TO BUILD - Issue 24 - July to October 2018

To Build Handbook

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

Cover Story: Safintra - Go green Apartments for animals Perfect storm hits W Cape Piece of the PIE Shift to VRF The truth about flat issue 24 | July – October 2018

Issue 24 • Jul – Oct 2018

Saftherm thermal insula on

BULK POLYESTER FIBRE BLANKET SAFTHERM BULK POLYESTER FIBRE BLANKET

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Descrip on: Ÿ Polyester Fibre Insula ng Blanket manufactured using recycled polyester (PET Coke bo les etc.). Supplied in roll form in various thicknesses.

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foreword The Green Building movement has evolved beyond just buildings, into areas of infrastructure, precincts, operations and management.

In fact, the key focus is on sustainable cities and the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) is collaborating with several organisations and major cities to ensure that policies, plans and interventions are geared towards this evolution.

Dorah Modise, CEO, GBCSA

The built environment generates one-third of all carbon emissions through construction and operations. The global and local construction sector is in need of accelerated reform. Almost half the planet’s energy and more than half our resources are used by buildings, which also account for 40% of end-user energy consumption and waste generation and 12% of fresh water usage. Climate change impacts are upon us and the need to take bold actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience has become even more urgent.

Considering the impact that buildings have on our lives - we live, work, play and learn in buildings; there’s a need to ensure positive impacts in all these areas. In 2017, the World Green Building Council released a report titled: Doing Right by Planet and People. The report documents case studies from around the world on green and healthy offices, retail, homes and schools. This is part of an ongoing initiative at GBCs on “Better Places for People” aimed at increasing the demand and supply of green buildings which are supportive of the health, wellbeing and productivity of the people within them. In South Africa, we have seen a steady increase in wellness and productivity considerations in a number of building and precinct developments. This “people and planet first” approach is set to gain traction and dominate construction approaches in the next decade.

At the GBCSA 10th anniversary convention in October 2017, two great milestones were announced: the rebranding of Green Star SA to Green Star Africa, to support its uptake throughout the continent; to date we have a total of 379 certifications, six from fellow African Countries. More are expected as more and more GBCs are established across the continent.

The second great milestone was the official launch of the GBCSA’s Net Zero Programme and the certification of the first four projects under its Net Zero Pilot Certification scheme. The GBCSA is one of 14 green building councils participating in the World Green Building Council’s Advancing Net Zero project, which aims to promote and support the acceleration of net zero carbon buildings to 100% by 2050.

The GBCSA has gone a step further with its Net Zero Certification scheme, which rewards projects for completely neutralising (Net Zero) or positively redressing (Net Positive) their environmental impacts under four categories: carbon, water, waste and ecology.

To optimise the positive impact of green building, the focus locally and internationally has moved from just green buildings to green precincts and cities.

Sustainability requires a joint effort and the built environment can make a significant contribution. Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on Sustainable Cities and Communities and while the built environment can directly responds to up to nine out of 17 SDGs, SDG 11 is at the core of what we collectively need to aspire to.

www.gbcsa.org.za

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Publisher

Media XPOSE excellence in exposure Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

/tobuildpublication

Tel: +27 21 424 3625 | Fax: +27 86 516 7277 PO Box 15165, Vlaeberg, 8018

www.tobuild.co.za

SAIA

Affiliate Member

Publishing Director Elroy van Heerden elroy@tobuild.co.za Editor Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za SUB EDITOR Tessa O’Hara tessa.ohara@gmail.com Content manager Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

To Build Handbook

Editorial Contributors Adv. Bryan Hack Alicestine October Annemarie Roodbol / AUW2018 Antonella Desi Carel Snyman Gareth Griffiths Imaging Malcolm Horne Michele Nel Philisiwe Kobeli Rob Rein Stephanie Forbes

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

Cover Story: Safintra - Go green Apartments for animals Perfect storm hits W Cape Piece of the PIE

DESIGN & LAYOUT CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za

Shift to VRF The truth about flat issue 24 | July – October 2018

Social Media Coordinator Tamaryn Williams press@mediaxpose.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za Bradley Boult bradley@tobuild.co.za

Issue 24 • Jul – Oct 2018

Marketing & Communications Manager Sarina Afonso sarina@mediaxpose.co.za

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Financial director Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za

Cover Art: Safintra | Adobe Stock

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Distribution and subscriptions Maurisha Niewenhuys distribution@mediaxpose.co.za

*750mm wide rolls available on request.

Saftherm thermal insula on

BULK POLYESTER FIBRE BLANKET ǁǁǁ͘ƐĂĨŝŶƚƌĂ͘ĐŽ͘njĂͬǁǁǁ͘ƐĂĨŝŶƚƌĂ͘ĐŽŵ

SAFTHERM BULK POLYESTER FIBRE BLANKET

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every on: effort has been Descrip made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for Ÿ Polyester Fibre Insula ng Blanket manufactured using recycled polyester (PET Coke bo les etc.). Supplied in roll formConsequently, in various any error or omission contained herein. no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable thicknesses. for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. Ÿ Proper es: consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

The publisher will give Ÿ Sa�herm is friendly to the touch, will not irritate the skin and does

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not affect breathing in any way. Ÿ Sa�herm has been tested by the SABS, for thermal performance as well as for fire propaga on. Ÿ Sa�herm is manufactured to ISO9001 Standards. Ÿ Sa�herm does not collapse over me and retains its �lo��. Ÿ On flat ceilings Sa�herm can be laid in between the trusses on top of the ba ens. Ÿ SABS tested (test reports available on request). Ÿ VOC Free / ODP 0%

issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

Fire Ra ng: Ÿ Tested in accordance with SANS 10400 Na onal Building Regula ons. Ÿ FTClS-148-B/B2/2.

002-013_TB24_ForewordContentsEditorsnote.indd 4 Thickness

Density

Width

Length

R-Value

System R-Value

40mm

7.5kg/m³

1.2m

10m

0.8

1.2

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contents issue24 July-October 2018 Foreword 2 10 Editor’s Letter Message from SAIA 12 14-15 Cover Story: Safintra Lead Stories 18-23 News & Views 24-29 Editor’s Choice 31-33 Out & About 159-162 164-166 Student Designs Notes Page 172 Advertisers’ Index 174

Divisions PROFESSIONS ARCHITECTS 36 CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS 42 HSEQ 44 INTERIOR DESIGN 46 DEVELOPERS 50 59 ENGINEERING LEGAL 63 QUANTITY SURVEYING 65

DOORS & WINDOWS

76

ELECTRICITY 82 FLOORS 84 KITCHENS 88 LIGHTING

90

ROOFING

96

MATERIALS ADHESIVES & SEALANTS

104

BRICKS & PAVING

110

CEMENT & CONCRETE

113

COATINGS

122

INSULATION 128 TIMBER & DECKING

130

SERVICES FURNITURE

136

PLUMBING & RETICULATION

138

GREEN BUILDING

BUILDING SYSTEMS AUTOMATION 69 BATHROOMS 71 CEILINGS & PARTITIONS 74

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HVAC 147 WATER

151

PV

155

136 71

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contents issue24 July-October 2018

Cover Story: Safintra.....................................14

High-end lamps for high-end show............92

Getting the beef about GHGE...................16

Reusing and upcycling old lights...............94

Perfect storm hits Western Cape...............18

Crowning success.........................................96

Water from the Antarctic.............................22

Successful structural steel warehouse.......98

C+B Architects...............................................36

Solutions for water.......................................104

Indian flavour.................................................40 Geosynthetics for UAE Road Contract.....42 Call for participation – Quality System......44 Designing for beer in wine country............46 Apartments for animals................................50 Catalyst for urban regeneration................53 Technology emerging driving force ...............................................................56 Time to focus on Infrastructure...................59 Predictive maintenance..............................61 Piece of the PIE..............................................63 Cities important in Africa’s development.................................................65 Linking is a Wiz................................................69

Investing for industry growth......................108 Advances in admixtures............................110 Low cost housing – sustainability..............112 Collaborating to address water crisis......113 Meeting a concrete need........................116 The forgotten treasure................................118 About the use of lime in building..............120 Sustainability the green revolution...........122 Opening a can of paint............................125 Real incentive to insulate..........................128 Clients urged to empower........................130 Furniture shines at Decorex CT..................136 Training provided to pipe welders...........138

Saving water in the bathroom....................71

Replacing Gauteng’s aging pipelines........................................................140

Crazy for cornices?.......................................74

Water pressure management..................143

More to aluminium than meets the eye............................................................76

Shift to VRF....................................................147

Door for safe & productive space.............78 A profile of quality and artisanship............79

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Tried and tested – demonstrated............106

Emergency desalination plant online.....151 Future African cities - mobility...................152 Shopping centre PV...................................155

ZA Plug now formalised...............................82

Africa Utility Week.......................................159

The Truth about Flat......................................84

Fun for architects & all................................161

New screed ingredient benefits.................86

PPC Imaginarium........................................162

Dispute resolution service enhanced........88

Reconnecting beyond void.....................166

Growing Love Clovers..................................90

Recipe for termites......................................168

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ed’s letter Welcome to edition 24 of To Build.

There is little argument that 2018 is proving a very challenging year, especially for the built environment. The developers and professionals I have interacted with all speak of increasing cost pressures, made worse by the increased VAT rate and in particular, the fuel prices. Sometimes one must wonder whether the Treasury has any idea of the inflationary chain they would let loose when they slapped on the additional fuel levies.

The beleaguered building industry has to bear the brunt of this, face nonpaying clients and increased interference by the authorities.

This is our ‘green’ edition and readers will notice that there has been a special focus on water, with some great contributors coming to the fore. One of the great lessons of global warning and climate change is that we cannot take anything for granted. Our lead editorial on the water ‘perfect storm’ examines the role of three different happenings that added immensely to the Western Cape’s water woes.

Lastly, a thought for the valued advertisers, without whom this publication would not be possible. To Build offers incredible value in that you may send us your press releases for guaranteed publication. The only T&C is that we will edit them. We have a responsibility towards our readers, the built environment professionals and we strive to present all editorial content in as professional and newsworthy way as possible. So, when submitting articles or press releases, we urge you to make use of the services of a professional technical writer or public relations person.

Of course, the bulk of our content is original and not supported by advertising. We have a network of qualified persons who submit the most thought-provoking articles.

Thinking pieces are very welcome and highly valued in this space! Keep them coming.

Please request and study our editorial guidelines which make it easy for you to produce a press release that is interesting and informative to our readers. At any time, please contact me and I will gladly explain.

Kind regards Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za www.tobuild.co.za

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Voice of SAIA

AZA2018, a Winner Architecture ZA 2018 (AZA2018), the South African Institute of Architecture’s (SAIA) official conference, was hosted in Pretoria at the inner city 012-venue from 3 to 5 May 2018.

This highly successful event comprised keynote sessions by international architects, parallel sessions with presentations by SAIA members, exhibitions, tours and official evening events. The AZA2018 was co-hosted by the Departments of Architecture of both the University of Pretoria (UP) and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

The event was well-attended by architects, students, and sponsors and other built environment professionals.

AZA2018’s theme was “WeTheCity: Memory & Resilience”. Plenary and parallel sessions were structured according to how key thinkers and practitioners engage around the often-contentious topics of heritage and memory. The idea of resilience inspired further presentations which often overlapped with the idea of memory.

International keynote presenters were selected in terms of their ability to address AZA2018’s themes, with all but one living and working in other BRICS countries.

Carefully curated exhibitions were laid out to form the threshold upon entering the main venue space and were a key focus at this conference. The venue worked well with many spatial opportunities being created for the enjoyment of the exhibitions.

These included: concrete urban furniture blocks by TUT students, Pretoria inner city: formation and transformation exhibition; PPC Imaginarium Competition and Boukunde’s 75th year exhibition The poster exhibition of entries into the national Corobrik SAIA Awards was situated at the venue’s entrance and attracted lots of attention. Entrants into these awards were chosen as speakers to enrich the AZA2018’s content and to give depth and contrast to topics under discussion.

Overall, the response to AZA2018 was overwhelmingly positive and SAIA thanks all who contributed to its success.

Bryan Wallis, Acting CEO, The South African Institute of Architects

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COVER STORY SAFINTRA

Photos by Safintra

Safintra - environmentally responsible options In our July edition, To Build hosts Safintra as our Cover Story. Safintra invites users to Go Green with its Saftherm brand of PET blanket insulation – an environmentally responsible choice for built environment professionals and homeowners.

Safintra prides itself on offering components that work optimally with each other to make up a long-lasting and sustainable steel roofing or cladding system.

Its latest offering, Saftherm blanket insulation, is no exception.

Made from 100% recovered and recycled PET formed into an insulation “blanket”, it offers excellent thermal resistance to heat transfer, is completely non-irritating to live beneath and to install and does its bit to reduce the environmental impact of the building industry.

Made to order for Safintra and other Safal Group companies, Saftherm is the effective, responsible and compliant choice for professionals and home owners.

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Saftherm properties • Polyester fibre insulating blanket manufactured using recycled polyester (PET Coke bottles).

Supplied in roll form in various thicknesses.

• Saftherm is kind to the touch, will not irritate the skin and does not affect breathing in any way.

• Saftherm has been tested by the SABS for thermal performance as well as for fire propagation.

• Saftherm is manufactured to ISO 9001 standards.

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SAFINTRA COVER STORY

What is PET? PET is the acronym for a versatile plastic called Polyethylene Terephthalate, used to make the most common container in the soft drink market today: the plastic bottle.

PET is globally recognised as a safe, recyclable packaging material for both food and non-food products. Given global awareness of the impact of plastic waste in the environment, it is good to know that PET is 100% recyclable that can be made into new PET products, for instance, fibre for clothes, insulation, packing materials and even new bottles.

• Saftherm does not collapse over time and retains its loft.

• On flat ceilings, Saftherm can be laid in between the trusses on top of the battens.

• VOC free / ODP 0%

Fire rating • Tested in accordance with SANS 10400 National Building Regulations.

• FTClS-148-B/B2/2.

Safintra W www.safintra.co.za

About Us Safintra started operations in Johannesburg in 1991, rapidly opening new branches in Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, Nelspruit and Bloemfontein.In 2003 the company changed the face of concealed-fix roofing systems in southern Africa with the launch of its Saflok concealed fix roofing system, complementing the range of existing pierced-fix profiles. Innovation continued in 2012 with the launch of Saflok 410 for use in high-wind coastal applications and the unique tile-profiled sheet called Versatile® profile.

2015 ushered in a pioneering launch with the introduction of the Newlok standing seam profile. Safintra forms part of the Safal Group of companies - the largest manufacturer of steel coil and roofing profile on the African continent.

We have branches in Johannesburg, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Durban, PE, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein.

Full services are also offered to Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and neighbouring territories.

Safintra also has operations in: Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Burundi.

Source: Safintra websitewww.safintra.co.za

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LEAD STORY GHG COMMENTARY

Getting the beef about GHGE With the spectre of climate change becoming a reality, many armchair commentators are proposing solutions to limiting greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Some of these are from the fringe, such as calls for the cessation of livestock farming as exemplified by the vegan movement in the USA gaining traction in calling for ‘skip a shower, flip a burger’ - in this case to save water.

Whilst admittedly the issues of climate and change and water resource scarcity are interlinked and often spoken of in the same breath, there’s an amusing YouTube video for those who care to watch it. See link https://goo.gl/xrheD1 This also raises another 21st century phenomenon: the rise of social media and the power it gives to the fringe views.

The issue of global warming was identified by leading scientists in previous decades, explained graphically to the public at large by former USA vice-president Al Gore and was based on facts and observations. Therefore, it behoves all arguments about GHGE to be based on facts.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the USA updated their most recent statement on GHGE on their website, based on 2016 figures. It contains some illuminating facts so far as emissions are concerned per industry. Transportation and electricity (production) take the lion’s share of the production cake at close to 30% each. Industry is just over 20% and emissions directly from businesses and residential comes in at 11%.

This also raises another 21st century phenomenon: the rise of social media and the power it gives to the fringe views.

There’s no reason to assume that all is well with the built environment, however. The built environment is one of the largest drivers of transportation and of electricity generated. So; rest we not on our laurels.

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Source: www.epa.gov/ghgemissions

However, the cat calls for people to eat less meat should grow a tad more silent when considering the total agricultural contribution, livestock, crop and soil emissions, to the cake. It is relatively chicken feed at 9%, if you excuse the pun.

So, movements such as green building which aim for reducing the GHGE impact of the built environment should consider upping the level of consumer-related communications to better inform the armchair pundits, lest we all end up on a diet of corn-starch burgers and the bovine becomes an endangered species.

Editor

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LEAD STORY WATER AFFAIRS

Perfect storm hits Western Cape The 2017/2018 season will be remembered as the year the Western Cape was rescued, ironically, by the same elements that started the water crisis – weather. Hopefully, by the time of publishing, the Western Cape will have been saved from drought by the return of a normal weather pattern.

Whilst many commentators, including this magazine, have pointed to the need to modify our consumption patterns and prevent water losses by using water more efficiently, in the end it is the mathematics that are not on our side. The crisis is also the effect of a perfect storm of events that played out to near disastrous consequences for SA’s legislative capital.

The Cape Town metropole has a world-class infrastructure that was designed to provide a citizenry of 2,5 million people with more than enough water for their needs. Now, however, with population levels at 4.5 million, it is simple maths that the supply is inadequate to support almost double the population unless there is considerable investment in new infrastructure.

With the constitutional access to water of all persons a basic right, it is the national department responsible for water that has both budget and operational responsibility over water infrastructure.

The second and third spheres of government have influence over the distribution and demand for water resources, but supply is firmly on the national government’s checklist. The fact that the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) was reportedly in disarray, as exposed by reports to Parliament as dysfunctional and lacking in governance during 2017 did not bode well for the city either.

‘The truth is, we don’t have a department,’ said Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts Chair, Themba Godi, following a disastrous appearance by water officials late in February. Two major water schemes running into billions are currently under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit due to suspected tender irregularities. [Daily Maverick, 28 Feb 2018] This parlous state of affairs is clearly the third element of the perfect storm which also struck three of South Africa’s provinces during the 2017/2018 drought season.

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To Build visited the sites of two dams most affected by the drought, the Theewaterskloof Dam, which feeds the Cape Town area and the Clanwilliam Dam which keeps the town’s community and farming districts alive. At the time of viewing, both dams were arguably at their lowest ebb ever.

Theewaterskloof Dam During February, the DWS began efforts to access what was referred to as the remaining 10% of water in the dam, which was considered undrawable. From a visit to the dam in April, the extent of the problem became evident; the pump station was isolated literally “high and dry” from isolated pockets of water on the bottom of the dam. Dead trees, still standing and other debris, including a formerly submerged tarred road, were visible from the bridge in the direction of Villiersdorp and Grabouw. Numerous pumps were busy transferring water from surrounding ponds into the main pump station abstraction area. Downstream, the wall of the dam was also exposed, but a significant remaining body of water lay in that area of the dam.

The DWS was reported to be constructing a coffer dam fed by canal from where the remaining body of water lay, to allow it to be fed to the abstraction point. By April, this was not noticeable, apart from the numerous pumps and water lines feeding the small catchment reservoir around the abstraction point.

Abstraction point – high and dry – fed by temporary pumps.

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WATER AFFAIRS LEAD STORY

Upstream Theewaterskloof – desolation

Clanwilliam Dam A subject of major concern to inhabitants of the Olifants River catchment area, notably Clanwilliam, has been the failure of the DWS to see through its commitment to upgrade the Clanwilliam Dam by raising its wall by 13 metres and doubling its capacity.

Controversy arose when equipment and infrastructure, still visible from the road, was moved onto site during 2014 in line with a budgeted amount of R2-billion for the works. However, the process stalled, leaving both equipment and personnel stranded in Clanwilliam in a temporary construction village and in various accommodation establishments around town.

The DWS spokesperson has not responded to an email query concerning the reasons for the stalled project, but various officials at the provincial level have commented.

‘For almost four years, 53 departmental staff members have been twiddling their thumbs in Clanwilliam, waiting for construction to start. The cost for their stay – for the month of February 2017 alone – according to a reply to a parliamentary question, was R2.5-million. This means that over four years, more than R100-million was wasted, while the regional economy declined due to a shortage of water,’ said Provincial Premier, Helen Zille.

The eventual announcement by the newly appointed Minister of Water and Sanitation early in May that the project will resume shortly, was welcomed by all concerned.

Anton Bredell, the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, commented after a site visit with the relevant national minister, Minister Nkwinti, early in May: ‘I am very happy that the dam is back on the agenda. It has always been a priority project for the Western Cape and delays have severely impacted agriculture and residents along the lower Olifants

river supply system. The dam wall urgently needs to be strengthened and raised and the benefits will be immense.’

‘Once the project is complete, the capacity of the dam will be more than double. This is vital to secure water supply for farmers and residents, and to allow for up to 5 000 hectares of additional agricultural land to be irrigated and farmed by new emerging farmers in the Western Cape,’ Bredell added.

Bredell said the dam wall raising had previously been subject to long delays despite the department’s internal construction unit being set up on site from 2014.

‘We’re hopeful that under the new DWS leadership the project can now proceed without any further delay,’ he added.

Above: State of the Clanwilliam Dam in April 2018 – note the mothballed capital equipment in the background.

Left: Once an overflowing dam – the high-water point during June 2005.

To Build comment: The problem with all of this is that the existing proposed upgrades to infrastructure are water under the bridge by now. With a burgeoning population and the realities of climate change, just what are the long-term plans of the authorities in terms of water catchment and supply? Surely an immense opportunity beckons, not only for coping with the challenges of drought, but also in the development of infrastructure, economic growth and employment opportunities, provided the projects are handled in an open and transparent way.

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LEAD STORY WATER RESOURCE

Water from the Antarctic?

By Gareth Griffiths

For over thirty years, people from South African and elsewhere in the world have reflected on the possibility of harvesting fresh water from icebergs that originate in Antarctica. In certain instances, countries in the Northern Hemisphere, including the UAE that have faced serious drought consequences, have seriously pondered the viability of such an endeavour over the long haul.

Some in a rather bemused way, have discussed it at dinner tables and dismissed the concept. Now a worldrenowned South African marine salvage expert, Nick Sloane, has presented a rather interesting solution: to tow an iceberg from Antarctica to off the Western Cape coast where it can be mined for water.

According to a team of heavyweight experts, floating ice that has broken off mainland Antarctica could be trapped near Gough Island, 4 000km to the north of Antarctica and 2 600km south-west of Cape Town.

Salvage experts involved Salvage expert and director of the Resolve Marine Group, Nick Sloane, addressed delegates at the African Utility Week conference during a keynote session on solutions from nature to address increasing energy and water constraints.

According to Sloane, in 2017, the UAE water supply was in trouble and an elaborate project was set up to tow an iceberg to the region. They planned to harvest icebergs off Heard Island, around 1000km off the coast of mainland Antarctica. However, the distance from Heard Island to Dubai is considerable at over 9 000km.

However, the Cape Town scenario is different. ‘It sounds like a crazy idea but if we break it down, it is not so crazy after all,’ Sloane says.

According to Sloane, the answer may just be in “mother nature’s icebergs” – a total of 140 000 icebergs to be specific - drifting in the southern oceans and melting. Harvesting icebergs, he said, can help provide at least 20% of Cape Town’s water needs.

He told delegates icebergs break off in Antarctica and hold some of the purest quality water that is between 15 000 and 20 000 years old.

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‘About 2 000 million tons of ice are breaking off every year,’ he said.

The idea is to use the ocean’s currents to guide these icebergs towards the Cape. Sloane said the iceberg can be captured in the area round Gough island and will ultimately have to be guided and moored about 40km offshore from St Helena on the West Coast, to be harvested.

According to Sloane, the ideal candidate iceberg would be a “table top” variety – one with sheer sides and a flat surface that could be mined. He said they will then have to ‘create a saucer (in the centre of the iceberg) to capture the melting water that can deliver up to 60 million litres per day’. With milling, this volume can increase to 160 million litres a day, that is then pumped into tankers and ferried to land where it will be treated before it goes into the water system.

“So, with four to six of these tankers, 150 million litres can be harvested per day for one year.’

An iceberg of 850 x 450 x 220 metres deep could supply 85 000 Ml - at a 70% harvest rate, this means 160Ml/day - approximately 25% of Cape Town’s needs.

Of the 140 000 icebergs that break away from the Antarctic mainland each year, approximately 7% of them are the right size and shape. The intention would be to let icebergs arising from the Antarctic’s Weddle Sea drift as far as the vicinity of Gough Island at 43.3° S (latitude) 9.9° W longitude. The passage of such icebergs would also be favourably assisted by currents moving in the direction of the Cape, including the Circumpolar Current, Coriolis effect and the Benguela Currents.

How would the iceberg be towed?

A geo-textile net “skirt” would be floated around the iceberg and closed off. This would tend to insulate the

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Illustrations from Nick Sloane presentation

WATER RESOURCE LEAD STORY

iceberg and prevent excessive water loss from melted ice. The mass would have to be towed by the world’s most powerful tugs, such the ALP Tugs with a bollard pull of 300 tonnes. Attached to a webbing tow bridle, the chain length would be 1-1.5 km, with the potential of an additional submerged hawser.

However, said Sloane, it is recommended that a large tanker be used to tow the iceberg, with two tugs supporting alongside the iceberg to ensure correct alignment with the predetermined route.

Placement for mining operations The initial placement of the iceberg would be in the St Helena Bay area where extraction operations could begin. The water would effectively be mined from the iceberg and then loaded on to chartered tankers with food quality coatings and a capacity of between 30 000 to 50 000m3. It is envisaged that a fleet of three to six of these tankers be used via a rotational scheme.

Purer and better Purification of the water mined would be via chlorination. Water from icebergs has been tested and found to be exceptionally pure and low in deuterium due to its source in the Antarctic. Deuterium is a relatively rare form of hydrogen and can be formed into “heavy water”. This is significant from a public health perspective, since deuterium depleted water has been the subject of research in the reduction in morbidity of certain cancers of the human body (www. researchgate.net - see https://goo.gl/PXXVPz).

For someone with the reputation of Nick Sloane, famously known for the 2013 lifting of the previously unsalvageable Costa Concordia wreck, to stake time, resources and reputation on such an endeavour shows that this is a serious prospect indeed.

[Source: Capt. Nick Sloane – PowerPoint presentation, African Utility week 2018, Cape Town International Convention Centre. Additional reporting

by Alicestine October/AUW2018]

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Long term value in uPVC The owner of a stylish residence wanted to specifically have uPVC windows and doors installed in his home. He is a financial director in the building industry and wanted to invest in the property to increase its value, both for the short and long term.

REHAU Polymer (Pty) Ltd & Teva T +27 (0)11 201 1300 W www.rehau.com/za-en

Photo by Teva

Teva Windows and Doors manufactured and installed white uPVC windows and doors which complement the understated elegance of this home. The owner enjoys the outdoors and required doors to suit his lifestyle. A 6-pane sliding door was installed to promote easy and spacious access from the home to the beautiful garden. A bespoke 2-pane slider was manufactured for the wine cellar.

All windows and doors were fitted with double glazing and multi-point locks to increase the home’s security. The double glazing and profile characteristics also provide maximum noise reducing qualities and insulate against the cold Johannesburg winter for comfortable living.

SACSC goes global The South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) has signed formal agreements with The International Council of Shopping Centres. It joins 17 national associations of retail real estate in creating this partnership.

The other countries participating include Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Turkey.

The agreements will ensure the retail real estate industry is broadly recognised for the integral role it plays in the social, civic and economies of communities across the globe. Within the European Union alone, the industry contributes 27 million jobs and nearly €2 trillion (approximately R25 trillion) in tax revenue from retail sales.

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In SA, it employs many people in permanent and contractual jobs.

‘We have the sixth highest number of shopping centres in the world. To be included in such a partnership is testament to the impact and the magnitude the South African Retail and Shopping Centre industry has,’ says Amanda Stops Chief Executive Officer for the SACSC.

The South African Council of Shopping Centres W www.sacsc.co.za

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Save the date: Decorex JHB Decorex Joburg, the flagship Decorex exhibition, is celebrating 25 years of décor excellence with an incredible designer line-up for its 2018 edition.

Presented by Plascon, this milestone exhibition will take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre from 8 to 12 August.

‘It has been an incredible year for décor and design and we are so excited to be celebrating these beautiful trends, while looking forward to 2018’s inspiration, with our 25th Decorex Joburg,’ said Sian Cullingworth, Portfolio Director at Decorex SA. ‘This show is a culmination of both regionally and globally-inspired designs that draw on more than two decades of industry knowledge fused into the best that current décor trends have to offer. It will be an overwhelmingly vibrant show fuelled with gifted creativity.’

The 2017 Decorex Joburg exhibition spanned eight halls, including the co-located exhibition 100% Design SA, at the original venue, now Gallagher Convention

Centre, with more than 700 exhibitors showcasing quality furniture, décor and design products as well as accessories to 54 615 inspired visitors.

Decorex Joburg 8-12 August 2018 10am - 6pm daily Gallagher Convention Centre Public holiday: Thursday 9 August Trade-focused days: 8 and 10 August

Decorex W www.reedexpoafrica.co.za/decorex

Intelligence boosts green Smart building systems enhance people’s safety and comfort, use energy more efficiently and improves reliability, business performance and operational efficiency, says a spokesperson for Schneider Electric South Africa.

The company’s EcoStruxure Building Operation is building management software that delivers the right information when, where and how you want it.

Operations are simplified with drag-and-drop trending, calendar-like schedules and one-click reporting. Native open protocols provide the freedom to choose the best equipment for your application. With EcoStruxure Building Operation, see up to 30% energy savings, while creating a healthy, sustainable environment.

New modular meter Schneider Electric has released a new accurate and modular meter for energy cost management applications – the EasyLogic PM2000 series. These meters are designed to provide all the essential electrical system measurements needed by

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commercial building managers, requiring energy cost management applications from their meters.

‘Our customers, especially those that are sub-billing or allocating costs, are looking for accurate metering, more power quality information and how to understand problem areas to fix them quickly,’ says Nathan Potgieter, marketing specialist with EcoBuilding, of Schneider Electric South Africa.

‘They also want data accuracy from their meters, so they can better understand the power served to customers in their facilities. We designed the PM2000 series to meet these specific needs,’ he concludes.

Schneider Electric South Africa W www.schneider-electric.co.za

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

New warehouse launched Resin flooring manufacturer, Flowcrete, has moved to a new, larger warehouse and office facility in Durban to provide a more customer-focused service.

Warehousing was based at its factory in Jacobs before.

Photo by Flowcrete

The move was central to Flowcrete Africa’s development and growth strategy, which includes adding Euclid Chemical and RPM Belgium Vandex construction chemical solutions to its product offering.

These products are available thanks to the fact that Flowcrete Africa is part of Euclid Group. Formed in 2016, Euclid Group consists of multiple construction chemical brands of subsidiaries of RPM International Inc., including Euclid Chemical, Eucomex, Cave, Viapol, Toxement, Key Resin, Flowcrete, Elmico and RPM Belgium Vandex.

The new warehouse and office building is in line with Flowcrete Africa’s ‘customer service centre’ policy, as it is a very customer-focused facility that includes a showroom of its products. This showroom brings the Durban office in line with Flowcrete Africa’s facilities in Cape Town and Kenya. Being in Westmead, the site is also a convenient central location for customers to collect stock.

The new Westmead warehouse provides 1 240m2 of space, which is a significant increase when compared to the previous 700m2 warehouse. Including office space, the new site’s floor area totals 1 400m2.

The warehouse floor was refurbished using the epoxy resin coating system Flowcoat SF41 in Mid Grey, with demarcation in Forest Green applied for the walkway. A chevron design in red and white was also applied at the entrance to the despatch and receiving area.

Flowcrete SA (Pty) Ltd W www.flowcretesa.co.za

Low entry level prices - Dainfern Pam Golding reports that the established and mature Dainfern Residential and Golf Estate continues to attract buyers from all walks of life looking for a secure lifestyle in northern Johannesburg.

Located close to the fast-growing Fourways precinct, Dainfern continues to attract local and international interest from buyers. Entry prices start from R 3-million.

Dainfern Residential and Golf Estate established 26 years ago remains a sought-after home location for South African and foreign buyers alike.

‘Apart from the carefree lifestyle, security is a key factor considered by purchasers when buying into

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the estate, as well as proximity to schools and other essential amenities,’ according to PG area specialist Brenda Gilbert, who shares the area with colleague, Sharen Byren.

Gilbert and Byren agree that Dainfern Residential and Golf Estate suits families and professionals. It offers a clubhouse, child-friendly pavilion, restaurants and an 18-hole golf course. Residents can also

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FROM THE MARKETPLACE participate in social clubs and fitness activities which include, bridge, running, cycling, walking, soccer, tennis and squash, among others.

According to Lighstone data, housing stock in Dainfern Residential and Golf Estate is freehold properties. The median sales price for freehold in 2017 in the estate was R4.75 million, R5.5 million in Dainfern Valley and R3.2 million in Dainfern Ridge.

Residents in Dainfern come from all walks of life - from captains of industry to entrepreneurs, professionals and young families all seeking a secure environment. Lately, say the agents, there is a rise in the number of buyers in the early to late-30s.

NEWS & VIEWS

‘Many buyers who establish bases here are from other African countries including Angola, Gabon, DRC, Mozambique and Zimbabwe,’ adds Gilbert.

The growing Fourways precinct, improvement in road infrastructure with resultant easing of traffic congestion, as well as commercial and residential developments planned for the greater Fourways area all bode well for an increased demand for property in the area.

Pam Golding Properties: Gauteng T +27 (0)11 380 0000 E denise.mhlanga@pamgolding.co.za

Concrete Conference – AfriSam is head sponsor According to Richard Tomes, AfriSam’s Executive: Sales and Marketing, as the leading supplier of concrete materials and the brand synonymous with concrete in southern Africa, it was a natural fit for AfriSam to take the lead in supporting the concrete industry through this conference.

‘We are pleased to partner with industry bodies and events that showcase quality and performance in the construction sector, and that share expertise and skills among the players in this market,’ says Tomes. ‘We believe The Concrete Conference is an important contributor to advancing excellence in the development and application of concrete.’

The Concrete Conference is hosted by four concrete industry associations – the Southern Africa Ready-mix Association, the Concrete Institute, the Concrete Society of Southern Africa and the Concrete Manufacturers Association – and will be held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on 1 and 2 August 2018.

This year, the programme will include presentations on the prospects for the construction industry, updates on design codes and concrete standards, materials recycling and self-healing concrete technology.

There will also be talks on energy-efficient concrete roofs, aspects of macro, steel and micro fibres, and extrusion kerbing. Speakers will provide case studies on recent landmark projects using concrete, such as Bosjes Chapel, Fourways Mall and Zeitz MOCAA.

Delegates can look forward to cutting-edge input from well-respected names such as Professor Henk Jonkers of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, Allesandro Bernacchia from Germany, Andrea Bonomi from Italy, Max Moyo and Leon van der Westhuizen.

Tomes highlights that concrete is a versatile product that serves a wide and vital social purpose: ‘It creates possibilities for building education institutions, hospitals, transport and infrastructure of any shape and description,’ he says. ‘It creates concrete possibilities for all of us to enjoy.’

The conference attracts construction professionals, engineers, specifiers and project managers, as well as practitioners from the cement, admixture, aggregate and ready-mix sectors.

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Promising Products EDITOR’S CHOICE

Saving with solar

Photos by the Lighting Warehouse

Solar lighting provides security and illumination in needed areas when grid power is unattainable or costly to bring to a site.

‘Solar lights are a great green alternative and a cost-effective solution for various types of outdoor lighting installations,’ Says Melissa Davidson from The Lighting Warehouse ‘Complete solar lighting systems range from small single LED light fixtures, each with their own integrated panel and battery, to powerful multi-LED solar floodlights. No matter what the application, if power is unavailable or cost prohibitive, solar is the way to go.’

The Lighting Warehouse offers a pack of two LED Solar Walkover Groundlights. These lights are made from cast aluminium, with a stainless-steel rim, which makes them entirely weatherproof and rust-resistant.

These lights take eight hours to charge, so the only proviso is that they must be fitted in a position where they are able to absorb full sun for eight hours for a full charge.

The Lighting Warehouse W www.lightingwarehouse.co.za

TurboShear cuts sheet metal The Malco turboshear is ideal for cutting corrugated iron and metal.

It has a complete drill attachment and there are three models available.

Photo by Vermont Sales

The versatile and portable Malco TurboShear fits a drill you already own to make easy cross cuts, fast lengthwise cuts, and precise circular and square outlet cuts in large or small pattern corrugated metal roofing and common trapezoidal (box) pattern metal roofing panels.

Elongated blades with compact jaws create a steep 75-degree offset so that the drill is held at a nearly vertical approach when starting a cut. As these offset blades follow the rising angle of a corrugated or trapezoidal profile, the drill handle or battery pack has clearance to naturally tip downward and still clear the roofing panel surface.

It has a sleek, lightweight aluminium-cast shear head and compact moulded polymer drill clamp, allowing maximum portability to go wherever the work is. The telescoping drill clamp adjusts to fit both length and width of all popular drill sizes, including smaller bodied impact drivers.

There are three models available: Malco TurboShear MALTSCMLA for cutting slate, Malco TurboShear MALTSHDLA for cutting corrugated metal and Malco TurboShear MALTSMD for a double cut.

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Promising Products EDITOR’S CHOICE

Golden ceiling fan

Solent’s new Rose Gold fan looks incredibly exquisite on its own but accentuate it with a few rose gold inspired décor items and it’s guaranteed to transform your living room into a well-designed masterpiece.

This fan is available in a 3 -or 4-blade option and can be operated via a wall switch or remote control, for your convenience.

All Solent fans come with a quality no nonsense three-year warranty to ensure that you have total peace of mind with every fan purchased. As a bonus, should your Solent fan give you any troubles within the first three years of purchase, Solent will come to you and repair or replace it free of charge, that’s Solent’s promise! Now isn’t that extraordinary service? If you consider yourself fashion-forward and on trend, then this Rose Gold fan deserves a spot in your home.

Photo by Solent

Solent Ceiling Fan, a leading importer, manufacturer and distributer of high quality ceiling, wall and pedestal fans, has recently added the Brushed Aluminium Rose Gold fan to their stunning range.

Solent E info@solent.co.za W www.solent.co.za

Bijou Table Realised through meticulous hand-crafting of brass and tinted glass, the Bijou is an elemental play of reflection. Designer Adam Court says: ‘The Bijou is the result of a fascination with eroded stone and gem forms found in nature, as with a piece of bespoke jewellery. It is a play on asymmetry, reflection and the beauty of organic form.’

The Bijou has two shelves or hemispheres. The top shelf is made of tinted glass, which does not fill the whole surface and gives way to “windows” either side. The effect is that of a piece of jewellery, similar to a gem stone set in precious metal. This layered and luxurious effect is further articulated by the bottom shelf made of mirror polished brass which reflects any object placed above.

OKHA W www.okha.com

Photo by OKHA

OKHA’s new Bijou Table is a true evocation of its name, meaning ‘jewel’ in French.

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Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

PROFESSIONS ARCHITECTS..............................................36 CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS........................................42 HSEQ...........................................................44 INTERIOR DESIGN..................................... 46 DEVELOPERS.............................................50 OPINION....................................................56 ENGINEERING........................................... 59 LEGAL.........................................................63 QUANTITY SURVEYING............................. 65

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Professions ARCHITECTS

C+B Architects Alerted by a press release received on the 4Change Foundation campus in Roodepoort, To Build invited the designers, Cottle and Bergh, to be our featured architectural practice for our July edition.

About the practice Cottle and Bergh (C+B), a small team of highly committed and talented individuals celebrates, celebrates their 10th anniversary in 2018.

and locally. These include power and water shortages in some provinces, notably in Cape Town. Some of the green design is being driven by the new SANS XA regulations, so it is inevitable that sustainability will be implemented’.

Project: 4Change Foundation Campus

Louis Cottle and Frans Bergh

‘We believe in a studio environment with interaction and knowledge-sharing being a key process. We see ourselves as a boutique studio offering,’ say founders, Louis Cottle and Frans Bergh.

The practice specialises in commercial and residential architecture, as well as retail and interior design. Due to the high pace, deadline-driven nature of these projects and the short time between design and implementation, the partners find satisfaction in quick turnaround (within as a short a time as two months) with tangible results.

‘The retail and interior also present less statutory constraints such as approvals, zoning and building lines, meaning that more time is spent on design development, presentation and supervising the works on-site. All in all, site progress is quick, inspections are intense and progress is made every day – very exciting to us’, says Bergh.

‘While sustainable design has been a buzzword for many years and widely adopted and implemented by architects, I always feel that the clients are not aware or willing to spend money on the implementation of these concepts,’ says Cottle. ‘However, the public has now become aware about issues being raised globally

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C+B recently unveiled their design for the development of new facilities at the 4Change Foundation campus in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.

The new facilities will help meet the increasing demand for space for educational activities and student housing facilities and will allow 4Change to generate income through mixed-use commercial spaces.

The 4Change Foundation aims to provide education and upliftment to disadvantaged students with the goal of eradicating systemic poverty in our nation by helping young people to become creative and industrious at all levels of society.

Bergh says that at the start of the project, 4Change had already put a site plan in place and originally only wanted C+B to provide the design perspectives and aerial views of these. Following extensive consultation with 4Change, C+B decided to change the site layout to one that would allow for a design that responded to existing site conditions, ease of access, topography and campus circulation.

‘Following site analysis, we redesigned the overall layout. We wanted to create an integrated campus with multi-functional buildings to improve the life cycle of the project, and to allow for longevity of the campus through future income-generation from the auditorium and conferencing facilities. This gives the campus the flexibility to grow within the boundaries of the site,’ Bergh explains.

Overall, Bergh says, that C+B were able to meet every challenge that the brief and site presented.

Some of the more unique and challenging aspects

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ARCHITECTS Professions

4Change Foundation campus

of the design and site layout were the campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; agricultural precinct where urban farming will take place, and the flexible approach to student housing using shipping containers. The project is currently in the design development phase with construction to begin once this is concluded. Development of the campus will be implemented in phases as existing facilities will still be used throughout the process.

green economy. These include adjustable louvres on the north facade to aid user comfort and interface, rainwater harvesting for irrigation purposes, solar water heating and the use of local labour. In addition, the design had to reflect the brand identity of the growing TRT system and thus reflects the stations aesthetic whilst maintaining the functionality required for an operation of this nature.

Project: A Re Yeng CNG Bus Depot, Belle Ombre

Project: Randfontein Bird Sanctuary and Education Centre

The building has been designed to incorporate sustainable solutions and to conform to Tshwaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

The upgrades and refurbishment of the existing Con Joubert Bird Sanctuary in Randfontein was

A Re Yeng CNG Bus Depot

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Professions ARCHITECTS

Randfontein Bird Sanctuary

commissioned by the Department of Environmental Affairs, with the local Randfontein municipality as end users. The facility comprises of greenhouses and a nursery where local plants are grown and sold; empowering the local community and raising funds for the maintenance of the park. A raised walkway surrounds the existing wetland with signage on bird and plant species. The main complex includes offices

for the municipal staff, boardrooms and exhibition space, a restaurant with public ablutions and a water feature exhibit.

The buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof design enables the harvesting or rainwater which is used for irrigation purposes.

Bricks were made onsite by local labourers and used in building the planters and walls, as well as pavers for the walkways around the building.

Aura CafĂŠ - Sandton

Would you like your practice to be featured in To Build next time? Please write to the editor at editor@tobuild.co.za explaining why you believe you should be the featured practice of the edition.

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C+B Architects T +27 (0)12 346 4338 E info@cottlebergh.co.za W www.cottlebergh.co.za

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Professions ARCHITECTS

Photo by Sunil Patil & Associates

VVIP Circuit House

Sunil Patil – Principal architect

Indian flavour In the interests of adding international flavour, To Build presents an update received from Sunil Patil and Associates (SPA), a leading architect in India, a fellow BRICS member country.

SPA is dedicated to environment-friendly sustainable architecture and to bring client’s dreams and aspirations into reality. Since the inception of the firm in 1994, the practice has developed into one of the most innovative and respected firms. It has completed numerous versatile projects, including public buildings, hospitality, townships, commercial complexes, institutional blocks, villas and interior design.

The VVIP Circuit House, Pune, was designed as a green building and has received a 5-star rating by the

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GRIHA Council of India, a Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) certification and also received several awards, say the architect’s PRO, Swati Bhosale.

According to Bhosale, their principle architect Sunil Patil, is the driving force behind the success of this and other projects.

Sunil Patel & Associates W www.architectsunilpatil.com

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Professions CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS

Geosynthetics for UAE Road Contract

Once the asset management system of the nation’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development had assessed the global success of specialist geosynthetics in pavement reinforcement, Kaytech’s SealGrid 100/100 was nominated as a pilot project on the most deteriorated 12km stretch of the Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, a very busy route that required a quality upgrade. The project was undertaken by Fala Road Contracting.

Traffic assessments of the road showed an average daily traffic count of 30 000 inter alia 2 000 heavy vehicles (axle weight < 20 tons) per day, were causing considerable stress on the slow lanes. Pavement condition analyses revealed severe fatigue, including reflective cracking, deflections and surface distress.

A 3km section of the project chosen for a SealGrid upgrade displayed rutting, cracking and significant deflections under load.

SealGrid consists of high strength glass fibre roving, knitted to a paving fabric to form a reinforced composite geosynthetic that was rolled out over a SS1H, slow-setting grade of emulsion tack coat layer.

The hot mix asphalt (HMA) was set at 4-8% voids with an optimum binder content of 3.6-4.0% comprising a 60/70 penetration grade bitumen. Compaction was based on a bulk specific gravity of 2.554-2.575 Gmb. The reinforcing effect of the low strain glass filaments in combination with the waterproofing, stress-relieving and bonding properties of the paving fabric leads to a dramatic reduction of reflective cracking under asphalt overlays. SealGrid is unaffected by most chemicals and, importantly for location of this project, can withstand extremely high temperatures.

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Photo by Kaytech

A specialised geosynthetic interlayer product was specified for asphalt reinforcement on the Sheik Mohammed Bin Zayed Road which heads 70km NE from Abu Dhabi.

Key considerations • Rolls of SealGrid were stored and handled carefully to avoid any contact with solvents that may affect adherence to the tack coat.

• Uniformity of the milled surface to ensure consistent distribution of the tack coat and prevent damage to layer which should be clean milled for proper saturation.

• Ensuring a uniform distribution of tack coat (one litre per square metre) over the milled surface.

Add bitumen to highly porous and cracked if needed.

• Keeping the tack coat undisturbed prior to installation, ensuring optimum adherence of layer.

• Timing of laying SealGrid before, during or after curing. Tack coat depends on the grade of bitumen being used. Polymer modified emulsion is preferred.

• Attend to overlaps by manually applying tack coat between and over the joints.

• Apply a binding layer of asphalt by shovel in front of the truck wheels to avoid disturbing the layer.

A year on, inspections of the road revealed that 95% of the 12km pilot project, including the Sealgrid section, is performing as per expectation. The product can reduce traffic-induced crack propagation by a factor greater than seven. Surveys done in the ensuing years should prove a calculated savings cost of approximately 30 to 40%.

Kaytech W www.kaytech.co.za

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Professions HSEQ

Call for participation – Quality System Surface mining industry association, Aspasa, its members as well as users of products unearthed by its members, has urged members to become involved with its process of formulating its own quality management system.

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Photo by Aspasa

The association already has health and safety, as well as environmental management systems which are mandatory for its members to ensure the safe and sustainable supply of materials to various markets. The creation of a bespoke quality management system designed with local requirements and legislation in mind, is the next logical step in maintaining the association’s status as a world-leader in driving the interests of the surface mining industry.

According to Aspasa director, Nico Pienaar, strict new requirements are being placed on the supply of materials for building (sand, aggregates, dimension stones), foodstuffs (salt), energy (coal, ash) and other minerals which require modern quarries and surface mines to implement advanced process control and quality management systems to ensure that they comply.

‘The development of a comprehensive quality management system based on international standards is therefore imperative and urgent. As a result, we have established a qualified task team to delve further into these different requirements and identify key areas to be covered generally and separately as per each segment of our industry.

‘We cannot, however, cover every angle on our own and therefore encourage our members and their clients to play an active role in the formulation of our quality controls and systems. A good example is the Road Pavement Forum (RPF), as well as South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) who provide constant input and deliberation on their future requirements.

‘We also look forward to receiving feedback from the construction, transport, food and beverage, energy and other sectors to ensure our quality manuals assist our members to cater for their future requirements.

Members should also step forward and provide input on their quality challenges so that our panel of experts may devise systems to assist them to comply with requirements,’ adds Pienaar.

Nico Pienaar, director of Aspasa

The aim is to introduce the new system from the beginning of next year, where after annual audits will be conducted to ensure compliance with required processes and procedures. Once compliance has been ascertained, members will receive certification of compliance with the association’s strict requirements.

To Build wishes Mr and Mrs Nico Pienaar all the best with their upcoming retirement. The industry has lost the fulltime services of a legend, but hopefully we will hear from him again from time to time.

Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa T +27 (011) 791 3327 E nico@aspasa.co.za W www.aspasa.co.za

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Professions INTERIOR DESIGN

Designing for beer in wine country Ringed by oak trees and green lawns, a new restaurant owned by the Franschhoek Beer Co, Tap | Eat, offers beer-lovers the clean air and dazzling vistas of the mountainous Franschhoek district, while enjoying a brew and a bite. The interior of the restaurant was professionally designed to tie in with the adjoining brewery, but at the same time reflect a unique identity.

Eating in style while appreciating the outdoors was among interior design company Inhouse’s goal in the creation of Franschhoek Beer Co’s new foodie destination.

Stacking glass doors allow sunlight to flood the interior, as well as bridging the indoor and outdoor seating areas. An assortment of views can be enjoyed – be it the distant mountains, the immediate landscaping or even the restaurant’s detailed interior design.

Inhouse Director, Phillip Wyatt, notes that the design ‘needed to tie in with the brewery next-door, but also have its own identity’. Of this concept, lighting is a key feature and the scheme includes ambient lights stationed throughout the interior.

‘Spotlights were employed to light up the restaurant ceiling whose height and angle make it a distinct feature,’ explains Wyatt. The use of LED strips and various angled light configurations throughout are

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intended to highlight and complement the oak cladding and marble-tile finishes.

The indoor bar is the most prominent feature of the interior. ‘The bar materials are a combination of marble cladding used in the front, and solid oak timber used for the surround,’ Wyatt explains. ‘The timber warms up the space beautifully.’

True to its name, Tap | Eat is an ideal spot for beer-lovers to relax and imbibe the craft brewery’s renowned beers, accompanied by a meal from the new restaurant. Just as the menu brings these two offerings together, so too does the interior design balance indoors and out, the natural and the luxurious.

Inhouse W www.inhouse.ws

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Photos by Inhouse

INTERIOR DESIGN Professions

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“Creating a Sense of Place through innovative Contemporary Design Solutions, integrating Interior and Exterior spaces to incorporate Sustainable, Green Interiorscapes”

Heidi Jäger I n te r i o r

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Mobile: +27 (83) 269 5087 E-mail: heidij@mweb.co.za Website: www.heidijager.co.za Facebook: heidijagerinteriordesignconsultants Cape Town, South Africa

Professional Member of the IID Registered member of SACP PAD 44683704 Masters’ Degree in Design.

A sustainable urban design approach to adaptive reuse projects in Cape Town.

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Professions DEVELOPERS

Apartments for animals Words and photo by Gareth Griffiths

South Africans are a nation of pet lovers. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official. For example, a survey done in 2017 suggests that there are 9.2 million dogs living in South African households, making the country the 9th ranked nation in the world by size of pet dog population. (Insight Survey 2017) South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pets are increasingly being part of the family. But the keeping of pets in apartment blocks has been controversial, driven often by misconceptions on the part of bodies corporate. There are unfortunate and unintended consequences to this. For example, it often has the unfortunate effect of denying the keeping of a precious pet by elderly persons who have had to relocate to something smaller following the death of a loved one.

However, due to migration to the cities worldwide and an increase in apartment complex living, there has been a noticeable trend towards allowing apartment holders to keep pets in countries including Australia and the United States. Just in 2016, the state of New South Wales, Australia enacted more favourable strata

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regulations that make it easier for bodies corporate to allow pet ownership, while encouraging building designs to be more pet friendly. Such design options include open windows, ledges, soundproofing and outdoor areas such as balconies and public spaces.

Creating a sense of community According to Emma Power, a senior researcher in Geography and Urban Studies at the Western Sydney University, the keeping of pets in apartment communities is a good thing. It benefits the whole community, supporting the overall health of their owners, protecting against loneliness and has a ripple effect in creating a sense of community.

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DEVELOPERS Professions Craig’s apartment at the Premier is spacious and well-appointed. Finishes are of a high standard and worthy of a pedigree canine. Craig says that Bentley enjoys apartment life and gets on well with the neighbours. Bentley spends his day at a dog day-care centre close to where Craig works.

Rawson projects meet clients’ needs

In the state of California anything goes, especially in Los Angeles where up to 50% of residents in apartments have pets and there is even a NorthHollywood landlord who insists that all tenants come with a pet. In South Africa, typical municipal regulations permit the keeping of two dogs or two cats older than six months in an apartment, unless application has been made for more and approved.

Locally, the availability of dog or cat-friendly apartment accommodation is much sought-after and forward-looking developers are meeting the need.

Premier living for Cape Town pets To Build spoke to Craig Gilfillian, a real estate agent living in a recently completed apartment complex in Newlands, Cape Town, called the Premier. Craig and his partner live with a French bulldog, Bentley, in a glam two-bed apartment on the top floor with stunning views of Table Mountain. Whilst he stresses that the ultimate decision to permit residents to keep pets rests with the body corporate and trustees of the building, he also mentions the importance of the petfriendly nature of the building. In his instance, a large wraparound balcony, shared areas and easy access to a public green trail along the banks of the Liesbeek river right up to the famous Newlands brewery.

The Premier’s developers, Rawson, are well established in the Cape Town southern suburbs for projects that meet the needs of clients. These include quality assured multi-unit residential complexes in strategically located spots in the suburbs that offer great investment potential. In the case of the Premier, the building is close to the famous Newlands cricket and rugby grounds, restaurants, night spots and the University of Cape Town.

Very popular with investors seeking rental stock, Rawson’s apartments are aimed at students in the rental market, young professionals and the retirement market. The company is acknowledged for its wide and generous buildings that offer plenty of recreational space for residents, including gyms, ground floor atria with plant life, rooftop swimming pools and braai areas. Building design is in line with green building standards that include low energy light fittings and low water consumption features. Apartments are networked, offering easy internet and satellite connections.

The company’s commitment to urban renewal is also evident in its rehabilitation and upgrade of sidewalks and public spaces. Security is visible and makes a valuable contribution to the whole community and not only those who live inside the building.

Carl Nortje, Managing Director of the company comments that the uptake of units in his company’s multi-unit residential complexes has been brisk for investors seeking a rental income or for those seeking to accommodate university student offspring.

‘Rawson Developers concentrates on properties close to transport nodes and major facilities such as sports stadia, schools and student catchment areas.

At present, the company has been developing in Observatory where buyers have been able to cash in on the tax incentives offered by the authorities”, he says.

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DEVELOPERS Professions

Catalyst for urban regeneration Oxford Parks, which officially broke ground in April 2017, is envisaged as a sustainable and cosmopolitan medium-density urban environment that brings 300 000m2 of development rights to the Dunkeld Precinct, linking Illovo to Rosebank along Oxford Road in Johannesburg.

The precinct is targeting a 4-Star Green Star Sustainable Precinct Pilot Rating, and each building will be encouraged to attain a minimum 4-Star Green Star Design certification. Carollyn Mitchell, Director at Intaprop, says that the vision is to build on the strength and unique energy of Rosebank to develop, from the outset, a dynamic, vibrant urban lifestyle with a strong pedestrian focus, located close to public transport offerings.

‘We are looking at the precinct holistically. The vision is to create a sustainable public environment that will assist in supporting the longevity of the investment by making an attractive, pedestrian-friendly precinct with well-managed infrastructure,’ Mitchell explains.

Considering the public realm

Rendering by Intaprop

Marloes Reinink, founder and director of Solid Green, the green building consultants on both Oxford Parks precinct and the Phase 1 building, observes: ‘For cities to grow in a sustainable manner, developments must take the opportunity to move green design

beyond the building scale into the public realm. This development is intended to contribute positively to the existing urban fabric of the Rosebank-Dunkeld area.’

Scaling of the public environment and active building interfaces was extremely important. Pedestrian-level lighting contributes towards a quality experience for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Moving from Oxford Road towards Cradock, there is a hierarchical progression of streets with the friction of road surfaces increasing so that cars are forced to slow down and be more mindful of pedestrian and cyclist activity.

Security was a concern from the outset as the development has no fences to seamlessly integrate into the city fabric. Passive surveillance design techniques have been used so that the wellbeing of pedestrians is considered always.

According to Mitchell, the precinct is run by a Property Owners’ Association which will become a City Improvement District over time, tasked with ensuring that the vision of the development is adhered to.

Building heights will range from four to six storeys, with building uses envisioned at one-third residential

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Professions DEVELOPERS to two-thirds offices. The residential component will comprise between 2 000 and 2 700 units, bringing in 4 000 to 5 000 residents; while the offices are expected to bring in 10 000 to 14 000 office workers.

Hotel offerings, high-street type retail at ground floor level and various leisure activities are expected to generate a 24-hour vibrancy for the precinct.

In addition to its own amenities, Oxford Parks is close to a range of services within walking distance, including schools, day care facilities, a gym, medical facilities, pharmacies, dry cleaners, banks and restaurants – which reduces the need for private car trips and provides convenience for precinct users.

The precinct is also perfectly located from a public transport perspective. The Rosebank Gautrain Station is within easy walking distance, as are several bus routes on Oxford Road as well as the newly revamped Rosebank taxi rank.

Phase 1 targets 5 Green Stars The first building in the precinct, Oxford Park Phase 1, also developed by Intaprop, has been registered with the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), targeting a 5-Star Green Star Office v1.1 Design Rating. Rather than pursuing an As-Built certification, Intaprop has decided to implement commissioning and building tuning by an independent commissioning agent and the project engineers, which provides a better return on investment and ensures that the building is operating optimally right from the start.

Environmental strategies are being implemented to enhance the wellbeing of the building’s users, such as ample fresh air, access to external views and plenty of natural daylight. As salaries are the biggest cost to companies, enhanced work performance and an improvement in working quality and quantity equate to direct cost savings.

Being able to analyse consumption data is key to understanding and managing building systems and to assessing opportunities for savings. Accordingly, sub-metering of major energy and water consumption systems is in place. Water efficient fittings are also being installed that limit occupant water usage.

To minimise greenhouse gas emissions associated with operational energy consumption, an energy model of the building was generated during the design stage, comparing the building to a SANS 10400 notional building model. This energy model has helped to inform the building design to ensure a high performing building from a building envelope perspective.

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Modelling also enabled internal operative temperatures to be assessed to ensure that they are within the ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 Acceptability Limits for at least 98% of occupied hours, thus ensuring a high level of thermal comfort. Building Glazing Performance modelling was also carried out and performance values were agreed with the architect and mechanical engineer to assist with specification of glazing.

In terms of reducing energy consumption, provision has been made to ensure that all individual or enclosed spaces are individually switched with occupancy sensors. The project also saves energy by providing office lighting that is not over designed, with an average maintained illuminance level of no more than 400 lux.

All selected gaseous and fire suppression systems, refrigerants and thermal insulants used for the development have an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) of zero to eliminate any contributions to longterm damage to the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.

In terms of Green Star, three main requirements had to be met before the project commenced with demolition and construction – a Waste Management Plan (WMP), an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and a Hazardous Waste Management Survey on existing buildings.

The project is also targeting the Watercourse Pollution credit, which deals with stormwater runoff.

It is important that a development like this tries to capture the stormwater and reuse it within the building or within the precinct. The system has also been designed so that minimal pollutants and trash are diverted to municipal stormwater channels.

Annelide Sherratt, Sustainable Building Consultant at Solid Green and the Accredited Professional on the project, says: ‘We are developing a building users guide and community users guide to enhance knowledge and understanding of the sustainability attributes implemented for the buildings and precinct.

Additionally, an education facility will be provided within the precinct to provide education materials and examples of sustainable strategies used in the planning, design and construction of the project.’

Solid Green Consulting W www.solidgreen.co.za

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Professions OPINION

Technology the emerging driving force There is no doubt that traditional brick-and-mortar shopping remains the backbone of the South African retail industry, but new ways of purchasing are fast becoming standard practice in retail markets around the world, says Malcolm Horne, CEO of Broll Property Group.

He was speaking on the company’s release of its latest retail research paper entitled “From E- to M- to A-Commerce: The Impact of Technology on the Retail Industry”.

While E-commerce is well-entrenched in the market globally and the use of mobile devices (M-commerce) to conduct retail purchases is increasing steadily, A-commerce - also known as augmented commerce - is hovering in the wings, according to Broll’s research paper.

Augmented commerce relates to retail that uses augmented reality, enabling consumers to visualise products virtually in the real-world environment before purchasing. In general, South African consumers have yet to become more fully acquainted with these new retail practices, but local retailers need to keep up to speed if they don’t wish to be caught “sleeping on the retail watch”.

Emerging driving force New trends and products are emerging daily, making the retail environment volatile and exciting.

‘Technology has been the driving force behind these radical advancements,’ says Horne. In addition, there is enormous pressure on major retailers to acquire brands which meet their consumers’ expectations and demands, while integrating new technologies into their day-to-day operations.

Are these relentless technological innovations driving brick-and-mortar retail towards an eventual retail apocalypse? It’s hard to say. Transforming a traditional retail business digitally and technologically can be an overwhelming task but may be a necessary one for many retailers as end-users demand improved, instant and simpler shopping transaction experiences.

In some cases, retailers have taken the leap of converting their “bricks into clicks” by closing under-

The world’s first self-driving supermarket just landed on the streets of Shanghai. the Moby is a solar-powered market on wheels that is packed with artificial intelligence, it features drone delivery and it’s open round-the-clock without staffing.

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OPINION Professions

performing stores and creating e-commerce fulfilment centres to beef up their online income stream.

The South African online shopping marketplace is still very much in its infancy, but an increasing number of retailers are incorporating the convenience concept of “click-and-collect” into their businesses. Larger national retailers such as Dis-Chem, Clicks, Pick n Pay, Mr Price Group and Cotton On amongst others, now offer this convenient shopping service to assist time-strapped consumers.

Scope of technologies Broll’s research paper paints a vivid picture of the scope of technologies which could become part of the retail landscape soon and which are already being used in some marketplaces.

Alibaba’s supermarket, Hema, for example, has revolutionised mobile app shopping. Within nine minutes of receiving an order via the Hema app, staff hand-select the specific goods and send a personalised shopping bag to the delivery warehouse where it is packaged for delivery and delivered within 30 minutes in a 3km radius. Furthermore, their app allows shoppers to purchase their goods via facial recognition technology.

Amazon Go, a partially-automated, cashless and till-free store in Seattle allows patrons to shop in the store using the Amazon Go mobile app. Now the same concept is geared to shake up grocery retail in Chicago and San Francisco.

The research also highlights “endless aisle shopping” as fast becoming the latest retail buzzphrase. As retailers look at downsizing their brick-andmortar portfolios, the concept of providing in-store kiosks where customers can order products that are out of stock or not sold in-store is growing.

Once ordered, products are dispatched from off-site warehouses to customers’ homes. “Showroom” or “bag-free” stores take this a step further. A range of product items is showroomed in-store but not kept in

stock. Instead they are ordered online and delivered directly to customers.

If retailers are opting for more warehouse capacity, improved efficiency and speed is vital and this is where robots step to the fore. Various models of autonomous robots are already in operation, such as LocusBots that work alongside warehouse staff and assist in locating and transporting products, while Sure Sort excels at a small-item sorting system.

7Fresh supermarket in China already offers autonomous shopping carts. These types of carts guide shoppers to the exact aisle and location of the products needed, display advertising and accept payment. The carts even follow customers to their cars with their purchases and are programmed to return to the store completely unmanned.

Self-driving stores And if that’s not mind-blowing enough, think about autonomous self-driving stores.

Toyota’s e-Palette, Moby Mart and Robomart are some of the autonomous self-driving convenience stores that could potentially roam the streets 24/7 once they have been fully developed. Essentially, consumers will use a specific app to request a visit from an autonomous self-driving store. Once the store arrives, the app can open its doors, consumers can select the products they want and are charged automatically upon exiting the store.

It seems clear from Broll’s research that the practice of retail is destined to be increasingly dominated by technology.

‘Adapting and keeping abreast of this uncertain landscape is a challenge that retailers will need to embrace,’ concludes Horne.

Broll Property Group – Research T +27 (0)11 441 4000 W wwww.broll.com issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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ENGINEERING Professions

Time to focus on Infrastructure Surface mining industry association, ASPASA, believes the focus on infrastructure development in South Africa should become a national focus.

The association represents about 75% of the quarries and mines in South Africa that produce key materials for construction projects. It wants to encourage better cooperation between all role-players involved in the planning and delivery of all types of infrastructure such as roads, railways, dams, pipelines and buildings.

ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar, says the current crisis regarding water shortages throughout the Cape provinces and elsewhere in the country, clearly shows that there is an urgent need to improve water managements structure with new dams, reservoirs, desalination plants, pipelines and other infrastructure.

Future focus – dams, roads and other ‘Although this type of infrastructure does not happen “overnight”, predictions of water shortages had been made many years ago and may have been avoided if providers and planners worked more closely together,’ he comments.

‘Roads also play a big role in the development of a country and SANRAL has just launched its “Horizon 2030” strategy which promises “Building a better South Africa through better roads”. It also states its vision to ensure that national road transport system delivers a better South Africa for all.

‘ASPASA supports these views totally and would like to expand on it by stating that this vision is long overdue. As the representative body for the vast majority of materials used to construct roads we are 100% behind this initiative and furthermore, want to be involved in the planning and implementation of these initiatives alongside all other professional bodies,’ says Pienaar.

aggregates, cement, concrete or bitumen etc.

Industry associations also play an important self-regulatory role within its industry regarding legal and environmental compliance and health and safety compliance, as well as measuring standards for quality and technical requirements.

‘ASPASA upholds high standards for existing and would-be members with membership subject to clean audits for both health and safety, as well as environmental management being a prerequisite.

In addition, technical committees set standards for quality related issues and work with the likes of SANRAL in order to develop acceptable quality criteria for infrastructure of the future’, says Pienaar.

Skills development ASPASA also runs numerous workshops and formal training courses to ensure that members organisations have access to the latest global techniques and best practices. All the while, the association upskills and develops skills to address skills shortages and transformation requirements for its sector of the mining industry.

‘With state spending back on track and the economy set to recover, we urge Government and all role players to work towards improving the state of our industry in the short, medium and long term,’ Pienaar concludes.

Professional partners He adds that industry professionals and representative bodies should form the nucleus of future infrastructure programmes to work towards real attainable goals. For example, if there is consensus among professionals that a road or dam wall needs to be built, then it is imperative to deal with professionals in every link of the project, including material suppliers such as

Aspasa T +27 (0)11 791 3327 E nico@aspasa.co.za, W www.aspasa.co.za issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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ENGINEERING Professions

Predictive maintenance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lower costs, better performance Colin Beaney, Global Industry Director for Asset-Intensive and Energy & Utilities at IFS shares his views on predictive maintenance.

African utilities companies need to find ways to optimise their businesses. To combat current challenges such as ageing workforces, ageing assets, rising costs and growing user expectations, their approach to maintaining assets, in particular, must be more strategic and optimised.

New investment is limited, so utilities are looking to get more from their existing infrastructure. Preventive maintenance schedules alone are not effective enough in helping utility organisations to avoid asset failures and the associated costs.

Getting more from old infrastructure According to an ARC Advisory Group research report in 2015, 82% of assets have a random failure pattern, which renders preventive maintenance strategies ineffective in managing equipment downtime and maximising equipment lifetime. Against this backdrop, predictive maintenance (PdM) - a set of technologies that determine the condition of in-service equipment to predict when maintenance should be performed - is becoming increasingly relevant for African utilities organisations.

As they struggle to maintain ageing equipment, manage costs better and extend infrastrcture reach, quality and reliability, PdM promises cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance.

Organisations that implement emerging sensor technology in conjunction with a strong enterprise asset management solution with advanced analytics will be able to operate more efficiently and cost effectively while benefiting employees and customers.

PdM requires the ability to continuously monitor asset performance through sensors such as vibration monitoring and a predictive engine that can process input and provide intelligent responses automatically.

The collected data and resulting responses must all be captured and processed in a streamlined enterprise asset management system to ensure compliance,

effective business intelligence, and customer satisfaction.

With PdM, a sensor monitors gas levels of a transformer, for example. After comparing historical data with real-time operating data, an alert triggers a utility organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enterprise asset management software to automatically schedule a technician with the right skillset and the right parts to fix the failing transformer. A chain of events is triggered that unify and optimise the entire process from inventory management to human resources.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a maintenance programme that uses PdM can result in savings of 8% to 12% over a programme using preventive maintenance alone. Predictive maintenance can reduce energy and maintenance costs by up to 30%, breakdowns by 35% to 45%, and downtime by up to 75%. Realising these benefits starts with putting the right enterprise backbone in place.

Monolithic legacy systems do not have the capability to embrace new technologies and platforms without extensive, costly measures. Best-in-class utilities look to run leaner with agile solutions that are built for easy integration and scalability.

The future of PdM success begins with internal change management, a solid IT infrastrucÂŹture as a foundation, and software solution that can process and apply new strategies as the world and expectations continue to change.

IFS is an enterprise software development company serving customers around the world. Colin Beaney and his company participated in the Africa Utility Week 2018, held during May in Cape Town.

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LEGAL Professions

Piece of the PIE

By Adv BC Hack, Advocate of the High Court, Member of the Cape Bar

As the homeless in South Africa become more desperate, the trend is growing to invade private property and then claim the protection of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act, commonly known as PIE.

In recent months our media has been reporting on the conflicts which arise when these two competing interests and rights (the right to housing and the right to protection of one’s property) collide. Regrettably this has caused several documented instances of serious violence, injury and damage.

Our courts in turn are wrestling with the need to balance the rights of poor and desperate persons and their constitutional right to housing, with the rights of private property owners, and increasingly private developers.

Various judgments have already been delivered

where the courts have given unlawful occupiers of private land the protection afforded them by the PIE Act, even though their occupation has been only for a brief period. The critical issue which the courts have had to consider is what constitutes a “home”. The courts have, for example, found that a mere temporary structure or a vacant holiday apartment can, once unlawfully occupied, nevertheless be regarded as a person’s home even if they have lived there for a limited number of hours, if they regard it as their home and have no other place to go.

I express no view on this broad assessment of the courts various decisions as each individual case must be determined on its own set of individual facts. But this has led to the belief by some people that using force to occupy, for example, even a partially built apartment block that has been privately funded and constructed, can be a useful mechanism to enable those occupants to speed up their own process of obtaining state housing.

The response from developers will no doubt be to significantly add to their security set ups to try to prevent such unlawful occupation. This in turn will increase development costs, making housing less affordable.

The private property owners turn to the municipality to solve their problem by providing temporary housing. This stratagem, of course, has various negative repercussions. For one thing it delays the individual development while the owners follow the protracted legal process. Those persons who have lawfully bought or leased the properties are delayed in obtaining their rights of occupancy.

They in turn must remain in their existing places of abode, thereby not freeing those places up for the occupation of others.

Bryan Hack T +27 (0)21 4235 441 E hack@capebar.co.za issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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QUANTITY SURVEYING Professions

Cities important in Africa’s development: RICS Africa’s burgeoning big cities will play an increasingly central role in the continent’s growth and development, driven largely by Africa’s rapid urbanisation. However, the development of smaller, secondary cities is also important and presents nascent opportunities.

These were some of the key messages to come out of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) Summit Africa 2018, which took place recently in Johannesburg. RICS is an international professional organisation marking its 150th anniversary this year.

In his address, Chief Executive, Sean Tompkins, stressed the growing importance of cities and the need for metros to be more financially empowered in dealing with urbanisation and infrastructure challenges. ‘The future of our cities is in flux. More than ever, city leaders need to be proactive rather than reactive, becoming one with their urban citizens.

‘African cities are booming, but local financing of infrastructure is not keeping pace with population growth. Cities need to become independent from national budgets. Kampala, for instance, has turned to property taxes as a new source of revenue… But, to keep pace with urbanisation, cities can’t rely solely on user or property charges to retrofit and expand themselves,’ said Tompkins.

Poor access to finance is a key stumbling block when trying to develop a city’s transport, housing stock and utilities, exacerbated by the low tax base in many African economies. This restricts investment in infrastructure by growing cities. The growing debt across the continent is also a concern.

‘But there are ways of improving access to finance in developing countries, highlighting Public Private Partnerships as a way for paying for major public works. Financially empowered, cities can adapt to the changing world faster than nations can,’ said Tompkins, citing Africa’s most populous city, Lagos in Nigeria, as a “miracle story”. He said Lagos had recently started bringing oil refinement in-house and creating a new industry for the city, and a new local supply of petrol and kerosene for Nigeria.

‘The city is also starting to generate and distribute its own electricity. Lagos city managers now believe

they will have 24/7 energy within the next five years.

These two developments tell a positive story of the city becoming more economically independent from the nation,’ added Tompkins.

Xoliswa Daku, CEO of Daku Group, said at the event dinner that while mass urbanisation in Africa was seeing much of the focus being placed on major cities, smaller or mid-sized cities were also to be monitored in terms of investment and infrastructure roll-out.

‘I believe there is value to be had for investment in small cities. It is also a way of dealing with urbanisation more sustainably, where people don’t only descend on the big cities for opportunities,’ she said.

RICS President, John Hughes (FRICS), said Africa was a continent of huge opportunities, boosted by its young population and immense natural resources.

‘The sustainable development of cities African and around the world - has become crucial. Cities are home to most of the world’s population and are set to expand even further. But rapid urbanisation to Africa’s cities and climate change presented major challenges,’ he concluded.

RICS South Africa T +27 (0)31 764 4645 E tcchetty@rics.org issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

BUILDING SYSTEMS AUTOMATION...........................................69 BATHROOMS.............................................71 CEILINGS & PARTITIONS.......................... 74 DOORS & WINDOWS.............................. 76 ELECTRICITY...............................................82 FLOORS......................................................84 KITCHENS...................................................88 LIGHTING...................................................90 ROOFING..................................................96

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Diagram and photo by Centurion Systems

AUTOMATION BUILDING SYSTEMS

Linking is a Wiz The theory of technological determinism, that the extent to which a society embraces technology determines its progress, is underscored by fact as we see technical innovation triumph in the system integration industry.

Charl Mijnhardt of Centurion Systems says that while contemporary sociologists and scholars differ with regards to their views about technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in shaping societal values, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no denying the fact that technology is instrumental in making our lives easier.

Innovations such as wireless communication represent the vanguard of a new technological renaissance. This is marked by a renewed focus on ease of installation and maintenance, making it easier

for integrators and property developers to give their clients sophisticated and intelligent solutions in less time and at a lower cost.

Versatile wireless system Access automation innovator Centurion Systems recently launched a versatile wireless solution for both the domestic and commercial markets, marking the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first bold step into the world of home automation.

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BUILDING SYSTEMS AUTOMATION According to Mijnhardt, the solution is aimed not only at drastically simplifying installation, but also at providing end-users with a robust and reliable wireless environment through which anyone can remotely monitor and control virtually anything, from electric gates and sprinkler systems to lights and pool pumps.

The full solution is composed of three unique Centurion offerings, namely the G-Ultra GSM device, the G-Remote mobile app and the brand new WiZoLink wireless input/output module.

G-Ultra a new era in mobile-based access automation Centurion’s G-Ultra GSM module – launched to massive acclaim at last year’s inaugural Access Automation Expo, hosted by the company itself – ushered in a new era in mobile-based access automation, combining advanced functionality and diagnostics with a sleek, modern design befitting such a futuristic solution. With four channels individually configurable as either inputs and outputs, this intelligent device enables users to monitor and control an array of appliances via their mobile phones.

Built upon the bedrock of convenience established by the original G-Switch-22 GSM module, the G-Ultra is a complete evolution of that device imbued with intelligence and packaged for use in a modern environment. The combination of a smart graphic user interface and a plethora of advanced features means that the G-Ultra goes well beyond the scope of mere access automation and takes remote monitoring and control to an entirely new level.

G-Remote for fast output activations via fully customisable in-app buttons The G-Remote provides users with a convenient means of monitoring and controlling systems that have been connected to their G-Ultra devices.

G-Remote allows for virtually instantaneous output activations via fully customisable in-app buttons, as well as lightning-speed notifications pushed to multiple users at a fraction of the cost of older communication methodologies.

WiZo-Link always-connected, ultra-secure wireless environment The WiZo-Link is, to all intents and purposes, a wireless wire: an unbelievably powerful solution that uses robust mesh network technology to create an always-connected, ultra-secure wireless environment

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that can be used to remotely monitor and control virtually anything.

Each WiZo-Link device has been imbued with flexible dual-role functionality, acting as both receiver and transmitter. What this essentially means is that the user can activate a device and receive nearinstantaneous feedback that the command has been received and executed.

Mesh network technology Wireless technology, for the most part, is somewhat unreliable. It’s prone to interference caused by environmental changes, susceptible to noise and it can be jammed.

This may be true of traditional, point-to-point communication protocols, but mesh networks are different. Mesh networks are robust, they are adaptable, they are secure, and they are fully scalable in terms of size and range, with each new node added to the system acting as a repeater and strengthening the network.

Send-and-acknowledge In a traditional transmitter-receiver relationship, there’s no signal persistence. In other words, if there’s something obstructing the signal transmission, the transmitter would fire once and then quite simply give up.

‘The WiZo is a die-hard device, and it doesn’t take “no” for an answer. When a WiZo is given a command to communicate with another device in the network, it will relentlessly keep on transmitting its signal until the obstruction has been cleared and it receives acknowledgement that the signal has been received and the command carried out’, says Mijnhardt.

‘The convergence of these three powerful technologies – the G-Ultra, the G-Remote and the WiZo-Link – creates a reliable and robust wireless ecosystem that can be grown to almost any size, and what it can be used for is limited only by the user’s imagination.

‘Centurion’s solution isn’t dependent on range, it’s immune to interference and jamming, and it intelligently adapts to changes in the environment’ he concludes.

Centurion Systems T +27 (0)11 699 2400 W www.centsys.com

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BATHROOMS BUILDING SYSTEMS

Saving water in the bathroom When you realise that around half of any household’s water consumption occurs in the bathroom, it is easy to understand that making a few waterfriendly changes here will make a big dent in your overall water usage.

Considering the severe water shortages experienced by parts of the country, Raymond Oliver from leading sanitaryware and tile manufacturer, Roca, offers some advice on easy ways to reduce water consumption in the bathroom.

‘Just upgrading to a more water-efficient toilet can save an average South African family up to 41 500 litres of water a year. And that’s just for starters,’ he comments.

However, he says that going green in the bathroom is not nearly as costly as many people think: ‘Fitting your faucets, fixtures and toilets to more efficient and eco-friendly options can be one of the most financially beneficial updates you can make to your home.’

Faucets and fixtures One of the easiest things to do to make your bathroom a greener space is to replace your faucets and fixtures with low-flow options. Aerators are a must-have for any low-flow faucet that determines the maximum flow rate. Aerators can restrict the flow from around 57 litres per minute to 19 litres a minute.

You can easily add a Roca flow limiter to any of your basin taps, showerheads or shower hoses. Flow controls reduce the maximum flow delivered by the tap to a specified economical flow rate.

Photos by ROCA

Eco disc cartridges Another water-friendly feature to look for when selecting faucets is an are eco disc cartridge, explains Raymond: “The eco disc cartridge from Roca gives you the choice between two water flows. As you raise the lever handle you reach a level of resistance, giving you 50% of the flow. By lifting beyond this point, you achieve full water flow. The cartridge also has a

temperature limiter, set when installing the tap, which eliminates the risk of scalding.’

Showerheads Raymond says that low-flow showerheads can cut water usage by as much as 25% to 65%, depending on the unit you select. They are also easy to install.

For maximum efficiency, Raymond advises that you select one with a flow rate of less than 5 litres per minute. There are two types of showerheads you can choose from – an aerator or laminar-flow showerhead.

An aerating showerhead incorporates air into the water to form a misty-type spray. A laminar-flow showerhead produces streams of water, better for those living in more humid climates as they cut down the amount of steam and moisture produced while showering.

Frugal flushing It is estimated that around a quarter of the water used in the home is used for flushing the toilet. How much water you use per flush largely depends on the size of the toilet’s cistern. Raymond advises that if you are looking to reduce your water consumption, investing in a dual-flush toilet is a must: ‘All Roca cisterns are

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BUILDING SYSTEMS BATHROOMS

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dual flush, allowing you to choose the amount of water that is required – from 6-litre/3-litre, 5-litre/3-litre to 4,5-litre/3-litre options. All its cisterns also feature delayed fill valves as standard, so fresh water does not start to enter the cistern until the flush valve closes after the cistern has completely emptied.’

If you can’t afford to replace your old toilet with a new dual-flush model, then you can displace space in your existing toilet’s cistern so that it uses less water to fill up. You can reduce the capacity of your cistern by simply placing a solid item in it.

Collect, conserve and catch-all Raymond says that another area where you can conserve water in the bathroom is by controlling or collecting water that would otherwise run down the drain: ‘Turning off the water when you are brushing your teeth or shaving is a great way to save water.

As is turning the shower off while you are soaping up, shaving or washing your hair. You can also place a bucket under any faucet or showerhead to collect water that runs while it heats up and use this to fill the toilet cistern, or for drinking or cooking. You can also catch soapy grey water and use it for watering plants or for cleaning purposes.’

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Showering is also more water efficient than bathing.

‘The average bath uses around 130 to 190 litres to fill, whereas a 10-minute shower with a Roca lowflow showerhead will use as little as 50 litres,’ says Raymond.

However, you can also install a reduced capacity bath. Roca offers a range of reduced capacity baths, which boast a much lower capacity when compared to standard baths, due to their reduced height, lowered overflow and internal shaping. They allow you the luxury of a bath, without the guilt and expense of wasting so much water.

Leaks Every responsible citizen should fix any leaky taps or toilets in their homes: ‘A single leaky toilet can waste as much as 400 litres of water per day – the equivalent of four full baths. While one leaking tap can waste as much as 120 litres of water per day, which is equivalent to one full bath,’ Raymond explains.

The editor thanks Antonella Desi of The Line for sourcing this helpful article.

Roca W www.roca.com

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BUILDING SYSTEMS CEILINGS & PARTITIONS

Photos by Swartland

Crazy for cornices?

Cornices, otherwise known as ceiling coving, are decorative structures that create a smooth and aesthetically pleasing transition between ceiling and wall.

Cornices come in a variety of style, and each one will create a specific look in a room. Elements such as room height, building and decor style as well as plastering techniques all need to be taken into consideration when selecting cornices for your building project.

Warren Budde from Swartland, a leading supplier of a wide range of products to the building industry, including windows, doors and mouldings, advises.

Material choices Traditionally, plaster cornices were your only choice: they were comparatively heavy, fragile and complicated, messy and time-consuming to install.

Polystyrene is a far better choice of material for cornice applications, says Budde.

‘Choosing polystyrene cornices offers many benefits, including the fact that they are waterproof, lightweight, simple, quick and easy to install and paint, are affordable and require minimal labour or skill for a perfect result. In South Africa, polystyrene cornices are readily available in a wide selection of profiles, while plaster cornices have far fewer choices.

‘Plaster cornices require installation with nails, so you have to use ready-mixed crack filler to fill in the dents where the nails were installed. Polystyrene cornices only require adhesive to fix them in place.

Plaster cornices are quite brittle and so they tend to dent and break easily. If handled roughly, polystyrene

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can also dent relatively easily, however, if handled with care, dents are unlikely and in the event of any dents occurring, they can be quickly and easily fixed with ready-mixed crack filler as well,’ Budde explains.

Height and style of the cornice Before making your cornice selection it is imperative to first consider the design and environment of the room to ensure continuity throughout your home.

‘Some important things to consider include the style of the room or the period you wish to emulate, the height of your ceilings, and of course, the size of the room in question. There are many styles to choose from, including super contemporary and simple, through to more detailed profiles that are great for traditional or period looks,’ says Budde.

The height and size of the room should also impact your choice of cornices: ‘High ceilings and large rooms are ideal for richly detailed and decorative cornice styles. The more ornate cornices tend to fill the feeling of emptiness that can be caused by high ceilings or large spaces. Normal to low ceilings and more compact rooms, however, should be finished

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CEILINGS & PARTITIONS BUILDING SYSTEMS with minimalistic or thin cornice profiles to prevent the height and size from visually shrinking even further,’ says Budde.

‘Swartland is excited to announce that it has recently added a full range of quality polystyrene cornices to its ever-popular Col Brand. Available in eight different profiles, the new cornices are made from environmentally-friendly CFC-free XPS polystyrene, which makes them lightweight, easy to install and easy to paint,’ adds Budde.

One of the many benefits of polystyrene cornices is that it is easy to install. Here are a few tips:

Mitring the cornice The cornice is always placed in the mitre box “upside down” so that the edge that will be fixed to the ceiling lies on the horizontal base of the box. There are two main cuts that are needed to complete any cornice installation. The first is the simple straight cut - you cut the cornice straight across using the 90° guide. It is used to join two straight lengths of cornicing. The second type of cut is used to cut the cornices at a 45° angle to fit in the corners – or in other words, to mitre them. For the corners there are internal mitres which fit in the corners of a room, as well as external mitres, which run along corners that jut out, for example, on a chimney column. When cutting polystyrene cornices, always use firm strokes and never try and force the cut or to cut too quickly.

chalk line, draw a line around the room marking this position. Then, using the chalk line as a guide, push the cornice firmly in place, adjusting as necessary.

You will have approximately two minutes to adjust the cornice before the adhesive begins to dry. If there is a gap between the cornice and the ceiling in places, you can fill this with ready-mixed crack filler for a smooth finish.

Painting cornices Polystyrene cornices can be painted about one hour after installation. Any water-based or acrylic paint can be used to paint directly onto the polystyrene cornice.

You cannot use solvent-based paint as it will damage the polystyrene. If, however, it is necessary to use solvent-based paint for installations in wet areas, such as in bathrooms, kitchens or outdoor patios, it is recommended that you apply a minimum of two coats of water-based primer first.

Applying the adhesive When applying adhesive to the cornice it is essential that sufficient adhesive is applied along the full length of the back of the edges of the cornice where it will meet the wall and the ceiling. To be sure you should always check the suggested coverage on the adhesive’s packaging and apply accordingly. When joining two lengths of cornice to one another, it is recommended that you also apply adhesive to both the surfaces that are to be joined. This will provide a strong join and prevent any cracks from appearing in the future. Be sure to remove any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.

Fitting the cornice One of the most common mistakes made when fitting cornices is to follow the ceiling. Do not be tempted to do this, as ceilings are often not entirely level. To ensure a proper horizontal line all the way round a room, determine the drop down from where the cornice will be fixed, down to the floor, and using the

Installing polystyrene cornicing All you need is: • a mitre box • a polystyrene saw • a tape measure • a caulking gun • a chalk line • a sponge • polystyrene adhesive, and • the polystyrene cornicing

Swartland W www.swartland.co.za issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS DOORS & WINDOWS

Photos by Alsysco

More to aluminium than meets the eye A spokesperson from Alsysco asks whether windows and doors are given enough focus during the architectural design phase.

There are many advantages when installing aluminium doors and windows. They are durable and robust; aluminium is three times stronger than PVC and three and a half times stronger than wood. They also require little maintenance, offer design flexibility and very affordable. Aluminium doors and windows are aesthetically appealing and come in various powder coated colours and slim modern lines. And last, but not least, they are recyclable.

When considering aluminium for your doors or windows, Alsysco suggests you consider the following when comparing one supplier with another.

Fit-for-purpose, product fabrication, installation There are three processes involved in the installation of a window or door and these consist of selecting and specifying products fit for purpose, product fabrication and the installation.

These processes are often done by different parties and therefore it is critical to have all parties dedicated to a process that assures a quality end-product experience.

System development quality Look for aluminium systems with the following qualities: Innovative design; efficiency; designed for the local environment; simple and durable; easy to maintain; fully customisable to project specifications; highest quality components and hardware; and durable and secure locking mechanisms.

Quality assurance process Make sure that the proper processes are adhered to.

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Specification and installation must be appropriate to a well-designed and manufactured system.

Indeed, most customer complaints are traced back to specification and installation.

The aluminium systems company has a quality assurance process in place to make sure that what a customer sees and experiences in a showroom, promotional materials or another project, matches the experience they have when choosing the same product.

Many variables can affect the quality of the final installation of aluminium windows and doors. Steps must be taken to mitigate the risks.

Often there is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;blame gameâ&#x20AC;? when something goes wrong, but the fault often lies with multiple parties and the lack of communication between them.

Ideally the aluminium systems companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality assurance system should assist and hold each stakeholder accountable for their role in the quality process.

Ultimately, the client should enjoy attractive doors and windows for years to come. Therefore, enquire about the processes that are in place to ensure that the quality of the final installed product is not compromised.

Architects are in the unique position of influencing smart design concepts for clients. When an architect designs a building, it is an opportunity to leave their mark in a city, a legacy that will be appreciated.

Alsysco T +27 (0)31 701 1725 E info@alsysco.co.za W www.alsysco.com

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BUILDING SYSTEMS DOORS & WINDOWS

Photos by Apex

Safe and rapid access and effective insulation in production plants, retail facilities, warehouses and shipment areas

The door’s self-repairing capabilities.

Door for safe and productive workspace Helping warehouses, plants and shipment areas to raise turnaround times and safety levels while reducing downtime is a proven need of most of industry.

Apex Strip Curtains & Doors has presented a smart reset solution to the marketplace called the Apex Smart Reset Door.

This heavy-duty door is equipped with an integral electronic safety device that automatically reverses its motion if an obstacle is encountered when the door is closing. According to the manufacturer, it’s lower passive edge is constructed from flexible and shockproof material. This protects the door from damage – while two photocells mounted inside the casing of the door augments the electronic system to ensure that the curtain rolls uniformly.

Downtime is kept to a minimum with features such as the door’s automatic ‘fix’ characteristic. While the nature of the operations conducted through roll-up doors makes the sides vulnerable to being dislodged, this design allows it to recover automatically with a simple opening and closing operation.

If the door is inadvertently hit by a vehicle or object passing through, the hinges will come off the guides since the side hinges on the door slide along special guides, together with the flexible curtain ends. This avoids damage to the flexible curtain itself.

The reset door is also well equipped to deal with power failures and malfunctions. Fitted with a release

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lever, it can be opened from either side. It can be activated by any type of remote control equipment, including photocells, pressure-sensitive mats, movement detectors or induction loops – as it is controlled by an electronic unit that complies with all IEC regulations.

Its unobtrusive design makes it ideal for openings of up to two metres high and four metres wide, and it can be equipped with an optional inverter system to make it easy to adjust its opening and closing speeds.

To reduce stress on mechanical components and improve the door’s reliability and longevity, there are soft-start and soft-stop features.

The curtain part is equally strong and durable, manufactured in Class 2 self-extinguishing polyester and capable of withstanding winds of up to 120km/h.

Its panels are interchangeable and connected by extruded aluminium profiles which reinforce the entire door, further reducing maintenance requirements.

Apex Strip Curtains T +27 (0)11 452 8723 E WimSnr@apexstrip.co.za W www.apexstrip.co.za

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DOORS & WINDOWS BUILDING SYSTEMS

A profile of quality and artisanship To Build features the work of Simply Smarter Doors, a design and manufacture company based in the Western Cape of 67 years standing.

‘Our roots are deeply nestled in Worcester in the Western Cape. Our original company, PAV Shopfitters, has been in existence since 1951 and has earned the reputation of being a leading designer, manufacturer and fitter in the banking, retail and hospitality industries,’ says director, Philip le Roux ‘The ability to manufacture in various materials and a number of product lines gave birth to Simply Smarter Doors. Our family of 200 members understand serving our clients is our business. Pre-hung, pre-finished architrave doors have long proven the uniqueness in quality and installation benefits,’ he adds.

The company offers the following benefits • Installation after other construction work is done: • No damage to or theft of your frame or ironmongery • Easy to plaster and install skirting if you don’t have to work around a pre-installed frame.

• Easy replacement when redecorating • All architectural drawings for AutoCAD and Revit are available and ready for you to use.

• Our doors are manufactured using the latest technology, ensuring outstanding results and durability.

• We use environmentally-friendly production methods and materials which means that we are not endangering rainforest hard-woods or the ozone layer.

• Our team has a combined experience of more than 100 years in the industry, giving you increased peace of mind.

• Because our doors have lower energy requirements and quicker installation times, you will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable our doors are!

SMART and smart Doors come optional with a 28dB sound and 30/60-minute fire rating. For enhanced privacy the client may also request pre-installed additional soundreducing seals.

The company offers a wide range of exotic veneers that can be finished in a variety of stains, washes and lacquer sprays.

In addition to a wide range of standard sizes, designs and finishes, the company can customise design and manufacture a product for a special project.

‘You can choose a wooden veneer door with matching veneer wrapped frame and architrave. In doing so you enjoy the aesthetic beauty of solid wood at a fraction of the cost and preserve our precious environment. Using state of the art technology, we produce doors that are not only beautiful and of high quality, but that are tailored for our African climate,’ says Philip.

‘Our range of top-quality pre-hung, pre-finished architrave frames and doors will take your design to a whole new level, without the associated cost increase you would expect. With our Western Cape headquarters in Worcester, near Cape Town, a branch in Gauteng and our experience with shipping to the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, we can supply you with top quality beautiful state of the art doors throughout Africa,’ he adds.

Simply Smarter Doors T +27 (0)23 348 1900 E info@pav.co.za W www.simplysmarterdoors.co.za issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS ELECTRICITY

ZA Plug now formalised An amendment to the wiring code introduced in 2016 stated that the ZA Plug would become semi-mandatory for new installations in March 2018.

Photos by Source Crabtree South Africa

SANS 164-2 The new 16A 3 pin socket which is also capable of taking your 6A and 16A 2 pin euro plugs. 164-2 plug tops are re-wireable Small 6A 3 Pin socket.

It is stated by the International Electrotechnical Commission that the new SA standard, SANS 164-2, (the ZA plug) is the safest in the world.

The ZA Plug was introduced as preferred standard for electrical plugs and sockets by the South African National Standard for the Wiring of Premises (better known as the Wiring Code) in 2013, says South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) SC23B mirror committee chairman, Gianfranco Campetti.

The country’s former unique three-pin plug origins are from South Africa’s status as a former British colony. In the 1970s the UK switched to flat pins, but not South Africa, for commercial reasons. The BS 546 British standard adopted by South Africa is codified in SANS 164-0, consisting of nine different plug and socket configurations, of both two-pin and three-pin types. They are not generic to all current ratings.

At the end of the 1990s, two significant developments occurred, explains Campetti.

The Europlug came to South Africa as a basis for cellphone chargers, and small hand-tool manufacturers introduced the unearthed Schuko, a German standard, into the market.

Cellphone two-pin plug chargers are doubleinsulated, don’t need earth pins and convert 220V into 5V (depending on type), says Campetti.

‘We had no choice but to introduce these standards because phone manufacturers were not prepared to make specific versions for our market,’ he explains.

The two standards are the SANS 164-5 two-pin, non-rewireable system (2,5A; 250V) for equipment like cellphone chargers; and the SANS 164-6 two-pin system (16A; 250V) for equipment like power tools and electric lawnmowers.

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The new ZA Plug adoption means that any new buildings erected must incorporate electrical sockets that conform. Each new plug point must have at least one socket that can accommodate a ZA Plug.

The ZA Plug has the same hexagonal profile as the Europlug seen on cellphone chargers but includes an earth pin. It is substantially more compact than South Africa’s three-prong plug standard and has much thinner pins.

Feedback from ECA(SA) (Electrical Contractors’ Association) members reveals that there are still electrical contractors who are not sure how to interpret the new SANS 164-2 regulations for socket-outlets.

The regulations, which came into effect in January this year, state that all socket outlet points for new electrical installations must now include at least one socket outlet complying with the dimensions of SANS 164-2.

Cecil Lancaster, ECA Regional Director, Bosveld, says there is some confusion as to what would constitute a “new installation”. He explains that this must be interpreted as “a totally new building” and clarifies that ‘maintenance, such as the replacement of failed units and extensions to existing buildings, would be excluded’.

ECA(SA) says that while the transition takes place, the new plug (SANS 164-2) may be connected by way of an adaptor to a SANS 164-1 socket-outlet so homeowners will have some time to adapt to the new regulations.

SABS W www.sabs.co.za ECA(SA) W www.ecasa.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS FLOORS

The Truth about Flat Not all floor gratings that claim to have a flat top surface do. Unfortunately this is something that is commonly misunderstood in the industry and often leads to specifiers and buyers using a product that will not meet the requisite parameters on a project. Grating made from flatbar (not slit strip) has a rounded or mill-edge which explains the differentiation between “true” flat top and “pretend” flat top.

Photos by Andrew Mentis

Left: Producer of floor grating able to supply a product that has a true flat top surface.

Above: The locking characteristics of Mentis Flat Top floor grating guarantee the structural integrity of the product.

Lance Quinlan, national technical sales consultant at Andrew Mentis, claims that his company is the only producer of floor grating that can supply a product that has a true flat top surface.

‘This is a significant differentiator in the floor grating market and is something that should be factored in when making the decision to specify or purchase flat top floor grating. If it isn’t, then specifiers and buyers are comparing apples with pears,’ Quinlan says.

‘We are the only facility that purchases coiled steel and makes use of our own slitting process which is engineered to produce a truly flat top surface,’ Quinlan adds. ‘What is important is that our Mentis Flat Top floor grating has a non-slip surface as a result of this manufacturing process and this significantly enhances the safety of our product.’

This highly engineered floor grating product is produced at Andrew Mentis’ ISO-accredited facility at Elandsfontein, Johannesburg, and is manufactured

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using a pressure locking system pioneered by the company.

The locking characteristics guarantee the structural integrity of the product and further enhance its integrity. The transversals on the floor grating are positively and permanently locked to the bearer bars and the locking method at the intersections is designed to use the full depth of the bearer bar when calculating loads. This attention to detail ensures that the load bearing capacity is top of mind when design and manufacturing is undertaken.

‘The product is available in unpainted mild steel, bitumen painted mild steel and galvanised. Andrew Mentis also carries certain quantities of RS40 (40/40mm) in stainless steel, 3CR12 and 304,’ Quinlan adds.

Andrew Mentis (Pty) Ltd T +27 (0)11 255 3200 W www.mentis.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS FLOORS

New screed ingredient offers benefits

Perlite is used as an aggregate replacement or partial replacement together with cement and special admixtures to produce solutions for plaster, screeds and concrete applications. The result has significant insulation, is fire-resistance and lightweight and has excellent acoustic properties.

As a mineral, Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that has a relatively high-water content, typically formed by the hydration of obsidian. It occurs naturally and has the unusual property of greatly expanding when heated sufficiently. It is an industrial mineral and a commercial product useful for its low density after processing.

Specialised building materials company, CemteQ, recently launched the first in its range of Perlite and cement composite products at the African Construction Expo. These composites use Perlite as an aggregate replacement, together with cement and special admixtures for bespoke plaster, screed and concrete applications.

The new CemteQ Range consists of; PlasterLite which is a super-smooth, easy-to-apply composite material for trowel-on plaster and low-velocity pumped plaster applications. It combines a carefully developed combination of exfoliated Perlite with quality cement, admixtures and micro fibres in a bag to offer a unique one-coat plaster solution without the requirement for a skim plaster.

The product is available in white and grey and offers approximately six to eight times the insulation properties of ordinary plaster, saving significantly on heating and cooling costs.

ScreedPerl is the second product in the range. It is an insulating, lightweight screed material. This is designed to prevent downward heat loss in floors with underfloor heating, saving significantly on heating

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Photo: YouTube

CemteQ has launched a range of unique new products for the construction industry.

Perlite in its natural form

costs. It also provides a lightweight, insulating solution for roofs and can be easily sloped towards drainage points or to the roof edge providing suitable water runoff and preventing damage. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The product provides approximately 7.5 times the insulation of ordinary plaster,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says the spokesperson.

The installed weight of ScreedPerl is between 460-470kg/m3 - roughly 20% that of traditional screed material. This offers distinct structural design benefits and makes it easier to work with and transport. The product is not suitable for high wear areas and must be covered with a floor covering such as carpet, wood or tiles. It can be applied to various uneven or curved surfaces with a suitable bonding agent. It is not waterproof and must be covered with a suitable waterproofing system when used on roof decks.

Perlite-based products also offer excellent fire protection for up to four hours. They have low linear expansion characteristics which greatly reduce the development of cracks, ensuring that the temperature of the structure and load-bearing members is maintained below the critical point at which weakening or failure is likely to occur. They release no smoke or toxic gas and do not disintegrate or spall when cooled suddenly with a firehose.

The products provide efficient sound dampening, particularly for pulsed sounds, are inorganic and do not rot or decay over time.

CemteQ Building Solutions (Pty) Ltd T +27 (0)11 8244600 E info@cemteq.com W www.cemteq.com

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BUILDING SYSTEMS KITCHENS

Dispute resolution service enhanced

Kerry Bailey, KZN

At the KSA AGMs in 2017 it was announced that the KSA planned to send its three regional representatives on formal mediation training. We are pleased to announce that as of April 2018 Stephanie Forbes (KSA national manager and Cape Town representative), Megan Craft (KSA Gauteng representative) and Kerryn Bailey (KSA KZN representative) have successfully completed courses on mediation and alternate dispute resolution, court mandated mediation and consumer mediation via Access to Justice.

All three are now formally registered with the South African board of mediators. The KSA congratulates the team on completing the courses. Their new knowledge and experience will add great value for both the KSA member and the consumer.

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Megan Craft, JHB

Photos by the KSA

Stephanie Forbes, the national manager of the Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA) writes for us.

Stephanie Forbes, KSA National Manager

Dispute resolution enhanced

website: www.ksa.co.za. The downloaded forms need to be completed and submitted to the regional KSA offices with any pertinent accompanying documentation, for example, signed quotations and drawings and relevant communications.

Once these have been received the KSA will inform the member that a dispute has been logged. The member is then given an opportunity to respond to the complaint. If possible, the issue is handled via phone and email correspondence. If this is not possible, then a site inspection is organised between the parties.

After the site meeting the KSA will present their findings as to whether the issues are legitimate and if so, how they should be handled. If there are any funds outstanding or in dispute relating to the issue, then these must be placed into the KSA’s holding account prior to the site inspection.

The decision to enhance the skillset of our staff in this manner will add a new dimension to the KSA’s dispute process. With a formal qualification and registration behind them, the consumer will have added security and confidence in the KSA’s dispute resolution process.

The KSA will entertain any legitimate complaint, excluding wear and tear or abuse, within the guarantee period of the product. Consumers are encouraged to come to the KSA for help when they feel that have exhausted all reasonable avenues with their contractor, yet they wish to avoid legal action, as such alternate dispute resolution via the KSA is the best option.

Consumers can download the dispute registration documentation from the downloads page of our

Kitchen Specialists Association KSA Gauteng Megan Craft E gauteng@ksa.co.za M +27 (0)76 411 9638 KSA KZN Kerryn Bailey E kzn@ksa.co.za M +27 (0)82 721 5314 KSA Cape Town Stephanie Forbes E capetown@ksa.co.za M +27 (0)82 787 8806

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BUILDING SYSTEMS LIGHTING

Photos by Willowlamp

Lucky Love Clover in red

Baby Love Clover in brass

Growing Love Clovers Forming part of an award-winning lighting design company, an expanding collection of exquisite pendants and chandeliers, the Love Clover range, is a suite of charming yet elegant hanging lights that pay homage to their botanical namesake, the four-leaf clover. Each of the four distinctive designs in the new range conveys the serendipitous feelings associated with finding a four-leaf clover, the company founder tells To Build.

According to Willowlamp’s Founder and Creative Director, Adam Hoets, the Love Clover range was inspired by a run in the mountain where he and his fiancé, now wife, happened across fields of clovers.

‘Since that day, she encouraged me to use the shape of the four-leaf clover in my work,’ Hoets says.

Initially, only one lighting design bearing this distinctive motif was planned, but then Hoets decided to expand the range to three pendants and one chandelier. The challenge came when trying to capture the sense of joy that is associated with clovers, while still creating sophisticated designs.

‘As cute and cheerful as four-leaf clovers are, it took me a long time to translate them into threedimensional objects that were interesting,’ Hoets says. ‘Eventually, through trial and error, the solution

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presented itself in what is now a four-piece range making use of heart-shaped, sensual and voluptuous forms.’

Despite the resulting sophistication, Hoets felt each light had to have a playful name to properly represent what first inspired it. Hence, fittings that bear titles such as Secret Love, Big Love, Baby Love and Lucky Love.

The Secret Love pendant is powered by four LED lights and comprises four tapering segments, each cut to reveal heart patterns from any angle.

Willowlamp T +27 (0)21 447 8529 E info@willowlamp.com W www.willowlamp.com/collections.php

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BUILDING SYSTEMS LIGHTING

High-end lamps for high-end show Design Joburg, featuring Rooms on View, was launched as part of a bigger stable of successful events into the country by Media 10 who saw a need in the market for an inspiring high-end showcase of local and international design and dĂŠcor.

Premium lighting solutions company, Streamlight, showcased lighting at the recently held show. The company specialises in lighting layout designs and supplies exclusive, quality lighting for corporate, residential and hospitality spaces.

The company hosted a stand-alone exhibition as well as partnering with companies such as Studio A, Roche Bobois and Architects Gallery.

Streamlight With a minimalistic approach, visitors experienced the first stand-alone Streamlight exhibition. They partnered up with FLOAT Concrete, a creative company that aims to revolutionise interior and architecture and created concrete feature walls as well as a customised asymmetric concrete table. The exhibition displayed indoor Vibia lighting as well as pieces from in-house brand, Dark. The Vibia lighting systems introduced greenery that is usually associated with outdoor settings. The Palma Collection also makes multiple globe compositions, vertical and horizontal, to create visual axes on a larger scale. The designers were Jason Rivkind & Rodney Fittinghoff.

Studio A This exhibit stuck to a dark palette with pops of colour and gold, which are true to the designs of Tristan from Studio A. The furniture and tiling were sponsored by Diesel home, the kitchen was created by Blue Line Kitchens and all lighting was designed by Jason Rivkind. The stand saw elements of architectural lighting that lit up the floor as well as Vibia floor lamps. The main lighting feature was a post-modern asymmetric light from one of Streamlightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest brand, Schwung Homes, called Soap B7 Chandelier.

Made of solid brass with seven mouth-blown glass globes, it created a floating sensation. The Soap Chandelier beautifully complements the modern architectural lines of the design.

Roche Bobois

Streamlight E Jessica@sinnamon.co.za

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Photos by Streamlight

The leader in furniture design, Roche Bobois hosted a Parisian inspired stand which showcased the finest Kenzo furniture covered in Jean-Paul Gautier fabrics. Brad Kalish, Streamlight designer, ensured the exhibition used technical lighting to illuminate the steps as well as ribbon lighting to emphasize the stand display columns. Brad also included a Vibia floor lamp as well as an Italian feature light from Zava, called Net, a lamp in sheet steel with a strong sculptural inclination.

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BUILDING SYSTEMS LIGHTING

Reusing and upcycling old lights and chandeliers In this throw-away age, it is heartening to discover that there is a movement towards the re-use and upcycling of old lights, chandeliers and brass fittings.

Photos by Grayston Preparatory School & Pinterest

Ideas that have been implemented include painting old chandeliers and installing of PV-powered LED lighting for outdoor use, as well as cleaning up of old chandeliers by removing excess items to allow for a cleaner, more modern look.

Another instance of reuse is the simple donation of a used device to a worthy cause where it will be reused.

The Morningside Shopping Centre recently adopted this approach by donating five chandeliers that were hanging in the centre to the Grayston Preparatory School in Sandton. The chandeliers, shaped into exquisite balls of white flowers, were made from recycled plastic milk bottles by acclaimed South African artist, Heath Nash. In this way, through art, Nash aims to shine a light on the importance of environmental sustainability through recycling.

The idea was for students at Grayston Preparatory School to be able to see for themselves that recycling isn’t only better for our environment but can help make the world a little more beautiful too.

Morningside Shopping Centre manager, Sharon Henry, says the centre is thrilled to continue building strong ties with schools in the community while also caring for the environment by carrying on the artist’s vision to reduce, reuse and recycle.

‘Morningside Shopping Centre has become the community shopping centre of choice for the

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surrounding schools’ families and we are delighted that our chandeliers will find a new purpose in educating youngsters about art and conservation,’ she said.

Che McKay, Head of Grayston Preparatory School, adds: ‘The school is very grateful for the generous donation of the recycled chandeliers. We’re looking forward to displaying the chandeliers around the school campus and educating the learners on how art can be created using simple recycled materials. We also look forward to a long healthy relationship with Morningside Shopping Centre.”

Other ideas for the reuse of electric lights and chandeliers abound on social media platform, Pinterest. A simple search using the terms reuse of old chandeliers and lights leads to an abundance of pages where users have posted both their ideas and projects.

Morningside Shopping Centre W www.morningsideshops.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS ROOFING

Photo by MiTek

Why MiTek Top-Hat profiles?

Crowning success With a Gauteng manufacturing facility and regional offices in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban, a South African fabricator and supplier, MiTek, is well placed to supply the building industry with the wide range of timber connectors for both roof truss manufacturers and hardware merchants.

The company excels in three areas: integrated software packages, fully-designed builders’ products that are manufactured in accordance with Dekra ISO9001:2008 certification specifications, and its people.

Hennie Viljoen, MiTek’s marketing manager, tells To Build of the advantages of using the company’s high-performing MiTek Top-Hat profiles.

According to Hennie, MiTek Top-Hat profiles are steel hat channel profiles, manufactured from galvanized steel for superior corrosion resistance.

These cost-effective steel battens and purlins are compatible with timber and steel trusses for either tile or metal sheeting applications.

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• Available in standard lengths or can be cut to length (dependent on quantity) • Less wastage as it cannot be used for fire wood (non-combustible) • Can be used with both timber and steel roof trusses • Labour-saving in loading and offloading time • Galvanized for superior corrosion resistance • No treatment required (resistant to fungus and borer attacks) • Does not warp, so members are always straight and true • Transport and storage space-saving, e.g. bundle of 10 x 25mm MiTek Top-Hat profiles is the same size as one 38x38mm timber batten • Simplified and faster fixing to roof trusses as no purlin clips are used and requires no slitting of under sheeting membrane MiTek Top-Hat Profiles can be used as a batten, purlin, tilting fillet, ceiling brandering, runner, web cross brace or diagonal brace in both timber and steel roof structures.

‘In addition to being easy to transport (due to its lightweight properties), MiTek Top-Hat profiles are packaged in bundles of 10, enabling space saving storage and ease of handling. Top-Hat profiles are always straight ensuring a true and level roof,’ adds Hennie.

MiTek South Africa T +27 (0)11 237 8700 W www.mitek.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS ROOFING

Photos by Reinhard Swanepoel and Xavier Keys

Successful structural steel warehouse project in KZN A recently completed project, the Pepkor Warehouse in Hammarsdale, serves as a distribution centre for the Pepkor group. The building is roofed and clad with a high-tech, premium grade of coated steel that provides not only long life in service but also an attractive finish. The building also features the innovative usage of steel on many levels.

According to GD Joubert, Senior Associate at structural engineers, EDS Engineering Services: ‘The warehouse offers a mixed-use area of 82 000m2 consisting of covered warehouse space – 440m x 180m - also providing office space of 3 000m2 and 1 800m2 for companies Ackermans, Speciality and a total of a further four node offices of 500m2 each’.

‘The brief called for approximately 17.35m clear height to the underside of the eaves. Construction was done using reinforced concrete and structural steel to the structural engineer’s design with appropriate corrosion protection where necessary.

It was envisaged from the outset that the warehouse would be constructed largely of structural steel.

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The main support columns of the warehouse are concrete up to 12.6m and 17m from FFL. The remainder of the structure was constructed from structural steel,’ Joubert explains.

Structural steel was strengthened locally to allow for the installation of solar panels on a roof area of approximately 15,000m2.

Roofing based on a girder truss system ‘The structural system used for the building was based on a girder truss system carrying lateral trusses that makes up the main elements of the roof. Various steel profiles were used for the building, including the structural, roofing and cladding elements’, says Joubert.

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BUILDING SYSTEMS ROOFING According to Dave Reid, General Manager at Macsteel, the project was completed with Macsteel’s Novotexi 440 concealed-fix roofing profile using BlueScope’s legendary Zincalume® steel-incoating mass AZ150 with a total coated thickness (TCT) of 0.53mm on the roof. The cladding was the company’s wide-span 762 formed using Clean Colorbond® coating mass AZ150 at 0.47 mm TCT on the sides. Colorbond® Macsteel rollformed 660 tons on site with their mobile roll forming machines in a record time.

According to Arno Hanekom, Regional Manager of BlueScope Southern Africa, a critical element to the design of the roof was the selection of Zincalume® and Clean Colorbond® steels.

‘The coating on Zincalume® comprises 55% aluminium, 43.5% zinc and 1.5% silicon. It has excellent corrosion performance and forming capabilities and is available in high strength grades.

In the case of the Pepkor DC, product was supplied in coating mass AZ150, TCT 0.53mm and at longitudinal tensile strength G550.

‘In addition, Zinacalume® offers an above average solar reflective index when compared with other unpainted roofing materials such as galvanized steel,’ Hanekom adds.

The continuous hot dip process used to produce Zincalume® steel provides a surface coating which has a shiny appearance with a uniform small spangle.

This coating, patented to BlueScope, determines the solar absorption of the upper surface. In short, Zincalume® steel minimises the fraction of the sun’s energy absorbed by the roof and maximises the fraction reflected.

With a new SRI value of 63, Zincalume® offers superior performance over time when compared to all other unpainted materials keeping building cooler.

Shades of grey cladding The warehouse’s cladding was erected by Impact Engineering. Clean Colorbond® was supplied in coating mass AZ150, TCT 0.47mm and at longitudinal tensile strength G550. Colours were Armour Grey and Volcanic Grey, used to key-line prominent structural elements on the side of the building in a visually pleasing way. In addition, the high-performance paint system on Clean Colorbond® incorporates various sustainability and long-life features including the Thermatech® coating system.

Noteworthy aspects The remarkable aspects of this project were the speed at which the steelwork was erected as well as the completion of the overall project. A total of 2500 tons of structural steel was erected (main warehouse 2180 tons and canopies and offices 320 tons – a total of 2 500 tons), with the erection commencing on 14 November 2016 and reaching completion of the main warehouse structure at the end of March 2017.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM Project Pepkor Distribution Centre, Hammarsdale Developer/Client Rokwill Property Development Architects TC Design Architects Structural Engineers EDS Engineering Design Services (Pty) Ltd Main Contractor Abbeydale Building and Civils (Pty) Ltd Steelwork Contractor Cadcon Steel Construction and Engineering Steel Erector Fanie Leibrandt Steel Erectors Cladding and Roofing Manufacturer Macsteel Service Centres (Pty) Ltd Cladding Supplier Macsteel Services Centres and Engineering Cladding Contractor Impact Engineering (Pty) Ltd

BlueScope Steel Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd T +27 (0)21 442 5420 W www.bluescope.co.za www.macsteel.co.za www.edseng.co.za

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Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

MATERIALS ADHESIVES & SEALANTS........................104 BRICKS & PAVING..................................110 CEMENT & CONCRETE..........................113 COATINGS..............................................122 INSULATION.............................................128 TIMBER & DECKING...............................130

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MATERIALS ADHESIVES & SEALANTS

Photos by Sika

Solutions for water The Phumelela Local Municipality is currently experiencing severe water shortages and is considering options to ensure the provision of a sufficient and sustainable potable water system for the future, for both the short and longer term.

Water usage has been restricted throughout the past years, but water quality deteriorates daily. The high rural to urban migration and changing water use pattern, mainly because of the introduction of water borne sewerage systems under the bucket eradication programme, place additional stress on existing infrastructure and resources. The final objective of this project is to implement a sustainable regional bulk water supply scheme in the Phumelela Local Municipal area, prioritizing Warden.

Cornelis River Dam The Cornelis River Dam, situated in the Free State between Johannesburg and Durban, 56km north of Harrismith, had undergone major refurbishment.

The project commenced in June 2017 by contractors

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Raubex and is scheduled for completion in May 2018. Sikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputable range of concrete repair and protection products were the top choice of specified products by project managers, Rudnat Projects CC. BHM readymix from Harrismith supplied all the concrete with SikaPlast V220 and Stallion 2 admixtures.

To grout the anchor rods into the rock, before pouring the concrete to create the steps, Intraplast-Z was used, a grout admixture that is designed to introduce micro bubbles into the grout mix, creating wet volume expansion and to increase fluidity without segregation.

As a curing agent to prevent premature water loss, Sikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Antisol E was sprayed onto areas of mass concrete. Forming a thin film barrier, this ready-to-use

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ADHESIVES & SEALANTS MATERIALS

liquid curing compound does not disturb the normal setting action of concrete which is then allowed to cure and achieve maximum properties.

Separol-GU, an oil-based release agent was used to provide easy release properties to the formwork, permitting a high-quality surface finish on the dam wall. The company’s micro fibres were specified to be used in the spillway concrete as well as in the concrete mix of the dam wall to reduce any crack tendencies in early-age concrete.

The structure was primed with Sikagard-550 W Primer prior to the application of Sikagard-550 W Elastic, an acrylic-based emulsion, high build, protective coating providing a durable covering with excellent resistance to weathering.

As a surface hardener for concrete, Sikafloor CureHard-24 was used in the spillway concrete. This easy-to-apply compound reduces dusting of concrete floors as well as improves chemical and abrasion resistance compared to untreated concrete.

The concrete wall was repaired using Sika MonoTop-610, an easy-to-apply cementitious, polymer-modified, one-component slurry. This bonds

high strength MonoTop-612, repair mortar containing silica fume and synthetic fibre reinforcement. Providing excellent slump resistance, it is particularly suitable for application on overhead and vertical surfaces.

Sika Waterbar Type O-20 was centrally placed in all the expansion joints. It is manufactured from virgin thermoplastic PVC for strength and flexibility and easy, on-site welding. Internationally tested Sika-Waterbars were used to seal construction and expansion joints in all water retaining structures. They withstand high water pressure and are supplied in rolls of various widths and types Sika Plast Stallion-2 and Sika Plast V220 were used as admixtures for the structural concrete and blinding concrete as multi-purpose water reducers and superplasticizers, utilizing ‘ViscoCrete’ polycarboxylate polymer technology. Its higher ultimate strengths allow for greater engineering design, flexibility and structural economies.

Two main challenges faced during this project were to drill 21m into the ground and create a grout wall before starting with the actual wall, as water kept rising when drilling into the ground. Drilling into the rock for the anchor rods was also another challenge because the rock is so hard, which in turn caused the drill bit to break off or go blunt.

It is expected that this project will be completed in 18 months. The aim of the project was to refurbish 5000m² of concrete, however, it is assumed that the area will increase on completion.

Sika South Africa T +27 (0)31 7926500 E littley.bronwyn@za.sika.com W www.sika.co.za

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Photos by Den Braven

Tried and tested – demonstrated Some advice from a well-regarded adhesive manufacturer on using high tack product.

‘We present the one and only instant grip Den Braven High Tack – tried and tested. We’ve all heard the saying “seeing is believing” and we could tell you repeatedly how incredible Den Braven High Tack is - instantly bonding weights of up to 20kg – but you probably wouldn’t believe us, until you’ve seen it yourself,’ says a company spokesperson.

A facilities management workshop was recently held at Den Braven head office, where delegates learnt handy tips during hands-on demonstrations on various products, as well as when and where to use the Den Braven range of sealants and adhesives.

To demonstrate the unmatched capabilities of Den Braven High Tack, it was applied to an 18kg brick which was then positioned on top of another 18kg brick. The audience watched with awe as the top bonded brick was immediately lifted off the ground, with the bottom brick stuck fast, demonstrating the incredible instant grip capabilities of High Tack. A steel trowel was then bonded onto a brick using High Tack. Again, the bonded trowel and brick were lifted immediately and held up for all to see how well different substrates are bonded.

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‘Our product is not only the original, it is superior.

Try it yourself – nothing else compares,’ commented the spokesperson.

According to the manufacturer, instant grip High Tack can be used without mechanical support for bonding vertically on panels, skirting boards, windowsills, natural stone, thresholds, mirrors and isolating materials, in coach-work, metal connecting joints, and in shipbuilding. It is non-corrosive to metals.

It is important to ensure when applying Den Braven High Tack that the “v” nozzle is facing upward, the cartridge is held at a 90-degree angle, and is extruded in vertical stripes, not blobs – between 10-20cm apart.

Allow sufficient curing time. The process is graphically demonstrated on this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ Wn1rHviYrWI

Den Braven T +27 (0)11 792 3830 +27 (0)21 552 9674 +27 (0)31 579 2375 E sales@denbraven.co.za W www.denbraven.co.za

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MATERIALS ADHESIVES & SEALANTS

Photos by Mapei

Left: Antony Offenberg, Mapei South Africa general manager Mapei South Africa’s new manufacturing facility in Germiston

Investing for industry growth An Italian construction chemical manufacturer has unveiled a new local manufacturing facility in Germiston where it expects to manufacture a wide range of products to meet burgeoning demands for the next 15-20 years.

Mapei South Africa General Manager, Antony Offenberg, says that since entering the market in 2011, Mapei South Africa has earned a sound reputation for technical expertise which has led to a growing customer-base and a significant slice of market share. Its focus on quality has also paid dividends and moved the manufacturer to become one of the leading local suppliers of construction chemicals and adhesives in Southern Africa.

Offenberg says the growth of the company is largely a result of its customer-centric approach and unique focus on quality.

‘While growing the business in South Africa we have carefully noted the requirements of the market, as well as individual customers to develop solutions that meet their current and future needs,’ he explains.

‘For example, we found that top of our customers’ wants, was for high-quality products to be widely available with sufficient stock available to complete projects anywhere throughout the sub-region. In addition, they needed the assurance that the products meet international as well as SABS quality standards.

‘We moved swiftly to meet these requirements and the advanced new manufacturing plant, supported by smart technical teams, as well as support infrastructure, such as laboratories and training facilities is the culmination of these requirements,’ Offenberg says.

‘Even in the recent tough economic conditions we have invested heavily into the construction industry in the knowledge that we will be best positioned to support the industry when the economy picks up and the construction industry booms once again. With this

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kind of infrastructure in place we will easily meet the requirements of the retail industry, contractors and professionals who are currently planning largescale projects and vast infrastructure upgrades,” he adds.

New products and technical backup The company has also launched its advanced range of locally manufactured ceramic adhesives into the market produced at the new factory.

Ceramic adhesive specialist, Zamaswazi Ntobela, adds that the timing of Mapei’s entry into the market could not have been better.

‘There is a niche in the market for technical products that are easier to install and more durable than standard offerings.

‘Our offering also provides technical support and backup for professionals to make the right decisions when specifying, buying and using our adhesives.

Whether it is an off-the-shelf product they are using, or one of our technical products, we want to offer them peace-of-mind ours will last as long as the tiling solutions they are installing. These facilities include auditoriums, training rooms and fully-calibrated laboratories capable of testing to strict international standards and will be used to share results and work with installers to shave days off their traditional installation methods,” says Ntobela.

Mapei SA (Pty) Ltd T +27 (0) 11 552 8476 E g.green@mapei.co.za W www.mapei.co.za

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MATERIALS BRICKS & PAVING Photos by Chryso

Above: CHRYSO Alpha Pave is suitable for precast paving stones.

Left: The CHRYSO Alpha range is suitable for all dry and semi-dry precast applications.

Advances in admixtures for precast paving A new product range promises to allow manufacturers to reduce the costs of production.

The company behind this promise, Chryso Southern Africa, has released a new end-to-end range of concrete admixtures specifically for dry and semi-dry precast applications.

‘Each product in this range meets high performance levels in terms of concrete compaction, mechanical strength and aesthetic quality,’ says Hannes Engelbrecht, General Manager inland sales at Chryso Southern Africa.

The range includes CHRYSO® Alpha for all dry and semi-dry precast applications, as well as specific admixtures for blocks (CHRYSO® Alpha Block), paving stones (CHRYSO® Alpha Pave), kerbs (CHRYSO® Alpha K), and pipes and hollow slabs (CHRYSO® Alpha T).

For even higher performance ratios – unrivalled in the market – the company has developed CHRYSO® Alpha Block L540, CHRYSO® Alpha K216 and CHRYSO® Alpha Pave 305.

Adding to their innovativeness, the company has also introduced a new range of efflorescence reducers called CHRYSO® Alpha Color 600, 300 and 100.

The company has also pioneered a dedicated array of immediate mould-release products and services in its CHRYSO® Dem range, which is designed to meet any precast and construction requirements.

‘The new range allows manufacturers to reduce costs. For example, precast paving manufacturers

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can optimise total cementitious contents, while reducing pigment dosages and still produce quality paving blocks. Further advantages producers can expect are improved aesthetics better colour stability, colour intensities and swipe and increased output in production as well as reduced energy consumption,’ says Engelbrecht.

Engelbrecht highlights that his company’s team of technical experts is always on hand to offer advice, as well as provide superior formulations that integrate into customers’ manufacturing processes. Backing up this service is in-house laboratory support to meet specific requirements, ensuring that solutions deliver the best cost-performance ratio. There is also a colour lab to assist with tailored colour requirements.

‘Our innovative, hi-tech approach includes the conducting of material diagnostics for the customer, analysing their requirements to find the right products in our dry-cast concrete range that will best suit their process and provide the optimal performance. Indeed, the new products use latest-generation molecules to achieve unprecedented performance levels,’ he says.

Chryso Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd T +27 (0)11 395 9700 E elrene@chrysosa-abe.co.za W www.za.chryso.com

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Rendering by the Clay Brick Association

Low cost housing – is sustainability affordable?

The Clay Brick Association addresses the misconception: If it costs more to design and build a “green” building, how could it possibly be affordable?

Environment-friendly technology and materials can be more expensive up front, but high demand, increased competition and innovative technology is bringing prices down. When life-cycle costs are taken into consideration – like electricity bills and fines for excessive water use – there is a real incentive for developers and homeowners to consider sustainability.

Life-cycle costs include both upfront and continuous operating costs. Over the lifetime of a building, the operating costs utterly outweigh its upfront costs.

Green buildings perform far above average in terms of operating costs because they are designed to use less energy and water than normal.

Revised SANS 10400-XA building regulations currently under development, will require higher thermal performance standards. This prevents contractors from cost-cutting on structures and materials that are not immediately visible to the buyer or property owner.

Designing and building for sustainability is more cost-effective than retrofitting after construction. Many sustainable design principles - like the use of shade and positioning the house correctly or including a cavity in walls - cost nothing at all.

Energy savings and buying local ‘The Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa recently concluded a three-year Thermal Performance Study carried out by the University of Pretoria,” reports CBA Technical Director, Nico Mienie.

‘In the temperate climate zones of South Africa, potential energy savings of 30% were found for residential buildings built of solid brick walls,’ he says, ‘whilst savings of 70% were found for insulated cavity brick walls. Even higher savings are evident in the

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hotter regions of South Africa and in non-residential buildings, where electricity use for air conditioning is much higher.’

“Buy local” usually means “buy South African” but when it comes to clay brick, local means buying from a manufacturer that is closer to home, preferably less than 100km.

‘Because clay brick is a dense construction material, developers will get the best price and lowest transport costs close to the point of manufacture,’ advises CBA Executive Director, Mariana Lamont.

‘Competitively-priced, accredited brick suppliers can be found in every region, providing consistent quality stock-in-hand and short transport distances.

“Our website (www.claybrick.org) has an interactive map that allows you to select your construction site and identify contact and product information for suppliers in your area,’ Lamont adds.

Reducing the carbon footprint The South African National Development Plan sets a clear vision with regards to sustainability. In alignment with this goal, the CBA has launched a three-year sustainability programme, co-funded by the European Union and co-ordinated by Switch Africa Green.

Its focus is to promote inclusive sustainable practices in the South Africa Clay brick sector.

The programme encompasses several projects expected to reduce the use of fossil fuel during brick manufacture, as well as introduce education and research initiatives for informal brick-makers.

The Clay Brick Association of South Africa W www.claybrick.org

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CEMENT & CONCRETE MATERIALS

Collaborating to address water crisis

By Rob Rein, Executive: Sales and Marketing at PPC

Natural and national disasters have a way of jolting communities and societies into common action. They often deal us a harsh reminder that we are inhabitants of a shared planet with shared resources that we all need to thrive.

To survive them, natural disasters require collaborative efforts by various society actors, working together to achieve a stated common goal.

The Western Cape water crisis is one such example that requires different actors to collaborate with an objective of minimising the impact of water shortage on both communities and businesses. It requires common action to stave off the disastrous impact of Day Zero.

Informed by this reality, working with the Western Cape Provincial Government, Green Cape and other critical stakeholders, PPC recently hosted an industry workshop in Cape Town to explore ways through which industry players can contribute to conserving and preserving water while sustaining the local economy.

The crisis demands of various actors to be innovative and compels us to re-evaluate our current strategies, possibly developed in times of water abundance. The industry, including big and small players, needs a complete mind shift now that we are confronted with a new reality.

The truth of the matter is that South Africa is a water scarce country, and the Western Cape water crisis will not be the last one to affect the country. As several workshop participants warned, businesses, households and individuals must adjust to the ‘new normal’, not only to stave-off Day Zero in the Western Cape, but because water scarcity is a scary reality for the entire country.

Into the medium term A point to note is that the Western Cape Provincial government’s projections are that the dry spell cycle will possibly last for between three and four years and the water tariffs will remain in force for a long duration.

Photo by PPC

Re-evaluation

Rob Rein

Evidently, it cannot be business as usual for the industry. In the Western Cape, construction is one of the top three key sectors responsible for economic growth, employing close to 230 000 people.

With this appreciation, government’s message for the industry is ‘to reduce water usage as much

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MATERIALS CEMENT & CONCRETE as possible without affecting production’, says Solly Fourie, Head of Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Provincial Government.

Without collaboration and concerted action by industry players, it is more likely that the industry will experience delayed investment, reduced productivity, importation of products previously sourced locally, increase in input costs, lower product demand and resultant profit loss, potential retrenchments, and reputational damage to the entire industry.

Failure to manage the impact of the water shortage will have a significant negative impact to the economy of the Western Cape and its people. In our view, we need to save water and grow the economy at the same time. It is not one or the other. We need to make very practical commitments in how we deploy watersaving measures in our daily activities.

Actions speak louder than words At PPC we have implemented comprehensive water management programmes aligned to our integrated water use licenses, and the environmental and social impact assessment. Our approach to water management is driven by a few principles including: • Responsible water management to avoid causing harm to the environment or communities where we have operations.

• Optimal water usage to generate short and longterm value.

• Management of quality and quantity of water.

• Ensuring and promoting compliance with the legal and other requirements.

In the Western Cape we have specifically implemented measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing drought and have employed alternatives from an operational perspective to ensure continuity of supply. These include some innovative solutions such as increased temperature control limits on the kiln, continuous reduction in irrigation volumes and change in irrigation schedules, use of grey mine water for process and dust reduction, and an enhanced water monitoring regime.

Over and above the measures that we undertake in our own operations, we have developed some guiding tips to encourage responsible water use on construction sites. These will vary from one site to the other depending on the type of the project being undertaken. Easy to implement and effective measures to reduce the amount of water used on sites can include using non-portable water to mix concrete

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and mortar, re-using water for dust suppression, construction of pits to wash vehicles or using nonportable water for construction.

The industry has been encouraged to measure and manage water usage and to investigate alternate sources of water for construction like: • Ground water • Basement water (CBD building sites) • Treated effluent, and • Run-off water The government and the NHBRC have committed to work collaboratively to allow ease of use of the alternative sources of water for construction. This will however be done while ensuring that quality standards are maintained.

Unity of purpose In truth, no single company has all the solutions to our current crisis, and thus it is important to share lessons and experiences, and to have unity of purpose. This is exactly the approach we have adopted at PPC.

Editor’s Comment Should you as reader have any contribution to this open discussion, please email your comments to us at editor@tobuild.co.za clearly marked Current Water Crisis Discussion. We welcome news from companies or individuals who are striving to make a difference.

About PPC Ltd A leading supplier of cement, lime and related products in southern Africa, PPC has 11 cement factories and a lime manufacturing facility in six African countries including South Africa, Botswana, DRC, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The recent commissioning of PPC’s milling depot, located in Harare, Zimbabwe and new plants in the DRC and Ethiopia bring PPC’s capacity to around eleven and a half million tons of cement products each year, compared to 8 million tons in 2015.

PPC Ltd T +27 (0)11 386 9000 W www.ppc.co.za

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Photos by Twinstar Precast

Meeting a concrete need Under certain conditions, sourcing a precast concrete product as specified on plans or bills of materials can be a headache, argues the owner of a successful precast business.

Twinstar Precast was founded in 2014 with the concept of assisting civil engineering contractors and civil engineers with complicated sites and situations where currently available precast concrete products just won’t work, says company founder, Annemerie Hilhorst.

With 20 years’ experience in the precast industry, Hilhorst realised that there was a gap in the precast market for custom products and once-off items. In the concrete pipe and manhole market, the emphasis is on high volumes, and the time to design and build moulds for non-standard products disrupts any normal welloiled production line.

‘To manufacture these products which are not a wellknown day-to-day operation, requires additional skills and supervision. For these companies it is not profitable to “break” a profitable production process for a once-off item,” she says.

‘With our experience in precast concrete we understand what is possible and give expert advice on the feasibility of your design’.

Working with precast concrete requires special knowledge and skills, and not all contractors have the necessary manpower and facilities to manufacture such products on site, hence Twinstar Precast strives to be the problem solver and are solution-driven in all aspects of precast concrete.

‘With products ranging in weight from 20kg up to 6 tons, we can solve almost all your precast problems and turn your nightmare requirements into a quick solution,’ says Hilhorst.

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Twinstar Precast recently started with in-house manufacturing of polymer products. The risk of theft of products with steel and cast-iron components increases daily. These polymer products have no metal components and reduces the safety risk of open manholes, as well as the financial implication this has on councils and developers. Twinstar Precast manufacture manhole lids and frames as well as storm water gratings. These components can be bought as a loose item or cast into the required precast concrete slabs.

In 2016 Twinstar Precast assisted a client in successfully closing old mineshafts in Gauteng, which had previously been closed on numerous occasions but could not withstand vandalism and was opened for illegal mining activities. These mineshaft slabs are still intact, and no illegal activity has been reported since.

Twinstar Precast are situated in Olifantsfontein, Gauteng, but deliver anywhere in South Africa. Their crane-mounted trucks can offload the product on any site. The company also offer a service where the cranemounted trucks can assist with placing of slabs during installation.

Twinstar Precast T +27 (0)12 670 9083 E info@twinstar.co.za W www.twinstar.co.za

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Photos by Afrimat

Above: Cape Lime Langvlei plant.

Above right: Walls plaster without lime (left) and with supplier’s lime (right).

The forgotten treasure A timely reminder from a manufacturer that building lime offers many options to designers and contractors.

Building with real lime is an old fashioned, experienced artisan’s secret. The experienced old school artisan will be pleased to know that CLC building lime is back with a bang and this excitement is with good reason!

What is building lime?

• Limestone burned in a kiln • A reactive unstable calcium oxide is formed • Which is hydrated in a pressure hydrator forming hydrated lime • Builders lime (hydrated lime) is formed through a chemical process • Hydrated lime reacts with C02 from the atmosphere to physically change into original rock-hard limestone

A history of building lime Extraordinarily, building lime as a mortar ingredient has been responsible for some of the longest standing man-made structures on our planet. The Great Wall of China and the Egyptian Pyramids are just two. It is truly a magical ingredient that’s proven itself over centuries. And yet it remains relatively misunderstood and little-known.

Building lime is a cementitious ingredient that sets slowly with atmospheric CO2 absorption. This slow rate of setting is where its strength lies. It benefited slower construction centuries ago by giving mortar flexibility, elasticity and made it more tolerant to

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movement than would have been the case with stronger more rigid mortars.

Building lime today With the discovery of Portland cement technology in the 19th century, the benefits of lime were neglected because of a cementitious ingredient that can give quicker and higher strengths. This was and is obviously still a great advantage to an industry where time is money. Modern research and studies show us that building lime today still adds unmissable value to the building industry and is too valuable to be left out of mortars and plasters.

Boshoff Muller, Sales Manager for Cape Lime Company (CLC) explains that their CLC building lime is a trusted name in the industry. Established in 1946 and acquired by Afrimat, Cape Lime produces the best quality SABS 523, A2P type pressure hydrated building lime in the southern hemisphere.

Why building lime in plasters and mortars?

Building lime acts as an internal curing mechanism for cement because of its great water retention capabilities. This helps prevent the mix from drying out to quick and in turn contributes to less cracking.

It also acts as marbles between sand particles and gives mortar and plaster mixes great workability, making it friendlier to the mason to bed and contribute to a smoother finish.

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MATERIALS CEMENT & CONCRETE Because of the product’s fineness it penetrates better into substrate, giving amazing increase in bond strength as well as lowering permeability of plasters and mortars.

The result is a waterproof mortar and plaster.

A point of difference to Portland cement is that building lime does not change in volume as it dries out and that is why almost no drying shrinkage is experienced when using lime by itself. This also contributes to prevent cracking of a mortar and plaster. CLC building lime is autogenous and can heal hairline cracks.

The use of building lime saves costs by means of less wastage, lower maintenance, increased productivity and it offers a great sand-carrying capacity by which a mix can be bulked up with more sand, dependant on the sand type.

The current building site - plasters and mortars

Unfortunately, the only test for plaster and mortars in modern construction is a compressive strength test which does not measure any of the above properties.

Plasters and mortars are misunderstood by many and are often too rigid and strong for its actual purpose.

The building sector today is a fast-moving, price sensitive industry where knowledge and skilled artisans are not as commonly found as a few decades ago. In the past the skill to lay bricks and plaster with the knowledge on basic site practise was handed down from one generation to another. It seems that unfortunately that there is a generation gap in this practical education of knowledge and skill.

‘It is time to educate those who lack the knowledge and remind those who has forgotten the great value of building lime combined with good basic site practise as it was done not so long ago’, suggests Muller.

Muller poses the question as to what makes a good mortar when in its hardened state in load-bearing masonry? And what is the most important properties of a hardened mortar?

• Bond strength to masonry units • Low drying shrinkage, and • Low permeability

Cape Lime Company (Afrimat) T +27 (0)82 452 1283 E boshoff.muller@afrimat.co.za W www.afrimatlime.co.za

About the use of lime in building Most limestone beds form in marine environments where large deposits of organisms and carbonate precipitation build up over time.

Limestone consists of calcareous sedimentary rocks that have been formed under pressure on the beds of lakes and the sea. This substrate contains a mix of shells, bones and other calcium-rich objects, and is called calcite (CaCO3). Over millions of years, layer after layer is built up, adding weight. The heat and pressure causes a chemical reaction at the bottom and the sediments turn into limestone.

Uses include lime mortar, lime plaster, lime render, lime-ash floors, tabby concrete, whitewash, silicate mineral paint, and limestone blocks which may be of many types. The qualities of the many types of processed lime affect how they are used. The Romans used two types of lime mortar to make Roman concrete, which allowed them to revolutionize architecture. A commonly used building material, dolomitic pressure hydrated lime, is produced by adding water to quicklime in autoclave conditions. The autoclave provides the high pressure needed to completely hydrate magnesium oxide.

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An early generation building method used the limestone from the earth, cut or hacked into blocks.

This method is deeply ingrained into South Africa’s cultural heritage. In fact, the writer recently found evidence of this building style, which must go back to at least the 1700s, in the remote area of Agulhas in the Cape. This discovery in the far reaches of the national park inspired a story for sister publication, SA Building Review in 2016.

Editor

Remains of limestone/sandstone home in the Agulhas area.

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Sustainability means embracing the green revolution Sustainability is one of the key regulations faced by property developers today, enforced by SA legislation1 and ‘encouraged’ by societal pressure locally and globally.

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Photo by Plascon

“Greener” options exist at every stage of property development, from the architecture and design, to building materials, water and energy consumption as well as the building’s carbon footprint - both during construction and after completion.

The earth-friendly property development requirements - legislated in SA in 2011 - are encompassed by SANS 10400-XA (the application of the national building regulations) in part X (environmental sustainability) and part XA (energy usage in buildings)2.

In a nutshell, all new energy-consuming structures, such as offices, hospitals, schools, government social housing and so forth, must comply with the legislation, which is administered by local authorities.

And this is where Plascon paints and coatings can ramp up the sustainability rating of a building.

How can an industrial “ingredient” such as paint be environmentally sensitive, you ask?

Well, Plascon has embraced the green theme as a core business objective, and, according to Carol Ras, who heads up the Plascon Professional category, the company has eliminated lead from all paints and removed VOC (volatile organic compounds) and solvents from all coatings in their journey to the pinnacle of environmental friendliness.3 ‘We adhere strictly to the building certification requirements outlined by the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA) in manufacturing all our products. The net effect is that the green star rating is maximised for buildings created by property developers who use our paints and coatings,’ says Ras. Plascon is guided by the principles of the 1987 Brundtland Commission, which prioritised ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’4 ‘Some of our products are low VOC, while some of them are zero VOC and zero solvent. Zero VOC means the paint contains less than 5g/l VOCs. Zero

Carol Ras, who heads up Plascon Professional

solvent means there’s no release of solvents at all.

Just think how much of a healthier choice this is, for humans and for our planet,’ Ras adds.

‘Further earth-friendly features in Plascon’s Kitchens & Bathrooms, for example, include the fact that this paint is 10 times more washable than conventional water-based paints, which means less repainting over time, which translates into less natural resources being used as well as cost-savings for the building owner. The lead-free formulation of Plascon’s entire range is kinder to humans and to the planet.

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‘A real win for the planet is Plascon Nuroof Cool – roof paint that literally cools the interior of your home by up to 8°C because it contains the Enviroshield™ formulation with a UV protector that reflects the sun’s rays by at least 30%. A lower roof temperature means longer-lasting colour and less electricityconsuming air-conditioning is needed to cool the interior. Nuroof Cool protects against harsh weather and environmental pollutants, leading to decreased emissions of greenhouse gases.

‘The Velvaglo non-drip water-based enamel for furniture, doors, and wall surfaces contains Aquatough™, a unique acrylic hybrid that gives greater UV resistance, flexibility and durability, leading to less repainting over time. With low odour and low VOC, this product is not harmful.”

‘So, what does your company do to allow future generations to love our planet as much as we do now?’ Ras asks.

‘What will you change in your business processes to make them more earth friendly? What ingredient will you eliminate from your manufacturing process that is not from a sustainable resource, or that is known to be harmful to humans? What can you change in your personal daily life, even if it is a seemingly small habit, to be kinder to our planet?’ she adds.

Plascon Professional W www.plascon.com

References 1. http://www.greenbusinessguide.co.za/green-building-legislation-in-south-africa/ The new regulations are defined in the South African Bureau of Standards‘ SANS 10400 XA standard, and enforceable in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act. A higher standard, SANS 204, remains voluntary.

2. http://sans10400.co.za/download/SANS10400-XA%202011-DSS3.pdf 3. https://plascon.com/docs/default-source/south-africa/professional/green-brochure2013.pdf?sfvrsn=8393d989_2 4. Brundtland Commission - ‘Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ (Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future, 1987).

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Opening a can of paint

In this article by Paintsmiths, the writer argues that going green in the full sense of the word is more than just adopting the colour.

A surprising number of businesses, communities and people have become more aware of conserving and protecting natural resources. In most cases, understanding where to begin is the first question.

Numerous solutions are readily available by taking small steps towards Mother Earth, making this planet a better place for all and preparing for future generations.

The VOC factor Paintsmiths is a reputable group of eco-friendly paint merchants, with stores around the country. This proactive group has taken the cold-faced truth very seriously and identified the importance of making the difference, by introducing a range of Zero-VOC products.

Whilst doing so, their team of highly-trained paint specialists embarked upon a ‘toxic truth’ investigation and came up with some interesting facts, which prompted the introduction of their unique Zero-VOC products.

The word ‘organic’, often used out of context, means a substance which contains carbon. It includes petrol, various solvents, plastic and plants. (in fact, carbon is the building block of all living tissue – Ed) Water-based paints are generally more environmentally sound than oil-based (or solventbased) products. However, it’s not only about whether paints are oil- or water-based. It also depends on the type of colourants and other chemicals used as preservatives, binders, etc.

With certain of their water-based topcoats, Midas Envirolite has managed to achieve close to zero VOC, which is less than 1 gram of VOC’s per litre, and which in other words, is virtually negligible.

The remarkably low VOC content is achieved by using glycol-free colourants, which help immensely

Photo by Paintsmiths

‘Going Green’ and ‘eco-friendly’ have become buzz words in the modern world.

Understanding the true meaning of ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘Going Green’, means pursuing an eco-conscious lifestyle, ultimately resulting in a healthier living environment.

Stuart Hunter

to reduce the possible health hazards associated with paint.

Is water-based paint environmentally neutral?

As we are accustomed to being surrounded by paint almost every day of our lives and taking for granted that it is usually a part of the design of most rooms, people believe that the paint we use is commonplace, and therefore is safe.

Simply put, VOC’s react to the atmosphere, affecting the ozone layer and produce ground level smog, ultimately affecting human health.

Various paint manufacturers are now making claims regarding environment-friendly paints. Globally, there is no ‘common’ standard for VOC’s in paint and in South Africa, there is no legislation regarding VOC’s or the measurement thereof.

The role of the GBCSA The Green Building Council of SA’s (GBCSA) ‘Green Star’, is the first green building rating system to be launched in South Africa. They have defined VOC’s as any carbon-based substance with a boiling point of less than 250 degrees.

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MATERIALS COATINGS They have also introduced a ‘Green Tool Rating’, which rates the percentage of organic substances.

The rating system sets standards and benchmarks for ‘green’ buildings and enables an objective assessment as to how ‘green’ a building is. Points are awarded according to which measures have been incorporated.

Factual considerations – paints on the wall 1. Conventional paints contain potentially toxic chemicals - Paints are not super-safe and are certainly not fit for any type of consumption.

Most conventional paints contain chemicals like carcinogens, neurotoxins and other hazardous ingredients. Added to that formidable list of nasties, you will also find that it includes terpenes, formaldehyde, acrolein, phthalates, glycol, toluene, methylene chloride, styrene, trichloroethylene, xylenes and benzene.

2. Indoor air pollution levels can be 1 000 times higher than outdoor - On an average day, volatile organic compound (VOC) levels inside the home can be two to five times higher than outdoors.

During activities like paint stripping, they can reach up to 1 000 times higher!

3. The ‘new paint’ odour disappears – the toxic chemicals remain - VOCs aren’t only released when the paint is fresh, they can emit gas for the next three to five years!

4. The EPA allows American suppliers to use the term ‘zero-VOC’, even if they contain off-gassing chemicals – You would assume that ‘low-VOC’ and ‘zero-VOC’ means a product has less VOCs than traditional paints. Don’t ever take this at face value. Low or zero-VOC doesn’t always mean nontoxic, healthy or safe. Even zero-VOC paints can contain other risky chemicals not considered VOCs (like highly toxic ammonia and acetone which are not classified as VOCs and are not required by

law to appear on the label). The low or zero-VOC claim may refer only to the base paint – not the colour tint. In other words, the moment you add colour to your base, you potentially add VOCs back into it.

5. Misleading third party, eco-friendly and health certifications - Third-party certifications, including the highest levels of certification, allow for at least two teaspoons (about 50 000 parts per million/ ppm) of these chemicals as part of their standards.

Yet, toxic chemical exposures as low as 5ppm can cause damage ranging from skin and eye irritation, to long-term kidney damage, respiratory and cognitive functions.

A healthier alternative?

Since no adequate health regulations are in place and labelling can be so deceptive, the burden unfortunately lies with you. Choose a company which is transparent about ingredients and honest in its advice. Then make an informed decision.

Stuart Hunter, MD of Paintsmiths says: ‘As a paint specialist business we are proud to be a market leader that has constantly been at the forefront of innovation. The supply and distribution of Zero and Low VOC products is central to our ethos of being an environmentally conscious paint business.’

Question Do you as a reader have anything to add to this debate? Please email your comments to editor@tobuild.co.za

Paintsmiths T +27 (0)21 447 0217/14 E info@paintsmiths.co.za W www.paintsmiths.co.za

VOCs: What the EPA says EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s “Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study” (Volumes I through IV, completed in 1985) found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. TEAM studies indicated that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.

Health effects may include: Eye, nose and throat irritation; Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea; Damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

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[Source: Environmental Protection Agency, USA www.epa.gov.za ]

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MATERIALS INSULATION

Real incentive to install insulation

The Energy Efficiency Regulations were promulgated in September 2011, which made the installation of thermal insulation mandatory in certain occupancy classes, in new buildings and extensions. Yet, there are still some developers and contractors who do not install thermal insulation even though it has been regulated.

Compulsory occupancy classes in accordance with the Regulation are: entertainment & public assembly, theatrical & indoor sports, places of instruction such as schools, places of worship, exhibition halls. Museums, places of detention, hospitals, frail care centres, health care, shops, hotels, dormitories, houses and hospitality, for example B&B’s.

Why do builders not comply?

There is little or no enforcement or, if it has been installed there is no adherence to the MINIMUM prescribed thermal resistance values as indicated in SANS 10400-XA Energy usage in buildings.

Conversely, when installed, sub-standard products are installed, resulting in under performance due to cheap products that have not been tested in accordance with SABS standards.

The built environment has great potential for energy savings since building design is the major factor determining the energy efficiency of a building. If a house or building is properly insulated the need for air-conditioning in summer or heating during winter would be reduced substantially. This is a scientific fact.

The real challenge is to get developers and contractors on board. Major energy savings can only be achieved through changes in people’s attitude and

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Photo by Gareth Griffiths

In a message to readers of To Build, the Thermal Insulation Products & Systems Association SA (TIPSASA) calls on all specifiers and decision makers to ensure their new builds or refits are insulated. behaviour, which depends on informed professionals, designers and contractors, complying with the minimum requirement as per the regulation.

The real challenge is to get developers and contractors on board.

Retrofitting Fortunately, homeowners and building managers are becoming increasingly interested in improving the energy efficiency of their homes to reduce energy costs and improve their comfort.

Many older houses in South Africa are relatively “drafty”, lightly insulated or not insulated at all. This can result in higher heat losses and energy bills.

Space heating accounts for a high percentage of residential energy use in winter and therefore makes up a good proportion of the overall energy usage.

Thermal insulation is ultimate passive installation and the invisible energy saver – there is no reason why it should not be installed.

Thermal Insulation Products & Systems Association SA (TIPSASA) T +27 (0)861 000 334 +27 (0)12 663 1480 W www.tipsasa.co.za

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MATERIALS TIMBER & DECKING

Photo by ITC-SA

Shoddy building can be avoided by following this advice.

Clients urged to empower themselves – industry association Clients of contractors in the building industry are urged to empower themselves before tackling construction projects. The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA), South Africa’s watchdog for the engineered timber construction sector, weighs in.

Thanks to its range of advantages and strong appeal to the homeowner and property developer looking for a greener, legitimately sustainable option for building, timber frame construction is experiencing a notable upswing globally, with South Africa following suit.

Big-picture thinkers are concerned about climate change and sustainability when it comes to the traditionally carbon intensive activity of construction and are often pleased to encounter timber frame building. This, when executed correctly, addresses and allays concerns about environmental impact and makes for aesthetically pleasing constructions.

‘The benefits of timber construction are numerous and bring great value to any construction project,” says Werner Slabbert Jnr, Director on the board of the ITC-SA, adding, ‘which is why it is very disconcerting to hear about instances of shoddy workmanship in the industry, as was presented in a recent Carte Blanche episode exposing the severe malpractice of a local contractor in delivering modular timber structures to clients who expected to receive beautiful timber homes carrying all the benefits of building with timber. Instead, in the various cases presented, the structures were either not safe for occupation, badly incomplete, not delivered at all or had to be condemned and sometimes even demolished.’

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‘While every type of construction trade has its unscrupulous builders and “fly-by-nights”, the timber construction sector must work double-time to guard its reputation because of misconceptions around the material and a lack of awareness with some aspects of the trade and public around its suitability for a host of construction applications,’ says Slabbert.

‘Stories such as the one recently featured on Carte Blanche and the level of workmanship exposed, for which the contractor failed to take any responsibility, are a blight on the reputation of the timber and the construction sector in South Africa. It impacts negatively on the many contractors who do their work ethically and above board; it goes a long way to fuel mistrust in our industry and in the tools we use to do our work,’ he adds.

Lessons learnt While the outcomes for the plaintiffs resulting from the contractor’s inferior workmanship and business ethics to match were distressing, they represent a sobering learning opportunity for both the trade and consumer.

‘In one example, the house plans had been approved and the engineer had signed off on these, but the structure was not built accordingly or in line

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TIMBER & DECKING MATERIALS with National Building Regulations,’ says Slabbert.

‘Built to standard (SANS 10082), a timber frame structure is as safe, strong and durable as any other structure, but this has to reflect in the actual construction as well as in the plans; intent to build correctly has no bearing on the final product. In the case mentioned, the engineer admitted that he had signed off without reviewing the corrected work and subsequently withdrew his certificate. Once an engineer issues a certificate, it cannot be withdrawn.

It is the responsibility of the engineer to inspect and assure structural stability of a structure before it is signed off,’ he adds.

‘Structural work should have been reviewed as soon as the floor and wall structures were in place, and corrections should have been duly implemented. This should typically take place around three weeks into the project; if this had been the case, the outcome for the consumer would have been far better,’ Slabbert notes.

‘In terms of the Engineering Code of Conduct, an engineer may only undertake work which their education, training and experience have rendered them competent to perform and which is within the category of their registration. The engineer must ensure that any work approved or certified by them has been reviewed or inspected to the extent necessary to confirm the correctness of the approval or certification,’ he adds.

ITC-SA-registered engineers carry such education, training and experience in timber frame construction and sign a code of conduct that commits them to high standards in their products and service delivery. This gives a prospective client the peace of mind that all inspections and certificates are valid, accurate and performed timeously by the correct competent role players.

Amanda Obbes, General Manager of the ITC-SA, comments: ‘The municipal building control office relies on the knowledge and integrity of the professional team which designs, oversees and, in the final instance, inspects the structures to ensure conformance to the regulations by issuing a certificate of compliance. It is only once all necessary certificates have been received that a certificate of occupation may be issued.’

A red flag for quality It is tempting to make decisions based on pricing.

‘Don’t go for the cheapest quotes. Timber construction should be an investment and not a cheap alternative. You can bargain on a timber frame home pricing at about the same as a brick and mortar home

built to the same standard; anything significantly lower should be treated with caution,’ Slabbert cautions.

A safeguard in timber construction Obbes confirms that the projects that went wrong would have seen very different outcomes if an ITCSA-accredited timber frame builder member, trained and monitored by the Institute in this specialized field of timber construction had been enlisted.

Engaging the services of an unscrupulous timber frame builder opens many avenues for the consumer to quite literally pay the price for shoddy workmanship.

If construction is non-compliant, the project and builder are not registered with the NHBRC and the timber frame builder holds no accreditation with a professional body, like the ITC-SA, the consumer will have no recourse and may have to resort to sourcing and paying for private legal counsel should they wish to pursue the case.

‘As a professional body recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the ITCSA must fulfil several duties in the line of creating and maintaining standards in the industry through regulating its membership, driving skills development and training, and ensuring its members comply with statutory requirements for professional membership, which can be withdrawn should the member in question be found to be in contravention of the Institute’s Code of Conduct,’ Obbes says.

‘As devastating as the consequences were for some of the homeowners in this instance, consumer education and research could have been a gamechanger. If a client is empowered through education and research prior to embarking on a substantial investment such as this, they would have had the knowledge and confidence to enforce key aspects of the process at the necessary stages and could be instrumental in limiting damages and preserving their finances,’ comments Slabbert.

‘We intend to protect the public interest in relation to the services provided by its members and the associated risks. As such, the our role is to ensure consumer protection in the use of timber engineered products in contracts entered with the ITC-SA membership and to regulate the professional conduct of its members,’ says Obbes.

Institute for Timber Construction South Africa T +27 (0)11 974 1061 E enquiries@itc-sa.org W www.itc-sa.org issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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SERVICES FURNITURE

Vox Furniture

Morgan’s and Walden Interiors

Furniture shines at Decorex Cape Town ‘Two decades of Decorex Cape Town culminated in an abundance of elegant style, innovative features and on-trend designs that captured the essence of this beautiful city,’ said Sian Cullingworth, Portfolio Director at Decorex SA. ‘Two decades of Decorex Cape Town culminated in an abundance of elegant style, innovative features and on-trend designs that captured the essence of this beautiful city,’ said Sian Cullingworth, Portfolio Director at Decorex SA. ‘It was a really memorable milestone celebration that allowed us to reminisce about the creative forces that have brought us to this point as well as bringing to life the current décor and design trends reflective of this region,’ she added.

With such a wide focus, To Build drills down into select individual stands to share with readers some of the furniture on display in the Plascon-sponsored part of the event.

Plascon stand with furniture in 3 specially curated Expo colours: Hudson, You’re My Sweetie and Orange You Glad.

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Decorex W www.decorex.co.za

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SERVICES PLUMBING & RETICULATION

Training provided to pipe welding artisans Plastics|SA put welding skills, learnership programmes, technology and the latest welding equipment in the spotlight at its third Thermoplastics Welding Technology Day that took place at its head office in Midrand recently.

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Photos by Plastics|SA

Presentations that focused on the importance of thermoplastic welding, standards, processes and conformance assessments, improving welding and reporting. The latest welding equipment and techniques were also on display by Rothenberger, Plastiweld, Horner, Astore Keymak, Marley Pipe Systems and Plasti-Tech, who were on hand to answer questions and to demonstrate the latest development in thermoplastic welding, such as the digital recording of the welding parameters by the welding machines.

Explaining the importance of exposing students and the industry to the opportunities and developments within the thermoplastics welding industry, Isaya Ntuli, Plastics|SA’s Regional Training Manager, says: ‘The future looks bright for qualified thermoplastic welders in South Africa. With thermoplastic welding a preferred method of joining HDPE or PVC pipes used in mining, municipalities, construction and various other fields where plastic pipe applications are used, these welders are able to find work in many different industries and their skills are in high demand.’

Plastics|SA trained more than 400 welders in Gauteng alone during their last financial year and continues to see an increase in enrolments for their Thermoplastic Fabrication learning programme each year. Learners are attracted from various fabricators and contractors, with news of the programmes often spread through word-of-mouth, articles in the media or interest generated through the company’s website. A Matric qualification is not required, nor is a proficiency to read or write in English as assessments can be conducted verbally.

The training itself covers different processes, including butt welding, electrofusion, hot air, socket, solvent and geomembrane. 50 % of the learning content is practical work, which requires the learners to perform the actual welds. One such practical welding skill that is being taught and which helps set learners apart from other welders, is bends fabrication.

‘This is definitely a welding skill that is growing in demand, because a learner that can fabricate the

bends, can work in a workshop and in the fields.

We address the fabrication skills through our NQF Level 3 and NQF Level 4 offerings of Thermoplastics Fabrication,’ Ntuli says.

Plastics|SA’s learning programmes are Mersetaaccredited, which requires that learning content be developed to satisfy qualification outcomes. To this end, regular interaction and meetings take place with industry role players, such as the Installation and Fabrication Plastics Pipe Association (IFPA) and fabricators.

The introduction of a welder identification system a few years ago has helped to greatly improve the industry by ensuring consistent high quality of welding and introducing transparency and accountability. A unique welder number is allocated to each welder to assist with traceability.

Plastics|SA’s Training Division T +21(0)11 314 4021 W www.plasticsinfo.co.za/training

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SERVICES PLUMBING & RETICULATION

Replacing Gauteng’s aging pipelines Aging water infrastructure in cities throughout Gauteng is leading to a loss of millions of litres of potable water, while sewerage leaks silently, contaminating the waterways and ground water.

Photos and illustration by ELB Equipment

With thousands of pipelines already well over the 50-year mark and as many over 100-years old, failures are becoming common-place and specialised pipe-laying companies like Brakpan-based Gokor Construction are increasingly being called on to find ways of replacing the pipes under layers of underground infrastructure and below houses, hospitals, roadways and buildings.

Gokor Construction is one of the only specialised pipe laying companies in the region that can undertake large-scale pipe replacements using pipebursting technology that allows special tooling to be passed through and burst existing pipelines, while simultaneously pulling-in a new, often larger diameter pipe, behind it. In this way up to 170m of pipeline can be replaced in just two hours without digging trenches or interfering with above-ground or buried infrastructure.

Effective solution According to Gokor Construction owner, Jan Bouwer, the company bought a purpose-built Hammerhead HG12 and Hydroguide pipe-bursting system from local distributors and specialists, ELB Equipment, precisely to undertake this type of specialised pipe-replacement work for Gauteng’s municipalities.

‘Throughout Gauteng we have built our towns and suburbs over these buried pipelines and now it is mostly impossible to manually dig trenches and repair or replace pipes. As a result, a complete pipeline failure means that either the area gets dug-up or the place floods with water or sewerage. With our solution that does not have to happen as we simply dig entry and exit pits, as well as inspection pits and pull new pipes through without unsettling the ground,’ says Bouwer.

‘In places like Tembisa we were even able to replace a 70m stretch in 38 minutes and the entire 170m pipeline in just two hours. In cases like this it ensures the municipality can affect speedy upgrades.

It also saves residents the inconvenience of digging-

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Gokor Construction owner, Jan Bouwer and ELB Equipment’s Phillip Mc Callum, inspect the company’s well-used Hammerhead HG 12 pipe-bursting system

up their properties, as well as providing a quick replacement service for water and sanitation,’ he adds.

Works in progress ELB Equipment Product Manager, Phillip Mc Callum, explains that the Hammerhead solution is most suited to urban work and allows crews to work in confined and heavily built-up areas. Also, with around-theclock support from ELB Equipment, no underground challenge is insurmountable. The high level of support also means the machine can work for protracted periods of time reliably and with minimum disruption, which is especially important on urgent pipeline replacement projects.

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PLUMBING & RETICULATION SERVICES

An illustration of the Hammerhead pipe bursting process

In just over three years that Gokor Construction has operated the Hammerhead system it has replaced thousands of metres of pipelines and provided services in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and a host of smaller municipalities, as well as in industrial sites and mines. Its latest deployment is to Hyde Park where it is performing an urgent sewer upgrade for the replacement of 742m of 250mm pipe with new 350mm HDPE pipes. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Municipalities and private property owners need to be made aware of the fact that they no longer need to dig-up and disrupt properties or infrastructure, nor

disrupt road traffic to replace pipelines. Because of the speed of operation of the Hammerhead system we are able to quickly assist with most pipe replacements in confined areas,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bouwer concludes.

ELB Equipment T +27 (0)11 306 0700 E phillpm@elbquip.co.za W www.elbequipment.co.za issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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PLUMBING & RETICULATION SERVICES

Water pressure management in pipes Although it has not been possible to get specific details of the methodology behind the City of Cape Town’s water pressure reduction drive, the city is claiming that their actions to lower water pressure are leading to ‘mega savings’.

Early in June, Cape Town reported that its collective consumption over the previous week was 529 million litres of water per day, up from an average of 505 million litres in the preceding week. And dam levels had increased by 5.8% because of the good rainfall received, especially in the catchment areas and overall levels were then at 29.8%.

During May the customary seasonal rains returned and this, together with ongoing water-saving efforts by citizens and the City’s continuing pressure management initiatives, are helping to stretch the dame levels that were almost depleted by the drought.

According to officials, not only does pressure management generally lower consumption by reducing the rate at which water flows to properties, it also reduces leaks and pipe bursts by ensuring that pressure remains within levels that the pipework can tolerate and reduces the rate of loss from leaks and bursts.

How pressure management works

Photo by Alliance for Water Efficiency

Hydraulic pressure along a pipe depends on several factors, including pressure head at the source, booster

Pressure control

pump station pressures en-route, length of pipe, nature of the flow and pipe friction and of course elevation at the point of delivery.

For the average water consumer connected to the bulk supply grid, in addition to pressure interventions by the engineers, water fed into a reticulation system will experience a pressure drop all along its length. This means the trick is to make sure that the consumers at the end of the line do not experience a pressure drop to the extent that flow becomes unusable.

‘Our pressure management programmes are testament to the skills and dedication on the ground.

The City has been expanding its roll-out of pressure testing with the aim of using the results to implement more automated pressure zones across the metro,’ says the elected city official tasked with leading the water crisis in the Cape, the City’s Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson.

‘By creating these zones, which we have been doing for many years and have been ramping up as a response to the drought, the City is able to adjust water pressure remotely and work more efficiently.

This technology reduces water pressure and thus helps to reduce water usage, as well as bursts and leaks.

‘We know that sometimes pressure management will lead to some level of discomfort for certain areas or households, but this is a key initiative to ensure that we continue to use as little water as possible and lower our water usage to 450 million litres per day,’ comments Neilson.

City of Cape Town W www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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HVAC GREEN BUILDING

A small portion of Ocean Dune Sibaya luxury apartments situated on the affluent north coast between Umhlanga and Umdloti.

Shift to VRF There is a significant shift to VRF-type HVAC systems in the KZN market based on leading projects, reports a respected HVAC supplier.

VRF refers to variable refrigerant flow, a system which according to accepted definitions, allows for substantial energy savings at partial-load conditions.

‘Over the past few years we have seen a significant shift towards commercial installations in terms of our sales of airconditioners, especially involving our Samsung DVM units,’ says Tracey Jelf, sales director of Fourways Airconditioning KZN. ‘For example, we have a number of very large DVM installations taking place in the Durban and North Coast region right now, among which are Nedbank Park Square, OceanDune Sibaya and Pran Boulevard,’ she adds.

Pran Boulevard Brett Kauffman of Dunair, which is handling the HVAC installation at Pran Boulevard, comments: ‘There’s no doubt that consultants today are trending towards energy efficiency in buildings. “Green” is definitely

the buzzword today and it’s the reason that Samsung DVM is strongly on the up-and-up with its exceptional efficiency. Here at Pran Boulevard, we’re installing 22 DVM outdoors coupled with 137 MSP Duct indoors.”

Ocean Dune Sibaya Managing director, Craig Scott of C.S. Airconditioning agrees. ‘More and more consultants are requesting eco-friendliness. At Ocean Dune Sibaya, which has 260 luxury units, we’re installing a combination of 210 Free Joint Multi and DVM Eco outdoors linked to over 500 indoor units, predominantly 1 Way cassettes, with 44 studio apartments fitted out with the new 360º Cassette units,’ he says.

‘Part of the reason for this choice of Samsung, however, is also the level of back-up provided by Fourways Airconditioning KZN. From our experience, they outdo all the competition in terms of providing support,’ Scott adds.

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GREEN BUILDING HVAC

Brett Kaufmann of Dunair, who are handling the HVAC installation at Pran Boulevard situated on Umhlanga Rocks Drive in Ridgeside.

Craig Scott, Managing Director of CS Airconditioning which was awarded the Ocean Dune Sibaya project.

Nuven Govender, Technical Manager of Fourways airconditioning KZN.

Ocean Dune Sibaya signage.

Nedbank Park Square The R1-billion Nedbank Park Square development will have a 4-Star Green Star Design rating and offer 40 000m² of gross lettable area, 4 000m² of which will be for retail usage and 36 000m² for commercial usage.

Arup are the consultants and Luft Technik are handling the installation of 35 Samsung DVM outdoor units, coupled with 220 MSP Duct indoors ‘We lay strong emphasis on technical back-up for our dealers, with our staff always ready to go on site to assist with any queries. Nuven Govender, our Technical Manager, has been in technical support for over 17 years and done extensive training on

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DVM, RAC and Systems. Along with his team he is always ready to help our dealers when they require assistance,’ says Tracy Jelf.

Brett Kauffman of Dunair concurs: ‘Fourways KZN do indeed provide exceptional support. Basically, they’re a big company but with a small-company friendliness and attention to detail.’

Fourways Airconditioning (KZN) T +27 (0)31 579 1895 E sales@fourwaysaircon.co.za W www.fourwaysaircon.co.za

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WATER GREEN BUILDING

Emergency desalination plant online

Located at the V&A Waterfront, this desalination plant forms part of a series of emergency water supply projects the City is implementing to supplement critically low water resource levels in the district.

Quality Filtration Systems (QFS), along with Osmoflo, were awarded the main contract to build, own, operate and finally decommission at the end of the contract term. WSP tendered as sub-consultants to QFS. ‘Given the state of emergency of the water crisis in the region, this was a rapid execution, top priority project for all parties involved,’ says Marthinus Retief, Principal Associate: Coastal, at WSP Maritime Africa.

‘We provided concept to detailed designs, as well as construction drawings and specifications for the desalination plant’s ancillary works. As this project was fast-tracked, significant focus was placed on where we could save time, but not compromise on quality of design or constructability.

‘The ancillary works were designed to be upgraded by up to 50% in terms of production, if required,’ adds Retief.

The three main components that make up the ancillary works include the marine intake pipeline and seawater pumping system, the brine discharge system and the injection system to convey the fresh water to the localised water infrastructure network. WSP designed the marine, civil and mechanical aspects of these components.

Seawater abstraction ‘The seawater abstraction system is located close to the entrance to the V&A basins, but designed for optimised water quality and rapid construction.

The desalination process separates the salts from the seawater and produces brine, which is then discharged back into the ocean – and the fresh water is fed into the city’s network. Care was taken to discharge the brine in an environmentally acceptable manner,’ explains Retief. ‘We had a team on site working closely with QFS and Southern Oceaneering to ensure that everything was done according to the design and for quality control purposes.’

Photo by Gareth Griffiths

A major engineering consultancy on the continent recently played a crucial role in the fast-tracked development of the City of Cape Town V&A desalination plant, feeding 2.0 megalitres of fresh water into the city’s network per day.

Footpath to the East Pier and location of desalination plant

WSP designed the brine discharge system to operate under gravity, rather than a pumping system as envisaged within the tender document. By changing the hydraulics WSP was able to optimise this process, saving the client capital and operational costs.

Southern Oceaneering and WSP designed a geotextile bag weighting system to provide stability for the marine intake pipeline. This enabled the contractor to more easily install the pipeline onto the existing revetment slope and down to the required depth on the seabed. The bags were concrete-filled after installation to provide the required stability against wave action. Being an alternative solution to conventional pre-cast concrete weight collars, it saved time on construction, while also reducing risk during pipeline installation. WSP worked closely with the contractor to ensure that the solution was constructible and optimised.

WSP W www.wsp.com/en-ZA issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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GREEN BUILDING OPINION

Future African cities - mobility In this edition of To Build we are fortunate to share the views of a professional mobility consultant, Carel Snyman, who writes for us. Carel was a speaker at the recent Africa Utility Week 2018 conference and shared the platform with the Green Building Council of South Africa.

People make up cities - it starts with people and it is about people

New cities need to be built for the growing population In Africa it is expected that the population will grow by 1.2-billion people in the next three decades, while the rest of the world (including India and China) will only grow by another one billion.

This means that new cities need to be built for the growing population – a chance to do things better!

A chance to leapfrog the developed cities with new technologies and new energy choices enabling and powering new mobility options.

Africa’s cities are not as developed as other big world cities but are suffering the same problems and often have worse congestion and pollution.

This does not have to be the case with new African cities.

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Photo by Gareth Griffiths

People need to move to get food, interact with each other and to connect with services such as education, health, places of work, as well as entertainment.

It started with informal pathways. Then buildings were built, cars replaced horses and tar replaced gravel. This development accelerated over the past 100 years or so to the point where the current transport process is failing its purpose and creating an environment that is damaging and unsustainable: • Exhaust gases are threatening and changing normal climate conditions and people are breathing poison in cities.

• Space taken up by the population of cars in big cities are overwhelming in terms of parking as well as roads.

• Roads have become barriers to people walking and congestion is suffocating free-flowing mobility.

Commuting times have become hours.

It is safe to say that city design has become dominated by roads and cars to its own detriment. However, it is people that need to connect, not cars. Mobility of people in cities needs to be re-thought and re-invented.

Typically, as congestion increases, the energy consumption of the city is skewed towards increased energy used for transportation, compared to other processes and activities requiring energy in the city.

This not only causes air pollution to increase, but also increases the cost of moving people and goods.

This leads to price increases of products and loss of competitive ability of the city’s economy.

The ICE car is a better heating tool than a mobility tool The internal combustion engine (ICE) car is the preferred “tool” we use for moving ourselves. The purpose of this tool is to produce transportation work measured as person-kilometres. Looking at the performance of this tool it becomes clear that about 65% of the energy in the tank of the car goes up in smoke and heat because of the combustion process in the engine and only 15% is converted into kilometres. The ICE car is a better heating tool than a mobility tool. The combustion process is what causes this tool to fail (from an energy point of view) in its intended purpose and the main source of the damage caused using this tool.

If electrical energy is used to provide energy to the car, it will lead to much better use of the energy in terms of work done. An electric motor uses between 4-6 times less energy compared to an internal combustion engine to do the same work.

Not only does it make sense to stop using fossils to fuel your ride, it also makes sense to “right size” and

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OPINION GREEN BUILDING even share your ride. My 2-ton car is only used about 5% of its life – parked most of the time and oversized for the commuting purpose.

Should you share you could reduce congestion, parking space and cost of travelling. Sharing is public transport. This happens in a train or a bus. If you share a car it is still “public transport” albeit “individual public transport”.

These vehicles can be small (half a lane, quarter of a parking space), two seats and less than 500kg. They can come with a driver or even be autonomous (drive themselves).

The problem of surface transport remains. Even with smaller cars, in time congestion will catch up as city populations grow.

It is obvious that we should drop the car and jump on public transport, but it should be close by, quicker than the car, convenient and low cost. This is mostly not the case today.

What do we find: • Taxis and buses are also held up by traffic. Taxis, however, are better sized than buses and thus more energy efficient.

• BRT buses with their own right of way do not use road space well. For long periods the road is empty, not used and not available for other road users.

• Surface rail is a barrier to people mobility and not applicable for city centres on the surface.

• Underground metros are great, but expensive to build.

City centres should be walking spaces.

So, let us create another layer of mobility in the air!

Imagine taxis in the air. We call them pods. The stations are within walking distance in dense areas.

These stations are small and group people based on destination. Up to 10 people in a pod pass stations on the way to a shared destination with no stops on the way. Stations can also be inside buildings: the system is light-weight, silent, without vibration and produces no emissions as it is electric. Due to their low mass, the pod’s energy consumption is very low and can be produced from PV panels on top of the track.

The cost of the system is also low, and it may be possible for cities not to charge users any money to use the system. The system can scale as demand increases: more pods are just added to the overhead rail. Pods can carry people and goods. Pods can also act as emergency services and provide in specialised needs.

On the ground people walk in open space, walkways in parks, safe from cars, trucks and buses.

A petrol car in traffic consumes on average of 9 litres of petrol for every 100km travelled. This equals 306MJ of energy. A similar electric car will consume 15kWh of electricity. This is equal to 54MJ of energy. The petrol will cost more than R120 and the electricity less than R20. It is also possible to produce this electricity from renewable sources (solar and wind). Electric cars do not produce any emissions, so city air will be clean. It is true that the production of electricity can produce emissions if a fossil fuel is used for producing the electricity.

However, thanks to the high efficiency of the electric car requiring much less energy than internal combustion engine cars, the emissions released to the atmosphere are always lower.

Vehicles on the ground are small, like tuk-tuks in dedicated lanes at low speeds for deliveries and people who choose not to walk. Above, people in pods at treetop height enjoy the view of the parks below.

The air in the city is clean, the noise from traffic is gone and the city becomes liveable, a place where people want to be!

This will not happen overnight. It will be difficult to change the way of doing things in established cities.

However, for developing new cities, ignoring the obvious better choices that new technologies bring us would be wrong. We cannot expect conditions to improve if we continue to do the things that have brought the existing conditions upon us.

New technologies and clean energy bring many new ways for the design of buildings and cities. Living, working and playing spaces like never possible before.

Let us embrace the change needed and make it happen!

About the author Most of Carel Snyman’s work focused on alternative transport energy and this led to the start of a programme on the evaluation of electric vehicle technologies. He now specialises in solution, project and product development regarding energy and mobility to improve lives of people. He has a particular interest in energy for mobility with a focus on renewables and solar energy for electric vehicles integrated with home and business energy; as well as energy storage and efficient use.

Carel Snyman T +27 (0)82 440 6669 E carelsnyman@me.com issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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Bridge Park Century City Jura Paver

Cape Town International Airport Viking Random Cladding

Silo 5 V&A Waterfront Jura Cobble

Silo Hotel V&A Waterfront Devon Cobble

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PV GREEN BUILDING

Shopping centre electricity costs reduced with PV Words and photos by Michelle Nel

Shopping centres generate huge electricity bills. Willows Crossing Shopping Centre has cut its costs in half with a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation.

Drone shot of the solar array at Willows Crossing Shopping Centre in Tshwane.

Begin with the end in mind. Stephen Covey’s maxim is also a design principle when it comes to designing PV. Your end-goal will determine how the system is designed.

Chief Operating Officer of Eldo Energy, Justen Burgin, explains that if a property owner wants to reduce electricity demand from the grid, then it’s best to install a grid-tied solar system.

‘A grid-tied solar system will supplement your current energy demand from the grid,’ he says.

‘However, when the grid fails, your inverters must switch off too. You cannot harvest your solar power in the absence of the grid because if you keep running and somebody downstream is trying to fix what they believe is a dead grid, they might get a nasty shock if your inverters are still running.’

A grid-tied photovoltaic system was recently installed at Willows Crossing shopping centre in Tshwane. The centre houses 27 retail offerings, including Pick ‘n Pay, a post office, a Hooters and a Roman’s pizzeria.

Solar power can drastically reduce electricity costs Work on installing the Willows Crossing shopping centre solar system started at the beginning of 2017.

However, what should have been a two-month project ended up taking longer because of delays in the shipment from China, and alterations to the roofing to

The substation - solar and municipal energy meet

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GREEN BUILDING PV

Close-up of the roof array. The green section is the lightweight walkway.

Inverter cabinet

support the system. Eventually the entire system went live in November 2017.The system cost about R6,3 million to install. However, considering the monthly electricity bill was approximately R345 000, it made sense to convert to supplement with solar power.

The centre runs off a combination of solar power and municipal power. To make sure that all the solar power generated during the day is consumed, the supplierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design engineers carefully analysed the buildings electrical consumption and designed a solar system that produces enough energy for self-

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consumption and not feedback into the grid The Willows Crossing shopping centre solar system has no batteries which would typically be used to store power for use at night. Batteries are a significant cost (the average deep cycle battery costs R4 000 and hundreds placed in a special cool room would be required to provide back-up for an installation this size). Batteries must also be replaced periodically. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;There were enough benefits just harvesting daytime energy that the extra cost of installing batteries came with diminishing returns,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says Burgin.

A custom-engineered inverter cabinet was designed

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PV GREEN BUILDING based on designs used elsewhere in Africa to house the 11 Sungrow SG36KTL-M string inverters. Standing outdoors, it retards the weather and is secure and ventilated, thus keeping the inverters cool.

Comprising both roof top and carport installations, the Willows Crossing shopping centre project is a 396kWp grid-tied solar system. The system follows all European safety standards and has lightning protection with each panel bonded and earthed.

‘There are 1008 Trina Solar TSM-320PEG14 panels comprising 63 strings of 16 modules per string on the roof. The total array power on the roof is 322.8kWp. The system has an operating direct current of 533Vdc (volts of direct current). The total area covered by these panels is 1 954m2. On the carport structure, we installed 14 strings of 16 modules per string covering 393m2. The total array power on this structure is 71.7kWp,” Burgin says.

Generating electricity using solar reduces carbon emissions. Eskom produces around 1kg of carbon dioxide per KWh. If you are paying R340 000 a month at R1 per KWh then 340 000KWh would produce 340 000kg of carbon dioxide. If you halve your electricity use with a solar system, you could save 170 000kg of carbon emissions a month.

A large solar PV system typically pays back in savings on the monthly bill. The payback period can be shortened by increasing the price of power to tenants.

Over 1000 solar panels feed into the custom-built inverter cabinet.

in diesel consumption. It has currently been running successfully since October 2016. Stella’s solar panels will be boosted with further east and west facing panels soon,’ Burgin adds.

Michelle Nel is an award-winning environmental journalist based in Johannesburg where she tackles waste, wetlands, infrastructure and social issues. She campaigns for green open spaces and sometimes goes into the bush to remember how the environment is meant to work. michelle.nel@iafrica.com, +27 (0)83 208 7902

Solar systems are modular and can be expanded According to Burgin, solar systems are modular and can be expanded as the client’s needs change, or as more funds become available. A good example is the hybrid system designed for the Stella abattoir in North West Province.

‘The primary feed for the abattoir was municipal power,’ Burgin explains. ‘Due to major power grid interruptions, the secondary source comes from diesel generators and the third source is solar.’

The solar installation is a 158kWp grid interactive photovoltaic system with a hybrid controller. This enables photovoltaic-diesel integration. It is currently energy-storage ready. Battery storage will be designed to deliver 60kWh of backup power.

‘Our 158KWp solar PV hybrid power plant delivers 314 860kWh per annum into Stella Farm’s electricity network. The ability of this system to synchronise between PV and genset results in a 30-40% reduction

Michelle and Henny Penny, bio-friendly pest control.

The ELDO Group / Gigawatt Energy T +27 (0)10 590 6249 E email@email.co.za W www.eldoenergy.com issue 24 www.tobuild.co.za

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TO BUILD’S ROVING EDITOR OUT & ABOUT

Africa Utility Week 2018 This thriving conference and exhibition, held annually in the Mother City, once again gave fascinating insights into new technologies and trends, while highlighting numerous issues and challenges facing African utility companies and governmental organisations.

Above: Justin Friedman addresses the AUW2018 as keynote address at the Danish Pavilion.

Below: Jurgen Eric Larsen – Danish Embassy.

Water, water everywhere Not just the City of Cape Town, but the whole African continent is in crisis. Vital discussions took place around the equitable supply of water to people.

Justin Freedman gave a compelling but inspirational speech at the Danish Pavilion about the biomimicry work being undertaken by his organisation on various projects, including a drinking water intervention as an alternative to bottled water at the FIFA World Cup 2010, and the Genius of SPACE project that builds innovative water and waste treatment solutions in informal settlements in South Africa.

Friedman believes in the genius of people in resolving their issues, just as they did in the 1970’s

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OUT & ABOUT TO BUILD’S ROVING EDITOR companies, said Jurgen Eric Larsen of the Royal Danish Embassy, in an address at the event. Larsen went on to explain exactly how Danish local authorities raise their own taxes and handle pricing for municipal water supply via non-profit making utilities.

Alternative energy

Powerful MAN engine used as power generator - SustainPower stand – burns biogas and liquid fuel.

during the energy crisis, but now for the water crisis.

He is a key member of a movement called FLOW (For Love Of Water). Driven by a passion for connecting people and planet, he encourages people to work together. Water, he feels, is a unifying element that could help achieve this.

His approach to the population increases in cities lies in decentralisation. Allow neighbourhoods to develop based on a micro-grid system, he says. Allow communities within cities to tackle and solve their own problems.

Indeed, the Danish have been walking the talk and have given advice and facilitated the supply of a senior geological consultant to the City of Cape Town.

Experiences shared by the Danes are based on their intimate experience of underground water extraction in Denmark.

Cities in Denmark are supplied from wells that are 100% run by local authorities and owned by the relevant communities. Hence there are multiple utility

The expo stand by local gas to power solution provider, Sustain Power, was impressive. It displayed the generators in the manufacture of combined heat and power containerised units.

To Build apologises for mistaking the identity of Bob Elshove in our 23rd edition, who in fact is divisional sales director for Unique Hydra, an equipment supplier and specialist and does not work for Sustain Power as stated in our article.

Africa Utility Week W www.african-utility-week.com

A growing industry: State board of IPP rollouts windows 3.5 and 4.

Independent power producers - A diverse panel, chaired by Annelize van der Merwe (right), Director: Green Economy Industries, Investment South Africa, of the DTI discussed the implementation of the government’s next round of the REIPP. The panel included other senior government officials as well as leading players in the renewable energy sector in South Africa.

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TO BUILD’S ROVING EDITOR OUT & ABOUT

Fun for architects and all Photos by Gareth Griffiths and Morné Marais

Even hard-worked built environmental professionals need some time out. Great fun for architects, engineers, editors and the public – the Robertson Valley ‘Wacky Wine Weekend’, now in its 15th year, proved a great success despite inclement weather.

Providing a much-needed economic boost to the entire region, this four-day event sees some of the most historically interesting heritage buildings in agriculture. Public relations executive for the event, Mira Wiener, explains some of the highlights: De Wetshof Estate is well known for being the house of Chardonnay under the hand of the legendary Danie de Wet. Their cellar façade is based on the renowned and historic First Customs House in Cape Town, while the tasting room and office is a replica of the Koopmans/De Wet House in Strand Street, Cape Town, dating back to 1791. Both buildings were designed by Louis Michel Thibault.

Weltevrede Estate featured a candlelight wine tasting experience in a 100-year-old underground cellar, discovered by accident. Its length underground runs for many hundreds of metres.

Weltevrede cellar tasting. Photo by Morne Marais

In addition to great food and wine, there were also other interesting things heritage and vintage. They included the Ceres Rail Company’s excursion steam train which carried visitors to and from various farms back to Cape Town Harbour. And of course, classic ways of touring the farms.

DeWetshof Barrel Cellar – great temperature stability for resting wines.

Classic chariot

Cellar Facade

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OUT & ABOUT TO BUILD’S ROVING EDITOR

Photos by Gareth Griffiths and PPC Imaginarium

Chris Soal’s winning piece

Industrial design – concrete bicycle by Giovanni Zambri

PPC Imaginarium Awards Now in its fifth year, the PPC Imaginarium Awards highlights top emerging talent and assists up-and-coming artists and designers in launching their careers. In Cape Town, it was the AVA Gallery that hosted the Cape leg of the Imaginarium awards’ 2018 travelling exhibition and To Build’s roving editor was there to record events.

This year, upcoming young artist Chris Soal who featured in the sculpture category, was the overall winner of the PPC Imaginarium Awards 2018. The 24-year-old sculptor, a Fine Arts graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand, garnered R150 000 in prize money and participation in an eight-monthlong nationwide travelling exhibition.

Soal’s winning piece, entitled “Imposed Structure (Deflated)”, consists of cement cast into the shape of a deflated and scuffed soccer ball, through which a metal rod has been forced. The weight of the cement causes the rod to bend and pull, signifying the weight not only of deflated childhood dreams, but of the inherent danger of “play” within the city.

There is an implied reference to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and its real benefit to the country.

The Awards’ national judging panel consisted of acclaimed contemporary artist Mary Sibande, Daniel van der Merwe from PPC, renowned local artist Stephen Hobbs. and UJ Art Gallery curator, Annali Dempsey.

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Jewellery category winne by Aleks Ashton – Concrete Tiara

PPC Imaginarium W www.ppcimaginarium.co.za

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chris@mccsa.co.za 0724376277 2018/06/20 12:34 PM

Student Designs Imaginarium Architecture Award Winner

Re-connecting beyond the void Photo by Gareth Griffiths. Renderings and aerial views by Roark Robinson

University of Cape Town third-year architecture student, Roark Robinson, has turned heads with his 2017/2018 submission for the PPC Imaginarium Award for Architecture, titled Re-Connect Beyond the Void.

The 22-year-old student’s project is presented via a detailed poster with accompanying renderings illustrating the building as designed.

Proposed as a breakthrough site along Constitution Street, Cape Town, the building is imagined as an artisan centre, amphitheatre, public space and social venue. The building facilitates free movement between the former District 6 site and the Cape Town University of Technology (CPUT) campus.

A brief project overview District 6 stands vacant and scarred as one of the greatest exhibitions of apartheid era planning enforcement. As one of the pioneering developments of the area, the building aims to set a precedent for future developments, encouraging acts of public, connective architecture and creating the first framed public space in the area.

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The building focusses on the macro city impacts first, forming a gateway that breaks through the wall of buildings’ embankments and fences that cut off District 6 from CPUT. The public programme shaped the form of the structure, from the walkable roof to the floating gallery that gives form to the gateway. Of equal importance is the refinement of the building to the micro scale to tell the story of the artisan, discovering the craft of making. The building stitches together the art gallery and the studios to share the full process of how art is made.

About the winner Roark Robinson completed his matric at Rondebosch Boys High school and then went straight on to study architecture at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2015.

‘I will be back studying next year, whether that be starting in February in South Africa, or September

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Imaginarium Architecture Award Winner Student Designs

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Student Designs Imaginarium Architecture Award Winner somewhere abroad. I really believe that travelling grows you as an architect and as a person so I’m definitely considering opportunities to study in different cities and countries,’ Roark says.

‘At the end of the day SA is my home though and if I do decide to take the plunge to study overseas I’ll definitely be back. After the two years of postgrad I’ll be looking to get as much experience as possible with the goal of starting a practice within three to four years. I’m eager to start designing real buildings. For architects I think that’s always the goal. So, I guess finding the shortest road to that is a big part of my game plan,’ he adds.

Role models Roark admits he admires the work of two architects, Tom Kundig and Bjarke Ingels, for different reasons.

‘Tom Kundig - I just love the materiality of his buildings and the bold mechanisms he implements to transform spaces. And Bjarke Ingels, the internet’s

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favourite architect, for making architecture relatable to the world and having an impact beyond just the buildings he designs. In our field, design stands still without people innovating and sharing their thoughts with the world and I appreciate him for that’.

‘My big picture view for South Africa is simple, to break down the racial barriers that are endemic in South African cities and create well-functioning public space that are reinforced by the built environment. It is also important we address the nature of a capitalistic society to value people according to wealth. This creates a state of inequality that also should be addressed,’’ says Roark.

To Build congratulates Roark on his achievements to date. It takes a progressive and forward-thinking company to present opportunities to designers, such as the Imaginarium, and To Build pays tribute to Daniel van der Merwe and the senior management team at PPC for their dedication to design.

Roark can be contacted at roark@gmail.com

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EDITORIAL

INSECTICIDES

Recipe for termites A well-known chemical company describes what is important about its suspension concentrate insecticide.

Wide range of applications The product in question is a suspension concentrate insecticide used for the protection of buildings against subterranean termites and ants, with a residual action of at least five years.

‘Premise® can be used for perimeter treatment, pre-construction, post-construction, road construction, airport runway construction and on termite mounds.

It is a sustainable solution for termite control. It has a water-based formulation, designed to provide protection at extremely low does,’ she says.

Control In the past, chemicals used in subterranean termite control aimed to form a barrier around buildings to protect these buildings from termite attack. The chemicals were detected and avoided by the termites.

The termites would, however, continue to find a way to enter these buildings by continuing to search through an ‘opening’ in the barrier. The Bayer Premise® product is a new generation of termiticide that cannot be detected by the insects, who will therefore move through the treated area and become intoxicated. It is a non-repellent termiticide with transfer effect.

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Photos by Bayer and Creative Commons Licence

Bayer Environmental Science (ES), specialises in the development and marketing of pest and weed control solutions for non-crop situations. This encompasses professional, rural hygiene, turf, stored product protection and professional self-applied products.

As a world leader, Bayer Environmental Science’s aspiration is to protect the environment we live, work and play in and ultimately to improve our quality of life.

The company is focussed on providing sustainable products and solutions. Bayer aims to provide greater environmental, hygiene and health benefits, as well as improve living standards and comfort in the various environmental markets.

According to Product Brand Manager Melanie Holder, their product Bayer Premise® 200 SC – attacks termites and not the environment.

Location of subterranean termites Subterranean termites are common in soil and play an important role in the environment to help convert dead wood and other organic materials containing cellulose to humus. Subterranean termites need wood for food and soil for moisture. Wood in contact with soil is ideal for termite development, in the case of houses built on concrete slabs, infestation occurs through expansion joints, cracks and utility and plumbing openings.

Termites as a pest Subterranean termites are the most important of the wood-destroying insects and termite management can be a major part of pest control work. Subterranean termites can become serious pests in buildings and plantations. Subterranean termites in buildings are difficult to detect and it is mostly damage to furniture, skirting’s, wooden floors and other wooden structures that reveal the presence of these insects.

Bayer Environmental Services T +27 (0)11 921 5464 W www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.za/PestManagement

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NOTES Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

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advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; index issue24

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Vital Engineering & Angus Mcleod ............................83

Llumar Film...........................................................80, 81

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If it’s not Inval®, it’s not Invincible Invincible Valves (Pty) Ltd T +27 (0) 11 822 1777 | E enquiries@invalve.co.za | W www.invalve.co.za

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