To Build Handbook
Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor
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The function and importance of cavity walling 2019/10/24 8:44 AM
Samsung export sales are booming!
Back in 2002, Botswana was the first African country that Fourways Airconditioning exported to and since then Namibia, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion, Malawi, Swaziland and Zambia have all come aboard. “For 2019, we are projecting a 300% sales increase over 2018,” states Mackinnon, and current sales are already well ahead of our previous year’s sales.”
Since being appointed official distributors for Samsung airconditioners in 2004, Fourways has always worked closely with Samsung in terms of building the export division. This collaboration is now clearly bearing fruit.
Bond warehouse Fourways Airconditioning is today one of South Africa’s largest exporters of HVAC products. Prime target markets are currently Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria, while the company is also establishing an office in Australia with a view to expanding exports to that country. In addition, Fourways has its own office in Mauritius.
Fourways has a bond warehouse in Durban so are able to export products directly into Africa that are bond free and duty free. This enables Fourways to supply large or small quantities eliminating the need to order by the container load.
New export team
“We invite any company which has HVAC projects up in Africa to call us, as we are able to offer a totally comprehensive export service,” concludes Mackinnon.
With Fourways’ new focus and drive on exports, a dedicated export team has been established, comprising 6 people on the sales side backed by all the admin necessary to support the operation. The team is headed up by director Duncan Mackinnon. Duncan Mackinnon
Gauteng: Pretoria: Bloemfontein: Cape Town: KZN:
(011) 704-6320 (012) 643-0445 083 381 0074 (021) 556-8292 (031) 579-1895
Fourways Airconditioning_dps.indd 2
For more information, please call Mandi Hayden at Fourways Airconditioning, Johannesburg: (011) 704-6320 or e-mail mandi@fourwaysaircon.co.za, Duncan Mackinnon at duncan@fwakzn.co.za or Grats Wolfaardt at graziano@fourwaysaircon.co.za.
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2019/10/22 2:12 PM
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NEW Inverter Light
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Samsung’s 360 Cassette range: creating a revolution in top-end circles With a new and sleekdesign design, bigger fan motor and increased air Samsung is thrilled to introduce the new Inverter Light.
intake, the Samsung Inverter maximises energy efficiency The Samsung 360 Cassette is inLight a class all control. An internal booster fan ensures a with unitspecified performance. of itsunrivalled own. It’s being by architects, perfect 360° horizontal spread of airflow consultants and installers as the cassette for ensuring there are no ‘dead zones’. Where upmarket homes and offices. And not only a premium draught-free airconditioning Contact your local distributor for more information. does the 360 Cassette’s revolutionary new experience is required for home or office, the circular shape enhance any décor, it’s also Samsung 360 Cassette is the obvious choice. E.Cape W. & N. Cape Pretoria Gauteng & Central region a beautiful answer to draught-free climate For the inner circle who demand only the best.
Kwa-Zulu Natal Fourways Airconditioning (Jhb) Fourways Airconditioning (Pta) Samair ( Cape Town) Samair ( Port Elizabeth) Fourways Aircondidtioning ( KZN) (031) 579-1895 (041) 484 Four – 6413ways Airconditioning. 556 8292 (012) 643-0445 360 c assette(021) (011) For 704-6320 more information on Samsung units, please contact w w w. fo ur waysairco n .co .za
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Above: Dr Philippa Tumubweinee, Richard Tarmahomed and Rob Wessels (AfriSam)
Voice of SAIA
Left: Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa Far left: Johannesburg Council Chamber
AfriSam student award for sustainable design AFRISAM, supported by the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), announced the winner of the inaugural AfriSam Student Award for Sustainable Design in October. The aim of the student award is to inspire students to apply their learning of sustainable and innovative solutions to existing structures. The competition brief was for architecture students and candidate architects to take an in-depth look at Joubert Park and the Johannesburg Art Gallery and connect the museum to its immediate community and other audiences. Hashim Tarmahomed won the student award for sustainable design and was awarded R60 000 towards his student account. ‘SAIA is privileged to be in partnership with AfriSam to support the efforts to contribute towards promoting sustainable design through dialogue and practice. The sustainability students awards programme is an important and critical initiative to sensitize students, future architects and designers about the importance of their role in the discourse, highlighting the importance of their contribution in creating more sustainable environments,’ said SAIA President, Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa and Convenor of the 2019/2020 Awards Committee. ‘Our cities are an amalgamation of history, memory and experience past and present. Cities represent the aspirations of citizens, and the future of nations. Opportunity becomes the ultimate aspiration. Sustainability cannot be achieved without cities being in the forefront. The current spatial patterns inherited from the apartheid era are a reality, but are exacerbating urban conflict as people scramble for a piece of dignity, shelter and economic opportunity close to places of work. Undoing these realities will go a long way to improve urban and social conditions in our cities and help create the sustainable environments we all aspire for,’ he added. The awards function, held at the award-winning Johannesburg Council Chambers in Braamfontein, was designed by StudioMAS. ‘The form of the building is derived from the design principles of dialogue, transparency and accountability, and is a representation of inclusiveness and participation in post-apartheid South Africa,’ said Pierre Swanepoel from StudioMas. ‘The building’s round plan is drawn from the forms of the Setswana “lekgotla” and the Roman “agora”, both traditional meeting places which promote all voices equally, democratic dialogue and fair decision-making.’ The A2019/2020 AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award call to entry was made at the event and projects submissions are welcome. The 2019/2020 Award programme marks a decade in which the programme has been running.
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ed’s letter
Gareth Griffiths
This, our 28th edition, comes at a challenging time for everyone in the built environment. The pain felt a while back by the large construction companies has trickled down the value chain to each and every conceivable supporting business, system and material supplier. Whilst the rest of the globe is seeing some recovery from a grim period since 2017, it has yet to take root in South Africa, where it seems as if everyone is waiting on government to take the first step. This view is echoed by Jenny Cope, who comments on the state of mergers and acquisitions in the engineering section of this edition. So what should government do? It seems there is budget for housing and other infrastructure. Housing is an absolute priority and should have the private sector queuing to grab a slice of the action. So what is holding it back? The provision of renewable energy to avoid the wholesale burning of liquid fuel taking place to keep the lights on, is surely another skilled job creation opportunity that can be addressed. By definition, the private sector has a role to play in this, but it seems we are held up by the implementation of the Integrated Resource Plan. In turn, the apparent stalemate in the debugging of Eskom threatens to indefinitely hold up the implementation of further renewable energy. One bright light at the end of the tunnel is the appointment of an independent Minister of Public Works in Patricia de Lille. Given her tenacity and ability to cut through the red tape, surely the government’s infrastructure development programme should be shifting gears by now. Judging by announcements that the Minister made at the recent Green Building Convention, this seems to be the case. Encouragingly it seems, she has also promised to address the issues of non-payment of construction firms and other professionals who work on government contracts. Surely the floodgates should also be opened for the construction of an infrastructure of dams and pipelines as part of a positive water strategy, given the ongoing drought in the Northern Cape and other areas. This, too, will provide valuable work to our private sector and short-term employment. In this edition of To Build, we look at several unique new solutions to address the challenges of today, including pollution, recycling, carbon tax, health and safety and climate change. We also look at some unique designs that prove that there is still work out there for firms that can rise to the challenge. You may also notice some changes in layout. To Build is evolving. We want to feature more genuine news. The content you want to read. Drop us a line with your comments: editor@tobuild.co.za
Kind Regards Editor Gareth Griffiths
editor@tobuild.co.za www.tobuild.co.za
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To Build
Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor
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The function and importance of cavity walling
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CLAYBR
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Cover Art: Claybrick Association
Publisher Tel: +27 21 424 3625 | Fax: +27 86 516 7277 6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 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 Ad Traffic Controller Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za Editor’s Assistant Wadoeda Adams wadoeda@mediaxpose.co.za Editorial Contributors Bryan Hack, Locally-produced clay brick ensures a lasting legacy for social infra Gareth Griffiths Imaging homes, offices, schools and hospitals. Clay brick masonry is low-mai and sustainable, providing natural insulation against temperature Janine Espin while minimizing damp, humidity and noise. Jenny Cope Nicholas Stopforth Find technical information on building with clay brick at www.clayb PJ Veldhuizen and Peter Williams The Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa promotes inclusive sustainable Rhys Evans The Switch Green Ryan Purchase ThisAfrica project is co-funded by the Project is co-funded by European DESIGN & LAYOUT CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za the EuropeanUnion Union ADVERTISING SALES Manager Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Jacqui Marsh jacqui@tobuild.co.za Financial director Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za Distribution & subscriptions Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za Media Partnerships Coordinator Maurisha Niewenhuys maurisha@mediaxpose.co.za Social Media & Digital Manager Sasha-Jade Burgess digital@mediaxpose.co.za Social Media Assistant Kyla van Heerden social@medaixpose.co.za Reception Daniëla Daniels receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za
FOR GOOD, FOREVE
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.
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volume 9 | issue 3 Nov 19 - Feb 20
CONTENTS
Voice of SAIA........................................................................................... 2 Editor’s Note............................................................................................ 4 Lead Story.............................................................................................. 12 Cover Story............................................................................................ 14 News & Views.................................................................................18-22 R2bn smart precinct in Pretoria | Imaging a space for freedom Through the school window | Hotel Verde – 6 Stars affirmed Well-crafted tiling for retirees Editor’s Choice................................................................................24-26 Formality in lamp design | New control system connects seamlessly Quality tiling application system | New work boot for women | Hotel for dogs and cats Student News........................................................................................ 28
Professions Architectural Projects: Designing for extreme environments.............. 30 Advertorial: Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors........................... 34 Construction Health & Safety Opinion: Unmanned breathalysers...... 36 Construction: Govt intensifying efforts to strengthen relationship with private construction sector........................................ 38 Construction Opinion: Community consultation is key....................... 40 Interior Design: An all-consuming passion for design......................... 42 Urban Development: Human City Design Award, local project listed.......................................................................................... 46 Developers: Morning Glen Mall redeveloped..................................... 48 Developers: Shaping African Cities...................................................... 50 Advertorial: Aggreko........................................................................... 54 Engineering Project: City of Cape Town’s award-winning coastal project....................................................................................... 56 Legal Opinion: A must have for building contracts............................. 60 Legal Constitution: The air we breathe................................................ 62 Quantity Surveying: Regarding guideline fees..................................... 64 Opinion: Africa still enjoys mergers & acquisitions activity.................. 66 Urban Landscapes: Huge natural threat to landscape profession....... 69
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CONTENTS
Building Systems Flooring: Serving medium to heavy traffic........................................... 72 Kitchens: The work triangle – a useful design tool............................... 74 Kitchen Specialist Association: A word from the Kitchen Specialist Association............................................................................ 76 Lighting: Lighting trends evolving........................................................ 80 Roofing Structural Performance: Fixing roofs for wind force............... 84 Advertorial: Mitek Industries............................................................... 86 Steel Awards 2019: Steel Awards 2019 showcases designers’ mettle................................................................................... 88 Wallpapers: Some considerations and options.................................... 92 Windows: New windows reduce airport noise..................................... 94
Materials Stone Producer’s Profile: ...................................................................... 96 Bricks startup: Strong, durable and fire retardant................................ 98 Concrete: Thermal mass and concrete............................................... 100 Sustainable Paint: Walking the green talk.......................................... 102 Copper: Copper in the building environment................................... 104 Insulation – TIPSASA: Insulation installers to be certified.................. 106 Opinion: Setting the record straight about timber construction....... 110
Services Furniture Design: Seasonal two-bedroom apartment furnished....... 114 Ground Engineering: Deep injection at Viljoenskroon Lodge.......... 118 Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association: Successful PIPES XI Conference........................................................................... 121
Green Building Hemp: Building with hemp................................................................. 124 HVAC: Pool and jacuzzi pumps........................................................... 126 Renewable Energy: Mini-grids on the agenda................................... 128 Advertorial: Partnering to build property potential......................... 130 Convention: GBCSA Convention 2019.............................................. 132
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LEAD STORY MATERIALS IN FOCUS
A material world The materials used in the built environment are evolving. While enormous strides are being made in the area of green or sustainable building, humankind is becoming increasingly aware of the legacy created by the casual neglect of our ancestors. The building industry can’t draw a clear line between consumer-use materials and built-use materials. In most cases, they are one and the same and end up in the same place. So, our culpability is huge. Jo Ruxton and Gareth Griffiths Imaging
Gareth Griffiths
“
Humankind is being made increasingly aware of the legacy that has been created by the casual neglect of our ancestors.”
Jo Ruxton’s visit to Tuvalu in the Pacific. Waste is being piled up and dumped.
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ll waste material entering the recycling stream arrives with an embedded legacy of energy and carbon. This should be taken into account when contemplating net zero, especially when benchmarking against the alternative use of virgin materials. For example, the use of fly ash and blast furnace slag in the manufacture of cement is gaining traction. However, the availability of these materials depends entirely on the combustion of coal for energy. So, the use of the byproducts of combustion are mitigation measures, come with a load of embodied energy if traced back to source, and are not sustainable solutions into the future. The same goes for many recycled materials, e.g. eco-bricks being packed with single use plastic bags. If you remove the source of the waste you will, as a consequence, no longer have access to the recycled material. Ultimately, we need a return to natural substitutes for waste forming materials or scrap them completely. For example, the use of bioplastic as opposed to its synthetic versions, could rid the atmosphere of 4.3 gigatons of CO2 by the year 2050 [Ref:
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www.drawdown.org]. Bioplastic usage, which curiously first emerged in early model Ford cars, was sidelined (or more accurately, blindsided) by the wealthy and influential oil industry in the USA during the mid-20th Century. The experts add a caveat, however. Bioplastic recycling is a process that needs to take place independently from oil-based plastic recycling, and above all, plastic from both sources should never be mixed in the same product because this prevents all future recycling of both, leaving incineration as the only remaining option to landfill.
The danger of business as usual – a looming threat
The impact of a business as usual approach in the built environment and consumer spaces is well documented. The notion of “take, make, waste” which represents the business as usual approach, has resulted in most of the omnipresent environmental problems of today. One of the keynote speakers at the 2019 Green Building Convention was Jo Ruxton, an award-winning film producer and plastic pollution campaigner. Her
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LEAD STORY MATERIALS IN FOCUS
organisation, Plastic Ocean, has relentlessly pursued the facts about exactly how much plastic has ended up in our oceans, exactly where it is being amassed and what it happening to it. The film she produced, “Plastic Ocean – We Need a Wave of Change”, has been a chilling success in exposing the status quo. Ruxton has in her lifetime, explored the subaquatic world more than most and has documented its devastation first-hand. She concludes that 90% of synthetic waste in the ocean lies at the bottom. We see only the tip of the iceberg at the surface. ‘In my lifetime, plastic production has increased by 3 900% per year. Last year, it totalled 315 million tons, 8 million of which were deposited in the sea,’ she says. Supporting this observation, the Drawdown team states that one-third of all plastics end up in ecosystems, while only 8% is recycled on a global basis. In Ruxton’s opinion, also shared by leading scientists and backed by hard observations, plastic does not biodegrade. It simply gets broken down by wave action into smaller or micro pieces, which are now entering the food chain. This is resulting in the extinction of multiple species which co-habit the Earth with humans. Apart from this looming environmental tragedy of extinction, humankind’s existence is also threatened, as vital links in the food chain are broken. For example, it is predicted that the consumption of surviving fish stocks could become deadly to humans, due to the increase of plastic waste and toxins in the tissues of the fish. In some cases, certain plastics, due to their molecular nature, are being absorbed into chains of living tissue in the sea and mimicking food. There are islands in the Pacific Ocean such as Tuvalu, where the damage caused by plastic pollution is huge and threaten society. On another island, the population are sick and their disease is traced directly to the ingestion of plastic particles. It is universally recognised that any step in the direction of reducing and re-using existing waste stockpiles, is a huge step in the right direction.
“
Plastic does not biodegrade. It simply gets broken down by wave action into smaller or micro pieces, which are now entering the food chain.’
Jo Ruxton speaks at the GBCSA Convention 2019 surrounded by plastic waste collected by the GBCSA to reinforce the point to industry.
“Dark City” Exhibition – An artistic depiction of the one-anda-half floors of waste, from the basement up, in an abandoned commercial building in downtown Johannesburg.
To Build features several innovative articles on the reuse of waste materials in this edition, including • The incorporation of a waste product into decorative paint • The re-use of commercial paper streams into insulation • Alternative mixtures for cement and concrete • Bricks for construction from plastic waste Ultimately the built environment needs to go further than this. We need to audit the impact of each and every material that gets used on our building sites. Then we need to design truly sustainably. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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COVER STORY CLAY BRICK ASSOCIATION OF SA
The function and importance of
cavity walling High rainfall regions can experience condensation on the inside surface of the building shell during cold weather. This is commonly visible on glass doors and windows but can also be found on the walls themselves. In addition to causing damage, the continual dampness results in mould growth and many other health issues. Makana Brick and Algoa Brick
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COVER STORY CLAY BRICK ASSOCIATION OF SA
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he winter rainfall regions of the southern and western Cape are particularly susceptible to condensation, due to the differential between heated indoor air and the icy cold outdoor temperatures. An important revision to National Building Regulations is expected to address the problem through changes to SABS 10400-XA regarding standards for masonry walling, roofing and ceilings, flooring, shading and windows. Technical experts from the Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa (CBA) have been closely involved in the drafting of the new standard. Mariana Lamont, Executive Director of the CBA explains. ‘No matter how thick the wall or what it is made from, condensation will always be a problem if there is only a single walling layer or “leaf”. Cavity walls have been used since the 1800s to naturally insulate buildings in cold, wet climates like the UK and Europe. ‘The new SANS 10400-XA thermal performance requirement for masonry walling is based on the location, the type of building and the hours of day the building is used. The option is either a cavity wall (with or without insulation) or a composite wall with insulation. ‘In South African Energy Zones 1,2,4,6 and 7 there are new requirements for concrete and clay brick external masonry walling. A minimum 50mm uninsulated cavity will be mandatory. For Energy Zones 3 and 5, solid external masonry comprising two masonry leaves (without a cavity) will be sufficient. Cities in Zone 5 include Durban, Pretoria, East London and Polokwane. ‘The new regulations ensure thermal comfort inside a building without additional heating and cooling’. ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4 ZONE 5
Polokwane
BOTSWANA Nelspruit
ZONE 6
Pretoria Johannesburg
ZONE 7 NAMIBIA Kimberley
Bloemfontein Pietermaritzburg
Durban
Bhisho
Cape Town
Port Elizabeth
Improved standards of “built-in” thermal performance will benefit cost-conscious homeowners because it reduces the need for energy-wasting indoor heating and cooling.
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COVER STORY CLAY BRICK ASSOCIATION OF SA
What is a cavity wall?
A cavity wall is composed of two masonry walls separated by an air space or cavity. The result is a watertight, energy-efficient masonry structure appropriate for external load-bearing walls. Between the two masonry leaves, the cavity must be a minimum width of 50mm and consistent from the bottom of the wall to the top. The cavity can be partly filled with insulation which is attached to the inner leaf. Insulation provides additional thermal performance. Weep holes are drainage holes left in the exterior leaf of the cavity wall; traditionally non-mortared gaps left between two adjacent bricks. They provide an exit point for water condensing in the cavity, or if rain enter through gaps in the roof, window frames or masonry.
Similarly, you may have noticed that in cold weather, windows mist up on the inside and form water droplets that run down the window and damage interior paintwork. Any solid, single leaf wall – even one made from thick concrete – will experience condensation. Condensation weeping inside the house causes water damage and encourages mould. With a cavity wall, condensation still forms, but it gathers in the cavity behind the first wall and never reaches the second interior wall – and the house remains warm and dry.
Purpose of a cavity wall
Cavity walls offer two key benefits: 1. The cavity prevents water condensation from penetrating through to the inner leaf. 2. If walls are made of a high-density masonry material, like clay brick, it provides extra protection from temperature extremes and noise; even without additional insulation within the cavity. By building cavity walls, homeowners reduce energy use and save on heating and air-conditioning bills.
The diagram shows the key structures of a masonry cavity wall. An important revision to SANS 10400-XA of the National Building Regulations makes cavity walls mandatory for external masonry in residential buildings in most areas of the western and eastern coastal regions, as well as the central and northern interior.
“
The new SANS 10400-XA thermal performance requirement for masonry walling is based on the location, the type of building and the hours of day the building is used. The option is either a cavity wall (with or without insulation) or a composite wall with insulation.”
Where does indoor condensation come from?
Think of your favourite ice-cold beer! You take it out the fridge and within minutes water is dripping down the outside of the can and pooling on the table. Condensation is a result of cold beer inside the aluminium can or glass bottle, meeting warm air outside the container. Thicker glass slightly delays condensation but won’t prevent it.
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The Clay Brick Association of South Africa +27 (0) 11 805 4206 mariana@claybrick.org.za www.claybrick.org
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CLAYBRICK.ORG
FOR GOOD, FOREVER! Locally-produced clay brick ensures a lasting legacy for social infrastructure, homes, offices, schools and hospitals. Clay brick masonry is low-maintenance and sustainable, providing natural insulation against temperature extremes while minimizing damp, humidity and noise. Find technical information on building with clay brick at www.claybrick.org The Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa promotes inclusive sustainable practices. The Switch Green ThisAfrica project is co-funded by the Project is co-funded by European the EuropeanUnion Union
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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE INDUSTRY
Breaking new ground at Irene Link.
R2bn smart precinct in Pretoria A new 8 500m² commercial building in the Irene Link precinct in Pretoria, will be ready for occupation in October 2020. It is styled by the developers to be an interconnected development with easy accessibility and a premium lifestyle feel. Rendering by Abland
B
reaking new ground here is Abland, a South African property developer for over 30 years. The REIT has teamed up with partners on the Irene Link development, Giflo and SOM. The second phase of the second phase of the commercial development at the Irene Link precinctin Pretoria, begun in October 2019. The commercial component of the 75 000m² precinct, which already includes the Barloworld Logistics Head Office, will range from flexi suites which are single 20m² semi serviced offices, to 50 000m² campus-style offices,
depending on tenant requirements. Irene Link will include a 12 000m² convenience shopping centre which is set for development during the fourth quarter of 2019 and is scheduled to open to the public towards the end of 2020. ‘Irene Link will offer a broad spectrum of mixeduse elements such as office space, medical services, restaurants, a national grocer, a preschool, a hotel, a business centre with conference facilities, beauty and health facilities, and green areas,’ says Jurgens Prinsloo, managing director at Abland.
Imagining a space for freedom Celebrating 25 years of South Africa’s democracy, a special exhibition has been displayed at wellknown Stellenbosch wine farm, Spier. The works – by artists such as Athi-Patra Ruga, Helen Sebidi and Ricky Ayanda Dyaloyi – encompass painting, sculpture, photography, beadwork and drawing. Together they powerfully illustrate the importance of art in catalysing change, holding the powerful to account, and giving a voice to the voiceless. It is effectively a space for freedom. Spier Arts Foundation
B
y using a youthful colloquialism, “I see you”, the exhibition offers a reminder of the young age of our democracy. the exhibition offers a reminder of the young age of our democracy. When selecting the works, I See U’s curator, Olga Speakes — a lecturer at the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town and an independent curator — was guided by the insight that, while much has been achieved over 25 years of democracy, much more needs to be done. The artists which she and co-curator Gaisang Sathekge selected, each honour the struggles of the past and take stock of our tumultuous present, while inviting the viewers to imagine a more equal, prosperous and just South African future. The exhibition at the Spier Old Wine Cellar, continues to the end of November.
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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE INDUSTRY
The Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg
Through the school window The Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg (DSJ) recently completed an ambitious renovation project aiming at improving facilities to increase efficiency.
I
Teva
t made sense to invest in long lasting, low maintenance, high insulation windows that improve energy efficiency at the school and save opex. DSJ was aware that uPVC is the standard window framing material in Europe for exactly these reasons. The supplier, Teva, was recommended after positive case histories from the German School in Pretoria and at the French Lycee Jules Verne, helped to persuade the DSJ team that the company could meet their high standards of excellence within the requirements of the school renovation. The 150-year-old building had no original building plans. Plumbing and electrics were often discovered in unexpected areas, the structural integrity was a concern and many areas were difficult to access.
‘This was one of our most difficult projects and one of my favourites. We worked well with the school to meet the many challenges and we’re proud of the result,’ says Teva’s Jaco Malherbe, who personally managed the project. It was imperative that learning was not disturbed by the work. Every old window that was broken out needed to be replaced by its new counterpart before the next school day. The installers set up a dedicated installation team that worked from 2 to 10pm and some weekends, also working public holidays and during the July and December school breaks. Consequently, the school classrooms have been warmer this winter and will be cooler in summer, thanks to the high insulation value of uPVC. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE INDUSTRY
“
Verde Hotels remains committed to growing a portfolio of luxury green hotels and green buildings in Africa, and around the world.”
Hotel Verde, Cape Town Airport. 6 Green Star existing performance building.
6 Stars affirmed The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has re-awarded the 6-Star Green Star SA Existing Building Performance (EBP) rating to Hotel Verde Cape Town, which styles itself as Africa’s “greenest hotel”. This puts the hotel at “World Leadership” status according the to the GBCSA’s certification tools. Gareth Griffiths Imaging
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otel Verde near the Cape Town International Airport showcases some of the most advanced, environmentally-conscious technological installations and construction methods, in addition to procurement and operational practices in the world. Verde Hotels remains committed to growing a portfolio of luxury green hotels and green buildings in Africa, and around the world. Mario Delicio, founder of Verde Hotels and a passionate advocate of sustainability, said it was to be awarded this prestigious accolade whilst celebrating their sixth year in hospitality and sustainability. ‘I am immensely proud of my team – this is a phenomenal achievement – everyone’s input, everimproving performance and a passion for operating
green hotels has resulted in the ultimate reward. May we continue to grow in all things sustainable,’ he added. ‘Hotel Verde was rewarded with the highest score achieved for Green Star SA EBP v1 in South Africa to date, which further emphasises their comprehensive sustainability strategy, implemented from the ground up, across all elements of the hotel operations’, said a delighted Dorah Modise, the chief executive officer of the GBCSA. This award forms part of a number of similar accolades, notably during the design phase when the building was awarded the highly sought-after international LEED Platinum Design and Construction Certification, at the time placing it among only six hotels worldwide to have achieved that in the same category. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE INDUSTRY
CTBUH a great success Gareth Griffiths Imaging
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lobal organization, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) holds an annual walking event through sites of interest. All participating cities organize around a designated worldwide theme for the annual Global Walking Tour. The 2019 theme was 50 Forward | 50 Back, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Council and exploring the evolution of tall buildings in the city. On 27 June, the Cape Town members of CTBUH in
The Cape Town CTBUH Walk participants.
collaboration with the V&A Waterfront, Future Cape Town and GAPP Architects and Urban Designers held the Cape Town edition of the 2019 Global Walking Tour. The tour was one of 25 taking place around the world, with Cape Town’s the first to be held on the African continent. To Build was there to record this important event, very finely hosted by the V&A Waterfront development team. Further information at www.ctbuh.org/global-walkingtour-report-cape-town/
Well-crafted tiling for retirees
Retirement trends in South Africa have changed dramatically in recent years as people retire later, yet move into secure retirement estates earlier. TAL
C
onsequently there’s been a boom in the development and expansion of retirement and lifestyle villages nationally, offering facilities that cater for customers from a wider age group and with a broader range of interests. This trend mean that the design of units within retirement estates needs to take an ageing population into consideration and provide features such as bathrooms with grab rails, single storey units and fewer stairs, as well as well-crafted tiling and careful installation, to avoid any risk of tripping and subsequent injury. The Celebration Retirement Village project specified a total of 70 000m2 of tiling for both low and highdensity units, the indoor pool and external feature walls. With a proven track record of manufacturing and supplying quality construction materials for over 40 years, TAL was chosen to supply tiling installation materials for the recently constructed Celebration Retirement Estate in Gauteng..
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The Celebration Retirement Village project.
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We’ve got your property portfolio covered As you know, a project is only as good as the professionals working on it. That’s why when it comes to coatings, your project is covered from inception to completion, and well after, with Kansai Plascon Professionals. The Plascon 360º Partnership Pledge is a comprehensive, tailored service solution offering you coatings specifications, application monitoring and maintenance service co-ordination for your property portfolio. Instead of simply purchasing a quality product, you get industry experts that partner with you at every stage of the project to ensure you get peace of mind and the best return on your investment. All at no additional cost to you.
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EDITOR’S CHOICE PROMISING PRODUCTS
Formality in lamp design The sleek silhouette of Lineal is a fresh new look that showcases its creator, Adam Hoets’ stylistic dexterity. Willowlamp
s a trained architect, Hoets uses his respect for the built environment and innate understanding of geometry to give many of his pieces a striking structural impact. The pendant pays homage to the formality and purity of modern lines. While striking in its visual appeal as a decorative piece, it also offers a powerful lighting source. This makes it ideal for a working environment or area where task lighting is needed, such as over a kitchen counter, a desk, or suspended above a pool table. A versatile model, this lamp can also be adapted to a client’s space or wishes. Available from Willowlamp, Cape Town.
New control system connects seamlessly
Verasys on screen.
A new system that introduces the first plugand-play control system that integrates heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment and controls has been launched. Johnson Controls
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he system, called Verasys, offers customers in the light commercial market a flexible, one-source procurement solution with advanced technology embedded for the self-discovery of Smart Equipment. Suitable for single- or multi-zone applications, the new control system seamlessly connects to a vast range of Smart-enabled mechanical and electrical equipment,
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EDITOR’S CHOICE PROMISING PRODUCTS
controls and sensors using wireless configurations. Verasys accomplishes this without requiring any special programming tools, ensuring low installation costs. Configurable controllers provide simple settings for implementation, and contractors have the option to change defaults to meet their unique requirements. Verasys also empowers them to offer a complete bundled solution of Smart Equipment and controls that work with third-party, package equipment for
greater application, flexibility and protection of existing investments. Users can identify issues before they result in unplanned downtime, and equipment life is extended. The advanced level of control flexibility, including scheduling, alarming, setpoints and more, also saves time, increases productivity and results in facilities that better serve occupants. Verasys is available from Johnson Controls.
Quality tiling application system Kerabond T-R (C1T) and Kerabond TR Express(C1FT) are cementitious adhesives with no vertical slip and composed of fine grade resins and materials that lend extraordinary strength bonds, making them suitable for ceramic, porcelain, natural stone tiles and mosaics. Mapei
K
erabond T-R Express also offers the added benefit of a fast curing time of just six hours, where speed is of the essence. Another advantage of these adhesives are that they can be used in either internal or external applications on walls or floors. ‘What makes these adhesives unique is their antislip and high grip strength on almost any surface, albeit concrete, synthetic, wood, gypsum or almost any other surface. This makes it a must-have for contractors working on multiple surface types, or where instant adhesion is required without the risk of slippage,’ says Ntobela Zamaswazi, product manager ceramics for Mapei South Africa. The products take their place among a wide range of cementitious products, which include Keracolor FF tile grout, a polymer modified cementitious grout for joints up to 6mm with DropEffect® water-repellent technology and is available in a variety of different colours.
Kerabond high grip-strength adhesive from Mapei.
Mapei SA (Pty) Ltd www.mapei.co.za volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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EDITOR’S CHOICE PRODUCTS WITH PROMISE
New work boot for women A local manufacturer has launched a steel midsole variant in two of their leading shoes and boots and introduced an affordable split-leather safety boot option in yet another move that addresses the gaps in the choice of local safety footwear available to women. SiSi
D
espite certain environment specifications requiring a steel midsole, there is currently no female-specific safety footwear locally manufactured that meets this specification - and not many options available internationally either. The Sisi Cate and Nicole safety footwear is now be available in a steel midsole variant, says Vanessa Ronald, senior brand manager for Sisi. The company is also unveiling Yvonne, Sisi’s first split-leather chukka boot, an economical solution targeted at contract workers and those on a budget. ‘There is a high influx of women in industry and we want to convert them to wearing PPE designed specifically to fit the female anatomy. By doing so,
women will enjoy better health and safety and will also be able to focus their full attention on the job at hand, increasing their productivity on site,’ adds Ronald. Further information from stockists.
Hotel for dogs and cats For the beloved dogs and cats of built environment (and other) professionals, a concept hotel for pets opened last year off Bree Street in Cape Town. AtFrits
S
ays Dante Ludolf de Koker of the AtFrits Pet Hotel and Daycare Centre: ‘Our director and founder, Yanic Klue, first stumbled upon the idea of a pet hotel during her MBA years and fell in love with it right there and then. The concept of a pet hotel is not ours to claim ownership of, but we feel we’ve truly added a unique spin to it. We toured America in the summer of 2016 and visited number of pet hotels the country over. We found that, while their services and branding were excellent, that the interiors lacked colour and character. ‘We were absolutely blessed to have worked with Renato Graca and Mishaal Faisal from EHH Architects Inc. and they truly shepherded our vision and made sure that all corners were covered in terms of practicality and functionality. They are absolute visionaries’. More in the next edition of To Build.
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Student rising in a tough world
Nthabiseng Motlatle speaks at the ASAQS Conference.
A rising star in the world of quantity surveying predicts that the environmental impact of rapid urbanisation will lead to more stringent green building legislation in the future, and that technology, among other disruptors, will lead built environment professionals to become increasingly specialised. Framed by Claire Photography, Jetline Action Photos and N Motlatle
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very busy and committed student indeed, Nthabiseng Motlatle is the Chairperson of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyor’s (ASAQS’) Wits Student Chapter. She is studying towards her honours degree in Construction Management and works as a student quantity surveyor at the multinational Turner & Townsend’s Illovo office, which she says is her biggest opportunity yet.
The student
At Wits, Motlatle leads a team of undergraduate tutors at the ASAQS Wits Student Chapter, who assist students with tough quantity surveying subjects and modules. Throughout the year, they create polls to find out which subjects are presenting difficulties for students. Later, tutors who have excelled in those subjects are paired with the students accordingly. The tutors are mostly senior and final-year students who can include the time spent tutoring as part of their practical experience hours, which needs to be submitted as a requirement to pass each year of study at the University’s School of Construction, Economics and Management. The tutors source student assignments and past exam papers, which they then work through with their students. Motlatle says that helping students to pass gives her a sense of relief. Knowing how easy it is to pass the subjects when the information is conveyed in a way that resonates with a student is rewarding because she
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“
A very busy and committed student indeed, Nthabiseng Motlatle is the Chairperson of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyor’s (ASAQS’) Wits Student Chapter.”
knows the time and financial costs of repeating subjects are high. The ASAQS Wits Student Chapter uses social media to keep group members updated about speaking engagements and events, to great success. They also research news and trends that impact the built environment to ensure that academic content is relevant and up-to-date with the profession.
Present and future projects
‘I’ve considered the type of projects I would like to work on one day, given that my current honours year research is based on cost overruns in South African energy megaprojects, with a special focus on the impact that asymmetric lock-in plays in these burgeoning costs (as a result of decision makers inability to withdraw from certain obligations). This has sparked my interest in working with large projects, particularly in mining and energy,’ Motlatle says.
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STUDENT PROFILE WITS QUANTITY SURVEYING
She is also gaining valuable on-the-job training and professional experience at the Illovo, Johannesburg office of Turner and Townsend. Her supervisor at the company, Tashni Chetty, says: ‘She has been successful in getting into Turner & Townsend’s graduate programme by showing her keenness to learn, dedication to completion of projects and driving the graduate team to collaborate to get the assigned task done timeously. Her enthusiasm to develop herself highlights great leadership potential.’
The student as a person
Motlatle grew up in a family of four in Meredale, Johannesburg, and was fascinated with buildings and the construction process from a young age. Her affinity for problem-solving and determination to pursue a career in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) led her to select quantity surveying. Her goal is to drive transformation and change in the industry. The person who has impressed her the most is the late founder of the Motheo Construction Group, businesswoman and philanthropist, Dr Thandi Ndlovu, and she wants her own legacy to include having changed the built environment for the better. ‘I believe that the environmental impact of rapid urbanisation will lead to more stringent green building legislation in the future and that technology, among other disruptors, will lead built environment professionals to become increasingly specialised,’ she says. Motlatle recently presented at the annual ASAQS Conference and Gala Dinner, where she gave members
Nthabiseng at leisure – taking part in the “Run Joburg Your Way” road event.
Nthabiseng with Larry Feinberg, ASAQS.
and attendees insights on the current quality of education. She told attendees that quantity surveying students often struggle to find vacation work and that the support that the Wits Students Chapter needs is in the form of mentorship and training through practical work experience. ‘My advice to young women who want to advance in the field of quantity surveying is to not feel threatened because it’s a male-dominated field. The opportunities are endless. And also, to stay true to who you are because the profession requires highly ethical professionals,’ she concludes. The executive director of the ASAQS, Larry Feinberg, says: ‘Nthabiseng’s contagious enthusiasm and sincere desire to collaborate with her peers are just two of a number of wonderful qualities that set her apart from the group. When I first met the newly nominated Wits student Chapter Chairperson and her team, I was impressed by both her and the other chapter representatives’ professionalism and genuine commitment to their leadership positions. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Nthabiseng, as well as the ASAQS Wits Student Chapter during 2019.’ volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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PROFESSIONS ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS
Designing
for extreme environments South African architects working in extreme environments must pay considerably more attention to climatic conditions than those working in urban areas. For example, building orientation and thermal efficiency may be significantly more important for an ice station in the Antarctic or for a tourist facility on the Roof of Africa. Architects of Justice
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PROFESSIONS ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS
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ward-winning Johannesburg practice, Architects Of Justice (AOJ) tells To Build that during one of their first projects, they had to learn very quickly how to design for extreme conditions. A decade on the building is still functioning and has stood the test of time. The Gondola Café, situated at the foot of the ski slopes of the AfriSki is Mountain Resort in the unspoilt natural setting of Lesotho’s Maluti mountain range. ‘As avid snowboarders, we became involved in Lesotho through Club Maluti, a social club established in 1968,’ explains AOJ’s Kuba Granicki. ‘There was first a directive by our client to build a clubhouse on the slope for snowboarder.co.za, the Snowboarding Club of South Africa, and virtually at the same time they also wanted to add better facilities on the slope and to bring a certain element of hype for visitors. ‘Our first proposal was conceptualised, designed and presented in four days. Then we had to complete the building four months later. It was a ridiculous timeline due to the cold season fast approaching, and with very little money.’
At 3 222 metres above sea level, conditions are harsh
AOJ partner, Alessio Lacovig, confirms that the Maluti mountain range is not an easy place to build. ‘It’s extreme; the resort is at 3 222 metres above sea level, so UV is harsher. Lesotho is also the “water tower” of South Africa, so the annual rainfall is very high. It can be freezing cold one day, and very hot the next. If you run out of nails, there is no hardware store around the corner. The lack of oxygen at high altitude effects construction workers and they get tired quicker on site, and depending on the time of year, the hours of day light available for construction are limited,’ he says.
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The architects say that for the Gondola Café, they didn’t want to just recreate architecture from the Swiss Alps. They created their own identity, which they knew worked, based on other similar environments.”
The north side of the building features as little wall as possible to maximise on sun exposure.
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PROFESSIONS ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS
Afro Alpine conditions
‘We were lucky, being snowboarders, that we had all been on at least one international snowboarding holiday, so we had been exposed to the designs of such facilities,’ explains Granicki. ‘University doesn’t prepare you for implementing the necessary design for what is classed as an Afro Alpine condition.’ The architects had several immovable structures on site that had to be designed around; a ski lift, ablution facilities and a dam. ‘At the time we had to future rationalise a site development plan for the slope side of the resort, and 10 years later we are now seeing those original concept development drawings coming to fruition,’ says Granicki. Since Gondola Café, AOJ have completed four other structures at the resort - the snowboarder’s clubhouse, a timing hut, the “cooler box” (an outdoor tuckshop) and a control tower. The architects relied on the first principle designs which they learnt in university, for instance, the north side of the building features as little wall as possible to maximise on sun exposure. To additionally control the temperature in the high-volume space, they introduced a wood fired fireplace. ‘The building works so well that we only used singleglazed windows, and some nights they have to open the doors to let some of the heat out,’ says Lacovig. ‘It’s a very easy environment to control and regulate because the envelope is so efficient.’
Thermal efficiency is aided by polyblocks
The interior of the café is a multi-layered, mixed-use space. A juxtaposition of colourful elements and natural timber, it acts as a morning coffee shop, a place to have lunch, an afternoon pub for sun downers and a nightclub.
Design and identity
The building is essentially an asymmetrical profile, shaped to minimise the southern façade of the building and maximise the northern one, reducing the need for excessive heating of the building in winter, despite the sub-zero temperatures. The use of yellow and natural brown colours on the exterior, boldly contrast the snow-covered surroundings, while further complementing the low-lying afro-alpine vegetation in the summer months. On the upper north façade an open-air viewing deck offers users a prime spot to take in the surrounding indigenous landscape and enjoy the sun. Below the viewing deck, an arcade facilitates pedestrian circulation and also improves the functioning of the ski school, crèche and ski instructor’s office.
Lesotho Maluti Afriski development - timeline • 2009 Snowboarder club house
• 2010 Gondola cafe
• 2010 Gondola addition and SDP
• 2011 Control tower
• 2011 Cooler box
• 2012 Race station
• 2013 The BOSS
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Juxtaposition of colourful elements and natural timber
• 2016 Gone skiing shop and rental
‘The blocks are essentially big polystyrene Lego blocks filled with concrete, which gives you an easy-to-assemble permanent shutter that also works as insulation,’ explains Lacovig. ‘We cut insulation where we needed the services to run and then clad the polyblocks on the outside with fibre cement board painted to look like timber because of maintenance and costs. Inside the polyblocks were covered with 22mm pine boards which were sandblasted.’ Being a remote location, the design had to be proactive about problem-solving. ‘Many of our buildings since have followed the same principle,’ notes Lacovig. Extensive off-site construction is done for such projects. ‘We ensured that nothing we designed was so large that it needed to be lifted by machines,’ says Granicki, noting that the 13m-long laminated beams for the upright double storey A-frame were all hand lifted and hand positioned. Much of the early construction work
was also done by AOJ on site, such as setting out the foundations and setting the steel footings on the existing, yet very uneven, concrete floor slab. ‘The short timeframe we had helped jump start the project, but we also needed to know that the people on site were understanding what we had put down on paper,’ he adds.
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PROFESSIONS ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS
The Gondola Café, situated at the foot of the ski slopes of the Afriski Mountain Resort in the Maluti Mountains.
5 quick tips
for designing in harsh environments 1. Stick with good design principles. 2. Understand your context and the natural environment that is going to influence the user. 3. How are other people building in the area? Do research on the inherent lessons in a 100km radius. 4. If you are building in a remote are, consider that you have to house and feed staff while on site. 5. Transporting materials to a harsh environment, which is typically a remote location, can be one of your biggest challenges. Courtesy Architects of Justice.
The snowboarding-mad architects: Kuba Granicki, Mike Rassmann, Alessio Lacovig (right) of AOJ.
From a maintenance point-of-view, as UV is such a big factor, paint fades quickly and the structure needs to be repainted every few years, while the timber elements are maintained once a year. ‘You need to ensure that the material you are using is not prone to damage under those conditions. From really hot sun to wet and cold, the materials are working well,’ says Lacovig. The roof, non-pierced Cliplok to prevent leaks, is pitched at 15 degrees to facilitate the snow to fall off naturally. Designers needed to consider disposal of the snow by getting it to melt and move away naturally. Consideration also needed to be given to the hazards of water pooling under shade and turning into ice where people walked. ‘Finally, the wind factor is something you don’t really get exposed to in your early years of architecture. Only once you begin to engage with professionals do you begin to understand the implications of something you cannot see,’ Lacovig concludes. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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ADVERTORIAL Royal Institute of Chartered Acountants
Mediation is the future By Martin Burns, RICS Dispute Resolution Service
Someone once told me that ‘mediation is the next big thing’. They said that, very soon, far fewer people would be going to the courts to resolve their civil disputes. Most people involved in disputes will be mediating instead. I was so persuaded I went and trained as a mediator.
I
n 2010, around 87 000 civil claims in the UK courts settled before they went to trial. This means that 75% of cases took up an inordinate amount of preparation and actual court time, resulting in enormous administrative costs to the UK Treasury. In my view, the reason why comparatively few mediations take place in South Africa is not down to any real problem with the process. It is more to do with an inadequate appreciation of the process and what it can achieve. Most parties, who end up in litigation, have little understanding of mediation. Added to this is the probability that whilst all lawyers are trained litigators, most are not trained to be mediators. Mediation is a very useful tool for resolving disputes. When it is used, it is successful more often than not. There have been recent signs that more people are prepared to give mediation a go, and momentum seems to be building in some specialised sectors such as property and construction. But if mediation is to become a routine part of the civil dispute resolution process in South Africa, there perhaps needs to be a more concerted campaign to educate court users and highlight the real benefits of using it.
Mediation makes economic sense
Knowledge and understanding will help. There needs to be an element of pressure put on parties to mediate if it is to become more widely used. This could mean the introduction of laws that make mediation mandatory. Parties can also be persuaded to think more about the economic sense of avoiding costly litigation and the genuine prospect of finding solutions to disputes that make commercial sense. The motivations for using mediation include quicker and cheaper dispute resolution. When mediation is embedded into a country’s civil justice system it
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results in fewer cases going to court unnecessarily. Disputes are resolved more rapidly at lower costs to participants. Underpinning a strategy aimed at channelling many more disputes towards mediation, should be a system that compels parties to use it. This could be done by introducing automatic referral of small claims to mediation schemes. Such schemes can be provided directly by the courts or sourced through industry bodies. The case for change is compelling. The emphasis should clearly be on getting disputes resolved, rather than on an idealistic pursuit of justice which can often see parties spend disproportionate time and money on litigation. In many instances, parties turn to the courts before even trying to resolve their differences in other less formal ways. Perhaps there will be resistance from some areas of the legal profession to making mediation the norm. In my view though, rather than perceive the push for mediation as a threat, legal professionals should look on it as a genuine opportunity. Parties who engage in mediation schemes will still need professionals to advise and represent them. Getting trained and qualified in mediation may also lead to a new area of interesting and challenging work for lawyers.
RICS Dispute Resolution Service Alexandra de Beer +27 (0)21 975 5537 adebeer@rics.org
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PROFESSIONS CONSTRUCTION H&S
Opinion: Unmanned breathalysers The Operational Health and Safety (OHS) Act mandates a zero-tolerance approach to intoxication or the consumption of alcohol in the workplace. To prevent contravention of this Act, many organisations implement compulsory alcohol testing before workers are permitted entry. While in theory this would seem to be the ideal solution, the reality is that it is often not as effective as organisations would like to believe. This is because of one thing: the human element.
Alco-Safe Rhys Evans, managing director at ALCO-Safe An example of an unmanned breathalyser.
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ecurity personnel administering the tests often live in the same communities as the workers they are being asked to police, and this is problematic on a number of levels. Those being tested are often resentful, and if they have in fact been drinking, resort to physical violence against the guards. Using an unmanned breathalyser system that can be integrated into access control or time and attendance solutions, solves this issue and provides a number of other benefits. These threats and intimidation not only create an unpleasant working environment for security personnel, they also negatively impact the effectiveness of the testing policies. Under threat, or following bribery, security personnel may not report all of the positive tests they come across. This means that intoxicated workers may be permitted access, with the knock-on negative effects on the safety of everyone on site. An unmanned breathalyser ensures there is no human
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element involved. Such a system can simply be wall mounted, however, for compulsory testing, it can also be integrated into access control and time and attendance turnstiles. The access control will not permit access unless a negative result is obtained, and a siren or light can be fitted to alert security if a positive sample is obtained. It is also possible to obtain reports from the time the test was taken that show how many people were tested and how many were positive or negative. Unmanned breathalysers can also be fitted with a camera that can record every test, or every positive result, for evidentiary purposes. With an unmanned breathalyser solution in place, compulsory testing is integrated into access control through a simple plug and play interface. No changes to policy are required, the wellbeing of security guards is improved, and the safe working conditions of all workers can be improved on all levels.
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PROFESSIONS CONSTRUCTION
At the Master Builders and Allied Trades’ Association of the Western Cape, Minister Patricia de Lille, surrounded by (from left) John Matthews, John Slingsby, Allen Bodill, Rick Volker, Tony Keal and Roy Hendricks.
Govt intensifying efforts to strengthen relationship with private construction sector A growing trust deficit between the government and the private sector threatens to derail efforts to turn around the struggling construction sector, but government is intensifying its efforts to build meaningful relationships with the industry, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille, said at the 118th Annual General Meeting of the Master Builders and Allied Trades’ Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC). Master Builders Western Cape
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he leadership of the Master Builders and Allied Trades’ Association of the Western Cape echoed the Minister’s sentiment on the need for strong public-private partnerships and remain positive about the industry’s prospects. De Lille acknowledged the downturn in the construction industry but urged the sector to welcome government’s much-touted R100 billion infrastructure development fund, announced during SONA, which she said will be ramped up alongside a drive to stamp out corruption and sharpen the technical capacity of government. De Lille stressed that the gap in trust between the private sector and government needed to be addressed, saying partnerships were crucial because government cannot do it alone. She made it clear that she was aware of fraud and corruption in her department and said she was working with the Special Investigation Unit, the Hawks, and the National Prosecuting Authority, as well as undertaking civil litigation, to ‘clean out the rot’.
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She also shared that, from October 2019 to March 2020, the department will be running 126 projects to the value of around R329 million and all MBAWC members are encouraged to look out for advertisements and tender notices. De Lille echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s sentiments that projects need to move faster, confirming that she is building a pool of engineers, project managers, spatial planners and quantity surveyors to achieve this goal. ‘This will result in the forming of a multi-disciplinary action team that makes things happen faster on the ground by evaluating and assessing every single infrastructure plan, including budgets and timelines, while making sure that no proposed project is accepted if it is not properly prepared and tender ready,’ she said. ‘There are still cranes peppering the Cape Town skyline,’ said outgoing MBAWC President, John Slingsby. ‘There may not be as many, but they are still there, so all is not lost. We have to remain optimistic about our country, optimistic about its future and its ability to lead Africa.’
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PROFESSIONS CONSTRUCTION OPINION
Opinion: Community consultation is key
The construction sector is in dire straits. Due to slow economic growth many construction companies are under immense pressure, which includes retrenchments and possible business closure. In addition, the frustration is compounded by surrounding rural communities that often work for local construction companies. EDS; Photographic rendering by SANRAL
Janine Espin
Defining the problem
When a new project is earmarked for a rural community, many problems and expectations arise. This is largely due to a miscommunication between the community and the construction company. These communities continue to live in poverty with poor service delivery, leading to exasperation and frustration all round. So, what can be done to elevate the tension between surrounding communities and construction companies?
Unscrupulous and unrealistic
The frustrations and expectations by the communities have, in some instances, led to construction projects being held ransom. Recently, Aveng-Strasbag, in conjunction with SA and Belgian engineering firms, had to stop work on a R1.6 billion contract to build a massive bridge over the Mtentu River. They cited excessive demands by the community as the reason for choosing to cut their losses. (as reported in To Build, March 2019) In another instance, a construction site was closed due to the fact that the workers hired from the community wanted bonuses simply for attending work. Often the demands from the community could be seen as unrealistic when viewed by the construction team. Representatives from the community may have their own power plays and would like to show the rest of the community and the contractors, how important they are by calling for community protests.
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Janine Espin, Managing Director at Economic Development Solutions
Can this community behaviour be avoided?
These demands may be avoided by construction companies if they are proactive about how issues are initially communicated between themselves and community leaders. On a broader scale, these issues are part of larger problems within the impoverished rural areas in South Africa. However, the construction industry is unique in that there is a beginning and an end date to the project. Yet, this is not often communicated to the members of the community, or they simply refuse to understand this concept, i.e. community members remain firm that they should be employed on a permanent basis, even though it is a construction project.
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PROFESSIONS CONSTRUCTION OPINION
of the community who have building skills, but do not have the paperwork, or perhaps have a letter from their previous employee, could still be part of the project due to their vast experience. This is not to say the construction company should put the project at risk. However, there is an advantage to recognising previous experience and thereby including members of the community.
Leaving a legacy
An architectural rendering of Mtentu River Bridge
Research, consultations and mediation
The construction industry can greatly benefit from surrounding communities, but there needs to be a balance when it comes to employing people from the local area versus employing outside people with the right expertise. When working within a community it is important to approach a community consultation company which acts as a facilitator and intermediary between the project team and the community. This intermediary looks at all points of view, from community issues to the construction project. This same intermediary can, for example, help to advise the construction project on how to avoid potential pitfalls and protests.
Methods
The consultancy will research similar large companies that have previously been involved with the same community and highlight “red flags” and how the community reacted – positively or negatively – to decisions made by the project team. The consultation company also advises about the strategy to follow to mitigate risk. Furthermore, understanding the community dynamics before breaking ground is essential to a successful construction project, particularly in rural South Africa. It is recommended that, perhaps one of the best avenues prior to commencing with the project, is that the company conducts skills assessment tests. Members
In terms of upskilling, the construction company is not required to upskill locals. However, if the business embraces good corporate governance in their corporate policy, then the question arises – what is the legacy you would like to leave behind? Part of positive brand building and leaving a long-term legacy is achieved with upskilling programmes where community members are able to work on the next project, thereby making the projects more sustainable for the community. Upskilling may also assist with unreasonable demands from the community. If a company is proactive in leaving a positive legacy and it spends money on upskilling, then there is less chance for people to follow disruptive elements within the community.
Mtentu River Bridge The Mtentu bridge site aimed to be one of the mega bridges forming part of the N2 Wild Coast (N2WC) road project. The tender had been awarded to the Aveng Strabag Joint Venture (ASJV). The JV partners consisted of Aveng Grinaker-LTA, a major South African-based construction company and Strabag, a leading European construction company. According to the contractors, they the contractors have not been on site since 22 October ‘due to threats of violence and levels of community unrest and protest action related to demands made against SANRAL’. According to Business Day, the Strabag spokesperson, Diana Neumüller-Klein, said the nature of the threats, unrest and protest action at the project was unprecedented. These allegations were subsequently disputed by SANRAL, which claimed that there were other reasons for the contractors leaving the site. [ See Ref: https://issuu.com/mediaxpose/docs/ to_build_vol9/40 ]
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PROFESSIONS INTERIOR DESIGN
An all-consuming passion for design A legend in her time, with an enduring legacy in interior design, Cécile Tilley’s (nee Pitot) extraordinary years are featured in a book that was launched in August. Photos from the book, Cécile, and by Gareth Griffiths Imaging
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By Gareth Griffiths
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PROFESSIONS INTERIOR DESIGN
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t seems, from the book, that Cécile was a true character. A larger than life persona, with a wicked sense of humour. A quotation from the book sums it up: ‘Haughty but humble, Cécile was about as far from an austere style icon as you could get. Throughout her life, she formed friendships with people from all walks of life – and of all ages – as long as they had a point of view and a keen sense of humour’. Cécile began her manufacturing foray by making bed linen at their renovated “manager’s cottage” on a grand property in Ottawa owned by an old friend, but formerly a sugar cane baron’s estate. After meeting Boyd Ferguson by chance at a décor shop in Durban, the relationship between the two of them developed into a joint business venture, hand-making exclusive lamps at the Ottawa property.
Accordingly, the pair, transgenerational, had tremendous rapport and formed a vibrant creative partnership. In the early 1980’s the bespoke lamps and other items that were being produced by Cécile and Boyd from the Ottawa estate, were taken to the next level when “Cécile and Boyd’s Decorating Shop” opened in Durban’s 7th Avenue. The product range grew from lamps to living room furniture, throw cushions and other decorative objects. And the sales approach was experiential. ‘We created a bespoke, enveloping environment that compelled you to sink onto the closest feather sofa, sip on a cappuccino and make like you were at home,’ says Boyd in the book. By all accounts, goods sold quickly so production was increased. An old house in Florida Road was purchased and styled as a décor shopping “home”.
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It seems, from the book, that Cécile was a true character. A larger than life persona, with a wicked sense of humour.”
The Cécile and Boyd showroom in Cape Town –living the experiential design approach.
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At about that time, the business relationship with Cécile and Boyd’s high profile client, Singita, began. Boyd was joined by his sister, Geordi De Sousa Costa and Paul van den Berg as designers. Others who were part of the lamp design and manufacturing contingent at Ottawa were also signed on at that stage and continue as foundation members of the company today. Cécile had lost her dearly beloved husband, Duncan, in 1996, and two years later moved into a generously redecorated apartment in central Durban. She was in her sixties when she met Boyd, and the foundations for an exceptional business venture were laid. She would continue leading and inspiring the company into her seventies, until her retirement. ‘Her retirement was a wonderful period for all of us. Cécile loved arriving at the shop at 11am dressed to the nines for tea and a chat, and we’d all head out for lunch with the team,’ says Boyd. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 90, surrounded by her friends and extended family, in a special bedroom in her Mount Edgecombe home which had been filled with her familiar things. Cécile, the memoir, has been painstakingly and lovingly put together on behalf of Cécile and Boyd by creative duo Kerryn Fischer and Luanne Toms, with
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Boyd Ferguson enjoys a cuppa outside the Cécile and Boyd showroom in Kloof Nek Road, Cape Town.
beautiful visuals, ranging from archival family snaps to photographs from some of Cécile and Boyd’s early projects. The book is available at Cécile and Boyd showrooms. [Info: www.cecileandboyds.com]
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PROFESSIONS URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Human City Design Award, local project listed A South African project made it to the finals of the Human City Design Award 2019, organised and hosted by the Seoul Design Foundation in September. CDI
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he project, the Better Living Challenge (BLC), encourages innovation and affordable solutions in low-income housing in the Western Cape ‘It is a great honour to have one of our projects nominated for a top global design award,’ says Craft Design Institute (CDI) executive director, Erica Elk, who attended the ceremony in Seoul in September. The Institute manages the BLC programme. ‘This project is an excellent example of how design-led processes can unlock new thinking and ways of doing. It has been a great experience to watch the BLC take shape and grow over the years and continue to produce innovations. Over time, these will catalyse better living conditions for thousands of families living in low income communities,’ she adds. The project supported the development of affordable and environmentally-friendly products for home improvement: water saving and harvesting, insulation, fire warning systems, alternative materials, and offgrid energy use. Three professional and two student winners were selected from over 130 entries; and the winners received bespoke support to commercialise their products to the value of R500 000. The second phase, still in process, has involved extensive research and user-testing using design process methodology, with a focus on how to create an enabling environment for the incremental upgrades of homes in informal settlements. The research revealed that people
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Kanyo Kopolo sketching and presenting his group conceptual design as part of a best-build practice workshop.
needed home improvement products, systems and services as well as access to information (how to improve their homes and where to access support) and skills development (how to build better, how to design better building processes, and how to use different materials and solutions effectively). Phase two culminated in a pilot, two-week Design + Build Incubator. This offered 15 small-scale builders working in the informal housing sector, the chance to develop their technical design and building skills, as well as their business acumen. The goal was to help them design and build better structures in local communities and to improve their livelihoods. They continue to be mentored. The training programme brought together industry experts, such as local community organisations and architects, to share their insights with the small-scale builders. The incubator covered various subjects, from financial management and basic building skills, to marketing skills and personal development. All these subject areas were designed to assist small-scale builders with skills they could use to improve how they work, and more importantly, to improve how they build. ‘The BLC team is currently securing two pop-up builds in rural communities. This will give the current participants the opportunity to pass on their skills and knowledge to another cohort of small-scale builders,’ said Elk.
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PROFESSIONS DEVELOPERS
Morning Glen Mall redeveloped A project is underway in the north of the City of Johannesburg to redevelop a popular shopping mall into a centre with a fresh lease of life. Rendering by MDS Architecture
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ear Gallo Manor, the Morning Glen Mall is transforming into new precinct designed by MDS Architecture for SA Corporate Real Estate. Depending on market demand, the developer is considering the addition of a high-rise residential building on top of a new parkade building that will be built adjoining the mall. Pierre Lahaye, MDS Architecture’s partner heading the project, says that the shopping centre has been repositioned in terms of tenant locations to increase traffic flow and provide a better energy for strategic tenants. The entrances will become more inviting to shoppers. ‘From a design point of view, the centre’s fresh lease of life was achieved by eliminating any crossover between service and public entrances, reconfiguring the parking and ensuring better views to develop a contemporary shopping centre with energy and vibrancy,’ he says. The mall ablutions are being revamped, the existing polished floor tiles replaced, and the lighting being given a lot of attention. Inaccessible lights are being removed and coves and parking areas are being lit to avoid any dark patches. The new lighting is more energy-efficient and lux levels are dramatically higher. Up-lighting is being used to create reflective light. New escalators will vertically link both ends of the building for better connectivity and circulation. The escalator opens up views down the mall. New shopfronts and bulkheads at various levels provide a much more
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enticing interior space, which is complemented by new mobiles and furniture for a more tactile experience. ‘One of the main issues faced by the existing mall was a lack of parking and this has been addressed in the design by adding a new parkade and improving access to the site. The new entrances provide a sense of arrival and welcoming greenery, while the fresh exterior draws patrons in. External signage has been rationalized and new restaurant areas spill out on the corner of Kelvin and Bowling Roads. Given that the site is at the top of a hill, Morning Glen boasts great views towards the North,’ says Lahaye.
Residential component
Another exciting aspect of the project is the possible redevelopment of the unoccupied offices that were linked to the site. If it meets market demands, the office building will be demolished, and a residential component of apartments is planned along with a parkade to be used by the shopping centre. ‘Should the residential development proceed, a sevenstorey apartment building will be perched on a podium of a three- level parkade. While the one level will service the apartments, the other two levels will service the mall. A direct link between the retail and residential areas is being created via a new mall, which will also link through the shopping centre to the parkade off the Kelvin Drive entrance,’ he says.
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PROFESSIONS DEVELOPERS
Shaping African cities Mixed-use real estate isn’t just taking South Africa by storm. Developments that combine residential, retail, commercial and office spaces are becoming increasingly popular in the rest of the continent – and for all the right reasons, says Nicholas Stopforth, managing director of Amdec Property Developments. Amdec
Darling Harbour in Sydney.
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hen it comes to economic growth, all eyes are on Africa. Data by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for instance, shows that this continent accounts for four of the world’s top five fastest-growing economies, namely Ghana (8.8% growth in 2019), South Sudan (8.8%), Rwanda (7.8%), Ethiopia (7.7%) and Côte d’Ivoire (7.5%). (South Africa lags behind the group considerably at 1.2% - Ed.) This, as well as increasing spending power, a rapid urbanisation rate and Africa’s expanding working-age
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population – which according to the World Economic Forum will be larger than either China or India in 2034 – are transforming the continent’s cities profoundly. Take Rwanda’s capital of Kigali, which according to the Eden Strategy Institute, has one of the world’s top 50 smart city governments. Not coincidentally, the city has become a mixed-use real estate hotspot as well. Technologically enhanced mixed-use developments form part of Kigali’s master plan to drive investments, improve the business climate and build infrastructure
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PROFESSIONS DEVELOPERS
“
In terms of future projects, we aren’t just looking at what is happening in cities like Hong Kong, Sydney and New York. We need to be looking at what African megacities like Nairobi and Lagos are doing.”
to grow the city’s economy. The authorities know that modern mixed-use developments support a vibrant, productive and livable city. Speaking from the experiences of my own company in South Africa, the Amdec Group’s projects such as Melrose Arch have proven this. This development has changed the way people from Melrose live, work, and spend their free time. With a landscaped urban design that allows pedestrians access to green public spaces amongst hundreds of trees, Melrose Arch incorporates
residential complexes, luxury hotels, an events venue, dozens of restaurants and coffee shops, a shopping galleria, AAA-grade office buildings and a flagship Virgin Active gym. Consequently, residents and working professionals have everything they need on their doorstep, without having to get into their cars and worry about safety. This was one of the first developments to achieve that for this area. Lagos in Nigeria is another one of Africa’s mixed-use volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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rising stars. These types of properties are becoming more popular as locals and expats alike look for safe pedestrianoriented precincts where one can live, work, play and shop. This is amplified by high levels of traffic congestion, something which, besides Nigeria’s economic heart, is also affecting Accra, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and other metros, including Johannesburg and Cape Town. For example, The Yacht Club incorporating Africa’s first AC by Marriott Hotel, is located in Cape Town’s city centre, close to the N1 and N2 access points, and near the Central Business District, the V&A Waterfront and other business and entertainment hubs. Developers can draw inspiration from what is going on in established markets and we are watching
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These types of properties are becoming more popular as locals and expats alike look for safe pedestrian-oriented precincts where one can live, work, play and shop.”
developments closer to home. In terms of future projects, we aren’t just looking at what is happening in cities like Hong Kong, Sydney, and New York. We need to be looking at what African megacities like Nairobi and Lagos are doing!
Melrose Arch has changed the way people from Melrose live, work, and spend their free time.
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PROFESSIONS DEVELOPERS
About the world’s top 50 smart city governments A smart city concept integrates information and communication technology (ICT), and various physical devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) network to optimise the efficiency of city operations and services and connect to citizens. This may include data collected from citizens, devices and assets that is processed and analysed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, crime detection, information systems, schools, libraries, hospitals, and other community services. Although there are a multitude of differing definitions to a relatively new concept, in essence it means that a smart city may therefore be more prepared to respond to challenges than one with a simple “transactional” relationship with its citizens [Ref: Wikipedia]. Consequently the Eden Strategy Institute has scoped out the concept as reflected in its White Paper document called, “Top 50 Smart City Governments” as those that integrate digital technology, knowledge and assets in a way that makes them respond better to users, improving the services of the city and embracing the citizenry. What is significant is that this concept can transcend national boundaries in creating coalition networks and has the potential to rise above nationalist politics. In a similar way, the major group of megacities, the C-40 network, has risen above the limited views of the climate change phenomenon taken by various national governments, and are united in purpose of making a difference that matters to citizens. The Eden Strategy Institute has scoped out its own methodology for evaluating city rankings from various sources based on several criteria that include things like geographical coverage, numbers of citizens involved, and budgets allocated to specific projects.
record
Leadership
Track
Vision
The Eden Strategy Institute’s top rated city is London with a mean score of 33.5.
Smart policies
Budget
33.5 Financial incentives
People centricity
Talent readiness
es pport mm Su gra pro
-
Innovation ms ecosyste
The top five global cities are London, Singapore, Seoul, New York and Helsinki. The first and only African ranked city is Kigali, at number 50. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Building Systems AGGREKO ADVERTORIAL
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ccording to experienced rental supplier, Aggreko, many companies choose to purchase generators when they require power for short-term situations. However, the purchase of generators includes a host of added costs that are not immediately obvious. Spare parts for the equipment need to be purchased and stored, as well as consumables, such as oil. When generators are housed in different locations, logistical problems occur as companies attempt to ensure that equipment is regularly serviced, and that spare parts and consumables are readily available for all project sites. Refuelling is an additional cost which is often forgotten when the decision is made to buy equipment. In addition, a company purchasing generators must be prepared to hire and train specialised engineers to ensure that the machines are kept in good working order.
Free up capital
Another one of the major benefits of renting is that it avoids the need for large capital expenditure. When a company chooses to buy, they must pay the full cost of the asset up front or pay a large down payment for the loan out of their operating funds, which can affect available lines of credit and impact cash flow. Renting frees up working capital for more profitable uses without increasing the company’s debt ratio.
allows for a quick response as the need for power arises. With minimal documentation, a company can quickly have the equipment they need in operation. Finally, in choosing to rent instead of purchase, uncertainties and risks about equipment ownership are transferred to the rental service provider, which allows the customer to concentrate on using the rented equipment as a productive part of their business. In addition, a company need not be concerned about having the latest equipment. The service provider guarantees the availability of the most up-to-date and well-maintained equipment.
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The risk of purchasing equipment is that it can become obsolete as technology improves. Renting allows the acquisition of equipment that is needed today and the ability to use it cost-effectively until it no longer meets the customer’s needs, and then upgrade without dealing with the outdated and obsolete. The customer has the freedom to change the equipment as and when their business needs to change.”
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The decision between purchasing a power system or renting it depends largely on the urgency of finding a solution to the power problem faced, and the length of time the power solution will be needed for. Renting
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PROFESSIONS ENGINEERING PROJECT
The award-winning project team on site at the Strand Seawall: Stephanie Coetzee, CCT holds the SAICE citation award. With her, from left, are Ben de Wet, Barrie Barnard, Tony Cooksey (Mott McDonald), Stephanie, Fatgie Moos (Mott McDonald), Brenton Heron and Pierre Roux.
City of Cape Town’s award-winning coastal project An award-winning coastal engineering project has been recognised with a Marine and Harbour Division Award 2019 by the Western Cape Branch of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering.
Gareth Griffiths Imaging
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Gareth Griffiths
he project in question is Phase 1 of the planned sea wall in the coastal CBD of Strand, Cape Town, which effectively protects the beachfront and promenade from frequent flooding and windblown sand ingress. The SAICE annually recognises the most outstanding civil engineering achievements in the industry by awarding projects which portray the art and science
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of civil engineering to the general public; and those which illustrate innovative solutions to challenging civil engineering problems. These elements are demonstrated by the Strand sea wall to great effect. Some of the criteria for this award included whether the project displayed unique features; how the impact on the environment was managed during implementation, and whether the project displayed engineering ingenuity.
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The problem
For some decades, the Strand CBD marine precinct has been subject to heavy erosion action by the sea and the shift of beach sand, resulting in road closures, the flooding of businesses along the promenade and damage to other infrastructure. Additional consequences have been the blocking of storm water drains by sand, which has created drainage problems within the CBD during winter. Consequently, during the course of Phase 1 of the project, a new 70m drainage pipe was laid out to sea beyond the wave action. The city has invested R103 million rand in the construction of the sea wall and upgrade of the promenade to date. This formed part of the first phase
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A section of the old sea retention wall in the eastern vicinity of Strand Pavilion, is part of Phase 3 section of the project which is yet to be completed. The project aims to raise the level of the promenade above the high water mark to +50% of the projected 100 year high level forecast.�
Above: An old section of the wall washed away by recent heavy wave action, in the eastern section of the beachfront, illustrates the seriousness of the problem. Left: A special pond used to facilitate the laying of the new storm water drain 70 metres out to sea.
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of the City’s Strand Pavilion Precinct Upgrade Project from the Strand Pavilion precinct to Da Gama Street. The remainder of the wall is being rehabilitated in future phases.
The project
During the initial phases of the project, as far back as 2011, city officials begun research to determine the best solution possible within the available resources. After due process, a suitable engineering professional partner was appointed, Mott Macdonald Consulting. The engineers further researched the case, involving professional inputs from among others, the University of Stellenbosch, including Geoff Toms, head of Ports and Coastal Engineering at the university, and Piet Badenhorst, a specialist in dune management. Studies were also undertaken on the condition of coastal structures along the 38km of coastline to Zeekoevlei to get a better technical overview. By 2014/2015, the construction team moved on site to begin what would become an innovative and unique project. The duly appointed contractor by the city was Civils 2000. The project envisages three phases, beginning with the first 1.1km of beach to the south of the Strand Pavilion. Because this is the most heavily used commercial section of the beachfront, it was prioritised in phase 1. The city required a complex solution to protect the coastal infrastructure, with due consideration made in the context of climate change and sea level rise; the impact construction would have on the beach aesthetics and pedestrian access; as well as the strict environmental management controls that needed to be implemented. The sea wall had to be high enough to
meet the overtopping design requirements, but also allow a reasonable line of sight of the sea for the public. The refurbished sea wall consists of 1 500 L-shaped precast upper and lower concrete wall units. Each unit was placed onto a foundation designed to support the weight of the precast concrete units, amounting to between 14 and 16 tons each. The upper concrete units “capping” is bull-nosed in shape, facing outward to break the energy of wave action against them. ‘The entire wall fits together like Lego,’ says Tony Cooksey, a senior engineer at Mott MacDonald, who was with the project from the early concept and design stage, through to the execution. The bottom components of the wall consist of six differently styled L-shaped units. Above these were placed the coping components, also in various styles of curvature. Cooksey says that the placement of these was done with high precision by the contractors to ensure the entire wall was seamless to the eye and at a constant level – all 1 100 metres of it. ‘It became clear that the main road was the most inconsistent feature, which undulated all the way,’ he adds. This become clear when viewing it from street level looking out to sea where the height of the wall appears to change. This is obviously an optical illusion, but a mistake commonly made by people commenting in public. The pedestrian pavement is, however, a constant, allowing a magnificent recreational feature for strollers on the promenade. A local precast supplier, Concrete Units based at the Airport Industria, expertly formed and supplied the custom-designed concrete units to site within tight specifications.
Above: The upper concrete units “capping” is bull-nosed in shape, facing outward to break the energy of wave action against them. Above right: Undulating road level. Dead straight level promenade pavement. Hence the steps.
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City of Cape Town
PROFESSIONS ENGINEERING PROJECT
Pump station and storm water pipe site.
Protecting against climate induced sea level change
On the seaward side of the wall, the city placed gabion mattresses on the foundation to protect the wall units against erosion from tidal action. These gabion mattresses and concrete wall units are now covered with sand and only about 0,8 metres of the concrete wall is visible above the promenade level. The wall units were designed to accommodate a sea level rise of 50% of the projected 100-year forecast and can be removed and raised in a future extension of the wall height if necessary. An example of a unique and economical solution the engineering team needed to implement during the construction phase, was the use of beach sand in large sandbags to create the berms needed to protect the excavation against the high tides and waves during construction. According to the engineers, the sandbags were derived from recycled sugar bags that disintegrated at an early stage in the project, placing enormous pressure on the construction team, as well as in cleanup operations. Subsequently, the sand in the berms was finally used to re-establish the beach level and backfill behind the sea wall to preserve the beach sand as required.
Innovation in rehabilitation of main storm water pipe
The rehabilitation of the main storm water pipe laid out to sea to a distance of 70 metres, was an interesting challenge in itself. City engineers who oversaw this project went to great lengths to ensure a viable longterm solution. One of the innovations used was the application of one-way flexible valves at the end of the pipes that empty into the sea. These devices flex and close during the up-cycle of the tide to prevent backflow, and then vent when the wave action withdraws, allowing storm water to drain out. The device in question, a Tideflex seal by American company, Red Valve, was used to great effect on this aspect of the project. Another feature of the project was the provision of a new five metre-wide promenade along the seaward side of Beach Road, stretching from Da Gama Street in the west to the Strand Pavilion Precinct in the east. The final design and layout of the wall units allowed for renewal and more formal placement of the marketplace, which initially consisted of ad hoc informal traders located on the Beach Road sidewalk. It is noteworthy that the project was completed under budget, which is exceptional given the technical challenges of the task at hand. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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PROFESSIONS LEGAL OPINION
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Contractors’ guarantees do not need to be complicated, although they appear to be!”
A must have for building contracts A contractor’s guarantee is a specialised written undertaking in favour of the party who has employed a contractor to work on a construction project. Gillan and Veldhuizen Inc, Stock Image and Phoenix Risk Solutions
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ssentially, a financial institution such as an insurance company or a bank, will guarantee to make certain payments on behalf of a contractor if the contractor fails to perform its obligations to the employer in terms of the construction contract. This kind of guarantee is often required by construction contracts so that the employer can use the payout from the guarantee to fund the completion of the building
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Peter Williams and PJ Veldhuizen
project, if the contractor is unwilling or unable to complete their work. Construction guarantees create a triangular relationship. The employer signs a construction contract with the contractor, which is guaranteed by a financial institution. In exchange, the contractor provides security to the financial institution in case it has to pay out the guarantees to the employer.
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PROFESSIONS LEGAL OPINION
Various kinds of guarantees
There are various kinds of guarantees that can be used: • Performance guarantees, which allow the employer to recover costs incurred if the contractor fails to perform their tasks in terms of the building contract • Retention guarantees, which act as a safeguard against latent defects and to incentivise completion of the contract • Advance payment guarantees, which are used when the main contract provides for advance payment to be made to the contractor. This guarantee ensures that the employer’s advance payment will be refunded if the contractor fails to complete its work. In many occasions, examples of multiple guarantees can be found together, such as in the case of Joint Venture between Aveng (Africa) (Pty) Ltd and Strabag International GmbH v South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd and another [2019[ 3 All SA 186 (GP), where the contractor was required to obtain guarantees both for performance and retention money. In this case, the contractor cancelled the contract claiming that it was impossible to complete the contract due to external circumstances. The court found that the employer, SANRAL, was correct to view this cancellation as backing out of the contract (as it was not impossible to complete the contract under the circumstances) and SANRAL was permitted to call up the guarantees.
Trigger events that enforce the guarantee
The contractual terms of the guarantees entered into between the contractor and the financial institution are different depending on the terms of the original construction agreement signed by the employer and the contractor. Often the guarantee will depend on certain “trigger events” that will give the employer the right to enforce the guarantee. An example of this can be found in the case of Lombard v Landmark and others [2009] All SA 322 (SCA), where the guarantee would be triggered by either the liquidation of the contractor or the contractor defaulting to the extent that the employer cancelled the construction contract. In this case, the contractor was liquidated and the guarantee was paid out. Another point worth noting from the SANRAL case (cited above) is the confirmation that if there is no fraud involved, a contractor cannot challenge a construction guarantee being paid out by the financial institution. Even if there are outstanding contractual disputes between the contractor and the employer in terms of the main construction contract, the financial institution is obliged to make payment in terms of the guarantee once it has been triggered.
While the content of the original construction contract will, in most cases, be useful in interpreting the guarantees, the construction guarantees are separate, stand-alone agreements. For example, in Lombard Insurance Company Limited v City of Cape Town [2008] 2 All SA 400 (SCA), a contract was awarded to a joint venture of two contractors through a tender process. A condition of this construction contract was an institutional guarantee. A guarantee was requested by and issued to only one of the contractors without informing the insurer of the existence of the joint venture. When the second contractor was liquidated, the employer tried to claim in terms of the guarantee, but the insurer successfully argued that the wording of the guarantee did not cover the actions of the uninsured joint venture partner as the second contractor was never mentioned. A financial institution issuing a construction guarantee will usually request a guarantee from the contractor (often including a suretyship from its members or directors) to recover any funds paid out to the employer in terms of the guarantee. In Lombard v Landmark (cited above), the insurance company, Lombard, paid out the guarantee after the contractor’s liquidation and then called up its own security against Landmark and two sureties, which was disputed. The court found that once the “trigger” liquidation occurred, Lombard had an obligation to pay the employer in terms of the guarantee and once this happened, the parties who undertook to indemnify Lombard were liable to make payment to Lombard. Contractor’s guarantees do not need to be complicated, but they are fundamental to any building project. All parties involved in the project must ensure that they understand their rights and obligations so that the proper guarantees can be put in place. PJ Veldhuizen is an attorney at Gillan & Veldhuizen Incorporated and Peter Williams is a director and chartered insurance practitioner at Phoenix Risk Solutions.
PJ Veldhuizen is an attorney at Gillan & Veldhuizen Incorporated and Peter Williams is a director and chartered insurance practitioner at Phoenix Risk Solutions.
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PROFESSIONS LEGAL - CONSTITUTION
The air we breathe The Figurines, an indie rock band from Denmark formed in the mid 1990’s, are known for their song “The air we breathe”. It is a love song, but the words, ‘Do you feel the air we breathe? And do you feel the air we breathe?’, could rightly be an anthem for this decade. I would opine to say that never in the history of the modern world has it been more necessary to ask the question, do you feel the air we breathe? Diana Parkhouse, Unsplash and Gareth Griffiths Imaging Bryan Hack, Advocate of the High Court, Member of the Cape Bar
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here are many parts of the world where breathing is no longer a normal and easy necessity of life. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated seven million people worldwide die annually as a result of air pollution related illnesses[1]. There are parts of the world were breathing must be done through a mask, or with pain and discomfort. Despite all the rhetoric around the causes, the simple truth is that this is due to the pollution of the air. It is my view that the term “global warming” has obfuscated and confused the issue.
Sick because of human activities
Global warming is one of the consequences of pollution. Much debate exists about whether pollution is the only, the main, or even maybe, an insignificant contributor to global warming. Does it matter, when a young child suffers from a respiratory illness because the air he or she breathes makes him or her feel sick? They are sick because of pollution caused by human activities. Pollution must for that reason alone be avoided, or at least curtailed and or controlled. The South African Constitution in the “Bill of Rights” expressly addresses the issue of the environment. To
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quote the distinguished author GE Devenish[2] in his seminal work, The South African Constitution[3]: ‘Section 24 of the Constitution which must be read and construed together with the Environment Conservation Act[4], addresses the issues of environmental protection. It stipulated that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation, promote conservation, and secure ecologically sustainable development and the optimal use of natural resources while promoting essential economic and social development.[5]’ It is therefore both lamentable and laudable that a recent report appeared regarding a high court battle between various non-governmental organisations and the Environmental Affairs Minister. The Minister is reported to have told parliament that her department would not oppose an application brought by various parties to enforce air pollution regulations. This is because the department has given an undertaking to comply with the demands made that the regulations must be implemented.
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PROFESSIONS LEGAL - CONSTITUTION
“
I would opine to say that never in the history of the modern world has it been more necessary to ask the question, do you feel the air we breathe?”
Advocate Bryan Hack
This is regrettably, again, an instance where our laws, on paper, are exemplary but their implementation is seriously flawed or lacking. Let’s hope that the undertaking is met with real action and the children living, in particular, in highly industrialised areas of our county, will be able to breath without feeling pain. {Ed’s note} Advocate Bryan Hack currently serves as an Acting Judge in the High Court, Cape Town Bench. Advocate BC Hack +27 (0)21 4235 441 hack@capebar.co.za
South Africa’s air: How bad is it?
It is a well-known fact that South Africa contains some of the most polluted air in the world, especially in the vicinity of the coal mines and power stations. In addition, South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions are among the highest in the world and its absolute carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions rank among the top 20 countries, ‘with emissions per capita in the region of 10 metric tons per annum’. The 2011 National Climate Change White Paper described this challenge as follows: The energy intensity of the South African economy, largely due to the significance of mining and minerals processing in the economy and our coal-intensive energy system, has resulted in an emissions profile that differs substantially from that of other developing countries at a similar stage of development as measured by the Human Development Index. Since coal is the most emissions-intensive energy carrier, South Africa’s economy is very emissions-intensive. Furthermore, emissions from land-use change (primarily deforestation) contribute a significantly smaller share to our emission profile than for many other developing countries. In 2000, average energy use emissions for developing countries constituted 49% of total emissions, whereas South Africa’s energy use emissions constituted just under 80% of total emissions. Even in some fast-developing countries with a similar reliance on coal for energy, energy use emissions are lower than South Africa. [Ref: https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/national_climatechange_response_whitepap er.pdf ] References to main article 1 See https://www.who.int/airpollution/en/ 2 He was a one of the eight scholars who drafted the Interim Constitution of 1993 and has subsequently authored various definitive works on South African law. 3 First published in 2005 by Lexis Nexis Butterworths 4 Act 73 of 1989 5 Page 122
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PROFESSIONS QUANTITY SURVEYING
Creative Commons
Regarding guideline fees A word from the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) regarding the recommended professional fees recently published by the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP).
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he SACPCMP have just published new Recommended Guideline Tariffs of Fees for registered construction health and safety, and project and construction management professionals. According to these newly published guidelines, the project manager and health and safety professional should earn R1 139 495 or 11,4% on a project of R10 million. To this should be added the fees of the architect, currently at 10,61% and the quantity surveyor at 7,58% (based on their 2015 guidelines). The fees of the structural, civil and electrical engineers also need to be factored in - a mystery figure only they will know how to calculate, using their guidelines published at the beginning of December 2015. Do our councils seriously think that on a project of R10 million the embattled developer will be able to pay up to 35% in fees and remain economically viable? Are these fee scales not undermining the credibility of our professions, and are they not partly to blame for the 70% and 80% discounts that are offered on these recommended tariffs? In an article published in July in Seqafrica.com, the largest online magazine for the risk and compliance professions, said: ‘The publication of fee guidelines that cannot be associated with professional rate x time is totally useless. There is enough competition in the PM marketspace to drive rates down. And while there may be a shortage in Pr.CHSA supply, clients know from experience that a project manager, architect or engineer is in a higher price bracket than a H&S practitioner with a Pr.CHSA designation.’ [see https://sheqafrica.com/ sacpcmp-loses-sight-of-construction-reality/] The ASAQS firmly believes that there is a definite place for fees based on the value of projects, especially
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where the scope cannot be fully defined at the time when the services of the consultant is sought. Numerous complaints from our members underline this problem. It has become common practice to expect the professional team to tender fixed fees on term contracts where the client actually needs their input to develop the scope of the project and the brief to the professional team! In this respect, professional teams are at a complete disadvantage when compared to contractors who should receive carefully documented bills of quantities, drawings and other supporting documents that fully set out the scope of the works and the risks that tenderers will face. Is it not time that our councils come together and develop a single framework for the determination of professional fees that is applicable to all professionals? Strong inputs from clients, agencies and government bodies need to be considered when drafting such a framework so that it passes muster with the Competition Commission. Fees derived from such a guideline should differ due to underlying variables but lie within an acceptable range to prevent the excessive discounting of fees which has become the bane of our professions. There are various individuals and institutions that strongly disagree with this view and feel that there should be no fee guidelines, and that it should be left to free market competition. First published in the newsletter of the ASAQS 28 Sept 2019.
Association of South African Quantity Surveyors www.asaqs.co.za
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PROFESSIONS OPINION
Africa still enjoys mergers & acquisitions activity In an increasingly complex world, Africa is holding its own as an attractive investment region, with the value of investment on the continent showing growth. However, investor confidence still requires some coaxing, and there is an intense focus on robust due diligence – bringing environmental, social and governance (ESG) advisory services into the fore. WSP
Jenny Cope, Associate: Environmental Services, WSP in Africa
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t would be impossible to compare the corporate finance markets of the UK like-for-like with those in Africa as many such markets across Africa are still maturing. However, even when I first arrived in South Africa, it quickly became clear to me that there are strong deal-making communities in Africa. There is a strong core of domestic firms and a reasonable number of international financiers who are investing in Africa, either from overseas offices or via regional sub-Saharan Africa offices, especially within the financial district hubs of major investment centres.
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Investors are aware of the potential sensitivities associated with investments into Africa, and seek robust due diligence advice as a routine part of investment, which provides incredible opportunities for those in the advisory field.” – Cope.
Jenny Cope
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PROFESSIONS OPINION
Setting the scene
According to analysts, the value of M&A deals in Africa in H1 2019 was significantly up from the H1 2018 values, although the volume of deals was down. Indeed, analysis shows that only the African, Middle East and United States regions showed transaction value growth in the period of H1 2019 (against same period for 2018), with all other global regions exhibiting decline in deal values. The primary source of the increase in Africa comes from the domestic market, with acquiring businesses investing in targets in their own country. South Africa has a diverse and sophisticated corporate finance market. However, the prevailing challenges of poor economic growth, policy uncertainty and breaches in corporate governance continue to deter investor confidence. As a result, the local market has been tough, with a scarcity of M&A deals of any large size being pushed through during 2018 and early 2019. The systemic challenges of policy uncertainty are not unique to South Africa, with the regulatory environments in other regions across Africa constantly evolving as these markets mature. What is currently a differentiating factor, however, is that there is economic growth in several SubSaharan countries. It may not be sky-high, but there is more growth in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda than in South Africa now. Africa therefore is still viewed as the next big investment market for many foreign governments and multinationals, alike. Economic growth for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is estimated to rebound from 2.3% for 2018 to 2.8% for 2019 – Africa is demonstrating tenacity and resilience.
Facing the challenges
Africa has attracted inbound investment for a long time, and there is a massive amount of funds available for investment on the continent. However, to some extent, the private sector is held back by public sector inefficiencies. This is because the public sector needs to act as an enabler to the private sector to build on existing or first-established infrastructure. Investments in a country’s infrastructure and industrial sectors help facilitate cross-border deals, the values of which were stagnant during this first half of 2019. And, Africa is still heavily reliant on development finance institutions (DFIs) for infrastructure financing. Amendments to and stricter anti-bribery and anticorruption laws in some investor countries, such as the UK and the US, and which have long standing trade and investment relationships with African nations, have
made investors more cautious in recent years. This does not prevent deals from happening, but rather places importance on appropriate risk and governance due diligence.
Deals seen through an ESG lens
The broad scope of due diligence required for M&A deals in Africa is similar to developed markets; where financial and legal advisory services are often the first to be prioritised, complimented by tax, insurance, commercial, pensions, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), and ESG – including health and safety, employment conditions, ethics and compliance. In recent years, WSP has seen an increase in interest in the firm’s provision of ESG due diligence services. The firm’s experts have worked with inbound investors based in the US, UK, the EU and Australia, as well as for South African investors investing in other African countries.
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To some extent, the private sector is held back by public sector inefficiencies.”
A greater proportion of deals in Africa - than compared to European markets - include specialist ESG due diligence. Concerns around labour legislation and working conditions, corruption and bribery, pollution, critical habitat impacts, and resource management persuade investors to dig into these areas. Her firm’s scope of services are specifically designed to identity ESG financial and reputational liabilities, and then design action plans that can be practically implemented to minimise these risks and unlock value over the investment period. The challenges we see often relate to timelines of deals; where investing into Africa can be delayed by aspects such as obtaining visas for site inspections, availability of senior management when investing in start-up scale businesses, and general travel logistics. Also, where deals involve inbound investment there can be cultural expectation-based challenges and global investment standards need to be sensitively explored – to both satisfy the investor and keep the target business open and co-operative.” However, as the market analysis is showing, investing into Africa could be a great opportunity, with risks minimised through careful planning. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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IRIS
VEGA
44 Hulbert Rd Cnr Rosettenville Rd, New Centre, Johannesburg - PO Box 39799, Booysens, 2016 Tel: 011 434 0444, Email:Shantelle@chairexpress.co.za
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PROFESSIONS SECTION PROFESSIONS URBAN LANDSCAPES
In 2017, the polyphagous shot hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) – or PSHB – was detected for the first time on London plane trees in the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg. Since then, evidence of the beetle’s presence has been found in 151 species within the country.”
Emira
Hyde Park Lane Office Park - trees under attack by dangerous beetles.
Huge natural threat to landscape profession Beginning with architects, a huge and far reaching effort is made in ensuring that a building’s exterior is on a similar aesthetic and functional basis as its exterior. Inevitably, landscape architects and further along, landscapers, work with nature and all its creations. Therefore, a threat to one element is a threat to all co-habitation in a built environment of many different species. We look at a relatively recent issue which threatens our exterior architecture, designs and upkeep. Entomology Today and Emira
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t’s not the beetle: it’s who it hangs out with that’s the trouble. And now the party is getting out of control, so much so that South Africa’s urban forests are under threat”, says an evocative opinion piece by a well-known REIT. In 2017, the polyphagous shot hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) – or PSHB – was detected for the first time on London plane trees in the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg. On a routine study for diseases at the gardens, Dr Trudy Paap of FABI (Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute) found a series of infested trees. This led to the identification of the beetle, as well as the regions in which infestations are taking place.
Since then, evidence of the beetle’s presence has been found in 151 species in the country, and the invasive little borer from Southeast Asia, has spread all the way to Johannesburg, bringing with it a particular fungus that creates the real problem, say the specialists. As they bore into the wood, the beetle relies on the fungus (Fusarium euwallaceae) to feed its adults and larvae. It is this fungus that slowly kills the tree, not the bug itself. The fungus grows along the beetle’s tunnels, blocking the tree’s vascular system, causing the dieback of the terminal branches and leaves, and eventually the death of the entire tree. The advancing beetles have also been noted in volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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PROFESSIONS URBAN LANDSCAPES
The polyphagous shot hole borer, and above, the damage it causes inside the tree.
Durban, Richard’s Bay, Pietermaritzburg, George, Knysna and Hartswater. However, it is Johannesburg, with its dense urban forest, that has been hit particularly hard. More recently, the beetle has been discovered in one of Cape Town’s leafy suburbs, prompting the city to issue a reporting and handling emergency protocol. To date, there has been no single successful treatment of the infestation: a heavily infected tree needs to be urgently treated or removed as the contagion easily spreads. But now Johannesburg is hitting back hard too, thanks to a pioneering partnership between Emira Property Fund and the newly-formed Beetle Busters, who have successfully registered a ground-breaking treatment for the infestation.
Case study
During the upgrade of Emira’s Hyde Park Lane Office Park, it became apparent that the attractive wooded grounds were heavily infected with the shot hole borer. One infected tree can contain over 100 000 beetles, and the females can fly up to 1km, although most beetles only fly to the surrounding trees. ‘Our initial concern was that we would have to fell all of the infected trees in the park, which would substantially change the environment of the office park,’ says Emira senior development manager, Justin Bowen. ‘Fortunately, we were introduced to Beetle Busters, who are partnering with Emira and using Hyde Park as a test case for the treatment and eradication of the borer – hopefully saving most of the trees in the park.’
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Historically, the treatment for PSHB has been to poison the beetle itself, but this often proves toxic to the host tree. Beetle Busters’ new treatment targets the fungus instead, technically starving the beetle while killing the fungus before it can kill the tree. ‘If successful, this will be a ground-breaking intervention for South Africa, which could arrest the nationwide infestation and save our trees,’ says Tim Conradie of Beetle Busters. ‘The treatment at Hyde Park Office Park has been completed and we hope to confirm the results as we move into spring and the trees start their re-growth cycle.’ ‘We cannot wait to see the results in the coming months,’ says CEO of the fund, Geoff Jennett. ‘We really are hoping that this will be the “silver bullet” that we need to keep our treed cities.’ Bowen adds: ‘We were the first company in Africa to have our science-based carbon reduction targets approved by the SBTi. The country’s trees are one of the largest carbon sinks that South Africa has as a weapon to combat climate change, and we are hoping that our pilot will be the first of many successful treatments to eradicate the devastation that the shot hole borer is having on our urban forests.’ To Build magazine acknowledges the positive inputs received from the Emira Property fund in bringing the dangerous consequences of this invasive pest to our attention. Beetle Busters can be contacted on 082 721 2478.
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FOR COST-EFFECTIVE CUTTING Ć’
The STIHL FS 235 brushcutter is a lightweight yet robust and high-powered 1.55 kW model for tackling thick grass, weeds and undergrowth. It is the machine trusted for daylong, heavy-duty use by landscapers, with the added benefits of significant fuel economy and simple maintenance for reduced downtime. The FS 235 offers an average 20% fuel saving compared to similar machines for the same amount of work. The air filter housing is quick to open for faster change of the filter paper, and the spark plug is readily accessible for changing. Tough, comfortable and best of all, economical, the FS 235 is the perfect machine for any vegetation cutting challege. Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior after-sales service.
www.stihl.co.za
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Building Systems FLOORING
Serving medium to heavy traffic Graham Beck Wine Estate is located in the breathtaking Breede River Valley on the road between the towns of Worcester and Robertson. The estate produces world-class wines, famously selected against stiff competition, for serving and toasting at the official inauguration of former President Barack Obama of the USA in 2009. Photos by Sika South Africa (Pty) Ltd
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Building Systems FLOORING
W
ith constant growth in demand for these excellent wines, an additional bottling and storage area was needed. The client specified that the floor in the new building must withstand low to heavy traffic; as well as have an attractive and clean finish. CSV Construction, the appointed contractor, selected Sika’s renowned flooring system to achieve this. Construction on the bottling and storage area started in November 2018. Shortly after construction ended, severe settlement cracking appeared in the concrete floors, demanding urgent attention. As the original floor was in an extremely bad condition, the main concern was that it would crack through the new flooring. Epoxy Flooring Systems (Pty) Ltd called on Sika’s expert advice to find a solution to the cracks. According to Anthony Webster, the technical sales consultant for contractors at Sika, the product recommended is a two-part, low-viscosity injection liquid, based on high strength epoxy resins. The resin was used to start repairs and fill and seal the cracks in the concrete floors on which the flooring systems would be applied. Webster prescribed a three to four month wait, to ensure complete sealing of the existing cracks and to ensure stability. ‘After first priming the concrete floor substrate with the product, a two-part, low-viscosity epoxy resin; the flooring contractor, Epoxy Flooring Systems, applied the final floor coating,’ explains Webster. The final floor coating is a multi-component, medium to high strength modified coloured polyurethane, cement and aggregate screed with self-smoothing properties. It has a flat and decorative wearing surface, with medium slip resistance for light traffic areas. It was applied at a 4mm thickness on the low to medium traffic areas. A more durable floor coating was used on the medium to high loading and high traffic areas. This product, applied at 6mm thickness on the wet floor areas, has a textured aggregate surface, providing the medium to heavy profile slip resistance. An elastic joint sealant was used to seal all the connection joints where the flooring systems had been applied. According to the manufacturer, the products applied in the treatment of the floor were: Sikadur®-52 ZA, Sikafloor-161. And from the PurCem range: Sikafloor -21N PurCem, Sikafloor -20N PurCem, Sikaflex Pro-3 i-Cure. Contact the manufacturer for additional information.
Sika South Africa (Pty) Ltd www.zaf.sika.com volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Building Systems KITCHENS
The work triangle – a useful design tool This advice comes to readers compliments of PG Bison.
When designing your kitchen, it is important not just to think about the colours and textures you want to incorporate, but also about a layout that will make working in the kitchen as easy as possible. Graphics by PG Bison
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A layout that will make working in the kitchen as easy as possible.”
An L-shaped kitchen with an island.
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TRIANGLE
FRIDGE/FREEZER
THE WORK TRIANGLE A USEFUL KITCHEN DESIGN TOOL.
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Building Systems KITCHENS
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THE WORK TRIANGLE ne of the ways that designers ensure easy is through using the “work triangle”. A workflow USEFUL KITCHEN This aims to keep the three main workstations or appliances within easy reach of one another, and keep DESIGN TOOL. passage between them unobstructed. The three points in
FRIDGE/FREEZER 2
3
STOVE/OVEN
1
SINK/DISHWASHER
the triangle are the fridge/freezer, the stove/oven and the sink/dishwasher. Hence, you can maximise the use of your available space and save time and energy moving around your kitchen as you prepare meals. TAKE A LOOK AT THE INFOGRAPHIC BELOW TO SEE The work triangle is effective in various different POTENTIAL CONFIGURATIONS. kitchen layouts, including U-shaped, L-shaped, galleyThis kitchen uses an L-shape, plus an island. The owner 2 could style, or single-line. A kitchen island can be incorporated easily use a similar layout in a U-shape if there is no open-plan STOVE/OVEN too, while still using the work triangle to enjoy maximum space. kitchen countertop space. 1. U-SHAPED KITCHEN 2. L-SHAPED KITCHEN 2. L-SHAPED KITCHEN • Lots of space for cabinets • Ideal for small spaces • Ideal for small spaces • Layout will work in most spaces Use longer countertop meal prep • •Use thethe longer countertop spacesspaces for mealfor prep • If you have extra room, you can extend the worktop • •Larger LargerL-shaped L-shaped kitchens leave room a kitchens leave space for aforkitchen on one side of the U to create a breakfast bar kitchen dining area.dining area
SINK/
TAKE A LOOK AT THE INFOGRAPHIC BELOW TO SEE POTENTIAL CONFIGURATIONS. 3
3
2 in action in a U-shaped kitchen. The triangle
1. U-SHAPED KITCHEN 1 • Lots of space for cabinets
Potential configurations
2
1
2. L-SHAPED KITCHEN • Ideal for small spaces
• Layout will work in most spaces • Use the longer countertop spaces for me 1. U-SHAPED KITCHEN • Lots spacehave for cabinets • Ifofyou extra room, you can extend the worktop • Larger L-shaped kitchens leave room for 3. GALLEY • Layout work in most on will one side of spaces the U to create a breakfast bar KITCHEN kitchen dining area • Popular for tight spaces • If you have extra space, you can extend the worktop on • Make sure you leave enough space for appliance and one side of the U to create a breakfast bar. cabinet doors to open • Not ideal for multiple cooks 4. SINGLE-LINE KITCHEN • Also known as “one-wall kitchens” • Keep your microwave inside upper cabinetry 3 to free up countertop space • Easy to screen off from living areas
3 2
2
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5. ISLAND KITCHEN • Ensure your island does not block the work triangle • Consider placing your oven/stove in the island, opposite the sink and fridge • Another option is to use the straight-line design, plus the island across from the three workstations. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Building Systems KITCHEN SPECIALISTS ASSOCIATION
A word from the Kitchen Specialists Association The Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA) recently presented several awards to members. KSA
By Stephanie Forbes, national manager of the KSA
Sangengalo
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Feedback from our members was that the KSA has changed for the better over the past five years and raised the bar on its level of professionalism.�
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Building Systems KITCHEN SPECIALISTS ASSOCIATION
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he KSA’s annual general meeting for Gauteng and awards in August, hosted by Smeg in Bryanston, saw a good turn out and gave us the opportunity to bring our Gauteng members up to speed on what we have achieved and what we are working on. Feedback from our members was that the KSA has changed for the better over the past five years and raised the bar on its level of professionalism. At the AGM, the KSA Gauteng regional executive committee was elected: Phillipe Brooks of Totem Kitchens (chairman), Alecia Aronson of Maxima Software, Paul Lerios of Sonae Arauco, Philip Kirby of Easylife Kitchens Management, Sean King of Easylife Kitchens Fourways, Stefan Marais of Optima Kitchens and Marina Veiga of Seriga Kitchens. For our Gauteng awards, the following were acknowledged for going a full calendar year with no disputes leading to a site inspection (excludes ineligible country members):
Stephanie Forbes.
• Bayberry Kitchens • Blu Line • CHC Kitchens • Creative Shop • Cupboard Craft • Cupboard Value Pretoria • Curves and Bevels Designer Kitchens • Diva Cucine • Easylife Export– C & G International, Alberton, Boksburg, Centurion, Faerie Glen, Fourways, Greenstone, llovo, Kyalami, Morningside, Northriding, Randburg, Ruimsig, Vanderbijlpark, - Waterkloof • Eazy Way Kitchens & Board – Midrand • Fit Out Kitchens • Linear Concepts • Martin Meyer Kitchens • Optima Kitchens • Palmin Kitchens • ProReno (Pty) Ltd • Retha’s Kitchens • Sariga Designer Kitchens • Simons Kitchens • Slavin & Co • Sterlings Cucine – Fourways, Faerie Glen • The Kitchen Studio – Midrand, Randburg • Totem Kitchens volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Building Systems KITCHEN SPECIALISTS ASSOCIATION
Members were acknowledged for going five years without having a dispute leading to a site inspection: • Blu_line • Cupboard Craft • Diva Cucine • Easylife Kitchens – Alberton, Boksburg, Centurion, Faerie Glen, Fourways, Illovo, Randburg, Ruimsig, Waterkloof • Eazy Way Kitchens & Board – Midrand • Fit Out Kitchens • Martin Meyer Kitchens • Optima Kitchens • Palmin Kitchens • ProReno (Pty) Ltd • Retha’s Kitchens • Sariga Designer Kitchens • Simons Kitchens • Slavin & Co • Sterlings Cucine – Fourways, Faerie Glen • The Kitchen Studio – Randburg Stone and surface fabricators acknowledged for a full year without a dispute leading to site inspection: • ProStone • Stone Art • Tectonic Stone
Supplier members offering the best product and service to the industry: • Gold Award – Eclipse • Silver Award – Roco Furniture Fittings • Bronze Award – Niemann SA and Kitchencraft Acknowledged for 20 years’ membership: • Easylife Kitchens Faerie Glen and Fourways • Franke • Optima Kitchens • PG Bison • Roco Furniture Fittings • Sonae Arauco Several new awards were also introduced on the evening – the member participation award, the meritorious service award and the industry partner award. The member participation award is for members who participate in all things KSA to the full, making use of all that the KSA has to offer. The following members were acknowledged: • Sariga Designer Kitchens • Cupboard Value Pretoria • Easylife Kitchens Management • PG Bison • Grass Furniture Fittings • Sonae Arauco The meritorious service award is for a person or company that has gone above and beyond to offer support and assistance to the KSA and the kitchen industry as a whole. The following were acknowledged: • Sean King of Easylife Kitchens Fourways, for his role as complaints coordinator and site inspector. • Kayreed/Davidsons Boards for their assistance in the manufacturing, assembly and breakdown of the KSA’s Decorex stands in 2019.
KSA
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The industry partner award acknowledges those non-KSA companies with who the KSA has worked closely over the year, and who have added value to the KSA and its members. The following were acknowledged: • Decorex • IID • Designing Ways • SAFI • Interior Placements It was fantastic to see that the KSA is in a very healthy situation with plenty of value-add for the industry in the pipeline, and there is still plenty on the KSA calendar. Bookings for the KSA Consumer Guide 2020 opened on 4 September. Members have the opportunity to submit examples of a country kitchen for consideration for the front cover.
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ALBERTON
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Building Systems LIGHTING TRENDS
Lighting trends evolving Lighting is an important part of our lives. The article below is based on international trends for 2019, based on information supplied by Sebring Design Build of Chicago. Gareth Griffiths Imaging
Lighting on display at 100% Extraordinary, Decorex Cape Town.
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Building Systems LIGHTING TRENDS
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Retro and semi-industrial
These are still in vogue but are becoming more refined.
Allied Maker, NY.
ighting up the interior of a home or an office building is a central consideration. In the case of a home, the positioning of the lighting, the type of lighting fixtures and tone of the lighting has a big impact on mood and atmosphere. Lighting design needs to change from room to room. The experts tell us that what works in the living room will not necessarily work in the kitchen or the bedroom. With lighting, you need to make the right choice to reflect the functions and mood of each space. Lighting design keeps changing, brought on in recent years by huge changes in technology. Another reason is the increase in the cost of power. The old incandescent globes of the 70’s is fading fast. Designers and suppliers are coming up with advanced fixtures and bulbs and these are being incorporated by interior designers and ordinary homeowners. And why not? A change in lighting hardly means knocking down a wall. Styles and preferences are evolving with generational trends. This allows space for innovation. What is retro is not always bad. We have vintage lighting, art deco, mid-century modern, and so on. At present, there are certain trends every designer or building owner should note. These include:
Vintage ‘Edison’ style high tech filament bulbs
Vintage Edison-style bulbs are even being made with LED’s, adding to the 2019 retro lighting trend with homeowners loving the nostalgic design of these fixtures. The rounded cone shape makes the bulbs especially homey and perfect for areas like the living area and kitchen.
The re-emergence of gold
The Lighting Warehouse
Gareth Griffiths Imaging
Soft tone gold falls right within an emerging spectrum of soft colours that work well for contemporary decors during a refit.
Vintage filament style - Decorex
Mid-century modern and art-deco
The spherical chandelier comes to mind when talking about mid-century modern, with its clean lines and pared down form. Art deco and mid-century modern were ubiquitous from the 1920s to 1970s. They both volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Building Systems LIGHTING TRENDS
incandescent bulbs. Another advantage of LED lighting is the variety of styles available.
emphasise clean lines, unique designs and a balance of form and art. Art deco lighting focuses on sharp lines and attractive geometric designs. Can we ever forget those impressive grand buildings?
Gareth Griffiths Imaging
Old Mutual Heights, Cape Town. One of the most famous Art Deco buildings in South Africa. Note the lights.
Willowlamp
Crisp and clean
In a modern home, including a multi-use roomed apartment, the complex designs may not blend so well in a clean styled space. Here there is a call for low-profile fixtures. These fixtures focus on simple geometric designs and neutral soft colours.
The Lineal Lamp from Willowlamp, Cape Town – a new linear LED offering that is also crisp and clean.
Gareth Griffiths Imaging
Big lights
These fixtures require a lot of care. For best results, use in a central area where it can create the maximum effect. You can balance it with smaller fixtures around the room to create a pleasant overall look. With innovations in the design and manufacture of lighting, the designer is certainly spoiled for choice in today’s market. John Pomp Studios, USA
The Pendant collection by John Pomp Studios
Signature brass and white slim shady light – HoiP’loy - Decorex.
LED lighting
LED lighting is becoming cheaper all the time, with more watts and a longer life. Meanwhile, there has been a big push to change over to other more efficient and environmentally friendly forms of lighting. More and more homeowners are changing to LED lighting which is far more efficient and lasts for much longer than
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CORDLESS, CONVENIENT ROOFTOP CUTTING Ć’
The STIHL TSA 230 cordless cut-off machine is compact, convenient and lightweight yet is powerful enough to easily slice through roof tiles, bricks, pipes, and metal. It has a standard-fitted water connection and optional vacuum adapter for clean, dust-free cutting, making it suitable for exterior and interior work, with no emissions and reduced noise levels. Being emission-free, the TSA 230 ensures a healthier, dust-free working environment. The TSA 230 starts at the touch of a button and the ergonomic handle allows the machine to be smoothly guided with precision to a depth of 70mm. For added convenience and reduced downtime during recharging, its 36-volt lithium-ion battery is compatible with all STIHL professional cordless model batteries. Transform roofing with the STIHL TSA 230. Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior after-sales service.
www.stihl.co.za
instagram.com/stihlsa
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Building Systems ROOFING STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE
The retail centre in Luanda, Angola.
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The retail centre in Luanda, Angola, is 7 700m2, which uses Craft-Lock® concealed fix roof sheeting in Clean COLORBOND AZ150”
Fixing roofs for wind force According to roofing system specialists, when it comes to choosing a roofing and cladding system for a building project, it is important to keep in mind the structural performance of the roof covering system. Clotan Steel
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oof covering systems are primarily designed to withstand high wind forces and all roof coverings need to be designed to resist these wind loads. The resistance of the profiled roof sheeting, against uniformly distributed loads, depends on the strengthdefining structural parameters. Main parameters that determine the load resistance of the roof covering: • the resistance the profiled sheeting has against bending (positive and negative bending moments) and the load resistance of the fastening system • the thickness of the sheeting profile • the dimensions of the profile, especially the overall depth of the profile From the above it is clear that both the sheeting profile and fastening system or mechanism play a crucial role in the overall wind load resistance of the roof system you choose.
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Resistance against negative wind loading/suction Negative wind loads on roofs generally do not exceed 1.5 kN/m2. Common concealed fixed roofing fixing systems generally fail at wind speeds of about 190 km/h, whereas specialist types with a side interlocking fixing system can withstand wind loads in excess of 280 km/h, depending on purlin spacing and other design factors, says a leading roofing manufacturer. A good example of a successful roofing project can be taken from a recent project on a state-of-the-art retail centre in Luanda, Angola. Here, system supplier, Clotan Steel, says it supplied and manufactured their concealed fix roof sheeting on-site in Luanda from Bluescope pre-painted AZ150 material. The company also supplied all flashings and trimmings for the project, as well as insulation material. Another project is the giant Mall of Africa, which required in excess of over 4 million square metres of concealed fix sheeting over extremely long roof spans. This project won two category awards in the SA Institute of Steel Construction’s Steel Awards 2017.
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Fibroseal The Problem Asbestos surfaces undergo a weathering process after many years of exposure and a loose surface layer develops which, on roofs, becomes colonized with dark coloured lichen. The lichen attacks the cement causing exposure of the asbestos fibres. The surface becomes unstable, the asbestos sheeting is weakened and the darkened colour causes a substantial increase in roof cavity temperatures. The traditional process for coating asbestos roofs was to clean the roof with high-pressure water to remove all lichen and loose asbestos fibres. This procedure was eventually banned on health grounds, creating a need for a system that could be applied straight to the degraded asbestos without disturbing the surface.
Loose Asbestos Asbestos Base Lichen Fibres & Air
Untreated
The unstable nature of weathered asbestos surfaces is a cause of some concern in the community and the Fibroseal System has been developed to minimise the danger of hazardous airborne fibres and provides an attractive durable finish.
The Solution Over 25 years ago, Crommelin addressed this problem and developed the Fibroseal System to achieve the following: Lichenof asbestos Loose Asbestos Asbestos Base • The binding and encapsulation fibres. Fibres & Air • Avoiding costly downtime associated with replacement of asbestos roofs. • A significant reduction in roof cavity temperatures resulting in savings in building cooling costs. • An extension of the service life of asbestos structures. • A completely water based and truly environmentally friendly system. • Provides a rejuvinated appearance in a range of decorative colours.
Fibroseal Primer
Application
The System Lichen
Through extensive research and development, Crommelin developed Fibroseal Primer. The primer soaks through the lichen and degraded asbestos down to the sound base material, binding Loose Asbestos Asbestos Base Fibroseal Primer unstable elements. Fibres & these Air
Fibroseal Topcoat Fibroseal Primer
Fibroseal Topcoat is then applied to the primed surface to provide a durable, decorative, UV resistant protective coating. Active ingredients in Fibroseal Topcoat also resist the growth of moss and lichen. The Fibroseal System has been specified and used extensively throughout Australia for over 25 years in areas such as government, local councils, commercial industry and schools etc. Project certification and references are available upon request.
Before
Encapsulated
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After
93 Westview Drive, Mill Park Port Elizabeth 6001 T: +27 728325682 E: stewart@crommelin.co.za
Building Systems MITEK ADVERTORIAL
Africa’s proven steel roofing solution Hennie Viljoen, marketing manager for MiTek SA, is upbeat about the company and its services. He talks to To Build about their innovative light gauge steel roofing solution, called Ultra-Span. MiTek
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elationships are key. ‘We live out a genuine, core passion for serving our customers; and we build trust as a partner on your journey, through our uncompromising commitment to helping you succeed – immediately, and in the long run,’ he says. Ultra-Span, is a light gauge steel roof truss system that is both lightweight and compact for easy handling and economical transportation. The low mass per square metre of this roofing system ensures both savings on the supporting structure as well as on transportation and erection costs, whilst also being vermin -proof and non-combustible. Engineered designs are calculated using MiTek’s state of the art 20/20 software and provides economical roofing solutions. Light gauge steel offers a wide range of benefits when compared with conventional construction using other framing materials. There are advantages in terms of quality, cost, durability and speed of construction. Reduced wastage, lower logistical costs and earlier occupation offer cost savings, compared with conventional building methods. ‘Large sections, or an entire roof can simply be pre-assembled on the ground and hoisted into position onto a building’s walls – making this one of the most viable systems, with a large range of applications up to a clear span of 40m. Supported through a substantial network of licensed truss suppliers, Ultra-Span is equally ideal for all local and export applications where it can be pre-assembled or site assembled. ‘We are experiencing a lot of new interest in Ultra-
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Span, throughout the African continent over the past few years, and we continue to grow our presence in various markets,’ says Viljoen.
Advantages of Ultra-Span®
• Elegant simple system, with all members straight and true for a level roof. • Span capability from small low-cost to large 40m clear span commercial structures. • Ultra-Span trusses can be supplied in kit-form (low-cost housing or other remote projects). • Longevity of product due to galvanised coating plus inherent properties of non-combustibility, resistance to borer and fungus attack. • Lower weight reduces transportation costs and improves handling and erection. • Ease of truss manufacture with screws and electric fixing tool directly on site or in factory conditions. • Ultra-Span® is backed by a professional engineering and estimating department. Engineered designs are calculated using state of the art in-house developed software and provide economical roofing solutions.
MiTek Industries South Africa (Pty) Ltd +27 (0)11 237 8700 HViljoen@mitek.co.za www.mitek.co.za
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Building Systems STEEL AWARDS 2019
Steel Awards 2019 showcases designers’ mettle South Africa’s steel industry has been through a period of severe challenges, affecting the entire supply chain and seeing the most serious contraction for many years in the sector. However, the South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) has remained the industry champion, focusing on innovation, positivity and creativity – particularly with regards to this year’s Steel Awards. Photos and drawings by the SAISC, Linda Ness, Marius Burger and Gareth Griffiths Imaging
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his year’s awards programme received a recordbreaking 94 entries (70 in 2018). Sponsorship also grew by a remarkable 40% to 14 this year. ‘This year, a wide range of stakeholders in the greater built environment – from architects and engineers to riggers, welders and even university students – actively participated in the Steel Awards. We are particularly pleased with the greater diversity of entries received this year,’ says Paolo Trinchero, CEO of the SAISC.
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Tekla - Isometric view of innovative winner, Durban Christian Centre.
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Building Systems STEEL AWARDS 2019
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This year, a wide range of stakeholders in the greater built environment – from architects and engineers to riggers, welders and even university students – actively participated in the annual SAISC Steel Awards.”
The Durban Christian Centre, overall winner.
The Steel Awards 2019 overall winner & winner of the SAFAL Steel Innovation category
The aim of the awards, to highlight the use of steel in the built environment, was brilliantly realised by the Durban Christian Centre entry – the overall Steel Awards 2019 winner and winner of the SAFAL Steel Innovation category. This building was commissioned to replace an earlier church which had burnt down and is in the shape
of a large dome. Here, innovation was found in the very tight site access, as well as the geometry of the large roof arches, inclined in different planes, which provide support for the roof. ‘’The Durban Christian Centre is a very bold project. For the engineer to realise the form the architect envisioned must have been very complex,’ comments SAISC chairperson, Nicolette Skjoldhammer. The entry was nominated by NJV Consulting, also volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Building Systems STEEL AWARDS 2019
the structural engineer on the project. Elphick Proome Architects and steelwork contractor Impact Engineering were also involved. ‘The members of the Durban Christian Centre project team epitomise all the aspects of diversity which the SAISC strives for within the steel industry; all working in harmony to achieve an amazingly creative and innovative outcome, Skjoldhammer adds.
Category winners
Mitek Industries South Africa Light Steel Framed Building category - Protea Glen Secondary School, for the Gauteng Department of Education This was one of nine schools commissioned by the Department, the aim being to adjudicate various building systems and their advantages, and how these could create structures conducive to learning. The project capitalised on the key features of light steel frame building, namely: speed, thermal efficiency, acoustics and flexibility of design. The project team comprised Local Studio (architect), Structural Workshop (structural engineer), Luleka Consulting Engineers (engineer) and Abacus Space Solutions (main contractor). ArcelorMittal South Africa Architectural category Peech Hotel in Melrose, Johannesburg The architect on this project, Meshworks, and structural engineers EVH Consulting, were charged with extending the existing hotel onto a newly acquired adjacent property. Steel was used throughout the project to express a layered architecture of lightness, and as a tool in the integration of built form with landscape.
SAISC Steel Awards Commercial Category - KTM Raceworx building This project made innovative use of a steel frame system with cellular beams to support the floors and accommodate HVAC and other services. The nominator in this instance was Macsteel, with JandC Structural and Civil Design as structural engineers and the main contractor. The Association of Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturers of South Africa’s (ASTPM’s) Tubular Category Fourways Mall Promotions Court As part of the upgrade of the Fourways Mall, the new roof is essentially a tubular structure, which is lightweight and aesthetically very pleasing. The nominator and steelwork contractor was CADCON Pty Ltd, and the architects, Boogertman & Partners. Safintra South Africa Factory and Warehouse Category - Chilleweni Cold Storage Solutions Constructed in Gosforth Park Germiston, the building’s fresh design approach has given rise to a visually appealing industrial, fit-for-purpose industrial building. Nominated by Global Roofing Solutions, with DG Consulting Engineers (structural engineers) and Empowered Spaces Architects (architect).
Industrial category - Omnia Nitro Phosphate Plant constructed for chemicals group Omnia Steelwork contractor and steel erector, SE Steel Fabrication, nominated this project. With tight project deadlines and multiple challenges, including working at a height of up to 46 metres, this complex plant construction was achieved safely and on time. Global Roofing Solutions Metal Cladding Category - The 1054 Designed and nominated by architects DMV Architecture, with the main contracting carried out by Jeremy Delport Construction, the contrast of the building’s solid exterior with a light and airy interior succeeds in creating a welcoming and connecting space. The 1054, Port Elizabeth. Metal cladding category winner.
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Building Systems STEEL AWARDS 2019
CTICC Sky Bridge – bridge category winner.
The SAISC Steel Awards Bridges Category - CTICC Skybridge This skybridge connects the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) with its east expansion. The bridge allows the two buildings to function effectively as an integrated unit and epitomises the CTICC’s main purpose of connecting people. Nominated by Anchor Steel Projects, Convention Architects (architect), Anchor Steel Projects (steelwork contractor and steel erector).
Cape Town awards event
To Build was represented at the Cape Town version of the Steel Awards, held simultaneously with two other ceremonies in Durban and Johannesburg. SAISC official host for the evening in Cape Town, was Dennis White of the Southern African Metal Cladding and Roofing Association (SAMCRA). He addressed the state of the industry over the past year making reference to the obvious tenacity of an industry which had nominated more projects for the Awards than ever before. Giving an overall message of hope for the future, White assured members of the audience that there were going to be survivors going forward despite the slump in the building industry. Kicking off events, White introduced two Stellenbosch University post-graduate students, who had both qualified under the Young Steel Achievers category, specifically introduced to recognise and reward the work being done by the sector’s emerging generation of professionals. One recipient of a Young Achievers steel student award is Jaleel Claasen. ‘As part of the Fire Engineering Research Unit US civil engineering department, my project involved the design and testing of a novel cellular beam system in fire. This involves doing Standard fire testing to establish a fire rating for the new structural system according to National
Two Stellenbosch University post-graduate students who both qualified under the Young Steel Achievers category, Mariske Kotze and Jaleel Claasen.
building codes. I have performed large-scale testing of the cellular beam system in a standard fire furnace. The experimental results will be used to facilitate extensive numerical modelling to be carried out using sophisticated finite element modelling software’, he explains. Both Claasen and a post graduate colleague, Mariske Kotze, are being guided by steel construction legend, Dr Hennie de Clercq a former executive director of the SAISC and now Research Associate at the Department of Civil Engineering, US. The other major award that was presented at the Cape Town event was the Steel Awards Bridges Category. In this case, top honours went to the team behind the Cape Town International Convention Centre Skybridge. The award was accepted on behalf of the project by the team from the steelwork contractor and erector, Anchor Steel Projects. The Cape Town event also saw the Metal Cladding Category award being presented to the team for the 1054, a business commercial block in Walmer, Port Elizabeth. The award was received by DMV architecture. To Build will explore some of the projects in later editions during 2020. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Building Systems WALLPAPERS
Wallpaper: Some considerations and options So often, aesthetics come at the cost of performance or practicality, and in architectural and interior design it’s difficult to find products that look good and are long lasting. Lemon
“ The Kyoto range is an example of a neutral but textured and elevated aesthetic.
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he Architectural Digest suggests that it is the size and layout of the room that should inform the choice of wallpaper, and not the pattern of the paper itself. Apart from that, the following five factors should be considered.
1. Layout of the room
Are there several doors or windows in a room? Are there large pieces of art that take up a lot of visual wall space? If yes, maybe there’s just not enough space left for wallpaper to have the right impact. So, if you’re only going to see a sliver or two of exposed design, the wallpaper is probably not worth it.
2. Total area of walls to cover
The larger the room and the more wall space exposed, the more expensive the job will be to buy enough wallpaper and to keep an installer on the clock to get the job done. Perhaps your money is better spent on other room accessories, and just use wallpaper to the small entrance hall instead?
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What is the design on the wallpaper? A large pattern is better used on wide swaths of wall, while a small pattern is the better choice for smaller areas.”
What is the design on the wallpaper? A large pattern is better used on wide swaths of wall, while a small pattern is the better choice for smaller areas.
3. Humidity in the room
While water resistant wallpaper can withstand steam and humidity, the selection of patterns is more limited. Make sure you like the choices of wallpaper in this range before deciding to wallpaper a bathroom or kitchen.
4. Is the room used by children?
If it’s possible that children will use this room often, rather use dark colors or vinyl wallpaper. Beware of wallpaper made from fabric or natural fibres that can’t be washed or wiped clean. These will never recover from a toddler armed with a crayon or marker!
5. High-end options
A range of high-end luxury wallpaper called Kyoto, from Lemon, is a high-end wallpaper that is high-performance in terms of its engineering and design. This, says the
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Gareth Griffiths Imaging
Building Systems WALLPAPERS
Student interior décor designs: Homemakers 2019 Design, Art and Textile Competition.
supplier, is the “holy grail of wallcovering attributes”. A neutral but textured and elevated aesthetic lends well to endless combinations, with a myriad of flooring and furniture, allowing you to reimagine spaces by considering the interaction between all dimensions and surfaces.
6. Consider the environment
Aside from its visual and practical strengths, does the wallpaper respect the principles of sustainable building? The manufacturer of the Kyoto range mentions that its range comes with environmental benefits, making it a responsible product choice for a large scale or for multiple spaces and projects. A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) contributing product, the Kyoto range is 100% recyclable, A+ certified, phthalate free and REACH compliant (a European union regulation that restricts the levels of chemical substances in imported products). Respecting this attribute, a press release from large format printer system leaders, Canon, makes note of the fact that many designers are using printer technology to design bespoke interiors for their clients. Canon offers the following advice on health and safety: ‘Décor installations – whether for retail, hospitality, corporate or domestic clients – have a significantly longer lifespan than short-term promotional graphics. ‘Wall coverings, flooring and surface décor will be expected to stay in place and keep their original aesthetic and performance qualities for years at a time. They must also withstand physical impact: repeated footfall, brushes against a wall or counter edge, hard knocks from bags and trolleys, and so on.
‘Much like outdoor graphics, décor applications may also need to withstand extremes of temperature, UV light and wet conditions, and functional printed applications such as table or counter tops will have to be resistant to all manner of regular use. ‘When printing for interior environments, compliance with environmental and/or health and safety standards is another important consideration. Décor prints should be free of odours, emissions, irritants and contaminants, as well as being fire retardant’.
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Building Systems WINDOWS
New windows reduce airport noise The Holiday Inn at the Oliver Tambo International Airport is located in a very noisy zone close to the flight path of Africa’s busiest airport. In addition, the airport falls into Zone 1 of the designated South African Climate zones, by SA National Standards’ SANS 10400-XA Building Regulations. This classification describes a climate zone that presents high temperature swings between the extremes; having especially cold winters with hot summers.
The Oliver Tambo International Airport, Holiday Inn Garden Court – noise proofed.
Hot summer days – Holiday Inn.
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Building Systems WINDOWS
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During a routine fit out of the hotel, the specifiers decided on a double-glazed system to simultaneously reduce noise and promote energy efficiency.”
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uring a routine fit out of the hotel, the specifiers decided on a double-glazed system to simultaneously reduce noise and promote energy efficiency. According to documentation on the website of the AAAMSA Group (the association of glass, aluminium and composite building system manufacturers and suppliers in South Africa), specifications for vertical windows and systems are not arrived at lightly. Calculations for allowable window specifications for external vertical glazing are done in line with SANS 204, subject to complex considerations to arrive at a permissible U-value. This is the rate at which heat is conducted through a building system, also called thermal transmittance. These calculations describe the optimal window system that
should be installed to meet the overall requirements of the SANS 10400 building codes. Double-glazing can achieve a reduction of close to 50% in the transfer of heat into a building, according to AAAMSA’s Selection Guide, Chapter 11. Furthermore, the choice of window framing can greatly influence performance, where it is clear that timber and uPVC systems give the best results, as does thermally broken aluminium. With this in mind, the hotel facility owner noted the superior performance of double-glazed uPVC fenestration at a recent renovation at their Sunnyside Park Hotel, and accordingly requested that the installer, Elitetec, should undertake a similar upgrade at the Holiday Inn OR Tambo hotel. According to manufacturer, REHAU, its uPVC window and door profiles achieve higher energy efficiency than traditionally used materials, in line with the AAAMSA published figures. Reflective glass was also used to further boost energy efficiency. ‘We design the windows, we consult with the planning people, we get the thermal efficiency calculations done and approved and thereafter, we install using our own team,’ explains Saeid Ahstari, managing director of Elitetec. ‘It is a seamless operation from A to Z. Loyalty is a big thing with us, we have customers of seven years and windows and doors are installed by people who have been with us for seven years. It pleases us that we upskill and employ local people.’ According to Ahstari , the benefits of such a system is that it adds value to the lives of hoteliers and specifying architects by using the very latest technologies with the highest possible standards of workmanship and installation. ‘Two of our hotel owners, the Sunnyside and Holiday Inn, are now much more confident of their guests’ experiences; no more draughts and a good night’s sleep. In addition, these systems provide the absolute safest and secure windows and doors, suitable for the environment in which we live,’ he adds.
Key project facts
Location Johannesburg, South Africa Client Tsogo Sun System REHAU 60mm uPVC system Special features Double glazing for sound reduction and energy savings Fabricator Elitetec volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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MATERIALS STONE PRODUCER’S PROFILE
Bright future beckons SA cast-stone manufacturing industry Cape-based cast-stone producer, Revelstone, believes that a bright future beckons the South African cast-stone manufacturing industry. Revelstone
Andrew Cyprianos (right ) Chris Rookledge and Clayton Laue at the launch of the company’s new product range.
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he company says it has invested in the market by adding to its recently upgraded showroom’s redesigned façade. This family-owned business is also upgrading its plant and equipment during the coming year. Founder and chairman, Andrew Cyprianos, says Revelstone was built on optimism and faith in positive outcomes. ‘Everyone advised me when I established the business 26 years ago, that I was making the wrong move. The prevailing economic and political mood at that time was one of “wait and see” ahead of the 1994 elections and the business community was holding back on investing in new ventures. We are in a similar position today. While others tighten their belts, we believe that the current downturn provides the ideal opportunity for renewal and regeneration,’ he says. ‘We could easily have continued with our old showroom, but we are in the business of beautifying and remodelling the built environment. Hence we felt that if we can’t renew our own space, how can we invite others to do so.’ Revelstone’s new façade was modernised by combining Random Stone cladding and offshutter
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concrete with steel cladding and new lighting for an attractive nightfall frontage. ‘In addition, we redesigned our road verge and parking area which was relaid by Progressive Paving. It showcases our full cobble, edging, kerbing, drainage pavers, demarcation pavers, borders and inlays in an enticing display; and over time it will demonstrate how well our wetcast cobbles and pavers wear,’ Cyprianos comments. ‘A key element in the upgrade was an attractive new front entrance, which allows easier access to our new showroom and incorporates a modernised step as well as a ramp for wheelchairs and sample trolleys,’ advises Cyprianos. Revelstone’s new product line-up includes three newly designed Granite finished cobbles (Exeter, Trent and Tuscan), a new flagstone paver in two sizes (Devon Straight Edge), new stone cladding (Cotswold), and a new kerb/step (Oxford). ‘As always, our new product range is based on input from the architectural community, consumer demand, and modern trends in landscaping design,’ concludes Cyprianos.
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FOR ALL YOUR CLAY FACE BRICK REQUIREMENTS
The new upgraded Rosema manufacturing facility
Contacts Theo Rosema 082 555 0343
BUILDING IT
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Our National Distributor
Suzette van Niekerk 012 460 2211 ext 1 086 627 7027 fax suzette@rosema.co.za
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MATERIALS BRICKS STARTUP
Strong, durable and fire retardant PlastiBrick, an innovative recycled plastic brick business is a project of the SAB Kickstart programme. The brick initiative has been gaining traction and was chosen as a finalist in the 2018 SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards.
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SAB KickStart
AB Kickstart is one of the country’s longestrunning and most successful youth development programmes. Started in 1995, it is aimed at creating meaningful jobs in South Africa by growing sustainable youth-owned businesses. In 2016, Kekeletso Tsiloane successfully prototyped the PlastiBrick, an invention that uses recycled plastic to manufacture stock and maxi bricks that are strong, durable, fire retardant and environmentally-friendly. ‘We developed the PlastiBrick with the aim of reducing plastic waste. Another added benefit is that no water is used in the production of the bricks, thus helping with the preservation of water. We collect plastic from landfills, households and waste pickers and use it as raw materials,’ explains Tsiloane. ‘We aim to empower women, youth and disabled individuals. We would like to facilitate training in recycling materials and employ more women in the manufacturing of PlastiBrick. As for youth, we aim to train and employ unemployed youth and those at university. The manufacturing operation does not require much skill and therefore we would also like to employ disabled individuals,’ she adds. A PlastiBrick prototype was tested against the South African Bureau of Standards and found to be stronger and less absorbent than cement bricks. ‘Competitively, our bricks are not only environmentally friendly, but are denser and therefore have a lower water
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Kekeletso Tsiloane
absorption rate, allowing a building to have a longer lifespan,’ says Tsiloane.
The business
Ramtsilo, the name of the business started in Sasolburg by Tsiloane to manufacture PlastiBrick, had nine permanent employees by the end of 2018. ‘We hope that the exposure given to us by the awards will give us a chance to purchase an automatic machine that will apply heat pressure to melt the plastic that will bond with other additives before it is moulded into bricks. Another benefit would be getting mentorship to assist us in growing the business as we would like to sell the technology across the continent,’ says Tsiloane. Asked about what inspired her to begin a recycled material brick business, she said, ‘My motivation was the exposure we got in the construction industry. My father had a construction company and would often take us to site. This is where my passion grew.’ The Social Innovation Awards invest in innovative business ideas that can solve social problems. This includes, but is not limited to, energy, water, health, education, housing, and food security. It targets youth between the ages of 18 and 35, has supported over 25 000 entrepreneurs and empowered over 3 500 youthowned businesses in South Africa and an additional six countries across Africa, including Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Uganda.
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STIHL’S PROFESSIONAL CUTTING RANGE ƒ
STIHL cut-off machines are specially designed to cope with demanding construction tasks. They are extremely versatile, simple to use, easy to service and economical to run. The STIHL TS 500i offers forceful torque and is designed for heavyduty cutting of concrete, stone, asphalt and bricks. This 3.9 kW machine is the world’s first to offer electronically-controlled fuel injection for smooth running and impressive fuel consumption. An anti-vibration system and reduced emissions ensure user comfort. The standard-fitted water connection supplies the 350mm cutting wheel with water for wet cutting, limiting the amount of dust produced as required by health and safety standards. The new ‘green’ cordless TSA 230 cut-off machine is another world first: a cut-off machine powered by 36-volt lithium-ion battery technology. It can be used inside or outside, cutting to a depth of 70mm, and because its innovative design allows for the attachment of an optional vacuum adapter, or the standard-fitted water connection can be attached to a hose pipe (or pressurised water container where there is no water supply) to limit dust and mess. This makes the TSA 230 ideal for wet or dry cutting and reducing operator exposure to harmful particles. The STIHL TS 440 cut-off machine with extended guard adjustment provides easier access for limited access cuts such as cutting wall sections, the underside of in-ground concrete pipes, ductile iron, vitrified clay and steel, and cutting in corners. It features a powerful yet fuel-efficient 3.2kW 2-MIX engine and delivers a maximum cutting depth of 125mm. An electronic water control retains the last setting; water flow automatically stops at idle speed and starts again when the throttle is engaged. The long-life air filtration system is virtually maintenance-free, with 99% cleaning efficiency.
Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior aftersales service.
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The TS range is the perfect cutting crew when on-site cutting is required.
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MATERIALS CONCRETE
Thermal mass and concrete What is thermal mass and how can the use of concrete benefit the thermal mass performance of a building? Gareth Griffiths
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here are a number of definitions of thermal mass, but put in non-technical language, thermal mass is the ability of a large amount of a material - such as concrete or brick - to absorb and slow down the exchange of heat inside a building. Scientifically put, thermal mass is equivalent to thermal capacitance or heat capacity, meaning the ability of a body to store thermal energy. It is typically referred to by the symbol Cth and its SI (International System of Units) unit is J/°C or J/K. In building design, thermal mass is a property of the mass of a building that enables it to store heat, providing “inertia” against temperature fluctuations. It is often looked at as a “thermal flywheel” effect. For example, when outside temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, a large thermal mass within the insulated portion of a house can serve to “flatten out” the temperature fluctuations. This is so because the thermal mass will absorb thermal energy when the surroundings are higher in temperature than the mass, and return the thermal energy when the surroundings are cooler, without reaching thermal equilibrium. This is distinct from a material’s insulation value, which reduces a building’s thermal conductivity, allowing it to be heated or cooled separately from the exterior, and retains the occupants’ thermal energy longer.
An Australian roofing producer, BlueScope, argues in its sustainability technical report, that when considering the use of thermal mass in design, climate is the most important factor - notably, diurnal temperature variation and the average summer and winter temperatures. Where both observations show a significant difference between highest and lowest, the use of thermal mass principles will be the most effective. Thermal mass is best placed inside the building. Therefore, reverse mass construction is an effective way to locate thermal mass in climates with a high diurnal temperature swing. According to the Concrete Institute, the mass of a concrete structure makes it a significant thermal reservoir with the ability to store large amounts of energy. In the heating months, concrete walls and floors absorb the interior heat during the day, and then radiate warmth back into the space at night. And the same principle holds true for cooling. This thermal inertia allows concrete to help maintain a relatively steady interior temperature. By storing and releasing the energy needed for heating or cooling, concrete delivers year-round energy-efficient buildings, reducing peak energy demands and the size of HVAC equipment required. [Ref: www.theconcreteinstitute.org. za/concrete-benefits]
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Pahazard www.wikiowl.com/en/wiki/User:Pahazzard
Effort of Heavy-weight and Light-weigh constructions on the internal temperature of a naturally ventilated school classroom
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BUILD STRONGER, FASTER Strong does not quit. Strong does not buckle under pressure. It only knows how to give it’s best and deliver on its promises. Strong is what we’re made of. www.sephakucement.co.za 0861 32 42 52
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MATERIALS SUSTAINABLE PAINT
Walking the green talk At the recently held Green Building Convention 2019, the writer presented on the Brainwave Stage about environmentally friendly coatings and the use of industrial waste in decorative paint manufacture. Gareth Griffiths Imaging
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Ryan Purchase
ecorative paint manufacture is the manufacture of paints for painting buildings. There is a misconception among most specifiers and users of these products that solvent-based paints are harmful, while water-based paints are safe. However, what is an unknown fact is that, included in the formulation of most water-based products, there are several substances that are harmful to our environment and us. These substances are still widely used as they are effective and cheaper than their greener alternatives.
Some of these substances are:
Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylates – used to stabilise polymers and paints and assists with colour development. These substances are non-ionic surfactants with an emulsifying and dispersing action which are extremely toxic to aquatic life and do not degrade. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – these are low boiling point organic substances that pollute air (BP<250° C). Many are suspected or known carcinogens, and some are highly toxic. They are widely used in manufactured products. VOC levels are often two to five times higher indoors than outdoors, contribute towards smog formation, and lead to “sick building syndrome”. Glycol –this is used to retard drying and give a longer wet-edge time to prevent lap marks. Moderately toxic Organic Compounds (MEGs) – while propylene glycol is non-toxic, it does lead to smog formation, is an eye irritant and a carcinogen. Ammonia – this is used to increase pH and improve stability and is a colourless liquid or gas with a pungent smell. It is extremely toxic to aquatic life. As it is caustic and hazardous, it is classified as dangerous to the environment. Formaldehyde – This very efficient sterilising agent kills most spores. It is a known carcinogen and highly toxic allergen and VOC - 0,1ppm in the air can irritate eyes and mucous membranes. Solvents and heavy metals – most solvents are VOC’s
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Ryan Purchase speaks at the Green Building Convention 2019.
while heavy metals tend to be accumulative poisons that are slowly absorbed into the body.
It is best to declare the substances in your products
When the move to “green” building first started in South Africa, the polymer manufacturers merely removed APEO from the binders they used. Many manufacturers simply changed to an APEO-free polymer and claimed that their products were “green”. In my years of consulting, I have witnessed “green formula’s” in which the paint manufacturer was adding APEO! With no legislation in place in South Africa to govern this, paint manufacturers are aligning themselves to different international specifications, or setting their own specifications, resulting in further confusion in the market. I firmly believe that the best way is to declare the actual levels of toxic substances in the product you
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MATERIALS SUSTAINABLE PAINT
The charcoal and burgundy colour paints on this building are made from a base with no titanium dioxide while the cream contains a small percentage white pigment. All paint contains the recycled filler material designated Amoriguard.
manufacture. For example, “The specs for a range of products we are marketing are: 0g/lt of APEO, EG, solvents, heavy metals, <0,0005g/lt Formaldehyde, <1g/ lt VOC, <2,0g/lt Ammonia.” We need to start thinking and doing things differently if we are going to stop the damage being done to our planet and ourselves.
Using waste
Our society generates a vast amount of waste, and with only limited recycling processes in place, the bulk of the waste ends up disposed of at landfill sites where costly levies apply. A small Cape Town based company, with the support of Sasol Chemcity, has developed a range of sustainable green coatings based on green technology and input received from Professor Mulalo Doyoyo. However, they have taken it a step further and replaced the bulk of the traditionally used fillers with processed waste. Processed waste was used to ensure consistency of input RM’s.
The three products in their current range are a crack filler and skimming product, a water-based alkali resisting primer and a high build fibre reinforced matt coating for walls (Agrément certified). A waste based “green” roof paint will soon be launched. One of the biggest challenges with waste-based products is that they are not white, which means that whites and clean pastel shades are not cost-effective. However, the current trend is towards earthy colours for exterior applications – ideal for waste-based products. The Amoriguard range recently won a Gold and a Bronze Award at the 2019 Enviropedia Eco Logic Awards. Ryan Purchase is an experienced paint chemist. With the backing of academia and a major chemical company, he launched a start-up company called Amoriguard (Pty) Ltd, which manufactures a paint using waste materials. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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MATERIALS COPPER
Copper in the building environment Copper is the oldest mined metal used by humans - copper pipelines of a water supply system dating back to 5 000 years were found in one of the Egyptian pyramids! Copper Development Association Africa
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ome of the most common uses of copper in the modern built environment includes geysers, copper tubing and fittings for the transport of water and gases, taps and mixers, electrical cables, busbars and components for the distribution of electricity, air conditioners, heat pumps, handles, handrails, push plates and brass nozzles in sprinkler systems. Copper is the best conductor of all non-precious metals and, unlike many other materials, can be endlessly recycled back to its original state and performance. Copper produced from scrap saves approximately 80% of the energy necessary to produce primary copper from mining. The theft of copper cable, in particular, has been a concern for many years with stolen copper exported to Asian countries, depriving the local industry from much needed production material. However, CDAA, the government and industry is progressively tightening controls by improving container inspections and educating customs and excise officials. Copper is also used for roofs, canopies and curtain walling as an extremely durable exterior material,
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evident in various buildings in South Africa. Copper is also gaining popularity in interior decorating due to its appearance and longevity. Copper plays an integral role in alternative energy and three to five times more copper is used per kilowatt in wind turbines and photovoltaic energy than fossilfuelled power generation. This also reduces the amount of CO² emissions by reducing or eliminating fossil fuel fire stations. Some extremely innovative and attractive architectural designs have incorporated the use of solar energy. The continuous improvement of energy storage and the reduction in the cost of alternative energy will gradually increase the use of solar energy in residential and commercial buildings. As a developing economy, urbanisation in South Africa has been increasing rapidly and the use of copper will grow accordingly, to supply much needed water, electricity and other services. Copper Development Association Africa www.copperalliance.org.za
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MATERIALS INSULATION - TIPSASA
Insulation installers to be certified The industry association for insulation manufacturers and systems has announced a new trade registration opportunity for installers, which should give clients considerable peace of mind. Gareth Griffiths Imaging
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he Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association of South Africa (TIPSASA) has announced the official registration of the trade qualification ‘Insulation Installer’ with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The qualification consists of two parts: building insulation installer and industrial insulation installer. According to TIPSASA, this is the first time ever in South Africa that the insulation installer will be recognised as an official trade. TIPSASA is in the process of registering with SAQA to become a professional body. One of the requirements for registration as a professional body with the SAQA, is to have a qualification registered with that body. In addition, evidence of consultation with the construction sector regarding an application for recognition is required by SAQA. Feedback from the construction sector were all
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positive and in favour of the registration. To quote a few of the replies: ‘We fully support the registration of TIPSASA as a professional body’, ‘I believe this is an excellent and worthy cause towards improving the status of TIPSASA and its members’, and, ‘We declare our unqualified support for your cause’. It is evident that TIPSASA have the support of the construction sector and a high level of recognition for their contribution towards the industry. Skills Development Providers (SDP’s) are in the process of registering for accreditation with the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO). Learner material has already been developed in collaboration with SDPs. Official training courses will commence in February 2020. This is an exciting development for TIPSASA, and the industry will undoubtedly benefit from these trade qualifications.
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MATERIALS INSULATION - TIPSASA
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The new Insulation Installer SAQA trade qualification by industry body TIPSASA will consist of two parts.”
Existing insulation contractors
As a result of the registration of the Insulation Installer qualification, TIPSASA would like to extend an invitation to existing contractors to become ‘Accredited Insulation Contractors’. Contractors would have to be assessed through the RPL process. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which formal, nonSimple device allows downlight to vent heat, free of heat buildup caused by insulation. Source: EcoInsulation.
formal and informal learning are measured, mediated for recognition across different contexts and certified against the requirements for credit, access, inclusion or advancement in the formal education and training system or workplace. The establishment of ‘Accredited Insulation Contractors’ will address the usage of sub-standard products that do not comply with SABS standards and incorrect installations, i.e. failure to comply with manufacturer’s installation specifications, which are two of the main reasons for failure of thermal insulation performance and compliance with the Energy Efficiency Regulations promulgated in 2011. To Build contacted a national insulation manufacturer and installer based in Cape Town for comment. Richard Ellis, general manager and holder of the Cape Town installer franchise for Eco-Insulation, had the following to say in support of the TIPSASA move: ‘I congratulate TIPSASA in achieving the registration of the Insulation Installer qualification. We, in the industry, are deeply encouraged, as too often the quality of insulation installs is found to be sub-standard; in particular in the area of new multi-residential housing developments where the insulation has been not been fitted by a recognised insulation contactor but rather by a ceiling contractor. The insulation installations are so poorly done as to render the whole solution ineffective. Commonly there is little attention to the risks of recessed lighting fixtures where no proper protectors are fitted to prevent the insulation coming into contact with the lighting units which can pose a serious fire hazard.’ We asked Ellis how far the problem extends. He confirmed that installers in his group get frequent callouts to sites where existing insulation installations of generic products have been inexpertly laid in contravention of the requirements of the building codes. ‘Often this inexpert practice goes two ways: the nonfunctioning of insulation product completely, requiring a complete overlay of our product to bring the thermal performance of the roof envelop up to national standard SANS 10400-XArequirements.’ The second and more serious consequence of an inexpert installation of ceiling insulation, according to Ellis, is when the contractor fails to make allowance for the heat emitted by in-ceiling downlighters, especially of the halogen quartz variety. ‘Your installed product must be well clear of downlights, allowing them to vent heat correctly. Another error is where there is a roofing timber member close by, which greatly increases the fire hazard is heat is not ducted away from the light,’ he finishes. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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CLIPCLAD is a revolutionary cladding system designed to be conveniently quick and simple to install. The adaptable clip substructure is easily fastened directly to a wall or suitable frame system. The cladding boards simply click into place. No fastening of boards is required. Incorporating Eva-Last®’s engineered composite and advanced coating technologies into this system results in a robust and long-lasting solution, resistant to the harshest weather and biodeterioration conditions.
Lightweight system
Quick and easy installation
Versatile application
Weather resistant
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MATERIALS OPINION
Setting the record straight about timber construction Despite its growth in popularity, misconceptions about timber as a construction material are still commonplace, preventing potential users from understanding the benefits of this unique, renewable building material, says the Institute for Timber Construction SA. Gareth Griffiths Imaging
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he most common myths that circulate about timber as a building material are that using trees to manufacture products is not environmentally responsible, that wood structures are not as structurally safe and durable as
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steel or brick and mortar structures, and wood structures are an obvious fire hazard. This is according to Dr Brand Wessels, chairperson of the Department of Forest and Wood Science at the University of Stellenbosch.
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Plantations, not natural forests
‘There is a distinct difference between harvesting timber from sustainable and well-managed plantations and the deforestation and degradation of natural forests. In South Africa, we use timber grown in responsibly managed plantations, which are like working factories, with the sole purpose of growing timber in a controlled environment for the market. Managed by reputable bodies like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), these plantations are operated in line with the highest standards for ensuring sustainability,’ says Dr Wessels. Timber reduces environmental footprint of built environment Dr Phillip Crafford et al, recently published their findings on the role that timber can play in reducing the environmental footprint of the built environment. The study, “The potential of South African timber products to reduce the environmental impact of buildings”[2], compares several roof truss systems of varying materials using a simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. The study concludes that timber roof truss systems showed a lower environmental impact across the board and ‘demonstrates the potential advantage of using local timber products to reduce the environmental impact of the truss and building industry in South Africa’.
Timber is highest strength to weight
Timber has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than either steel or brick and mortar.
“
MATERIALS OPINION
Recent studies show that tree planting and forest restoration are the most cost-effective strategies, with the greatest potential of combatting global climate change.[1]”
‘Any misconception may be linked to perceptions around low-cost, poorly built informal housing of wood,’ says Dr Wessels. ‘To the contrary, in some applications like housing in earthquake-prone areas, wood is preferred above other materials. There are structures that are 1 200 years old in Japan (an earthquake-prone country), which attest to the material’s durability and strength. As with any other material, a well-designed and built wood structure will last a lifetime; conversely, a poorly designed and built structure – of any material – will not endure.’ According to Amanda Obbes, general manager of the Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITCSA), timber frame construction is a standard construction methodology under the National Building Regulations (NBR), which provide the necessary building codes for the manufacture and construction of safe, legal and durable structures that are built to standard[3].
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MATERIALS OPINION
Timber under fire conditions
Structural timber for roofing is commonplace and performs well under fire conditions. As with every aspect of building, timber roof trusses must be manufactured and erected in line with the National Building Regulations and SANS 10400, which provide for fire safety. Building regulations, set in place by bodies such as the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) after extensive research and consultation with industry experts, consider all aspects of a given building material’s composition and properties to ensure that it meets the same safety and performance standard as any other building material in the same application. Dr Wessels notes that the misconception of wood being a fire hazard is a complex issue with roots in the informal housing market, as well as our use of wood as fuel for fires. Used in small dimensions, not built to code and surrounded by and containing other potential fire hazards, such as is the case with many informal houses, this type of structure should be considered a hazard to human life and unfit for habitation. ‘But formal housing structures and even multi-storey wood structures can perform as well as any other material would under fire conditions,’ says Dr Wessels. In some cases, such as wood beams with large dimensions, wood will even outperform competing materials, like steel, due to its slow charring rate in fires.
Setting the record straight a matter of urgency
Rising carbon emissions, our newly ‘upgraded’ climate emergency, environmentally savvy consumers and governments looking to make better-informed decisions about the environment, form part of a collective global call for materials and methodologies that will respond with agility to an environmentally conscious future. According to Werner Slabbert, director of Eco Log Homes: ‘Local government is facing unprecedented pressure to make important climate change-related decisions. According to a recent report by the World Meteorological Organisation[4], the past four years were the warmest on record and extreme weather affected lives and sustainable development on every continent. Formulating ways to develop cities and communities in an environmentally responsible way that also integrates adaptation for climate change is now of the highest importance,’ he says. ‘Timber frame construction, with the research to back it, responds exceptionally well to these pain points in our environmental and political climate,’ says Dr Wessels. ‘Leveraging the environmental benefits of wood,
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including carbon sequestration, oxygen production, lower transportation emissions, faster construction time and a much-reduced HVAC burden, is becoming increasingly crucial in the light of accelerated climate change, making it imperative to lay to rest these common misconceptions about timber construction,’ he adds.
Knowledge is power
Consumers today have more information available to them than ever before, and industry has a duty to share information in a responsible and ethical manner ‘Unfortunately, consumers are often on the receiving end of dubious information from organisations with commercial interests in products. It is becoming more important that independent bodies, like universities, standards organisations and research organisations verify claims, especially those pertaining to the environment,’ Dr Wessels notes. ‘Methodologies such as Life Cycle Assessments have developed to a point where very comprehensive comparisons can be made between materials, products and processes to verify their environmental impact. Consumers need to be wary of claims made by anyone with a commercial interest in products, unless these claims can be supported by independent evaluations. It is the consumer’s right to request this evidence, especially when they are using this information to inform big investments, like new builds, retrofits and renovations,’ he adds. ‘While common misconceptions about timber construction play a role in preventing both the consumer and the trade from harnessing its manifold benefits in the construction arena, there are positive signs that the general public and the trade are showing increasing confidence in the material, says Obbes. ‘At the ITC-SA, we are here to help and provide information.’
References: 1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jul/04/ planting-billions-trees-best-tackle-climate-crisis-scientists-canopyemissions. 2. http://itc-sa.org/study-potential-south-african-timber-productsreduce-environmental-impact-buildings/. 3. https://library.wmo.int/doc_num.php?explnum_id=5789 http://itc-sa.org/specifying-timber-construction/. 4. World Meteorological Organisation. WMO Statement on the State of the Global Climate in 2018. https://library.wmo.int/doc_.
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Services FURNITURE DESIGN
Seasonal two-bedroom apartment furnished Flanked on either side by Table Mountain’s legendary Twelve Apostles, a sophisticated Clifton apartment looks out over breath-taking panoramic views of the Cape Atlantic Ocean and is in equal parts luxurious getaway, relaxed coastal retreat and entertainer’s dream. Peter Bruyns, Niel Vosloo, and Adam Letch
The Clifton Terraces apartment.
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he architects designed the Clifton Terraces complex with deliberately pared-down, monochromatic interior shells. Clifton 301 is a seasonal two-bedroom apartment in a sophisticated contemporary complex designed by the architect. A Cape Town based décor company was responsible for the interior decoration and also designed key items of bespoke handmade furniture throughout the apartment. ‘Our first objective was to individualise the space by modulating the internal colour palette,’ says lead designer, Adam Court. He and the team from OKHA set
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about customising the apartment’s interiors to create a cool and restful space in contrast to the bright, sunlit exterior. ‘We used subtle shades of green with delicate natural tonalities that reference the local landscape,’ explains Court. Table Mountain’s famous granite, fynbos and dappled woods are evoked throughout the apartment in a rich, raw palette of natural timbers, stones and metals, which are contrasted with plush velvets and linens on the walls, floors and furniture coverings, resulting in what Court refers to as a contemporary “quiet opulence”. ‘These shades are repeated in the furniture with
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Services FURNITURE DESIGN
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Our first objective was to individualise the space, with a quiet opulence.”
a strong emphasis on textures and materials,’ he adds. When it came to designing the custom furniture pieces, Court says: ‘The designs are pared-back and lean, focusing on strong forms and shapes that communicate simply and directly.’ ‘All the artwork accessories and objects are from Capebased artisans and add an essential level of layering and local character,’ he adds.
Essential items
Dream Emperor Marble and Absolute Black Granite tabletops are paired with steel bases in the side, coffee
and balcony tables. The dining table, barstools and server are hewn from carbon-stained wire brushed Ash timber, also used in the frame of signature OKHA “Port” mirror, which, with its copper framed recessed mirror, carries a nautical tone of a ship’s circular windows. The palette is intentionally and carefully controlled and restrained to embrace the everchanging colours of the sunrise and sunset, which are the real centrepiece and art show.
Attracting diverse and professional people
The client, a New York based businessman who gave the volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Services FURNITURE DESIGN
The sophisticated Clifton Terraces.
The dining area.
The main bedroom.
The panoramic exterior allows you to feel as though you are hovering right above the water’s surface.
designers complete carte blanche says: ‘Cape Town is the perfect mix of stunning nature, great outdoor activities, a world-renowned design and art scene, top tier restaurants and winelands, providing an unrivalled value for money when compared to other global destinations. Cape Town attracts diverse, talented, creative and professional people to its shores, the foundation of what makes Cape Town so attractive to live in.’ ‘The panoramic exterior allows you to feel as though you are hovering right above the water’s surface,’ adds Court.
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Project team Overall project architects: SAOTA Project manager: SIP Project Managers (Pty) Ltd Principal contractor: Haw & Inglis Quantity surveyors: De Leeuw Group Structural engineers: JG Afrika Civil Engineers: JG Afrika Electrical and mechanical engineers: Sutherland Engineers Design and interior décor, apartment: OKHA Suppliers (apartment décor): Weylandts, Maximum Décor, Mr Madaco and OKHA.
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Services GROUND ENGINEERING
Deep injection at Viljoenskroon Lodge Nestled on the banks of the Vaal River at Viljoenskroon, between Parys and Potchefstroom, lies an idyllic privately owned lodge. The lodge, near the Vredefort dome meteorite crash site, is built under thatch and consists of steel columns and beams framed on concrete bases with precast concrete slabs and brick infill. Antonio Pappalardo
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s cracks appeared in the first floor slab, the owner, who runs his own steel engineering company, realised that the structure was subsiding at the rear portion of the main lodge and called specialist ground engineering company,Uretek, out to assess the problem and provide a quick and clean solution. Further investigation revealed that some of the bases were undersized, causing the steel columns to be positioned on the edge of the bases. This problem was
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further acerbated by rainwater flowing down the slope under the concrete bases, weakening the subsoil and causing the structure to subside. After having the bases resized, Uretek returned and injected the soil below the concrete bases through the inserted injection tubes, strengthening the underlying material so that lift was recorded in the columns. Nine bases were treated using this method of deep injection, two of which were inside the lodge. The advantage of using this method is the non-intrusive and
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Services GROUND ENGINEERING
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
As cracks appeared in the first floor slab, the owner realised that the structure was subsiding at the rear portion of the main lodge and called the specialists in.â&#x20AC;?
non-destructive nature of the operation. The interior floors and walls were not disturbed, and only two 14mm diameter holes had to be filled. The injections are carried out until the structure, which is monitored by laser control, reacts: achieving a minimum of 0.5mm lift. Where greater settlement occurred, lift of 2mm was recorded - all was achieved within the allowed budget. The reaction of the structure indicates that the ground is subjected to a pressure equivalent to several times the
static load of the building, and that the bearing capacity of the soil has been restored. As the cost is determined by the volume of resin required, it is advisable to obtain the minimum lift, until the founding soil is strengthened sufficiently to prevent further settlement. URETEK www.uretek.co.za volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Ground Engineering Before
After
Before
After
URETEK Geo-Systems (SA) (Pty) Ltd specializes in industrial, commercial and residential applications as well as the rehabilitation of roads and highways through advanced technology characterized by superior chemistry, inventive technique, and extensive experience. URETEK Deep Injection patented technology employs high density expanding structural polymers to stabilize soils at depth and increase their bearing capacity. Once the soils at depth are addressed, then the foundations, Foor slabs or road pavements are realigned or raised as needed. Most importantly, URETEK Slab Lifting Method returns your road pavement sytems and concrete foor slabs to their original design with a stronger subbase and improved soil structure. Regardless of whether your problem is routine or complex, URETEK can draw from extensive resources to develop the best solutions for your needs. URETEK loves a challenge and an opportunity to be innovative. URETEK info@uretek.co.za 011 011238 2387154 7154 www.uretek.co.za www.uretek.co.za info@uretek.co.za
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Services PLASTIC PIPE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
Successful PIPES XII Conference
The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers’ Association (SAPPMA) held its very successful PIPES XII Conference late in August this year.
“More than 180 delegates, 11 local and 4 international presenters, 15 exhibitors and 9 sponsors, gathered over two days from 27-28 August, to learn about best-practice designs and applications, share ideas and discuss the latest innovations in plastic pipe manufacturing and installation.”
SAPPMA
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conomist and scenario analyst Dr Roelof Botha delivered an optimistic, witty and honest opening keynote address entitled: “Economic recovery beckons if the NDP is implemented” in which he unpacked the challenges and obstacles to growth, but also the exciting opportunities that await South Africa over the next 12 to 18 months. Whilst poor economic leadership over the last 10 years has left South Africa reeling and resulted in GDP losses of at least R2.5 trillion; of which R653 billion foregone in tax revenue cost each South African an average of R48 thousand, Dr Botha said that it was not all doom and gloom. He shared good news of real growth reported in retail sales, mineral sales, short-term insurance premiums, household and disposable income. ‘Every problem we have (in South Africa today) can be solved with the right policies and right skills,’ he said, highlighting the need for more infrastructure and better governance ‘We are starting to see various green shoots budding from the positive effect of President Ramaphosa’s leadership. If this continues we can be confident of the future. We have never been in a better position to grow the economy at significantly higher rates than ever before!’
Kirtida Bhana of Plastics SA presents at SAPPMA Day 1.
‘This year’s event not only provided a platform for our own experts to present, but also drew international participation from as far afield as Germany, Austria and the Middle East. Delegates who attended represented a wide range of different ages, backgrounds and industries to include students and academics, engineers, industry representatives, local government, parastatals, pipe fittings and extrusion equipment manufacturers, raw material suppliers and consultants,’ reported Jan Venter, chief executive officer of SAPPMA. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Services PLASTIC PIPE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
The role of plastic in pipes
The theme of the 2019 PIPES XII Conference was “Not all plastics are alike” and presenters were encouraged to present their ideas around this theme. ‘It is almost impossible to imagine our modern life without use of plastics. This versatile material has become deeply embedded in our everyday lifestyle. Although the use of plastic packaging has come under harsh criticism by environmentalists and the public alike over the past year, it is important to recognise that not all plastic is bad for the environment. It is an extremely useful product that is used with great success in pipelines, appliances, cables, computers, etc, to reduce manufacturing costs, improve performance and reduce mankind’s impact on the environment,’ Venter said during his opening speech.
Bigger markets and growing demand
Other presentations showed how research and development to improve polymer and processing equipment are dynamic and ongoing throughout the world. This has resulted in the plastic pipe industry enjoying a dominant footprint in most countries. In South Africa, the market grew by 22% over the past seven years to deliver the infrastructure needed to support a growing population. Similarly, the development of new markets and applications were unpacked by the various presenters who focussed on the outstanding properties of modern plastic pipes, such as flexibility, toughness, corrosion resistance, the growing demand
for large diameter pipelines (with pressure pipe now up to 3m in diameter), as well as various other exciting technological advancements and applications.
Looking ahead
‘Modern plastic pipe materials can be relied upon to provide cost-effective pumping solutions, exceptional health standards and previously unheard of service lives. For this reason, it is of great importance to host an annual industry-specific event where we can share the latest technical information about design, manufacture, maintenance, evaluation, testing procedures and standards. ‘In an era where taking shortcuts and cutting corners have become the norm, SAPPMA plays an instrumental role in the development, advancement and maintenance of correct standards and performance of piping systems. Together with our members, we will continue to be the flagbearers for maintaining excellent standards and quality in a very important industry, through the commissioning of reliable and knowledgeable consultants, pipe manufacturers and installers,’ Venter concluded. ‘The event was made possible with the support of Rare Plastics, Sun Ace, Sizabantu Piping Systems, NSF International and Pipeflo,’ adds Venter. Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers’ Association www.sappma.co.za
Presenters at Day 1: Albert Lueghamer (Agru), Antoine Walter (GF Piping Systems), Stefan Schiesser (Borealis), Renier Snyman (Sun Ace SA), Kirtida Bhana (Plastics SA); Louise Muller and Ian Venter of SAPPMA.
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Green Building HEMP
A new build in Paliseul, Belgium. (Courtesy, IsoHemp)
Building with hemp In today’s climate, can we ignore the benefits of growing and building with industrial hemp? In this article, based on information received from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and other sources, we interrogate the matter further. GBCSA and isohemp.com
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esides the fact that industrial hemp is not marijuana, and so cannot impart any type of human effect, it absorbs more CO2 per hectare annually than any other commercial crop, including commercial forestry. As a plant it restores soil health, as Russian authorities discovered, and used it to clean up heavy metals after the nuclear spill in Chernobyl. And it is often grown with no agricultural chemicals due to the dense canopy of shade leaves, which kills off weeds. Industrial hemp is quickly becoming a significant industry. Canada was the first Western industrialised country to legalise it, and by regulating it in a manner that resulted in best-practice techniques becoming open-sourced, it has enabled Wall Street to predict that sales for the sector will push past $5-billion a year in the next three years.
Local regulation playing catch-up
Despite South Africa’s ideal climate and lower farming costs, the first step that is needed is for the government to allow it to be grown commercially, says Tony Budden, a hemp entrepreneur and industrialist.
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The IsoHemp hemp block.
‘At the moment, we are slowly using hemp in construction, on a project-by-project basis, through importing. This doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to deliver a competitively-priced material to the building industry. Having to bring in containers of hemp from the UK or France pushes the price range into a select niche of eco building,’ he adds.
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Green Building HEMP
Building with hemp
Commercial hemp crops often focus on the oils and textile materials producers, and the building material – found in the extremely high silica-content of the woody stem – is a by-product, notes Josh Swart, co-founder of Original Cape Town or OGCT Hemp. Besides locking in the significant amount of carbon it absorbed while growing, using hemp means you are not mining for your building material; at scale the required amount of hemp can be grown relatively close to the construction site within four months. The hemp stems are ground up into sawdust and mixed with lime. This hempcrete can be used to create a concrete-type mixture or bricks. Often the slurry is poured into a wall form, or around timber or steel posts. It then hardens into a thick permeable concrete-like wall, characterised by excellent insulation properties. Interestingly, the hempcrete continues to absorb carbon from the air, calcifying as it does so. This ongoing calcification makes the walls stronger; Swart says.
Hemp as a building material industry
Gareth Griffiths Imaging
In addition to hempcrete, the various materials produced by the hemp plant are incredibly versatile, as Budden demonstrated when he set a local precedent by using it in 2011 to build and furnish his home in Noordhoek, Cape Town. The insulation, cupboards, flooring and wall panelling were all hemp.
Above: The Hemp House in Noordhoek, currently undergoing seasonal maintenance. Left: Jason Fawcett at the GBCSA Convention.
‘New advances using hemp as a building material continue to be made. A company in the US recently developed a timber frame structure out of hemp wood which is yielding stronger results than a Redwood tree,’ says Budden. According to Jason Fawcett, founder of We Love Hemp, the plant has been used since ancient times, although when it was outlawed it was replaced by plastic, cotton, fossil fuels and other big-industry products, due to the vested interests of those product suppliers in the USA. Today, as we understand the harmful impact of these industries, many markets are returning to hemp as a viable sustainable alternative. Speaking at the GBCSA Convention 2019, held at the beginning of October in Cape Town, Fawcett explained the significant value in the cultivation of hemp is in the sequestering of carbon from the atmosphere, in addition to its value as a building material. The hemp plant, known famously as a fast grower in cultivated plantations, can sequester 22 tons of carbon per hectare grown, which can impact significantly on approaching a net zero performance evaluation for a building design when compared with concrete. ‘Once cultivated, a plant can grow up to 4 metres (high) within a three-month period. If it’s used for housing, a hectare of cultivated plantation can comfortably build a 100m2 house,’ Fawcett adds. Fawcett explained that, once finished, the hemp-based building provides superior environmental performance, yielding a more human friendly climate inside the home, which includes the absorption of humidity and significant thermal insulation properties. ‘There are two main methods in building with hemp, or more correctly, hempcrete. The first is cast in situ and precast material. Casting in situ involves working with shuttering on site using a technique so easy that a child can do it. Precast hempcrete provides a faster build but is more complicated to prefabricate in an offsite process,’ he adds. The South Africa regulatory landscape is not favourable to the cultivation of hemp. Currently the finished products may only be imported, and the cultivation of the plant may only be done under a specific research waiver by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Even then, Fawcett says, the product may not be processed further and not into building materials, although the regulations are currently being amended. Budden is hopeful that it will happen sometime in the next year. ‘There is positive news coming from government, and we’re moving in the right direction,’ he says. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Green Building HVAC
Pool and jacuzzi pumps One of the fastest growing sectors of the heat pump business is currently in the area of pools and jacuzzis. We asked an experienced supplier to comment. Alliance
H
eat pumps are normally bought by more affluent families wanting to extend the time they can use their pools to swim in Commercial pool heat pumps offer owners of swimming schools, hotels and gyms an added value proposition to their business A major supplier of pool heat pumps says its sales are up 19% over the same period last year, and a 25%+ growth by year-end is the target.
Sales growth
This growth in a declining economy can be contributed to a whole new range of pool and jacuzzi pumps that was launched in Dec 2018, says Fritz Klingenberg, divisional manager of Alliance . These units are some of the most
competitively priced units in the market offering great value for money. The range starts off with a 3.5kW unit suitable for both for jacuzzis and small splash pools, followed by 5.4, 7.6, 10, 13 and 16kW units. The larger units are suitable for commercial pools in gyms and swimming schools. Obviously, the greatest attraction of pool heat pumps is their ability to heat water cost-effectively with minimal usage of electricity and no unsightly piping on roofs or complicated installation requirements. Given the ever-increasing drive towards energy saving and â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? solutions these days, it is clear that these pumps are a potentially profitable addition to the business of plumbers or airconditioning companies.
A 13kW pool heat hump for a residential installation, suitable for applications up to 64 000 litres.
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Photograph courtesy of Nova Brick
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The CBA represents the clay brick and paver manufacturers of Southern Africa. We inspire sustainable, contemporary brick architecture and building design in all areas of the built environment: commercial, residential and landscape. We prepare and distribute property owner guides and builders technical manuals to educate South Africans on best practice in masonry construction techniques. Download free technical information on how to build with clay brick at www.claybrick.org The Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa promotes inclusive sustainable practices. The Switch Green ThisAfrica project is co-funded by the Project is co-funded by European the EuropeanUnion Union
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Green Building RENEWABLE ENERGY
Mini-grids on the agenda More than 600 million people lack access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, exacting a heavy toll on inclusive growth. Does the move to renewables and off-grid present a solution for our sub-continent? Gareth Griffiths Imaging
“
Globally, there is a trend to go towards decentralised grids and, with mini grids, we have the opportunity to create an integrated approach to make cities more liveable and efficient.”
A micro-grid installed at the Cedar Mill Mall in Clanwilliam supplies over 50% of the mall’s power requirements.
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t the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, the Universal Energy Access panel on the first day of the conference hosted a session on the Platform for Shaping the Future of Energy. From renewable energy storage to smart grids, the panel discussed what models can support the continent in reaching universal energy access by 2030. ‘It is easier to supply energy to urban areas but urbanisation is not a positive phenomenon. If one travels around Africa and looks at the power lines above and townships below, the difficulty is in the last 50 metres, where there are many social issues,’ explains Caspar Herzberg, President, Middle East and Africa, Schneider Electric who participated in the panel ‘Globally, there is a trend to go towards decentralised grids and, with mini grids; we have the opportunity to create an integrated approach to make cities more liveable and efficient. Equally, you want to focus on rural areas with mini grids to reverse the trend of rural urban migration.
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‘One thing we have found is that when you put a functioning mini grid, with a business model, in a previously disconnected community, it reverses that trend and creates a new local hub. An excellent example of this is the Onibambu case study in Nigeria. Arnergy, a Nigerian solar power company, solved rural electrification in collaboration with Schneider Electric and Bank of Industry (BOI). ‘Providing access to energy to 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa may seem an attractive investment opportunity from the sheer numbers, but if it was easy it would already have been done by now. ‘The challenge is the business model around mini grids - what do people do with the energy? How do we integrate these into the local economies? How will this be done sustainably and, more importantly, how do you maintain and operate micro-grids? To make this work, basic electrical skills are needed, at scale, and that is where a public private partnership needs to work together to build these skills.
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Green Building RENEWABLE ENERGY
Caspar Herzberg, President, Middle East and Africa, Schneider Electric
SOLA Future Energy
Schneider Electric
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Finally, there is the question of off-grid and on-grid, but this can be managed by the digitisation of the smart grid to ensure integration. The technology is there, we now need to deploy a national matrix so that the conflict can be well managed. In fact, there is no real conflict between the two; it is more about how they can work together (on-grid and off-grid) to ensure universal energy access. This is an expertise that my company can offer,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; concludes Herzberg.
A micro grid installed on Robben Island provides considerable savings in diesel-generated energy costs.
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ADVERTORIAL CITIQ PREPAID
Partnering to build property potential There’s an ancient Chinese curse that says, “May you live in interesting times”. And the times today, are very interesting indeed. The South African property developer is juggling complex challenges in a market that’s been shaken by local and global politics and that expects them to differentiate themselves in increasingly innovative and dynamic ways. Security, location, size, amenities – these have all been commoditised to create value propositions for end users. Now, those features are no longer considered unusual – they are a given. If the developer wants to stand out and make profitable deals, they have to do something a lot more inventive.
F
ortunately, this is not a difficult thing to achieve. Over the past few years, environmental issues have become critical talking points in the industry. In the Cape, these have been primarily driven by the water crisis and the impending Day Zero, and many property developers have shifted their attention to solutions that help resolve the ongoing climatic and environmental challenges. Buyers want properties that recognise environmental needs and that support the country in reducing waste and utility usage. If developers want to attract the right kind of market, they need to work with partners that support their focus on tighter admin, improved utility management, and building their green credentials. As a result, many have turned to working with companies that provide trusted, simple and transparent utility management solutions as they can make all the difference when it comes to keeping both the customer and the managing agent happy. Partnering with a reliable prepaid utility company not only helps control the issues that arise around bulk electricity supply to estates, but it significantly reduces the stresses associated with managing large and varied utility bills. At the moment, many municipalities are moving towards bulk electricity supply to estates and complexes, and it’s adding significant complexity to the management role of the body corporate or estate manager. They have to monitor usage, pay the bill for the entire estate, and then manage any complaints that may come about from the different tenants. It’s a difficult juggle and one that the property developer can help them avoid. Prepaid utility metering across both water and electricity is a far more superior method of managing
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costs and people. Friction is reduced – arguments over usage and costs are resolved through instant visibility into billing and consumption. Transparency is increased – collections are handled through Citiq Prepaid and are accessible to the landlord or property owner when needed, and tenants know exactly what they are paying for. Customised care becomes standard – the Citiq Prepaid online portal offers both tenant and owner access to essential information that helps them manage their budgets and properties more efficiently. Partnering with Citiq Prepaid takes the pain out of property management in a single and effective swoop. Property managers can add value to their offering through a cohesive, accessible and cost-effective solution that ensures tight and reliable control over utility management and usage for owner and tenant alike. Citiq Prepaid +27 (0)87 55 111 11 sales@citiqprepaid.co.za www.citiqprepaid.co.za
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Green Building CONVENTION
“
Footprints are all the negative aspects to do with humankind’s journey on the planet. But handprints are all the positive aspects we do, relative to business as usual - those things that make a difference.” – Jason McLennan
Jason McLennan, Living Building Challenge, was named by YES! Magazine as one of 15 people shaping the world.
GBCSA Convention 2019 It is heartening to see the annual Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) Convention in its 12th year and still going strong. The Editor reports back from the convention held in the first week of October in Cape Town. Gareth Griffiths Imaging
T
he convention was opened by the Minister of Public Works, Patricia de Lille, who as a government minister, is head of the property development arm of the public sector – potentially a major green building client. Indeed, this sector has been very active and has recently had a number of properties certified. De Lille said her department was seeking the best ways to build facilities and infrastructure for green outcomes. The government is highly supportive of the
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green economy and according to her: ‘The transition to a green economy also aims to redress the adverse impact of the energy and carbon-intensive economy we are in.’ ‘We are committed to working with the Green Building Council to create green living spaces,’ she added. This commitment, said De Lille, included a three-way partnership between her department, the Agrément SA organisation and the GBCSA, to update two green building rating tools for government facilities. In this
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Green Building CONVENTION
Dorah Modise, CEO of the Green Building Council of South Africa.
Above: Nkosinathi Manzana, chairperson of the Green Building Council of South Africa. Left: Minister of Public Works, Patricia De Lille, announces a major green makeover for the country’s law courts.
respect, her department has earmarked and approved government funding to bring the goals forward. Furthermore, the department will be starting with a green building refurbishment programme within the Department of Justice, where priority will be given to getting South Africa’s courts of law functioning in an optimal way. The opening speakers for the GBCSA were GBCSA chairperson, Nkosinathi Manzana and CEO, Dorah Modise, who in separate speeches mapped the green building scenario in South Africa, one in which numerous significant gains have been made since the inception of the Convention some 12 years back. The leading keynote speaker was Jason McLennan, a renowned green building architect, thought leader and consultant on the global stage. He is, among other things, the recipient of the Buckminster Fuller Prize, the top global award for socially responsible design. He spoke in his capacity as the founder of the Living Building Challenge, the most demanding and progressive green building programme in existence. Having previously spoken in Cape Town, this was his second GBCSA Convention appearance, courtesy of a very forwardthinking local carpet manufacturer, Belgotex.
McLennan promised his audience would experience a roller-coaster ride during his presentation, which they did. There were highs and there were lows. He mapped a realistic scenario of where every major environmental battle on the plant is currently being lost, but did not leave the audience without hope. In his view, mounting public consciousness on the issue is reaching a peak and 2020 should see a significant number of changes rolling out in both government policy, implementation and consumer response. For example, 2020 is seen to be the ‘year of the electric car’, in which its adoption in cities will become a serious reality. Over the past 10 years, localised projects, including those of his own practice, provided a roadmap on the way forward for society. This is indeed a space to watch in the short term. South African corporates are also rising to the challenge. For example, in South Africa, leading bank, Nedbank, has adopted a surprising corporate positioning for a financial institution: ‘Companies need a purpose beyond profit,’ said Nedbank’s Keri Savin, who heads up sustainability strategy and reporting for the banking group. volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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A.Shak Construction............................................................................................ 134 Afrisam......................................................................................................................7 Aggreko Energy Rental South Africa.....................................................................55 AMS........................................................................................................................37 Bayer South Africa....................................................................................................9 Boomgate Systems................................................................................................27 Centurion Systems....................................................................................................3 Citiq Prepaid................................................................................................ 130, 131 Claybrick Association.................................................................................... 17, 127 Copper Development Africa............................................................................... 105 Crommelin Waterproofing & Sealing....................................................................85 Dekro Paints......................................................................................................... 135 Den Braven Sealants..............................................................................................65 Egoli Gas.................................................................................................................49 Eva-Last Distributors............................................................................................ 108 Fidelity Security Services........................................................................................11 Foresta Timber Group......................................................................................... 113 Fourways Airconditioning........................................................................ 1, 136, 140 Jax Classics.......................................................................................................... 109 Metalforming technology South Adrica................................................................47 Mitek Industries............................................................................................... 86, 87 MP Solar............................................................................................................... 135 Plascon....................................................................................................................23 Rosema Bricks.........................................................................................................97 Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors........................................................... 34, 35 SAFEhouse..............................................................................................................79 Seats Ahead............................................................................................................68 Sephaku Cement................................................................................................. 101 Sika South Africa.................................................................................................. 123 Silicone & Technical Products............................................................................. 139 Solar Ray...................................................................................................................5 Solent Ceiling Fans.................................................................................................45 Stihl............................................................................................................ 71, 83, 99 Stone Fair Exhibition........................................................................................... 134 Thermal Ceramics................................................................................................ 137 Thermguard............................................................................................................39 Uretek South Africa.............................................................................................. 120 Wood & Co.......................................................................................................... 117
volume 9 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za
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Alliance High Temperature Units With the ability to heat water beyond 60°C – up to temperatures as high as 70°C or 80°C – this range of Alliance Heat Pumps ensures the prevention and control of Legionella in large reticulation systems such as hotels and hospitals. Available in sizes from 33kW to 117kW. Concludes Klingenberg: ‘ Alliance Heat Pumps are backed by Fourways Airconditioning South Africa with branches in all major metropolitan areas, so they can be specified with total confidence. We not only carry a full range of parts but also are happy to provide technical advice if required.’
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