To Build - Issue 14 - March - June 2015

To Build Handbook

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

‘A’ Frame Refurbishment issue 14 | March 2015 - June 2015

Roof Refit Get Approvals Right First Gearing for Growth Issue 14 • March 2015 - June 2015

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www.leviton.com/me | T: 011 444 1168 | E: frans@lightinginnovations.co.za ISO 9000:2000 registered quality manufacturer | @ 2015 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved

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FOREWORD “The road to success is always under construction” – Lily Tomlin For the past five years it’s been such a pleasure bringing To Build to you, our readers. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary we reflect on the many obstacles we’ve faced, but never a dull moment, and we would like to thank everyone that has been part of this amazing journey of making To Build such a huge success.

We cannot express our gratitude in words to our advertisers, editorial contributors and readers for the trust each of you has placed in us, and for the continued journey we embark on.

Contributing towards education and knowledge for the built environment is of utmost importance to us and, as such, we will continue to deliver on our promise of excellence and exposure for our advertisers and contributors.

Furthermore, I would like to invite you all to partake in our July 2015 edition so that we can celebrate this journey and embark on another five years together.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any suggestions or ideas you’d like to showcase to make To Build even more user friendly and educational.

Kindly email me at elroy@tobuild.co.za Also don’t forget to visit our website for regular updates and press releases at www.tobuild.co.za Many thanks from me and the rest of the To Build team. We wish you all a productive year ahead and look forward to hear from you soon.

Regards Elroy

www.tobuild.co.za

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PUBLISHER

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

/tobuildpublication

www.tobuild.co.za

MEDIA XPOSE Excellence in exposure Tel: +27 21 424 3625 | Fax: +27 86 516 7277 PO Box 15165, Vlaeberg, 8018 EDITOR Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za SUB EDITOR Emma Dawson emma@ediwrite.co.za PROJECT MANAGER Elroy van Heerden elroy@tobuild.co.za

To Build Handbook

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

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Dr Gillian Adendorff Adv BC Hack Johan Louw Prof John Smallwood Marisa Louw Gavin Tagg Claudia Ferreira Jan Botha, Martin Botham, and Dr Hannelie Nel Gareth Griffiths Imaging Teresa Kok Rhys Evans Brian Wilkinson Lauren Shantall DESIGN & LAYOUT CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za SALES MANAGER Sarina Afonso sarina@mediaxpose.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za Ismail Abrahams ismail@tobuild.co.za Samantha Morrison samantha@tobuild.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

‘A’ Frame Refurbishment issue 14 | March 2015 - June 2015

Roof Refit Get Approvals Right First Gearing for Growth Issue 14 • March 2015 - June 2015

COVER ART SALVOCORP

AZA 2015

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT Melany Smith accounts1@mediaxpose.co.za DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Melany Smith distribution@mediaxpose.co.za RECEPTION/ PA TO DIRECTORS A-eeshah Davids receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za

PRINTED BY Paarl Media Paarl www.paarlmedia.co.za Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein.

The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

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CONTENTS issue14 March 2015-June 2015

Foreword

2

Floors

88

Editor’s Note

10

Kitchens

98

Cover Story: Salvocorp

12

Insulation

100

News & Views

22,23,24,25

Roofs

102

Editor’s Choice

28,29,30,31

Security & Safety

107

Out & About

172,173

Walls & Cladding

111

Student Designs

174,175

Windows & Doors

114

Notes Page Advertisers Index

176 178

DIVISIONS Professions

Materials Cement & Concrete

120

Adhesives

123

Brick & Paving

126

Architects

35

Coatings

129

Legal

40

Polymers

131

Construction

42

Timber & Decking

134

Design - Interior & Exterior

52

Developers

57

Services

Engineering

66

Plumbing & Reticulation

145

Opinion

67

Furniture & Furnishings

149

Landscaping & Landscape Architects

69

Green Building

Building Systems

GBCSA

155

GRI 4 Reporting

158

Automation

72

Opinion

162

Bathrooms

74

Green Projects

166

Electrical

84

Social Investment

170

100 49 6

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CONTENTS World Design Capital Cape Town 2014’s Lasting Legacy................................... 015 ‘A’ frame refurbishment............................... 018 Roof refit for beverage bottler..................... 020 News & Views................................................ 025 Editor’s Choice.............................................. 030

approved Hotel Verde................................. 102 Policies, education and training – essential to curbing substance abuse at work.......... 107 Rapid, easy-to-use breathalysers,

To Build Publisher Refurb............................... 031

critical for construction sites......................... 110

The ‘why’ to architecture and continuing education.......................... 035

Gearing for growth....................................... 111

AZA2015 – 24-26 Sep 2015............................ 038 Get approvals right first thing...................... 040 Debugging the concepts............................ 042

Windows that do not rot.............................. 114 Engineering Innovation in home sliding doors........................................ 116

Health & Safety Plans: They can actually save lives!....................... 046

Hollow core concrete slabs

World’s first cordless cutter........................... 049

Adhesive news.............................................. 123

Exclusive design for exclusive vignerons........................................................ 052

Bricks for extraordinary school rehab......... 126

Social media affects home

Innovations in consumer marketing............ 129

and office decoration.................................. 054

Polyolefin recycling projects

New developments – design case study......................................... 057

receive boost................................................. 131

Five key retail property trends for 2015........................................................... 060

at retirement complexes.............................. 120

Major supplier has rebranded..................... 134 HDPE pipes may be submitted

Portfolio news................................................ 063

for independent testing............................... 147

Outlook 2015: A Highly competitive year........................................... 064

Branching out into the décor hub

Quality control in project management................................................ 066

Sweets for my sweet..................................... 151

of Gauteng.................................................... 149

Earthfield: A field of dreams......................... 069

Property owners can ensure

Power solution out of the office.................. 072

a brighter future............................................ 155

Tapping into new Mthatha General Hospital........................... 074

Leading building and industrial

Leading manufacture shares know-how... 079 Planning for PV – the ins and outs of photovoltaic.............................................. 084 Warm floors.................................................... 088 Company and leadership profile: Van Dyck Carpets......................................... 092

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Leading steel roof at Leed

products supplier embraces GRI 4.............. 158 Building the Eezi way.................................... 162 Can we have green schools?..................... 166 Chemical giant puts its money where its mouth is.......................................... 170

Major gold mine kitchen is revamped....... 098

The Watershed Walkabout........................... 172

Acoustic – the Cinderella Sister................... 100

Regional student awards............................. 174

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

ed’s letter To Build has chosen Renovations, Improvements and Upgrades as the theme for its 14th edition. How opportune to have chosen a subject that has been so well received by the market. We are proud to feature two lead articles that support this theme, plus others inside the magazine.

It’s no coincidence that a number of our correspondents and advertisers have chosen two highly-relevant topics for the times in which we live: alternative/renewable electricity generation and construction health and safety. These are different but vital issues that arise from the reality of living in the ‘now’ that is South Africa.

South Africa was fortunate to have the Mother City chosen to host the World Design Capital 2014. All indications are that this has been a landmark event that has left a legacy of design projects that will affect all walks of life in years to come. Although the official mantle has fallen to the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government, the city’s four tertiary institutions, the Cape Craft & Design Institute (CCDI), and the Cape Town Design Network to take the process forward and preserve the legacy, a number of projects have taken flight and are growing under the watchful eye of the appointed curators.

To Build will continue to monitor these and other related projects into the future.

When you read this edition of To Build, we will be approaching the season when the leaves begin to fall. May the approaching autumn and winter spur us all on to new heights as we address, and report on, the built environment in South Africa.

Regards Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za www.professionalphotoshoots.co.za

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WDC 2014 legacy lead story

World Design Capital Cape Town 2014’s Lasting Legacy Legacy to persist through the efforts of the collective efforts of government, civics, tertiary institutions of learning and citizens.

Pictures by: Gareth Griffiths Imaging Although Cape Town’s reign as the World’s Design Capital officially came to an end on 31 December 2014, its legacy will live on - driven by the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, the city’s four tertiary institutions, the Cape Craft & Design Institute (CCDI) and the Cape Town Design Network to name a few. It will also persist through the efforts and passion of thousands of people who were involved inmore than 460 projects, and the World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 (WDC 2014) followers and supporters.

According to Cape Town Design NPC CEO, Alayne Reesberg: ‘World Design Capital marked an important point in Cape Town’s design story. We will now build on the momentum that was started to grow the use of design in our city. Over the coming months WDC 2014’s legacy activities entail creating a framework to continue showcasing some of the projects, and building on the design and innovation system.’

Cape Town boasts many established design events, but WDC 2014 added a few more elements to the mix. Some of these will be continued into the future such as the pitching sessions, which will now be run for designers and design businesses, as well as quarterly collaboration events to enable people to share ideas and build new working relationships.

Furthermore, plans are afoot to create a platform to showcase the richness of design innovation in the region. A new monthly newsletter will also track the pulse of the design movement in the Western Cape.

Through these activities, the conversation around design will endure.

Reesberg says: ‘WDC 2014 has shone a light on Cape Town and over the past 12 months, through the more than 460 projects, we have explored the application of design in enhancing lifestyles, finding solutions for sustainability, community improvement, education and skills development as well as connecting people through communication, transportation and social cohesion.’

Alayne Reesberg

There are a number of projects that will be continuing through 2015 and beyond. These include the Langa Township Arts Gallery Tour, Fabricate, Table Mountain Frames and the Guild exhibition and Open Design festival. Several international collaborations that were set up last year will also continue, including the successful Dutch collaboration.

The upmarket and informative website for WDC2014 will be incorporated into the City of Cape Town’s main site and as such the information will be preserved.

“We will continue to expand on what World Design Capital started in 2014. The projects and collaborations that the designation catalysed will contribute towards creating a stronger, more cohesive design ecosystem,” concludes Reesberg.

See our picture story on the Watershed development, one of the WDC2014 projects, on page 172 – Ed.

City of Cape Town Richard Perez T +27 21 400 9318 E richard.perez@capetown.gov.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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lead story cape town towers

‘A’ frame refurbishment In a lead story that fully supports To Build’s edition 14 theme of ‘Refurbishment, Rebuilds and Upgrades’, we are delighted to report that a world-class technology has been used, and unique challenges overcome, for the first time in Africa. This is the case history of the refurbishment of The Towers Building in Cape Town by developer, Redefine Properties.

Pictures by: Infrastructure Photos The Towers building on the Foreshore in Cape Town’s CBD has undergone substantial refurbishment over the past 13 months and is set to be completed on September 1, 2015. One of the most dramatic visual features of the refurbishment is the expansive threestory open courtyard facing Hertzog Boulevard, which required unique building technology to construct.

According to Daryl Sher, Development Manager responsible for The Towers redevelopment at Redefine Properties, this open courtyard is created by means of a massive A-frame concrete truss, the likes of which has never before been constructed in Africa.

‘The location of the building, which is in a public area

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declared by the City of Cape Town as an “open”, column-free space, and the labour and economic conditions specific to Africa, required an entirely bespoke method of construction.

‘The structure we have used is unique to Africa because concrete elements are largely used to form the truss. On the other hand, the more conventional or classical methods typical to European countries employ mainly structural steel. Making use of concrete instead of structural steel makes sense in the context of Africa because it is more labourintensive, and improves cost-effectiveness, Sher points out.

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cape town towers lead story While meeting the zoning requirements and being cost-effective were primary motivators in the development of the mega-truss, the design also has other benefits. ‘Long-term structural performance in terms of creep deflections are minimised and, because the A-frame truss, projected horizontal area is minimal, allowing sufficient fresh air and smoke evacuation capabilities, meaning that mechanical ventilation systems for the parking levels are not necessary, Sher adds.

What is particularly different about this building technology is that an entirely separate temporary concrete structure was built, complete with piles, to support the A-frame until the full frame was completed, and then it is was demolished. ‘This was required because of the magnitude of the temporary loads that would overload any conventional backpropping system,’ he explains.

‘Once the A-frame is completed, the tension ties and hangers are pre-stressed (varying from 5 000 to 1 4000kN), and the bearing on the temporary columns is released through a phased downwardjacking process, using 8 000kN flat-jacks on top of the temporary columns. When the A-truss is free of the temporary supports, the temporary columns are demolished.’

According to Sher, this pre-stressing method of construction is an adaptation of techniques commonly used in bridge design. ‘It has been really exciting to watch the refurbishment of this building – and to know that it was possible thanks to inventive and innovative building technology. I am confident that the success of this build has illustrated the value of a new building technique in Africa and I’m sure we will see promising knock-on effects in the industry.’

The Towers building remained operational throughout the refurbishment, creating substantial challenges. In simple terms, a new external envelope needed to be created before the existing exterior could be punctured or removed. To achieve this the new glass and aluminium skin (approximately 42 260m2 of glass, or enough glass to cover six rugby fields), needed to be installed, top down.

Unitised curtain walls, the term used to describe the type of glass and aluminium skin on the Towers, are by nature designed to be installed bottom up.

This meant that the façades’ design team had to come up with a new curtain wall system design from scratch. ‘This is the only building in the country to use this kind of system as its weather line,’ Sher explains.

More about the Mega-Truss The A-frame concrete truss encompasses an area of 55m long by 25m high. The main load carrying members include a 600mm wide x 2750mm deep bottom tension tie, 450mm wide x 2500mm diagonal compression members, and 450mm x 1 800/1 500mm vertical hangers. The Truss is temporarily supported off 1m square columns (approximately 20m high) with precast tapered column heads and packing plates. The truss is designed to span 50m clear, carrying 9 to 10 suspended floors – it is essentially a ‘mega’ transfer element, transferring the gravity load to the L-shaped shear walls at each of the ends.

To Build’s sister publication, SA Building Review, recently ran an article by the editor on the Leadenhall Building in London’s business district.

This exceptional skyscraper is built on a series of 17 steel megaframes, each covering 3 stories height. Read all about it at www.sabuildingreview. co.za/viewonline/6/volume-3-2015 A positive by-product of this process has been the reduction in damage to the new façade because work is being carried out below the finished work rather than above it. The process requires strong communication with tenants to keep them informed of the process and to manage their ongoing business activities with the programme of the works.

Redefine Properties T +27 11 283 0202 W www.redefine.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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lead story reroofing

Roof refit for beverage bottler A skilled roofing contractor helps keep a soft drink plant online and bottling despite its reroofing challenge. A refurb project worthy of To Build’s theme this edition.

The ABI bottling plant in Devland is a world-class manufacturing site that has produced soft drinks for decades. However, because of its age the plant’s roof was reaching the end of its natural lifespan. The original design engineers adopted an ‘origami style’ for the roof, which utilises very specifically-folded steel that is designed to be self-supporting.

‘Retaining the origami style was not cost-effective.

Although self-supporting, it utilises large volumes of steel. Instead, we decided to base the roof’s design on a previous project we completed for ABI at its Wadeville Coca-Cola canning plant,’ explains David Williams, Managing Member and Technical Sales Director at R&D Contracting (R&D).

According to Williams, the project started with R&D removing around six tons of steel from the roof every week. This was being replaced by a far lighter zinc aluminium composite coated steel – ZINCALUME steel – TCT 0.55mm. ‘On average, we install between 12m and 18m of the new roofing per day,’ Williams noted.

Galvanised support beams were specially designed for the project, and certified by engineers prior to implementation. Williams says that R&D is using sisalation underneath the ZINCALUME steel roofing for the purposes of insulation. ‘This is also far thinner than the previous insulation used, but thanks to a reflective coating on the outside, is just as effective at keeping the factory cool.’

‘The sisalation is a key innovation here, as it vastly improves on the old roof, which utilised sponge fitted between double steel, for insulation purposes.

Sponge works well in a new roof, but as the roof ages it becomes easier for this sponge to get wet. The vast

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tracts of wet sponge added an enormous additional weight load onto the roof. Fortunately, this is all negated now by the far lighter ZINCALUME roofing and the sisalation.’

According to Williams, the project is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete, which doesn’t include the preparation and fabrication time prior to starting. It does include the role forming of the ZINCALUME steel roof sheets and the proper preparation and certification of the supporting beams.

Johny Kruger, ABI Devland’s Site Manager, points out that the ergonomics of the new roof prove how effectively it improves the natural light coming into the plant. ‘The old roof was designed with raised segments fitted with fibreglass sheeting on the sides.

This was supposed to let light in but wasn’t ideal to being with, let alone after decades of weathering that blocked the light,’ he says.

According to Williams, the company has approximately 15 staff on site at any given time, making the issue of safety, health and environment (SHE) a critical one. ‘SHE is very important to R&D and ABI, and is a vital component of a project of this nature.’

A high level of preparation was vital to ensure ABI’s plant could remain fully functional during the re-roofing project. ‘This is another reason why ABI contracted R&D – we have a reputation for being able to undertake these projects without impacting on the work done within the facility,’ Williams concludes.

R&D Contracting T +27 0861 072 633 W www.r-d.co.za

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news & views

from the trade

Decorex – business opportunities for 2015 This year, Decorex is evocatively themed, ‘The Home of the Great Idea’, and promises visitors a feast of useful concepts and inspiration.

Decorex Durban is the premier showcase of KwaZuluNatal’s leading designers a great place for consumers to pick up on new décor trends, and also the definitive destination for industry professionals to explore the latest products and services.

The exhibition takes place from March 19 to 22, 2015, at the Durban Exhibition Centre. On show are the latest and top products, from fabrics, furnishings and décor accessories to bold new innovations in kitchens, bathrooms, technology and home DIY. Also look out for the 2015 Colour Forecast presented by co-headline sponsor Plascon.

Research shows that 86% of the show’s trade visitors attend to specifically find new products and services, while half of the attending trade buyers have sole purchasing responsibility and 40% share that responsibility jointly. The expo also provides exhibitors with the opportunity to take advantage of the massive

media exposure of the show and to pitch to an influential network of some of the country’s greatest designers, educators, entrepreneurs, retailers and thinkers.

Decorex Cape Town The ultimate stage for the Mother City’s leading décor and design talents, this year’s Decorex Cape Town takes place from Friday, April 24, and runs until Monday, April 27, 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

A major calendar highlight for those seeking both practical ideas and creative inspiration, the Cape Town event aims to connect creatives in the host city of the World Design Capital 2014. Decorex Cape Town showcases established and independent brands, as well as new designer talent while, at the same time, providing a great day out.

Pre-registration is now open, and recommended for both events.

Decorex E decorexsa@ThebeReed.co.za W www.decorex.co.za

On the floor Brand new Florstore OnTrend showroom in Sea Point is a go-to destination for design and décor needs.

Picture by: Riaan West Photography Sea Point Florstore, a supplier and installer of a full range of carpets, flooring and home finishes, has launched its new showroom in the trendy, newlyrevamped The Point Centre shopping complex in Sea Point.

Keeping abreast of what is current and trending, Florstore’s new OnTrend Showroom, designed by

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Inhouse Brand Architects, is home to a selection of the industry’s top décor and design suppliers.

Exciting displays include the following leading names: Belgotex, MacNeil, Tiletoria, Avance, MAP Flooring, Mercury Fittings, Dekster Coatings, Quartz Carpets, Global Stream, Aspen, Mazista, Van Dyck, Eco Oak, The Tile House, Hansgrohe, Dawn Sanitaryware

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from the trade news & views Division, Bathroom Butler, Turnkey Framless Glass, Fotakis, Construct Plus and Final Finishes.

The showroom acts as an interactive workspace, connecting homeowners with up-to-the-minute designs and the country’s most reputable suppliers of flooring and home finishes.

Florstore OnTrend provides a complete service from specification to final installation, and across markets – from residential to commercial. The Florstore OnTrend team provides expert tips and advice, and has over 50 years’ accumulated industry experience. The range of products on display include all types of flooring, such as carpets (including custom-designed options and Quartz), tiles (marble, natural stone, ceramic, porcelain and vinyl), luxury vinyl flooring, seamless flooring, solid wood, laminated wood, bamboo and engineered wood floors, as well as a variety of blinds and shutters.

Florstore has also extended its services to brassware (taps, shower roses), bathroom accessories, and handles for cupboards, drawers and doors, sanware (basins, baths, complete toilet systems), and frameless glass. All this makes Florstore OnTrend a go-to destination for design and décor needs.

Florstore T +27 21 439 6685 E info@florstore.co.za W www.florstore.co.za

Western Cape Master Builder elected An experienced Master Builder has been elected as Executive Director of the MBAWC in the Western Cape.

Allen Bodill has been named as the new Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC), effective from March 1, 2015.

He replaces Rob Johnson, who passed away suddenly last year.

‘Bodill brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the industry and will greatly assist our association in achieving new strengths in the coming years,’ comments Willem Vorster, who has been serving as the MBAWC’s Acting Executive Director

while a permanent replacement was sought. Bodill is a former MBAWC President and CEO of Allen Bodill Construction ‘He is also a highly competent strategic leader, adept at financial and budget management, human resource and stakeholder relationship management, labour relations and collective bargaining. He is also well-versed in construction dispute-resolution and adjudication, resource and procurement management, as well as organisational marketing. In addition, Bodill is knowledgeable about dealing with construction contractual and legal issues,’ says Vorster.

Master Builders Association of the Western Cape T +27 21 685 2625 E info@mbawc.org.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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news & views

from the trade

Total PVC recycling survey The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) has tasked Annabé Pretorius of Plastix 911 with the responsibility of conducting its first ever survey into the state, scope and size of PVC recycling currently taking place in South Africa.

‘Both rigid and flexible PVC products are ideal for in-house and pre-consumer recycling. We know that factories and manufacturers recycle their factory waste products instead of sending them to landfill. However, we need to find out exactly how big the markets are and what amounts are being recycled to have more credible data when speaking to government about national projects and negotiating for funding,’ explains Delanie Bezuidenhout, CEO of SAVA. Each year, tasked by Plastics|SA, Pretorius is responsible for researching the amount of plastics being produced and recycled in the country. However, products made from vinyl have traditionally been included with other types of plastics. ‘We are seeking an average figure that will be our base line for recycling surveys in the future,’ Bezuidenhout comments. The survey finalises in March.

According to the South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (SAPRO), there are approximately 40 recyclers around South Africa that recycle PVC products. ‘These sites all focus on building and construction products as the market for post-consumer vinyl packaging is currently too small to make it economically viable for them,’ Pretorius points out.

‘We expect that this will be one of the challenges we come up against when comparing our figures to those from the rest of the world. Very few countries report on all PVC products, choosing instead to focus on one or two products that have a good recycling and recovery rate, such as PVC pipe and cable, for example. Because of this, we expect that our figures will be lower than the rest of the worlds, but it has to be seen in the context of looking at an entire market,’ Bezuidenhout warns.

SAVA Delanie Bezuidenhout T 082 444 6866 E Delanie@savinyls.co.za

Prestige car dealership floored A stand-out feature of the luxurious Mercedes-Benz AMG lounge in Affalterbach, Germany, is the striking, coloured cementitious screed floor Weber Saint-Gobain in South Africa was commissioned to replicate similar floors at three of the local AMG Performance Centre showrooms – in Century City, Cape Town; Bedfordview, Johannesburg; and Zwartkops, Pretoria.

The overall requirement for the floors was to have a level, charcoal-coloured, sheen finish screed that was robust enough to withstand the typical traffic in a car showroom.

Designed to meet customers’ needs Designer floor installations are typically done under tremendous time pressure. As one of the last jobs to complete on a project, they incur added pressure from the furniture and finishing installers who are anxious to finalise prior to the handover deadline.

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Recognising these project realities, Weber offered the weber.floor 4650 G80 product that includes self-levelling convenience, excellent spreading and smoothing characteristics, and a rapid set that allows foot traffic after just three to five hours, and light vehicle traffic after 24 hours. The supplier offers a 10-year guarantee on flooring solutions, subject to terms and conditions that include installation by an approved installer.

The floors for the AMG showrooms varied in sizes, from 150m² refurbishments to a 350m² new showroom. ‘Weber prides itself on quality flooring technology,’ comments Theunis Marais, Product Manager – Specialised Products at Weber SaintGobain. ‘The product has to be applied by skilled applicators to achieve the desired high quality

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result. We invest a great deal in skills development and training of applicators nationally. This not only provides extended platforms for our products to be used in various projects, but also offers an avenue to ‘give back’ to the industry in terms of sharing technological advancements and installation techniques shared from our international Weber teams abroad,’ he adds.

‘In the case of AMG projects, we had the special challenge of meeting the customer’s expectations of the floors from Germany. To achieve this, we partnered with CT Industries, a local flooring contractor that has been through the necessary Weber training, and with whom we have worked successfully with on various contracts. An excellent

from the trade news & views finish was achieved thanks to the professional workmanship on this project,’ Marais confirms.

ARCA Architects were responsible for the design and overseeing the AMG Performance Centre refurbishment projects and the new Zwartkops showroom.

Weber Saint-Gobain Theunis Marais T +27 82 881 6256 E Theunis.Marais@saint-gobain.com

Real estate fund supports off grid Shopping centre reduces strain on national power grid and diminishes its carbon footprint.

Emira Property Fund has installed a R6-million solar farm on the roof of its Epsom Downs Shopping Centre in Bryanston, Sandton. This pilot project is Emira’s first step to adding renewable energy solutions to its quality portfolio of properties across South Africa, and part of its sustainability strategy.

The photovoltaic (PV) solar farm, comprising 1 084 panels, will produce around 271kWp, or about 30% of the electricity required by the shopping centre – the maximum possible with its roof size.

Emira’s state-of-the-art pilot project will save 515 172kWh of energy, and some 252 434kbs of coal each year. At the same time it will reduce carbon emissions annually by approximately 503 838kgs.

To put this in perspective, you would need to plant 458 new trees to offset these emissions.

Justin Bowen, Development Manager at Emira, comments: ‘For some time now Emira has explored the ways renewable energy can reduce our carbon footprint. Now, with Nersa’s approved increase in Eskom’s tariff rate of some 13% this year, the financial viability for solar farms is becoming achievable.’

He adds: ‘We also recognise the strain on South Africa’s electrical supply and the new Epsom Downs solar farm responds to the call for energy users to

reduce dependence on the national grid.’

Emira Property Fund is a JSE-listed REIT that is invested in a quality diversified portfolio of office, retail and industrial properties.

As a carbon disclosure company, Emira measures and monitors its carbon footprint. It is mindful of its environmental and social impacts, and strives for sustainability in all key areas of its business.

Making the success and effectiveness of its pilot PV solar project easy to monitor, Emira’s head office is in the adjacent Epsom Downs Office Park.

Emira partnered with Bright Black Solar to supply and install the system, and its panels were specially imported. The solar farm only took six weeks to construct, but was six months in its planning and logistics stages.

While the installation was intended to reduce Emira’s carbon footprint, it has also resulted in other far-reaching benefits. ‘By taking strain off the power grid, Epsom Downs Shopping Centre is doing its bit to prevent load shedding, and we are sure its customers and neighbours appreciate this.’

Emira Property Fund James Templeton, CEO T +27 11 028 3100 issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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editors choice

promising products

Reusable Rubber Traffic Island Picture by: Boomgate Systems Available from Boomgate Systems is a modular traffic island with accessories made from recycled rubber.

This product’s benefits include: The Reusable Rubber Traffic Island can be used to mount pay parking systems or any vehicle access control equipment. Examples include, ticket

dispensers, card capture units, access control readers, or any other systems used to open boom gates, sliding gates or spike barriers.

The Reusable Rubber Traffic Island is made from recycled rubber and steel (environmentally friendly).

A couple of major benefits are that it’s portable and reusable – can be removed and reinstalled. It can be installed on to concrete/paving/asphalt, and offers easy installation – a 4m island can be installed in under two hours by two technicians. However, the biggest benefit is that rubber curbs can’t damage motor vehicle rims.

Boomgate Systems T +27 11 674 4441 F +27 11 674 4450 E boomgate@global.co.za W www.boomgatesystems.co.za

Competitive pricing from established supplier Founded in 2003, Chair Express is part of the Seats Ahead group of companies.

Picture by: Chair Express Chair Express is an importer and distributer of office chairs, sofas, hospitality furniture and related products. The company is based in Johannesburg but supplies to a large network of outlets both locally and in the southern African region.

The Chair Express brand is well established with competitive pricing and has an excellent ability to fill orders at short notice from its 10 000m2 factory/ warehouse.

Chair express is a respected supplier and is acknowledged as a business that is able to back its guarantees.

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The Bubble Chair, with a white seat and a green back.

Chair Express 44 Hulbert Road New Centre Johannesburg T +27 11 434 0444 E shantelle@seatsahead.co.za

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promising products

editors choice

Going green with roofing materials Vital in the drive towards the green building initiative is the choice of materials that can be used. Consider the aspects of our built environment. Every structure, if not most, has a roof – an integral component of a building that can be finished in Chromadek®.

In going-green with Chromadek®, the first step involves the modification of the chrome content used in both the primer and pre-treatment components of Chromadek®.

Generically the pre-treatment in colour-coated steel exists as a thin film layer designed to ensure the adhesion between the organic layer applied to the zinc coated steel substrate for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Currently Chromadek® consists of both a chrome-free primer and the recent transition to chrome-free pretreatment (also referred to as surface treatment). The top coat and backing coats applied are also chrome free.

What differentiates Chromadek® as a colour-coated roofing solution is the elimination of the chrome content in both the pre-treatment and primer applied

in Chromadek®. In turn, the need to treat chrome containing effluent produced as a by-product when producing colour-coated steel is eliminated. This lends itself to sustainable manufacturing through the controlled emission of chrome when producing the preferred colour-coated roofing solution. In doing so, every coil of Chromadek® for roofing and cladding produced by ArcelorMittal South Africa is committed to making a sustainable difference.

For the ‘going-green’ colour-coated steel roofing solution, consider Chromadek® or Chromadek Ultim®, the only local organic-coated material supplied as chrome free.

ArcelorMittal South Africa E chromadek@arcelormittal.com W www.chromadek.com

New measuring device Pictures by: PDD

Leica has announced its new Leica DISTO™ D410 – a new device for precise targeting and simple outdoor measurement. The new Leica DISTO™ D410 stands for easy and effortless outdoor distance measurement.

With its Pointfinder you can target and measure distances even when you cannot see the laser dot. Accurate targeting provides reliable results, especially over long distances and in glaring sunshine. Due to the protection class IP 65, it always delivers reliable results.

Precision Device Distributors T +27 11 206 8620 E info@pdd.co.za W www.pdd.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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editors choice

Concealed cisterns for public areas Picture by: Viega Toilets in public areas, such as casinos, police stations, shopping centers and public hotel spaces have to put up with a lot of abuse. This can be as a result of frequent actuation, careless users or intentional damage.

Viega tackles this challenge with the robust and durable stainless steel models of the Visign for Public range – actuating panels that remain attractive even under less than perfect conditions.

Flexibility of the Viega range ensures that these Visign for Public flush plates are totally interchangeable with the complete range of Viega concealed cisterns. The flush plates are available in a brushed finish and lacquered alpine white with either single flush or dual flush. Matching urinal flushes are available in infrared automatic and manual push button.

The Visign for Public range joins the already extensive range of beautiful Viega Visign flush plates.

Viega strives to offer a better idea.

AlcoScan breathalyser

Viega W www.viega.com/global

Alcohol Breathalysers CC begun trading in 2004 and has become the definitive supplier of personal, industrial and law-enforcement breathalysers across sub-Saharan Africa and in South Africa.

The company is also a distributor of drug testers suitable for use by law-enforcement officials. Alcohol Breathalysers CC supplies directly to thousands of South African businesses, including many JSE-listed companies, municipalities, government entities and to consumers.

Shown in the picture is the AlcoScan portable breathalyser. The company’s GM, Angus MacArthur, displays the breathalyser.

By reducing the risk of alcohol and drug related incidents occurring, and combining it with an increase in productivity and safety, a company or police force can effectively save the lives of on-site workers and drivers on the road.

Alcohol Breathalysers CC T +27 11 023 8955 E angus@breathalysers.co.za W www.breathalysers.co.za

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refurb

news

To Build Publisher Refurb To Build’s publisher, Media Xpose has recently completed a stylish office revamp at its HQ in the Cape Town CBD.

Company Name Nouwens Carpets Daceys Wall Art Studio Chair Express Logo Matt Eagle Lighting Savy Design Wallcoverings Inc Bella Craft Design All U Replacements

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Website Address www.nouwenscarpets.co.za www.daceys-furniture.co.za www.wallartstudios.co.za www.chairexpress.co.za www.logomat.co.za www.eaglelighting.co.za www.savydesign.co.za www.wallcouture.co.za www.bellacraft.com www.allureplacement.co.za

Product Carpet Book Shelves Wall Art Chairs Matt for Reception Room Reception Lights 2 x Media Xpose signs Wallpaper Couches Entrance door

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

PROFESSIONS Architects.........................................35 LEGAL..................................................40 CONTRUCTION....................................42 Design - Interior & ExterioR.........52 DEVELOPERS........................................57 Engineering......................................66 OPINION..............................................67 Landscaping & Landscape Architects.........................................69

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architects professions

The ‘why’ to architecture and continuing education Leading Port Elizabeth architect and PhD recipient, Gillian Adendorff, writes for To Build about the importance of future-oriented thinking.

Pictures by: Dennis Guichard As with most of life’s professions, one is in a continual abyss of learning and development. Without this development, new endeavours are limited. However, it’s about ‘why’ all built environment professionals should continually challenge their knowledge.

This has not become a unique requirement but rather a necessity to stay abreast of technological developments and requirements resulting from the pace of development legislative changes.

The quantity of information available enables built environment professionals to be enquiring about the future and their role in it. The desire to understand and comprehend some of the challenges in the foreseeable future, for South Africans within the continent of Africa, was the driver for Gillian Adendorff, a Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Management at principal architect, Adendorff Architects & Interiors. Her research topic, ‘Possible Futures for the African Built Environment Towards

2050’, was under the promotion of Professor JJ Smallwood at the Nelson Mandela Bay University in Port Elizabeth.

The understanding of the research is defined by the well-known future-thinker Professor John Ratcliffe, the founder and retired chairman of The Futures Academy (Ireland) in the following statement: ‘In the context of creating a better built environment, the use of futures methods offers a rigorous, comprehensive and integrated approach towards anticipating, planning and implementing sustainable urban development; relying, as it does, more on intuition, participation and adaptability than conventional strategic thinking and planning systems.’

The world has progressively woken up to the pressures on the planet and the focus on green issues is now deeply embedded in our collective psyche. As population pressures have increased in the medium term, built environment professionals

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professions architects

and leaders will be confronted with the environmental pressures in all the decisions that they make on a daily basis. Sub-Saharan Africa’s population in 2011 was estimated at 856 million and is predicted it could be almost three times that of Europe. It’s also anticipated that by 2100 it might even be threequarters of the size of Asia.

As most of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, it is in these areas that the main economic, social and environmental processes that affect human societies take place. Urbanisation has become commonly regarded as one of the most important social processes, also having enormous impact on the environment at local, regional and global scales. In general it is recognised that to respond to the idea of sustainability, urban areas have to maintain an internal equilibrium between economic activity, population growth, infrastructure and service, pollution, waste, and noise pollution in such a way that the urban system and its dynamics evolve in harmony, recognising and acknowledging the impacts on the natural environment. The urban environment in our social cities either affects or improves the quality of life for all residents in the extent that they promote or hinder the connectivity of the citizens.

The demands placed on cities and their governments are continually increasing and, in many urban regions, they are faced by the failure of local democracy, citizen’s apathy and conflicting political interests. This creates difficult challenges for the leaders and administrators at \local, regional or national levels.

Present urban management approaches and mechanisms often fail to deal effectively with these challenges. It has become increasingly apparent that new approaches and mechanisms are needed to address these built environment problems in a more effective and comprehensive manner.

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Gillian Adendorff’s research addresses the possible future scenarios for sub-Saharan Africa with respect to the existing need for an effective future-orientated approach in land use development and city planning.

In addition, her research addresses how future thinking and methodologies can be used to fulfil Africa’s built environment needs, and the possibilities or limitations of the outcome, depending on the actions and inactions of the African continent.

Thinking about the future has been part of human history virtually from its beginning. However, what is important today, in all areas of life, is a growing realisation and recognition that the future is not predetermined, and human actions can influence its future course in the blink of an eye.

About AA&I Adendorff Architects & Interior’s offices are situated in a green suburb of Port Elizabeth where an abundance of trees and birdlife ensures a stimulating and creative backdrop to their vibrant practice. The office is made up of young, energetic professionals, who each bring something special in terms of their work and their personalities. The ability to work well together and communicate strong ideas to each other, and realise those ideas, is a key factor to the success of each project and to the practice as a whole.

Dr Gillian Adendorff T +27 41 581 4765 M +27 83 657 0900 E gillian@adarchi.co.za W www.adendorffarchitects.co.za

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professions architects - events

AZA2015 – 24-26 Sep 2015 Architects and designers to set the pace for our cities’ future at Architecture ZA 2015.

South Africa’s architecture and design fraternities are once again coming together at one of Africa’s first and largest premier urban culture and design festivals, Architecture ZA 2015 (AZA2015), taking place from September 24 to 26, 2015, at The Sheds@1Fox in Newtown, Johannesburg.

The South African Institute for Architects (SAIA) is proud to host this year’s conference in collaboration with the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (Gifa) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

This year’s ambitious programme, themed Future City, brings together leading innovators and multi-disciplinary built environment practitioners from around the globe. Architects, urban planners and designers at all levels are invited to attend and participate in this three-day event that promises to be broader, more structured and more inclusive to target the largest possible audience. Film festivals focused on design and engaging city tours are just some of the highlights attendees can also look forward to.

South African architects and designers will share experiences and perspectives with cutting-edge international practices from around the world, exploring ways to successfully negotiate the rapidly changing South African urban landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to join open debates on key issues relating to the role and importance of cities and urban culture in shaping our modern world, as well as the many challenges facing future cities, particularly in South Africa, and how these can be overcome.

‘The second decade of the 21st century heralds a dramatic new era where, for the first time, the majority of the world’s population will live in cities.

This landmark trend towards almost unstoppable urbanisation will establish a new power relationship between the state and the city, and drive business and politics in the future. It will change the way in which humans live, interact and survive in a precarious yet challenging environment,’ explains Daniel Silke, leading political analyst in South Africa.

Daniel Van Der Merwe, from the Gauteng Institute of Architects adds: ‘Architecture has a critical role to play in shaping our cities’ future. Architects are agents

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for social change and transformation as they have the power to create better lives through living spaces for all. Architects and designers are vital in providing liveable solutions for current and future generations.’

AZA2015 is open to the public, and the venue forms a unique inner-city destination. The Gifa exhibition of Regional Institutes’ Awards for Architecture is geared to create interest amongst the public in search of South Africa’s finest architecture.

A Student Architecture Festival, hosted and organised by UJ, with exhibitions of the Des Baker Student Architecture Design Competition, the PPC Imaginarium Design Awards Exhibition, and the Student Film Festival, is running concurrently alongside AZA2015 at The Sheds@1Fox. These much-anticipated events will be open to delegates and members of the public.

‘The depth of knowledge to be shared, as well as the variety, vibrancy and energy of the festival, makes AZA2015 an event to enjoy and remember.

We encourage all architects and designers to diarise these events and leverage the wealth of knowledge available,’ Silke concludes.

AZA2015 W http://architectureza.org FB www.facebook.com/architectureza GIFA T +27 11 403 0954 W www.gifa.org.za

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professions legal

Adv BC Hack, practising advocate and member of the Cape Bar.

Get approvals right first thing To Build, your informative and invaluable industry handbook, is pleased to once again have enlisted the input of a well-known advocate to the Cape Bar, Bryan Hack, for this edition.

Picture by: Gareth Griffiths Imaging A recent constitutional court decision has effectively closed the door on developers wanting to overturn municipal decisions on town planning applications.

For many years property owners have been able to utilise the appeal procedures in town planning laws to have municipal decisions overturned.

Appeal to the Provincial Government In Minister of Local Government Environment Affairs and Development Planning, Western Cape v Habitat Council and Others section 44 of the applicable Western Cape Ordinance was declared unconstitutional and invalid.

Section 44 of the Ordinance reads: (1) (a)An applicant in respect of an application to a council in terms of this Ordinance, and a person who has objected to the granting of such application in terms of this Ordinance, may appeal

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to the Administrator, in such manner and within such period as may be prescribed by regulation, against the refusal or granting or conditional granting of such application. (b) A person aggrieved by a decision of a council in terms of section 14(1), (2), (3), (4)(d) or (5) or section 16(2)(b) or 40(4)(c) may appeal to the Administrator in such manner and within such period as may be prescribed by regulation, against such decision. (c) A person aggrieved by a decision of a council in the application of section 18 may similarly appeal to the Administrator against such decision. (d) For the purposes of sections 15(3), 17(3) and 24(3) provision may be made by regulation therein referred to for a right of appeal to the Administrator in the manner prescribed by such regulation.

(2) The Administrator may, after consultation with the council concerned, in his discretion dismiss

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legal professions an appeal contemplated in subsection (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) or uphold it wholly or in part or make a decision in relation thereto which the council concerned could have made.

(3) For the purposes of this Ordinance — (a) an application referred to in subsection (1) (a) shall be deemed to have been granted or conditionally granted or refused by the council concerned in accordance with action taken by the Administrator under the provisions of subsection (2); (b) a decision referred to in subsection (1)(b) or (c) shall be deemed to be a decision of the council concerned in accordance with action taken by the Administrator under the provisions of subsection (2); and (c) a decision made by the Administrator under the provisions of subsection (2) shall be deemed to have been made by the council concerned.

The court pointed out that section 44 gave the Western Cape Provincial Government the power to decide appeals against municipalities’ planning decisions and to replace them with its own.

The court identified the matter to be determined as to whether the direct provisional intervention, in particular municipal land-use decisions, is compatible with the Constitutional allocation of functions between local and provincial government, or not. The decision of the Constitutional Court is the result of a referral to it by the Western Cape High Court.

The proceedings in the Western Cape High court began as two separate cases where the City of Cape Town and the Habitat Council were aggrieved by the decision of the provincial government to overturn two local government decisions on two town planning applications. The results of these municipal decisions were to allow a residential estate to be developed on the slopes above Gordon’s Bay and the other was to allow the redevelopment of a building of historical significance in the Cape Town city centre.

The two matters were consolidated in the High Court and in both matters the court declared section 44 unconstitutional. However, such an order must be considered by the Constitutional Court before it becomes final.

In confirming that section 44 is unconstitutional the Constitutional Court gave the following reasons: ‘The provincial appellate capability impermissibly usurps the power of local authorities to manage “municipal planning”, intrudes on the autonomous sphere of authority the Constitution accords

to municipalities, and fails to recognise the distinctiveness of the municipal sphere.

‘Municipalities are responsible for zoning and subdivision decisions, and provinces are not. This makes sense, given that municipalities are best suited to make those decisions.

‘Municipalities face citizens insistent on delivery of governmental services, since they are the frontiers of service delivery.

‘It is appropriate that they should be responsible for zoning and subdivision. For these entail localised decisions, and should be based on information that is readily accessible to municipalities.

‘The decision-maker must consider whether services — that are provided primarily by municipalities — will be available for the proposed development. And it must consider matters like building density and wall heights. These are best left for municipal determination.

‘So section 44 of LUPO, which allows the province to interfere in all municipal land-use decisions and substitute its decisions for those of the municipality, is clearly unconstitutional and invalid.’

The consequences of this judgment means that that a property owner or developer will be well advised to ensure that any redevelopment plan is properly approved before any work is commenced.

The days in which a chance could be taken to start work on the hope that if the development plans are not approved by council they could be approved by province are gone.

References: 1. S ection 44 of the Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985 [LUPO] 2. 2014 (4) SA 437 CC Advocate BC Hack is a practising advocate and member of the Cape Bar. He graduated from UCT and UNISA with a BALLB, and worked for a prominent building company for a number of years before joining the Cape Bar in 1994.

Adv Bryan Hack Chambers, Cape Town T +27 21 423 5441 F +27 086 260 5295 E hack@capebar.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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professions construction - health & safety

Debugging the concepts An expert explains the concepts of ‘construction work’ and ‘what is not construction work’.

Words by: Johan Louw

Johan Louw

The key to the Construction Regulations 2014, promulgated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993 (OHS Act), is to fully understand the definition of construction work.

Although it appears simple to assume that all work that does not fit the definition of construction work, is by implication not such work, this is not always the case in industry. Employers, in this case, clients, should realise that all work, regardless of whether it is construction-related or not, has to be performed in a safe and healthy manner, since this is exactly what is contemplated in section 8(1) of the OHS Act. Further to this, it also appears that many people erroneously believe that in the event of performing construction work, they have to consult only the Construction Regulations. All other Regulations promulgated under the OHS Act also have to be complied with.

Building pitfalls It is also wrong to assume that when work is performed that does not seemingly fit the definition of construction work, that the Construction Regulations do not apply. In general, compliance is still necessary with certain aspects of the Regulations. A typical

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example would be painting flood-light poles, which are 10m high. The work performed in this example, is not construction work per se, but there is a fall risk, and therefore, a fall protection plan’ has to be developed and implemented.

It is quite clear from terminology used in this definition, such as ‘construction, erection, alteration, renovation, repair, demolition, dismantling, or addition to building or similar structure’ that this paragraph refers to buildings or any structure similar to a building. It is important to note that the definition of a building is defined in section 1 of the OHS Act, which states that a building includes – (a) Any structure attached to the soil, (b) Any building or such structure, or part thereof, which is in the process of being erected, or (c) Any pre-fabricated building or structure not attached to the soil.

Note that the term ‘includes’ appears in the OHS Act (statutory) definition of a building. First one has to consult the dictionary meaning of the word building, which is: ‘A relatively permanent (could therefore also be temporary) construction over a plot of land, having a roof and usually windows (could therefore also not have windows) and often more than one level (could therefore also have one level), used for any of a wide range of activities, such as living, working, entertaining, or manufacturing.’

Secondly, when comparing paragraph (a) to paragraph (b) of the above statutory definition of building, the dictionary definition is without doubt in conflict. The statutory definition is therefore, in terms of paragraphs (a) and (b), of limited value in explaining to the reader what a building is, as that would then include virtually anything from a pole, a tree, chairs and benches bolted to a floor.

Construction work Paragraph (b) of the definition of construction work still refers to maintenance. This paragraph defines it as ‘the construction, erection, maintenance, demolition or dismantling of a specific category of

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construction - health & safety professions structures, for example any bridge, dam, canal, road, railway, runway, sewer or water reticulation system, or the moving of earth, clearing of land, the making of an excavation, piling, or any similar civil engineering structure or type of work’. It is thus clear that this paragraph refers to the following: • Civil engineering structures or structures falling within the category of civil engineering structures, or • Moving earth, clearing of land, making an excavation or piling, or any type of work falling within the context of the aforementioned types of work.

The use of the term structure in the definition construction work has to be read in conjunction with the definition of structure. It is important to note that paragraph (c) of the definition of structure still refers to ‘any fixed plant in respect of construction work which includes installation, commissioning, decommissioning or dismantling, and where any construction work involves a risk of a person falling’.

It is further interesting to note that the type of construction work that the provincial director has to be notified of as contemplated in Regulation 4 is work that poses a fall risk, which means any potential

exposure to falling either from, off or into as defined.

The definition of fall protection plan has to be considered when there is a risk of falling – in other words, elements such as: • Procedures and methods to be applied to eliminate the risk of falling, as well as • A rescue plan and procedures relating to it.

Further to this, one also has to apply the same argument when determining the intention of the regulations regarding the definition of excavation work. Any excavation, for which a fall protection plan is not reasonably practical or necessary, would fall outside the intention of the legislation when considering the definition of excavation work.

Johan Louw Director, Senior Consultant: Johan Louw & Associates (Pty) Ltd B.Sc (Mech) Eng (UP), MSc (Ergonomics) T +27 12 998 4102 E karien@jla-solutions.co.za W www.jla-solutions.co.za

The use of the term structure in the definition construction work has to be read in conjunction with the definition of structure. Paragraph (c) of the definition of structure still refers to ‘any fixed plant in respect of construction work which includes installation, commissioning, decommissioning or dismantling, and where any construction work involves a risk of a person falling’.

Picture by Gareth Griffiths Imaging

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JOHAN LOUW & ASSOCIATES_fcp.indd 1

2015/02/27 10:41 AM

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professions construction - health & safety

Health & Safety Plans: They can actually save lives!

Picture by: John Smallwood (source: NMMU)

www.freeimages.com

Professor John Smallwood is head of the Department of Construction Management and programme director of the MSc Built Environment Programme at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Introduction In essence, a person does not have to exert much effort to die in construction, as the construction process and its activities entail exposure to hazards and risks. However, it is not inherently dangerous as strategies, systems, procedures, and protocol can eliminate, or at the very least, mitigate, accidents (failures of management). Health & Safety (H&S) plans are an integral part of the aforementioned.

Furthermore, H&S plans are a hallmark of better practice H&S prior to the promulgation of the 2003 Construction Regulations and the revised version in 2014.

Planning Planning is one of the five functions of management work, the others being: organising, leading, controlling, and coordinating. Then, planning is a hallmark of the built environment and relevant to all built environment disciplines. In terms of construction, the maxim ‘construction is 80% planning and 20% execution’ is an understatement. Furthermore, ‘H&S does not happen by chance, it must be planned’. Plan your work – work your plan!

However, there are many facets to ‘planning for construction H&S’. Completeness of design facilitates construction planning for H&S. Then, design hazard

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identification and risk assessments (HIRAs), a form of planning, are required to mitigate the use of hazardous materials and undertaking of hazardous processes. Such design HIRAs are a prerequisite for preparing H&S Specifications, which should include residual hazards and risks – ie those remaining after conducting HIRAs. Designers may also need to prepare ‘design and construction’ method statements that inform (among other reasons) with respect to temporary works and related interventions to assure the integrity of temporary works and the related permanent structures.

[ ] Although the 2014 Construction Regulations do not require the ‘designer’ H&S specification to be amended based upon the designers’ reports, theoretically it should be, prior to providing the principal contractor (PC) with a ‘PC’ H&S Specification.

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construction - health & safety professions In terms of the 2014 Construction Regulations, clients are required to provide designers with an H&S specification based upon a baseline risk assessment (BRA), which should also include their requirements. Designers in turn are required to provide clients with a ‘designer’ report. Although the 2014 Construction Regulations do not require the ‘designer’ H&S specification to be amended based on the designers’ reports, theoretically it should be, prior to providing the principal contractor (PC) with a PC H&S Specification. PCs’ and contractors’ H&S Plans should respond to such H&S Specifications and should reflect in the tender documentation (eg in the form of budgeting). However, adequate financial and other resource budgeting is not facilitated by the competitive tendering system, the obvious solution being the inclusion of comprehensive H&S preliminaries.

[ ] In terms of construction, the maxim ‘construction is 80% planning and 20% execution’ is an understatement. Furthermore, ‘H&S does not happen by chance, it must be planned’. Plan your work – work your plan!

Construction planning for H&S commences during the pre-tender stage, followed by the pre-contract stage, which provides the foundation for construction stage planning for construction H&S. Pre-tender and pre-contract HIRAs, pre-tender H&S Plans (not required in terms of the Construction Regulations), programmes, site layouts, generic method statements, and temporary works designs are obvious focus areas for integrating construction H&S into the future construction process. Following adjustments during the pre-contract phase, the aforementioned need to translate into daily actions such as HIRAs, focused planning of construction activities, and coordination.

Conclusion

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H&S Plans are intended to be a working document and a guide (plan) to prevent accidents (failures of management). They are not intended to be voluminous, but concise and specific – a plan of action (POA). They are also not intended to be the product of ‘copy and paste’. Furthermore, and regrettably, many H&S Specifications are a regurgitation of the Construction Regulations and do not schedule client requirements, residual risk, and ‘design and construction’ method statements. The aforementioned do not promote the development of appropriate H&S Plans. H&S Plans are ultimately an integral part of Construction Management.

Professor John Smallwood Department of Construction Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) T +27 41 504 2790 / 551 F +27 41 504 2345 / 574 E john.smallwood@nmmu.ac.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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construction professions

World’s first cordless cutter A major international engineering corporation has made ground-breaking advances in both power pack and energy efficiency by launching the world’s first cordless cut-off machine.

Used from mineral building materials to metal or pipes, STIHL has recently developed the world’s first cordless cut-off machine for smaller indoor or outdoor cutting jobs. The new model, the STIHL TSA 230 is reported to be compact, lightweight, emission-free and independent of a socket outlet. Press button started, it cuts up to 48 clay tiles, lengthwise, on a single battery charge (using the TIHL AP 180 battery).

This is achieved by using innovative STIHL lithium-ion technology combined with an efficient electronically commutated (EC) motor. The manufacturer claims that this could be the ideal power tool for a variety of jobs on almost any construction site.

In addition to existing applications in structural, civil engineering, and pipe laying, there is now a new option for roofers, the construction trades and interior decorators. ‘All users will find that this handy professional cut-off machine, with mobile battery power, enhances the quality of their work and operating efficiency in equal measure,’ explains a STIHL spokesperson.

Light, handy and easy to use Its compact design and low weight of only 5.6kg (including the AP 180 battery) make the unit handy and easy to operate. The ergonomic handle arrangement allows the machine to be guided with precision and in comfort.

Modular cordless system increases profitability The brushless, EC motor and the AP 180 battery provides high-cutting performance on a single battery charge. As the batteries and chargers in the STIHL

modular cordless system are universally usable, any existing battery with sufficient capacity can be used.

This, and the increased life cycle of batteries, are additional cost-effectiveness factors when purchasing the machine.

Dry and wet cutting Fitted with a 230mm abrasive wheel, the TSA 230 reportedly cuts neatly and swiftly through construction materials up to 70mm thick. This is ideal for smaller cutting jobs and precision work. According to STIHL, a particularly practical feature is that as well as being used for dry cutting, it also has a standard water connection with a quick-release coupling, enabling it to be quickly converted for wet cutting. The dust created when cutting is effectively controlled. A depth stop with suction connection is available as an accessory to minimise dust when dry cutting during interior decorating.

This product is available exclusively through STIHL’s nationwide network of dealers. Also available is expert advice, original parts, and superior aftersales support..

(To Build magazine was not involved in the testing of this advice and the opinions expressed are those of the manufacturer alone – Ed.)

STIHL Nadine Green T +27 33 846 3839 E nadine.green@stihl.co.za W www.stihl.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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advertorial stihl

Tough enough Since its launch in 1929, global power tool leader, STIHL, has invested significantly in its research and development capacity, with over 1 800 new patents and a well-proven reputation for innovation and top quality tools and equipment. This focus on creating practical products that best serve a particular sector remains a priority to this day.

The construction industry is one of the most diverse environments for tools and equipment, with different conditions and numerous jobs per site. STIHL has a range of durable products to make any construction task a piece of cake, especially with its classic focus on operator comfort and safety. Its concrete cutters and cut-off machines easily master typical tough cutting applications such as slicing through granite, concrete and steel, taking on the hardest, most impenetrable walls and pipes. In fact, so trusted are these STIHL power tools that they are also relied upon by emergency services, municipal workers and road workers.

STIHL also has a range of cleaning equipment, including high-pressure washers designed for professional cleaning under extreme conditions for extended periods, making light work of non-household cleaning jobs.

One of STIHL’s most typical features is based on the company’s focus on making life easier and more practical for users in any application environment.

Perhaps most useful in South Africa today, is its range of cordless and battery-powered tools and equipment, allowing users to shrug off load shedding and power outages and keep on working. Electricityfree equipment is also vital for sites and applications where there is no power supply. New products in this line include the TSA 230 cordless cut-off saw and the MSA 200 battery-powered chain saw.

The TSA 230 is compact and light (weighing only 3.9kg without a battery), maneuverable and powerful, offering convenience and accessibility no matter what the working environment, thanks to its cordless Lithium-ion battery technology. With the traditional STIHL focus on ease-of-use, the TSA 230 starts at the touch of a button.

As a quiet and emission-free power tool, the TSA 230 is comfortable to use indoors (even in confined spaces) or outside – its integrated moisture protection means it can operate in wet weather. The standard-

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fitted water connection and optional accessories for attaching to a vacuum cleaner ensure dustfree cutting for maximum comfort and a dust-free environment.

The TSA 230, STIHL’s first battery-powered cutoff saw, has a 230mm abrasive cutting wheel that slices quickly and precisely through steel and metal, concrete, bricks and roof tiles, up to 70mm deep. It’s ideal for various applications in civil engineering and is a ‘must-have’ for builders and roofers.

Another winner for the construction industry is STIHL’s MSA 200 C-BQ battery-powered chain saw. Powered by an interchangeable 36-volt STIHL Lithium-Ion battery, this chainsaw delivers the speed, cutting capacity, and run time to take on just about any cutting job on site. The MSA 200 CB-Q starts at a squeeze of the trigger and runs for up to 40 minutes on a single charge of the new STIHL AP 180 battery.

The brushless, electronically controlled electric (EC) motor, developed by STIHL, achieves aboveaverage efficiency and is almost wear-free in operation. The motor delivers constant high torque – the best conditions for powerful sawing. Despite its performance, the MSA 200 is low-noise and comfortable to handle. The compact design and two-component handle ensure that the machine sits securely in the hand.

Other user-friendly features include the adjustment of the chain by the quick chain tensioner that comes as standard, without operators needing tools or working near the sharp teeth of the saw. Topping up with chain lubricant is easy and mess-free with the large filler opening and the patented STIHL special cap that enables it to be opened quickly without tools.

User safety is paramount with STIHL, and the MSA 200 C-BQ has a front hand guard mounted on dual ball bearings. This also controls the chain brake, which prevents accidental starting. For even greater safety, the QuickStop Super secondary braking system stops the saw chain instantly if the user releases the switch lever on the rear handle.

Like all top quality specialist products, STIHL power tools and equipment are available from the STIHL nationwide network of dealers, who ensure expert advice and superior after-sales service.

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professions design - interior & exterior

Exclusive design for exclusive vignerons The Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons boasts a new tasting centre and refurbishment of existing wine tasting facility – thanks to professional designers’ inputs.

Pictures by: Charles Russell Located on the prestigious historical farm, Fredericksburg, at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain, Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons was established in 1997 by the late Dr Anton Rupert and Baron Edmond de Rothschild. Created as a premium international brand, the challenge for this intervention was to develop an architectural language relating to both Cape vernacular and international idioms.

The scope of the project included a new private pavilion and the refurbishment of existing wine tasting building with new wine tasting venue, office and kitchen facilities. ‘The brief required that public, private, and larger, as well as intimate tastings could be accommodated simultaneously. The scenic beauty of the surrounding property dictated the response and allowed for an architectural language that frames and facilitates a seamless transition between interior and exterior,’ explains Servaas de Kock, from project architects, Malherbe Rust Architects Leading Stellenbosch designer, Christiaan Barnard, was responsible for interior design. ‘My aim was to create an elegant and sophisticated yet friendly environment that reflects the personality and profile of the Estate. Understated elegance! All the furniture was designed and custom made from French oak for the client. Fabrics were specifically sourced, and all the paintings are from the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch, and artwork from well-known ceramists in South Africa.’

According to De Kock, the previous tasting building facilitated an interior interaction and didn’t engage the

scenic natural landscape. This building was initially constructed to represent a Cape vernacular cottage but lacked authenticity. The new alterations relate to specific vernacular elements but clearly define it as a contemporary reinterpretation with a vernacular palette. Over time, various architectural languages have developed on the farm and the new buildings aim to provide a modest contextual direction for new interventions there.

From an architectural approach the roof, floor and ceiling are defined as separate planar elements.

These separations of planes enforce a strong connection with the surrounding natural context by providing a continuous glass south light and junction between ceiling and concrete beam, enforcing the overall linear arrangement of the building. This deliberate tension between elements enforces the lightness of the roof, which stands in direct contrast with the massing of the concrete frames. A setback in the natural bagged brick plinth allows the pavilion and tasting to cantilever over the water rill and Renosterveld landscaping. Vertical green walls allow the buildings to integrate with the landscape and, with fenestration fully opened, ensure visitors linger, engage and experience.

Christiaan Barnard Interior T + 27 73 819 3453 E info@christiaanbarnardinterior.com W www.christiaanbarnardinterior.com

About Christiaan Barnard

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Lawyer-turned-interior designer, Christo Barnard, is celebrated as a creator of exquisite interior spaces reflecting his characteristic wit, style and originality. (Source: iafrica.com – by Errieda du Toit)

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professions design - interior & exterior

Social media affects home and office decoration Melanie Ewing, owner of Chapters Interiors in Johannesburg, writes about the latest trends in interior decorating.

Pictures by: Emlo Communications During September last year, I had the privilege to visit the prestigious international décor expo, Maison & Objet, held in Paris twice yearly. The expo showcases the latest design and décor trends from across the globe, some of which are already being seen in South Africa but are sure to become stronger and more entrenched in months to come.

The most prominent of these trends is the shift towards Nordic design, which can be defined by simple, functional design, as well as the use of light, raw and untreated woods. Although the southern hemisphere is generally dominated by dark

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woods, the light wood’s simple design with an almost retro feel to it, will surely soon be seen in our homes, too.

With the help of softer pallets in ice-cream colours (soft blues, pinks and yellows), Nordic design’s beauty and simplicity reflects a humbler lifestyle than the flashy bling of the 90s and 2000s. The transition from the opulent era to a more modest one can certainly be linked to the current global economic situation – we are becoming simpler, more ‘of home’ bodies. We are attracted to simpler things and have a need to ‘nest’ in a comfortable space.

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design - interior & exterior professions

Cocooning That brings me to another trend: cocooning.

With the rise of social media we are eternally connected and online and never get a chance to disengage. This constant connection has an impact on people’s relationships and even language (have you paged through an Oxford dictionary recently?) but most importantly how we engage with ourselves. Because we are starting to suffer from connection exhaustion we are looking to create spaces, often small, where we can be alone and disconnect.

Typically furniture influenced by cocooning has high backs, deep sides and often some form of partly enclosed space in which to disconnect. Some South African corporates have already adopted this trend by creating spaces – small enclosed working rooms where employees can isolate themselves to get perspective, regain balance and refresh themselves mentally.

I foresee that this trend will have a massive impact on designs globally, growing in contrast with the sudden increase of digital connectivity.

Chapters Interiors offers the opportunity to learn how to correctly incorporate these trends into home or office décor. Readers of To Build may join the students at Chapters Interiors, a vocational school that offers interior decorating courses and workshops for everyone, from home or business executives with a passion for décor to the professional decorator who wishes to expand or refresh his or her knowledge with the latest trends.

Interact with Melanie at www.facebook.com/ chaptersinteriors

Melanie Ewing C +27 82 330 4203 E info@chaptersinteriors.com W www.chaptersinteriors.com issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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Unit 7&9, Boundary Road George Park, Strand Tel: 021 853 2555 Cell: 082 858 2218 enquiries@ambienteluce.com

AmbienteLuce.indd 43

St. Albans, Shop No 9 357 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Tel: 011 501 2704 cell: 082 372 4262 sandra@parkesmanner.co.za

72 President Reitz Avenue, Westdene Tel: 071 447 2169 Fax: 086 527 5931 info@ambienteluce.co.za

Velvet Home and Living Joubert Plaza Cnr Market & Meade George Cell: 082 447 9397

2015/02/26 10:13 AM

developers - design tools professions

New developments – design case study One of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, is building its new corporate office on Katherine Street in Sandton.

Picture by: Rendering courtesy of Paragon Architects The vision for the new building was to somehow link the look of the new building to Sasol’s logo. The logo, which encapsulates the company’s values, comprises of a central sphere that denotes stability, while six rotating spheres representing the business units suggest a force greater than the sum of its parts – strength through synergy. Paragon Architects took up the challenge to make this logo a visual component of the design.

To make the logo come to life, the architects studied the distilled essence closely to interpret it into built form. Sasol’s company structure was used as

the departure point for the conceptual design of the building. The concept was initially set up as a straight line, linking the various units. However, this was seen spatially as too constrictive and so the form evolved into something more serpentine, which in turn generated a more humanist space and was more easily accommodated in the available space on site.

A central core of work activities ties the building together and the various areas are linked by a series of bridges. The major challenge was the site on which this building will stand – a curving edge of

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professions developers - design tools Katherine Street. The architects had to ensure this 10-story building, that will serve as offices for up to 7 000 people and span almost 70 000m2, could be accommodated and well-connected both vertically and horizontally.

It was important for Paragon to push boundaries in this design, which is characterised by light volumes externally and two dramatic skylights (articulated with acoustic baffles) internally. These elements create a feeling of airy spaces and allow as much natural light into the structure as possible.

The concept of open, transparent and remote work spaces is extended to embody Sasol’s values and include restaurants, canteens, art galleries, coffee shops and a Sasol One Stop Shop.

The result is an external façade of reflective performance glass that has a high light transmission level and maximises visibility out of the building while maintaining a high comfort level.

There are over 2 000 panels of floor-to-ceiling unitised double-glazed panels of vision glass and spandrels. The shapes and glass variations are encapsulated in each panel.

The spandrels are a bespoke textured custom glazed unit, fired at 680 degrees with a silver backing, insulation and an aluminium panel; the glass is Safety Shield Imagin Krizet with Ipasol chrome coating. This glass has not been used in South Africa before and this project seeks to exploit its properties to its best advantage.

In addition to glass performance, the building volumes have impacted on the design. Where sections of the building cast shadows on itself, the size of the spandrels reduce to allow more light through. Façade patterning has generated an environmental analysis and heat gain to reduce energy consumption and maximise user comfort levels.

Externally the park-like staff facilities include courtyards, and braai and yoga facilities with water-wise planted areas. Sasol is fully committed to supporting birdlife in South Africa and this will be accommodated by providing an indigenous environment for birds.

The landscaping has been designed to shade the façade, where heat gain is higher. On lower levels planting gets thicker.

‘Considering the complexity of this building, BIM technology and Revit modelling, have contributed towards streamlining the co-ordination process and

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allowed all 15 consultants to interact with one 3D model. This has not only made it easier to work together, but we have also avoided wasting time and building materials,’ explains Tershia Habbitts, Project Architect at Paragon. The team at Paragon Architects is steaming ahead on Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks. This is proving to be extremely successful with the co-ordination between consultants.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2016.

WorldsView Technologies T +27 11 884 1000 E adele@worldsview.co.za W www.autodesk.com/revit.

W www.autodesk.com/navisworks Paragon Architects W www.paragon.co.za

Epic design project An epic design project in Alice Lane, Sandton, which begun in 2013, has created the last important piece of an urban puzzle, not only creating an iconic structure in the urban landscape, but also without disrupting the piazza’s relationship with the sky or the views.

The building has since been acknowledged as Best Commercial Building for 2014 by SAPOA. Implementation of Autodesk Revit Structure software throughout this project allowed for efficient design creation and amendments of the entire structure, as well as cost-saving measures to be put in place.

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professions developers

Five key retail property trends for 2015 A commercial developer, Gavin Tagg, offers his views on trends, and reveals details about the opening of a new retail mall in the Natal Midlands that his company is leasing out.

Retail property has made a strong positive contribution to South Africa’s growth in recent years, with numerous new shopping malls coming to market – each ploughing investment in to the economy, creating jobs and crafting retail assets and social hubs for their communities.

Gavin Tagg, from Retail Network Services, has helped deliver many successful shopping centre developments and believes, despite weaker economic fundamentals, there are still exciting new opportunities for shopping centres in 2015.

Tagg’s prognosis for retail property in 2015 highlights five dominant trends:

Caution ‘A cautious approach is needed by retailers and retail developers in the year ahead,’ Tagg advises. ‘It’s essential to have sound retail development basics in place to ensure the success of a new shopping centre in this flat-growth, rising-interest economy.’

Know-how Stakes are high, and a proven track record of delivery is essential. New retail schemes should be left to experienced developers. ‘This market is unforgiving,’ cautions Tagg, who notes there are inexperienced retail developers who are muddying the waters right now. ‘It is essential to astutely assess every detail of a potential project: site assessment, rental levels, tenant mix, aesthetics, finishes and more. This requires insight that can only be gained from experience.’

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Rural shopping centres There are still huge opportunities in rural retail in South Africa and Tagg is bullish about this sector of the market. Even in these areas, outside of South Africa’s major metropolitan nodes, developing the right product is essential for success. ‘A rural retail development must be aspirational yet affordable,’ he advises. ‘It should also have all the fundamentals in place to, in theory, stand up to the same tests that would apply to a mall in an urban environment. You can’t cut corners for rural shopping centre development.’

Better retail With a slew of international retailers entering the South African market, our local consumers will continue to reap the ultimate benefit. Tagg believes that international retailers operating in, and entering, South Africa are improving the local retail offering considerably. This puts pressure on local retailers to be more competitive. The new wave of retail competition is improving choice and pricing. The overall retail experience for shoppers throughout the country is set to continue during 2015.

Listening to consumers There’s a renewed focus on customers, and ‘what does the consumer want?’ will become an ever more important consideration in planning retail centres.

‘There’s no room for developers’ egos to dictate what they would like the consumer to want, or for architects to lead developments,’ Tagg maintains.

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developers professions

Among Retail Network Services’ current projects, it has successfully completed the leasing of Tugela Ferry Shopping Centre. Located in a rural district in KwaZulu-Natal, this 14 723m2 shopping centre is an excellent answer to the question, ‘what does this shopper market want?’ Shoppers in the area are badly in need of retail facilities and are underserviced in all areas, with the most basic retail needs not provided for in this small, but strategically important, town. It is Tugela Ferry’s first shopping mall and will open in April 2015.

With investment from Copper Zone and the retail leasing know-how of Retail Network Services, Tugela Ferry residents will no longer have to travel substantial distances, at considerable cost, to do most of their shopping and banking. Tugela Ferry is located 45km north of Greytown, 77km south of Dundee and 105km east of Ladysmith. All are a very long way to travel to access meaningful formal retail.

Besides providing much-needed shopping, banking and services to the community, Tugela Ferry Mall is also strengthening the town’s central role in the area. The lively Tugela Ferry is a major town in the heart of the Msinga District of the Umzinyathi District Municipality. It is on the Tugela River’s northern bank and is a seat of the Tribal Authority Government for the area. Making shopping easy, Tugela Ferry is on the main route which goes right through town.

Retail Network Services is a full-service specialist retail leasing company with an excellent record of successes to its name, and Tugela Ferry Mall is

poised to join its impressive line-up. ‘Tugela Ferry Mall will go beyond bringing great, well-suited everyday shopping to local customers, it gives shoppers what they want and meets their important social and economic needs,’ Tagg concludes.

Tugela Ferry is a town on the northern bank of the Tugela River, in central KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The town is currently is included in the Umzinyathi District Municipality. The town's name commemorates the ferry which once operated here before a bridge was constructed.

Prior to the establishment of The Mall, the more than 184,000 residents of the bustling could not bank in their own town. They had to travel at least 45kms to Greytown for banking and other basic shopping services, or to other ‘nearby’ major towns of Dundee some 80kms away and Ladysmith 110kms away.

(Source - RNS)

Retail Network Services T +27 11 807 6995 W www.rns.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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advertorial perfect places

Modular Buildings

By Nature Following the European trend of building beautiful timber homes, Perfect Places is changing the way South Africans build homes.

There is no question that sustainable building is the only ethical way forward when it comes to designing homes, and Perfect Places is changing the way South Africans build homes.

Getting it right from the start Ecological and economic awareness is fundamental to the Perfect Places design, engineering and building processes, keeping eco and sustainability top of mind from the start as opposed to retro-fitting ‘green’ to make something not-so-environmentally friendly a little better.

Ventilated timber skin The secret lies in the spaces between – the breathable wall system that dries and ventilates air – producing houses with six times better insulation than those built of bricks and mortar, almost double the R-value and up to 85% less embodied energy. This increased insulation and ventilation translates to a massive saving on heating and electricity bills for new home owners.

So what’s in a wall?

Each wall panel consists of four layers – the outer board (or wall cladding of your choice), the cavity that allows the wall to be ventilated, the insulation layer consisting of 135mm recycled plastic and breathing foil, breathing board, and finally the inner layer made of imported Swiss/German three-ply spruce board.

30% to 40% of a home’s insulation occurs in the walls and roofs, so great care is taken to maximise the opportunity here. There is no steel used in the panels as steel loses its strength quicker than treated wooden beams in a fire. As a result this improves the overall fire rating of the building.

Light as air The entire production process reduces environmental impact every step of the way; wood is one of the most sustainable and renewable materials, light in weight, and the wooden wall and roof panels allow for factory fabrication, which radically reduces transport and labour costs in addition to man-hours on site building.

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From the architect’s mouth The entire process is a pleasure – the customer’s cost saving can be as much as 20% and the building time reduction around 60 to 80%. A 100m2, two bedroom home can come in at as little as R595 000 and be built in the factory in three weeks with around a three-week assembly time on site, making a house occupation ready within two to three months of council approval.

When it comes to fitting choices – even suspending heavy objects – there is practically no difference in options when building a timber home. A new solution for builders is that pods can be ordered as a DIY kit to be constructed on site. There are three pod sizes, which can be arranged together, interconnected and stacked.

• Studio Pod (18m2 or 28m2) – an entry-level unit with no internal walls • Living Pod (18m2 or 28m2) – similar to the Studio Pod but with internal walls and doors to accommodate a bathroom and bedroom • Office Pod (18m2 or 28m2) – open-plan space with a bathroom and kitchen Each pod consists of eight wall panels, floor modules and roof modules.

Building using this modular pod concept is quick and simple – a great solution for a small home, office or school.

MODULAR BUILDING BY NATURE

Perfect Places Tel: 0861 PERFECT (7373328) E-mail: info@perfect-places.co.za Website: www.perfect-places.co.za Facebook: perfect.pods

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2015/02/27 10:29 AM

developers professions

Portfolio news Property giant flexes its muscle – local and international acquisitions Redefine Properties has acquired the Leaf Capital portfolio of properties for R4.1-billion, equating to an initial income yield of 8%, subject to Competition Commission approval.

The Leaf Capital portfolio has maintained a tenant retention ratio of 82% (94% excluding buildings earmarked for refurbishment), and has delivered growth in lease renewals of 1.51% at a weighted average escalation rate of 8.1%. There are nine assets in Gauteng and the Western Cape, well located in major metropoles and benefit from strong leases and quality tenants.

‘The acquisition is underpinned by high-quality income streams from our large, excellently located, premium-grade office precinct assets. The transaction includes a number of significant properties, such as Black River Park and the Wembly Square Development. These assets change the face of our Western Cape portfolio, which will now include the top five percent of quality office blocks in Cape Town,’ says Marc Wainer, Redefine’s Executive Chairman.

The Gauteng acquired assets include Bryanston properties’ Silver Stream Business Park, Silver Point Office Park, Crawford House and Hampton Park, as well as Clearwater Office Park in Stubens Valley, and Centurion Gate in Centurion. Moreover, the portfolio offers future additional development potential as it includes developable bulk at Black River Park, The Boulevard, Silver Stream Business Park and Centurion Gate.

Redefine will pay the purchase consideration through assumed third party debt of approximately R1.9-billion, 80% of the balance will be settled through a placement of shares and 20% funded from existing cash resources.

International assets Meantime, Redefine has also acquired a portfolio of 56 retail properties in Germany, in an equal joint venture with Redefine International.

This portfolio is valued approximately €157-million and reflects an initial net yield of 7.5%. The portfolio initially includes the existing bank debt of

Marc Wainer, Redefine Executive Chairman

€100-million, which the joint venture intends to refinance immediately after the transaction. After the financing, the portfolio will produce a yield on equity in excess of 11%.

‘This transaction is consistent with Redefine’s stated intention of acquiring offshore properties directly, and in partnership with established players.

It is our first direct investment in Europe, and by partnering with Redefine International, we also benefit from its experienced European asset management team,’ Wainer adds.

‘All of the management and asset management will be undertaken by Redefine International for a fee of 0,375% of Redefine’s share of the portfolio’s gross asset value.’

The properties span some 128 000m2 of lettable area and comprise a mix of stand-alone supermarkets, food-store-anchored retail parks and cash-and-carry stores. The properties are well located within their respective markets, 85% in Western Germany and Berlin, with the remainder in East Germany. The portfolio is 99.2% occupied and benefits from strong tenant covenants with 90% of its gross rental income accounted for by Edeka, Netto, Rossmann and Real who are among Germany’s largest retailers, exposing Redefine to high-quality, secure, indexed-linked cash flows.

Redefine Properties T +27 11 283 0202 W www.redefine.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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Outlook 2015: A Highly competitive year ‘Expect massive competition in the scramble for good property and tenants,’ says Izak Petersen, Dipula Income Fund CEO, about SA’s commercial property sector in 2015. ‘Electricity supply issues will retard development.’

Izak Petersen, Dipula Income Fund’s CEO, foresees a year that will bring heaps of hard work for the sector, with only select opportunities for good assets available to the market.

‘I fear that electricity issues are going to frustrate and slow down business, and some property developments may have to be shelved because of a lack of electricity supply,’ Petersen comments.

‘However, you’re likely to see innovative solutions to get around this challenge.’

He adds that he believes there will be relatively limited speculative development activity in the market.

Looking at positive drivers that may counter the slow economic growth and electricity supply challenges, Petersen points to falling oil prices as a bright spot that will provide some cushion for rising inflation, but cautions that the weak Rand will somewhat counter this effect. ‘We believe that rates will remain unchanged in the short term, which bodes well for property.’

Surplus and vacancies Offices are likely to remain the weakest link for commercial property in 2015. ‘They already face oversupply issues with a lack of big users. Our tough economy also adds to the pressure on the sector thanks to the elasticity of demand and price sensitivity of its users – especially smaller and medium users,’ he adds.

Petersen warns most tenant-driven developments for big users will result in increased vacancies as they vacate existing space. Looking to other commercial property sectors he believes retail and industrial property should hold up better. ‘Although we do not see either one shooting the lights out, and retail turnovers are likely to be under pressure with consumers remaining under strain.’

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He adds: ‘Despite the challenges ahead, we still anticipate listed real estate to outperform bonds, cash and equities. We further expect to grow Dipula’s net income well in excess of inflation and grow our portfolio organically by executing our sizeable development and acquisition pipeline of more than R1-billion.’

Dipula’s diversified property portfolio comprises more than 180 retail, industrial and office properties countrywide. By gross lettable area (GLA), Dipula’s portfolio is mostly concentrated in South Africa’s economic hub of Gauteng. It is also weighted towards retail property, which comprises more than 50% of its portfolio.

Dipula Income Fund T +27 11 325 2112 C +27 82 823 1748

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Quality control in project management The misconception exists in projects that quality is only applicable during the manufacture and installation of hardware. But just how important is quality control in project management?

By Jan Botha (BIE Technical Manager), Martin Botham (BIE General Manager), and Dr Hannelie Nel (BIE Engineering Consultant)

A misconception exists in project management that quality is only applicable during the manufacture and installation of hardware. This is incorrect, as comprehensive quality management in projects includes the entire development process and is inclusive of all disciplines during the project study and execution phases.

Quality management in projects spans the entire project management function, the manufacturing and execution processes, and includes quality assurance, quality control and quality costing. Effective quality in projects can only be achieved by addressing all these elements.

Quality assurance ensures that the quality of the

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product or service meets and exceeds the customer’s requirements, whereas quality control is a methodology for ensuring that the quality requirements of the project, including testing and other verification systems, have been implemented and are effective. Effective quality management in projects requires that all quality prerequisites and controls are included in the project, from concept to commissioning, and that quality is customised to meet the project requirements. When it comes to the assurance of quality in all engineering project management work, there is an organisation that regulates this.

As a regulatory body, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) adheres to strict guidelines that

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ensure quality controls in projects undertaken by professional engineers are performed according to the guidelines of each of the nine engineering disciplines.

ECSA requires that quality control processes are put in place by the contractors to verify the quality of the product or service.

To ensure a quality product, inspection and acceptance testing is conducted by the consulting engineer to confirm conformance to specification.

While the contractor or consulting engineer assumes the ultimate responsibility for quality and meeting the design requirements, the purpose of the quality assurance plans and related construction monitoring is to meet the client specifications.

The discipline of project management is extremely versatile and can be adapted to any business or industry. Its strength lies in the focused teams of experts who can quickly adapt, organise and troubleshoot situations. This means that most problems can be resolved efficiently.

In some instances, where project managers deliver ineffective projects, it is often a result of poor implementation in the project environment.

The major contributing factor is management’s inability to successfully implement meaningful quality assurance, control systems and procedures. This can be attributed to both senior management and project teams not fully understanding the value and contribution of quality to successful project management and execution.

The integration of quality into existing business systems poses another challenge for effective quality implementation. As a result of the legislative enforcement for the financial provision for health, safety, cost and environment systems, quality receives a lesser degree of support in funding and implementation. A remedy to this situation is to increase awareness of the value-add that quality contributes to project process, and the positive business outcome of successful project implementation with the implementation of quality costing.

Modern businesses are characterised as dispersed, technology driven, human focused and skill based.

They rely on teams of connected experts to work together on projects, focusing their energy on one goal at a time. This is why ECSA registers individuals and not organisations. In addition, only engineers registered with ECSA are given the authority to sign off on these projects.

By 2020 it’s estimated that the global contribution of infrastructure projects will reach USD1-trillion and organisations with an effective quality system will demonstrate success in projects by reducing cost and risk, and executing within the baseline schedule.

A lack of quality adversely affects risk, schedule and cost – and research indicates that total construction costs can be reduced by approximately 25% with the implementation of a sound quality management system.

Engineering Council of South Africa Edgar Sabela, Executive – Strategic Services T +27 11 607 9500 E edgar@ecsa.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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Earthfield: A field of dreams Top South African landscaper assists with community soccer.

Words by Claudia Ferreira Lilydale, outside the Kruger National Park, is about as far from a major soccer venue as you can get.

Like many rural communities in South Africa, there is neither running water nor electricity. Yet, this small community is home to a breakthrough innovation in soccer technology – the first zero-maintenance pitch, called EarthField.

It’s all thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of an NGO, DreamFields Project; landscape architect Greg Straw, owner of Earth Outdoor Living; and Chevrolet South Africa as a the official sponsor. The NGO approached Greg to work on two soccer fields as part of its community upliftment projects – one at Lilydale and the other at Hammanskraal.

‘The challenge was to give the kids of Lilydale and Hammanskraal that same quality of play with a fraction of the resources,’ explains Greg.

The original pitches were in a shocking in condition.

The goalposts were rusted and netting non-existent.

The ground was uneven and dotted with anthills and rocks, which the local teams used to strategic effect when they played against visiting teams. At night, cars would use it as a parking lot.

There was the fundamental problem of resources. ‘If you go for a turf or a grass field, you’re going to need to water it, and pumping water requires electricity,’ Greg points out. ‘What happens when you put this highmaintenance grass field in a community that collects water in drums and still uses candles and paraffin stoves?’

Soil stabilised pitch Greg’s solution was to build a soil-stabilised pitch, removing all the grass and topsoil and shaping the surface using earthworks’ equipment. He used a mix of water-soluble resins and bitumen to create a dust- and waterproof hardened soil. His team sprayed white lines onto the hardened soil to create markings tough enough to handle the heavy foot traffic of a soccer match.

The unwanted topsoil and grass was repurposed to create a berm for use as a raised seating area.

‘The berm also prevents surface water running onto the field from higher areas. It also prevents cars from accessing the pitch,’ Greg explains.

Above: Dreamfields Project Right: Greg Straw at home in the garden

‘After we’d finished our work for the day, the kids from the local community would come and try it out,’ Greg recalls. ‘All we’d see them doing was rolling the ball. They couldn’t believe that the ball never bounced and went straight. It was a first time for them.’

According to Greg, the total cost of the field is the same as a single FIFA recommended lawnmower.

However, the final result belies the small budget.

‘At the opening we had Gary Bailey at goal with the kids kicking the ball at him. He couldn’t believe how well the ball bounced on the new pitch. I had international coaches come up to me and say it was the smoothest, most true soccer field they’d ever played on,’ he adds.

‘We’ve perfected it right down to the last detail. We’ve thought of vandalism, maintenance, cost, practicality, wear and tear, and we’ve built something that takes all of it into account. The crazy part is that it works better than we ever dreamed!’ Greg exclaims.

Greg Straw T +27 836074364 W www.earthland.co.za W www.dreamfieldsproject.org issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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

BUILDING SYSTEMS Automation......................................72 Bathrooms.......................................74 Electrical.........................................84 Floors................................................88 Kitchens.............................................98 Insulation.......................................100 Roofs...............................................102 Security & Safety ..........................107 Walls & Cladding........................111 Windows & Doors........................114

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Power solution out of the office One of the problems for the busy professional on the move is the short charge life of modern smart phone batteries. Here’s a solution.

While there are many portable options, such as power sticks, to the problem of the short charge life of smart phones, there are few that cater to the needs of the built environment professional who is on site without the luxury of the power grid.

At a recent AfricaCom expo, To Build’s editor discovered, and subsequently tested, one such portable self-charging option – the SolarStrap by Finish manufacturer, Suntrica.

Suntrica positions itself as a leader in portable flexible and high-efficiency solar charging solutions.

Since 2006 it has designed, contract manufactured and marketed easy-to-use personal solar chargers for use with portable battery-powered devices.

Chargers that convert ambient solar energy into usable electrical energy can provide an unlimited source of power for personal electronic devices.

For the sustainable built sector these products respond ecologically to the challenge of charging electronics in developing markets where there’s limited access to electricity.

Suntrica is clearly committed to decreasing the world’s carbon footprint and effects of global climate change, as well as providing environmentally-friendly solutions that improve the operating times of electronic products that have changed the way we work and live.

The design concept is attractive and practical. All the working parts are delivered within a soft foam closure that fastens across straps or handles of backpacks, laptop bags or camera bags secured by Velcro. The PV panels are polycrystalline and set within flexible epoxy. Onboard LED indicators convey battery and charging status information. The units are extremely lightweight.

SolarStrap has undergone a number of evolutions, from the baseline 1 500mAh flexible models originally launched, to the modern 3 000mAh varieties that easily impart a full charge to today’s larger smart phone handsets. The flexible, weather-resistant and highly-portable solar panel on this model, the Move, is rated at one watt, which requires more than a day of sunshine to fully recharge. However, a top-up charge is available via a USB port in the normal way.

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For those spending more time in the field, there’s a 1.3 watt solar panel variety dubbed the Scout. This fully charges its 1 500mAh battery within one full sunny day and reaches 50% capacity within only 2.5 hours. This is potentially enormously beneficial to engineers stuck in remote site areas without backup infrastructure.

To Build’s editor’s experience of one of the supplier’s earlier models is positive, although a fully-charged cellphone was only achieved over a two-cycle solar recharge. However, this is adequate in the absence of other charging options.

The manufacturer has a South African distributor, whose details are available on the website.

SA Distributor T +27 12 354 2636 W www.suntrica.com

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building systems bathrooms

Tapping into new Mthatha General Hospital Designers of the hospital wing makeover specify dezincification resistant brass.

Pictures by: Cobra A renowned medical range from South African manufacturer, Cobra, has once again been given a healthy nod, this time by A3 Architects. A3 is the firm behind the recent renovation of the Mthatha General Hospital, a large provincial, government-funded hospital, in the Eastern Cape.

With a strong focus on hygiene as fostered through its elbow action taps and mixers, Cobra’s medical collection has become the preferred plumbing range for hospitals, clinics and other environments where cleanliness is paramount. It includes medical taps, mixers and various plumbers’ brassware, all manufactured from polished dezincification resistant (DZR) brass.

As part of the renovation, new wards with 125 beds were constructed at the hospital. Cobra’s elbow action taps and mixers, valued at R91 000, were installed, including 64 pillar taps, five bib taps and one wall mixer. Eight junior flushmaster flush valves were also installed.

Willem Ackerman, technical director at A3 Architects, says the firm consistently specifies Cobra because of the reliability and quality of its products. ‘We use Cobra because its products are always available and there are few tap suppliers that can provide us with the same quality products,’ he maintains.

Cobra T 0861 21 21 21 E marketing@cobrawatertech.co.za W www.cobra.co.za

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Viega Visign for More: Actuating panels with touchless comfort.

Viega. A better idea! Experience unparalleled control comfort: Actuation of the Visign for More flush is completely touchless, it happens at the swipe of a hand. This guarantees maximum hygiene, minimises cleaning work and naturally, thanks to the dual flush mechanism, saves water (Water Efficiency Class A). More information about the new Visign models and the new WELL label can be found at www.viega.com.

Harscan Distributors Tel: 011 787 2993 55 Hill Street, Ferndale, Johannesburg Viega South Africa : 083 645 0059

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Viega Advantix Vario: the first tailor-made shower channel.

Viega. A better idea! Viega Advantix Vario is the first shower channel that can be continuously shortened. It can be cut to the required length with millimetre precision and very little effort. It can then be fitted along the wall or anywhere in the room. This enables one to react to all of the requirements on site. For more information: www.viega.com/global

Harscan Distributors Tel: 011 787 2993 55 Hill Street, Ferndale, Johannesburg Viega South Africa : 083 645 0059

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German precision for bathrooms Look towards Viega to make your bathroom a design dream.

Viega is a German company that supplies high end bathroom equipment and practical plumbing solutions for the everyday situation. Viega’s range of concealed cisterns has full SABS approval and offers a selection of cover plates that makes them the first choice for the discerning designer. A major advantage with Viega cisterns is the flexibility they offer in that any Viega actuating plate fits any Viega cistern. The actuating plates will complement the Advantix range of floor drains and shower channels and together will lift the tone of any bathroom.

Gone are the days when a shower was hidden away, now with Advantix shower channels and floor drains from Viega you can make the shower the focus of the room. The multiple design prize-winning Advantix products from Viega will offer you freedom when creating a bathroom. With the use of high quality materials like glass it is far more than just a

boundary between wet and dry areas in the bathroom.

Architecture needs freedom. Advantix shower channels can be used exactly where the building concept requires them to be. Should the shower channel be in the middle of the room to optically separate the dry and wet zones? Or do you prefer it along the wall? With Viega, taste and architecture decide on the position.

Polished and matt stainless steel are available as well as the purist glass. In addition, there is also a shower channel grate that allows you to incorporate the tiles into it –tailor made to the individuals taste.

Viega South Africa Harscan Distributors T 011 787 2993 C 083 645 0059 issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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bathrooms building systems

Leading manufacture shares know-how With a high population density and continuing influx into Devland, a suburb of Johannesburg near Soweto, a profound need was identified to build a self-sustaining community centre. 2014 saw this vision becoming a reality with the project breaking ground. The Devland Community Education Campus in Soweto is anticipated to be completed in Q4 2015.

Geberit Southern African was approached by NGO sector project coordinator, Growing UP Africa (GUA), to actively contribute to the local community. The project is funded mainly by product sponsorships and pro-bona professional services, including construction and architecture, from major companies operating in the South African built environment scene. Founded

by Deborah Terhune, GUA has impressive credentials and is active in the whole of Africa, although originally founded in New York.

‘The project offers so much of what Geberit represents – green building, enriching the community with know-how, giving back to the less fortunate people of the community, and being passionate in everything we do,’ enthuses Izaan Nel from Geberit Southern Africa. ‘It’s an ideal centre to showcase all the working systems from the Geberit range – starting with where water comes from to flushing the toilet cistern, and then where the flushed water drains away to. Furthermore, we rose to the challenge by including our Pluvia syphonic rainwater drainage system.’

To date, Geberit’s contribution includes all the technical water reticulation drawings for the architect and project team, the supply of the Geberit HDPE piping for sewer drainage, Pluvia for roof drainage,

the Mepla piping system for the water supply, plus the concealed cisterns and flush actuator plates for all the toilets.

Key to Geberit’s core philosophy is education and transferring knowledge and, with this project, Geberit has the ideal opportunity to share its know-how with community plumbers working on the construction of the Devland Community Education Campus in Soweto.

Around the globe, Geberit is intent on making a sustainable contribution to improving quality of life and, in so doing, embarking on various social projects to help people in developing regions to have better basic sanitary services – a fundamental resource.

As a pioneer and world leader, Geberit is well known for its water-saving, advanced plumbing, and sanitary technologies. Founded in 1874, Geberit has built a reputation for sustainability, innovation, quality and reliability.

Geberit T +270861 FLUSH 1 E sales.za@geberit.com W www.geberit.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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building systems electrical

Planning for PV – the ins and outs of photovoltaic A director at a well-known renewable energy firm writes about photovoltaic electricity generation.

Words by: Teresa Kok, Director at One Energy (Boksburg Load shedding, blackouts and power shortages will be part and parcel of our home and business lives for years to come. Recently, we’ve been sharply reminded of the blackouts in 2008 that shut down mines and other major producers and were considered a national emergency.

Recent outages and the return of load shedding serve as a sharp reminder that we are still operating from an inadequate and unstable electricity infrastructure, and that our capacity reserves have dropped from 40% to about 6% this year, way below the international norm of 15% that allows for routine maintenance and closures.

We have become complacent about a steadily deteriorating situation. At the same time, rapidly escalating electricity prices at the current rate are unsustainable and unaffordable for many. There is also growing pressure for us to adopt renewable

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energy as a means to lessen our impact on the environment and our reliance on fossil fuels.

One of the key ways in which residential, commercial and industrial energy users are looking to ease their electricity costs, and to better secure their energy supply, is through photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation.

Planning for a PV system requires: • Analysing electricity usage in the building • First implementing energy efficiency measures • Study local authority codes and feed-in requirements, if any • Deciding to operate the system entirely off grid or to use a hybrid or grid-connected solution • Selecting technologies and suppliers to implement the plan.

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electrical building systems Why PV?

Analysing your electricity needs

Many customers like the appeal of a grid-tie PV system that allows them to use PV during daylight hours to power their homes and businesses – and then to switch to grid electricity at night. If you consider that most businesses have their peak operational demand during the day, and many homes have processes like washing, ironing, mowing and pool pumps working during the day, then using the energy form the sun during the day makes great financial sense. A grid-tie system allows you to perform all your daytime activities, freely powered by the sun, and save on the more costly battery back-up needed to store PV electricity for use at night time.

Many businesses also use PV in conjunction with other power sources, such as diesel generators to provide a continuous source of power.

Depending on your electricity usage and size of your PV system, most will amortise their costs within five to seven years. This is the very best investment you can make right now to safeguard your supply, your productivity, your safety and most of all take control of rapidly escalating electricity costs for years to come.

Calculating your electricity needs is the first step towards getting PV ready. A thorough examination of your electricity needs helps you determine: • The size and cost of the system you need • F luctuations in your energy usage during the day and over the year to manage peak demands.

• E nergy saving measures you can implement to reduce your electricity use and thus save on costs for the PV system by being more efficient.

By conducting a load analysis, companies such as One Energy will record the wattage and average daily use of all of the electrical devices that are plugged into the main power source, including refrigerators, lights, televisions, PCs, power tools and machinery.

Some loads, such as refrigerators or electric fencing, use electricity all the time, while others, such as power tools or large-format printers, use electricity intermittently. These are known as selectable loads.

Why do I need to implement energy efficiency measures beforehand?

Implementing energy efficiency measures in your existing home or business before you buy your PV system will reduce your electricity use and allow you to buy a smaller and less expensive system. For example, common measures such as: • C onverting geysers (usually the biggest consumers of electricity) to solar or heat pumps • Installing LED low-energy lighting • Using gas for cooking • I nstalling movement and day/night sensors to office lighting.

If you’re designing a new building, consider working with the architect and builder to incorporate renewable energy solutions into your design from the outset. In fact, some measures are already legislated. Energy efficiency in buildings is no longer just the preserve of those wanting to do the right thing. What was once a voluntary standard has been written into law in the SANS 10400-XA: Energy Usage in Buildings, and SANS 204: Energy Efficiency in buildings.

This requires a focused solution for areas such as water heating, whereby 50% of all hot water in new houses needs to be produced by methods other than electrical element heating.

Codes and Regulations Each municipality handles the connection of PV systems to the grid differently. Yet, as the price of electricity continues to increase, more municipalities are entertaining the idea of connecting solar PV systems to their grid. The words net-metering and feed-in-tariff are commonly used in conjunction with PV systems. However, the consideration and approval of your local municipality is required before going ahead.

Each region has its own set of codes and regulations that need to be followed when adding a PV system to a home or business. It will determine whether to connect the planned system to the electricity grid or use it in place of grid-supplied electricity. The property owner can also plan the system to take advantage of expected future changes to feed-in tariffs. These are very likely, given Eskom’s supply challenges and need for grid relief.

Types of PV connections Consider these alternatives – A solar PV system with: • System 1 - No batteries, grid connected system • System 2 - Some batteries, grid connected system • System 3 - Only batteries, no grid connection System 1 is used to supplement energy usage. In the event of a blackout or power outage, the solar system shuts down. Therefore, even if the outage occurs in the middle of the day during full sunlight hours, no power will be produced. If net-metering is allowed, this

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building systems electrical type of system provides a ‘one for one’ credit on your monthly electricity statement.

System 2 is commonly referred to as a hybrid system and, correctly installed, acts as an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) in the event of a power outage. The PV system charges up the batteries first and the excess production supplements your household/business energy needs. Many customers start with system 1 with a plan to build up to a system 2, and then add battery back-up later as budgets allow the upgraded configuration. The great benefit of solar PV is that it’s entirely scalable and can be upgraded as needs grow.

System 3 is useful for areas where no grid exists.

The energy produced charges up the batteries, which should allow for three days’ worth of energy needs.

These batteries feed the power requirements of the property.

It is important to note that adding batteries adds to the cost and therefore the systems are ranked from the least expensive to the most expensive.

What is the cost to install PV? There are various aspects that play a role when we look at the cost, obviously the size/scale of the system. The advantage of solar is the long life expectancy. If we look at a typical solar plant, your initial capital layout would be at the outset when you purchase the equipment. On average it takes between five to seven years to offset the costs but then, for the expected 25+ year lifespan of your panels, you get

financial benefits. The initial upfront cost is the only cost involved with solar. After that, because there are no moving parts, the maintenance on the system is very low.

Typically, a 4kW system – usually sufficient for an average household (without battery banks as per System 1 above) – costs in the region of R75k and could easily be funded on our monthly repayment option for around R2 100 per month depending on your selected payback period and credit rating. Your electricity savings will most likely cover most of your monthly loan payment. On a 4kW configuration, as per System 2 with battery backup, costs start in the region of R125k. Once paid up, the property owner has a wise investment and asset for the property that keeps saving thousands of rands each year, for many years to come.

Site visits and energy audits are necessary to provide costs on larger systems for commercial operations, such as those provided by my company.

There is no more crucial time to take control of your energy needs and supply. Renewable is the only way to go – for your finances, your security, your productivity, the environment and your peace of mind!

One Energy T +27 11 894 2209/2767 E teresak@oneenergy.co.za W www.oneenergy.co.za

How can One Energy serve the market?

One Energy specialises in renewable energy solutions including photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar geysers, heat pumps and LED lighting.

Assessing the potential for energy savings and prioritising key areas for improvement through renewable energy can be a challenging task if one does not know where to start from. The skills of One Energy’s experienced renewable energy professionals provide enormous value in this process.

The company offers an extensive range of renewable energy technology to make the building more efficient. Once the energy measurement and

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audit has been done, One Energy designs a PV system for power generation. It provide retrofits for existing buildings, through to completely new installations. One Energy handles projects from small rooftop options for residential customers to largescale commercial and industrial PV projects.

One Energy provides monthly finance options for smaller residential and commercial customers who can offset the capital costs against their electricity savings, and fully-bankable PV solutions with lease agreements for very large industrial and commercial projects.

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chicagostagestandard.com men-at-lunch

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The content is focused on advertorial, therefore giving it a more informative and personal approach to the targeted audiences. ‘An advertorial is an advertisement that is written and presented in the style of an editorial or journalistic report’. This allows the reader more insight and knowledge of the products and services offered.

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building systems floors

Warm floors Hydronic vs electric radiant floor heating. An installer shares his views with readers of To Build.

Pictures by: Pioneer Floor Heating Are you thinking about incorporating radiant floor heating into a new building or doing a renovation?

In temperate climates such as South Africa’s, many homeowners decide to install a floor heating system because it provides a comfortable, even heat source without relying on forced air.

Benefits of radiant floor heating include: • Better air quality • Quiet heating system • No visible radiators, ducts, or holes • Increased comfort • Increased energy efficiency When considering radiant floor heating for your home, there are two popular types to consider: electrical and hydronic. Here, we will break down the pros and cons of each, with particular consideration of cost and energy efficiency.

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Electrical radiant floor heating If you want to heat a small zoned space like a single bedroom or bathroom, electric under floor heating is usually the best choice. These radiant floors are powered by electric cables or mats of heat-conductive foil built underneath your floor covering.

Radiant in-floor heating is great for renovations, especially in homes that cannot facilitate the additional floor levels required with the other option, hydronic floor heating.

Radiant Electrical Floor Heating is affordable and simple to install. It is a popular choice for new and old buildings offering the following advantages: • The installation process is simple and ideal for renovation projects • On-demand heating is zoned for specific rooms • Heating is run on thermostat

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• Initial installation cost is more affordable than hydronic floor heating • Floor Heating Systems are far more energy efficient than any other form of heating The system also has the following disadvantages or drawbacks: • More expensive energy bill – running cost +/- R 1.37 per hour/10m² in comparison to a Hydronic Floor Heating System that runs at R0.32 per hour/10m² • Primarily designed for comfort, not as primary heating source • High load demand

Hydronic radiant floor heating This system uses hot water instead of electricity – a mode of heating that has been used since ancient Roman times. Hydronic radiant heating is ideal for new buildings.

In hydronic radiant floor systems, heated water is pumped from a boiler through a network of tubing underneath the floor. A variety of heat sources can be used, from pallet boilers, high-energy efficient heat pumps, gas boilers, or a combination of these.

Benefits of hydronic radiant floor heat include: • Floor slab becomes one big heated mass for gentle, pleasant warmth • The house becomes a thermal heated structure • Once the mass of a home has reached the desired temperature, minimal energy is required to maintain it. (low load demand) • No visible heating ducts • Energy savings

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• Running Cost R0.32 per hour/10m² of heated floor space Disadvantages of hydronic in-floor heating: • Initial installation cost are higher than electrical systems • System is more complex and not ideal for small scale remodels

Costs The electrical radiant floor heating installation cost is cheaper by up to 70% depending on the system’s size and thermostat applications. To incorporate electrical radiant floor heating into one small room (for example, a 10m² bathroom) during a renovation project, will cost around R1 917.72 excl vat for the thermostat, heater and installation. However, in the long run the electricity costs will be far higher than that of the hydronic systems.

The hydronic radiant floor heating system for an entire home can start at R650.00/m² for material and installation. Fortunately the high-efficiency heat pump uses very little electricity to keep the system running, resulting in an estimated reduction of up to 500% in running cost when compared to traditional Electrical Floor Heating Systems.

Whether you decide to go with electric or hydronic radiant underfloor heating, the added comfort will be a welcome benefit in the chilly winter temperatures that South Africa experiences from time to time.

The improved air quality and the friendly, consistent warmth of radiant in-floor heating makes a home an enjoyable place to spend time.

Pioneer Floor Heating T +27 0861 000 793 W www.pioneerfloorheating.co.za

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building systems floors

Company and leadership profile: Van Dyck Carpets Van Dyck Carpets is ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001-accredited and, in 2013, became one of a small number of companies to achieve ISO 14064-1 accreditation. Many of the company’s substantial achievements are credited to the innovative approach of forward-thinking company head, Dr Mehran Zarrebini.

Picture by: Van Dyck Carpets Van Dyck is not only South Africa’s oldest carpet manufacturer but the only one that offers a combination of tufted, needle punch and woven carpets. The company also manufactures a range of acoustic underlays made of recycled rubber crumb from used truck tyres. As such, it justifiably claims to lead the way when it comes to investing in the latest equipment, new products and sustainable manufacturing in South Africa.

Dr Zarrebini has headed the company since the family-owned holding company PFE International purchased it in 2004 from Belgian-based Domo Carpets. The purchase complemented the rest of

PFE International’s South African investment portfolio.

It also provided an opportunity to draw on its 40 years of international experience in the manufacturing of carpets and fibre and yarn extrusion.

After completing a degree in Chemical Engineering at Loughborough University, and ultimately earning a PhD in 2001 at the age of 26, Zarrebini joined the family business, which was expanding its footprint in South Africa at that time.

PFE International’s first investment was a joint venture with textile group Ninian & Lester in 1995.

South African Polypropylene Yarns (SAPY) is located in a 70 000m2 factory in Hammarsdale and is a market

Dr Mehran Zarrebini, director of PFE International is pictured in the Van Dyck Carpets factory.

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[ ] “Creating an environment where outside the box ideas are heard and taken seriously unlocks innovation. When minorities form a critical mass and leaders value differences, creative, innovative and value-driving insights are unleashed.” – Dr M Zarrebini

leader in the production of multi-filament polypropylene yarn for the textile, plastic and construction industries.

Later PFE decided to relocate its UK-based machine extrusion and staple fibre manufacturing operation to South Africa. At this point, in 2001, SAFYR Ltd was established in Hammarsdale in conjunction with the Industrial Development Corporation. The company was sold in 2004 when PFE International acquired Van Dyck.

Zarrebini says Van Dyck was a good fit. The company was struggling to contain costs as most of its raw materials were imported. They believed that, through vertical integration, they could reduce these costs and, in 2008, opened PFE Extrusion in Hammarsdale to provide fibre and yarn for Van Dyck.

In total, PFE International has invested around R350-million in South Africa. Of this, R80-million has been directed towards Van Dyck to upgrade equipment and meet stringent quality and environmental standards.

Last year, Van Dyck installed a state-of-the-art fibre extrusion line – by far the largest in Southern Africa – and upgraded and modernised its tufting and needle punch looms. Investment in new technology is ongoing as the Zarrebini’s aim to leverage the Van Dyck brand’s association with quality while repositioning it to cater to younger consumers with affordable products.

Despite tough economic conditions and massive changes in its market, the company has grown its market share to an estimated 25 to 30%. The choice of floor covering is driven by fashion and Zarrebini points out that many consumers are opting for newlyintroduced laminate floor and ceramic tiles.

floors building systems In 2004, Van Dyck’s business was split 50/50 between its residential and commercial divisions.

Since then, the ratio has changed to 30/70 with sales into the commercial and hospitality sectors proving particularly resilient.

‘Here, Van Dyck’s strong focus on sustainability and environmental efficiencies stands it in good stead as large corporates favour environmentally-friendly materials to attain green building certifications,’ Zarrebini explains. As one of just a handful of companies with ISO 14064-1 accreditation, requiring annual reports on greenhouse emissions, Zarrebini has also set his sights set on implementing an ISO 150001 energy management system (by 2015) backed by the United Nations.

‘We realise that there are a lot of opportunities, especially in terms of reduction of costs and brand association. We see this as an opportunity rather than as a threat. Van Dyck will be ahead of its competitors when a planned carbon tax is introduced in South Africa,’ he maintains.

He adds that PFE International is committed to South Africa for the long term. ‘We are looking to expand by acquiring new equipment, introducing revolutionary new products and growing existing markets including exports.’ Already, Van Dyck sells to 20 countries and intends focusing on growing markets in Africa.

Looking back, Zarrebini says that nothing could have prepared him for working in South Africa with its incredibly diverse ethnic, cultural and experiential environment. Although he believes this complexity can be powerful, he also adds that many organisations fail to take full advantage of it.

‘Creating an environment where outside the box ideas are heard and taken seriously unlocks innovation. When minorities form a critical mass and leaders value differences, creative, innovative and value-driving insights are unleashed.’ PFE International intends to go this route. The company employs more than 520 people and, with continued growth, intends to create more jobs.

Mehran Zarrebini T +27 31 913 3800 W www.vandyckcarpets.com issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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building systems kitchens

Major gold mine kitchen is revamped When Western Goldfields Mine in the south of Johannesburg decided to revamp its numerous kitchens, a Durban-based supplier obliged with high-performance floor and walling products.

Pictures by: Sika In 2014, contractor, Epoxy Coaters, began the first phase of the project, and Chad Tosen, from Sika, recommended two high-performance products from the PurCem range for the floors and walls.

Sikafloor-161 was applied as a primer on the deteriorated floors. This economical, two-part, solventfree, low-viscosity epoxy resin provides excellent penetration and bond strength. Easy to apply, with short waiting times, it is suitable for use on normal to strong absorbent substrates. This primer was followed with a 6mm application of Sikafloor-20N PurCem, a three-part, resin-rich, water-dispersed, smooth trowel grade polyurethane (PU)-modified cement and aggregate screed, which is suitable for floors subjected to heavy loading, abrasion and chemical exposure. Its textured aggregate surface provides medium to heavy profile slip resistance.

The fluid consistency of Sikafloor-20N PurCem requires less labour to install than conventional

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heavy-duty, modified PU trowel-grade screeds.

Importantly, for this project that was taking place in a working environment, this product is so fast-curing that foot traffic is possible after only twelve hours and full service after two days.

The walls of the kitchen were coated with a 5mm application of Sikafloor-29N PurCem, a highstrength, water-dispersed, PU-modified cement and aggregate mortar designed specifically for trowel applications to vertical surfaces. It has a finely textured smooth aggregate appearance, which offers excellent resistance to abrasion, chemical attack and mechanical damage.

Concerning contact with foodstuffs, both of these PurCem products conform to numerous international requirements, and are resistant to an array of organic and inorganic acids, alkalis, amines, salts and solvents. Both possess a similar coefficient of thermal expansion to concrete and will retain their

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kitchens building systems

physical characteristics through a wide temperature range. Their bond strength is in excess of the tensile strength of concrete. This means that the concrete will fail first.

Sikafloor-20N PurCem and Sikafloor-29N PurCem are non-taint, odourless and VOC-free, and provide a high mechanical resistance. When subjected to impact they behave plastically so will deform but will not crack or deform permanently. These jointless coatings are easily maintained, and it’s all of these factors make them the ideal products for a kitchen environment.

Sika is once again supplying its top-quality products for the second phase of this project, which was scheduled to commence in late November. It was expected that this would be followed by several more kitchen revamps in the ensuing few months.

Sika Paul Adams T +27 31 792 6500 W www.sika.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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building systems acoustic insulation

Acoustic – the Cinderella Sister Concepts and innovations in acoustic insulation for the office.

Pictures by: Ergoform Words by: Gareth Griffiths, Tech Writer With the huge emphasis on energy efficiency and cost control it is understandable that acoustic insulation has assumed Cinderella status. However, in truth, acoustic insulation forms a vital component of any architect’s or engineer’s designs.

Acoustic insulation is used to reduce noise inside a room, such as a hall (absorption), or to keep the noise from entering that room.

In the first instance, a sound wave traveling in the air outside the room may strike the outer wall of the room and set it vibrating, passing on and generating a sound wave inside the room. Secondly, machinery or equipment operating inside a building can also cause wall vibrations, passing the sound waves on.

As such, machinery must be insulated by placing it on shock-absorbing materials (eg rubber pads). Exactly the same principle applies for noisy wooden (upstairs) floors. However, walls can also absorb and pass on noise, which passes through the air. This is why it is necessary, in some cases, for walls to be insulated – so that the sound waves are absorbed before being passed through the wall.

So, there are two main problems that acoustic engineers or designers must address: • The insulation of living space (rooms) from internal and external noise (absorption and insulation), and

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• The elimination of sound reflections and resonance within the room itself (especially in large rooms).

One class of product that assists in absorbing sound, and can be retro-fitted to a room, are sound proofing panels. To Build recently came across such a product that also benefits the environment by utilising plastic waste streams.

Purpose-built panels are made from recycled PET bottles that are recycled to manufacture a felt product upcycled into acoustic panels. Tested in Zurich, they qualify for certification in terms of the Oeko- Tex 100 standard. This means that they pass the test for harmful substance contained in both the manufacturing process and the actual product. They are also tested for fire retardancy, and are currently been launched on the South African market with full performance tests results under local conditions.

They are available in various colours and designs, and in 600mm x 600m panel sizes Ergoform. Current pricing is reasonable at around R800 per panel.

Ergoform T +27 21 461 2251 W www.ergoform.co.za

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building systems roofing

Leading steel roof at LEED approved Hotel Verde Popular roofing material, Clean COLORBOND™ steel with Thermatech™ solar reflectance technology coating was used in the construction of ‘Africa’s Greenest Hotel’, which is also one of the most sustainable designs in the world.

Hotel Verde, near Cape Town International Airport, achieved Platinum certification across all categories of LEED Platinum Design and Construction Certification in May 2014. Hotel Verde is the first hotel in Africa to achieve a Platinum certification across all categories, and among only about six hotels worldwide to achieve it for the same category. It is also a first for a South African building to receive Platinum certification for design and construction.

According to professional engineer, André Harms of Ecolution Consulting, the lead sustainability

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consultant on the project since design, the hotel boasts a high SRI roof that contributes in no small way to its very low heating and cooling energy usage.

Harms, a trained electro-mechanical engineer, provided the expertise behind many of the tech aspects of the building. Having spent 15 months at the South African Research Centre in Antarctica, Harms knows what it is to value everyday resources and is applying this dedication to each facet of the project. ‘We had the opportunity to change the status quo in Antarctica,’ he says. ‘We looked at different

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Tests show that after two years’ exposure, the Clean COLORBONDTM steel roof’s temperature is almost 10° cooler than the conventional steel roof and it radiates more than 40W/m² less heat down into the building, thanks to its dirt resistance property.

ways of doing everything, right from the word go.’

He collaborated closely with the project architects, Heinrich Gerstner Harding Architects.

The crowning glory of the Hotel Verde, its roof, consists of 1 510m2 of exposed sheet metal roofing plus a further 255m2 that’s covered by PV panels.

The roofing material is Clean COLORBOND™ Ultra steel with Thermatech™ solar reflectance technology coating to specification AZ200 (TCT 0.53mm) and colour, Enduring White. The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of this highly efficient product is 85. This is one of the coolest operating roofing materials available and is complimented by an outstanding dirt resistance property and long life that ensures the roof stays cooler for longer. The roof was installed in profile Brownbuilt Klip-Lok 406 by roofing contractor, Scheltema.

SRI is widely used by green building rating tools to mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. It provides a single value that incorporates both solar reflectance and thermal emittance to represent a material’s temperature in the sun. SRI also quantifies how hot a surface would get relative to standard black and standard white surfaces. In hot tropical climates, low thermal mass materials such as steel with light coloured roofs and walls can be used to reduce energy demand for internal cooling.

According to Wayne Miller, General Manager for BlueScope Steel in southern Africa, the solar reflectance technology found in Clean COLORBOND™ steel lowers the surface temperature by absorbing less heat from the sun. ‘Thermatech™ optimises the thermal performance of every colour

in the standard Clean COLORBOND™ steel and Clean COLORBOND™ Ultra steel palettes, without changing their appearance. This provides greater thermal comfort all year round while using less energy for air-conditioning and hence mitigating the UHI effect,’ he points out. ‘Additionally, our product’s outstanding dirt-resistance property ensures the roof looks newer for longer. This also assists in cooling.’

In a comparison between a Clean COLORBONDTM and a conventional steel roof, both uninsulated, the positive effect of dirt-resistance technology is illustrated. Tests show that after two years’ exposure to the elements, assuming an irradiance of 1000W/m², exterior temperature of 36°C and a high thermal emittance value of 0.86 – typical of the BlueScope product and certain pre-painted steels– the Clean COLORBONDTM steel roof’s temperature is almost 10°C cooler than the conventional steel roof and it radiates more than 40W/m² less heat down into the building. This means a considerable easing of the HVAC load for any building, regardless of size.

BlueScope Steel Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Wayne Miller T +27 21 442 5420 E wayne.miller@bluescopesteel.com W www.bluescope.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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security & safety building systems

Policies, education and training – essential to curbing substance abuse at work All organisations are required by law to comply with the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), which specifies a zero tolerance approach to intoxication in the workplace.

Opinion by: Rhys Evans, Director of ALCO-Safe

Intoxication covers both alcohol and narcotic substances. Not only do intoxicated employees pose a danger to themselves and their co-workers, substance abuse can also result in decreased productivity, health problems, increased absenteeism and a host of other ‘soft’ issues.

As such, breath alcohol detectors and drug testing solutions are often included in the essential equipment of many organisations, particularly those in hazardous environments such as mining, construction and manufacturing. However, equipment alone is simply not sufficient, no matter how sophisticated. An effective substance abuse programme should always include the development of clear and fair policies, ongoing education, and comprehensive product training.

South African courts have ruled that the prevention of substance abuse in the workplace is a management responsibility, which means the onus is on the employer to ensure that employees who are intoxicated do not commence work. The right equipment is necessary to detect substance abuse and enforce zero tolerance. However, the process does not begin here.

Before any testing can take place, organisations need to develop a substance abuse policy that clearly outlines all of the procedures involved. This policy defines the parameters for adherence by the company and employees to create a safe and secure environment for everyone. The policy should describe the reasons for conducting testing, including OHSA compliance, safety reasons, health concerns, risk, and so on. The policy also needs to fully outline the testing procedure, including where the test will be done, who will conduct the test, and the nature of the screening – whether this is random testing or compulsory testing for every employee on entry.

The policy also needs to include a full explanation of disciplinary procedures should employees test positive.

In addition to developing a comprehensive substance abuse policy, awareness is also critical.

Employees need to be made aware of the policy, of the possibility that they may be tested and the consequences should they be found to be intoxicated.

Their agreement to adhere to it has to be one of their conditions of employment. When developing policies, it may be advisable to consult with a subject matter expert, as well as have the relevant unions on board. This prevents all sorts of issues down the

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line, including allegations of unfair practice as well as lengthy and costly CCMA cases.

In addition to developing policies for testing, education should form an essential building block of any organisation’s efforts to curb substance abuse. One of the most common challenges organisations face is that their employees simply are not aware of the harmful consequences of alcohol and drug abuse, both to their health and in their personal lives, not to mention at the workplace. In addition, if education does not form part of the process, a negative mind-set about the process will be prevalent among employees. They should understand why the testing is being done and how it will be conducted.

This includes: • Explaining that a breathalyser test in the morning does not mean the employee cannot enjoy a drink the night before.

• Emphasising that testing improves everyone’s safety. It is not just a way for the company to fire people.

• Helping people to understand the financial consequences of alcohol abuse, as well as the propensity of alcohol to drive physical abuse and aggression, can assist understanding the benefits of abstaining or reducing consumption.

• Education as to the consequences of substance abuse so that employees can make informed decisions regarding to their alcohol consumption.

Education can take many forms, from educational talks to distributing pamphlets and booklets. However, employers should be aware that education is an on-going process. It is not sufficient to have a single session during the induction of new employees.

In addition, it may be advisable to get a SHEQ representative or other expert to show employees how the testing equipment works, to demystify the process, and let people ask questions to ease their minds about the benefits of substance abuse testing.

Over and above policies and education, training the relevant staff members on how to properly use testing instruments is essential. All staff members who are required to conduct tests need to be competent and ensure a fair process is followed. They also need to understand why it is important to conduct two tests with at least half an hour in between each test, in the case of a positive first reading, and how substances like breath freshener, mouth wash, and cough mixture, can affect results. An expert service provider will be able to assist in this regard.

Substance abuse is a known problem in many industries, especially those that involve working with dangerous equipment. Ensuring a comprehensive process is in place from the start, which includes policy formation, on-going education and complete training, is essential in effectively ensuring safety, reducing risk, and enabling compliance with the OHSA.

Rhys Evans T +27 12-3438114 E rhys@alcosafe.co.za

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Rapid, easy-to-use breathalysers, critical for construction sites H&S does not happen by chance, it must be planned. Plan your work – work your plan! (Ref: Prof J Smallwood, To Build). Planning to use the right equipment is fundamental to any health and safety issue especially in the construction or industrial environment. This includes the correct selection of alcohol screening equipment on site.

Picture by: PSA Compulsory testing for alcohol on construction sites is critical to minimising accidents caused by contractors under the influence. Unfortunately it is often over looked and short cuts are taken because some breathalysers take too long to test each employee, causing unnecessary time delays. Complicated instruments can also hinder the testing process and discourage staff from using them.

The Lifeloc FC5 Hornet allows for rapid testing and incorporates a highly-sensitive flow sensor that requires minimal breath flow to obtain a sample.

The FC5 Hornet is ideal for safety sensitive environments, such as oil and gas refineries, construction sites, the maritime industry, mining, or any organisation with a zero tolerance policy, as it provides a true positive or negative alcohol test result.

It is alcohol specific and uses the same oneinch diameter platinum fuel cell found in Lifeloc professional grade breathalysers. The fuel cell is 50% larger than those used in other alcohol testers,

so users have the advantage of a larger surface test area, faster response time, quicker reset times, and longer service life.

Features that make this breathalyser easy to use include an LCD display with easy to interpret icons, automatic back lighting for day/night display, and three test modes (POS/NEG, Levels, and Container Testing).

These test modes can be used to test uncooperative subjects, as well as testing drinks and spills for alcohol content.

PSA Mike Crossland – Substance Abuse Product Manager T +27 71 870 4647 E mike@psanatal.co.za W www.psaafrica.co.za

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walls & cladding building systems

Gearing for growth Tile Africa Contracts, the commercial division of Tile Africa, is set to grow substantially over the next five years as it expands its supply and fit offering to meet customer demand.

Tile Africa Contracts’ supply and fit offering permits the company to source and supply products, and to install them. ‘The development of our supply and fit offering allows us to provide a total solutions offering to our customers, giving us a competitive edge,’ explains Craig Irvine, Commercial Operations Executive for the Tile Africa commercial division.

The company has close to 30 consultants and specifiers servicing customers nationally. It is also procuring additional sub-contractors, and providing them with the necessary training to lay the foundation for growth. ‘We’re also continuing with cost

optimisation practices where we review our entire range and buy better,’ Irvine points out.

Tile Africa Contracts has direct access to locallymanufactured products through its sister companies TAL and Johnson Tiles. ‘The exchange rate is still an obstacle when it comes to importing products from overseas suppliers, but procuring locally helps us to remain competitive,’ he says.

National corporate customers, such as Pick n Pay, Spar, Mr Price and Famous Brands, continue their relationship with the company, while new customers include Pizza Hut and Domino’s Pizza.

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building systems walls & cladding Tile Africa contracts recently supplied and, in some cases, fitted 10 100m² of tiles to the Maskam Mall shopping centre in Vredendal, the 7 500m² Mr Price flagship store in Boksburg, and is involved in the refurbishment of the dormitories at the North West University’s Potchefstroom campus.

It works closely with the in-house designers of its corporate customers. ‘We marry the product with the concept, keeping in mind the technical aspects of the specification to make sure that what we supply is aesthetically pleasing and that the product is suited for the project in terms of traffic and durability,’ Irvine remarks.

The food and beverage sector remains the company’s biggest customer, followed by retail. It also services thirteen different auto brands, six financial services customers, and provincial and private hospitals. The extensive refurbishment to the de Aar hospital was one of its major projects this year.

Highly technical products used in manufacturing and processing facilities also form part of its product portfolio and expertise. Recent projects include the Parmalat plant for which the company supplied an 18mm thick tile, and the Coca-Cola and MercedesBenz plants.

‘Earlier this year, our sister company, Johnson Tiles, launched its locally-manufactured inkjet range, which allows us to specify locally-produced products in the latest designs,’ Irvine enthuses.

Wood-look inkjet tiles are prevalent in the commercial and residential markets, as well as in inside/outside applications that offer polished, matt and slip-resistant finishes that create a homogenous look. Future product offerings include vinyl and epoxy resin flooring.

Glass mosaics remain popular as a design feature because of the clean finish and colour burst they offer. Retro products, such as the Johnson Tiles Nostalgia inkjet range, that imitate encaustic designs are doing extremely well and are in high demand.

‘Inkjet technology enables customised designs for customer’s requirements and we’re already offering this service to some of our corporate customers.’

Sixty percent of the company’s commercial work is in Gauteng, followed by the Western Cape, and Tile Africa Contracts is looking to expand its commercial offering to Zambia and Ghana in the near future.

‘Our expertise, national footprint, strategic distribution centres and stock holding in well-placed areas add value to our customers. The expansion of

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our supply and fit offering strengthens our position as a leading supplier of tile and flooring solutions to the commercial market,’ Irvine concludes.

Tile Africa Contracts Craig Irvine T +27 11 979 0327

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building systems windows & doors

Windows that do not rot A popular brand of uPVC has replaced wooden windows for a Cape Town home.

Pictures by: Rehau REHAU, the Authorised Partner New Look Window Systems, recently replaced wooden windows on the top floor of House Faber in Cape Town using Tritec 60mm uPVC windows and doors. The uPVC windows had to match the style of the existing wooden windows on the ground floor.

New Look Window Systems successfully fulfilled its mandate and fabricated double-glazed uPVC

Specifications

REHAU Tritec 60mm uPVC window system House Faber Cape Town Location: Cape Town System: REHAU Tritec 60mm uPVC system Special Features: Double-glazed uPVC windows with Heritage Bars and traditional-style hardware to match the style of existing timber windows.

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windows with Heritage Bars and traditional-style hardware. All windows and doors were manufactured with laminated glass to increase the security and to aid in reducing outside noise. The installation consisted of side- and top-hung casement windows and residential doors. The bedroom window has an arched top light as a special feature.

The owner requested uPVC windows as the existing wooden windows needed replacing. Thanks to New Look Window Systems’ successful installation, and that uPVC windows do not rot, the owner has decided to replace the wooden windows on the ground floor with uPVC windows in 2015.

REHAU Polymer (Pty) Ltd T +27 11 201 1300 C +27 82 809 7206 E theda.botes@rehau.com

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building systems windows & doors

Engineering Innovation in home sliding doors Heavy automated aluminium sliding doors open and close effortlessly.

Fenster has recently installed the first of its kind – a 7.2m by 6.1m electronically controlled, four panel aluminium sliding door for a home in Waterfall Estate, Johannesburg.

Panos Tsouroullas, Fenster’s Sales & Marketing Manager comments: ‘The client brief was one of a kind. We had to hand craft and engineer a 7.2m by 6.1m, four panel aluminium sliding door – with the request for the maximum height horizontal aluminium mullion, based on the biggest glass size available in South Africa (4.5m height). On top of that, it had to be electronic – remotely powered, and linked to the home automation system.’

Each aluminium panel was manufactured to support 1 000kgs of double-glazed glass, yet it still had to slide with ease in both directions. The sliders were manufactured with the best components available, hand crafted from Europe, with only the best quality in mind.

The entire frame is steel reinforced and bonded with a specially formulated epoxy adhesive for extra support, and the electronic mechanisms were engineered to operate via remote control. Thus, the property owner only needs to press a button for ease of opening these heavy aluminium sliding doors to enjoy the view and breeze from the comfort of a chair.

The property owner will also enjoy the following additional benefits: • Zero air leakage – these doors are specifically designed to completely seal when they are closed.

• Energy efficiency – to maximise comfortable living and protect the homeowner and his family from the outside elements.

• Ease of use – the door panels are electronically operated with a battery backup if required.

• Maximum opening – this 7.2m sliding door is designed to create the maximum opening available in the market.

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The homeowner at Waterfall Estate is pleased with the results. ‘We struggled to find a company that could engineer and install a sliding door of this magnitude. Luckily we found Fenster who was able to deliver.’

For more information on Fenster’s innovative engineering in window and door manufacturing, visit the suppliers social media channels or call the national call centre.

Fenster T 010 020 3232 W www.fenster.co.za P www.pinterest.com/fenstersa

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Image Glass

Since 1999 Image Glass & Aluminium cc has been bringing innovative ideas to the homeowner, as one of the most experienced and qualified companies in the field of windows, doors and all other related glass and aluminium products.

We are continually expanding our horizons and coming up with new and unusual ideas and therefore offer some very unique products, for example, the new flush glazed folding doors, which has passed the A1 AAAMSA test.

Our quality and service motto “World Class� makes us stand out above the rest and we take pride in giving you the best quality, at the best price and always on time. Our brand new flush glazed garage doors as well as top hung flush glazed folding stacking door systems are unique and a first in design in South Africa.

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GARRETH: 082 451 5488 GWYNNETH: 082 560 4888 TEL: 011 914 1363 www.imageglass.co.za

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

MATERIALS Cement & Concrete.....................120 Adhesives.........................................123 Brick & Paving...............................126 Coatings.........................................129 Polymers.........................................131 Timber & Decking...........................134

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materials cement & concrete

Hollow core concrete slabs at retirement complexes CDP property group uses hollow core precast concrete slabs to build high-density retirement and rental accommodation at its retirement villages in Gauteng.

Pictures by: CDP Property Group The Echo Group has supplied precast concrete hollow-core slabs for the construction of upperlevel flooring in multi-storey apartment blocks at two Gauteng retirement villages, Featherbrooke Hills Retirement Village and Olivedale Retirement Village. The villages are the development project of the Central Developments Property Group and were built by its in-house building contractor, Central Development Projects (CDP).

The developers have completed six retirement villages during the past five years and another four are currently under construction, including Olivedale, which although largely completed by the end of 2014, is due for final completion in the first quarter of 2015.

CDP Operational Manager, Wouter Brouwer, confirms that hollow-core slabs have been used in all CDP retirement village projects. ‘We’ve been working with Echo Group’s Projects Director, Danie Esterhuizen, for the last 10 years and use hollow-core slab technology whenever we can as it shortens the overall construction time on our projects by up to 12%, and saves approximately 20% in costs. Other than for retirement villages, we also use slabs on our other multi-storey developments, such as high-rise rental blocks in security complexes,’ he points out.

‘All our retirement villages comprise a combination of low-density free-standing housing and high-density multi-storey apartment blocks,’ Brouwer adds.

Both Featherbrooke Hills and Olivedale comprise six high-density blocks, one of which is a combined apartment block and service centre. Olivedale houses frail-care units, dining and lounge areas, shops, doctors’ consulting rooms and a multi-purpose hall.

Featherbrooke Hills has 222 one- and two-bedroom apartments, while Olivedale has 225.

The floor areas on both projects vary between 40 to 45m² for the one-bedroom units, and 61 to 70m² for

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An apartment block at Featherbrooke Hills Retirement Village.

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materials cement & concrete

Above: A close up of a reinforced slab installation at Olivedale Retirement Village.

Right: An apartment block at Olivedale Retirement Village, showing the slabs used to create balconies.

the two-bedroom units. This size makes them ideal for slab utilisation, and Echo supplied reinforced hollowcore precast in different sizes.

Brouwer confirms that reinforced precast slabs are the preferred option as they are more economical than the pre-stressed alternative for this type of shortspan application.

‘Another plus for reinforced precast slabs is that they are available ex-stock, making it easy to incorporate last-minute design changes,’ he says.

‘To facilitate the use of reinforced slabs at Olivedale, the engineer, Wim van Straaten of Pro North Consultants, designed the internal walls of the ground floor apartments with foundations. This meant they were load-bearing and could support the weight of the upper slabs and internal walls.’

CDP’s Contracts Manager, Johan Badenhorst, adds that what he particularly likes about Echo’s slabs are their superb finishes. ‘We were able to paint them without any skimming. Moreover, Echo also cut out small sections on some of the slabs to accommodate our service ducting in the passage areas. We also appreciate that the top sides of the slabs are cast with

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rough finishes, making for good bonding surfaces for our screeds.’

Danie Esterhuizen, who manages CDP’s portfolio, comments that Echo prefers to get involved with hollow-core slab projects at the design and preplanning stages as it enables the company to offer a total slab-design installation solution.

Echo’s Group MD, Melinda Esterhuizen, advises that the success of any slab project essentially rests on pre-planning. Echo’s involvement in the early stages often yields savings for the developers.

Moreover, engineers appreciate our suggestions on matters such as the introduction of columns and beams and where to construct them.’

Echo Prestress Melinda Esterhuizen T +27 11 589 8800

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adhesives materials

Adhesive news Advanced eco-friendly single component adhesive used in fashion seat manufacture.

Adhesive is used in fashion chairs, foam fabrication, and a range of applications that include bonding foams, fabrics, and virtually any porous substrates.

Furniture manufacturer, Ergoform has recently begun using an adhesive called Simalfa in its Bonbon range of chairs. The product is imported from Switzerland and sourced via a Johannesburg-based agent. Its other uses include the manufacture of mattresses, as it is completely non-toxic and safe to sleep on every night.

According to the manufacturer, the product is tested at twice the strength of traditional solvent-

based adhesives. Simalfa is a one-part water-based adhesive that is solvent free. It does not require a catalyst during application, which avoids the typical problems to the skin of workers caused by the catalyst. A one-component adhesive is simply designed to be applied ‘as is’, requiring no additives to create the desired effect. Best of all, the adhesive only needs to be coated on one side for it to work.

W www.simalfa.com

Tile adhesives: TAL’s new packaging Local manufacturer of tile adhesives and ancillary products, TAL, is introducing new labels to simplify the selection process for end users and tiling contractors.

Products in the 20kg pack size featuring the new labels are those in the rapid-set adhesive range, such as TAL Goldstar 6; quick-set adhesives, such as TAL Porcelainfix; and standard-set adhesives, such as TAL Professional. TAL Wall & Floor Grout and TAL Super White Wall Grout in 20kg pack sizes also feature new labels.

‘Our aim is to make tiling easy and our new product labels enable customers to choose the right products they require to get the job done quickly and efficiently,’ explains Gela Ohl, TAL’s Marketing Manager.

TAL Technical Advisory Service T 0860 000 (TAL) 825 W www.tal.co.za

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Photo by: TAL

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materials bricks & paving

The roadside entrance to Heideveld Primary School.

Bricks for extraordinary school rehab Heideveld Primary School, a temporary school built 40 years ago to accommodate learners affected by forced removals, has had more than a superficial facelift, thanks to some special clay bricks.

Pictures by: Keith Quixley Photography A panel of broad vivid yellow, orange, green and white stripes at the front entrance is the only clue that Heideveld Primary School in the Western Cape, is an atypical government institution of learning.

Clean, simple lines enhanced by the warm, earthy tones of Corobrik’s Bergendal Satin Light face brick, and punctuated by vibrant blocks of colour, ensure that this school – designed by Meyer & Associates Architects. Urban Designers – will inspire and motivate generations of young South Africans.

Ultimately this former temporary school received more than a superficial facelift. A new school was designed and built. Meyer & Associates Architects was briefed to design a new school as part of the Department of Basic Education’s Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) Programme to replace the existing dilapidated school buildings. The Education Department of the Western Cape Provincial Government was the implementing agent.

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The complete renovation of the school has taken almost two years: project briefing and design started in July 2012, construction began in on 11 March, 2013, with Phase One of the project completed on 27 August, 2014, and Phase Two nearing completion in November 2014.

Commenting on the complexities and logistics of the site development plan, Meyer & Associates’ director, Tiaan Meyer, explains: ‘Integral to the project was the demolition of the old, existing structures to prepare the site for the new school buildings. However, teaching couldn’t stop while this was happening, and pupils and teachers had be accommodated in new temporary buildings.

Only once this had happened could the contractor, Basil Read, begin the new building operations. After construction, the learners moved into their new school buildings, at which stage the demolition of the last half of the old buildings to make way for a new sports field went ahead.’

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bricks & paving materials The school buildings now include 23 classrooms, four Grade R classrooms, four specialist classrooms, a computer lab, a media centre, and an art and music room. In addition, a new school hall accommodates a feeding kitchen and is lined by the administration building with a staff room and offices on the perimeter of the space.

Taking into account the harsh natural environment of the Cape Flats, Christie van Niekerk, Corobrik’s Manager in the Western Cape, comments: ‘Corobrik Bergendal Satin Light face brick was a good product choice and ideally suits to the modern, uncluttered design of Heideveld Primary School. Its attractive warm colour, low maintenance and durability ensure that the school endures and remains an exciting place of learning for generations of students in years to come.’

Corobrik supplied 438 000 ROKlite plaster bricks, 208 000 Bergendal Satin Light FBS face bricks, 16 500 73mm Wheatstone Pavers PBand, and 26 000 50mm Wheatstone Dark Pavers PB. Simplicity was key to the design, and minimalist perimeter blocks are broken and contrasted by creative elements that have specific functions and significance, including a timber entrance canopy and screen walls with circular opening detail all coded in bright colours that confront the rigidity of the classroom blocks.

Circular benches colour coded in bright yellows, greens and oranges help to make these courtyards in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases interesting and cheerful.

The buildings are traditionally arranged around quads or enclosed covered courtyards that offer protection from the harsh climatic conditions of the Cape Flats and prevailing south easterly winds and driving rain. And, although the inclusion of quads and courtyards are a traditional element of many South African schools, there’s nothing institutional about these spaces at Heideveld Primary. These are animated with brightly-coloured staircases, circular benches and striking signage. Corobrik’s 73mm Wheatstone Pavers and 50mm Wheatstone Dark Pavers compliment the Bergendal Satin Light face brick finish of the buildings and were used in all internal courtyards and external paved areas.

Sustainable rehab Passive climate control and sustainable principles also played a large part in the design of the facility, with the largest portions of the classrooms enjoying north/south orientations. The upper floors of the classroom blocks have been shifted over the lower floor to provide generous overhangs over the north facing windows, cutting out direct sunlight. The eastern and western facades are articulated with perforated vertical sunscreens in bright colours and deep recesses in response to climatic considerations.

Water towers feed banks of school toilets from bore holes on the property, while the material pallet of face brick and off-shutter concrete respond to the need for a high-quality low-maintenance sustainable facility.

Van Niekerk confirmed that the use of Corobrik face and clay brick products is aesthetic, environmentand budget-driven. ‘The durability, resistance to fire and natural sound-proofing qualities, as well as the earthy palette and textures of clay face brick walls significantly reduces maintenance cost,’ he notes.

To a community historically stripped of its sense of value, the creative design of the new school attempts to give back a sense of dignity and pride. Van Niekerk summed up the project by stating: ‘We are extremely honoured to be part of a collaborative effort that resulted in an environmentally-sustainable school with a unique design aesthetic that will stimulate and encourage students far into the future.’

Corobrik Christie Van Niekerk T +27 21 888 2300 issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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marcoatings

TM

International

130 Strand Street Marcoatings is a supplier and licensed applicator of some of the finest wall and floor coatings in the world. The company offers free quotations and technical support. Its contracting division travels the globe, ensuring its quality finishes meet the expectations of clients and architects worldwide.

Preferred applicator and supplier of: 1) MARMORAN: Marcoatings has a Marmoran International Applicator and Trade Licence Agreement.

This allows architects, interior designers and contractors the opportunity to have a specialist Marmoran coating applied anywhere in the world. Marcoatings specialises in Marmoran permanent interior and exterior wall coatings, offering 10-to-15- year guarantees.

2) QUARTZ CARPET: Marcoatings offers a supply-and-fix installation for the therapeutic glacial stone carpet.

3) Deksters High Build Epoxy Floor Coating Systems.

Attention all architects: We do international contracts and have an international licence as Marmoran applicators We are in Africa!

We do big contract – for all your residential, industrial and commercial buildings Our Products have a 10-to-15-year guarantee.

Telephone +27 (0) 21 686 4225

Cell +27 (0) 79 917 7799

Email info@marcoatings.co.za

Address 19 Lancaster Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa

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coatings materials

Innovations in consumer marketing A recent Point of Purchase Advertising International ceremony honoured remarkable point of purchase displays that have lifted sales, made products memorable and appealing, and enticed consumers to purchase. A proud recipient of these awards is a well-known supplier to the building industry.

One of South Africa’s leading coatings manufacturers recently received three prestigious awards for its forward-thinking point of sale executions at the annual Point of Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) awards ceremony in South Africa. POPAI is a global network of more than 1 700 members that recognises innovation and strategic marketing in the retail industry.

Leading supplier, Plascon, claims to have over a century’s worth of manufacturing firsts. Its innovations showed its brand’s commitment to provide consumers with the very best technologies and top quality products. The company has always been known for its memorable above-the-line advertising campaigns, such as the well-known 40-year-old Double Velvet brand, which has become one of the longest advertised brands on South African television.

However, this award was about a below-the-line strategy.

The POPAI ceremony honoured remarkable point of purchase displays that have lifted sales, made products memorable and appealing, and enticed consumers to purchase. Plascon was nominated as a finalist in three separate categories and successful in each, winning the gold, silver and bronze awards.

The company received a much-coveted gold award for its Custom Colour Creation in Mass Retail, part of the Short Run Category (under 50 units). This was tailor-made specifically for Builders Warehouse in Rivonia, a high-end mass retail environment introducing revolutionary displays and areas within a mass space where shoppers can experience and be inspired by brands.

Builders Warehouse is typically an environment that has seen a male dominated shopper focus, it is price point driven, and has lacked individual brand experiences. Plascon used this new opportunity

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materials coatings to engage with prospective female shoppers and decision makers, identified as the starting point of the shopper journey when purchasing paint.

To provide inspiration for female consumers, Plascon created a paint display similar to cosmetics displays. With elements such as LED backlighting, high-gloss Black Perspex, and paint-filled colour forecast jars, the display was not only clean and eyecatching but also user friendly. The Plascon ‘colour experience zone’ was manned by trained consultants to ensure the customer service offering matched the aesthetics and colour offering. The zone has been a success, not only in the sales out of the store, but aesthetically in terms of the concept, receiving international and local attention.

This was a once-off execution, working closely with Builders Warehouse, to ensure a strategically positioned experience that benefited both brands.

Plascon earned a Silver POPAI award for its Manchester United ‘Bring Home the Best’ Promotion, part of the Temporary Non Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Category. The focus of the promotion was not on look and feel so much as user engagement. Since early 2013, Kansai (Plascon’s parent company) and Manchester United Football Club have been associated through Kansai’s, sponsorship of Manchester United. This partnership has proved thoroughly successful. The Bring Home the Best campaign was run in store, on TV, and across various social media channels, and provided an incentive for consumers to buy Plascon products to stand a chance to win a trip to watch a Manchester United match at Old Trafford in England.

Over the period of the campaign, from November 2013 to February 2014, customer interaction grew and sales for the participating retailers were

boosted by 3.1%. Although Kansai Plascon and Manchester United are from two different industries, the partnership between them has proved a valuable marketing strategy.

The final award Plascon received was a bronze award for its Inspired Colour 2 Stand, in the Permanent Non FMCG category. In 2006, when Plascon first launched the Inspired Colour Stand, it was the most comprehensive coatings colour system in South Africa. The market has changed since then, and Plascon saw the need to update its colour stand offering. It accomplished this through consumer research and customer feedback. The main finding was that people wanted to locate their paint colour choice quickly and easily. Focus was on the most popular colours, which were highlighted to make selection simpler and faster. This new Inspired Colour 2 Stand rolled out in July 2014 and continues to replace the older versions in retail outlets.

‘Plascon’s three POPAI awards demonstrate our marketing prowess in the coatings industry,’ comments Plascon’s Channel Marketing Executive, Michael van Harmelen.

‘Naturally we are thrilled to have been recognised in three categories, including our gold award. These accolades prove what our customers have known all along, that Plascon is a trustworthy brand. However, we’re not content to rest on our laurels. Plascon’s marketing team is already looking ahead to future trends and to further innovation in 2015.’

Plascon Tyron Immelman T +2711 951 4500 W www.plascon.co.za W www.plascondiy.co.za

Driving Innovation Plascon, established in 1889, is a company with a heritage of more than 120-years in the South African market. As leading coatings manufacturer, Plascon products have taken iconic status with brands such as Double Velvet, Cashmere, Micatex, Wall & All and Velvaglo loved by millions throughout South Africa. In 2012, Plascon became Kansai Plascon, a company within the Kansai Paint stable. Kansai is the world’s third largest paint company and Japan’s foremost coatings and equipment manufacturer. With the backing of Kansai Paint and Plascon’s 120-year product quality guarantee, Plascon will surely continue to drive innovation and excellence in the retail, trade and industrial coatings market in South Africa.

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polymers materials

Polyolefin recycling projects receive boost R7-million in loans to be invested to fund polyolefin recycling projects around SA, and Polyco announces names of successful applicants for second round of proposals in 2014.

The Polyolefin Recycling Company (POLYCO), recently released the names of the six successful applicants who are receiving investment loans of R7-million, in total, over the next six months.

According to Mandy Naudé, POLYCO’s CEO, these funds will increase the recycling capacity of plastics bearing the polymer identification codes 2,4 and 5, by almost 8 000 tonnes/annum or 24 000 tonnes in the three year cycle. A major positive for POLYCO is that this capacity growth is directly linked to increased recycled tonnes as the loans are guaranteed against the applicants’ projected volume growth.

‘From the 19 applications received in the second round of funding for the 2014 cycle, we selected the six most suitable based on their business plans, financial stability and ability to guarantee

waste source to deliver their projected growth,’ she explained.

Most applications were for funding to address bottlenecking or production constraints in recycling plants. ‘Several applicants also wanted to upgrade wash plant facilities to improve the cleanliness and quality of products. Investments in new extrusion, granulation and shredding equipment also featured prominently on the applicants’ business plans,’ she adds.

Successful applicants Myplas This Western Cape-based recycler is addressing the production constraints in his plant in Stikland, Belville. With POLYCO’s assistance, we will easily

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materials polymers unlock additional capacity over the next six months.

Myplas will upgrade the wash plant and extruders to meet a growing demand for its recyclate, which currently far outstrips their ability to supply. ‘Myplas is excited about the funding from POLYCO. Unlocking bottlenecks and increasing efficiencies in our washing and extrusion departments will increase capacity without adding much to overheads,’ explains Johann Conradie from Myplas.

Italian Plastic Technologies Based in Gauteng, this recycler of difficult-to-recycle waste has been in operation for 17 years. To meet the growth in customer demand it needs to improved shredding and washing facilities, which POLYCO’s funding will go a long way to assisting them achieve.

Cris Vassarotti, from Italian Plastics Technologies, explains: ‘Receiving POLYCO’s funding is fantastic and they are to be greatly applauded for their financial assistance in a bid to reducing waste-to-landfill and keeping South Africa clean. Italy has always had funding for recyclers as it is a tough and expensive business. I am very happy that POLYCO has seen the need in South Africa. We’re purchasing two machines that will reduce energy used in the recycling process by at least 50kw/hour. A big saving!’

Mountain View Plastics Also based in Gauteng, this recycler bought an existing business that now has old, unreliable equipment that’s costly to maintain. Unable to expand and grow without a cash injection, POLYCO’s funding allows them to move to the next level by acquiring a modern, automated and efficient wash plant facility.

‘We are honoured to have been selected as one of POLYCO’s successful applicants. We are now able to increase our production output and to supply customers more consistently with a high-quality product,’ comments Riaan Brenkman, Mountain View Plastics.

Polymark Recycling This recycling facility is in the North West Province and has been operational for the past twenty years.

However, the business is currently at a stage where it needs to upgrade its washing and drying facilities to move to the new stage of development. Partnering with POLYCO allows it to significantly increase volumes and produce a higher quality product from a plant that promotes sustainability through the use of considerably less water.

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EMET This Gauteng-based recycler is using POLYCO’s grant to automate and optimise operations, and to introduce more energy-efficient equipment. It is moving its operation next door to its Tembisabased sister company, In Waste Green, to minimise logistics costs and streamline operations. ‘Partnering with POLYCO helps take our business to the next level and cater for the huge demand for processed material. It also allows for significant growth in recycling volumes,’ says Eban Moses, EMET. Moiware t/a Coastal Recycling Gutted by a fire in 2014, POLYCO’s funds will assist Collect-All Plastics to relaunch and rebuild the business. Funding will go towards an extruder and granulator to assist the company to service the East London area, as it did for 20 years prior to the fire.

Jeremy Mackintosh, POLYCO’s chairman, states: ‘The POLYCO board is pleased with the volume and quality of the opportunities that are being presented for potential funding support. We can see that by working with the recycling value chain, we can play a role in job creation, enterprise development, and in achieving the recycling rate targets as set in the Paper & Packaging Industry Waste Management Plan. We believe that, together, we can and will make a difference.’

To this Naudé adds: ‘POLYCO’s goal is to achieve a recycling rate of 35% (or 239 000 tonnes) recycled from a total market share of an estimated 680 000 tonnes by 2020. We cannot do it without the help of collectors and recyclers around the country who are already making a difference in the communities where they are operational. We extend our sincere congratulations to the successful applicants and look forward to seeing each of them grow and prosper.

We’re privileged to be part of this exciting journey for their businesses.’

POLYCO T +21 531 0647 E mandy@polyco.co.za / george@polyco.co.za W www.polyco.co.za

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materials timber & decking

Major supplier has rebranded

Following a strategic review of the South African market, an innovative rebranding strategy has been introduced to dispel any confusion as to the identity of the Lonza wood businesses.

Doug Sayce, GM of Arch Wood Protection South Africa, explains that when Lonza purchased the global Arch business in 2011, the company names of the various wood protection businesses remained unchanged, creating confusion in South African. It was decided that the global operations would be rebranded as Arch Wood Protection from January 2015, and that the South African company name remains unchanged as Arch Wood Protection (SA) (Pty) Ltd. ‘This proactive and positive move helps unify our wood protection businesses around the world and provides a distinct and consistent focus in our various markets. Our successful customer-focused business remains a key emphasis of the Lonza family and we move forward with Lonza’s continued support to develop exciting new opportunities, while remaining key innovators for our wood protection customers and markets,’ Sayce explains.

The new Arch Wood Protection brand design is a natural evolution from the original Arch identity of the last decade. This fresh and innovative image is perfectly aligned with the company’s philosophy to provide tried and tested wood protection products, application technologies, and customer support services that are designed for real world environments.

Current service and personnel contacts, as well as all banking details for the business remain unchanged.

Arch Wood Protection specialises in products for the industrial pre-treatment and surface protection of wood, and has global operations in North and South America, Europe, key markets in Africa, the

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Picture by: Robin Schultz

Lonza Wood Protection has been rebranded as Arch Wood Protection.

Garden walkway in Newlands by Contour Decks

Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Arch Wood Protection’s approach to business is characterised by innovative products, valued brands and exceptional customer service, including: • The broadest range of industrial wood treatments in the world • Products that improve the performance of wood, one of the world’s most sustainable natural resources • Treatments that make wood resistant to termites, fungi, mould, fire and moisture • Products that sustain the natural appearance of wood • Engineering and marketing services to help customers grow • Broad global regulatory expertise and worldclass toxicology and analytical chemistry skills, offering customers solutions that contribute to the sustainability of their own products and services • Many products that satisfy green building and sustainability standards

Arch Wood Protection T +27 39 315 8406 E doug.sayce@lonza.com

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advertorial safcol

Vision

A world class, global business engaged in multi-functional forestry, revolutionising the integration of forests and communities.

Mission

Driven by an unwavering commitment to facilitate sustainable economic empowerment of communities and the alleviation of poverty through: • The implementation of needs driven intervention; and • By becoming a partner of choice for land claimants.

Core values • • • • • •

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Passionate about our forests, communities, customers and people A social and environmental conscience Trust, founded on integrity and loyalty Equality, fairness and empowerment Respect for diversity Focus on innovation and excellence

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safcol advertorial

SAFCOL Group in support of “Building with Timber” Pictures: Timber Frame Structures produced by SAFCOL The South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL) is a state-owned company that falls within the portfolio of the Department of Public Enterprises.

The Group’s main focus is the management of state-owned commercial forestry plantations. Its main operating subsidiary, Komatiland Forests SOC Limited, manages 18 plantations that spread across South Africa in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo Provinces.

Komatiland Forests SOC Limited plantations cover a total area of 187 320ha, of which approximately 91% are pine, 7% Eucalyptus, and 2% Acacia.

Although commercial forestry is SAFCOL’s core business, the company also manages the following operations: • Timbadola Sawmill, located in Venda • Research Centre, located in Sabie • Training Centre, located in Sabie • Nursery Centre, located in Sabie Much of SAFCOL’s operation is located in deep rural South Africa, which is why the company pursues economic growth in these areas. SAFCOL also owns 80% of Industrias Florestais de Manica, SARL (IFLOMA), a forestry company in Mozambique.

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advertorial safcol The plantations have various eco-tourism facilities designed for nature lovers. Through these, the public has the opportunity to view the scenic natural locations around the plantations, which include waterfalls and vast expanses of grasslands.

Building with timber Thanks to its relatively simple processing and mechanical properties, wood is one of the oldest materials used in construction. Timber frame structures have been constructed in almost all cultures and at all stages of the development of human society.

In the US, for example, you’ll find timber buildings that have stood for centuries. The quality of timber produced by SAFCOL’s plantation forests is what the company stands for.

Since the beginning of 2011, SAFCOL has produced quality timber frame structures to communities, which are being well received. The Group produces quality products certified by the FSC, resulting in quality buildings.

Wood is essentially grown by the energy of the sun – never mind a solar panel or two on your roof, wood is a material born of solar power. In terms of carbon, when a tree grows it soaks up carbon dioxide from the air, giving off the oxygen we breathe as a by-product.

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‘Timber buildings pose no greater risk of fire than any other form of construction,’ says a SAFCOL spokesperson. And this sentiment, he adds, is echoed by the Timber Frame Builders Association (TFBA).

SAFCOL has formulated specific objectives to drive growth in the communities adjacent to its operations. The Group subscribes to the government’s socio-economic development programmes, which include Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, infrastructure development, environmental awareness, health care, social security and education.

SAFCOL has built good quality timber frame school classrooms, crèches and other buildings as part of Socio Economic Development (SED) programme.

Timber framed structures offer vastly improved thermal qualities, improving comfort for occupants while reducing the energy requirement. They also offer increased speed and ease of construction (improving delivery), and enhanced use of local renewable resources (growing sustainability).

Timber frames have 30% shorter, more predictable construction time than brick and block.

Timber is a natural insulator with the ability to gain or lose heat slowly, and timber buildings are extremely energy efficient. The hollow wall cavities, ceilings and

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even sub-floor spaces are heavily insulated, resulting in decrease fossil fuel heating needs that can result in lower electricity bills.

Timber houses are very strong and can endure most weather conditions. When choosing to buy a timber house, the bank will finance the buyer with no implications provided that the structure complies with SANS10082 and the builder is registered with the Timber Frame Builders Association.

In case of fire, timber can withstand temperatures of up to 2 000°C – at this temperature brick and steel are already in trouble as steel starts bending and buckling at between 800 and 900°C. Benefits of timber frame houses: • Speed – With timber homes the building process is quick and efficient. This is further enhanced with pre-fabricated building systems.

• Quality – The pre-fabrication system allows for

better quality control and a higher quality end product as a large proportion of the workmanship occurs in a controlled and organised factory environment.

• Insulation – As a general rule, lightweight materials, such as timber, have high insulation values, and high mass materials, such as concrete and masonry, have lower insulation values and high thermal mass retention properties. Lightweight construction methods, such as timber frames, have the additional advantage of providing a hollow wall cavity that can be filled with insulation.

The knowledge and understanding of the properties of timber are a prerequisite for its successful use in construction. SAFCOL continues to contribute positively to the lives of its communities through its core values of being a socially and environmentally conscience organisation.

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Composite mats for channel lining A revolutionary new class of construction materials called geosynthetic cementitious composite mats (GCCM) is now available in South Africa from Kaytech.

Picture by: Kaytech Kaytech has recently signed a distributorship agreement with Concrete Canvas® to supply geosynthetic cementitious composite mats into the South African civil engineering industry, including road and rail applications.

Concrete Canvas® is used specifically for the lining of culverts, channels, slope protection, and remediation of existing concrete structures.

Concrete Canvas® is part of a revolutionary new class of construction materials called geosynthetic cementitious composite mats (GCCM). It is a flexible, concrete-impregnated fabric that hardens on hydration to form a thin, durable, waterproof and fire-resistant concrete layer. Essentially, it’s concrete on a roll.

Concrete Canvas® allows concrete construction without the need for plant or mixing equipment. Simply position the mat and just add water.

Concrete Canvas® consists of a three dimensional fibre matrix containing a specially formulated dry concrete mix. A PVC backing on one surface of the mat ensures the material is completely waterproof. The material is hydrated either by spraying, or by being fully immersed in water. Once set, the fibres reinforce the concrete, preventing crack propagation and providing a safe plastic failure mode. Concrete Canvas® is available in two thicknesses: CC5™ and CC8™, which are 5mm and 8mm thick respectively.

Remediation – Concrete Canvas can be used to rapidly reline and refurbish existing concrete structures suffering from environmental degradation and cracking.

System benefits • Rapid install: Concrete Canvas® can be laid at a rate of 200m2/hour, up to 10 times faster than conventional concrete solutions.

• Easy to use: Concrete Canvas® is available in shorter rolls that are manageable by hand for applications with limited access. The concrete is pre-mixed so there is no need for mixing, measuring or compacting. Just add water.

• Lower project costs: The speed and ease of installation mean Concrete Canvas® is more cost-effective than conventional concrete, with less logistical complexity. Concrete Canvas® is a low mass, low carbon technology that uses up to 95% less material than conventional concrete for many applications.

Key properties • Waterproof: The PVC backing on one surface of the GCCM ensures that the material has excellent impermeability.

• Strong: The fibre reinforcement prevents cracking, absorbs energy from impacts and provides a stable failure mode.

• Durable: Concrete Canvas® is twice as abrasion resistant as standard OPC concrete, has excellent chemical resistance, good weathering performance and will not degrade in UV. • Flexible: Concrete Canvas® has good drape characteristics and will closely follow the ground profile and fit around existing infrastructure. Unset Concrete Canvas® can be cut or tailored using basic hand tools.

Potential specifiers or users may download product data at http://www.kaytech.co.za/product/concretecanvas/.

Kaytech Engineered Fabrics T +27 31 717 2300 E garth@kaytech.co.za W www.kaytech.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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HDPE pipes may be submitted for independent testing

‘The plastics piping business is a strategic industry where hardware needs to be reliable for extended periods of time. Long-term product quality is fundamental. We need to ensure that the plastic pipes being installed are manufactured according to industry standards and that they are good for a minimum period of fifty years,’ explains SAPPMA’s Chairman, Jan Venter.

As a representative of more than 80% of the country’s plastic pipe manufacturers, SAPPMA launched its first Pipe Quality Survey in 2011, during which random samples of plastic pipes were tested for product quality and consistency.

‘We have repeated this survey at regular intervals over the past four years, by purchasing a number of HDPE pipes bearing the SABS mark of quality from merchants around the country. Despite our efforts, we still frequently receive queries from our members or installers regarding questionable or sub-standard pipes that are used in projects,’ he points out.

Anonymous testing ‘We are inviting pipe manufacturers, installers, merchants, contractors, consulting engineers, and any other interested parties to submit pipes – whether their own or their competitors’ products – for testing by an autonomous body and according to the relevant SANS Standards,’ Venter adds. He also gives the assurance that sample submissions can be made anonymously, although there is no need for concern about confidentiality because all information about individuals or companies submitting products for testing will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Physical samples of the pipes must be delivered to SAPPMA’s offices (Plastics|SA Building, 18 Gazelle Avenue, Corporate Park South, Midrand) by the April, 30, 2015. They should preferably be of big diameter

Credit: Google Images

The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers’ Association (SAPPMA) is inviting industry participation in its 7th Pipe Quality Survey.

Manufacturers may submit HDPE pipe samples for selective quality testing by an independent laboratory.

HDPE pipe (>110mm diameter), but sample length can be as short as 100mm. Pipes must be clearly marked and should contain all the information that is normally printed on the pipes. Testing will begin in May and results are expected to be released by July 2015, together with a final report that will be a consolidated summary of the findings.

‘SAPPMA strongly supports the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) as custodian of the National Product Standards. It is our vision to create absolute quality, trust and integrity throughout the value chain of the Southern African Plastics Pipe Industry. To this end, we continue our efforts to weed out inferior quality plastic piping systems,’ Venter concludes.

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Branching out into the décor hub of Gauteng After long-term success in Cape Town, and long-distance business relationships in Gauteng, a popular office furnishing company has made the strategic decision to expand with a showroom in Kramerville.

Pictures by: Ergoform After 20 successful years in Cape Town, Ergoform now has a Jozi counterpart – a stylish new showroom in an established décor hub in Gauteng.

As a leading designer and manufacturer of office furniture in South Africa, the company has branched out from its home base of Cape Town to open a new showroom in the décor hub of Kramerville, Johannesburg. Situated in close proximity to other interior design stores and top fabric houses, the new Ergoform showroom is perfectly positioned to cater to interior design, décor and architectural design professionals, as well as members of the public.

The space has already been lauded as a worldclass design destination. When owners, Leon and Alice Roodt, conceived of the space they envisaged a very contemporary outlet that would have more of an art gallery feel than a regular showroom. The open plan configuration and high-gloss white floors contribute to this effect, as does the up-to-the-minute selection of Ergoform’s latest designer pieces.

Ergoform specialises in modern office furniture that keeps abreast of international trends. However, their products do not carry the heavy cost of imported pieces. All Ergoform’s pieces are designed by Leon and manufactured in South Africa, and the company

has received several awards for manufacturing and productivity over its 20-year existence.

Conveniently, many of Ergoform’s office components translate equally comfortably into the home office and the home environment.

In making the strategic decision to open the second showroom in Gauteng, the company aims to make its range of furniture more accessible and easy to view by existing customers, and to widen its customer base in Gauteng.

After long-term success in Cape Town, and longdistance business relationships in Gauteng, Ergoform has made the strategic decision to open Ergoform’s new Jo’burg division, capably headed by industry stalwart, Shaun Gray, previously a business furniture rep of the year, and a well-known name in the corporate office furniture market.

Interior designers and renovators who want to view the new showroom may visit it from Monday to Friday, from 09h00 to 17h00, at 14A Malboro Place, Kramer Rd, Kramerville. It is right next door to Wetherlys.

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Sweets for my sweet Colourful informal seating with plenty of options now available from popular décor supplier.

Pictures by: Ergoform Ergoform’s aptly named ‘Bonbons’ have the same appeal as an array of assorted candies on a tray.

However, with such a wide variety of colour ‘flavours’, the only problem is which one to choose? But why choose when you can have them all? Better as a cluster – yet superb as a solo item – these delectablyformed poufs take the prize for informal seating, both at home and in the office meeting area as they come at standard seat height.

Designed and manufactured in good ol’ ZA by Ergoform’s Leon Roodt, Bonbons up the eco ante with wooden frames, a water-based, solvent-free glue specially imported from Sweden, and 100% wool felt upholstery with leather straps.

And, if you aren’t feeling the felt, you can also choose your own upholstery…

Bonbons are priced at R2 200 in felt, and around R1 600 to R1 800 if you bring your own fabric. They’re available to order (with a four-week lead time) from Ergoform in Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Ergoform T +27 21 461 2251 (Cape Town) T +21 11 262 0210 (Johannesburg) W www.ergoform.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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Property owners can ensure a brighter future South Africa’s Green Building Council backed by other industry leaders appeal to property owners to institute energy efficiency.

Picture by: GBCSA Using the results of the recently conducted ‘My Green Home’ project, the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has extrapolated the learning experiences of energy-saving retrofits in homes to the country’s built environment.

‘We’ve just completed a My Green Home’ project in Cape Town as a demonstration of what can be achieved at a residential level,’ explains Brian Wilkinson, GBCSA’s CEO. ‘Simple behaviour change resulted in a 30% saving in electricity, and the family has, with some retrofitting of energy efficient fittings, achieved a saving in excess of 50%.’

Wilkinson says that both the short-term need to diminish the demand for electricity and the long-term need to mitigate against climate change can be altered in an effective way by transforming the way we design, build and operate buildings.

Waves of electricity load-shedding has led to a culture of naming and blaming. According to the GBCSA, everyone seems to be blaming everyone else – Eskom, the government, previous governments, suppliers, contractors, and so on. The constant in the blame-game is the ‘supply side’ of the electricity crisis – power stations being late, coal silos, maintenance and diesel outages – leaving us all literally and figuratively powerless.

However, it seems that South Africa has just scratched the tip of the iceberg in the area of demandside management of our existing power infrastructure.

‘We can achieve huge reductions in electricity use through demand-side management interventions. The really cool thing about this is we can achieve results in the short term and in a manner that has an excellent business case. Most importantly, it’s something we can all do something about,’ Wilkinson notes.

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The GBCSA seeks to inspire property owners to design, build and operate, better, greener, buildings.

This is a response to the significant role the built environment plays in damaging our already fragile environment – 40% of end-use energy consumption is from the built environment. Also, 12% of water consumption and 40% of the waste that goes to landfill is from the built environment.

One of the wonderful outcomes is that green buildings are incredibly energy efficient.

Earlier this year, an analysis of South African Green Star-certified commercial buildings showed that, on average, these green buildings use 34% less electricity than a standard building. However, results obtained from the relatively simple measures applied in the My Green Home project show that the country may have found a way out of the current electricity consumption impasse.

According to Wilkinson, the experience will be the same for residential buildings. Their analysis is that: • Eskom currently has 42 gigawatts of generation capacity.

• It is generally accepted that the built environment accounts for about 40% of total energy consumption, and therefore the built environment consumers about 17 gigawatts.

• If the entire built environment saved 34% that would save about six gigawatts – more than Medupi will generate – and it won’t take 12 years to come on stream.

• But realistically, let’s assume that we can only do this for half of the buildings out there – that’s still a massive three gigawatts – or nearly one-and-a-half times Koeberg’s output.

‘Post 2008, many commercial property owners, and homeowners, began implementing ways to make their buildings more energy efficient,’ Wilkinson points out.

‘Seeing the benefits of energy savings and attractive green assets, many have continued their green building journey, and we commend them for this. But there’s much more that can be done, and more of us that could be doing it.’

‘While we certainly need an effective answer to South Africa’s electricity crisis, let’s get far more conversation and emphasis on demand-side initiatives, and how we can to “power up” these project and help take better care of our fragile planet,’ Wilkinson encourages.

Heartening signs already exist in the commercial sector. Black River Park in Observatory, Cape Town, owned by Leaf Capital and Joubert Rabie, recently

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made it their mission to secure green certification for the entire 75 000m2 office park. The business park is one of the largest in the Western Cape, and its North and South elements are home to more than 110 companies. Significantly, both the GBCSA and SAPOA Western Cape are headquartered there.

Black River Park has been at the forefront of sustainable commercial real estate for over a decade and has recently been recognised with the first ever existing building rating, by way of a Green Star SA Existing Building Performance (EBP) certification for the North Park. The EBP certification of a building within the park marks the completion of the first stage of Black River Park’s drive to get all the office buildings at the park certified.

A significant feature includes the southern hemisphere’s largest rooftop Photo Voltaic System producing electric power from sunlight. This 1.2MW system is being used to supplement and reduce the electrical load from the City’s electrical grid. It produces around 1.9GWh of electricity per year, enough to power over 1 000 average-sized houses.

This equates to between 20 and 30% of total amount of energy used in Park, and reduces the peak demand by around 18%. It is also the first commercial project to be allowed to feed back into the grid and be remunerated for it. Energy efficient lighting has also been installed throughout common areas of building and is currently being rolled out into tenant’s premises through a joint financing initiative.

The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) CEO, Brian Wilkinson T +27 86 104 2272 W www.gbcsa.org.za

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Leading building and industrial products supplier embraces GRI 4 Sika measures itself against six defined targets, and is one of the first companies in South Africa to report its performance according to the new GRI G4 guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative.

No company can achieve the goal of sustainable development on its own. That is why Sika actively seeks the involvement of its stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, authorities, governments and associations. In developing its sustainability strategy, Sika consulted stakeholders on what they considered to be the most important sustainability issues.

Selection of the strategic sustainability targets is thus based on both an internal and an external perspective.

Swiss multinational, Sika, has bundled and consolidated its sustainability activities under a cohesive guiding principle of: ‘More value, less impact’.

Sustainability drives innovation and the business success enjoyed by Sika. The company’s new medium-term sustainability strategy bundles activities

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and systematically gears them to the following six strategic target indicators: • economic performance • sustainable solutions • local communities/society • energy • water/waste • occupational safety Sika strives to create value for all its stakeholders by far outweighing the impacts associated with production, distribution and use.

Over the next five years, the company will evaluate itself against the following scorecard goals: • Economic performance – operating profit (EBIT) above 10% of net sales • Sustainable solutions – all new product developments assessed, all local key projects implemented:

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sika green building Which translates into: • L ocal communities/society: 5% more projects per year • E nergy: 3% less energy consumption per ton and year • W ater/Waste: 3% less water consumption and waste per ton and year • O ccupational safety: 5% less accidents per year For buildings and industrial applications, Sika aims to continually enhance durability and improve both energy and material efficiency. ‘We’ve been guided by a sustainability mind set from the outset – an example of which is the breakthrough achieved around a century ago with the product Sika-1,’ explains a company spokesman. ‘This product durably sealed the tunnels on the Gotthard rail route against seepage water, and was an essential requirement for the subsequent electrification of the line.’

In line with sustainability principles, the company realised that it could not achieve sustainable development on its own. Hence, the involvement of stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, authorities, governments and other associations, is actively sought. Accordingly, these stakeholders were consulted on what they consider to be the most important sustainability issues. The selection of the strategic sustainability targets was ultimately based on both internal and external perspectives.

Of significance to the built environment is the thrust of Sika’s R&D work, which is focused on core competencies that consist of bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting load-bearing structures in building and industry.

• S ealing products are used to install durable wind-,

rain- and draft-proof barriers in flat roofs, complex tunnel systems, damage-prone water-retaining structures and sophisticated curtain wall assemblies.

• B onding ensures the permanent, elastic or structurally continuous connection of different materials. Innovative products and processes are used to bond vehicle components, window assemblies or even concrete bridge units weighing several tons.

• Damping reduces vibrations in fixed and moving objects, thereby lowering resonance and noise emission in load-bearing structures and in vehicle interiors.

• Reinforcing products are strategically incorporated in structures to improve their resistance to static and dynamic loads, while protective elements serve to increase their durability. (Source: www.sika.com)

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a leading organisation in the sustainability field. GRI promotes the use of sustainability reporting as a way for organisations to become more sustainable and contribute to sustainable development. Compared with earlier versions, GRI G4 aligns sustainability reporting more closely to topics of significance to companies, and factors in the impact of business activities on the entire value chain.

Sika W www.sika.com/sustainability W www.sika.co.za

About Sika AG Sika AG, is a globally active specialty chemicals company with its South African Head Office based in Durban, and branches in all major SA cities.

Located in Baar, Switzerland, supplies the building and construction industry as well as manufacturing industries (automotive, bus, truck, rail, solar and wind power plants, facades). Sika is a leader in processing materials used in sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting load-bearing structures.

Sika’s product lines feature high-quality concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, damping and reinforcing materials, structural strengthening systems, industrial flooring as well as roofing and waterproofing systems. Worldwide local presence in 80 countries and some 15 200 employees link customers directly to Sika and guarantee the success of all partners. Sika generated annual sales of CHF 5.14 billion in 2013.

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Building the Eezi way A Port Elizabeth-based developer and entrepreneur has repackaged the use of polystyrene panels for building into a system that can be used to construct green homes, offices, clinics and flats up to four storeys high.

Words by: Ed Richardson When it comes to the EEZI Modular Interlocking Building System, all components – including floors and roofs – are assembled in a factory that can be fitted into three containers, making the system fully mobile. The factory consists of a steam blower to transform polystyrene beads into blocks, which are then cut to size on computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines. Windows, door frames and reticulation for power and water are built into the panels in the factory. Steel frames are rolled on site.

Wall, floor and roof panels can be carried by two people.

Once erected, the panels are coated with fibrous cement using high-pressure hoses. The plaster coating protects and isolates the polystyrene and steel frames and adds the necessary mass to the building elements, such as the roof, walls and floors. It adheres to a base that’s applied in the factory. Colour can be added to the plaster mix, eliminating the need

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to paint. After the coating is applied the building is visually indistinguishable from a conventional bricks and mortar construction.

A number of prototypes have been built, and architectural designs completed for a number of different projects. They include freestanding houses, which come in three modules: single storey, double storey or mezzanine designed to provide quality housing to all income groups, student accommodation (for up to 30 students with rooms built around a courtyard), small- to medium-sized multifunctional hotel units of up to 45 rooms, disaster accommodation (four emergency homes can be fitted into a standard 40-foot container), offices, schools, clinics, warehouses, second dwellings and walling. The applications for the EEZI system are continuously being developed. They include long span trusses, cladding, decking, shelving, ramps, gazebos, tombstones, and even coffins.

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opinion green building Compliances The EEZI Modular Interlocking Building System complies with the National Building code 10400XA and the Light Weight Steel Code SANS 517. The building system is non-combustible. It is tested to SANS 10177 Part 5. The EEZI Composite Building System is protected by Patent No: 2011/06053.

According to Johann Dreyer, founder of the EEZI Group Africa, the concept offers logistics efficiencies that further reduce costs and speed up implementation. ‘The system is more than 10 times faster than brick and mortar building methods.

An average sized three-bedroomed house can be constructed within 21 days. It is suitable for both large-scale deployment and one-off projects,’ he points out.

The system is well suited to construction at remote locations, such as new mines, border posts, big construction projects, and long-term refugee camps. Sewage and waste water can be treated in a biodigestor, which EEZI has included as an option in the design of the units Logistics costs and time are saved because all the components are constructed on site in the mobile factory. The raw material consists mainly of tiny lightweight beads rather than cement, sand and aggregate. The machinery can be run by a generator on site.

Opportunities for communities Given the potentially huge demand for the system Dreyer has developed a franchise model. ‘Our company is totally committed to a real transformation process through grassroots empowerment. Our franchise model allocates share-holding directorship to previously disadvantaged communities. We want to give these communities the opportunity to actively participate, on a daily basis, to their own upliftment.

We strongly believe that this will lead to a profound positive transformation while meeting the social need for affordable quality housing, offices, shops and factories,’ he says.

The modular system can be packaged into four containers, forming the factory, administrative offices and home base for the franchise. They can be taken from site to site, reducing the franchisee’s costs of transport and operation. Modular construction shifts the workload from the site to the factory.

Additionally, EEZI provides design and architectural support for franchisees. The CNC cutting machines can be programmed remotely, based on the designs.

Administrative support for franchisees includes marketing, drawing up bills of materials, estimating, billing, project tracking, payroll, VAT, company tax, monthly business reports, bank management, customer and supplier relationship management, and tendering.

Full technical training is provided on site at the EEZI factory in Nelson Mandela Bay. The system allows for easy skills transfer. EEZI provides one-onone mentoring support to its franchisees. Funding is provided through the DIRECT Group, under which the EEZI Group Africa falls.

Eezi Johann Dreyer T +27 041 583 2009 F +27 086 508 2171 E info@directgroupafrica.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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Can we have green schools?

The greening of schools offers a unique opportunity to address these issues and is an extraordinarily cost-effective way to enhance student learning, reduce health and operational costs and, ultimately, increase quality argues the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

Pictures by: Gareth Griffiths Imaging

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Picture by: GBCSA

In the commercial property sector, green buildings have lower operating costs, are more efficient, futureproofed, provide a higher rate of return on investment and have been shown to promote wellness, healing and productivity.

To Build magazine recently spoke to insulation retrofitting business, Eco-Cape, about some school projects they’ve been involved with.

According to insulation installer, Richard Ellis, the situation at the Durbanville Preparatory School was typical of many public infrastructure buildings in South Africa. Originally built during times of cheap power supply, scant attention was given to thermal/energyefficient building under tight construction budgets.

‘Solving the school’s problem of excessive and expensive electricity consumption of air conditioners lay in reducing reliance on active temperature control interventions during seasonal temperature extremes.

It also meant preparing for possible load shedding, very much part of the South Africa’s future given the cutbacks on Eskom’s planned infrastructure upgrade spend this year as the grid nears capacity,’ Ellis explains.

Positive outcomes came from this forward planning.

‘Award-winning ceiling insulation, Eco-Insulation, was recently installed under the roof, covering an important area of the school’s ceiling,’ he adds.

‘Schools are increasingly seeing the benefits of going green through energy and water saving initiatives in the face of spiralling utility costs,’ notes Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA). ‘However, there’s a lot more that can be done and schools must be educated about the benefits.’

The start of the New Year is a time that many schools face the stark reality of a lack of funding and infrastructure problems, often with a bigger number of learners to cater for.

Brian Wilkinson

‘This is an opportune time for school leaders and governing bodies to look more seriously at the benefits of green initiatives. While the main benefit may be cost savings, there are other positive outcomes, including promoting ‘going green’ to learners in their formative years. Like businesses in our primary market – the commercial property sector – financial management has become a key responsibility for school principals, staff, and governing bodies who, at times, have very few options at their disposal,’ Wilkinson adds.

Research and reports on the state of schools in the country reveal a lack of funding, poor infrastructure, inadequate equipment and often the dire state of school property, buildings and playgrounds.

Via a recent domestic residential energy saving project, the GBCSA demonstrated how an astronomical R18 000 saving in utility costs (the bulk of which was electricity) was achieved at an average family home in Pinelands, Cape Town, that undertook a green makeover.

‘Imagine that R18 000 in the life of a poorlyresourced South African school,’ suggests Wilkinson.

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Above: The Durbanville Preparatory School: an energy efficiency retrofit Left: A classroom at St Cyprians school for girls. Eco-Insulation was retrofitted there following a refurb of the school by Noero Wolff Architects and specified by Riverside Consulting, quantiity surveryors.

‘Via our green network, we have found that there are green solutions that schools can implement to help them tackle their pressing budgetary needs. The benefits go beyond savings on utility costs at schools.

Positive lessons the learners get to absorb through their exposure to green alternatives at school creates an all-round win-win situation. Green initiatives should be implemented at even more schools countrywide. In particular, public schools need to be empowered to be able to implement such initiatives, as many grapple with the dilemma of reducing their operating costs.

‘As part of our mandate to not only promote green building development and innovation, but also sustainable development, our team engages with the commercial property sector as well as public services.

Many schools are already seeing the benefits of their green initiatives,’ Wilkinson points out.

In Wilkinson’s opinion, the GBCSA’s key motivator and initiative is the fight against global warming, climate change and the effects that each of these have on the planet. However, it does not begin and end with the commercial property sector. Schools and centres of learning should be encouraged and assisted to provide prime opportunities for their inhabitants to not only do well academically but also to benefit environmental sustainability.

GBCSA T +27 086 104 2272 W www.gbcsa.org.za Eco-Cape T +27 0860 105 231 W www.eco-insulation.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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G-Flow Grey Water Reuse System SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR GREY WATER RECYCLING The affordable, award winning, easy to install, robust & reliable, low maintenance (every 3-6 months) G-Flow Grey Water systems have set a new standard for grey water recycling by automatically (and safely) irrigating up to 6 different watering zones in your garden via a state of the art drip line and rotor irrigation controller that have been specifically designed for grey water use.

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The Superhead automatically filters and disperses the “first flush” or “dirty water”. The Superhead combines a leaf catcher, insect screen and first flush diverter all into one unit.

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Ten year warranty

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green building water & education

Chemical giant puts its money where its mouth is Twenty-first Century home-builders are confronted with new challenges as we face the impact that our homes have on our environment.

Water South Africa’s growing water crisis and its need for water sustainability is another initiative that BASF is supporting. Predictions are that South Africa’s water situation will worsen to a full-blown crisis in the future.

With this in mind, BASF has turned its attention to the Maloti Drakensberg Mountains, an important water source that’s threatened by overgrazing and soil erosion.

The film, Working for Water, highlights the cooperation between BASF Stiftung, the environmental

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Hanli Prinsloo (I am Water Ocean Foundation Trust)

Picture by: BASF

BASF, a leading Germany chemical company, has recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. During the celebrations, the company announced its new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSI) projects.

At the event, Mamokgethi Phakeng, Vice Principal of Research & Innovation at the University of South Africa, commented: ‘For companies to be durable and have longevity, they need to contribute to social change and environmental sustainability within the communities in which they work.’

This statement was supported by German Ambassador, Horst Freitag, who added that CSI is essential for binational relationships between our two countries to flourish. ‘Two ingredients were essential for future relations. This first is for companies to take the long view and invest in South Africa and, second, for all stakeholders – including both our governments – to discuss and consult each other about mutually beneficial ways to move the partnership forward and raise ambitions to an even higher level,’ Freitag maintained.

BASF believes that the deepened crisis in science and mathematics education is having a serious impact on skills development and, subsequently, economic growth in the country. With its own science and technology background, BASF is supporting a new initiative – a sponsorship contract with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as part of the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Unit (GMMDU), led by Professor Werner Olivier and his technology-assisted Maths & Science Support Programme.

programme of the United Nations (UNEP), the Department of Water Affairs, and BASF in South Africa. Sharing the expertise about sustainable agriculture and measures against soil erosion helps project participants and local residents to find a solution.

Speaking at the celebration, water wise activist and ocean ambassador, Hanli Prinsloo, the founder and director of ‘I am Water’ Ocean Foundation Trust, supported the project. However, Prinsloo added: ‘South Africa has one of the highest drowning rates in the world. On islands where water and the ocean is the main focus, many children and adults cannot even swim. I believe the minute people get under the water and see what is down there they will want to protect it. It is my ambition to get as many kids salty because that’s the only way I know how to share my passion for the ocean and to ensure we keep children safe.’

BASF Petra Bezuidenhout T +27 11 203 2400/22 E petra.bezuidenhout@basf.com

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out & about walkabout at the watershed

The Watershed Walkabout Impressive refurbishment of the former Blue Shed at the V&A Waterfront turns old warehouse style into new chic – endorsed as an official design project by World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 and leading international designers.

Pictures by: Gareth Griffiths Imaging Architect Heinrich Wolff’s approach was to address the problem, on an urban level, created by the obstacle to pedestrian flow as a result of the position of the former Blue Shed between the Two Oceans Aquarium and the rest of the V&A Waterfront. Consequently, the area became a natural walkway, which clearly benefits its

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surroundings and provides a far more effective urban connection.

The R50-million Watershed development houses some 150 traders, commercial offices, 1 000m2 of dedicated exhibition and eventing space, and Workshop 17 – the innovation collaboration with the UCT’s Graduate School of Business.

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walkabout at the watershed out & about The two existing markets, the Craft Market & Wellness Centre, and the Red Shed, at the V&A Waterfront were a springboard for small businesses.

The new Watershed now presents additional opportunities for new traders in the expanded space.

Some 87 existing traders from the two markets were joined by approximately 60 new traders. The new retail focus is a celebration of African craft and design.

Designer, Helon Melon, as featured in edition 12 of To Build.

A wide product offering across various categories, all creatively designed, beautifully crafted, and produced entirely in Africa, is curated by Trevyn McGowan of Source, a well-known figure in both the local and international design world.

The Editor’s recent walkabout at the recently completed complex was fascinating, revealing an inspiring mix of chic with well-placed service nodes such as restaurants. Truly a huge gear up from the former Blue Shed days.

Gareth Griffiths Imaging T +27 21 680 5245 W www.professionalphotoshoots.co.za

JK Millinery makes designer hats for famous people and international movies and events – www.jkmillinery.com

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student designs corobrick

Regional student awards A new architectural vision emerges at regional awards building up to the 28th Architectural Student of the Year Awards being held later this year.

Pictures by: Corobrik Graeme Noeth, regional winner of Corobrik’s 28th Architectural Student of the Year Award, suggests that while the architects of tomorrow are pushing the boundaries of design, they’re also addressing the environmental imperatives that will dictate the future of the built environment in South Africa.

Speaking at the Tshwane University of Technology awards event, Ockert van Heerden, Corobrik’s Sales Director, said that Corobrik has seen ongoing changes in architectural thinking. ‘In recent years, students are increasingly demonstrating a growing awareness of the need to contribute holistically and meaningfully towards sustainable development.

Increasing awareness of important technological advances that will ensure that the future of architecture is more closely linked with energy and water conservation, and minimising the environmental footprint of future buildings is very evident.’

And the winners are: • Graeme Noeth, a Lynnwood resident. His winning thesis is entitled: ‘The Design of an International School of Astronomy & Astro-Tourism Centre (see below).’

• In second place, Melena Mouton’s project, LAB H20 20, is for the design of a research laboratory for the purification of acid mine drainage in the West Rand Mining District.

• Inus Goussard took third place for designing a Living Food Machine to be erected in Sunnyside, Tshwane.

• Clay brick usage winner, Juan Myburg, received a prize for the best use of clay brick in his design of a public swimming pool that links to a proposed walkway on the Apies River Canal. Located on the east of Pretoria CBD, the swimming pool is situated among a mix of educational, residential and office

This year’s Tshwane University of Technology winner of the regional Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards is Graeme Noeth. He’s pictured here with Corobrik’s Sales Director, Ockert van Heerden.

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corobrick student designs

buildings. Juan’s design aims to promote swimming as a sport and reactional activity. He incorporated Corobrik Burgundy pavers into the floor of the change rooms, which are spaced and raised to allow water to drain away from the swimmers and introduce a warm texture into the buildings.

About his project, Graeme Noeth comments: ‘The design of International School of Astronomy and Astro-Tourism Centre represents the symbiotic relationship between earth, man and the sky. The proposed building aims to introduce a unique facility in the Northern Cape that would benefit the field of astronomy worldwide.’

The proposal is based on available research and experiments, documenting the solstices, stars and various cosmic bodies, as well as framing these objects in the cosmic landscape. The proposed facility is situated at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland. It is nested within the south west embankment of the mountain, currently hosting the Southern Africa Large Telescope. It comprises a linear building typology with radial aspects to document astronomical events. The project investigates the semi-arid Karoo climate and how the resultant architecture reacts to harsh environmental conditions.

Each regional winner is entered into the national finals. At the 28th National Student Architect Awards function is being held on April 22, 2015, at The Maslow in Johannesburg. The winner will receive prize money of R50 000.

Van Heerden said that student’s projects highlighted the architectural profession’s endeavours to deliver on the sustainability requirements, the innovative thinking and the discourse around the environmental issues endorsing the meaningful role architecture can play in crafting a more relevant tomorrow. ‘Today, sustainability issues exist side by side with both functionality and aesthetics. These awards were created to promote quality design and to acknowledge talent among architectural students.

Over the years, Corobrik has not only facilitated an ongoing discourse about what constitutes good architecture but also helped highlight the challenges faced by the architects when it comes to creating structures that remain relevant, well into the future.

The winners highlighted here show that the architects of tomorrow are more than up to the job.’

Corobrik (Pty) Ltd Ockert van Heerden T +27 11 871 8600 W www.corobrik.co.za issue 14 www.tobuild.co.za

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NOTES

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

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issue14 March 2015-June 2015

advertisers’ index Adendorff Architects & Interior Designers..............................................37

Mapei South Africa................................................ 113

Adventure Shells....................................................45

Marcus Evans..........................................................176

Aluglass Bautech...................................................80

Marley Pipe Systems...................................... 11, 154

Alugro Windows & Doors................................... 115

Maxiflex Door Systems.......................................179

AMA Architects.........................................................39

Mitek Industries.................................................26, 27

Ambiente Luce............................................................56

Nashua Limited.............................................................9

AMS.................................................................................82

Nixus Trading..........................................................161

Arcelor Mittal........................................................106

Nu flow......................................................................148

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Bates Access Flooring..........................................91

Otis................................................................................59

Bidvest ManageD Solutions..............................171

Perfect Places.........................................................62

Blue Scope Steel SA......................................104, 105

Pioneer Floor Heating..........................................89

Boomgate Systems....................................................7

Polymers Waterproofing..................................133

C & M Landscaping Supplies.................................68

Precast Cement Products................................160

Cape Contours.........................................................70

Prism Architects.....................................................34

Ceramic Wholesalers............................................81

PSA Africa..................................................................109

Chair Express.........................................................152

PVC Ceilings SA........................................................101

Copper Tubing Africa...........................................146

Robert Bosch SA......................................................21

Decorex.....................................................................177

Robin Sprong Wallpaper......................................17

Den Braven Sealants....................................124, 125

Rubio Monocoat.....................................................135

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Safal Steel...................................................................5

Echo Prestress.....................................................121

Safcol................................................138, 139, 140, 141

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Expanded Polystyrene Association of South Africa..............................................164, 165

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Federated Mutual Employers Fund.................65 Fenster Aluminium................................................. 117

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Marcoatings International...............................128

Sika.................................................................................97 South African Wood Preserves Association......................................................136, 137

Geberit SA...................................................................78

Stihl........................................................................50, 51

Gemini Frameless...................................................180

Striking Energy.....................................................168

IMAGE GLASS & ALUMINIUM...................................... 118

Style Décor...............................................................53

Global Roofing Solutions...................................32

Technosurface........................................................16

Ian Fuller Agencies..............................................142

Uretek....................................................................94, 95

Johan Louw & Associates......................................44

Viega..................................................................75, 76, 77

KN Contracts............................................................48

Voltex.........................................................................157

Leviton...........................................................................1

Water Conservation Systems...........................169

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advertorial gemini frameless

Going from strength to strength From a mere idea to a fully-fledged manufacturing concern, Gemini Frameless offers high-quality, customised frameless glass products to customers’ specific requirements.

Born as a mere idea (and sideline business) in 2007, Gemini Frameless was really only conceived in an effort to add some new dimension to the daily trade of Manuel Marques who, since 1994, knew ‘nothing but glass’ and was at a stage where wholesaling flat glass to the building industry simply grew monotonous.

Two years were spent on ‘school-fees’ while the trial and error of research and development took its course, all headed up by Manuel’s wife, Nicola Marques, on a manufacture and supply basis only.

Gemini Frameless, as it is known today, really only came into its own in 2009 when the potential of introducing an installation service was realised, leaving behind all the other trades and focusing on only one goal – to specialise in frameless glass, and only frameless glass.

Gemini Frameless grew from strength to strength, starting in a small unit in Edison Business Park, Vanderbijlpark, and very soon moving into a double unit in the same business park from where the company still operates today.

The whole process from glass to frameless begins and ends within the shop at Edison Business Park.

Everything is manufactured to customers’ specific requirements to ensure their dreams are made a reality when it comes to their glass requirements.

Gemini Frameless continues to push the boundaries of tempered safety glass.

Just a few of its specialised and customised frameless products include: • Frameless glass shower doors and steam shower enclosures • Frameless glass stacking doors • Frameless glass sliding/entrance doors including pivot entrance doors • Frameless glass balustrades and glass curtain walling • Frameless glass office partitioning and privacy screens • Back-painted glass splash backs for kitchens and bathrooms • Table tops, deco mirrors, stand-off picture frames • UV-bonding of glass podiums and showcases

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Over and above the dedication, trial and error, blood sweat and tears, it was Manuel’s passion and his innovative solutions for using glass that has taken Gemini Frameless to such an extraordinary level.

Much gratitude must also go to his right-hand man, Jacques Randall, for believing in Manuel’s dream and always giving his unwavering dedication and commitment to the company.

Manuel sees the world through glass – often referring to glass as ‘structural art’ – with so much still to come.

Gemini Frameless invites you to view its show room in Edison Business Park or visit its website at www.geminiframeless.com.

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