER & TERMITES) & TERMITES)

PRESERVATIVE PRESERVATIVE CHEMICALS CHEMICALS USED USED INCLUDE: INCLUDE:

Creosote CCACCA or WCuAz or WCuAz Creosote

Borate Borate

TBTN-P TBTN-P

IN SOUTH IN SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA TREATED TREATED TIMBER TIMBER IS BYISLAW

BY LAW REQUIRED REQUIRED TO COMPLY TO COMPLY WITHWITH NATIONAL NATIONAL ANDAND COMPULSORY COMPULSORY SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS ANDAND MUST MUST BEAR BEAR MARKING MARKING CONTAINING CONTAINING THE THE FOLLOWING FOLLOWING INFORMATION INFORMATION

SAWN SAWN TIMBER TIMBER (Ink (Ink stamp) stamp)

POLES POLES (Metal (Metal marker) marker)

H3 H3 H2 H2

ABCTT ABCTT

ABCTT ABCTT

457 457 H4 10 H4 10

457 457 H5 10 H5 10

CHOOSE CHOOSE THETHE CORRECT CORRECT HAZARD HAZARD (H) CLASS (H) CLASS

H2 H2 Hazard: Hazard: Inside Inside above above ground, ground, - Low - Low

protected protected fromfrom wetting wetting and and leaching leaching (roof(roof trusses, trusses, framing, framing, panelling, panelling, laminated laminated beams, beams, flooring, flooring, etc).etc).

H3 H3 Hazard: Hazard: Outside Outside above above - Moderate - Moderate

ground, ground, subject subject to periodic to periodic wetting wetting

and and leaching leaching (cladding, (cladding, decking, decking, stairs, stairs, balustrades, balustrades, log homes, log homes, etc).etc).

H4 H4 Hazard: Hazard: Outside Outside in ground, in ground, - High - High

subject subject to periodic to periodic wetting wetting and and leaching leaching (fencing (fencing and and structural structural posts, posts, land-landscaping, scaping, stakes, stakes, pergolas, pergolas, etc).etc).

Hazard: Hazard: Outside Outside in contact in contact withwith H5 H5 - High - High

heavy heavy wet wet soil soil or inorfresh in fresh water water (piling. (piling. substructure substructure for walkways for walkways & jetties, & jetties, vine-yards vine-yards etc.)etc.)

ation on

- High - High H6 H6 Hazard: Hazard: Prolonged Prolonged immersion immersion in in sea sea water water (Marine (Marine piling, piling, jettyjetty crosscross-

products ucts a

bracing, bracing, landing landing steps, steps, retaining retaining walls walls etc.)etc.)

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MORETTI

Info@amoretti.co.za

TEL: 011 440 2956 19 5TH STREET WYNBERG - 2018

Timber, Aluminium and Glass

TIMBER JOINERY: Doors Windows Skirtings Architraves Garage Doors

ALUMINIUM: HBS, Technal All Turnkey Solutions

GLASS: Energy Efficient Glazing Solutions

Special Projects

Custom Furniture

Amoretti has been a name synonymous with quality wooden products since 1936, specializing in the manufacture and distribution of superior quality wooden doors, windows, shutters, louvers, moldings, skirting and architraves.Our products are manufactured with quality workmanship of the highest standard expressly designed and crafted for the discerning customer.

New additions to Amoretti line are comprehensive aluminium and glazing solutions, offering energy efficient double glazing and smart glass options. Our preferred aluminium suppliers are Technal and HBS with their excellent quality, guarantees, after sales service and training programs.

Amoretti`s highly skilled staff and experienced artisans, joiners and installers ensure that each product maintains completely tight joints, stability and strength to deliver a product of unparalleled quality, which enables us to proffer with absolute confidence and pride a full range of wooden, aluminium and glass products unsurpassable in all respects by our competitors.

An Amoretti product is a result of the love and passion derived from 5 generations of Amoretti craftsmen converted into an investment in elegance that will be recognized and valued, giving pride of ownership far into the future.

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Paint & Decorative Coatings

Paint &

Paint & Decorative Coa Dulux............................................................................................ 137

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editorial

Paint away bacteria

By Lindi Zikalala

Dulux has developed a revolutionary anti-bacterial paint with strong durability and washability features.

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importantly, all tests were carried out by an independent laboratory using a novel procedure based on the Japanese industrial Standard test for Anti-microbial Activity & efficacy (JiS Z 2801: 2000). the novelty lies in the development of a “real life” test procedure to assess how long bacteria can survive on a paint film surface under ambient temperature and humidity conditions (20°C and 65% relative humidity) for 24 hours.

“We see Sterishield as a major breakthroug in antibacterial paint coatings that will promote a much more hygienic environment in many buildings throughout South Africa,” explains Mayan Desai, trade marketing manager for Dulux South Africa.

Sterishield Diamond Matt has all the benefits of Dulux Diamond technology, is durable and stainresistant and 10 times tougher than vinyl silks.

Water-based Sterishield is extremely straightforward to use and is applied and disposed of in the same way as any standard emulsion paint.

When it comes to spreading rates, Sterishield performs admirably, enabling users to save money on any project as well as increase hygiene standards.

As far as applications are concerned, Sterishield is ideal for hospitals, clinics, care homes, kitchens and food preparation areas and bathrooms.

Credit: www.sxc.hu

Winter is the rainy and wet season in the Western Cape and KZn when moisture levels increase and is also the season when harmful bacteria thrive on damp surfaces and in crevices where moisture could collect.

Dulux trade, part of the global Akzonobel group, has developed a revolutionary new water-based hygienic paint which actively inhibits bacteria.

Called Sterishield, the new product’s effectiveness lies in its active silver-based bactericide combined with the durable and washable nature of the paint film.

Significantly, Sterishield has been proven to be effective against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MrSA), e.coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa, but is non-hazardous and can be applied and disposed of in the same way as any standard emulsion.

Available in Diamond Matt and eggshell finishes, Sterishield actively inhibits bacteria within 12 hours of contamination, withstands repeated cleaning cycles and maintains anti-bacterial effectiveness. ideal for high-use areas that require regular cleaning, Sterishield even increases its activity against bacteria when washed or scrubbed.

Sterishield is the result of an intensive and rigorous research and testing programme which has proven the product’s ability to enhance the reduction of bacteria populations within 12 hours of contamination.

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Planet-cooling paint You can have your roof in any colour, but “green” is the way to go.

PAINT technology has been taken to a new level with a new roof paint that reduces interior temperature by up to 8%. The new eco-friendly paint reflects at least 30% of invisible infrared light off roof surfaces.

Beating greenhouse gasses Plascon’s newest paint innovation, Nuroof Cool with the Herotech Enviroshield™ formulation, allows for potential lower energy consumption within the home, office or factory while also scattering the sun’s heating energy back into space through the greenhouse gases and thereby keeping our planet cool.

“Being a coatings manufacturer, Kansai Plascon is continuously aware of the impact of paint on the environment, and it is for this reason we endeavour to manufacture products that are environmentally conscious,” says Carol Ras, marketing executive for Plascon Premium Plus brands.

“Nuroof Cool was developed with the leading and innovative Hero technology of Enviroshield™ to not only showcase Plascon as a leader in environmentally advanced manufacturing processes, but also help the end-user be more proactive in environmental sustainability within their homes and potentially save on energy consumption costs,” she adds.

Local is lekker Plascon Nuroof Cool was developed locally, where a unique formulation was created to achieve the increased solar reflectance characteristics.

Application trials were conducted in harsh coastal

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climates in South Africa and special test houses were created in Alberton to monitor interior air temperature reduction. Sixteen steel houses were equipped with temperature probes that monitor interior air temperatures on a daily basis. Under these test conditions, Plascon found that interior air temperatures can be reduced by up to eight degrees.

Exposure testing has shown that due to reduced surface temperatures, degradation from heat and UV is reduced, creating a more durable coating.

It works both ways Radiation from the sun consists of ultraviolet light, visible light and invisible infrared wavelengths. As one of the most exposed building surfaces, roofs capture enormous amounts of the sun’s energy because of their large surface area and angle of exposure. If not properly looked after, cement, tiles and galvanised materials, often found on roofs, are damaged by these atmospheric acidic elements and the sun’s rays.

Keeping the sun at bay means lower roof temperatures, which in turn means less stress and strain on the coating and the roof which promotes longer roof life and lessens the need to repaint it frequently. With a lower roof temperature, interior spaces are kept cooler, with potentially reduced airconditioning, a lowering of energy consumption, and increased comfort. So, you’re not only protecting your roof – you’re considerate of the environment while potentially saving on costs.

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Security & Safety

Security

Security & Safety

Integral Security Solutions....................................... 140 View Protect............................................................................ 142 Robo Door................................................................................ 144 Specialised Fire Technologies...................................... 145 Secura Window..................................................................... 146

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editorial

Smart security

By Monique Holtzhausen-Hinds

Monitor surveillance cameras at your home or office on your smartphone wherever you are!

SECURITY is a prominent aspect of Smart Village’s large-scale deployment of high-capacity fibre-to-thehome multi-service networks.

Smart Village has just launched their latest product in the range of digital products aimed at simplifying digital living and integrating into one platform all the home owner’s technology needs such as security, home automation and information transfer.

Digital lifestyle device The residential operating system, or ROS, is a new digital lifestyle device that enables home owners to converge their digital world by accessing a range of services including broadband, telephones, DStv Video On Demand, multimedia content, online radio, social media and home security from the comfort of their television screens.

According to Smart Village MD Chris van der Walt, a limited amount of the ROS systems will be made available first to existing Gauteng-based customers of Smart Village in order to sensitise and educate the market before rolling it out to the rest of the country.

“Home owners are increasingly investing in technology that will allow them to enhance the quality of the time they spend there, and that includes connectivity and security”, explains Van der Walt.

“In line with Faith Popcorn’s predictions made some years ago, we are seeing a growing tendency to “cocoon” our lifestyles. The home has become the epicentre from where we prefer to work, study and socialise,” he adds.

Whether you work from home, home school your children or return to your safe haven at the end of a 143

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advertorial

ViewProtect: transparent burglar bar with a “bite” Security is a critical issue for people all over the world.

Almost everyone requires some form of security either for their home or business.

THE individual choice of security requirements will vary depending on geographic location and socio-economic conditions.

Traditionally, to be able to move around in your house or office, you are forced to deactivate your alarm system with your panic button being your only defence against an intruder. Often, with insufficient alert time, this threatens both you and your household’s safety, making you vulnerable to be overpowered by intruder/s.

It is therefore of utmost importance that your security system creates physical obstacles that would delay an intruder’s entry into your private property or office. The ViewProtect Armed Bar products provide a transparent physical barrier comparable to standard steel bars as well as the ability to be connected to an active alarm system. Intruders will not only have to overcome a physical barrier to gain entry but will also trigger an alarm when doing so.

ViewProtect transparent burglar bars are manufactured using a specific class of tough polycarbonate. The use of transparent materials for burglar bars has been in the South African marketplace for about seven years and a number of companies have been installing clear bars with varying degrees of success.

ViewProtect has shown itself as a market leader by its extensive research, choice of superior materials and precision workmanship. As a consequence ViewProtect has been able to develop and patent a unique product called Armed Bars. These are

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transparent bars with integrated features which transform the transparent bars into passive alarm sensors. This technology maintains the transparency of the bar but provides superior security. The value of the alarm system is greatly enhanced since it can now be active 24/7.

The nature of the system allows free movement while armed. Clients can even open or close windows, clean them and remain protected. The potential for false alarms due to pets, insects and accidental contact is almost totally removed.

One of ViewProtect’s newest products is the transparent retractable security gate, ClearTrellis.

ClearTrellis is designed so that it can be connected to any alarm system. ViewProtect believes ClearTrellis is set to revolutionise the security industry by providing unique and effective security solutions which do not influence your views or the aesthetic value of your property.

ViewProtect is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Armed Bars and ClearTrellis products and will only be available to trained installers.

ViewProtect T 0861 444 789 F 086 600 1446 E info@viewprotect.co.za www.viewprotect.co.za

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editorial

stressful day at work, technology in our homes has to keep up with the demands for a fast, seamless and reliable integration. “We believe ROS is an innovative and exciting new system that will change our digital lives forever,” he says.

Remote access to data For the first time, remote access is now made possible through ROS which allows users to access their media library, live streaming or security services through their smartphone or PC when away from home.

Highlights of the ROS features include: • Communication: An ROS-enabled home phone with VoIP (voice over internet protocol) gives users a complete voice offering at very competitive rates with local, long-distance and international calling. More features such as call forwarding, call waiting, voice mail and caller ID are included.

• Internet & Applications: ROS allows users to enjoy the best of the web and smartphone applications from the comfort of their television. Watch YouTube videos, follow friends on Twitter or tag friends and family on Facebook – and ROS even allows users to listen to 40 000 multiple-genre radio stations from around the world.

• Video On Demand: ROS users can rent videos from DStv’s Video On Demand (VOD) premium entertainment library featuring the latest movie releases, shows and series with just a click of a button.

• Multimedia player: Users can store all their multimedia on one central device. ROS allows users to view their favourite photos and videos as well as listen to their favourite music from their television sets.

• Home monitoring: ROS allows you to add up to six wireless cameras to your home network which you can control and watch remotely from your smartphone or laptop. Enjoy enhanced security features such as motion detection alerts and instant alert notifications so you always know what’s happening at your home.

• Networking: ROS simplifies connectivity at home as ROS is the only wireless router that users will need to access the internet.

• Storage & Sharing: ROS has a 320 GB hard drive which allows you to store your music, videos, and photos. Easily share your personal media with friends and family who are also connected to ROS. • Mobility: ROS gives you easy access to all of your digital media, wireless cameras and your home phone from any PC, tablet or smartphone connected to the internet.

Technical specifications The ROS multimedia centre sports a 320 GB hard drive and supports 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz WiFi access.

It also has HDMI, eSATA, Ethernet and USB ports to easily connect devices to the ROS box. It can be connected to any broadband connection for internet and VoIP telephony services. Its built-in virtual PBX supports multiple lines and up to eight simultaneous voice calls.

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Specialised Fire Technology Specialised Fire Technology was established in 1991 and operates countrywide as a group of independent consulting fire safety engineers to ensure that our fire safety designs are effectual and cost effective.

Our consultants are associate members of the South African Fire Services Institute (SAESI), members of the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE UK), full members of the Fire Engineers Association of South Africa (FEASA) and members of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) - In terms of the Engineering Professions Act 46 of 2000.

Mission Statement SPECIALISED FIRE TECHNOLOGY IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT SERVICE TO ALL OUR CLIENTS BY DESIGNING EFFECTIVE AND ECONOMICAL FIRE-SAFE BUILDINGS THAT WILL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS Specialised Fire Technology offers a comprehensive consultancy service and specialize in the following areas: Fire Protection Design Reports Fire Surveys Fire Risk Assessment Preparation of Fire Protection Plans Performance Specifications on all Fixed Fire Protection Installations The Design of Smoke Control Systems, Sprinkler Systems, Fixed Gas Flooding Systems, Smoke Detection Systems and all Passive Fire Related Measures Building Plan Approvals On-site Inspections / Fire System Testing Obtaining Fire Clearance Certificates for the Building Occupancy Certificate

257 Smit Street, Fairland, 2195 | P.O. Box 731100, Fairland, 2030 Tel: +27 11 476-7420 | Fax: +27 11 476-7486 | e-mail: info@sftsafety.co.za www.specialisedfiretechnology.co.za

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CaPE TOWN

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Steel thickness selected to optimum strengh and resistance. n Steel bars secured into window frame or reveal. n Epoxy coated bars custom designed to suit all types of windows - wooden, aluminium and steel. n NO screws, bolts or welding! n Efficient prompt installation by our professional teams. n

Our 4-in-1 Solution: n Strong Security Barrier n Thermal Control n Tilting Louvres for Sun Shading The stainless steel components and locking system provides the highest level of security n Custom made to suit individual door and window openings n Range of colours n Competitively priced n

Call now for a FREE quote/demonstration on 021 933 0066 For all areas call 0860 105 419 / 072 408 8725 Email: info@securawindow.co.za Website: www.securawindow.co.za View our projects at The Building Centre, Platinium Street, Northgate Estate Securawindow_fcp.indd 1

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Furniture

Furnitu

Furniture

Formfunc Studio.....................................................148 & 151 Velocity Furniture............................................................. 152

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editorial

Office ergonomics

By Johan Schronen

The science of orthopedically sound furniture design is key to health and productivity in the workplace.

ErgonomicS in the office is the science of correctly laying out a work environment so that it facilitates the highest level of function – and promotes health, safety and comfort for employees.

Ergonomics principles applied in office furniture, tools and equipment can increase worker productivity and quality while the lack thereof will not only impair productivity, but can also bring about serious health issues.

Repetitive strain injuries Among a host of repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome is one common injury that can be avoided through ergonomic furniture design.

Ensuring an ergonomically sound workplace involves equipping workstations with adjustable computer screen supports, providing adjustable-height work surfaces and adjustable chairs with proper support features as well as dedicated work area lighting.

Leading furniture manufactures offer ergonomic product ranges which are not only functional but are also super-stylish.

There are also simple ways to enhance the ergonomic quality of a work station, including adjusting the height of the work surface, ensuring sufficient legroom and carefully positioning the computer monitor and telephone for maximum comfort.

People who sit at their desks and type away on their keyboards for extended periods can experience painful wrists as well as hand and finger problems. Sitting in the wrong position can cause leg and back pain and also poor circulation. These conditions can snowball and eventually affect the entire body.

Checklist Below is an at-a-glance ergonomic checklist for the three most important furnishings at a workstation: the desk, chair and an increasingly popular trend – a foot rest.

Chairs • The backrest must conform to the natural curve of the back to give adequate lumbar support.

• A comfortable seat area should allow the feet to rest flat on the floor (or on a footrest, see right). Your hips should be slightly higher than your knees.

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editorial • The armrests should be padded or soft and correctly positioned, allowing shoulders to relax and elbows to be close to the body.

• The chair should have a multi-leg base with roller casters for ease of movement.

Desks • The desk surface should allow for a computer screen monitor to be placed at the optimum distance from and directly in front of the worker.

• The desk surface should be at the correct height to suit the size and posture of the worker.

• There should be enough space under the desk for leg movement and the correct flat rest position of feet.

makers to reach ergonomic goals in their designs to produce a a blend of ergonomics, technology and art.

Modern machining and moulding techniques coupled with the characteristics of composite material affords designers a varied palette of possibilities in furniture design, The furniture-making industry has come a long way from making square uncomfortable chairs and other furnishings to a level where the science of ergonomics is leading the way.

Footrest • An ergonomic footrest, designed to keep your feet supported and comfortable (at the right angle and height) will ease leg problems, including circulation, and will help prevent lower back strain.

• When setting yourself up at your workstation, your chair needs to be raised to the correct height to reach your keyboard comfortably with your hands.

If you have done this and your feet are dangling in the air, you definitely need a footrest!

• Ergotherapy Solutions offers a variety of height- and angle-adjustable footrests to suit your particular needs.

New materials The use of new materials including steel, moulded or curved wood, fibreglass and plastics, carbon fibre, rubber and high-density foam have helped furniture

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Ideal seated position 1. Sit as far back in the chair as possible to feel the benefit of the lumbar support.

2. Feet rest flat on the floor. To be at the correct height in relation to the work surface, a footrest is recommended for shorter users.

3. Hips are slightly higher than the knees.

4. Armrests keep elbows close to your body and shoulders relaxed and down.

5. Top-most line of monitor display should be at approximately eye level.

6. Viewing distance should be as far as possible while still being able to see the screen clearly (approximately arm’s length).

7. Keep the keyboard in close proximity with your shoulders relaxed, elbows at 90 degrees and your wrists in line with your forearm. Keep the mouse in close proximity and alongside the keyboard.

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advertorial

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• Space Planning

• Solid Wood

• Flexible Solutions

• Foils

• Veneers

• Office Furniture

• Laminates

• Hotel Fit Outs

Visit our new showroom to see all our ranges from desking to accessories at: 260 Arbeid Avenue, Strijdom Park or contact us on T 011 791 0058 I F 011 791 0002 E info@velocityfurniture.co.za We can expand on your existing range of furniture or assist with manufacturing custom-made designs.

You can also download our catalogue from www.velocityfurniture.co.za

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Construction & Contractor

Constru

Construction & Contrac Witch Rooms...............................................................154 & 155 Steven Samuels Plumbing & Construction Projects.............................................. 158

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DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T 029( INCREASE YOUR LIVING SPACE INTO . . .

Wit ch Ro o m s o ff er s a co m p let e ser vice, f r o m d esig n in g a n ew b u ild o r an ad d -o n , t o d r aw in g u p an d su b m it t in g o f p lan s. Wit ch Ro o m s h as b een b u ild in g n ew h o m es, lo f t r o o m s, r o o f r o o m s, h o m e alt er at io n s an d ad d it io n s sin ce 1973 an d ar e t h e lead in g sp ecialist in t h e b u ild in g an d h o m e r en o vat io n in d u st r y.

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( ,03529( OFFICES, A WORK FROM HOME STUDIO ETC.

Gauteng: Tel: (011) 678 1105 Email: info@witchrooms.co.za Cape Town: Tel: (021) 200 8383 Email: cape@witchrooms.co.za

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Using Tomorrows Building Technology Today! www.witchrooms.co.za

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editorial

Going with the flow

By Johan Schronen

With retail space always at a premium, rooftop decks are increasingly becoming a parking solution – but their surfaces require specialist treatment.

From the moment you stop at a shopping centre and open your car door to swing your feet out to disembark, Flowcrete’s high-performance Deckshield decking system could add to your shopping experience.

That’s if you’re shopping at Victory Park, a major redevelopment project in northern Johannesburg where a wide range of health, beauty, fashion, art and book stores – alongside restaurants, nightclubs and fast-food outlets – offer shoppers a five-star retail experience.

Forming part of the overall refurbishment works, parking capacity at the site has been increased through the addition of an overground parking deck as an extension to the centre’s existing multi-storey basement facility.

Punishing conditions Flowcrete South Africa, part of the Flowcrete Group, was approached to provide a high-strength, highly resistant and protective coating material that would be able to withstand the punishing conditions found within an exposed car park environment. often regarded as the multi-storey car parking structure’s most vulnerable surface, the top deck is open

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to a wide variety of changeable weather conditions as well as oils, acids, salts and UV radiation.

In order to protect the concrete structure from such demanding conditions, a durable UV-stable and elastomeric polyurethane coating system was required by project architects Frans Farmer Architects. more than 4 000m2 of Flowcrete’s Deckshield ED system was used to coat all external parking bays as well as certain areas subject to high mechanical and dynamic stresses within the basement deck.

Thermal resistance Deckshield ED is a fully waterproof and thermalresistant deck coating material that is able to prevent thermal cycling over a 24-hour period or seasonal change from causing any cracks, fractures or defects in the surface and ultimately posing any lasting damage to the structure.

The system is also capable of withstanding high volumes of vehicular traffic and has a positively textured, skid-resistant profile to increase safety and prevent accidents within enclosed or tight parking environments.

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editorial

Massive urban development for Western Cape The ambitious but much-needed R140-billion Wescape development north of Cape Town is set to create 300 000 jobs over two decades.

The proposed development by a group of companies, including Bellandia, CommuniTgrow, Target Projects, Pact Developers, Ariya Projects and ARG Design, will involve 10 phases over the next 20 years. A “critical mass” of population will give substance to the local economy, especially in growth areas such as business outsourcing, call centres, and in the IT and communication sectors.

A report by a city official states employment opportunities had to be on the table before the construction of housing, and that the city’s human Settlements department had to enter into an agreement to ensure that 50 000 subsidy and 50 000 “gap” houses would be built on the site.

The group behind the proposed development said 25% of the 200 000 homes to be built would be subsidy houses for people earning less than R3 500 a month, and 25% will be gap housing for families earning less than R4 500.

The project is in line with the Social Justice Coalition’s quest that the city should focus on upgrading informal settlements and density housing around the city centre. The development is a “mini city” that will include clinics, schools, libraries and a wide range of necessary services.

Cape Town’s biggest challenge in urban development is turning the spatial legacy of the apartheid era around. The poor overwhelmingly continue to live on the city’s periphery while the more affluent live and work in the cities and nearby suburbs.

Wescape, which will be situted 32km from central Cape Town, has been six years in the planning and is the first mega-housing development since Mitchells Plain was established in the early 1970s. It is poised to be the city’s biggest urban development project to date. The development has been discussed by the City of Cape Town and in January was sent to the provincial environment and Planning Department for zoning approval.

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Steven Samuels

PLUMBING & CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Our services include: Paving Plastering Rhinoliting Wall Screeting Tiling Bricklaying and all types of maintenance

SS STEVEN

SAMUELS

PLUMBING & CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

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Tel: +27 (0) 11 025 7628 Cell: +27 (0) 83 5444 089/0768275748 Fax: +27 (0) 86 671 6041 Email: construction@stevensamuels.co.za Suite 202, Private Bag X3 Strubens Valley, 1735

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Bricks & Paving

Bricks &

Bricks & Paving

Colonial Stone Company.............................................. 160 Corobrik..................................................................................... 162 Claybrick Association...................................................... 164

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editorial

Clay brick innovation

by Peter kidger

An innovative clay brick design is seriously challenging cement products in the affordable mass housing construction arena.

Corobrik’s CoroJem face bricks, a response to government’s challenge for quality, inexpensive and maintenance-free clay bricks, are fast becoming a product of choice for the government subsidy affordable housing industry.

The product closely resembles standard face brick and has the same functional features but it is a much larger face brick that is laid as a single skin.

CoroJems offer durability, structural strength, flexibility in design and application as well as soundproofing qualities and natural resistance to fire, states Corobrik’s managing director, Dirk Meyer.

“Double-skin walling runs out approximately 20% more expensive in the wall than CoroJems’ through the wall format. This translates into a substantial saving on mortar and labour, reducing the overall costs,” says Meyer.

“Life cycle costs are also very low consequent to the maintenance-free qualities of the CoroJem and the well-recognised thermal performance attributes of clay bricks which slow the transfer of heat through the walls, supporting indoor thermal comfort during the long hot summer days and lowering cooling fan energy usage.”

Dirk Meyer, managing director of Corobrik

Fire resistant The incombustibility and hence fire-resistant qualities of the CoroJem provide an added peace of mind benefit for persons living in close proximity, adds Meyer.

He further states the Department of Human settlements was right on board and enthusiastically approved their CoroJems as a preferred option for affordable housing. The competitive price coupled with the top quality of the CoroJem clay face brick make it a winner in the affordable housing segment. 163

Corobrik’s CoroJem face bricks offer maintenance-free, affordable quality

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Maintenance-free clay bricks are increasingly the product of choice for subsidised low-cost housing

“We are constantly looking for ways to support sustainable development and the CoroJem is proving a best-fit solution for this segment meeting the important quality, affordability and sustainability criteria and people’s aspirations to live in ‘proper’ houses, at the same time,” explains Meyer.

R500 million investment Meanwhile, thanks to a massive pre-recession investment, Corobrik is able to remain resilient in a poor-performing construction industry and is constantly looking to the launch of new products in the affordable housing sector to maintain its strong performance.

Meyer says the R500 million that the company invested in its manufacturing operations prior to the building downturn in 2007, the implementation of energy-efficient and environmentally responsible operating systems, as well as ongoing training and development of staff has proved a strong foundation on which to build and continue growing in uncertain, unpredictable and sometimes shrinking markets.

Innovation Over the past 20 years, the low-cost and affordable housing markets have been dominated by cementbased products. “We stand to benefit from diversifying and launching new products such as the CoroJem and PlasterJem which are not only competitive during initial construction but provide longer-term benefits such as durability, low maintenance costs and lower energy consumption,” says Meyer.

He also points out that conventional clay bricks have already proved their worth both in the suburban residential market and in the building of hospitals, schools and shopping centres. Clay brick combines low upkeep with a “desirability factor” and status, which is important for first-time property investors who want their homes to stand out from basic low-cost housing.

Meyer says the move to sustainable building across all segments of the market was already working in his company’s favour and concludes that brick is energyefficient, sustainable, long-lasting, re-useable and recyclable.

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CLAY BRICK

THE MODERN ENERGY SOLUTION. Civilisations, generations, era’s and trends come and go, but Clay Bricks remain steadfast, and for good reason too.

No other building material can compare to the inherent properties of clay brick. Clay brick supports optimal indoor comfort for the end user, with life cycle benefits that contribute to long term energy and cost savings.

Research validates clay brick’s special contribution to superior thermal comfort, lowest operational energy usage and lowest life cycle costs. So make the right choice. Choose clay brick if you want your house to last for generations to come.

Build Dignity. Build with ClayBrick - for good INSIST ON CLAY BRICKS PRODUCED BY A CLAYBRICK MEMBER IN YOUR AREA. +27 11 805 4206 | www.claybrick.org.za

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Green Building

Green B

Green Building

InfIgro ......................................................................................... 166 IntellI-Vent .............................................................................. 168 SoVentrIx .................................................................................. 170 HeatlInk Sa ............................................................................... 172 eVeready .........................................................................174 & 175 nrg deSIgnS.............................................................................. 176

www.gbcsa.org.za

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For all your Perlite requirements

Green Roofs

Green Buildings

Lightweight

Insulating

Re-usable

Lightweight

Improve thermal performance

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Reduce storm water run-off Maintain moisture air balance Weed free and sterile Protect roofing membranes from temperature fluctuations Enhance urban biodiversity by attracting birds & insects

Reduce noise transmission Lightweight cement Tile adhesives Loose-fill insulation Under-floor insulation Paint texturing Gypsum boards

For further Information: Guy Young 083 251 3335 Anita Mulqueeny 082 370 2219 011 697 5300 insulate@infigro.co.za www.infigro.co.za

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editorial

Green buildings make “cents” Eco-friendly structures make clear business sense according to the World Green Building Council.

IT’S official – different stakeholders throughout the life cycle of a green building benefit financially, according to a comprehensive report recently released by the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC).

The report contains the findings of an investigation into the actual cost and financial benefits of green buildings. Nowadays green buildings can be delivered at a price comparable to conventional buildings and investments can be recouped through operational cost savings. With the right design features, this creates a more productive workplace.

Credible evidence “This report synthesises credible evidence from around the world on green buildings into one collective resource, and the evidence presented highlights that sustainable buildings provide tangible benefits and make clear business sense,” says Jane Henley, CEO of WorldGBC. “From risk mitigation across a building portfolio and city-wide economic benefits to the improved health and well-being of individual building occupants, the business case for green building will continue to evolve as markets mature. Indeed, we have already seen this momentum grow globally where in more and more places green is now becoming the status quo.”

Key findings of the report Design and construction costs: There has been an overall trend towards the reduction in design and construction costs associated with green building as building codes around the world become stricter and the industry becomes more skilled at delivering green buildings.

Asset value: As investors and occupiers become more knowledgeable about and concerned with the environmental and social impacts of the built environment, buildings with better sustainability credentials will have increased marketability.

Operating costs: Green buildings have been shown to save money through reduced energy and

water consumption and lower long-term operations and maintenance costs.

Workplace productivity and health: There is an emerging body of evidence suggesting that the physical characteristics of buildings and indoor environments can influence worker productivity.

Risk mitigation: Sustainability risk factors can significantly affect the rental income and the future value of real estate assets, in turn affecting their return on investment. Regulatory risks have become increasingly apparent in countries and cities around the world, including mandatory disclosure and building codes and laws banning inefficient buildings.

A win-win situation The report concludes that by greening our built environment at the neighbourhood and city scales, the green building industry can deliver on large-scale economic priorities such as climate change mitigation, energy security, resource conservation, job creation, long-term resilience and quality of life.

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KEEP YOU AND YOUR HOME COOL AND HAPPY THIS SUMMER

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project focus

Six stars for V&A’s Silo A preserved old grain silo leads by green example.

The new No.1 Silo office building under construction at the V&A Waterfront has been awarded a six-star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa. Bizcommunity reported that The No. 1 Silo office is only the second building to be awarded a six-star Green Star rating in South Africa and the first in the Western Cape.

“Sustainable development and green operations are fundamental to the V&A Waterfront’s overall development strategy,” says David Green, CeO of the V&A Waterfront. “We have adopted a rigorous approach to green construction and sustainable design principles as well as the efficient use of natural and energy resources.”

The Green Building Council of South Africa extended their sincere congratulations to the V&A Waterfront as the building owners of No. 1 Silo for this outstanding achievement. A six-star Green Star SA rating signifies “world leadership” and further affirms the Waterfront’s bold leadership and continued

commitment to environmental sustainability in the development of this iconic precinct.

A Cape Town first This exceptional accomplishment is pioneering in that it is the first six-star rating for a commercial office space of this scale in South Africa and the first building to achieve this rating in the city of Cape Town, according to the Bizcommunity report.

“We also wish to acknowledge the insightful collaboration between the developer, tenant and professional team involved in this ground-breaking project,” said Brian Wilkinson, CeO of the Green Building Council South Africa.

The No. 1 Silo development, one of Africa’s most advanced intelligent buildings, is currently under construction at the V&A Waterfront and is due for completion in June 2013. Through innovative design solutions combined with proven technology, the building works with the environment rather than 171

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lighting the way Whether for a private home, a commercial business or a wine farm, you can draw smart energy from the sun for less.

Tel: +27 (0) 21 880 1489 Email: r.jacklin@soventix.com www.soventix.co.za

SOVENTIX.indd 3

Soventix SA (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Soventix GmbH in Germany is involved with the development and realisation of roof top and carport solar photovoltaic plants from residential to agricultural as well as large scale solar farms. Whether you finance the solar plant yourself or sign a power purchase agreement, Soventix will ensure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re protected from the rising costs of energy for the next 30 to 40 years. Not only will you be saving on your energy bills, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also be contributing to a more sustainable environment. Renewable energy is the future and is becoming more mo affordable than energy from non-renewable sources.

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project focus against. It speaks to a wide range of sustainability issues and adheres to the strictest global environmentally sustainable building principles and requirements.

Some of the more unique green features are the use of seawater from the Atlantic Ocean, which will be used to reject waste heat from the cooling plant.

This allows for significant potable water savings and improves the overall energy efficiency of the building.

Heat generated from the IT server room will feed the underfloor water-borne heating system to warm the reception area.

Performance façade Another key innovation of the building is the doubleglazed, double-skin high-performance façade that has a system of automatically controlled blinds between the internal double-glazed system and the external single-glazed skin, which will track the sun as it moves across the building. The high-performance façade reduces solar heat gain while maximising natural light penetration into the building.

The blinds prevent further heat gain and also control the solar glare in the office space. The double-glazing prevents any radiant heat loss or gain to the office space. One of the benefits of this façade is to maximise views and natural light throughout the building.

The underfloor mechanical air-conditioning system addresses both energy efficiency and good indoor environmental quality. The system supplies cool fresh air from the raised floor, which then absorbs warmth as it rises and is extracted at ceiling level, thereby effectively preventing the build-up of pollutants.

The architectural vision and mechanical design of the building ensure optimal indoor environmental quality for those working inside the building so as to promote health and wellbeing. Building users have access to striking external views and ample natural daylight and care has been taken to specify paints, wood products and carpets that contain no harmful compounds that could be inhaled by tenants while working inside the building.

Further to this the building has been designed to also provide quality outdoor environments: a private roof garden, propagated with only endemic vegetation and overlooking the harbour and Cape Town city bowl, will provide a space for tenants to relax or work outdoors. A small herb garden will help to contribute to the daily food prepared in the building’s kitchen and

composting units will in turn recycle organic waste generated in the kitchen.

Water and energy wise In addition to the low-flow water fittings that have been specified to promote water efficiency, a grey water system has also been installed to save potable water.

Waste water from hand wash basins and showers will be collected and treated within the grey water system and reused for flushing water in the toilets.

No. 1 Silo has been designed with efficient and environmental lighting in mind. Firstly, all fluorescent fittings have high-frequency ballasts (which are more energy efficient) and highly efficient fittings have been selected. In addition, an intelligent individual addressable lighting system, fitted with appropriate sensors, ensures that lights are on only when they need to be, and at the right light levels. Lastly, care has been taken to ensure that no night-time lighting is directed towards the night sky in order to reduce night light pollution, which is detrimental to fauna and flora that are sensitive to it.

No. 1 Silo will also promote the use of sustainable transport for not only is it located in close proximity of a MyCiti bus stop, but the building design also includes a secure bike lock-up facility with lockers and showers for those cycling to work.

Saving concrete

From a materials perspective, the building has been constructed using 60% less concrete when compared to a building built according to business as usual.

Further to this, the project has supported the use of FSC-certified timber, demonstrating that timber has been procured from environmentally sustainable and ethical sources.

The construction process has been underpinned by internationally recognised environmental management standards, ensuring that more than 70% of all waste generated on site is recycled. An innovative feature of the construction site is the use of green hoarding – approximately one-third of the site’s hoarding is a green, living vertical wall which contributes to the noise and dust suppression of a construction site and provides green spaces within the city centre for pedestrians.

“The building is equipped with an intelligent building management system to help maximise the benefit to the occupants of the various green technologies in the building and the opportunities presented by the highperformance façades,” explains Green.

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editorial

Join the fan club

By Johan Schronen

Mechanical cooling isn’t a substitute for good passive design, but when you’ve exhausted your design options a cooling fan can make a big difference.

CEILING fans are far more than just moving ornaments. They should be the first choice over evaporative coolers and air conditioners, for reasons of energy efficiency and cost savings, according to builditbackgreen.org, an online guide to green living.

Chill factor They say the basic principle behind ceiling fans is that they push air around. In summer, a “chill factor” is created as air moves past our skin and evaporates the perspiration on its surface. Air movement is the most important element of passive cooling.

Consumers keen to conserve energy need to weigh the airflow, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) against the wattage generated to keep those blades circulating. The material that blades are made from – typically timber, moulded plastic or a metal such as stainless steel – affects both airflow and energy consumption, as does the angle and design of the

blade. A good rule of thumb is to remember that ornate and overly decorative blades move less air and will generally be less efficient.

Blade material Decisions about which blade material to choose will depend on where you plan to put the fan. Powdercoated steel in a coastal location will corrode, whether indoors or outdoors, so rather use timber, ABS plastic, marine-grade stainless steel or aluminium instead.

Ceiling fans can also be used in winter, especially in large rooms with high ceilings. By switching into reverse mode (if your fan has that feature) the fan draws air from the middle of the room and circulates it back down the walls and across the floor. This shifts the warm air that has accumulated near the ceiling back down to floor level, warming you up from the feet instead of dumping air directly back down onto you as a regular cycle does.

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BOOMTOWN (EVEREADY)_dps.indd 2 3633 EVEREADY To Build Advertorial-PRINT.indd 1

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student awards

Nondo’s award-winning Lab For his project offering a university an architectural solution while incorporating the local Urban Development Framework, Nondo-Jacob Sikazwe received top honours last year.

His project centres around the Sydney Brenner Institute in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, boundaries Jorrisen Street to the north and Eendracht and Henri streets to the west and east. A service entrance road is located between the site and the neighbouring city complexto the south.

The current site provides surface parking to the University of the Witwatersrand. The majority of vehicular movement occurs on the west and east axis of Jorrisen Street and De Korte Street to the south.

Jorrisen Street provides the primary access point to the site while Henri and Eendracht are two quieter streets providing access to the service road behind the site.

Design challenges Challenges on the site which Nondo-Jacob deals with in his design include: • poor integration between the University and the surrounding Braamfontein area • lack of open spaces and green areas within the greater Braamfontein CBD • poor pedestrian access to the University via the current entrance at Senate House to the south • pedestrian routes are unfriendly and non-cohesive • inadequate use of existing site • boundary University buildings lack contextual thinking and alienate the university from the rest of the city

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student awards • existing buildings were driven by an outdated European modernist design and don’t have the contextual design quality to become beacons of urban renewal • although the University’s buildings meet the technical requirements of the Biology Department they lack in evolution of social space use • The current Biology building is a drab inclusive modernist era monolith that shuns its occupants from the beautiful Johannesburg sun and does not have the provisions to highlight some of the brilliant work done by the department.

Design vision The vision of Nondo-Jacob’s proposal is to form a unique linkage between the University of Witwatersrand East Campus and the southern edge of the Braamfontein CBD. It aims to provide a space that: • forms part of the larger public structure of the education precinct as specified by the Johannesburg Urban Development Framework • provides green spaces • shares public facilities with the neighbouring education institutions • enhances pedestrian movement between the University and the city.

This public space should be seen as a social space that breaks the barriers between public and private,

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allowing unhindered pedestrian movement between Senate House and the Sydney Brenner Institute. The public becomes part of the University while the space still provides security and functional facilities.

Access to Education In South Africa only 37% of matriculants have access to higher education facilities. The majority of these

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student awards students are then either place in inferior institutions, menial jobs, or face the reality of unemployment with little chance of gaining the critical skills to improve their current status.

The design uses these facts as a backbone and looks to address the hierarchy of relationships between students and teachers within the faculty of Science and minimise the sense of separation between the social realms of students, teachers, administrators and the general public.

While not trying to remove some of the physical barriers that are required for the operation of the building, it reacts to these barriers. These contradictions create opportunities to explore various architectural elements and add to the tongue in cheek element of the design of the site.

Nondo tackled the challenges of the site like an ace and was rewarded with the best design project for a mixed-use building award by an undergraduate Architecture student at the University of the Witwatersrand.

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student awards

Winning Washrooms Students produce top shelf designs in competition Franke Washroom Systems is a world leading provider of intelligent washroom solutions to the public, semi-public and commercial sector. We are expert partners, dedicated to create complete washroom systems that outshine the rest in functionality, design and durability.

Franke Washroom Systems recently ran a competition open to Professional architects and Interior Designers as well as Student architects and Interior Designers. The brief was to design a public ablution using Franke Washroom System product and submit 3D renders.

The purpose of the competition is to introduce the public to the hygiene of stainless steel bathroom products in the everyday bathroom environment, and step away from the idea that stainless steel is industrial, impersonal and cold.

The winner of the professional category, Philip Darby, won an all expense paid trip to the ISH Plumbing and Sanitaryware Fair in Germany in

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March 2013. We also drew a best professional concept by Stephen Parkes who was awarded a Zip MiniBoil elite Tap. The student category consisted of 3 winners: Murray Farquharson took 1st place, andrew Mboyi 2nd and Simone Biggs the 3rd for the best student concept. The winners received r5000, r2000 and r1500 respectively.

The competition was endorsed by the IID (South african Institute of Interior Designers).

Jocelyn Jones from the IID and Gareth nezar of arkus architectural Practice were our independent judging panel who selected the winners from the large selection of submissions received.

The WS Design a Bathroom Competition was included as part of the Interior Design syllabus at both Cape Peninsula University of Technology and University of Johannesburg. all 5 winning designs, as well as the Top 20 Designs can be viewed at www.frankedesign.co.za.

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editorial SA BUILDING REVIEW is a national annual resource handbook with its central focus on the identity of building products and services within the built environment in South Africa. It allows the supplier and manufacturer the opportunity to be identiďŹ ed and exposed in a more detailed and comprehensive manner to the building, architectural and design industry.

The content is focused on advertorial, therefore giving it a more informative and personal approach to the targeted audiences.

An advertorial is an advertisement that is written and presented in the style of an editorial or journalistic report. This allows the reader more insight and knowledge of the products and services offered.

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out and about

Corobrik winners

Above: Pictured at this year’s regional finals of the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year held at the University of the Witwatersrand are all the winners. From left: Allin Dangers of Corobrik, Shayne Schwendenwein second runner-up, winner Nontokozo Mhlungu, Jacques du Plessis, runner-up and Craig Warman who received an award fo the best use of clay masonry in his thesis. They are pictured with Prof Paul Kotze and Dr Jonathan Noble from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Right: Nontokozo Mhlungu of the University of the Witwatersrand is this year’s regional winner of the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards. She received her award from Allin Dangers, Director of Sales, Inland Region.

Left: Marcel Swanepoel of the University of the Free State receiving the Universities winner’s certificate from Gary Westwood of Corobrik after being announced the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year. His entry is entitled ‘An Arkitecture: The duality of surviving architecture’.

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out and about

Underfoot Art

Left: Ute Hennings and guests at the opening of her Nakara Carpets showroom and workshop in Somerset West recently.

Right: Attendees at the launch of Nakara Carpets showroom and workshop in Somerset West.

Left: In the workshop at Nakara Carpets.

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listings: architects Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

RiChteR & AssOCiAtes ARChiteCts +27 12 460 6293 info@r-aa.co.za www.r-aa.co.za A dynamic SA architectural firm, specialising in private, commercial and industrial architecture.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

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OsmONd LANge ARChiteCts 0861 652 643 info@o-l.co.za www.o-l.co.za Mixed-use urban design .

Airports . Corporate and Commercial offices . Retail . Health . Industrial . Sports Facilities . Residential.

shARp shOp ARChiteCts +27 11 615 6742 marianus@sharp-shop.co.za www.sharp-shop.co.za We pride ourselves on our ability to cover a full spectrum of services with a focus on excellence and attention to detail.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

ARCNOVO +27 845110962 info@arcnovo.co.za www.arcnovo.co.za Our vision is to provide innovative, sustainable, and cost-efficient solutions within the realm of Architecture to the benefit of our customers, communities and the environment.

AmA ARChiteCts +27 11 807 7505 Adrian@amagroup.co.za www.amagroup.co.za Specialise in commercial, retail, leisure, residential and industrial architecture.

NiChOLAs pLewmAN ARChiteCts +27 11 482 7133 nick@plewmanarchitects.co.za www.plewmanarchitects.co.za We provide design and project implementation that is uncompromisingly innovative and ecologically sustainable in any environment from inner city to the remotest wilderness.

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listings: interior & exterior dĂŠcor / design Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

UniQUe stone & sAnDstone +27 21 987 2589 uniquestone@vodamail.co.za www.uniquestone.co.za Supplier and manufacturer of sandstone, wall cladding, cobble paving, flagstones, stepping stones and garden furniture.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

oBBligAto +27 31 701 6565 info@obbligato.co.za www.obbligato.co.za Contemporary furniture for retail, commercial and corporate environments.

loUise WilemAn ArchitectUre & interior Design +27 21 913 6200 studio@lwarch.co.za www.lwarch.co.za Specialist in residential architecture, exceptional design, project management and service excellence.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Bentel AssociAtes internAtionAl +27 11 884 7111 bentel@bentel.net www.bentel.net BAI is a significant architectural firm known for landmark developments and excellence in commercial design.

silk By Design +27 31 569 1446 suemc@silkbydesign.co.za www.silkbydesign.co.za Silk by Design is an importer and distributor of fake flowers, orchids, trees and shrubs and supply retailers, architects and designers.

PAtio WArehoUse +27 11 801 0820 mia@patiowarehouse.co.za www.patiowarehouse.co.za Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest selection of Patio Furniture & Accessories.

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listings: contractors Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

royCher ConstruCtion +27 21 554 3838 rp@roycher.co.za www.roycherconstruction.co.za We are a multi-disciplinary company and are therefore able to provide a full turnkey service, including kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

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roCon Building +27 11 466 0811 info@rocon.co.za www.rocon.co.za Rocon Building is a South African-based construction company, specialising in the construction

of luxury housing. eCo log homes +27 11 462 0308 sales@ecologhomes.co.za www.ecologhomes.co.za Eco Log Homes offers a complete range of timber construction methods, including timber frames, log profile cladding, Vermont plank, post and beam and interlocking double tongue and groove heavy solid log.

Company Name: Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Company Description:

CV ProjeCts +27 31 312 4555 admin@cvprojects.co.za www.cvprojects.co.za Specialising in Bespoke Joinery and Shopfitting, Ceilings & Partitions, Interior Decoration, Refurbishment and Building Works. A CIDB grading of 7 GB PE and 5 CE PE.

gelding ConstruCtion ComPanyContact +27 11 678 9030 nick@gelding.co.za www.geldingconstruction.co.za The Gelding Construction Company has firmly entrenched itself as a major player in the residential construction market in Gauteng. Our young dynamic team ensures that every home we build is a masterpiece.

WitCh rooms +27 21 200 8383 cape@witchrooms.co.za www.witchrooms.co.za Witch Rooms offers a complete service, from designing your add-on to drawing up and submitting plans. We specialise in Loft Rooms, Roof Rooms, Home Alterations and Additions.

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NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES 187_NotesStripAdvert.indd 187

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ESD flooring installed for power solutions provider Powertech System Integrators (PTSI), arguably the largest solutions provider in the electrical power and infrastructure industry on the African continent, is a company born of the amalgamation of three strong brands – Powertech IST, Strike Technologies and TIS. PTSI uses engineering specialisation, industry knowledge, products and technologies, together with their execution skills, to provide a broad range of solutions in software engineering, engineered technologies, electrical power infrastructure, energy management and telecommunications.

The company focuses on growth-oriented industry segments and geographies in Africa and selected international markets, where it builds and maintains a leading position in the following market sectors: Power Utilities, Transport & Logistics, Telecommunications, Metropolitans and Municipalities, Water Utilities and the Mining sector.

Actum Electronics recently installed a 400m2 SD (static dissipative) floor in the second phase of the production area at PTSI’s premises in Midrand. The first phase, completed in 2012, saw 520m2 being installed in this project. The flooring was installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions governing such flooring, as well as standard BS 8203:1996.

SD flooring is a hardwearing homogeneous contact sheet or tile floorcovering engineered for ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection. SD floorcoverings are chemically treated to discharge static electricity and must be used in a controlled environment with a relative humidity of more than 40%. Typical areas of use would be operating theatres, computer areas, instrument control rooms and production areas.

In PTSI’s production area a conductive aluminium

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strip was placed on the cement subfloor in a grid of the recommended shape. Concrete is a poor conductor of electricity, so this type of floorcovering needs to be laid using a conductive carbon-based adhesive to glue down the vinyl sheeting, and then earthed in order to drain the discharge.

ESD is a problem that cannot be ignored.

Something as minor as the scuff of a shoe or the scrape of a chair creates an electron imbalance and, although the resulting discharge may be so small that the human body cannot feel it, it can nevertheless have serious consequences.

In electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, ordnance manufacture and storage, ESD incidents can often cause material, component or system failures, which prove not only costly but also sometimes dangerous.

The Polyflor ESD range of flooring has been specifically engineered to combat this problem at source, by facilitating a uniform flow of static electricity directly to a ground point.

The range covers all major applications, and includes SD, EC and conductive ROF floorings, each of which combines static control properties with hardwearing and decorative qualities.

Installation is critical and for this reason Polyflor has partnered with the Altico division of Actum Electronics as its ESD flooring installer of choice. Actum offers a comprehensive range of static control solutions and can be enlisted to conduct audits of premises prior to specification, install flooring and finally test the flooring and provide certification.

Actum also offers ESD training, which enables employees to gain a better understanding of the basics of ESD, ESD standards, procedures and handling.

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issue 7

Issue 7 • November 2012

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CONTACT

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To Build Handbook

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Issue 6 • July 2012

Issue 5 • March 2012

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issue 6

Issue 6 • July 2012

for homes, shopping centres and commercial buildings. Fabtec has earned an enviable reputation as specialists in the craft.

Issue 5 • March 2012

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issue 5

Tel: 021 424 3625 Fax: 086 516 7277 Mobile: 072 365 4877 Website: www.tobuild.co.za

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advertisers’ index A.G. Ismail.....................................................................56 Able Walling Solutions...................................82,83 Alu-Glass....................................................................60 Amoretti....................................................................134 AMS............................................................................... 119 Arcelor Mittal.....................................................20,21 Armour Elite..............................................................90 Azero Avenue...............................................................8 Bates Access Flooring..........................................72 Bespoke Bathrooms.............................................124 Blue Scope Steel...................................................192 Cape Crete.............................................................70,71 Cape Loft Windows.................................................64 Cape Patio Blinds...................................................108 Centurion Systems.................................................93 Ceramic Wholesalers............................................75 Chair Express.............................................................6 Claybrick Association.........................................164 Colonial Stone Company....................................160 Conscius Electrical Consultants...................53 Corobrik ..................................................................162 De Leeuw Group........................................................39 Decorex.......................................................................26 DNA Logic.......................................................................5 Dulux..........................................................................137 Elemental Pots.........................................................50 Eveready............................................................174,175 Fabtec.........................................................................190 Flydex Contractors cc......................................130 Formfunc...........................................................148,151 Franke Kitchens..................................................... 116 Geberit SA...................................................122,123,181 Gemini Frameless.....................................................87 Gree Air Conditioners.........................................100 Heat Link SA...............................................................172 Heidi Jager Interior Design.................................46 Hyper Fires...............................................................190 Infigro...................................................................58,166 Integral security Solutions............................140 Intelli-vent...............................................................168 ITC-SA...........................................................................128 Lafarge Gypsum.......................................................65 LP Architects............................................................36

Issue 8 April 2013

Luxaflex.................................................................... 110 Mellett & Human Architects.................................3 Merensky..................................................................126 Metraclark................................................................98 Metrotile SA..............................................................61 Mitek.........................................................................14,15 National Cables (Pty)Ltd.....................................104 Nicholas Plewman Architects...........................32 NRG Designs.............................................................176 Pelican Systems......................................................68 Polyflor............................................................188, 189 Portland Hollowcore............................................9 Pro Roof................................................................66,67 Robo Door................................................................144 RSA Stoneart........................................................... 115 Safal Steel............................................................1,187 Salvocorp......................................................... 112,113 Secura Window.......................................................146 Servest Landscaping.............................................43 Sharp Shop Architects.........................................33 Shut-a-pool..............................................................190 Solent Trading.........................................................96 South African Wood Preserves Association...

132,133 Southern Right......................................................106 Soventix....................................................................170 Specialised Fire Technologies........................145 Steven Samuels Plumbing & Construction Projects...................................................................158 Style Décor...............................................................48 Swartland.............................................................12,13 TDM.................................................................................89 The Federated Enployers Mutual Assurance Company....................................................................... 11 Timber Fans (Pty) Ltd.............................................101 Transit Floor Coverings.....................................78 Union Tiles....................................................................7 Velocity Furniture...............................................152 View Protect...........................................................142 Witch Rooms.....................................................154,155

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