Volume 9 l Issue 1 - March 2019 to June 2019

volume 9 | issue 1 March – June 19

To Build Handbook

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

volume 9 | issue 1 / March – June 2019

#FREESPACE Battery Park sets urban design standards Fake news, social media & lawlessness Keep diesel pumps ready Modelling with marble White’s in, so white-out COVER STORY: BLUTIDE – THE EPITOME OF INNOVATION AND STYLE

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Who would ever have thought that Midwall Splits or Cassettes could be radically improved?

Modern airconditioning was invented in the early 1900’s and started to gain traction in homes from around the 1920’s and 1930’s onwards. While the early models combined both the compressor and the evaporator in the same unit – and were thus noisy in operation – a later development was the split unit.

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s its name implies, the two sections of the airconditioner are separated, with the noisier compressor unit being located outside. And from then on, midwall splits and cassettes remained – well – pretty much copycat versions of one another.

Until Samsung’s Wind-Free models.

Draught-free climate control Samsung’s R&D engineers rightly recognised the fact that customers found draughts unpleasant. And after an intensive period of development and evaluation, Samsung Wind Free Split models were launched on the market to solve the problem.

How does the ‘Wind Free’ system work?

After first cooling a room ultra-quickly to the pre-set temperature with Fast Cooling mode, Samsung Wind-

Free models then automatically close their blades and switch to ‘Wind-Free’ mode. This then causes the air to be gently dispersed through thousands of tiny microholes, thus retaining the pre-set temperature.

Result?

Draught-free climate control, plus the bonus of whisper-quietness operation.

Digital Inverter economy As an added bonus, Samsung’s Wind-Free airconditioners have Samsung’s Digital Inverter providing energy-savings of up to 68% and, as a result, are rated Energy Efficiency Class A/A+. And Samsung’s Virus Doctor technology reduces airborne bacteria and viruses by up to 99% (as tested in Kitasato Environmental Science Centre, Japan).

So when specifying midwall splits or cassettes for upscale applications, there’s really only one choice to make: Samsung ‘Wind-Free’ units. A new meaning to comfort.

Sold and supported nationwide by Fourways Airconditioning

Fourways Airconditioning · T: (011) 704 6320 · E: sales@fourwaysaircon.co.za · www.fourwaysair.co.za

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The true beauty of a Samsung Eco DVM No visible outdoor units to mar the looks control. Because of its extremely compact of a home or hotel. That’s the beauty of a dimensions – just 1210mm high – the Eco Samsung Eco DVM unit. With 150-metre DVM unit can be inconspicuously tucked maximum length piping to the outdoor unit, it away in a small outdoor space. 4-way piping can be positioned far away from indoor splits, direction makes installation easy. And thanks cassettes or ducteds. And with both single to a heat recovery unit, the result is ultraSamsung is thrilled to introduce new Inverter Light. and three-phase DVM units of 4,the 5 or 6 HP, high efficiency (EERs of up to 4.5 and COPs With a new and sleek design, bigger fan motor and increased air several rooms can be simultaneously heated of up to 4.69) ensuring maximum energy intake, the Samsung Inverter Light maximises energy efficiency or cooled, each with individual temperature savings. Beautiful! with unrivalled unit performance.

For moreyour information on Samsung DVMinformation. units, please contact Fourways Airconditioning.

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foreword

Can we realise healthy and safe construction projects?

Fatalities, injuries and disease continue to occur in the South African construction and the media regularly feature multi-fatality ‘accidents’.

Professor John Smallwood, Director, ACHASM.

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The belief in ‘accidents’ exists and definitions include, among others, ‘an unplanned event’. However, recently, various authors have challenged this myth, arguing that there is no such thing as an ‘accident’ based on the reality that when ‘accidents’ are reviewed it becomes clear they are attributable to a range of actions or omissions, i.e. they were planned in detail. Furthermore, if management is responsible for the health and safety (H&S) of its staff and all resources it is tasked with managing, then an ‘accident’ constitutes ‘a failure of management’.

A range of research has determined that all ‘accidents’ can be prevented through subscription to a range of beliefs and contentions, proactive interventions and states, namely: belief in the contention of ‘failure of management’ versus ‘accident’; belief in the contention that ‘construction is not inherently dangerous’; comprehensive risk management; optimum respect for people and subscription to the value ‘people are our most important resource’; optimum H&S culture; optimum status for H&S (H&S is a value not a priority); integration of H&S into the six stages of projects; integration of design and construction; optimum planning; the view of construction as a science, art, and a profession; sound construction management; the inclusion of construction H&S in all tertiary built environment education; sound core and surface competencies; implementation of quality management systems in all stakeholders’ organisations; H&S management systems; integrated multi-stakeholder project environment, H&S quality and risk management plans; the view of H&S as a profit centre; elimination and mitigation of ‘excusitis’ (a mind-deadening thought disease) and consciousness and mindfulness.

The Association of Construction Health and Safety Management (ACHASM) is a registered non-profit company and a recognised SACPCMP Voluntary Association established to provide all those working in the construction H&S field with an advisory and representative body. ACHASM is committed to promoting the professional interests of construction H&S practitioners and to improving construction H&S within the built environment in terms of the Construction Regulations (2014) and other H&S-related legislation, regulations and standards.

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ed’s letter At the time of writing, To Build had published its 25th edition, representing over eight years of publishing in the built environment sector. In that time, we have grown to become the largest built environment professional and infrastructure handbook. In line with our latest Audited Bureau of Circulation finding, we circulate in excess of 10 049 copies to a controlled professional database. Our online copy receives just as many reads, so you may safely bank on a primary audience of at least 20 000.

Gareth Griffiths

What also makes us unique is that we deal with the full range of disciplines and service categories within the built environment.

Are you looking for an electricity generator in Nelspruit? Most likely, To Build will have a supplier who features in the book. Want an expert green building architect? Look no further.

In this the 26th edition - Issue 1/Volume 9 - we look at the most important issue facing the built environment – climate change.

Alarming reports have featured worldwide in the media of late, pointing to dramatic changes in climate brought on by the excessive accumulation of greenhouse gases. Recently, the UN’s climate change intergovernmental focus group (IPCC) warned that humankind has just 12 years left to address the causes of climate change to keep global temperature rise to below 1.5 °C. Fortunately, the world is waking up to the reality of our times.

Howls of derisive laughter followed US President Donald Trump’s references to ‘clean coal’. Trump’s promise, however, to withdraw the US from the Paris Accord met a less sanguine reception. Now we have the cities of the world drawing together to discuss and implement solutions to back the global warming governmental and scientific national levels. And we have business producing some legendary solutions.

To Build looks at some of the science behind this, as well as at a solution that has been positioned as having the largest impact on reducing the greenhouse effect.

In this edition, we also look at the importance of keeping to the rules of the building codes, with special reference to the law in general, electrical contracting, LP-Gas and construction health and safety. Can we effectively self-regulate as a profession via peer pressure? Our legal writer, an advocate and acting judge of the High Court of South Africa, seems to think so.

Kind Regards Editor Gareth Griffiths

editor@tobuild.co.za www.tobuild.co.za

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PPM Programme in Project Management The Programme in Project Management (PPM) is one of the most sought-after industry certifications available today – it has been developing practical project managers for the past 22 years. It is presented by various subject specialists and thought leaders that teach Africa’s only master’s degree programme accredited by the Global Accreditation Centre of the Project Management Institute (PMI). This unique training experience provides you with up-to-date methods to excel, enriched by our two decades of excellence in skills development.

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Publisher

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

/tobuildpublication

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BRONZE SPONSOR & AFFILIATE MEMBER

2018

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2018

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Media XPOSE excellence in exposure Tel: +27 21 424 3625 | Fax: +27 86 516 7277 PO Box 15165, Vlaeberg, 8018

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Publishing Director Elroy van Heerden elroy@tobuild.co.za Editor Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za

volume 9 | issue 1 March – June 19

SUB EDITOR Tessa O’Hara tessa.ohara@gmail.com

To Build Handbook

Content manager Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

Editorial Contributors Bryan Hack Claire Deacon Erika van Zyl Gareth Griffiths Imaging John Smallwood Songo Didiza Stephanie Forbes Zelna Oberholster DESIGN & LAYOUT CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za

volume 9 | issue 1 / March – June 2019

#FREESPACE Battery Park sets urban design standards Fake news, social media & lawlessness Keep diesel pumps ready Modelling with marble White’s in, so white-out COVER STORY: BLUTIDE – THE EPITOME OF INNOVATION AND STYLE

Cover Art: Vortex

ADVERTISING SALES Manager Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za ADVERTISING SALES Hester Kleynhans hester@tobuild.co.za Financial director Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za Distribution & subscriptions Maurisha Niewenhuys distribution@mediaxpose.co.za Reception Daniëla Daniels receptionist@mediaxpose.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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volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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SIMPLE | PROFESSIONAL LED SOLUTIONS 031 880 0983

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CONTENTS

volume 9 | issue 1 March-June 19

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Foreword.................................................................................................. 2 Editor’s Letter........................................................................................... 4 Cover Story: Vortex Sanitaryware ....................................................12-14 Lead Stories......................................................................................16-19 News & Views...................................................................................22-24 Editor’s Choice..................................................................................26-27 Student Designs.................................................................................. 146 Out & About.................................................................................148-149 Notes Page.......................................................................................... 150 Advertisers’ Index................................................................................ 151

Divisions PROFESSIONS

Architects............................................................................................... 30 Construction & Contractors.................................................................. 37 Interior Design....................................................................................... 40 Developers............................................................................................. 46 Engineers............................................................................................... 48 Construction Health & Safety................................................................ 50 Landscaping & Landscape Architects................................................... 53 Legal...................................................................................................... 56 Quantity Surveyors................................................................................ 59

BUILDING SYSTEMS

Automation............................................................................................ 62 Bathrooms.............................................................................................. 65 Ceilings & Partitions.............................................................................. 69 Doors & Windows................................................................................. 73 Electrical................................................................................................. 76 Floors..................................................................................................... 82 Kitchens................................................................................................. 86 Lighting.................................................................................................. 90 Roofing & Cladding............................................................................... 93 Walls....................................................................................................... 97 Safety & Security.................................................................................... 99

MATERIALS

Adhesives & Sealants.......................................................................... 103 Bricks & Paving.................................................................................... 110 Cement & Concrete............................................................................ 112 Coatings & Paint.................................................................................. 116 Insulation.............................................................................................. 119 Timber & Decking............................................................................... 121

SERVICES

Furniture............................................................................................... 124 Ground Engineering............................................................................ 129 Plumbing & Reticulation...................................................................... 131

GREEN BUILDING

HVAC................................................................................................... 136 Case Study........................................................................................... 139 Opinion................................................................................................ 140 Renewable Energy............................................................................... 144

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CONTENTS

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BluTide–The epitome of innovation and style..................................... 12 Climate change hotspot – SA labelled................................................ 16 Can we draw down greenhouse gas?............................................... 17 #FREESPACE frees thinking about cities............................................... 30 Wits eZone: Architects of Justice........................................................... 34 Clock Tower redecoration enhances tourism.................................... 37 Arrested development: Roads.............................................................. 38 From London to South Africa................................................................. 40 Decorex designer walks the talk........................................................... 43 A respected property developer speaks about off-plan................. 46 Keep diesel pumps ready...................................................................... 48 Bridging a chasm..................................................................................... 50 Battery Park sets urban design standards............................................ 53 Fake news, social media & lawlessness............................................... 56 SONA 2019: Government recognises QS’ role.................................... 59 GSM Access Control .............................................................................. 62 Extreme water-saving – the Swedish way........................................... 65 What’s trending in bathrooms............................................................... 67 The benefits of choosing polystyrene cornices.................................. 69 Service offering expands to Gauteng................................................. 71 Windows, colours & interiors................................................................... 73 Digitisation saves energy........................................................................ 76 Using unregistered electrical contractors – is it worth it?.................. 78 Uninterruptible power advice................................................................ 80 Safety-first grating.................................................................................... 82 Modern flooring products save time.................................................... 85 White’s in, so white-out........................................................................... 86 KSA: Ready for action............................................................................. 89 Lucky in love............................................................................................. 90 Walking with giants.................................................................................. 93 Expansion joints & settlement cracks.................................................... 97 LP-Gas in buildings................................................................................... 99 Construction chemicals market evolves........................................... 103 Pur-fect remedy for cracks................................................................... 108 Cast-stone pavers selected for Cape housing................................. 110 Testing watertight concrete & crack-healing................................... 112 Ash - the 21 century’s next big thing?................................................ 114 Colours for 2019...................................................................................... 116 Insulation: 5 considerations.................................................................. 119 Expo – above & beyond...................................................................... 121 African collection launched................................................................ 124 Modelling with marble.......................................................................... 126 Deep injection stabilises building corners.......................................... 129 Stability & erosion protection with subsoil drainage systems walls........................................................................................... 131 Something old, something new.......................................................... 136 Global alliance benefits waste reduction......................................... 139 Carbon tax & the economy................................................................ 140 Hope for rural areas via micro grid..................................................... 144

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COVER STORY

VORTEX SANITARYWARE

BluTide – The epitome of innovation and style Photos by Vortex

Vortex Sanitaryware is the proud advertiser on To Build’s cover this edition, with an exciting case study and a range of photos.

‘BluTide is super proud and excited to show you the stunning photos taken on site at an upmarket complex in Sandton where the first matte black taps from our Spring range were installed,’ says Caryn Korner, Director of Vortex Sanitaryware.

Nestled in the heart of Sandton, this upmarket gem of a development called Sandton Terraces, formerly Tathum Court, was originally built in 1997. This luxurious development has just recently been renovated by Tyto Developers with beautiful improvements. Consisting of 28 units, elegance and sophistication come to mind when one enters the units. The kitchen finishes are neutral with warm undertones, which give the homeowner the opportunity to add their colour of choice when making it their space and home. BluTide’s Spring sink mixer adds to the beauty of this kitchen in a brilliant chrome mirror finish.

BluTide’s Spring sink mixer adds beauty to the kitchen.

Bathrooms

‘The bathrooms are just WOW! Stylish, sophisticated bold choices set these bathrooms apart from the rest, they are in a league of their own,’ says Korner, adding that the designers opted to go with the Spring range of taps from BluTide in a matte black finish. The result is sensational, creating a timeless masterpiece.

BluTide in a matte black finish in the bathroom.

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VORTEX SANITARYWARE COVER STORY

“BluTide – A brand that’s trusted, loved and valued by all South Africans.”

BluTide for the bathroom, Sandton Terraces.

The BluTide range of taps and mixers is the epitome of innovation and style. The ranges are designed

by South Africans for South African use. Our in-house designers have over 30 years’ experience and are continually looking at new designs that will not only be functional for the South African consumer, but at the same time allow our consumers to enjoy the design styles that have a European influence,’ adds Korner.

BluTide – the bathrooms are just WOW!

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COVER STORY

VORTEX SANITARYWARE

BluTide has used the highest grade of DZR brass and other materials for the product to pass SABS tests for Jaswic approval, as well as apply the prestigious Australian Watermark. It is impressive to note that all BluTide products have been tested and approved.

This is not the norm with many of the imported products you find in the South African market.

Products carry a 15-year guarantee against manufacturing defects.

A culture of service excellence The three partners, Brett Solomon, Jason Wolff and Caryn Korner, who make up the three points of the Vortex logo, worked very closely together for the better part of their careers in the plumbing industry. The inbred tenacity of the partners breeds a culture of service excellence and with that, a culture of success. Apart from BluTide (a Vortex exclusive brand) launching over 10 new ranges of taps and mixers, they are also extremely proud of the fact that they were awarded seven out of the 10 Lusso ranges (which are a Massbuild, upmarket house brand).

‘The industry has embraced our brand and I think a huge part of that is because of our experience in the market which gives them comfort, knowing they can rely on us for service, quality and competitive pricing. The message is clear; they want us to succeed,’ adds Wolff.

Extensive guarantees

‘The BluTide range of taps and mixers is owned and managed by Vortex Sanitaryware. The products carry a 15-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. Vortex services all regions of South Africa, both in aftersales service as well as retail distribution, through our extensive list of loyal customers. A full and comprehensive range of spares are kept for the BluTide ranges too. This gives our customers complete peace of mind in buying the BluTide products which are backed by the excellent after-sales service and support of Vortex,’ says Korner.

‘BluTide has introduced the market to some incredible designs over the past year but we believe that the Matte black finish (featured here) is creating a renewed energy and excitement that is inspiring many developers and designers to add that touch of sophistication and glamour to their upmarket units,’ she adds.

McAlpine In addition to all the new BluTide ranges, Vortex has managed to add an extremely innovative range of plumbing fittings from Scotland to their exclusive brands.

The McAlpine range of plumbing fittings is a superior fitting produced from polypropylene and carries a 10-year guarantee. According to CEO, Brett Solomon: ‘Our challenge in this economic climate is to convince the plumbers, merchants and end-users that when buying an upmarket bath, toilet or basin, it is advisable to buy the more upmarket and robust plumbing fitting. It just doesn’t make sense to buy the cheapest connections on the market because you don’t see the value. Believe me, when the time comes to change the fittings you will wish that you hadn’t been pennywise and pound foolish.’

‘Water engineers and many architects understand the value of these products, but now it’s up to us to educate the market and improve wherever we can,’ he concludes.

Vortex Sanitaryware (Pty) Ltd T +27 (0)11 656 2533 E sales@vortex-za.com W www.vortex-za.com

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LEAD STORY CLIMATE CHANGE

Photo by Gareth Griffiths

Dry Tierwaterskloof Dam due to drought.

Climate change hotspot - SA labelled A 2018 report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), identifies Southern Africa as a climate change hotspot. South Africa has been experiencing higher than usual temperatures in recent years, causing drought in parts of the country. Specifically mentioned in the report were devastating hurricanes in the US, record droughts in Cape Town and forest fires in the Arctic.

According to an article in The Guardian [Ref: www.theguardian.com], the world’s leading climate scientists have warned there is only a dozen years for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C, beyond which even half a degree will significantly worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

The authors of the landmark report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released in October 2018, say urgent and unprecedented changes are needed to reach the target which they say is affordable and feasible, although it lies at the most ambitious end of the Paris agreement pledge to keep temperatures between 1.5C and 2C. A climate change expert from Wits University, Professor Bob Scholes, says that based on data at the disposal of government and academia, climate change is now having an influence on the lives of ordinary South African people, particularly those in the agricultural sector.

In a recent article written for The Conversation [www.theconversation.com], a senior lecturer in geography, Jennifer Fitchett, explained the distinction between weather, including its recent extremes, and climate.

“Climate describes the average atmospheric conditions over many years - the average annual rainfall, the predominant wind direction or the season in which rain is likely to occur. Climate projections,

16

whether derived from regional and global climate models or from statistical trend analysis of fluctuations over past decades, tell us about the anticipated climate in the next few decades to 100 years,’ she explains. It is hence important to make and understand the distinction, since the world is full of climate change denialists who confuse climate with adverse weather. These include not only Donald Trump but several prominent South Africans, including those who see SA’s future energy regime as still based on coal or nuclear.

Interviewed on eNCA News, Scholes says that as a ‘climatically marginal country that is not well watered, South Africa is a country where the Paris Agreement (on climate change) is amplified by a factor of four, hence a 2-degree Celsius cap on global warming will mean 4 degrees in our country.’

Factors that cause greenhouse gases include changes in the land surface, cutting of natural grasslands and forests and building of cities. South Africa faces numerous challenges brought on by climate change, significantly also to public health.

Vector-borne diseases are on the increase such as diarrhea and malaria, which are directly attributable to higher surface temperatures and less water.

‘Humans as a species are mammals which control their body temperature to 38C. When (ambient) temperatures go above this, the human body has no way to cope. Those at greatest risk are the elderly and the young,’ adds Scholes.

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CLIMATE CHANGE LEAD STORY

Can we draw down greenhouse gas?

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY GARETH GRIFFITHS

Leading environmentalist, economist and writer, Paul Hawken, has achieved high global visibility with the founding of Project Drawdown, which has gathered a qualified and diverse group of researchers from around the world to identify, research and model the 100 most substantive, existing solutions to address climate change. [Ref: www.drawdown.org]. The deliverable has been a plan of action forward that can roll back global greenhouse gas emissions within thirty years.

During 2017, Paul Hawken edited and released his book on climate change, called Drawdown - The most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming. He was keynote speaker at the Green Building Council of SA’s Convention 2018 where he addressed an influential audience of built environment practitioners and media from Africa.

Hawken is also author of the 1993 book, The Ecology of Commerce, a seminal treatise dealing with the relationship between the environment and business such as it was in that decade. This book, updated by Hawken in 2013, helped to nurture the germ of green consciousness in the world of big business and the impact of their activities on the planet and its people. In the early 90s, environmental thinking was largely confined to the concept of conservation and it took a generation of Hawken and similar thinkers, including Elkington who conceived the triple bottom line concept and others. It would take close to a decade for the realisation of the impact of business as usual thinking to become apparent as, governments and big business faced the inexorable truth of global warming, its impacts and`its causes.

Enter, the concept of green building as a response to scientific data that showed that the built environment was consuming 32% of all energy generated across the planet with an even bigger proportionate contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE).

In Hawkens’ opinion, drawdown signifies’ that moment in time after GHG’s have peaked and start to diminish’. The goal of the programme is drawdown itself. He argues that it is about ‘preserving civilisation’. In the early 2000s the emphasis was on ‘stabilisation’ and focused on what large business entities and governments could do.

Project Drawdown focusses on what people can do, hence a plan of 100 things that if applied, represent the most comprehensive plan ever to reverse global warming.

So just how credible is this research by the Fellows of Project Drawdown? In an interview Q&A with Diane Toomey writing for Yale Environment360, Hawken responded as follows: ‘We have 70 research fellows from around the world. Each of them took one or, in some cases, two solutions and wrote basically a master’s thesis on them. They did a literature review. There’s about 5 000 references for those 80 solutions which are now being published on the website. Our goal is transparency. The methodology was a three-step review process. It’s reviewed internally, it’s reviewed by the advisors, then the model is reviewed by outside expert science reviewers’.

Practical considerations

In his interview with Harvard, Hawken says: ‘The solutions are ranked by the number of gigatons of CO2, or the equivalent, that they would avoid or

“We see global warming not as an inevitability, but as an invitation to build, innovate and effect change, a pathway that awakens creativity, compassion and genius.’ – Paul Hawken, Drawdown, 2017.” volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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LEAD STORY CLIMATE CHANGE

sequester between the years 2020 and 2050. They range from big difference-makers such as refrigerant management, wind turbines and food waste, to those that are important but not as impactful, including methane digesters, green roofs and microgrids.

‘Your No. 1 solution has the slightly less than compelling title of refrigerant management. This solution involves reining in HFCs which are superpotent greenhouse gases, and Drawdown estimates that 90 gigatons of carbon dioxide can be avoided’.

But the research went further in that it explored the economics of each proposed solution. These solutions are not unique or even new. But looking at them from the economic angle and presenting global total net costs and operating savings. Just as the green building movement is gaining traction among hardened business managers, so the economic sense presented by Project Drawdown’s solutions could find currency in business.

Refrigerants

To Build has on behalf of readers investigated the refrigerant issue more deeply. It is the issue having the most significant drawdown potential if addressed correctly, close to 90 gigatons of CO2 (at 84.6 gigatons, offshore wind turbine power generation represents the second most powerful step).

Refrigerants are ubiquitous in both the kitchen and climate-control industries and have been in a state of evolution since their association with the destruction of the ozone layer. This is a welldocumented problem whose solution was a global collaborative effort, beginning with the Montreal protocol. It involved the move away from hazardous HCFC and CFC refrigerant gases and propellants to more ‘environmentally friendly’ prototypes.

But in the early 2000s it became clear that the solution to the problem was creating another huge problem in itself. The ‘environment friendly’ gases, consisting mainly of HFCs, have the capacity to warm the atmosphere as GHGs to the order of 1 000 to 9 000 times higher than COe.

“This is not a liberal agenda, nor is it a conservative one.

This is the human agenda.”

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Global warming contribution via these chemicals comes from two sources: the continued use of these substances in new products and during servicing; and what is done with them when the equipment, be it a fridge or air conditioner, is taken out of service. For example, landfills are full of trashed fridges that have long disgorged their fluorocarbons into the atmosphere.

Montreal Protocol amended to include HFCs

During 2016, an extremely important conference was held in Kigali, Rwanda, which amended the Montreal Protocol to include HFCs as well; a mandatory requirement starting in 2019 which will see these gases being phased out of use over an agreed time.

What is to be done, however, about the existing pool of the millions of leaking refrigerators and air conditioning condensers worldwide, however, remains a massive problem to the environment.

The Project Drawdown analysis includes reductions of these emissions via managing refrigerants already in circulation, in addition to reductions in OEM use as per the Kigali Accord.

Adoptions of practices are proposed to avoid leaks from existing refrigerants, and to destroy these gases at end of life. Researchers estimate that over a period of 30 years, 87% of refrigerants could be contained, thus avoiding emissions equivalent to a massive 89.7 gigatons of carbon dioxide. The economics of the situation, however, weigh against such a programme, meaning that refrigerant management would require an investment of $900-billion by 2050. Herein lies the rub. This suggests considerable ‘kick in’ from manufacturers based on the cradle-to-grave responsibility principal as well as possible government intervention.

If anything, the situation is worsening on the ground at present. With increased warming of the atmosphere due to climate change, small air conditioning units are becoming ubiquitous in many communities, especially in the city. They dot the cityscape, especially in places such as Asia and other humid climates.

On the positive side, the move by green building to more passive methods of HVAC in buildings is obviating the need for compressors and conventional equipment. Various solutions were proposed and are in use in highly rated green buildings which not only help those buildings on the journey to net zero, but also facilitate a much more comfortable and productive working environment

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CLIMATE CHANGE LEAD STORY

and saving operating costs. Great examples of such buildings include Discovery Place, Sandton, Silo 1 (Alan Gray), V&A Waterfront and other buildings there that enjoy district seawater cooling.

Use of pure hydrocarbon-based refrigerants is increasing

Meantime, the conventional compressor-based industry has responded by upping the use of pure hydrocarbon-based refrigerants. Most recently these include I-butane based products such as R600a.

Late in 2017, the USA Environmental Protection Agency cleared the way for hydrocarbons, isobutane, propane and R441A (a blend of light and heavier hydrocarbons) to be used in new household refrigerators, freezers and combination refrigerators and freezers. Prior to this, the US had lagged behind other countries in approving the use of hydrocarbons in what was no doubt a move in vested interests.

General Electric has recently announced that their researchers are developing magnetic refrigeration (magnetocaloric refrigeration). The technology uses no refrigerants or compressors and is 20% more efficient than what is used today. In addition, the technology can be applied to other heat pump applications such as HVAC and has the potential to

impact nearly 60% of the average US household’s energy consumption, according to the company.

Danish company Danfoss announced in 2012 its work on R32 refrigerant which it says could be an environment-friendly refrigerant for use in AC systems and heat pumps. It is a fluorinated methane molecule, reportedly having a 65% lower global warming potential than other products such as R22, but also only mildly flammable when compared to pure hydrocarbons.

What is concerning, however, is the relative paucity of information from major system manufacturers on the HVAC and domestic cooling and heating space, as to exactly what their long-term intentions are. It is all very well to talk about the swing to hydrocarbons but note needs to be taken of the fact they too have GHG potential and are more difficult and dangerous to contain than CFC’s.

From a philosophical perspective, however, lessons can be learned from the people of old. Thick walls for high thermal mass, limited windows that are covered during the hot hours or wide skillion style roofs that allow adequate air flow and night cooling to an inner core, are examples of passive climate control practice already proposed and in use by green building conscious designers.

Paul Hawkin, environmentalist, economist and writer.

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N E W C A P I TA L R I S I N G

Steyn City’s AAA Grade Commercial Park - Launch Early 2019 Rising out from the 2 000 acres of beautifully manicured parkland, Steyn City’s 80 000m2 commercial node - Capital Park, is set to complete its world class suite of lifestyle facilities and amenities. Steyn City - perfectly nestled between Joburg and Pretoria, is redefining authentic resort living and dominating sales trends as a result.

The City Centre at Steyn City is reshaping the skyline of what is becoming the new richest square mile in Africa.

Rising alongside this is the 14 hectare Capital Park, comprising 10 three and four-storey office buildings – each boasting its own unique design, roof garden, two basement levels, outdoor parking, an average 3 800m² of office space, and access to greenbelt zones and the City Centre retail and hospitality district.

80 000m 2 COMMERCIAL ZONE | 10 BUILDINGS WITH SECTIONAL TITLE MODEL | AVERAGING 3 800m 2 OFFICE SPACE

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Since inception, Steyn City’s trajectory has always only been upwards.

Contact us and join the trend.

Call 010 597 1040 sales@steyncity.co.za Mark: 082 559 2989 Leanne: 072 078 9562 steyncity.co.za

2 BASEMENT PARKING LEVELS | ROOFTOP GARDENS | GREENBELT ACCESS | CITY CENTRE RETAIL AND HOSPITALITY

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Leading QS passes Dr Corné de Leeuw, one of the ‘founder fathers’ of the South African quantity surveying profession, recently passed away aged 81. Dr de Leeuw founded the De Leeuw Group in 1958 and had a long and distinguished career in his chosen profession.

He was Past President of many professional associations in his field, including the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS) and the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA).

According to Larry Feinberg, the Executive Director of ASAQS: ‘Corné was one of South Africa’s outstanding leaders and pioneers within our profession. Possessing an incredibly astute intellect, business acumen and management skill, Corné combined these formidable qualities to rise to the top as a respected leader within the built environment, being recognised and respected both locally and internationally as an icon within the quantity surveying, property valuation and property development professions.’

‘His immense contribution and devotion to the QS fraternity and construction industry over the course of many decades has left a technical legacy that would have come into contact with every professional within the built environment in one way or another. He was truly a servant of our industry and our profession and was always extremely and sincerely humble in recognising and acknowledging his vast contribution’. [Source: www.asaqs.co.za].

To Build pays tribute to Dr Corné de Leeuw and we offer our condolences to his family, friends and business associates.

Prime Denver warehouse upgrade Emira Property Fund is set to complete the total refurbishment of its 9 800m2 warehouse facility superbly located in the popular industrial hub of Denver, Johannesburg.

The leading JSE-listed REIT is investing R8.2 million in the major revamp project which will bring the industrial property on this prime site on the corner of Mimetes Road and Kruger Street to the forefront of modern business accommodation.

‘By refurbishing our Denver warehouse, Emira is furthering our strategy to improve the quality of our assets. This property is part of our core portfolio because it has great fundamentals in place; an excellent location in an established industrial area, easy highway access, security and ample electrical power. With this

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Rendering supplied by Emira Property Fund

Denver Warehouse.

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FROM THE MARKETPLACE NEWS & VIEWS

upgrade we are refreshing the building to support the latest warehousing and business operations,’ says Ulana van Biljon, Chief Operating Officer of Emira Property Fund.

When the refurbishment project is completed the facility will offer conveniently positioned modern warehousing of nearly 9 800m2. The new building will comprise some 1 000m2 of contemporary offices with an eye-catching new entrance. A new courtyard will bridge the offices and the 8 800m2 warehouse. Both offices and warehouse will be fitted with energy-efficient lighting to lower occupancy costs. The entire building will boast a striking new façade, including unusual linear feature lighting, making it a landmark in the area.

Construction chemical major shows growth According to a company press release, Sika proved its ability to generate very strong growth in 2018, increasing sales in local currencies by 13.7% over the last year to the equivalent of CHF7.09 billion (R94billion).

The positive development of business in all regions, together with continued investments in new factories, the establishment of another national subsidiary and the strategic focus on big cities to capture the business potential of the megatrend urbanisation contributed to Sika’s strong growth.

All regions managed to boost sales and gain further market share. Above-average growth rates were achieved in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, USA, Indonesia, India, China and in the Global Business segment. In 2018, sales in the Europe, Middle East, Africa region increased by 14.2% in local currencies (previous year: 7.6%).

‘We made further significant progress with our growth strategy in fiscal year 2018 and have made good use of the additional momentum afforded to us by the settlement of the takeover dispute. Our 13.7% increase in sales meant we broke through the CHF7 billion barrier for the first time,’ says Paul Schuler, Sika CEO.

Promoting trenchless technology With growing calls for non-disruptive installation of services such as sewerage, water and fibre connectivity, the requirement for trenchless technology is surging and the need to educate installers and end-users is becoming critical.

It was also the driving reason for one of the country’s largest trenchless equipment suppliers, ELB Equipment, to sponsor the recent International No-Dig 2018 South Africa Conference and Exhibition, held in Cape Town recently.

A gathering of the world’s leading authorities on trenchless technologies, the event also provided local roleplayers and municipal decision-makers with an opportunity to examine capabilities and seek ways of implementing them within local structures.

Paul Harwood, Managing Director of Westrade Group, the international organiser of the event, says the event was hosted by the Southern African Society for Trenchless Technology (SaSTT) on behalf of the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) and is part of a global series that sees the event hosted in different countries each year. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Oxford parks milestone

According to Chris Maritz, Contract Manager at Concor Buildings, the building is part of Phase 1 of the Oxford Parks vision which will include three more office blocks and a hotel. Work began in August 2017 for client Intaprop and BPSA staff relocated to the new space in December 2018. The tight schedule of less than 16 months meant careful planning, implementation and monitoring, with 300 to 350 employees and contractors on site at the project’s peak.

‘This is the first building in a large mixed-use development that will roll out a substantial part of the residential area between Jellicoe Avenue and Bompas Road in Rosebank,’ explains Maritz. ‘The construction of this first part of Phase 1 comprises three basement levels of about 28 000m2 and six office levels with a gross leasable area (GLA) of 8 100m2, as well as 960m2 of retail space on the ground floor.’

Photo by Concor

The visionary Oxford Parks development in Rosebank, Johannesburg, has seen its first building completed by Concor Buildings for the new head office of BPSA, one of the country’s largest oil companies. Significantly, the building has achieved a 4 Star Green Rating in terms of the GBCSA standards.

Chris Maritz, Contract Manager at Concor Buildings.

Concor Buildings was required by the client to take the building to tenant fit-out stage and delivered complete office floors except for loose furniture and IT equipment. The handover of floors – as they were completed – began in October 2018.

Steel awards 2019 calls for entries The Annual SAISC Steel Awards is an opportunity to put your hard work on display. No matter how big or small, enter the projects that you are proud of! The deadline for nominations is 29 March 2019.

All entered projects will appear in the Steel Construction Journal and will be featured on the SAISC website. Finalists will be showcased at the gala dinners and the winning projects will be featured in a dynamic profile video. To Build will be there to cover the events.

The Steel Awards, which will take place on 10 October 2019, play a critical and inspirational role in the built environment by focusing on what has been achieved rather than (or in spite of) the challenges we face. It is also a very tangible example of creativity, resilience and resourcefulness.

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Photo by Anton Steenkamp

Don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity to showcase your project team’s hard work to key industry stakeholders.

Steel Awards winner 2018 – Time Square Sun Arena.

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Enjoy a 6-Month Payment Break While your truck works for you

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EDITOR’S CHOICE PROMISING PRODUCTS

This hardy cordless insulation saw is fast, precise, efficient and mobile.

The new 18V Festool ISC 240 takes sawing to a completely new level. It’s perfectly coordinated blade sets with guided saw for fast, clean and precise cutting of flexible mineral and natural fibre insulating materials and insulated boards. Special saw blades ensure fast work and an extra-long tool life even when cutting insulated materials up to 350 mm thick.

Available in two lengths (240mm and 350mm) the blades can be easily changed without tools, thanks to the quick-change system. This mobile and robust unit has complete cordless mobility and thanks to a 18V lithium ion battery pack, it works at high speed with minimal effort even when working with the thickest of material. There is zero maintenance with the EC-TEC motor that is dust-protected and ideal for heavy-duty use on building sites [Ref: www. festool.co.za]. Available from Vermont Sales.

Photo Festool, supplied by Vermont Sales

Sawing insulation made easy

Festool ISC 240 is 18V.

Plan your day around loadshedding

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Notifier was added after 2015 after poor planning by the state utility plunged many households and businesses into the dark.

According to the inventor, the Load Shedding Notifier offers the following key features: • Real-time Eskom load shedding status monitoring.

• Load shedding announcements from Eskom.

• Early warning of scheduled load shedding in your areas.

• Multiple areas can be configured.

• View load shedding schedules for your areas for the following month.

• Very low data usage.

• Configurable alerts.

• Configurable status update frequency.

Find it in your smartphone’s Appstore. It’s a free download.

Load Shedding Notifier App

Images by Brett Kleineibst

It’s load shedding time again, when our country gets held at the mercy of the vagaries of Eskom and government officials who decide whether we can work or not during the day depending on when they switch the power off. Of course, ‘loadshedding’ is a big euphemism for area blackouts, so maybe it’s time we start calling a spade a spade. It’s certainly not a red diamond!

Of great use to property owners , facilities managers and construction professionals, the Load Shedding Notifier App, a free application available on Andriod or iOS, This monitors the current Eskom load shedding status and notifies you if the power is scheduled to go off in your area. App designer, Brett Kleineibst, offers various tailor made applications on his website www.abis HYPERLINK “http://www.abisoft.co.za/”o HYPERLINK “http:// www.abisoft.co.za/”ft.co.za and it is thanks to him that you may now control your day electricity-wise from your smartphone. Plan that trip to a client in an unaffected area or deliver a generator to site to keep works underway.

The site started with producing educational applications for young children but Load Shedding volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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PROMISING PRODUCTS EDITOR’S CHOICE

This Multi-Sharp kit can be used on all makes of chainsaws and will maintain the chain, saving you costly chain replacements and keeping the cutters like new.

According to the distributors, Vermont Sales, the Multi-Sharp chainsaw sharpening kit restores a sharp new cutting edge to the chainsaw, without having to remove the chain. A chain saw with sharp cutters is much easier to use as it does not drag and gives you a clean cut. It’s also a lot safer as it will stop the saw sticking or jumping. The more important feature is that one does not need to remove the chain from the saw and it’s a simple quick exercise to sharpen the complete chain.

Suitable for almost all popular makes of chainsaw [Ref: www.vermontsales.co.za].

Photo by Vermont Sales

New life to your chainsaw

Chain sharpener.

Photo by Tork Craft

Activated ceiling tri-light

Motion activated retrofit.

According to Tork Craft, this is easy to fit as it screws in like a normal light bulb.

Arrive home to a fully lit garage, home or entrance area and the perfect, safety and security for your family. This superb new motion-activated ceiling tri-light, that’s simple to fit as it screws in like a light bulb. Nothing has been left out in this design - the unit has three retro-cast aluminium heatsink faces that are adjustable, each of the three faces incorporate an ultra-bright daylight white LED, energy saving light panel all linked, with stainless steel braided cables.

‘Want your product featured here?

Contact To Build’s editor via email editor@tobuild.co.za to find out how to get this incredible exposure.’

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Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior DĂŠcor

PROFESSIONS Architects.................................................... 30 Construction & Contractors........... 37 Interior Design.......................................... 40 Developers................................................... 46 Engineers..................................................... 48 Construction Health & Safety........... 50 Landscaping & Landscape Architects.................................................... 53 Legal............................................................... 56 Quantity Surveyors................................. 59

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Professions ARCHITECTS

Suspended on display outside the Zeitz MOCAA – a repurposed shipping container acting as a symbolic artistic reference for the programme.

#FREESPACE frees thinking about cities Photos by Gareth Griffiths

The brainchild of London-based architects, Caroline Sohie and Leszek Dobrovolsky, a project entitled #FREESPACE offered a South African and international audience the opportunity to discuss and engage with the concept of space from a cultural, architectural, urban and personal perspective – space as a resource and space as a binding medium between people. The discussions took place at the renowned Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and on an online forum. [Ref: www.freespace.events] Sohie and Dobrovolsky are the co-principals of the INSTINCT international design and consulting practice of London. To Build’s editor spoke to them

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at the official launch of the programme at the V&A SILO. According to project co-curator, Leszek

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ARCHITECTS

Caroline Sohie at the launch.

Professions

#FREESPACE at the Waterfront.

Dobrovolsky: ‘An “Ark of Knowledge”, a container exhibit hangs in a public space (of the V&A Waterfront), acting as a symbolic vessel that conveys memory through the act of migration and change. As an allegory to the notion of a transient and adaptive shelter, it represents a lens through which collectively South Africans can reflect and find resonance around the notion or ideal of “the diverse nation”.’

Dobrovolsky noted that the container has been on exhibit in various cities and has travelled close to 108 000 nautical miles (approximately 200 000km) around the globe. The exhibit is suspended via a lattice of stainless steel cables and rigged from a steel frame designed by a leading engineering practice and certified by City engineers. Its presence, according to Dobrovolsky is a ‘symbol of the creative use of free space intended to be a space of meaningful engagement’.

A programme to provoke and stimulate critical discussion

Zeitz MOCAA and African Centre for Cities together established a programme inside the museum to provoke and stimulate critical discussion. It took on various formats of engagement, ranging from talks to panel discussions, workshops and performances.

Public events were hosted at the Zeitz MOCAA and the V&A Silo District on weekends and during evenings in the week to maximise the opportunity for attendance.

Public space is explored through the lens of multiple disciplines, reaching beyond the realm of architecture and planning, to expose the intricate inter-relationships that give birth to or impact upon the notion of “space”. These provocations intend to reveal some of the drivers that inform the production of space. Topics ranged from the

LEFT: Luyanda Mphalwa.

ABOVE: Azu Nwagbogu.

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Professions ARCHITECTS

LEFT: Leszek Dobrovolsky.

RIGHT:

Underneath and inside the container – free space for creatives. impact of food security to economic exchange, explorations of identity, diversity and heritage in contemporary placemaking.

The events included South African speakers and artists that have outspoken views on the notion of free space, punctuated by international contributions and global juxtapositions. In parallel, an educational programme took place, enabling children of different age groups and backgrounds to experience, explore and express free space through tutored workshops.

What this could mean for Cape Town

Speaking after the opening of #FREESPACE by David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, South Africa Institute of Architects (SAIA) president, Luyanda Mphalwa, explained the significance of such discussions for Cape Town.

‘In my experience, the lack of public space in South African cities challenges diversity. Cape Town is no different. According to the latest statistics, only 5 200 people reside in the inner city, of a metropolitan population of four million. How do you make the city more accessible? Since democracy in South Africa, the country has had little inner city revitalisation and space is still divided along the lines of the apartheid planners,’ he says. #FREESPACE is a project of INSTINCT, undertaken for V&A Waterfront, in partnership with Zeitz MOCAA and the African Centre for Cities at UCT, with additional support of various donors.

Visitors are invited to contribute, there and then, to the public debate. In addition, curatorial content further fuels public exchange as artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines are invited for a 24-hour takeover of the container. The initiative emerged against the backdrop of the Venice

32

Biennale in Italy, which was themed ‘Freespace’ in 2018.

‘Due to South Africa’s absence from the Biennale, #FREESPACE is partly a South African response to this global event. It intends to create a platform to engage with this curatorial proposition and enable the expression of public and specialist views,’ explains co-curator Caroline Sohie.

‘Like other cities, Cape Town is marked by inevitable contradictions and tensions.

Contemporary urban dynamics still tend to perpetuate the patterns of a dissented city, with its class, race and cultural characteristics marking the built fabric.

‘The urban debate around the resource of space is profound as the post-apartheid city struggles with valuing space in terms of its sustainable use, ownership, shared meaning and how it can express the multiplicity of evolving contemporary identities. In response, #FREESPACE aims to create a temporary space of meaningful engagement, disentangling some of the aspects informing the production of space,’ concludes Sohie.

Closing proceedings, Azu Nwagbogu, chief curator of the Zeitz MOCAA echoed the sentiments of Mphalwa about the lack of inclusivity in the city and its open spaces, making particular reference to how the application of heritage and heritage architecture, with the exclusivity it can bring, is viewed very differently by a substantial group of people who feel it is “just another medium of exclusion”.

Editor’s note: The African Centre for Cities (ACC) is an interdisciplinary teaching and research institution at the University of Cape Town that focuses on urbanisation processes in Africa and identifying systemic responses.

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Professions ARCHITECTS

Wits eZone: Architects of Justice Photos by Dominic Barnardt Photography

In two forgotten home economics classrooms in the east block of the Khanya Building at the Wits Education Campus in Johannesburg, a Johannesburg-based architectural practice has created an Adaptive Learning Environment (ALE), the eZone, which offers a glimpse of how future classrooms will be.

For the better part of five years, the School of Therapeutic Sciences at Wits has been evolving in its use of technology in preparation of a digital classroom environment. Aware of the changes in technology and connectivity, how quickly students are accepting new technologies and the rate they become proficient with these new technologies, the school teamed up with the Wits School of Education to create the eZone. The eZone was conceptualised as a space to facilitate learning, using digital media and devices. The intention is to better equip learners and lecturers with the digital tools available in their professions by facilitating the exploration of learning and teaching through new technologies and software.

‘The eZone is a flexible space that can be rearranged to accommodate individual study, group collaboration on projects as well as the more

traditional classroom and examination setups,’ explains Kuba Granicki from Architects Of Justice (AOJ).

AOJ had just finished the Wits Health Sciences library upgrade when they inherited two classrooms in an old technical building for the eZone.

‘The two 420m2 classrooms date back to the 80s when home economics was taught. One for cooking with 30 or so kitchen stations and the other equipped with sewing machines. There was even a loom in the one corner,’ notes Granicki. These forgotten classrooms had to be designed to be flexible; an environment which could easily be separated into several spaces depending on the needs of the classroom.

‘From the start we knew we’d be dealing with as open a space as possible and we looked at how we could divide it into as many manageable

The eZone, which offers a glimpse of how future classrooms will be.

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ARCHITECTS

Professions

‘Massification is a mandate for transformation in the post-apartheid South Africa,’ BarnardAshton notes. ‘The government is mandating that universities accept higher numbers of students – particularly from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, without expanding resources. The eZone provides the space and the mobile technology for students to engage with their learning activities so that no student is left behind,’ she adds.

Creating a blended learning environment Students can choose what modular furniture feels comfortable for them and what technology is appropriate for the task.

compartments or teaching areas that could be easily opened up again by moveable partitions,’ explains Granicki.

Since Wits is a tertiary education provider it needs to provide for a wide and diverse quantity of people and teaching. Proposals must be approved by several different departments, where everything from paraplegic access to safety and security are taken into consideration.

There were certain directives – the space needed to seat a certain number of students for examination purposes – but the designers did not design the space around exams which take place once or twice a year.

A flexible, active learning space

‘Our team recognised that computing spaces in higher education are confined to fixed desk, rowby-row computing,’ says Dr Paula Barnard-Ashton who is in charge of eFundanathi – Learn with Us, in the School of Therapeutic Sciences at Wits in an interview with www.dailyadventures.com.

‘It took six years to raise the funds and find the location to create the eZone which was officially opened in September 2017,’ she explains. Lecturers lead classes in the eZone using technology rather than standing at the front of the room delivering lectures.

All students have equal access to devices and high-speed Wi-Fi. They can choose what modular furniture feels comfortable for them and what technology is appropriate for the task. Using technology to address some of the systemic education challenges in South Africa is a big part of Barnard-Ashton’s mission.

‘The eZone uses blended learning. The classroom focuses on the student and the lecturer facilitates.

The entire curriculum is becoming available digitally on an iPad. The lecture can be replaced with a webinar and students can interact with the lecturer via Twitter in real-time, instead of disturbing the class with a raised hand and a question – so that’s made a big change and the classroom has been “flipped” around,’ says Granicki. Digital devices are essential for this change. These are supplied where students do not have their own.

The designers had to bring fibre and Wi-Fi into a building which wasn’t built for it and were honest about it in the design. ‘We brought in exposed cable trays and task lighting and with so much mobile furniture, everything had to fit into a certain ceiling line so there wouldn’t be any collisions when moving elements around,’ Granicki explains.

Acoustic panels were placed sporadically within the space to dampen the sound and the floors are carpeted with high grade acoustic carpet. Although the space is passively ventilated, looking at how it was originally designed as a home economics room, the architects predicted that they would struggle to retain a comfortable indoor environment when the capacity was increased to 120 students, thus air conditioning had to be installed.

‘We expanded into the concourse which leads to the classroom and it became another space that fell into the brief. We designed a wireless lounge where students can still have access to the eZone even when classes are in progress,’ adds Granicki.

Project team

Architects: Architects Of Justice Electrical Engineers: ELR Eksteen & Le Roux Quantity Surveyor: SBDS Quantity Surveyors IT Specialists: Data Centric Contractor: Murray & Dickson volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Electrical Engineering Consulting Services Turnkey Solutions

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CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS Professions

Clock Tower redecoration enhances tourism Commentators have in recent times referred to the condition of the iconic Victoria and Alfred Clock Tower in Cape Town’s famous V&A Waterfront and the need for its upkeep. The relevant authorities take the maintenance of such heritage buildings seriously and the Clock Tower was on the cards for refurbishment. As one of the city’s heritage buildings, maintenance and upkeep of such an important site is vital for South African tourism.

Photo by Indawo

This favoured South African historic building, completed in 1883, was the original harbour signal station and Port Captain’s office. Escaping possible demolition in 1975, the Clock Tower received a makeover in 1976 after which it was declared a national monument in 1978. A further restoration of the Clock Tower was done in the late 1990s.

Commissioned to refurbish the Clock Tower at the V&A Waterfront, building refurbishment company, Indawo completed the much-needed redecoration of arguably, the most important building at the V&A Waterfront, in time for the new year.

According to Indawo Managing Director, Geoffrey Jäck, the precinct was a busy one with local and international tourists visiting the V&A Waterfront which is simultaneously a working harbour. This added to the pressure as safety was also important. Redecoration at a tourist attraction adds to the challenges that face refurbishment companies and scaffolding was the safest means of access to the higher levels of the tower.

‘The project involved the complete restoration of the tower to its original state,’ says Jäck. ‘The right colour choice was made to maintain the original aesthetic appeal. The lead roof sheeting was also replaced. It is specifically cut to size and installed along with a bird deterrent. We had to contend with high consumer traffic and strong winds, often a challenge for painters in areas with continuous consumer traffic.’

The redecorated V&A Clock Tower.

The external structure was repainted and the wooden staircase and balcony refurbished and restored to ensure this iconic landmark remains a key attraction for local and international visitors. The new lead roof sheeting has ensured a good-as-new structure and the Clock Tower now stands proud again in the V&A Waterfront.

‘Lead roof sheeting has a long lifespan if well maintained. Its flexible properties also allow for it to be a good sealant, resulting in a safe waterproofed product. Also used as a covering for gutters, lead can provide an ideal solution to waterproof a roof.

Correct installation is critical to ensure this long lifespan is maintained.

‘Regular maintenance on heritage buildings will preserve their aesthetic appeal for centuries to come,’ Jäck concludes. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Professions CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS

Artists impression by SANRAL

Mtentu bridge rendering.

Arrested development: Roads According to a media release from the SA National Roads Agency (SANRAL), its appointed contractor has abandoned the Mtentu Bridge site for reasons other than the assertion that unsafe working conditions are the cause.

The Mtentu bridge site is one of the mega bridges forming part of the N2 Wild Coast (N2WC) road project. The tender had been awarded to the Aveng Strabag Joint Venture (ASJV). The JV partners consist of Aveng Grinaker-LTA, a major South African-based construction company and Strabag, a leading European construction company.

In a strongly worded press release, SANRAL rejected the assertion of unsafe working conditions, saying that government, both at national and provincial levels, has done all that was necessary to ensure that it was safe for the contractor to return to site. Aveng, a joint venture partner, said the contractors have not been on site since 22 October ‘due to threats of violence and levels of community unrest and protest action related to demands made against SANRAL’.

SANRAL is following due process as per FIDIC contract requirements (the agency’s standard international contract used for consulting engineering and construction purposes) and on 5 February issued a notice of termination to the contractor for abandoning the site.

‘Work on the project was suspended on 22 October 2018 due to community protests. The N2 Wild Coast Road Political Oversight Committee (POC), chaired by Eastern Cape Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC Weziwe Tikana, led negotiations with all affected stakeholders to find a solution to the problem and ensure continuation of the project. After protracted negotiations with the community, the petitioners and other local stakeholders, a resolution was reached on 9 January 2019 on all the key issues.

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Aveng said the construction companies disagree with SANRAL’s assertion that it is safe to continue with the construction.

‘The ASJV does not agree with SANRAL’s view and related events do not support their view. The ability to execute work safety and in accordance with international best practice is our primary concern,’ Aveng said. Hence SANRAL was informed of the decision to terminate the contract at the end of January.

According to Business Day, the Strabag spokesperson, Diana Neumüller-Klein, has said the nature of the threats, unrest and protest action at the project is unprecedented.

‘The construction of the Mtentu Bridge is technically demanding and requires compliance with the most stringent international engineering and safety standards, with zero margin for the disruption of the nature experienced,’ she said.

‘A process to resolve all of the remaining issues was agreed. A process was also agreed to address any future issues without stopping work and it was resolved that progress on the bridge construction could resume unhindered from Monday, 14 January 2019,’ said SANRAL’s spokesperson, Vusi Mona.

‘The contractor was not being transparent about its true reasons for abandoning site and we suspect that the publicly known financial challenges of Aveng may have contributed to the decision.’

‘SANRAL regrets the delays and costs that will result from this abandonment of the project by the contractor,’ says the media release.

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Professions INTERIOR DESIGN

From London to South Africa

By Zelna Oberholster Photos by Charl Oberholster

South African-born, soft furnishings designer and owner of The Curtain Tailor, Charl Oberholster, shares some trends from London for the coming season. His clients range from designers, architects and decorators in Munich to Russia. Oberholster recently visited South Africa to oversee a local project.

To Build asked him what to expect in terms of trends for this season.

Oberholster says that after years of neutrals and “greige” there is a move back to brighter tones and jewel colours.

‘Opulence is also coming back. In recent years the trend was for wave curtains and Roman blinds for a more modern look. While it is still popular for new built properties, more fullness in window treatments is returning. Swags and tails are slowly becoming more popular again and over-the-top is more in demand,’ he comments.

‘History has proven that when times are getting difficult, people resort to more opulence around them to make them feel better.’ This is from a curtain pole supplier who is seeing an increase in gold and silver leaf finished poles and accessories.

There is also a big movement towards new, independent fabric designers who often take inspiration from nature and the environment.

While the big brand names will always be popular, there is a movement towards supporting small businesses too. Designers that have made a name

for themselves include Sarah Hardaker (she used to design for Osborne & Little), Zoe Glencross (who collaborated with London’s High Street sofa store, sofa.com, on custom colours exclusive to them in some of her designs), Charlotte Gaisford, Meg Morton and Lorna Syson.

The Curtain Tailor, a soft furnishings workroom and supplier based in Putney, London, ensures that their clients remain on trend.

[Ref: www.curtaintailor.co.uk]. Whether they prefer classic or modern designs, they cater for it. They provide high quality, competitively priced services to produce made-to-measure curtains, Roman blinds and a range of soft furnishings. All their products are hand-finished.

The Curtain Tailor will typically measure and calculate quantities and even source special fabrics and accessories for their clients or use their clients’ own fabric.

A range of soft furnishings options

There are several soft furnishings options to choose from and largely depend on the client’s personal

Brush fringe trimmed cushions in a Russian family’s master bedroom.

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Triple pleat curtains for a client in South Africa.

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INTERIOR DESIGN Professions

Voile curtains, linen curtains and cushions made for Hugo da Silva Interior Design, for a project in London ties together the interior theme.

taste, space and need. Below are some examples of the options available.

Curtains are made with hand-sewn hems, weighted corners and quality linings. Interlining is available as an option; a blanket-like fabric is inserted between the face fabric and lining, giving not only a more sumptuous effect, but also increased insulation properties. Black-out lining is often requested for bedrooms to keep light out. Various headings are available, from pencil pleat tape to double and triple pleats, goblets and eyelet headed curtains.

Upholstered pelmets give height and definition to a window and will complement the curtains and room. Pelmets can be straight-edged or shaped to give interest. Braids or other trims can finish the bottom edge of a pelmet.

Valances – proportions are important when adding a valance to curtains. Various shapes can enhance the final effect. Valances can also give the illusion of making windows look taller than they really are.

Roman blinds require less fabric than curtains and give a sleeker and more modern feel to a room.

The Curtain Tailor’s Roman blinds are made with carefully calculated pockets in the lining so there are no visible stitch lines on the face of the blinds.

Striped fabrics lend themselves very well to Roman blinds, or plain fabrics with a contrast border and a trim or braid can be inserted to add interest. The Roman blinds are fitted on rotary tracks with chain safety devices as standard.

Roller blinds can filter light, give privacy or simply keep the sun out. Choose from a wide range of finishes or have a roller blind made in fabric to match the rest of an interior scheme.

Venetian blinds give the client control with the flick or twist of a wand. The client can control the amount and direction of light filtered into the room.

Venetian blinds are available in a large range of colours, styles and widths.

Poles can be specially painted to match the interior design, or the client can choose the sleek look of the popular Metropole. Metal and wooden poles are available with different diameters and finials.

Scatter cushions can tie an interior scheme together. They can complement by using the same fabric as the window treatments or give contrast by using a different colour or design. Interest can be added with fringes, piping, buttons and various other trims.

Whether a client wants to add interest to a single room or redecorate an entire space, soft furnishings can contribute to the mood and value of a home or office space. With a little imagination and the help of a professional you can turn MEH! into OMG!

South African born Charl Oberholster who now lives in London is the owner of The Curtain Tailor.

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INTERIOR DESIGN Professions

Decorex designer walks the talk Photos by Jennifer Jones

Renowned for its incredible representation of local designers, Sian Cullingworth, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions tells To Build that Decorex Durban 2019 will continue this tradition with the inclusion of Jennifer Jones Interiors as this year’s Designer Spotlight.

‘Her eclectic style and unique vision will be revealed in an exquisite installation that forms part of the extensive Decorex Durban feature programme, taking place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 21 to 24 March 2019,’ says Cullingworth [Ref: www.decorex.co.za] .

The organisers are intrigued to see her take on the ‘Designing for Africa – feels like home’ theme.

‘It was at Decorex Durban in 2001 that Jennifer first launched her interior design business and she astounds us every time she returns with her beautiful creations,’ adds Cullingworth.

Jennifer Jones says she is excited to be involved in this exciting exhibition. ‘Decorex always provides an endless array of creative inspiration for the design year ahead and I’m so looking forward to sharing my favourite 2019 décor trends.’

In the home of Jennifer Jones

As a way to give visitors a sneak preview of her unique style, the Hillcrest-based interior designer has decided to reveal her personal tastes as reflected in her new home. Having recently moved to a Spanish-style town house from her period home on the Berea, Jennifer had to downscale and re-work her furniture and décor into a whole new space. [Ref: www.jenniferjonesinteriors.co.za].

Taking it room by room

Jones explains that many modern kitchens are incorporating seated areas to offer a space for intimate meals, an alternative work space or just a place to relax. For her kitchen, Jennifer converted an old desk into a kitchen table by changing the top, using natural timber to add a different element to the room and then re-fashioned a couch, simply by adjusting the height, so that it could be used at the kitchen table.

‘I wanted to add mood to the townhouse, using paint to give each room a different feel. I painted the kitchen walls quite a strong shade of

The kitchen in which Jones painted the walls a strong shade of grey – Mr Grey from the Shaves Colour Collection – and created a conversation corner as a place to entertain and chat.

grey – Mr Grey from the Shaves Colour Collection – and created a conversation corner as a place to entertain and chat,’ she explains.

The grey creates a perfect backdrop for the Moulin Rouge inspired wallpaper and framed family pictures that together create a lovely warmth in the kitchen, while fishing basket-style light fittings add to the ambience with their dramatic shadows. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Professions INTERIOR DESIGN

The lounge brickwork was painted in Mr Grey to delineate the fire place with a screen placed in the corner to draw eyes away from the flat area.

The ball-and-claw dining room suite is in a mix of German silver and ebony, giving this traditional furniture a whole new look. The dining room chairs have been finished in a German silver technique, while the table is stained in a satin ebony finish.

‘The challenge in the lounge was the brickwork fire place,’ says Jones. ‘I painted the room in Maui Beach from Plascon – a subdued shade of teal green which offsets the white velvet sofas beautifully. The brickwork was painted in Mr Grey to delineate the fire place with a screen placed in the corner to draw eyes away from the flat area.’

‘The veranda was a really fun scheme to put together,’ says Jones. ‘The vintage lounge suite was sprayed in a matt black duco, picked up by the black piping on the apple green upholstery. I am having loads of fun accessorising this striking combination with everything from brightly coloured beads in various colours, to simple pops of colour in both flowers and cushions.’

The dining room features a ball-and-claw dining room suite in a mix of German silver and ebony, giving this traditional furniture a whole new look.

‘The dining room is a smaller space which had an existing built-in cabinet with down-lighting along one wall that I painted in charcoal, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the wallpaper behind. I enjoy using darker feature walls for smaller spaces, balanced with a lighter colour and mirrors to add light, as it creates depth in a room,’ explains Jones.

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Jennifer Jones.

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INTERIOR DESIGN Professions

The dining table is sprayed in apple green duco to continue the colour of the upholstery, contrasting beautifully with the black and white chairs. This is picked up in the black-and-white striped curtains crafted in an outdoor fabric. This provides protection and creates quite a cosy nook, particularly on those nippy Hillcrest days. This is a great alternative to the traditional outdoor, rolldown blinds.

‘This was a big space that happily allowed for my gold, 4-poster bed!’ she explained. Her love for layering different tones and textures of grey, paired with accent colours, is evident here.

The walls are painted in Mr Grey, with the grey colour picked up in the sheer curtains. The room was then accessorised with gold, seen in the lampshades, wallpaper and refurbished bedside pedestals. Without question, the standout piece in this luxurious room is an exquisite chair, covered in Ardmore velvet with rust accents. The inclusion of gold, grey and a touch of pink finishes off this masterpiece.

Design tips from Jennifer Jones

‘Many people live in homes with older architecture and furniture that can easily be adapted to make a new space,’ says Jones. ‘These days, people are decorating more economically, taking it room by room. There’s a much more eclectic feel with people using existing furniture and reviving it. This is important because anything you’ve invested in reflects a part of your personality.’

Jennifer Jones

Jones’ love for layering different tones and textures of grey, paired with accent colours, is evident in her bedroom.

Jones, also known as ‘The Queen of Bedroom Success’, re-worked her design from the 2018 Decorex Durban She Shed using a gold and grey colour palette for her own bedroom.

Commenting on a few trends she’s enjoying, Jones says: ‘There’s a much braver use of colour.

People are moving away from the neutrals, or they’re adding a vibrant pop of colour. A lounge suite in a neutral shade is always a good idea, with feature fabrics and colours used on chairs and cushions to create an updated look.’

Her overall design advice is: ‘Start with what you have and plan from there!’ volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Professions DEVELOPERS

Photo by Rawson Developers

The Rondebosch Oval by Rawson Developers.

A respected property developer speaks about off-plan

By Gareth Griffiths

Respected Cape-based property developer, Bill Rawson, Chairman of Rawson Developers was recently interviewed about his views on the sectional title market and buying off-plan.

He remains confident about the future of new developments, giving good reasons as to why this is so.

‘The residential property development market has been slowed over the past few months in light of the weak economy and the political noise that has created uncertainty in the market.

‘Already, 2019 has certainly seen a slight improvement on 2018 and as the market becomes accustomed to the political noise this should improve. After the elections in May this year, I believe things will improve and buyers will become more aggressive, providing the sellers’ prices are realistic, which they seem to be now.

‘It’s times like this that I’ve always believed there is a backlog of demand accumulating and this could lead to a lot more activity soon,’ he reassures investors.

Rawson Developers is one of the most successful developers who market their projects off-plan in Cape Town. To Build asked him about this approach and whether it is good for investors as well as the developer.

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‘Having your own new home, bought off-plan, in which no one has ever lived, is an absolute luxury and many see this as a status symbol to be admired by family and friends. It is also something that cannot be stolen or lose value, although one needs to bear in mind that every now and then one may have a tenant issues to be dealt with.

Therefore, ensure you are covered by a sound lease agreement,’ says Rawson.

‘In Cape Town the market for off-plan buying is very small and I would suggest that it is now more than 5% of the 2 000 properties that are sold each month on average. But there are no figures or research to support this claim; it is just based on a guesstimate of the market currently.

‘However, having said this, off-plan property buying is certainly occurring more in the past few years than ever before in my 47-year history in real estate. There are many reasons for this, of which the primary one is a dire shortage of houses and flats to rent as Cape Town is receiving unprecedented demand for these,’ he adds.

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DEVELOPERS Professions

According to Rawson, this works in favour of the investor for the following reasons: • Many people understand property and its returns. But other forms of investment are today a minefield for those who are not informed.

• Rentals being received are very attractive for investors. In many cases the tenants are effectively funding the investors mortgage bond.

It is well known that rentals increase every year and so even if there is a shortfall in recovery of mortgage payment in the first few years, this will reduce going forward, provided interest rates don’t increase.

Overall, there is a very positive response from South Africans to this type of investment. Rawson suggests that some buyers may be apprehensive, and quite rightly so, as the quality of construction and final finishes can vary tremendously between developers.

Rawson adds.

The purchase price always includes VAT and therefore excludes transfer duty. This is often considered when comparing the cost of a new development unit with that of the purchase price in the second-hand market where transfer duty is payable as an additional expense.

What is significant to note is that ABSA Bank has just advised that it is prepared to finance their clients with a 100% mortgage bond facility when buying off-plan into new developments.

‘This is very encouraging and it is currently making them an aggressive market leader in this space. They are showing tremendous confidence in the future of our country. As most developments require a certain amount of presales, this will certainly assist those developers to get development finance to proceed with the construction,’ says Rawson.

Avoid the pitfalls

The Rondebosch Oval – off-plan buying.

Less hidden costs

However, despite any apprehension, the investor is buying a new property which comes with a guarantee for construction and finishes. Banks understand this security very well and are comfortable in this market.

‘It is highly advisable to always investigate the previous developments that the developer in question has done and speak to the occupiers or purchasers. Accept that there will be one or two dissatisfied investors but check the overall opinion.

Also, make sure you understand exactly what the offering is so that you are not disappointed. Consult your legal advisor if you don’t understand the agreement or have any doubts,’ he advises.

Be careful you understand what you are buying: There can be an expectation that the unit should be far larger than it is. Often the marketing brochures depict a furnished apartment which does look larger – note, however, that developers always give measurements. ‘Do your homework before buying’,

It can be hard work finding a tenant at the right price, as often when you take occupation your unit may be competing with many others for tenants.

This sometimes leads to a “price war” in the first year that tends to settle down as leases are renewed or properties re-let in the second year.

Rawson advises that buyers may experience a high (sectional title) levy until the maintenance fund has sufficient reserves to maintain the building. However, this varies from sectional title manager to sectional title manager and the sum required for the maintenance fund is always an estimate of future costs.

Opportunities

‘Significantly, investors who want to speculate against values increasing after the coming election, are becoming more evident. There are some very interesting opportunities in the market, especially where the developer is required by the bank funding the construction bond to pre-sell 60% of the units that will only have to be paid for in 18 months, irrespective of rises in costs which the developer has to bear. Of-course, the balance of 40% of the development will most definitely be sold at a higher price, which guarantees the initial purchasers a price increase on what they paid,’ he concludes.

Rawson Developers has been behind some remarkable urban renewal projects in the Observatory area of Cape Town and recently launched an upmarket housing estate and sports club in leafy Rondebosch suburb, called The Rondebosch Oval. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Professions ENGINEERING

A world-class fuel injection service facility.

Keep diesel pumps ready Photo by Reef Fuel

With municipal services under strain in most South African cities, companies must now provide their own water and pumping facilities in case of fire; but keeping the diesel powered ‘fire pumps’ in working order needs regular and expert maintenance.

‘New buildings increasingly require their own water storage tanks to draw from in the event of a fire,’ says Reef Fuel Injection Services Director, Andrew Yorke.

‘They also need their own booster pumps to generate the required pressure to fight a fire at height.’

Yorke highlights that the standalone diesel engines driving these pumps generally do not run regularly. Apart from not being good for most engines, this also raises the risk that they may not start or perform optimally when a fire occurs.

‘As an organic fluid, diesel does not stay fresh forever and this can affect the ability of the fuel injection system to operate properly,’ he says. ‘It is therefore imperative to service the injection system regularly so that the fire-fighting capacity in any building is not compromised.’

The servicing that is required tends to focus on checking and flushing the fuel pump and injectors, testing the calibration and repairing any of the components if necessary. Yorke notes that, apart from the danger of the engine not starting when a fire is detected, there is also a danger of damaging an engine by running it when the fuel injection system is faulty.

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‘This can even lead to catastrophic engine failure,’ he says. ‘At best, this will cost a company dearly if it is just conducting a test run on the engine after years of dormancy. At worst, the engine could fail during a fire with the consequent loss of property and even life.’

Unlike a vehicle, water pumps and generator sets are designed to accelerate to operating speed immediately on start-up. Any faults in the system therefore manifest quickly and could cause extensive damage.

‘It’s important to test the fuel injection system even before the pump is regularly tested,’ Yorke says. ‘Such a test is a very low-cost exercise compared to repairing or replacing a diesel engine, so it is worth scheduling and conducting in a systemic manner as part of the business’s safety protocol.’

Yorke notes that it would be advisable to conduct such a fuel injection test every six to 12 months and to run a diesel engine at least once a month to check its condition. And of course, the same applies to diesel power generators at times of grid power outages (Ed).

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Photo by Gareth Griffiths Imaging

Professions CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & SAFETY

Even the most modern sites present safety risks.

Bridging a chasm Photos by Claire Deacon & Gareth Griffiths Imaging

ACHASM is a registered non-profit organisation and a recognised SACPCMP Voluntary Association (VA), established to provide all those working in the Construction Health and Safety (CHS) field with an advisory and representative body. The organisation is committed to promoting the professional interest of CH&S practitioners within the built environment, in terms of the Construction Regulations (2014).

[Ref: www.achasm.co.za] In the sense that CH&S is often viewed as a “Cinderella” profession within the construction industry, the association clearly strives to bridge the

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Photo by Claire Deacon

The Association for Construction Health and Safety Management (ACHASM), a recognised Voluntary Association with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), has raised the bar for ensuring relevant training, workshops and seminars that relate to construction health and safety (CH&S), says the Association’s Executive Director, Dr Claire Deacon.

Dr Claire Deacon, Executive Director of the Association for Construction Health and Safety Management.

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CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & SAFETY Professions chasm or divide that exists between the outcomefocused thinking of construction bosses and the valuable services on tap from an organised cadre of accredited experts in the field.

‘2018 was the 10th anniversary of ACHASM with enormous changes in the construction health and safety landscape. ACHASM is certainly not the largest of the industry associations, but we are the only one that focuses purely on the construction sector. In a sense, we are a voice to communicate relevant issues to our members that could affect them,’ says Deacon.

According to Deacon, ACHASM’s former Executive Director, Anton Krause, as well as Professor John Smallwood, were instrumental in assisting the SACPCMP with developing the rigorous standards that exist today around the statutory registration of H&S practitioners in the sector.

After Deacon took over the reins of the association, she was nominated onto the SACPCMP 4th term council and has just commenced a second term to serve on the 5th term council.

This representation at a high level means the organisation is able to assist the SACPCMP with direction and board decisions.

She has recently been inducted onto the Board of the Council of the Built Environment (CBE), the statutory body on which all the built environment councils are represented.

‘Being on the Board is not an easy task, it carries enormous responsibility and we are responsible for ensuring the protection of the public and the industry,’ Deacon adds.

Rants raise concerns

Asked what services and programmes ACHASM offers its members, Deacon comments: ‘Training is key. I believe that we have the platinum standard for ensuring relevant training, workshops and seminars that relate to construction H&S. Professor John Smallwood drives these programmes and 2019 will be no less exciting.

‘We keep the costs as low as possible to attract as many practitioners as possible and allow members to “rant” about their issues. These “rant” sessions have raised the concerns about their issues which is what we try to address through various relationships with stakeholders, as well as at our Council.’ (Further information is available on the organisation’s website below.)

Deacon believes that their members are champions in working in what can be very difficult circumstances, in an environment where most are

“afterthoughts”, excluded from critical decision making and working their craft and profession often alone and without support. In this sense, they are all bright stars.

Challenges faced

‘The sector is in a state of collapse. As such there are many construction H&S officers (CHSOs) specifically who lose their jobs and therefore cannot maintain their statutory registration or their ongoing continuous professional development (CPD). But more importantly, they cannot feed their families and we will lose really good officers to the sector,’ says Deacon.

‘The regulatory aspect is an enormous cause for concern. We have seen that almost 50% of applicants do not meet the statutory registration criteria. Many practitioners enter or practice after many years with no more than two to four weeks of introductory level training that is deemed “professional” by many service providers and the “acceptable standard” for employment on a project,’ she adds.

‘Obviously, experience in the field is absolutely critical and we have many great, passionate practitioners who are very effective with very little formal training. We obviously encourage our members to do formal tertiary level training as the sector is complex and very high risk and lack of knowledge could be the difference between life and death to a worker. However, the tertiary institutions are working on formal qualifications and we are really hoping that they will be available soon.

‘The practice of construction H&S is a challenge for all our practitioners. We encourage cross-cutting programmes with our training to bring in the other disciplines, as H&S is in most cases misunderstood and therefore overall compliance and buy-in to the roles and responsibilities of the various levels of responsibility is lacking.

‘Tenders for our professional category the PrCHSA, or “agent”, are an issue. The standard of information that is received from designers and clients to quote or tender for is very poor. Even outside of our ACHASM membership, our colleagues are struggling to get work and in many cases against non-registered persons, or lower levels who are being awarded contracts,’ Deacon concludes.

A sombre outcome and with ongoing on-site accidents in the absence of a PrCHSA on site, it surely makes sense for the organised construction industry to embrace construction health and safety and take a positive stance going forward. Workers’ lives and productivity surely depend on it (Ed). volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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THE STIHL PRO RANGE FOR PROFESSIONALS Take advantage of the multiple benefits of the STIHL PRO cordless range to boost your landscaping this summer. These tools offer professional-level power and performance yet are lightweight for reduced operator fatigue, and are quiet and emission free.

There’s also no time-consuming, messy refuelling.

STIHL has provided a tool for every task involved in keeping green areas a bit greener. For neater lawns, use the battery-powered RMA 510 lawnmower, designed to cope with even large areas of grass. It also multi-tasks, doing mulching as well as cutting, and has a slot for a second battery to ensure zero downtime. To tidy up the edges, use the FSA 130 cordless brushcutter with a 260mm diameter cutting circle, three power settings and bike handle for comfortable operation. That’s the grass done, so now take on untidy hedges with either the HSA 94 T (50cm bar length) and HSA 94 R (75cm bar length) cordless hedge trimmers for precision-cutting.

The final act is cleaning up the grass cuttings and loose hedge trimmings with the BGA 100 handheld blower, the most powerful yet quietest blower from STIHL – ideal when working in noise-sensitive areas such as office parks, schools, hospitals and urban gardens. The PRO range – designed for landscaping perfectionists like you.

Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior after-sales service.

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www.stihl.co.za

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Professions

An elevated view of the project.

Battery Park sets urban design standards Photos by Theo Gutter

Battery Park is a new 12 000m2 urban park situated at a key entranceway to one of Africa’s most visited tourist destinations, the V&A Waterfront. The site is of archaeological importance as it contains the remnants of one of the city’s oldest defensive structures, the Amsterdam Battery, established in 1784 as part of the coastal fortification of the former Dutch colony.

In the 1800s the building was used to house prisoners and was later remodelled and strengthened by the British, but eventually abandoned. In 1905, the battery was largely demolished to make way for railway connections to the port, leaving behind only a small portion of its rear curved walls. The historical remnants are now perched eight metres above the new canal running through the site at a lower level.

The project forms part of an urban design framework created by dhk for the V&A’s previously

under-utilised Canal District that facilitates the reconnection of the historical city centre and De Waterkant to the V&A. Developed as the nucleus of a larger urban vision for the district, the site includes a park and piazza and a concealed 1 206-bay parking facility, as well as new pedestrian routes.

The development concept provided a unique opportunity for architecture and urban design firm, dhk, to respect the historic landmark, but incorporate the required commercial spaces. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Professions LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Landscaping imperatives

During construction of Battery Park, archaeological excavations revealed former site datums which were used to inform the design. The raised park has been kept at the battery’s original inner courtyard level, whilst planted edges above retail units on the piazza represent the estimated natural ground level that fronted the battery. Various architectural and landscaped elements reflect the structure’s original footprint, such as semi-circular curved pathways, concrete additions to the rear ramparts, splayed canal-facing walls and concrete-clad structures, giving visitors an authentic sense of the battery’s former size. An axial visual connection to Cape Town’s Noon Gun on Signal Hill has also been retained, thus preserving the site’s historic sightline.

The requirement to respect the original inner courtyard datum and create a lower-level piazza, resulted in an elevated park with views across the V&A and CBD, but with the challenge of managing the transition between the two levels. Therefore, a large part of Battery Park’s design concept required breaking the barrier between the park and piazza and bringing them closer to one another.

As a result, the park level has been designed to gradually lower towards the canal edge, providing

a closer connection to the piazza, and in turn, the piazza gradually steps down towards the canal.

The vision was to create scale between the two levels and provide visual cues to visitors; offering a glimpse of the park while they meander along the canal edge. This was also achieved by means of various soft and hard landscaping elements, such as a grand concrete staircase leading from the piazza to the park, sloping and folding walls and plants to draw the eye to the park above.

Plantscaping and heritage

On the elevated park level, visitors can explore landscaped gardens with trees and stone-clad planters, meandering walkways with built-in benches, a concrete skatepark, basketball court and new pedestrian routes.

The lower piazza level contains 11 boutique retail units that line the splayed canal-facing walls and form an active eastern edge to the new canal pedestrian route. The intention behind the piazza was to encourage the use of the canal via a range of water sports and provide a link between the V&A and the CBD. This would create an environment for pedestrians. Loosely packed stone-filled gabion walls that echo the original façade of the battery,

Canal, walkways and splayed canal-facing walls with original packed stone.

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Professions

Three small openings form part of the structure’s canal-facing wall.

shroud the parking facility. Stone-clad planters are cultivated with fynbos and waterwise plants. All stone used throughout the park and piazza was excavated from the site during the construction process. These antiquated elements juxtapose contemporary insertions that reference the battery rather than replicate its heritage.

The materials palette suits the robust nature of the park, namely, concrete, stone and steel.

Concrete was chosen as a “material of our time” for new structures as it can be clearly distinguished from historic elements, hence little misinterpretation. A precast concrete panel structure, dubbed the interpretation pavilion, has been built to the estimated height of the battery’s original walls and links the park, piazza and parking facility via internal elevators.

To resemble cannon embrasures, three small openings form part of the structure’s canal-facing wall. Historic cannons from Amsterdam Battery found scattered throughout the V&A by the Cannon Association of South Africa, were preserved for the development of the park and are now displayed inside the interpretation pavilion. The artefacts sit on top of precast concrete plinths made to resemble old timber cannon carriages, protruding through the embrasures and overlook the canal.

‘The intention was to create a new hub of activity within the V&A district whilst being respectful to the colonial heritage of the Amsterdam Battery, now a public space designed to support and engage the greater Cape Town community’, says Pierre Swanepoel, dhk Director and Lead Architect on the project.

Professional project team Client & developer: V&A Waterfront Architects: dhk Architects (Pierre Swanepoel, Martin Lardner-Burke, Theo Gutter) Urban Designer: dhk Architects (Guy Briggs) Landscaping: Planning Partners Heritage Consultant: Nicolas Baumann Archaeologist: ACO associates Main Contractor: Group Five Project Manager: Igual Structural Engineers: LH Consulting Engineers Mechanical and Electrical Engineers: Element Consulting Engineers Quantity Surveyor: BTKM

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Professions LEGAL

Fake news, social media & lawlessness Photo by Advocate BC Hack

To Build’s legal eagle, Advocate Bryan Hack, reflects on the state of lawlessness in our society and its aggravation caused by social media. Does this attitude also affect the built environment professions? How do we view statutes and planning regulations? As hindrances to be ignored or as a vital part of the environment in which we operate? Can we, as an organised profession, self-regulate using peer pressure and professional codes of conduct?

My work day commute requires me to cross a double lane of oncoming vehicles at a traffic light. As a result of many near misses I have learned never to trust the traffic lights, but rather wait until every oncoming car has come to a stop. This is because it is routinely so that the moment the traffic light turns red, the oncoming cars speed up to “jump the robot”.

This is across the board in terms of value or description of the vehicle. I think it fair to say that this is indicative of South African’s society’s attitude that ‘I am sure I can get away it and therefore I will break the law’.

Every day the news is flooded with reports of criminal activity. Don’t be mistaken, I am not talking about the horrendous liturgy of violent crimes, but rather the crimes of bribery, corruption and disrespect and abuse of the rights of people. They are all crimes. They are crimes just as much as murder, theft and jumping the red traffic light are crimes. What concerns me and the point I want to make is some of the reports we are faced with every day elicit great indignation, but we seem also to be reaching saturation point and an unhealthy degree of resignation to the widespread epidemic of criminal activity.

We seem to have lost the fear of consequences.

We no longer fear the law because we believe we will not get caught. We seem to have lost all moral restraint that was induced by faith that one day we might have to answer to a greater spiritual authority.

Is all lost? I hope not.

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Adv. Bryan Hack.

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LEGAL Professions

“One area that remains an untapped potential and strong influence is peer pressure.”

I think the one area that remains an untapped potential and strong influence is peer pressure. Not peer pressure to do something we are disinclined to do, but peer pressure that criminal behaviour is not acceptable. Surely the board members of a company who bribe, discuss their conduct at cocktails or dinners? Someone should have the moral fortitude to say no. We need to be outraged.

Get outraged with reports on social media, get outraged at the driver who jumps the traffic light, putting your and the lives of others at risk.

Outrage with caution

Remembering, however, to temper the response to this outrage with caution that what you are reading may not be true and always remembering the fundamental principle of “innocent until proven guilty”. This applies especially to the “trial by social media” phenomena of today.

But at the end of the day, it has never been truer or more applicable to every person with some moral values that evil will flourish if the good do nothing. I will flash my lights at you if you jump the traffic light and I will express outrage at a suggestion that it is acceptable business practice to “grease the wheels” to ensure that development plans move forward.

At the risk of sounding like a self-righteous zealot, I too am sorely tried while driving not to check my cell phone – but I trust all I am guilty of in this article is outrageously mixing my metaphors.

Advocate Bryan Hack is a practising advocate and member of the Cape Bar. He graduated from UCT and UNISA with a BA LLB and worked for a prominent building company for several years before joining the Cape Bar in 1994. He was first appointed an Acting Judge in the High Court, Cape Town Bench, during 2016.

Bryan Hack, Advocate of the High Court, Member of the Cape Bar T +27 (0)21 4235 441 E hack@capebar.co.za

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Contractors, don’t flout the rules!

Construction sites are places where health and safety rules are often flouted. According to international specialists, the following aspects of Construction Health and Safety (CH&S) are the most frequently swept aside my management:

Inadequate supply and use of protective equipment

Workers should have access to suitable protective equipment and should be trained in how to use it properly.

Many employers, however, ignore the safety regulations and fail to ensure that their employees have access to the necessary safety equipment, or that they know how to use it. And, because many employees are unaware of their rights in this regard (or because they are scared that they might lose their jobs), they do not ask their employers for safety equipment or safety training.

Poor ventilation

Poor ventilation, or lack of fresh air in the workplace poses various health risks to employees and others present in the workplace. Poor ventilation can lead to: • Lack of concentration which can lead to accidents in the workplace.

• Illness (headaches, infections, breathing difficulties, asthma, hand sores, nausea, etc.) which reduces productivity.

• A build-up of mould which can cause serious illness.

Lack of hygiene

Proper hygiene is essential to health and safety in the workplace. However, there are still too many examples of employees not having access to basic hygiene at work. There are still employers who do not: • Ensure that there is adequate toilet paper and soap in the bathrooms.

• Ensure that their employees are aware of the importance of washing their hands regularly.

• Encourage their employees to stay at home when they have contagious illnesses.

• Monitor and clamp down on the unlawful use of alcohol and other addictive substances.

The list goes on. In line with the suggestions

by To Build’s legal contributor, can the correct application of peer pressure may help to address this situation?

See our dedicated article on CH&S in the relevant section of this magazine and send your views to editor@tobuild.co.za.

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Construction Law

Standard Construction Agreements including, FIDIC, NEC, GCC, JBCC Drafting of bespoke agreements Dispute resolution

Property Law

All aspects of conveyancing including sectional title matters, township establishment, servitudes, subdivisions, consolidations and all notarial services.

“Fighting for you”

Insurance Law

Professional Indemnity Product and Public Liability

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QUANTITY SURVEYORS Professions

SONA 2019: Government recognises the role of quantity surveyors In his State of the Nation (SONA) address 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to getting the nation ready for technological changes in the light of the 4th Industrial Age. Its effect on plans to both up the technical education of school learners and greatly improve the infrastructure developmental capacity of the State, has received praise from the quantity surveying profession.

‘It made me immensely proud to hear that the President believes that quantity surveyors are necessary to achieve the effective infrastructure development this country so desperately needs.’ says Larry Feinberg, Executive Director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). ‘It shows that our continuing efforts to showcase the crucial importance of the quantity surveying profession is starting to bear fruit.’

Speaking about government’s plans to address infrastructure challenges, our President said: ‘We will strengthen the technical capacity in government to ensure that projects move faster, building a pool of engineers, project managers, spatial planners and quantity surveyors – an action team that can make things happen faster on the ground.’

Government will also be introducing more technical subjects in schools, says Feinberg in a recent ASAQS Newsletter [Ref: www.asaqs.co.za/ news]

Education

In his SONA speech, President Ramaphosa said that the government will introduce new technology subjects in schools, including: • Technical mathematics • Technical sciences • Maritime sciences • Aviation studies • Mining sciences • Aquaponics ‘To expand participation in the technical streams, several ordinary public schools will be transformed into technical high schools,’ he added.

Ramaphosa disclosed the government’s

intentions to introduce automation training in primary schools. The president expressed the need to address the digital skills shortage in the country.

‘Over the next six years, we will provide every school child in South Africa with digital workbooks and textbooks on a tablet device,’ he said.

Technology & infrastructure

Ramaphosa also revealed a number of initiatives and programmes to fast track growth. He said that the government has made progress in several areas, including digital and tech jobs such as coding and data analytics.

‘Just as we did with the Vaal River, where the SANDF intervened to address a sewage crisis, we will call on all the capabilities of the state and the private sector to address infrastructure challenges.

‘We will strengthen the technical capacity in government to ensure that projects move faster, building a pool of engineers, project managers, spatial planners and quantity surveyors – an action team that can make things happen faster on the ground’, the President revealed.

‘As a water scarce country, we are confronting water crises in many parts of the country. We are developing a comprehensive integrated nation plan that addresses water shortages, ageing infrastructure and poor project implementation.

‘We are urgently establishing an intergovernmental rapid response technical team, reinforced by specialist professionals, to intervene in areas which are experiencing severe water problems’, Ramaphosa revealed.

Surely good news for the entire built environment professional sector. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

BUILDING SYSTEMS Automation................................................. 62 Bathrooms.................................................. 65 Ceilings & Partitions............................... 69 Doors & Windows.................................... 73 Electrical..................................................... 76 Floors............................................................ 82 Kitchens........................................................ 86 Lighting......................................................... 90 Roofing & Cladding................................ 93 Walls.............................................................. 97 Safety & Security....................................... 99

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BUILDING SYSTEMS AUTOMATION

GSM Access Control With the current techno-revolution, security technology really comes into its own, says a spokesperson for a well-known service provider.

Technology has always been at the frontline of security, sometimes bordering on the outright futuristic and providing new and innovative ways of crime prevention.

Proponents of security technology are placing as much emphasis on convenience and userfriendliness, as they do on security.

With the number of mobile phones at tens of millions in South Africa, the marriage between mobile technology and access control is inevitable and convenient, taking the concept of access control to an entirely new dimension. The access control devices of the past were single-purpose machines designed for security alone, while the advent of GSM technology has resulted in multifaceted modern devices that still act as reliable sentries for our homes and businesses. It’s a truly exciting time for security specialists, property developers and end-users alike.

South African manufacturer Centurion Systems, an access control and automation service provider since 1986, is helping to lead the charge when it comes to blending security with convenience.

Since its first venture into mobile technology in 2010 with the release of the hugely popular G-SWITCH-22, Centurion’s range of GSM products has been growing at an impressive rate. The G-SWITCH, with its dual inputs and outputs, not only makes it possible for up to 1 200 registered users to trigger access control devices such as gate motors and traffic barriers via a missed call or SMS from their mobile phones, but also allows for the cell phone-based monitoring of inputs.

This has made it a favourite in the agricultural community where it is used to remotely monitor

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temperature fluctuations and mains power among, other options.

With its acquisition of MyGSM in 2013, Centurion added the 8I8O model to its range, providing the industrial automation market with the means of monitoring and controlling up to eight different electrical devices – from lights and irrigation systems to refrigeration units and alarm panels – using a single device capable of communicating with up to 5 000 learned-in mobile phones. The product also features bed and breakfast functionality to its security/automation mix, enabling guesthouse owners to set time-based access control parameters based on guests’ arrival and departure times.

Benefits of GSM-based access control

• Users don’t have to carry easy-to-misplace remote controls around with them.

• Access is via a free missed call, making it a remarkably cost-effective security solution.

• Control up to eight (depending on model) different devices, such as opening a gate and garage door from anywhere in the world with 2G GSM coverage.

• Perfect for electric fence systems where there are several energisers.

• Connect a passive sensor to each of the inputs.

• Monitor by receiving SMS alerts, for example, when mains power has failed or an alarm has been activated.

• Communicate with multiple users, depending on the model.

Centurion Systems W www.centsys.com

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AUTOMATION AUTOMATION PERFECTION PERFECTION FOR DOORS FOR DOORS The South African market leader in access automation has proudly added a superb range of door automation solutions to its product stable.

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Because we believe in crafting a superior experience at every consumer touch point, our door automation solutions seamlessly blends stunning aesthetics, whisper-quiet operation and cutting edge tech to deliver Because we believe in crafting a superior experience at every consumer touch point, our door automation futuristic functionality with a flair for the fantastic. solutions seamlessly blends stunning aesthetics, whisper-quiet operation and cutting edge tech to deliver futuristic functionality with a flair for the fantastic.

Choose CENTURION door automation for a solution that is beautifully elegant, easy to install and kind to the environment thanks to patented energy-saving technology.

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Designed with energy efficiency and respect for the environment in mind Designed direction with energy efficiency Identifies of transit andand respect the environment in mind perfectlyfor optimises opening/closing times to avoid unnecessary Identifies direction of transitair and dispersionoptimises opening/closing perfectly times to avoid unnecessary air Maximises energy saving and optimises dispersion sudden temperature changes Maximises saving and optimises Features anenergy Ethernet interface for sudden temperature setting the operating changes parameters and viewing diagnostic information Features an Ethernet interface for setting the operating parameters and Customisable and modular to meet viewing diagnostic information architectural and technical needs of customer Customisable and modular to meet architectural and technical needs of customer

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Water-saving the Scandinavian Way ALTERED NOZZLE Save up to 98% of water

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ECO FLUSH 1 litre / flush in average 300ml for the small flush 2,5 litres for the big flush

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BATHROOMS BUILDING SYSTEMS

Extreme water-saving – the Swedish way Photo by SWSP

With the average household’s bathroom usage of total water consumption at around 70% [Ref: www.capetown.gov.za/ environment], it makes sense for the home owner to look at available options to bring this average down.

Saving water in the bathroom.

‘The whole of South Africa faces extreme water shortage at times. We need to be more conscious about the long-term effect of climate change on how we live and how we use water,’ says Birger Lundgren, CEO of Scandinavian Water Saving Products [Ref: www.swsp.co.za].

A Swede, Birger has called Cape Town home for the past 15 years, including the worst drought in over 100 years.

‘Initially I was OK with carrying buckets to flush toilets and short stop-start showers, but I hated the don’t flush approach to water-saving. So I decided to import the Wostman EcoFlush Toilet which I use in Sweden. It’s a long-term solution and water-efficient, but also a quality product with great design and the latest water-saving technology,’ he says.

Birger’s range of innovative water-saving sanitary products include the WostMan EcoFlush and the Ecovac toilets, the Nebia shower system and the Altered: Nozzle. Each of these products has been specifically designed to use as little water as possible, without compromising on quality or design.

archipelago and was hence invented with low water usage in mind. Designed and assembled in Sweden, the toilets are used by thousands of people every day.

Water-saving toilet

Water-saving tap nozzle

With a double-flush function and a urine bowl in the front of the toilet, it saves up to 90% of water.

Its unique design separates waste and provides the correct amount of water where and when it is needed. The EcoFlush has a small flush to release just 300ml into the front part of the bowl, while the large flush will release 2.5 litres into the entire bowl.

It’s been sold in Sweden for almost 30 years and was designed for septic tanks in the Swedish

Ecovac toilet

Using only 600ml per flush, the Ecovac vacuum toilet uses advanced and robust technology suitable for the commercial market, including hotels, restaurants and public buildings. Birger says the saving is the best in the world in water-efficient products.

Water-saving shower

An 8-minute Nebia shower uses the same amount of water as a 2-minute conventional shower.

Several years of development of this shower has culminated in a shower that atomises water streams into millions of tiny droplets, creating the feeling of having stepped into a cocoon of steam and mist.

It uses only 2.7 litres of water per minute and is available as a DIY option.

The Altered: Nozzle products can be DIY-installed on most taps and have two modes.

1. T he first mode delivers water mist, but with the same effect as a regular tap, yet using 98% less water.

2. T he second mode is the spray mode which can be used if you need more water to fill a glass, pots or pans. It will save 85% compared to regular taps but will still supply all the water you need. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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BATHROOMS BUILDING SYSTEMS

Easy to clean and space for innovation.

Grey bathroom, wet floor, wall-hung vanity units.

What’s trending in bathrooms Photos by Bathroom Bizarre

To Build takes a quick look at what’s new and trending in bathrooms for the rest of the year.

While bathroom décor colours seem to be getting darker, grey has made a reappearance. Other features include minimalistic fittings and even industrial-looking shower screens with black-finished frames instead of chrome.

In previous editions of To Build we covered the evolution of rimless toilets and wall-hung vanity units. UK-based firm, A9 Architecture, suggests the use of black colours and even rose-gold fittings.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, with our love of space, the concept of a wet room instead of a bathroom has gained traction. We asked a leading sanitaryware and tile supplier, ROCA, for advice.

‘Wet rooms comprise an open, fully tiled shower area. Sometimes, the walls of the room form the enclosure, or if your bathroom is small, you can include a glass shower panel to prevent the water from splashing everywhere,’ says Raymond Oliver of ROCA. ‘There are no shower doors or shower trays that step-up from the floor. In wet rooms, the shower floor is flush with the rest of the room’s floor, creating a seamless flow throughout the room.’

We asked Oliver for his view on what makes wet rooms a great option nowadays. In a nutshell, wet rooms are seen to provide several benefits, including: • Easy accessibility for those whose mobility is restricted.

• Less possibility of leaks and seepage otherwise caused by crevices and corners, thereby ensuring a dry house and protection of an asset.

• Space is maximised, with less protrusions into the bathroom space.

• Easy cleaning – the shower floor is flush with the actual floor and there are no difficult-toreach spaces to clean. The whole room is simply wiped down using the same bathroom cleaner throughout.

• Finally, the design looks great. ‘Boasting an attractively minimalist design, a wet room can make a feature of the materials that are used, such as wood, stone, concrete and tile.’

‘It’s simply a great design option for awkwardly shaped bathrooms as you can fit the essentials into virtually any space,’ Oliver concludes. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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CEILINGS & PARTITIONS BUILDING SYSTEMS

The benefits of choosing polystyrene cornices Photo by Swartland

A representative of a leading building material supplier speaks about the top benefits of choosing polystyrene cornices for a building.

Cornices are the narrow mouldings that you see capping the lines where the walls of a room meet the ceiling. Traditionally, they were made from wood, plaster, paper-covered plaster and polyurethane.

Nowadays, they are made from polystyrene.

‘Traditionally, cornices and other mouldings were made exclusively from wood, but polystyrene has currently emerged as a leading favourite because they are cost effective and easy to install,’ says Cobus Lourens from Swartland, a leading supplier of a wide range of products to the building industry, including windows, doors and mouldings.

He lists the many advantages of choosing polystyrene over other cornice materials: Easy installation: The fact that the installation of polystyrene cornices is a really simple process is probably the number one reason why they are so popular. In fact, it is so easy, that it can be quickly and easily achieved as a simple DIY job. This is because polystyrene is really lightweight, easy to cut and glued into place, and it is flexible enough to “forgive” surfaces that are not 100% straight.

Versatile mounting surfaces: Since polystyrene cornices are installed using special adhesive glue they can be successfully mounted onto a whole host of different surfaces, including concrete, wood, face brick, marble, tile, vinyl, steel, granite and plastic, to name just a few.

Easy to paint: Polystyrene cornices have a smooth, white surface which merges exceptionally well with white ceilings. To paint them, all you need to do is to apply a single coat of white water-based paint.

This is much quicker and easier when compared to painting other cornice materials which often require an undercoat and then two to three coats of paint. To make it even quicker, you can opt to spray paint a quick coat of paint onto your polystyrene cornices.

Polystyrene cornices.

Highly durable: Polystyrene provides excellent thermal insulation and it is inert, durable and highly resistant to water damage. In addition, it is flexible, which prevents it from breaking at the slightest impact. It is also resistant to damage caused by household pests, such as termites and moulds, which allows it to last for years on end.

Design variety: Polystyrene cornices are available in a wide variety of designs and styles so there is something to suit any type of interior composition – from traditional to contemporary. In contrast to timber cornices that require multiple mouldings to create a layered structure, polystyrene cornices are available in a single piece of intricate design.

Suitable for wet areas: As a material, polystyrene is resistant to damage caused by exposure to water and moisture which makes them ideal for applications in wet areas throughout your home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, outdoor patios, basements and attics.

Swartland W www.swartland.co.za volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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QUALITY DOESN’T FEAR TIME. Swartland is a name that’s synonymous with quality. Frankly, we’re obsessed with it. And it’s thanks to this dedication to quality that all Swartland products last so long. Our windows, doors and door frames have stood the test of time since 1951.

We’ve applied this same attention to detail and production excellence to our new range of products: cornices, awnings, insulation rolls and manufactured pine products.

But quality doesn’t only apply to our products, it’s infused in every facet of our business.

Our new customer promise is “Experience Quality” and it’s our commitment to holding ourselves to the highest standard, to ensuring that every interaction and every experience with us, is a quality one – time after time.

For more information visit www.swartland.co.za or call us on 086 110 2425

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CEILINGS & PARTITIONS BUILDING SYSTEMS

Pelican Systems sales office.

Service offering expands to Gauteng Photo by Pelican Systems

A popular KZN-based systems supplier has cemented its presence in Gauteng, making things easier for the market.

Pelican Systems has opened in Northriding, Gauteng.

According to Denise Gould, the General Manager of Pelican Systems, the company has previously enjoyed a presence in Gauteng via distributors and prior separate companies in the 1970’s, but now Pelican Systems has entered the market directly by taking over the premises of the C&T Ceilings and Partition Warehouse in Northriding, Gauteng, which had closed their Centurion operation during 2018.

‘The new regional Pelican Systems operation started trading from 1 February 2019, and we are excited about the prospect of being in the largest market in the country again,’ says Gould.

‘Pelican Systems has had two other ventures into Gauteng, first way back in the 1970’s with Pelican Transvaal which subsequently became OWA SA, and later with a Specialised Products Division which was sold off to Ifuba Products.

‘Hopefully this third foray into Gauteng will be a lasting one and make our products and brands come alive in the region,’ she adds.

What does this mean for customers?

Gould says that ordering online is in Beta stage and available to account customers for now.

Established in 1970, Pelican Systems have almost 50 years in the ceiling and partition industry in South Africa. The company has an extensive basket of products and systems to offer.

‘We believe we are poised to offer a great service to clients in Gauteng with strong support from our head office in Durban, our extensive website and resource material, as well as our tried and tested systems which are now available in full and specified with confidence,’ says Gould. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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DOORS & WINDOWS

BUILDING SYSTEMS

Windows, colours & interiors Photos by Taylor Blinds

The Pantone Colour Institute (PCI), the consultancy behind the Colour of the Year, has picked 72 colours in eight colour palettes that they predict will be everywhere – from wardrobes to walls in 2019. An established manufacturer of blinds and shutters discusses the colour range with us, in context.

Taylor C-Screen Roller Blinds.

‘Two of the palettes they’ve highlighted as delicious for décor are Classico and Cravings. Frankly speaking, we’re obsessed with them. The Cravings palette includes all ranges of passionate colours – spicy reds, sweet flamingo oranges and rich purples – whilst the Classico boasts more of a minimalist feel with its forever fashionable swan whites, burgundy reds and caviar black hues,’ says Anthony Mederer, Managing Director of Taylor Blinds & Shutters.

These rich colours not only tempt the reader’s eye but the taste buds too – selected by the PCI for their ability to engage and stimulate beyond the surface. ‘Hungry for change? Here are some savvy

suggestions for incorporating the latest trends into your home – without breaking the bank,’ he adds.

Here are the general tips that Mederer offers with regard to colour and décor:

Keep it neutral

Keep your essential furniture colour scheme within the grey spectrum. As your colour preferences and trends change over time, you can adapt without having to replace all your furniture.

Throw it on, not away

Invest in versatile, low cost items such as cushions and throws. Adding an on-trend cushion to a neutral volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS DOORS & WINDOWS

Taylor Hybrid roller blinds.

Taylor PVC roller blinds.

grey couch will go a long way towards keeping your look current. Pull the theme through to your bedroom and bathroom with throws, bath-towels or other objet d’art.

Use your windows wisely

Another way to bring the colour trend into your home is by investing in Taylor Blinds & Shutters’ Roller Blinds. Once the frame has been installed, changing your fabric is quick and cost-effective which means that you can keep up with the trends (and ahead of the Jones’s). Taylor’s unmatchable Roller Blind collection not only provides a unique colour and print selection, but humidity control and UV ray protection to keep the sun’s damage at bay.

Cover it up

Gradient wallpapers are the latest décor craze that make incorporating colour and texture into your home a breeze. The best part is you can rip it off

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Taylor Shearweave roller blinds.

“Whilst trends can be overwhelming, it’s always best to take a step back and re-evaluate what you can afford and what you’re trying to achieve.” and re-do it next year. Gradient wallpaper gives a gradual integration of two colour schemes – perfect for “all or nothing” décor enthusiasts.

‘Whilst trends can be overwhelming, it’s always best to take a step back and re-evaluate what you can afford and what you’re trying to achieve. The trick is incorporating products that have a functional and either a repurpose or multi-purpose use, such as Taylor Blinds & Shutters’ Roller Blinds. Simple additions to your home will get you to the top of the book club list in no time,’ Mederer concludes.

volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Photo: Georges De Kinder

A GREENER FUTURE IN OUR HANDS

Reynaers Campus Belgium | Architect: Jaspers Eyers Reynaers Aluminium systems used: Hi-Finity (minimalistic) and bespoke curtain walling

With over 50 years of experience worldwide Reynaers Aluminium offers practical and cost effective building solutions.

Reynaers Aluminium …

• Is GREEN committed – helping you achieve credits for LEED & BREEAM • Adheres to the highest international TECHNICAL STANDARDS • Offers you a 10 YEAR SYSTEM GUARANTEE • Can assist you with the DESIGN and TESTING of challenging FACADES

TO G E T H E R FO R B E T T E R

Call us to find out how we can assist you with your next design or bespoke project: www.reynaers.co.za | Werner Schulz | +27 82 807 1564

Affiliated member

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BUILDING SYSTEMS ELECTRICAL

Digitisation saves energy

‘The Internet of Things (IoT) includes the refrigerator in your home, the aircon in your office and the entire production process in your factory. The more efficiently these run, the less energy is expended,’ explains Barry Bredenkamp, General Manager: Energy Efficiency for SANEDI. [Ref. www.sanedi.org.za] ‘Digitisation enables buildings to become “smart”.

Lights only operate when someone is there; air conditioners are central yet create climate zones for differing comfort levels; banks of computers or other machines can be “put to sleep” after a period of non-activity; lifts only switch on lights when called; underground carparks remain dark until movement occurs … and so the list goes on.

‘However, these building management systems (BMS) are not just for the office building; there are smaller versions, available locally, that can be wired into one’s home’s distribution board. These can be used to shut down what the industry refers to as “vampire loads”, all the plugs with indicator lights that are not in use but on standby, or any appliance using clocks or readouts when not in use can be put into “sleep” mode.

‘You can go one further; there are many apps that when coupled to the right technologies, can switch on and off lights, heaters and air cons or get the microwave going from your smart phone. What once was science fiction is an everyday reality and this is only the beginning!

‘Digitising and energy efficiency can be translated into tax incentives through the tax rebate programme administered by SANEDI on behalf of government. The incentive has been in place since 2013. We have had small companies and a number of the top energy-intensive energy users apply, all with excellent results. Interventions include flare stacks and waste heat converted back into production; airlines optimising routes and avgas usage and hospitals cutting down on lighting and air-conditioning usage. Solar powered electric vehicle charging outlets, double-glazing, conversion to LED lights – all add up to energy efficiency over the year,’ concludes Bredenkamp.

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Photo by SANEDI

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is pushing energy efficiency as more and more items become digitised, argues a spokesman for the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).

Barry Bredenkamp, General Manager: Energy Efficiency for SANEDI.

“Digitising and energy efficiency can be translated into tax incentives through the tax rebate programme administered

by SANEDI on behalf of government.”

volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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A SAFEhouse

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Regulation of Electrical Products

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A SAFEhouse Guide to Miniature Circuit Breakers Part 1

livecopper Lighting Electrical & Plumbing

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BUILDING SYSTEMS ELECTRICAL

Using unregistered electrical contractors – is it worth it?

By Erika van Zyl, ECA(SA) National Communications Manager

Unregistered pirate contractors simply ignore such obligations. Do people who employ the services of ‘pirate’ electrical contractors realise that their choice of electrician – usually based on price – may have deadly consequences? Or that the electrical installation may be unsafe but, due to the latent nature of some electrical faults, the danger may not be immediately apparent?

Using an unregistered electrician is not only illegal, it can also invalidate insurance cover and in the event of an electrical fire, the insurer can refuse to pay any claims if the CoC for the property was issued fraudulently by a pirate contractor and/or is not valid and up-to-date to include all alterations that may have been done to the electrical installation.

If a claim has been rejected by the insurer, a civil claim against the ‘pirate’ contractor would be futile.

Cecil Lancaster, the ECA(SA)’s Regional Director in the Bosveld region, says that although the average homeowner may not read or even be aware of the Electrical Installation Regulations, in South African law the rule ‘ignorance of the law is no excuse’ (Ignorantia juris non excusat) is applied.

That’s the bad news. There is no good news.

Impunity

In South Africa, pirate electrical contractors who operate without being legally registered seem to do so with impunity. No one I know in this industry has heard about anyone being convicted for performing electrical work illegally. That does not mean it doesn’t happen!

Clause 6 (1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993 (incorporated under the Electrical Installation Regulations) states that

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Photo by ECA(SA)

All electrical contractors are required by law to be registered with Department of Labour and ensure that all electrical work is performed in accordance with legislative requirements and any applicable codes of practice and technical standards. This registration entitles them to issue Certificates of Compliance – legally.

Erika van Zyl, National Communications Manager for ECA(SA)

‘no person may do electrical work as an electrical contractor unless that person has been registered as an electrical contractor in terms of these regulations’.

Generally, homeowners don’t have a clue whether electrical work done on their properties is legal or not because they don’t know much about electrical installations and CoCs. This ignorance leaves them vulnerable and at risk, as well as open to exploitation by ‘pirate’ electrical contractors.

Using an electrical contractor who’s a member of the ECA is a wise choice because while not all electrical contractors are members of the ECA(SA), all ECA members are registered electrical contractors – and their work is covered by the ECA’s Workmanship Guarantee.

Electrical Contractors Association South Africa W www.ecasa.co.za

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SouthAfrica’s Africa’s most influential South most influential members’ association members’ association for for electrical contractors electrical contractors

The ECA(SA)’S Mission is to promote and create an environment conducive to theisprofitable andand efficient operation of electrical The ECA(SA)’S Mission to promote create an environment businesses to efficient the benefit of members and their conducivecontracting to the profitable and operation of electrical clients. Established on 1 July 1948 the Association has grown contracting businesses to the benefit of members and their and evolved over the last seven decades, but its fundamental clients. Established onthe1 same: July 1948 the Association has grown values remain and evolved over the last seven decades, but its fundamental values remain the same: SERVICE EXCELLENCE

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP SERVICE EXCELLENCE INTEGRITY AND RESPECT

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For more information about becoming a member of the ECA(SA) contact your local regional office or email info@ecasa.co.za REGIONAL OFFICES

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Electrical Contractors Association_fcp.indd 1

(011) 974 9420 (012) 342 3455 (031)974 3129420 0851 (011) (051) 430 2355 (0)86 604 8683 (0)86 212 1371 (021) 465 6319

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(011) 974 9420 highveld@ecasa.co.za (012) 342 3455 infopta@ecasa.co.za (031) 312 0851 ecakzn@ecasa.co.za NATIONAL HELP DESK 087 944 4555 (051) 430 2355 pieter@ecasa.co.za (0)86 604website: 8683 www.ecasa.co.za adminpe@ecasa.co.za (0)86 212 1371 adminel@ecasa.co.za (021) 465 6319 ecact@iafrica.com 2019/02/28 4:42 PM

BUILDING SYSTEMS ELECTRICAL

Uninterruptible power advice Uninterruptible site power is a basic requirement for any construction project, but with this comes several challenges, such as reducing site emissions or ensuring site security.

Variable load demands For construction sites that have fluctuating power demands, scalable solutions are offered to costeffectively optimise fuel efficiency versus power output.

A power-on-demand option replaces one large generator with several smaller ones to provide efficient, reliable energy. These generators switch on and off automatically to produce only as much power as is needed at that time. An uninterruptible power supply is guaranteed even during generator maintenance, whilst operating costs and emissions are also reduced.

Silent power Noise levels are often under scrutiny at sites in urban and residential areas. Aggreko’s generators are acoustically optimised to provide very low, industry-leading sound attenuation levels.

In addition, acoustic curtains are avaiable for further noise reduction of up to 10%, whilst LoadOnDemand generation offers lower noise.

Ensuring security Site security is a challenge for construction projects that are in remote locations, unmanned or have problems with theft and vandalism. Aggreko has a range of canopy generators that come enclosed within a secure container, along with their fuel tank and cabling. To ensure obscurity, the containers can be unbranded and designed to look like a standard site container.

Remote monitoring ‘Our web-based remote monitoring system relays critical information, such as consumption rates, equipment functionality and load monitoring,

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Photo by Aggreko

‘Aggreko has experience in delivering turn-key solutions to meet specific needs. Such services should be available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide a fast and reliable service when emergencies arise, and Aggreko is able to meet these needs,’ says a spokesperson for Aggreko.

‘Project critical requirements can be serviced, from emergency heating applications, to unplanned, back-up power demands,’ she adds.

Aggreko installation on site.

ensuring continuous, optimised power,’ says the spokesperson.

Key issues in choosing a reliable supplier: Quality: Equipment is built to industry-leading specifications at the company’s manufacturing site in Dumbarton. Every component is rigorously tested to ensure optimum performance in the toughest environments.

Passionate: Customers value a can-do attitude.

‘Aggreko’s reputation is built on the skills, experience and competence of our people. We have over 40 sales engineers covering all of Africa who can deliver the best solution on a projectby-project basis’, says the spokesperson.

Fast response service: The company has a network of 10 service centres across Africa, responding rapidly to emergencies, on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis.

Rigorous maintenance: A unique pre- and posthire inspection and load-testing regime, coupled with comprehensive on-site servicing, ensures that equipment delivers reliable and continuous performance.

‘We provide industry-leading equipment and an efficient, no fuss service, helping you deliver projects on time and within budget,’ concludes the spokesperson.

Aggreko W www.aggreko.com

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BUILDING SYSTEMS FLOORS

ABOVE: RS40 40/40 is a premium brand formed through a process of compressive pressure locking of bearer bars and transversals to form an exact pitch.

LEFT: With a unique pressure locking system, Rectagrid has been proven over decades of application across different industries.

Safety-first grating Photos by Mentis

Liability claims from slips, trips and falls in the workplace can be financially debilitating and have an extremely negative impact on the reputation of a business. Considered the most frequent cause of injuries in the workplace, these incidents can result in serious downtime and even closure of facilities, according to a leading manufacturer of floor and other safety systems.

Floors, stairs and handrails are often cited as the cause of such accidents. In some incidents, injury is caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of the business owner. However, there is great wisdom in the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’.

Lance Quinlan, National Technical Sales Consultant at Andrew Mentis, says that companies should consult floor grating specialists to ensure that their floor grating adheres to the required building regulations and occupational health and safety (OHS) standards.

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He explains that, unfortunately for the consumer, not all floor grating products on the market are of a suitably high standard.

‘An inferior quality product may well look identical to a reputed brand when viewed through the eyes of an unsuspecting customer. However, the real litmus test comes after the installation is completed and employees start walking on the floor grating,’ comments Quinlan.

He cautions that customers should carefully research the claims made by the floor grating manufacturer.

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FLOORS BUILDING SYSTEMS

‘Mentis floor grating is engineered to take specific loading which then ensures the optimum safety of the people walking on or working in those areas. We initially meet with customers to determine their exact needs. Our processing department then compiles the layouts for the required products according to the structural steel drawings supplied by the customer. A complete understanding of the load bearing capacity of grating is required to ensure that the correct floor grating product is selected for an application,’ explains Quinlan.

All the company’s floor grating is manufactured in a modern facility at Elandsfontein, Johannesburg, using a pressure locking system pioneered by the company.

‘Quality control is stringent during the manufacturing process to ensure that close tolerances are maintained and that the round transversal bar fits tightly through the pierced bearer bar on our floor grating products,’ says Quinlan.

Mentis has two predominant floor grating products: Rectagrid RS40 40/40 and Rectagrid RS80 80/40. RS40 40/40 is a premium brand and is formed through a process of compressive pressure

locking of bearer bars and transversals to form an exact pitch of 40mm by 40mm. Rectagrid RS80 80/40 is identical to RS40 40/40 grating except that every second bearer bar is omitted, giving an 80mm pitch bearer bar with a 40mm pitch transversal. This effectively reduces the RS80 80/40’s permissible load bearing capacity by 50%.

Quinlan emphasises that the most critical element is the load bearing capacity of the floor grating.

‘The best way to ensure the structural integrity of floor grating is to align yourself with a manufacturer who has designed and engineered the product to attain predetermined tolerances. Mentis is pedantic about the strict criteria set for its floor grating.’

Non-negotiable factors include the fact that the transversals must be positively and permanently locked to the bearer bars.

‘In addition, there must be no cracks or crevices at intersections which could harbour corrosion.

The locking method at the intersections should be designed to use the full depth of the bearer bar when calculating loads. Finally, the grating panels should be flat, square and untwisted. Safety in the workplace simply cannot be compromised,’ he concludes.

ABOVE: Rectagrid offers optimum safety in all applications.

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FLOORS BUILDING SYSTEMS

Modern flooring products save time

Although the prospect of seeking different solutions for each type of floor may sound daunting to contractors that are used to installing traditional floor surfaces, it should not be, as modern systems are usually custom-designed to ensure quicker and easier installation and high-quality finishes. This is according to Tracy Harris, Commercial Manager of Mapei, one of the best-known suppliers of construction chemicals and flooring solutions in the world. She says specifiers and installers should take the time to investigate new systems rather than relying on traditional ways and simply trying to adapt them to suit new floor surfaces.

‘Where specially developed solutions do exist, it will usually be considerably more cost-effective and safer than simply modifying traditional methods, as well as negating the risk of floors failing, either aesthetically or mechanically,’ she says.

Research and development

Mapei constantly research and develop new screeds, adhesives, grouts and other flooring products to suit new floor styles. As a result, it offers an expansive range of flooring products ranging from industrial solutions to commercial and retail products. These include cementitious, resin, polyurethane systems, water-based flooring systems, as well as consolidators which are used to preserve and maintain existing floors. Equally as important as product selection is the correct application and technique that needs to be applied for different flooring types. This means the provision of onsite support as well as providing effective technical training to Mapei preferred applicators.

‘The aim of our products, training and ongoing technical support is to provide speed of application and lower building and operating costs for longer building lifetimes. Our industrial flooring solutionbased systems are developed for vast applications across all industry sectors in the industrial flooring market and are HACCP compliant, and have

Photo byMapei

Seeking different solutions for each type of floor is particularly relevant in today’s modern building environment where a myriad of new floor types has been introduced, each with its own requirements, as well as all-new fixing and finishing products that are required to correctly lay them.

The Mapei floor system being applied

international certifications from Clean Room associations. They are also easier to maintain for end users with no sealer coats and additional maintenance costs required. All Mapei’s products are also manufactured according to the strictest international quality and sustainability standards,’ says Harris.

‘We build solid relationships with key applicators and encourage installers and building professionals to speak to our technical representatives to find solutions for individual requirements. We make it our business to develop and constantly update and change our offerings to suit new requirements,’ she concludes.

Mapei South Africa W www.mapei.co.za volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS KITCHENS

White’s in, so white-out Pimp your kitchen with white by following these tips given by a leading appliance manufacturer.

Mercia de Jager from leading kitchen appliance manufacturer, Miele [Ref: www.miele.co.za] , offers exclusive tips for To Build readers on how to design the perfect white kitchen.

De Jager says that one of the hottest trends in kitchen design today is actually not a trend at all – it is a classic: the white kitchen.

‘White kitchens have been a long-standing favourite and although other darker colour palettes have come to the fore of late, the white kitchen has remained a much-loved design staple. It’s easy to understand why – white kitchens boast a timeless quality and offer a versatility that allows this colour scheme to blend with virtually any style and space.

‘A white kitchen can also make a small space feel bigger and brighten a room that lacks adequate natural light. The use of white can also provide a clean canvas to effectively showcase other relevant elements to create a functional, enchanting and inviting space,’ De Jager explains.

Here are her tips on using a white colour scheme in the kitchen most effectively:

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Open it up

It’s no secret that open-plan kitchen-cum-living areas are bang on trend. With this in mind, De Jager advises that choosing complementary finishes that marry the various surrounding spaces is a great way to create a holistically seamless design: ‘To create a truly cohesive design for openplan spaces, it is important to have a thread that runs throughout all the spaces and links them together. For example, if you have chosen a marble countertop, then it would be a great idea to use marble subway tiles as a fireplace surround in the adjacent living room.’

Step on the dark side

Contrast is your best friend when it comes to white kitchens, notes De Jager: ‘Dark floors for example are a great way to highlight white cabinetry.

Wooden floors complement a white colour scheme especially well and can be linked back to other touches of wooden furniture and accents throughout. If wood is not your material of choice, however, you can also use tiles, vinyl or laminates in darker hues to create some contrast.’

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KITCHENS BUILDING SYSTEMS

“White kitchens boast a timeless quality and offer a versatility that allows this colour scheme to blend with virtually any style and space”

Seamless integration

Any modern high-end kitchen worth its salt will feature integrated appliances and what better way to fully integrate kitchen cabinetry and appliances than by choosing appliances in the same colour as the cabinetry?

‘Although stainless steel appliances, such as our CleanSteel range of appliances, remain a popular choice, many homeowners are opting for other colours instead. In white kitchens our Brilliant White Collection has become the colour of choice. With Miele’s Brilliant White Collection, homeowners seeking out increasingly sophisticated and stylish design statements in their kitchens can enjoy the ultimate in white appliances which accentuate the cool, puristic design of the kitchen’, says De Jager.

Change it up

One of the most endearing elements of a white kitchen is that you don’t have to commit to any one complementary colour, notes De Jager.

‘If designed correctly, you should be able to

swap out the colour scheme in the form of small features and accessories whenever the mood takes you. Starting with a clean slate like a neutral white kitchen allows you the freedom that you wouldn’t have with any colour designs. Adding pops of colour to your white kitchen is a helpful way to create points of interest and add depth to the overall design.’

Add texture

There is no denying that white can brighten any kitchen, but you also don’t want the space to look flat and clinical. De Jager says that adding texture to your kitchen design is the ultimate way to avoid this from happening.

‘It is imperative to add texture into a white kitchen design. This can be done by choosing elements in the same or similar tone but manufactured from a different material – think white engineered stone countertops, high gloss kitchen cabinetry, integrated appliances with glossy white glass fronts and rustic, matt handmade tile splashbacks.’ volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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KITCHENS BUILDING SYSTEMS

KSA: Ready for action Stephanie Forbes, National Manager for the Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA) reports for us.

Photos by KSA

ABOVE: The KSA Consumer Guide was published earlier this year.

LEFT: Stephanie Forbes.

Despite the challenges facing the kitchen industry the KSA [Ref: www.ksa.co.za] are very positive that this is the time to be taking the bull by the horns and putting back into the industry. Supporting our members and ensuring consumers and industry professionals see the advantages of dealing with a KSA member is vital, as is ensuring that KSA members support one another.

The KSA and the African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) have created a formalised partnership and will be working more closely moving forward to facilitate networking between the kitchen and interior design industries, as well as to increase education and information exchange to help enhance and benefit both industries. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to working more closely with the IID team [Ref: www.iidprofessions.org.za].

We started the new year with the release of our 2019 Consumer Guide. The online version of the booklet has been released on ISSUU and can be viewed by following this link: www.issuu.com/ksa.za/ docs/ksa_consumer_guide_2019.

Printed copies will be available from the KSA

from the end of January and from most KSA members by the end of February. This year’s guide contains some valuable advice, hints and tips.

Articles include: • Aligning your tastes with your budget.

• How European trends will hit the SA market.

• Do you know what products your kitchen company is using?

• Are there items you should not store in a kitchen cupboard?

• All you need to know about porcelain and sintered surfacing.

• To handle or not to handle.

• How best to use colour in your kitchen.

• Playing with your budget.

We hope that this edition will be as well received as our prior publications have been and that consumers and industry professionals alike will make use of the advice and contact the KSA should they need further help.

Finally, the KSA team have been hard at work putting a calendar outline together for the year and we have some great events coming up in the first quarter. [Ref: www.ksa.co.za]. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS LIGHTING

Lucky in love Photo by Willowlamp

A walk in the hills by a well-known lighting designer led to a chance encounter with a field of clover. The rest is history, as they say.

Part of Adam Hoets’ most recent range of pendants and chandeliers, the Love Clover collection, is a whimsical take on the striking similarity between the silhouette of a clover and the shape of a heart.

Playing off the folklore of luck that surrounds this petite plant, each of the four distinctive designs in the range conveys the sense of magic associated with finding an elusive four-leaf clover.

Founder of Willowlamp, Adam Hoets was inspired to create the range during a walk in the mountains when he and his wife came across a field of clover, the beauty and serendipity of this discovery prompting her to suggest Adam form a design around the moment.

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

In a way a tribute to Adam’s wife, the range was initially meant to comprise a single design, but Adam found the motif lent itself to further permutations and expanded it to three pendants and a chandelier. The challenge came when trying to capture the feeling of joy associated with the memory, while still instilling a sense of sophistication in the designs.

‘As sweet as four-leaf clovers are, it took me a while to translate them into three-dimensional objects that were interesting,’ Hoets says.

Eventually, through trial and error, the solution presented itself in what is now a four-piece range making use of the sensual and voluptuous forms in different ways. Each piece had to have a playful name to represent what first inspired it into being.

As a result, the fittings bear titles such as Secret Love, Big Love, Baby Love and Lucky Love.

“Each piece had to have a playful name to represent what first inspired it into being.”

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Lucky Love is the most romantic of the lighting range by Adam Hoets, with more of a floral than a botanical look.

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

Big Love is a striking chandelier with four tapering segments that are lit by five halogen or LED lamps in Pyrex balls, with Baby Love translating similar forms into a smaller scale as a pendant with a more delicate glow, courtesy of a single LED lamp.

Completing the collection, Lucky Love is the most romantic of the range, with more of a floral than a botanical look. Its four heart-shaped segments bow from a single halogen or LED light to resemble an elongated four-leaf clover cutaway, making this pendant best seen from below.

All Love Clover lights are available in a selection of coloured finishes, including brass, copper, silver, smoke, rust, white, red, black and mixed metallic.

volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Radiant Lighting offers an extensive product range to meet all your requirements for big and small architectural and building projects.

Our lighting specialists offer professional and technical advice from specifying, on-site supervisory to after sales service which is backed up by warranties. Radiant Lighting is ISO9001:2015 compliant and also offers a lighting CPD course which is SAICAP accredited. Let us take your project to the next level.

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A WHOLE NEW WAY OF WORKING Revolutionise roofing with the STIHL TSA 230 cordless cut-off machine. Compact and lightweight, powerful and adaptable. Featuring a standard-fitted water connection and optional vacuum adapter for clean, particle-free cutting, making it suitable for exterior and interior work and far healthier for operators in line with international health and safety standards.

It starts at the touch of a button and the ergonomic handle allows the machine to be smoothly guided with precision to a depth of 70mm.

The TSA 230 is part of STIHL’s Lithium-Ion PRO cordless range that offers petrol-matching power with no loss of performance, a longer run time, and zero emissions, no fuel costs, and minimal servicing - plus noise levels so low that no ear protection is required. A single battery can be used to power several tools in the PRO range - ideal for multiple applications and total convenience. Slice through pipes, bricks, tiles and metal with dust-free ease. Roofing will never be the same.

Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior after-sales service.

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ROOFING & CLADDING BUILDING SYSTEMS

Walking with giants WORDS BY Gareth Griffiths Photos by Gareth Griffiths & Grant Duncan-Smith

What does it take to distribute goods to one of the largest retail chains on the African continent? To Build looks at a new mega warehouse project which also boasts two category winners of the prestigious South African Institute of Steel Construction Steel Awards 2018.

Whilst the emphasis of Steel Award category wins is on construction steel, cladding and roofing, the new Shoprite Group Cilmor distribution centre in Brackenfell, Cape Town, is breathtaking on all fronts.

According to owner and developer Shoprite Checkers, the Shoprite Group’s ability to source products from any part of the world and distribute them to even the most remote corner, has changed the face of modern retail in Africa. Due to the centralised distribution approach of the Group’s stores, the supply chain is based on a central distribution model with more than 633 700m² of space across 28 distribution centres.

The new Cilmor distribution centre boasts the second largest dry goods warehouse in the overall group infrastructure at 76 319m².Their largest is their 114 500m² main warehouse building in Centurion, Gauteng.

To put the size of the Cilmor dry goods distribution centre into perspective, an Airbus 380 requires a hangar of height of 25 metres and square area of 640m2 for storage. Theoretically, nine of these giant aircraft could be hangered inside this single building were it not for the supporting columns which follow the 32 x 32m internal roofing grid.

This building, as well as two other distribution centres, the Equipment Return Centre (12 849m2) and Cold Storage distribution centre (20 653m2) were completed during building phases 1 and 2.

According to the Shoprite Group media team, environmental considerations were key and a complete Environmental Impact Analysis was conducted and submitted with plan approval to the City of Cape Town. A green building design approach was taken and implemented by the architects.

Shoprite’s green design approach at Cilmor: • Energy-efficient lighting and battery charging • Daylight harvesting • Full power generation capability • World class flooring and joint technology • Stormwater management • Grey water recycling and reusing • Water-wise landscaping • On-site diesel storage and management • Efficient refrigeration plant • Nitrogen truck refrigeration technology • Fire detection and suppression systems • CCTV and access control systems • Site accessibility and traffic flow • Waste recycling and disposal Niel Marx of Steyn, Le Roux, Truter Architects is lead architect on the project and he concurs.

‘Environmentally, there is much more under the roof. For example, to increase energy-efficiency, the fire and smoke extraction vents in the roof also let in the natural light, reducing the usage of electrical lighting,’ he says.

Niel Marx, lead architect on-site.

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BUILDING SYSTEMS ROOFING & CLADDING

The roof

Aesthetics were important too. ‘Gone are the days of ugly saw-tooth industrial roof designs. The client did not want its Cilmor distribution centre to be an eyesore, so aesthetics was a core part of our brief. The park can be seen from the freeway and surrounding communities, so we proposed a design concept that would be aesthetically pleasing and fit with the shape of the silhouetted Tygerberg hills forming the northern backdrop,’ Marx explains.

Large cantilevered steel columns on-site.

The curved roof echoes the silhouette of the nearby Tygerberg hills.

The curved architectural features and large open-span roof structures necessitated a flexible and versatile construction material; hence steel was used. Structural steel enabled the project team to not only cost-effectively construct the large openspan roof structures but facilitated the meeting of tight construction deadlines.

According to project Structural Engineer, Sebastian Dockter of WSP Group Africa: ‘The buildings are stabilised by large cantilevering concrete tilt-up columns that were constructed during the fabrication period of the steel. The largest of these columns (in the dry goods warehouse) is 24.3m tall, weighing more than 44 tons. Starting off with a stable structure greatly reduced the risk during the erection of the longspan structural steel girders and trusses.’

‘The girders were built up from horizontally orientated UB chords laced with double, equal angle web members. This configuration allowed optimised utilisation of the material and produced a girder that was easier to handle on-site due to the lateral and torsional stiffness of the box-shaped assembly. The trusses for the ambient warehouses

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The girders were built up from horizontally orientated UB chords.

were classic lattices made from equal angle chords and web members,’ Dockter says.

‘However, to provide a flat fixing surface for the refrigeration panels, the trusses for the refrigerated buildings were also boxed lattices with channels as chords,’ he adds.

To ensure a compliant roof and cladding sheeting tender, all tenderers were required to submit test compliance data derived using the methods of the draft cladding code, SANS10237, which is in development by the South African Metal Cladding and Roofing Association.

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ROOFING & CLADDING BUILDING SYSTEMS

Cilmor – giant dry goods distribution centre.

Scheltema won the sheeting tender with GRS KLIP-TITE as the product of choice, rolled from SAFAL’s AZ150 Colorplus.

to ensure that the roof meets all the standards required to uphold the warranty. SAFAL worked together with the entire team to combat these challenges and find solutions that were in the best interest of all concerned,’ says Chantell Eckard, the SAFAL Key Account Manager in the Cape.

Scheltema deployed safe erection of the roof sheeting and GRS as well as SAFAL worked closely together to ensure a world-class installation for Shoprite Checkers.

At the time of going to print, phase 3 of the project, which consists of the refrigeration distribution centre (20 653m2) was underway. As a cold storage extension for Freshmark, the Group’s fresh produce procurement arm, this facility has large ambient, frozen and chilled sections and consolidates the former activities of five smaller centres located across Cape Town. The ambient section includes a “chocolate box” where temperature-sensitive confectionary items are stored.

Jointless sheet transition

To avoid a large flat zone on the roof, a jointless sheet transition from -0.5° to 0.5° was incorporated at the apex of the roof. A watertight installation was ensured, thanks to typical step-lap detailing. The effects of temperature strain were also minimised with the first sheeting laps occurring at slopes of more than 2°.

Global Roofing Solutions’ KLIP-TITE profile was specified for the roofs. The cladding was the same material. These were formed from SAFAL ColorPlus Prepainted AZ150 0.53 Cape Grey Matt and Mountain Grey Matt. The manufacturers say that the concealed fix profile roof offers superior wind uplift resistance and the fact that the rib runs perpendicular (as opposed to the conventional method of running parallel with the sheet in the pan) changes the dynamics of the sheet and provides a one-of-a-kind solution for projects such as this.

Photo by Grant Duncan-Smith

The roofing profile – note the perpendicular rib.

‘SAFAL also interacted with the entire team to ensure not only the supply of coil on time, but that the finished roofing provided the client with a quality roof that maintains the warranty. As with any large roof where sheets are 90 metres long, there are challenges faced by the roofing contractor

Phase 3 – the Freshmark cold storage extension under construction. This annexes the original cold storage distribution centre (20 653m2) of Phase 2. Note the wall insulation material.

The Shoprite Group commented that no additional development is being planned at this stage, but both the Dry Goods and Cold Storage buildings have been planned to enable possible future expansion. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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2019/02/28 4:46 PM

WALLS & CLADDING BUILDING SYSTEMS

Expansion joints & settlement cracks Photo by Cosmopolitan

According to a leading developer of urban projects, owners of a newly built home or office block may find small cracks developing around an area in the walls known as an expansion joint. This is perfectly normal and occurs as a result of the structure settling in on its foundations.

‘Every new building will settle, but with the correct building process and expansion joints, the cracks will be limited and will begin to appear less. It can take up to three years due to changes in temperature, the drying out of the cement, plaster, bricks and so on. Buildings are also subject to expansion and contraction depending on fluctuations in ambient temperatures. All building materials are subject to this type of movement,’ explains Mbuso Mahlanga of Cosmopolitan Projects, one of South Africa’s largest developers of affordable housing.

What is an expansion joint?

Expansion joints are intentionally built into the walls to ensure that the different sections of the walls can move independently of each other, without compromising the strength or integrity of the walls.

An expansion joint is usually formed in a straight line at intervals to control where and how cracks will occur in concrete and are placed according to a structural engineer’s recommendations and instruction.

The expansion joint is created by leaving a gap between the bricks of a wall with a polystyrene spacer to ensure the space stays free from mortar and can expand and contract. When the brick wall is plastered, this spacer layer is cut back slightly and the gap is normally filled with a flexible sealant.

This makes the gap weatherproof to wind and water but still allows the expansion joint to move, expand and contract as needed.

Settlement cracks that occur at expansion joints. They are perfectly normal in a newly built structure and do not indicate anything structurally wrong with your home.

It is important that this expansion joint is not filled with cement, plaster or any other hard filler.

Without an expansion joint the settlement or movement of the house would cause uneven and much larger unsightly cracks.

What is a settlement crack?

As the building settles in on its foundations, small cracks may develop in or immediately alongside the expansion joint. These cracks are small and narrow.

They are perfectly normal in a newly built structure and do not indicate anything structurally wrong with your home. Your home is purpose-built with the expansion joints to ensure that these settlement cracks only occur inside or along the expansion joint.

The settlement cracks are easily addressed with a cosmetic touch up of the crack with a filler and a coat of paint.

Repairing settlement cracks

To repair a crack, remove all debris and excavate the crack down to firm material. A suitable, flexible, crack filler or mortar mix can be used to fill the crack.

Once dry, apply a new coat of paint to finish the repair.

Attend to these cracks to protect the value of your property investment. [Ref: www.cosmo.co.za] volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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2019/02/28 4:35 PM

SAFETY & SECURITY BUILDING SYSTEMS

LP-Gas in buildings Photo by Gareth Griffiths Imaging

With a considerable surge in the use of LP-Gas as an instant and often more direct alternative to power in the kitchen or elsewhere, safety becomes an aspect that every building manager or home owner needs to consider and re-assess.

In a recent newsletter to members and other subscribers, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGSASA) reminds us of the importance of using correctly certified and compliant installers, LP-Gas suppliers and service personnel. [Ref: www.lpgas.co.za] The association undertakes regular on- and offsite inspections across South Africa and issues prohibition notices in conjunction with the Department of Labour (DOL) inspectors. ‘The association is pleased to announce that the compliance team has in the last year (2018) completed a total of 76 on- and offsite inspections across South Africa with the aim of ensuring best practices across the LP-Gas industry. They are tasked with matters of compliance, including appliance verification, cylinder verification, installation inspections including illegal activities such as the illegal distribution and manufacturing of cylinders and appliances, filling sites and reported non-compliant installations,’ says a LPGSASA spokesperson.

Companies and individuals who are served with prohibition notices are ordered to halt any activities listed on the notice served. Recently the fire department has issued two contravention notices whilst the DOL issued a total of 16 contravention notices. This type of notice is issued when the company or individual is in contravention of the LP-Gas national standards. Thirteen installations were found to be non-compliant and five companies this year were recommended to the DOL for

prosecution. The association encourages industry players to inform them of any suspected illegal activities they have witnessed or are aware of so that the compliance team can further investigate.

What to do when laying a complaint

LPGSASA provides a platform which allows anyone to lay a complaint and send the information to the compliance team for further investigation. Most of the inspections are conducted after members of the public or industry players have laid a complaint and a document review has been assessed by the compliance team. Part of the paper work that is thoroughly checked by the team includes: the existing CoC, installer’s licence, Flammable Substance Certificate, calibration certificates, training records, approved building plans, as well as which cylinder brands have been filled.

Once the information is received, a compliance officer is tasked with the investigation and the process is initiated and logged on the complaints and incidents database. Where necessary, further information is collected from the complainant afterwards. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the installer or other relevant party is contacted.

Complaints about the illegal filling of cylinders and appliances without permits are logged on the inspection database and the team then conduct onsite inspections where appliances are checked for valid permits. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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2019/02/28 7:20 PM

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Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior DĂŠcor

MATERIALS Adhesives & Sealants............................. 103 Bricks & Paving......................................... 110 Cement & Concrete............................... 112 Coatings & Paint..................................... 116 Insulation.................................................. 119 Timber & Decking..................................... 121

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ADHESIVES MATERIALS

Construction chemicals market evolves A major international specialty chemicals company in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in the building sector and elsewhere, has made a binding offer to acquire a leading manufacturer of mortar solutions, including facade mortars, tile adhesives, waterproofing and technical mortars.

Photo by Sika

Sika AG [Ref: www.sika.com], recently made a binding offer to acquire Parex from its current owner CVC Fund V. Parex generated sales of CHF1.2 billion (R16.3 billion) during 2018. With expertise in mortar solutions for renovation and new builds, the company participates in all phases of the construction lifecycle. It has a particularly strong presence in distribution channels, combining recognized brands with R&D expertise and technical excellence. It is locally present in 23 countries with key positions in 8 core geographies and operates 74 plants around the world. [Ref: www.parex.com].

‘Parex is an excellent company with well recognised brands and an impressive performance track record. The businesses of Parex and Sika are highly complementary. Using Parex technologies as a growth platform in all our 101 countries and cross-selling of our products to the well-established distribution channels of Parex will generate profitable growth,’ says Paul Schuler, CEO of Sika.

‘Parex’s excellent facade business can be leveraged in the entire Sika world. We warmly welcome all employees of Parex to the Sika Family.

Sika construction chemicals.

We look forward to working with the Parex team and we are excited about expanding our joint business operations.’

Eric Bergé, CEO of Parex, adds: ‘Under CVC Fund V’s ownership, the Parex team has delivered a very strong performance, growing sales from €750 million in 2013 to over €1 billion in 2018. Over this five-year period, Parex entered three new countries and opened 16 new plants, added 11 bolt-on acquisitions and built a new international R&D centre.

‘Sika represents a great platform to continue to deliver on Parex’s ambitious growth plan and the combination creates new exciting opportunities in terms of offering new solutions to our customers and continuing our geographic expansion. I would like to thank our sponsor, CVC Capital Partners, our teams across the world and our customers for their trust and support in these past five years, and we look forward to working with Sika in the future.’

With this acquisition Sika will further strengthen its leading position in construction chemicals and industrial adhesives and will reach sales in excess of CHF8 billion. It will deepen and widen Sika’s growth platform. Its mortar business, which is a key growth technology for the group and one of its important earning contributors, will more than double in size to CHF2.3 billion. Parex’s strong position in distribution channels will open up new business opportunities for Sika’s product range. Parex will gain access to Sika’s well established direct sales channels and Parex’s expertise in the facade and tile setting business will allow Sika to participate in these growing and attractive market fields. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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PRODUCT CATALOGUE DEN BRAVEN

Den Braven... Superior silicone and adhesive solutions Acryl-W is an acrylic sealant for interior and exterior use with good adhesion to many materials.

Paintable with emulsion paints, freeze resistant and not corrosive towards metals. Conforms to the SNJF-standard. Exterior application to be painted with a good quality synthetic paint.

After curing Acryl-W is weather and rain resistant. Low VOC. Cartridges of 280ml and 4kg bucket.

Shelf life 18 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application For sealing cracks and joints where moderate amounts of movements can occur (max.12,5%). Not suitable for joints exposed to continuous water immersion.

2 in 1 ga p filler and cornice adhesive

FireProtect® FP Acrylic Sealant is a one-component, low VOC, fully certified acrylic based passive fire retardant for creating compartments in constructions for the prevention of the spread of fires, gases and smoke between compartments, to meet legal requirements. FireProtect® is almost odour free and non-corrosive towards metals. Will show good adhesion without a primer on building materials like concrete, brickwork, painted wood, anodised aluminium and uPVC. Cartridges of 310ml Shelf life 12 months In original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application FP Acrylic is designed for the fire sealing of indoor joints in commercial buildings & offices, industrial warehouses, factories, hotel rooms, ships. Tested for fire resistance until 240 min in 20mm joints, as per fire test certification EN 1366-4. Perimeter pointing around door and window frames, concrete and brickwork. Joints between walls and ceillings, and joints around pipes and cable work.

Silicone-1001U Professional is a high quality, low VOC, ready-to-use elastic sealant, based on acid curing with very good adhesion to many surfaces. Excellent UV and weather resistance.

Cartridges of 300ml Shelf life 24 months In original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application Sealing joints around buildings, industrial and fenestration applications.

Silicone-Sanitary is a low VOC, high quality fungal resistant elastic sealant, based on acid curing which is waterproof, resistant to moisture, detergents and household chemicals, and has good adhesion to many surfaces (without primer).

Cartridges of 300ml Shelf life 24 months In original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application For sealing joints and cracks in bathrooms, shower cubicles, kitchens and utility rooms.

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DEN BRAVEN PRODUCT CATALOGUE

Do it right... the first time Silicone-NO MF/T is a high quality, low VOC, neutral curing fungal resistant, durable and elastic sealant with excellent adhesion on many surfaces (without primer). Has good UV and weather resistance. Silicone-NO complies with international standards.

Cartridges of 300ml Shelf life 18 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application For sealing joints where mildew is undesirable. Suitable as a perimeter and weather sealant. For sealing joints in glazing systems, buildings and general construction industry. Not suitable for use on mirrors or natural stone.

FireProtect® FP Silicone Sealant is a one-component, low modulus silicone sealant for creating fire retardant joints to compartmentalize fire zones to prevent the spread of flame, gases and smoke between compartments. FP Silicone Sealant is a neutral sealant which is almost odourless, forming a fire resistant seal after application. May be used without primer to seal assemblies of glass, laminated glass, glazed surfaces, aluminium and many other metals, unplasticised plastics, polyester, polystyrene and most uPVC, painted wood, concrete and brickwork.

Cartridges of 310ml Shelf life Approx. 12 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application Fire retardant expansion and joint sealing to precast concrete, brickwork and masonry. Fire retardant perimeter pointing and curtain wall sealing. Sealing fire retarding glazing systems and cap beading. Sealing joints where spreading of fire, smoke, or toxic gases is undesired. Suitable for fire sealing of joints in commercial buildings, offices, industrial warehouses, factories, hotel rooms, shopping malls and ships. Tested for fire resistance up to 240 minutes in joints up to 40mm wide. Tested to fire test certification EN 1366-4

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Hybriflex-540, a convenient one-component, non bubbling, moisture curing, low modulus sealant and adhesive. Free from isocyanates, silicones and solvents. Excellent adhesion to most substrates. Highly resistant to ageing and weathering. Hybriflex-540 is environmentally friendly, low VOC and easy to use.

Cartridges of 300ml and 600ml Shelf life 12 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application As a specific sealant for expansion joints between building structures, and around uPVC window frames. For sealing joints (inside and outside) in concrete, natural stone, asbestos, wood, enamelled surfaces, steel and aluminium. For use with Polyethylene Backing Cord.

Polyflex-422 is a high quality one-component polyurethane sealant. Excellent adhesion to many common building material surfaces. Forms a durable, waterproof, flexible rubber seal.

Pimer available on request for critical application.

Cartridges of 300ml and 600ml Shelf life Approx. 12 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application As a specific sealant for expansion joints between building structures, and around uPVC window frames. For sealing joints (inside and outside) in concrete, natural stone, asbestos, wood, enamelled surfaces, steel and aluminium.

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PRODUCT CATALOGUE DEN BRAVEN

Supplying Africa with our green range Supplying Africa with our green range

High Tack is a high quality, strong one component adhesive, with very high initial grip and tack based on MS Polymer. Will not stain natural stone products.

High Tack is a high quality, strong one component adhesive, with very high initial grip and tack based on MS Cartridges of 290ml Polymer. Will not stain natural stone products.

Shelf life Cartridges of 290ml 18 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Shelf life Application 18 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Instant tack and gluing of panels, skirting boards,windowsills, natural stone, thresholds, mirrors and isolating Application materials. In coach-work and metal connecting joints. Gluing in shipbuilding industry and almost everything else.

Instant tack and gluing of panels, skirting boards,windowsills, natural stone, thresholds, mirrors and isolating Instant grip of weights up to 20kg materials. In coach-work and metal connecting joints. Gluing in shipbuilding industry and almost everything else.

Instant grip of weights up to 20kg

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Fix-O-Chem is a fast curing, single component, low VOC chemical fastener. It is ideal for use instead of plugs or expansion anchors. No pressure build up unlike expansion anchors. Not recommended for Fix-O-Chem is a fast curing, single component, low VOC chemical fastener. It is ideal for use instead continuous water immersion. Temperature resistance of up to +80°C. of plugs or expansion anchors. No pressure build up unlike expansion anchors. Not recommended for Cartridges of 300ml continuous water immersion. Temperature resistance of up to +80°C. Shelf life Cartridges of 300ml 9 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Shelf life Application 9 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. As a chemical anchor for wire rods and screws in massive and hollow surfaces such as concrete, aerated Application concrete, brickwork and hollow stones. For solid fastening of window frames, roller blinds, banisters, As a chemical anchor for wire rods and screws in massive and hollow surfaces such as concrete, aerated hinges, etc. in building constructions. Also as a synthetic repair mortar for concrete. concrete, brickwork and hollow stones. For solid fastening of window frames, roller blinds, banisters, hinges, etc. in building constructions. Also as a synthetic repair mortar for concrete.

Mirrofix-MS is a low VOC adhesive based on SPUR technology.

For gluing mirrors. Consult our guide on gluing mirrors.

Mirrofix-MS is a low VOC adhesive based on SPUR technology.

Cartridges of 310ml For gluing mirrors. Consult our guide on gluing mirrors.

Shelf life Cartridges of 310ml 18 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Shelf life Application 18 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. For adhering mirrors.

Application For adhering mirrors.

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Woodflex is a solvent-free sealant and filler for sealing and joining of parquet, cork, laminate as well as for wooden floors and joinery. Available in 6 different colours Woodflex is a solvent-free sealant and filler for sealing and joining of parquet, suitable on all typical woods. The sealant has excellent adhesion qualities, is fast cork, laminate as well as for wooden floors and joinery. Available in 6 different colours drying and may be sanded and painted. suitable on all typical woods. The sealant has excellent adhesion qualities, is fast Cartridges of 300ml drying and may be sanded and painted.

Shelf life Cartridges of 300ml 12 months In original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Shelf life Application 12 months In original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. As a colour match to wood colours for joining, sealing and finishes.

Application As a colour match to wood colours for joining, sealing and finishes.

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Sili-Kill removes leavings of silicone sealants.

Suitable for metals, glass, many plastics, ceramics, stone, concrete and textiles.

Sili-Kill removes leavings of silicone sealants.

Plastic bottles of 100ml. Brush included Suitable for metals, glass, many plastics, ceramics, stone, concrete and textiles.

Shelf life Plastic bottles of 100ml. Brush included 24 months In original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Shelf life Application 24 months In original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. For removing cured silicone sealants without any residue.

Application For removing cured silicone sealants without any residue.

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DEN BRAVEN PRODUCT CATALOGUE

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Proud to be green... in more ways than one All Round Sealant is a paintable, solvent based plastic elastic sealant and is fungal resistant. Universal sealant based on synthetic rubbers with good adhesion properties. Can be used on damp non-porous surfaces.

Cartridges of 280ml Shelf life 12 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between +5°C and +25°C. Application A versatile sealant for sealing joints, repairing small cracks and for bonding. Can be applied even under moist conditions.

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Construction PU Foam is a one component fast curing construction foam based on moisture curing polyurethane. It has a strong dense cell structure with excellent gap filling capability. Precise application with the NBS applicator option.

PU Foam Cleaner is a cleaner that dissolves uncured PU Foam and is required for cleaning out the NBS applicator.

FireProtect® FP PU Foam is a fire resistant, one component polyurethane foam curing by atmospheric moisture. For use in areas where fire resistance is required.

Construction PU Foam handheld aerosol available in canisters of 300ml, 500ml and 750ml Gunfoam aerosol available in canisters of 750ml Cleaner aerosol available in canisters of 500ml FireProtect® FP PU Foam available in 750ml Shelf life 12 months in original unopened packaging at temperatures between -5°C and +25°C. Always store canisters upright.

Application PU-Foam can be used in joints between separation walls, ceilings and floors. Perimeter joints around window and door frames. Filling cavities carrying pipes, cables or transits in walls and ceilings. FP PU Foam offers fire resistance up to 4 hours combined with other FP products. For use with Polyethylene Backing Cord.

Johannesburg 2 High View Boulevard, High View Business Park Ferndale Ext 26, 2194 tel: 011 792 3830 fax: 011 793 4266 Durban Unit 1, 22 Beechfield Crescent, Springfield Park, 4091 tel: 031 579 2375 fax: 031 579 4070 Cape Town Unit 2, Linpark, 17 Longclaw Drive, Montague Gardens, 7441 tel: 021 552 9674 fax: 021 552 9678 sales@denbraven.co.za • www.denbraven.co.za The products and applications featured are a guideline. We recommend you contact us or visit our website to confirm the technical specifications of our products for the application required.

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MATERIALS ADHESIVES

Pur-fect remedy for cracks Photos by Den Braven

A well-known manufacturer of construction adhesives and chemicals has introduced a new handy-sized pack for its crack filler foam.

‘Our Den Braven PUR FOAM® range has been enhanced by the addition of a very handy-sized 300ml PUR Foam canister. This is an addition to our highly regarded range of strong, close-cell structured foam fillers for large cracks between walls, ceilings and floors and gaps around pipes, windows and door frames – a must-have product for all building sites,’ says a company spokesperson.

Once cured, Den Braven PU Foam can be cut and painted.

Information supplied by the company indicates that the range includes handheld aerosol canisters of various sizes (300ml, 500ml and 750ml). There is also the PUR Gunfoam 750ml canister version which operates with the PU GUN UNI NBS applicator. The applicator is equipped with a regulator to adjust the

foam output.

There is also FireProtect® PUR Foam – fire retardant foam tested according to EN1366-40 standards. It is part of the FireProtect® range of fully certified and approved passive fire products applied in expansion and connecting joints, openings and surface penetrations and between fire compartments.

A PUR Foam remover is available as well, used to clean and remove uncured PUR Foam.

‘Give us a shout for further product and technical information,’ concludes the spokesperson.

Den Braven South Africa W www.denbraven.co.za

Den Braven has passionate specialists who proactively share their knowledge. The company has many products for many applications. Since we believe selecting and applying the right products makes a major difference on the final result, we put extra effort in training our customers how to get to the best results.

Through a recently founded Centre of Excellence, we have a dedicated team of our best experts to train your teams and customers. We also test our competitors’ products in the laboratory to verify if they meet expectations. [Ref: www.denbraven.com/en-sa/about-den-braven/services/]

TO ADVERTISE IN TO BUILD CONTACT 021 424 3625 108

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

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SABS Solutions for a safe and healthy working environment The South African Bureau of Standards offers SABS Certification to management system standards such as SANS/ISO 45001, providing assurance that organisations’ services are aligned to international best practice standards.

SANS/ISO 45001, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use, is the first ISO Standard for occupational health and safety (OHS).

It provides a framework to increase safety, reduce workplace risks and enhance health and well-being at work, enabling an organisation to proactively improve its OHS performance.

Certification to SANS/ISO 45001 does more than protect your staff – it reassures stakeholders that you take corporate responsibility seriously, and can provide you with a competitive edge. Work with us to build an occupational health and safety management system and you can put in place the policies, procedures and controls needed for your organisation to achieve the best possible working conditions.

SABS has a proven track record, having worked with over 5 000 companies, from small and medium sized businesses to big companies for more than 70 years.

Physical Head office: 1 Dr Lategan Road Groenkloof Pretoria 0001

Postal address: Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001

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Telephone number: + 27 12 428 7911 or 0861 277 227

Fax number: + 27 12 344 1568

E-mail address: info@sabs.co.za

Website: www.sabs.co.za SCAN ME

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MATERIALS BRICKS & PAVING

Cast-stone pavers selected for Cape housing

Revelstone’s Ravine pavers (pathway) and Kent cobble (driveway) make for an attractive combination at Sunningdale.

The cast-stone pavers were produced by Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) member, Revelstone, which also supplied its Ravine pavers for paths and patios in the residential precinct.

The company is also supplying another Garden Cities development, Pinehurst in Durbanville, with Kent cobbles and Ravine pavers for similar applications.

Founded in 1919, Garden Cities is a non-profit organisation which develops entire suburbs. The company’s main purpose is ‘to provide better housing and social conditions for the people, the latter to be construed in its widest sense’.

In addition to constructing high-quality houses and public buildings, Garden Cities fosters equality in education by providing school halls to redress decades of disadvantage.

The current Chairman, Sean Stuttaford, is the great-grandson of the founder, Cape Town

businessman, Richard Stuttaford. The inspiration for Garden Cities came from the revolutionary British Garden City movement started by Ebenezer Howard, whose objective was to build entire new towns and improve the poor living conditions in parts of Britain during the late nineteenth and early twentieth Centuries.

Revelstone has been producing customised caststone products since 1993 for both the domestic and commercial markets. Family owned, the company uses traditional masonry skills combined with modern moulding techniques to painstakingly produce master moulds from original stone.

‘Our hands-on approach allows the creation of custom-made products, enabling Revelstone to supply pavers and cladding uniquely tailored to its clients’ specific requirements,’ says Marketing Manager for the company, Jeanine Pomario.

Photos by Revelstone

Kent cobble and Ravine pavers have been used for the paving of driveways and pathways at Sunningdale, a Garden Cities housing project adjacent to the recently completed Tableview Mall on Cape Town’s Western Seaboard.

Revelstone, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of cast stone products, celebrated its 25th year by launching a new showroom in Lansdowne, Cape Town.

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MATERIALS CEMENT & CONCRETE

Testing watertight concrete & crack-healing The test method described in the European standard EN 12390-8 for testing hardened concrete is arguably the most practical test method available in South Africa, says a representative of an established supplier of chemical solutions for the construction materials industry.

Brenton Brouard, Technical Manager: Concrete at Chryso Southern Africa, says that internationally accepted penetration depths are used to describe the degree of water tightness – or impermeability – of concrete. However, an entire concrete structure can be transformed into an internationally accepted watertight barrier with the use of the crystalline permeability-reducing admixture produced by his company The standard stipulates the depth of penetration of water under pressure to evaluate the water tightness of concrete to liquid. A 50mm penetration depth is classified as being “impermeable with respect to potable water” and a 30mm depth as being “impermeable with respect to water containing aggressive substances”. In some parts of the world, the 30mm depth applied to water containing aggressive substances is lowered to 20mm.

Brouard says this test has been frequently used in South Africa to evaluate the effectiveness of crystalline permeability-reducing admixtures. He cautions that it should be noted that these products do not waterproof concrete, but rather reduce the concrete’s level of permeability and water tightness to the internationally accepted levels; therefore some penetration of the liquid is possible under pressure.

But the waterproofing of concrete can eliminate any penetration of water into the concrete. This can be done using various 100% waterproof membranes which are applied in the form of surface coatings of various thicknesses.

‘Whether it is positive or negative permeability that needs to be reduced, our versatile admixture is ideal for concrete exposed to harsh conditions.

By reducing the permeability of concrete, we recommend our CHRYSO® CWA 10 which also protects it against chemicals, chlorides, sea water and corrosive ground water,’ says Brouard.

Integral permeability reducing admixture used at the Temba Waterworks project.

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Photos by Chryso

CWA 10 turns this concrete structure into an internationally accepted watertight barrier.

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CUTS WHERE NO OTHER CAN STIHL’s TS 440 cut-off machine has been designed to conquer challenging cutting such as the bottom part of walls, corners, the buried lower sections of in-ground pipes, and similar situations where traditional cut-off machine guard positions limit cutting access. The expanded guard adjustability is made possible by the TS 440’s world-first sensoractivated Quickstop wheel brake technology, which stops cutting wheel rotation in fractions of a second if kickback occurs, allowing for extended guard adjustability by reducing the risk of injury from kickback when the guard on the TS 440 has been adjusted to expose the top portion of the wheel. Thanks to a two-stage belt drive, the TS 440 transfers a high torque to the cutting wheel, so users can apply higher feed force while reducing any bogging of the engine, making this machine easy to work with. It also features user-friendly features such as a top handle for well-balanced handling and increased manoeuvrability. The ElastoStart starter handle has a built-in shock absorber that helps reduce the effort when pulling on the starter cord. An electronic water control allows for easy and efficient water flow adjustment while cutting and ‘remembers’ the last setting, plus water flow automatically stops at idle speed and restarts when the throttle is engaged. Despite being a hard worker in challenging situations, this machine’s X2 air filtration system is virtually maintenance-free for limited downtime, and its 2-MIX engine is very fuel efficient. A nimble, works-anywhere cutting task tamer from STIHL. Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior after-sales service.

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MATERIALS CEMENT & CONCRETE

Ash - the 21 century’s next big thing?

Ten percent of the total 50-million tons of coal ash produced a year is used in the manufacture of cement powder and concrete bricks for the building industry, as well as to treat acid mine drainage and to remediate soil for agriculture and other land uses. With a little innovation and a sound business plan, any South African stands to make a fortune out of the millions of tons of coal ash produced by our generators annually, argues the representative of an industry association.

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Photo by SACAA

The South African Coal Ash Association (SACAA) [Ref: www.coalash.co.za] has been given a target with Government’s assistance to increase ash usage to 20% of offtake and to create 26 000 new jobs in the process within the next five years. In addition, start-up ash operations can expect some kind of assistance from Government, generators, SACAA and academics to extract the maximum potential out of ideas that are deemed to be viable.

With mountains of ash available at all of South Africa’s coal-fired power stations, Eskom, Sasol and other smaller producers, there is no shortage of supply and anyone wishing to make use of the “Grey Gold” is likely to get it at low or no cost, provided they can prove that they have a viable usage and that the operation will generate revenue and jobs.

However, this is just the tip-of-the-iceberg and experts have already identified a host of other uses, including alternative building products, volumisers for plastics manufacture, contouring for road, rail and landscaping infrastructure, as well as thousands of other uses, says SACAA General Manager, Mark Hunter.

Hunter claims that reaching the 20% target is not only possible, but probable if some viable alternatives can be found to dumping. This will require close cooperation between role players and speedy facilitation between Government and other roleplayers who also fully understand the urgency of the matter and will likely pull-together to make it happen.

‘We need ash to be excluded from the classification of hazardous waste. There is much research completed which shows that there are many applications for ash which are not harmful to the environment or health. It is only when ash is stored for extended periods that it may have an

Mark Hunter of SACAA.

impact on the environment. Next, we will need to continue working with formal industries such as mining, construction and the cement industries to find all possible avenues to use ash,’ says Hunter.

‘Simultaneously, we will also engage with scientists and entrepreneurs to identify areas where ash can be used as additives in manufacturing processes and as a product in other instances. Then we need to industrialise these,’ he adds.

Coal ash ranges in consistency from ultra-fine fly ash, through courser grades to hard stonelike granules. Its unique properties include round molecules that make fine particles flow into microscopic spaces when combined with liquids, different sized molecules also provide good adhesion in cement pastes and plastics, while course materials are used elsewhere in the world for landfilling applications.

‘It is fireproof and provides high levels of insulation. Environmentally, the material is considered carbon neutral, is inert and can be vegetated over,’ says Hunter.

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BUILD STRONGER, FASTER Strong does not quit. Strong does not buckle under pressure. It only knows how to give it’s best and deliver on its promises. Strong is what we’re made of.

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MATERIALS COATINGS & PAINT

Photos by Kansai-Plascon

Colours for 2019 photoS by Kansai-Plascon

A well-known paint company shares its views about what colour ranges the hip and trendy designers are specifying this year.

According to colour expert, Claire Bond, the Plascon Colour Forecast 2019 features four unique colour stories. Each of the forecast’s colour themes has eight colours, ranging from red to violet. Bond has associated these with the four seasons.

‘We know that different colours elicit different responses from people and that everyone has their favourite time of year. By linking our colour stories to the four seasons we hope to match the correct colour palette to the appropriate person,’ explains Bond.

Glamour colour story

This is a collection of summery hues combining stylish, curated, astringent and sensitive colours to create a feeling of comfort and individuality.

‘People who like this story are confident, creative, bold and social and would like to create a flamboyant yet individualistic look in their home.

With elegant and restrained neutrals combined with lively accent shades, this colour collection is for the energetic go-getters out there who like to come home to recalibrate in a soothing but creative environment,’ says Bond.

The Glamour range.

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The Luxury range.

Luxury colour story

Bond says this collection offers richly sophisticated hues of autumn and features grounded natural colours like aubergine and amber combined with unrestricted tomato red, pistachio green and cool blue.

In addition to all this, the range also features the company’s Neutral of the Year, Ravine – an artful blend of grey and beige that works beautifully in the classically decorated home.

Ravine – the neutral of the year.

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COATINGS & PAINT MATERIALS

‘Luxury’s colours evoke a lavish interior for those who want to enjoy life’s simple pleasures in a space where comfort and sophistication work together,’ comments Bond.

Urban colour story

Plascon’s Urban colour story, conceived for the innovator or the energetic adventurer, is linked to winter and combines industrial severity with lively primary colours. These uplifting colours demonstrate a strong yet approachable person who’s ambitious, yet also displays a keen sense of fun.

“This year reveals six social moods from which we have formulated four unique colour stories that reflect them - Plascon”

Urban colours – Dark Onyx and Red Flame.

Their interiors will have clean, uncluttered lines where order is important. This theme appeals to the thinking urbanite who also values the outdoors, seeks adventure and appreciates an introspective space where they can find balance and equilibrium.

In addition, there is a monochrome option dignified dark shades providing an adult interior, especially when shiny metallic accessories are added.

Minimal colour story

Plascon’s Minimal colour story is tailor-made for the nature-lover with its refreshing medley of cool, dark, neon and bright hues. Biophilic design, a design aesthetic which creates access to the natural world in the urban environment, would work well in this colour story where renewal is the order of the day for the caring, environmentally-mindful person.

Using these refined colours, fresh saturated hues and steely shades eliminate the need to over-accessorise your space and contribute to an uplifting minimal look where colour is the hero. This story is for those thinkers out there who strive for

A ceiling features the Minimal colour, Night’s Cloak.

perfection, are motivated to meet their goals and thrive in a natural environment Feature ceilings are a thing of 2019, where out goes the boring white. Or if the designer prefers, wall blocking – replacing the wallpaper!

‘From gregarious colours that display flamboyance, fun and individuality, to colours that encourage introspection and focus, we appeal to a range of personalities, yet resonate with some of modern-day living’s fundamental requirements,’ says Bond. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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INSULATION MATERIALS

ABOVE: ECOSE bonded products LEFT: Fitting glass mineral wool

Insulation: 5 considerations Photos by Swartland

Good insulation makes a space more comfortable. It also facilitates reduced electricity consumption required for cooling and heating. However, according to the SANS 10400-XA building regulations, it is also a legal requirement for any new building.

Cape-based manufacturer, Swartland, best known for its ranges of doors and windows has recently launched Knauf glass mineral wool insulation to the local market as part of its Summit range.

Swartland spokesman, Cobus Lourens, says: ‘Knauf insulation represents one of the fastest growing and most respected names in insulation worldwide. It manufactures glass mineral wool products that have set new standards in sustainable, high quality, yet affordable insulation that is sold in more than 70 countries. Together with Knauf, we offer best-in-market sustainability, quality and technology at the best possible price.’

There are a number of different types of insulation on the market which can make selection a little tricky and the lowest price not always the best criterion.

We asked Lourens to suggest five pointers to assist the buyer in making the right choice: 1. R-values: R-value is a measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow: the higher the R-value, the better the resistance. ‘Knauf insulation boasts R-values that are approximately 22% above the norm’, says Lourens.

2. How far does it go: Knauf insulation rolls have more insulation in them per square metre than any

of its competitors. For example, the 50mm roll covers 22.8m2, while other products cover a mere 12m2. ‘The supplier offers a combi cut product, which means that its 1200mm-wide rolls can be used in multiple lengths, making it easier and quicker to install,’ Lourens explains.

3. Understand where to insulate: The ceiling is the most important place to start. ‘Between 25% to 35% of heat gain and loss is through the ceiling, making it by far the most important area to insulate,’ says Lourens.

4. Green credentials: Consider the green credentials of the material you are using, says Lourens: ‘Knauf insulation with Ecose technology is manufactured from rapidly renewable glass materials instead of petroleum. It is bonded using a bio-based technology that is free from phenols and acrylics and it has no added formaldehyde, artificial colours, bleach or dyes.’

5. Other beneficial properties: ‘Insulation can help with soundproofing, it offers added fireresistance and it will help improve the air quality in your home as it emits virtually no dust or unpleasant odours. This product does not make your skin itch, which means that it is pleasant to handle and to install,’ Lourens adds. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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TIMBER & DECKING MATERIALS

Expo – above & beyond A dynamic and lucrative platform in Africa for the public and industry to connect with specialised dealers, stay abreast of the latest industry trends and innovations, secure new business contacts and compare the best deals in the timber trade, WoodEX for Africa 2018 showed near on 100% growth in its exhibitors and brands on show compared with 2016. The event takes place every two years. [Ref: www.woodexforafrica.com] ‘Since we launched WoodEX for Africa in 2012, the show has grown robustly year on year and increasingly enjoyed a strong African visitor profile, which makes up a substantial percentage of our international trade visitors this year,’ remarks Stephan Jooste, WoodEX for Africa Director.

‘WoodEX for Africa 2018 enjoyed unprecedented exposure to both visitors and exhibitors from close to 30 different countries and included the launch edition of the Deck & Flooring Expo, which broadened the horizons of the shows combined and added significant value for exhibitors and visitors alike.’

The organisers saw an opportunity in the market for deck and flooring suppliers and professionals to showcase their products and services to a tuned-in audience.

‘We launched the Deck & Flooring Expo in 2018 alongside the fifth Woodex instalment. Our exhibitors have shown immense support for this co-location and visitors were delighted to have so much more to see, learn and buy in the decking and flooring space. The new expo far exceeded our expectations. The two shows combined are poised for exceptional growth in the coming years and we look forward to driving this success,’ Jooste comments.

Survey feedback from exhibitors at the show was overall very positive and indicated that over 70% of exhibitors found the show to be successful, with nearly 100% of these indicating that they gained high quality leads through the show and the balance indicating that the quality of their leads would be ascertained at a later date.

Additionally, an overwhelming 90% of visitors indicated that they found greater value in attending an industry expo with a wide variety of exhibitors on show under one roof, as compared to an in-house show, where only a few brands are showcased. Both

WoodEX for Africa 2018 enjoyed unprecedented exposure to both visitors and exhibitors from close to 30 different countries.

visitors and exhibitors showed a strong preference for the show to remain a biennial event for reasons including a longer cycle to prepare the highest quality exhibits and release new products to the market.

Themes that will be popular in 2020

• • • • • • • • • • •

Hand and power tools CNC and laser machinery Tools and equipment for smaller workshops Finishing tools and equipment DIY products and interactive workshops Wood-turning materials, equipment and advice Flooring and decking materials and equipment Fittings and materials Steel components for wood-based furniture Wood coatings Arts and crafts materials and tools WoodEX for Africa and the Deck & Flooring Expo will take place again in 2020 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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SPAX – For wood construction

Universal

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Construction

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Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior DĂŠcor

SERVICES Furniture.................................................... 124 Ground Engineering............................ 129 Plumbing & Reticulation..................... 131

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Photo ©Daniel Wester

SERVICES FURNITURE

ABOVE: Bench stained eucalyptus by Naeem Biviji and Bethan Rayner.

ABOVE RIGHT: Easy chair – birch plywood by Issa Diabaté and Kevin Gouriou.

African collection launched Photos by IKEA

Two years ago, IKEA teamed up with a group of designers, architects, artists and creatives from five African countries to collaborate around modern urban rituals and the importance they play in the home. The result is the limited-edition collection ÖVERALLT, launched on 27 February 2019 at the place where it all started – Design Indaba Festival in Cape Town.

The journey of ÖVERALLT started with IKEA wanting to learn more about the contemporary African design scene and the creative explosion that can be seen in several cities around Africa. Ten designers, all connected to the South African multi-faceted platform, Design Indaba and its network, teamed up with five IKEA designers. [Info: www.ikea.com] The starting point was to explore modern urban rituals connected to socialising around food, indoor and outdoor living, the rituals around expressing identity and sustainability. From there, the design and development process has resulted

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in a collection of products that is all about building bridges and discovering the “urban living room” together with others.

‘With ÖVERALLT, we want to encourage and trigger people to come together and eat, share stories, be creative and spend time with one another. And, thanks to the merging of creatives and all the good discussions we’ve had along the way, each design has a way of supporting that. ÖVERALLT is like a palette of socialising tools,’ says James Futcher, Creative Leader at IKEA.

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44 Hulbert Rd Cnr Rosettenville Rd, New Centre, Johannesburg - PO Box 39799, Booysens, 2016 Tel: 011 434 0444, Email:Shantelle@chairexpress.co.za

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SERVICES FURNITURE

Modelling with marble Marble is a metamorphic rock; it forms the backbone of empires and artefacts, it is created when sedimentary limestone is compressed by movement of the earth’s crust; the intense heat and pressure causing the stone’s crystals to grow and interlock forging a new and denser type of stone, marble as we know it.

Adam Court, responsible for all furniture design by artisanal luxury brand OKHA, immediately fell in love with the “Verde Magnifico” marble when he saw it; the marbles visible layers of history speak to OKHA’s South African locality of cosmopolitan, polyglot and multi-cultural charm.

Court conceived of Magnifico side table and Magnifico coffee table together. A pair of handcrafted tables, whose varying sizes and weights

represent OKHA’s small artisanal position as well as its global expression; their irregular shape of perfect triangle and perfect square cut off at the edges are testament to the vast natural geologic surroundings of Cape Town and South Africa which inform OKHA’s design process and choice of materials.

The Magnifico coffee table’s Mars red “Flame Travertine” distinctly reveals the original sedimentary layers, most likely deposited by hot springs.

The Flame Red Travertine top of the Magnifico coffee table straddles the muscular Larch timber legs, effecting a beautifully bizarre and primitive cosmic landing pad.

“Their irregular shape of perfect triangle and perfect square cut off at the edges are testament to our vast natural geologic surroundings.”

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FURNITURE SERVICES

The shape of the side table brings to mind ancient symbolism and ritual, the materials and forms both speak of ancient cultures and other worlds.

Made from the wood of the Larch tree, a conifer dominant in the boreal forests of Siberia and Canada, the table legs are over-scaled, intentionally exposed beyond the table top edge to produce the concept of weight pushing down in a playful overexaggeration. The brutalist cylindrical legs have been wire-brushed to remove the soft pulp and emphasise their graphic carbon stained detail.

The marble top of the Magnifico side table, from which Magnifico earns its name, is evidence that marble can be forged beneath omni-directional pressure; the interlacing threads of lighter and darker greens in its polished surface swirl organically, the original direction of their sediment shrouded in mystery.

Made in South Africa where much of the country’s rocky terrain is characterised by its Mars red hue.

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Ground Engineering Before

After

Before

After

URETEK Geo-Systems (SA) (Pty) Ltd specializes in industrial, commercial and residential applications as well as the rehabilitation of roads and highways through advanced technology characterized by superior chemistry, inventive technique, and extensive experience.

URETEK Deep Injection patented technology employs high density expanding structural polymers to stabilize soils at depth and increase their bearing capacity. Once the soils at depth are addressed, then the foundations, Foor slabs or road pavements are realigned or raised as needed.

Most importantly, URETEK Slab Lifting Method returns your road pavement sytems and concrete foor slabs to their original design with a stronger subbase and improved soil structure. Regardless of whether your problem is routine or complex, URETEK can draw from extensive resources to develop the best solutions for your needs.

URETEK loves a challenge and an opportunity to be innovative.

URETEK info@uretek.co.za 011 011238 2387154 7154 www.uretek.co.za www.uretek.co.za info@uretek.co.za

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GROUND ENGINEERING SERVICES

Deep injection stabilises building corners Photos by Tony Pappalardo

Ground engineering expert, Antonio (Tony) Pappalardo of Uretek, reports for us on the repairs undertaken at Residence Greenside, Johannesburg.

While undergoing renovations to the double-storey house, the contractor noticed that the upper floor above the enclosed veranda had developed cracks where it was joined to the main building, indicating that the exterior walls were pulling away at the junction point.

Subsequently, the consulting engineer found that the downpipes discharged the rain water directly at the external corners of the building, thereby weakening the subsoil that eventually caused the subsidence of the foundations of the veranda, causing the upper floor to move away from the main structure.

He recommended that Uretek provide the solution that would restore the bearing capacity of the soil and prevent further settlement. Uretek stabilised the weak soil below the foundations and completed the job in five hours, causing no disruption to the activities of the household and no damage to the garden or paving.

‘The aim of the operation is to increase the loadbearing capacity of the subsoil and to ensure that this is greater than the workload at any point of the treated soil. The treatment involves injecting the ground with the patented Uretek resin,’ explains Pappalardo.

‘The injection is performed to the required depth – we have injected successfully to 19m in depth – following a specific application procedure. The resin exerts an influence of approximately 600mm radius at the point of injection, thereby having a dual effect in the soil treated if injected 500mm below a concrete surface slab,’ he adds.

The Uretek resin is injected into the volume of soil to be treated by pipes inserted in specific holes made directly through the paving slabs or foundations to reach the required depth. The 14mm diameter perforations are made in a grid pattern at 1.2m intervals. The injections are made gradually over the area, subject to the operation so that the reactions of the soil and slabs may be controlled with maximum precision.

LEFT: A crack at the corner inside the shower where the joint had come apart.

RIGHT: After injection the gap in the joint and the wall crack had virtually closed.

Injections are constantly monitored by a laser level that is able to detect movements by the millimetre. For each injection, the Uretek specialised technicians will discontinue the input of resin when they detect that the underlying structure is starting to lift. The extent of lift can be controlled at all times.

‘The start of lift indicates that the underlying soil treated at that point has achieved such a level of compression and density that it is able to withstand not only the static tensions induced by the overlying structure, but also the dynamic tensions that develop at the time of lift. This categorically indicates that the load-bearing achieved at the treated point is now greater than the static load,’ says Pappalardo.

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PLUMBING & RETICULATION SERVICES

Stability & erosion protection with subsoil drainage systems walls PhotoS by Kaytech

Bulk earthworks and construction of the Amberfield Switching Station in Centurion, Gauteng, called for the construction of a CRB (concrete retaining block) wall.

A switching station is a substation without transformers and operates at a single voltage level.

It may be used as a collector or distribution station and may also be used for switching current to backup lines or for parallelising circuits in case of failure.

Retaining wall specialists, Powergate Construction, were contracted to build a CRB wall against a bulk fill platform previously constructed using G7/G8 backfill material compacted to

93% mod AASHTO or better. Since the platform was required to support heavy steel structures, a consultant from Remacon, manufacturers of concrete retaining wall blocks, specified X-Grid geogrid by Kaytech to provide reinforcement for the G7 fill material.

Manufactured from polymer-coated, high tenacity polyester yarns, geogrids act to structurally increase the load bearing capacity and tensile resistance

Drainage pipe wrapped in a continuous filament, nonwoven, needle-punched geotextile made from 100% recycled polyester to remove water.

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SERVICES PLUMBING & RETICULATION

of 2m. Powergate Construction installed 4 000m2 of the geogrid.

Subsoil drainage system

Wall being constructed with Geogrid at different levels.

of the soil. Benefits include high tensile strength, low creep characteristics and high fibre interlock strength.

‘Geogrids are suitable for installation in a wide variety of soil types. The X-Grid is ideal for longterm (>100 years) reinforcement applications,’ say the suppliers.

Although the on-site geology was highly variable, including areas of very poor fine soils, the overall geology is highly weathered granite. Fortunately, the CRB wall was founded on this component granite material so did not pose a stability problem.

Earthmoving contractors, Advance Projects, originally had a cut-and-fill challenge where material was removed from one side of the platform to build up a section on the opposite side of the site. They trimmed off the sloped overburden of the platform to expose the competently compacted bulk fill, which allowed a minimum gap of 2 to 2.5m between the cut face and the block wall facing.

The design was therefore based on a “gravity” bulk fill wall to a maximum height of 6m with geogrid reinforcing the fill. To allow for a 10kPa surcharge loading above the wall, the geogrid would be extended up to, and benched into, the cut face to a minimum horizontal depth

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Because an increased number of CRB walls have failed in the recent past, usually due to water ingress, a subsoil drainage system was incorporated into the design. This system consisted of Kaytech’s Flo-Pipe 110 (120m) and Bidim A2 (396m2), a continuous filament, nonwoven, needle-punched geotextile made from 100% recycled polyester.

Manufactured from high quality high density polyethylene (HDPE) in a twin wall sandwich design, the product is optimally slotted for maximum infiltration with minimal blockage. The smooth inner wall ensures high flow velocity while the corrugated outer wall withstands massive confining pressure.

The benefits provided by the needle-punching process of the geotextile include appreciable thickness, high porosity even under heavy loads, high resistance to puncture, tearing and burst, as well as a high drainage capacity in both the transverse and normal to the plane.

Quick and easy to install, the three products provided an economical solution with guaranteed long-term performance. Together they offer significant stability but also erosion protection against the elements.

Foundation preparation.

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SUB GREEN BUILDING

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

GREEN BUILDING HVAC.............................................................. 136 Case Study.................................................. 139 Opinion........................................................ 140 Renewable Energy.................................. 144

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GREEN BUILDING HVAC

The beautiful modern exterior of The Conservatory, 13 Baker Street in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Something old, something new Photos by Fourways Airconditioning

Mention ‘Baker Street’ and some people’s memories might hark back to the era when fictional detective Sherlock Holmes made his London home there in the late 19th Century. Here is a story about how a leading supplier of airconditioning equipment helped to modernise an old building in Rosebank’s Baker Street.

A total revamp of the building’s HVAC system might well have involved some Homes-style challenging investigative work to fulfil all the clients’ requirements and thus Samsung’s advanced new Wind Free and 360° Cassette units helped transform a building’s climate.

Consulting engineer, Cobus Els of CKM Consulting (CKM) was tasked with combining an existing older chilled water installation with a

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new green, energy-efficient and premium quality separate airconditioning system.

Three phases of development

The building renovation was completed in three phases. Two new Viking AHUs were installed to take care of fresh air input, the old chiller system was revamped and the task of selecting the ideal airconditioning system began in earnest.

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HVAC GREEN BUILDING

ABOVE LEFT: One of the Samsung DVM-S heat recovery outdoor units installed in the basement.

CENTRE: The Samsung 1-way Wind Free Cassette.

ABOVE RIGHT: The Samsung 360° Cassette unit.

CKM decided to use four Samsung DVM-S Heat Recovery Systems: one in the basement supplying four 1-Way Wind Free cassettes, another DVM-S unit on Level 3, plus another on Level 4, each also supplying four 1-way Wind Free cassettes, and one on Level 5 supplying seven 360° Cassettes.

After doing the basic design, Cobus submitted it to Fourways Airconditioning for finalisation of the piping system, MCU units etc. With stocks running low at the end of the year, he worked closely with Sello Ramatswi of Fourways to obtain the necessary Samsung indoor and outdoor units.

‘We took almost everything we needed that Fourways had at that stage,’ remarks Cobus, with a grin.

Modern theme

With a clean, modern, upmarket design specified for the renovated building, Samsung Wind Free and 360° cassettes fitted the brief perfectly. The Wind Free units being among first of their type to be installed in South Africa. With their thousands of tiny air outlets encased in a sleek modern silhouette, these provide draught-free climate control. Where larger volumes of draught-free airflow were required, as in the upstairs restaurant and offices, Samsung’s sophisticated 360° Cassettes were specified.

Hennal Airconditioning Services of Kempton Park were contracted to do the actual installation which also involved fabricating some creative ducting to fit in the confined spaces.

Fourways assistance complimented

As new phases of the building were completed, installation of the indoor units were able to proceed with requirements being specified both by the building’s landlord as well as new occupants coming aboard.

Cobus Els has nothing but praise for the assistance provided by Fourways Airconditioning, Johannesburg.

‘Sello and others at Fourways went out of their way to ensure I had the correct stock at the right time, even though at the start this wasn’t always easy. And Fourways has consistently been available to provide advice whenever needed. With this job now completed, we look forward to the occupants enjoying excellent energy efficiency in their newlyrenovated 13 Baker Street building.’

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WASTE REDUCTION GREEN BUILDING

Global alliance benefits waste reduction An alliance of nearly 30 international companies calling itself the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) has committed over $1.0 billion with the goal of investing $1.5 billion over the next five years to help end plastic waste in the environment. New solutions will be developed and brought to scale that will minimise and manage plastic waste. This also includes the promotion of solutions for used plastics by helping to enable a circular economy.

Co-founded by chemical major BASF, the alliance seeks to advance solutions that reduce and eliminate plastic waste in the environment, especially in the ocean.

The alliance is a not-for-profit organisation that includes companies from across the global plastics and consumer goods value chain: chemical and plastic manufacturers, consumer goods companies, retailers, converters and waste management companies. The alliance will work with governments, intergovernmental organisations, academia, nongovernment organisations and civil society to invest in joint projects to eliminate plastic waste from the environment.

‘We strongly support the aim to reduce plastic waste in the environment,’ said Dr Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF SE, who supported setting up the alliance from the beginning.

‘We are co-founding the Alliance to End Plastic Waste because we want to drive and promote solutions that will effectively help solve the world’s plastic waste problem,’ explained Brudermüller.

‘Plastics are efficient materials that can save resources and enable health, safety as well as convenience benefits for society. These benefits could be contradicted if plastics and their waste are neither used nor disposed nor recycled in a responsible manner.’

Understanding where the plastic waste originates from is key. Research by the Ocean Conservancy shows that plastics in the ocean predominantly

originates from litter on land. Most of the plastic waste is spread through rivers and can be traced back to 10 major rivers around the world, mainly in Asia and Africa. Many of these rivers flow through densely populated areas which have a lack of adequate waste collection and recycling infrastructure, leading to significant waste leakage.

The AEPW will initiate actions where they are most needed. This will include projects that contribute to solutions in four key areas: • Infrastructure development to collect and manage waste and increase recycling.

• Innovation to advance and scale up new technologies that make recycling and recovering plastics easier and create value from post-use plastics.

• Education and engagement of governments, businesses, and communities to mobilise action.

• Clean-up of concentrated areas of plastic waste in the environment, particularly the major conduits of waste, such as rivers, that carry landbased waste to the ocean.

‘Everyone agrees that plastic waste does not belong in our oceans or anywhere in the environment. This is a complex and serious global challenge that calls for swift action and strong leadership. This new alliance is the most comprehensive effort to date to end plastic waste in the environment,’ said David Taylor, CEO of Procter & Gamble, and chairman of the AEPW. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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GREEN BUILDING CARBON TAX

Carbon tax & the economy

By Songo Didiza

The world is rapidly waking up to the realities of global warming demonstrated by the extreme weather patterns that are being experienced in different parts of the world. Visible examples of this include the polar vortex in the United States and the extreme cold weather in the United Kingdom, as well as the extreme heat waves that are being experienced in the various corners of South Africa.

Which sectors will be impacted?

The sectors that will feel the immediate impact are those with an energy capacity of 10 megawatt (MW) or more as they would need to start reporting on their emissions during the first phase. To put things into perspective, a typical shopping centre’s consumptive load can vary between 3MW and 5MW, whilst an industrial user’s can be around 10MW and higher. Mining operations typically go beyond that to reach as much as 600MW. In the explanatory note that was published by the National Treasury in November it states clearly that the Carbon Tax applies to all the sectors and activities except the Agriculture Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) and waste sectors which will be exempt during the first implementation phase due to measurement difficulties (In addition, a clause allows for a tax on liquid fuels: ‘For stationary and nonstationary / mobile emissions resulting from the use of liquid fuels, mostly petrol and diesel, the carbon

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Photo supplied by Songo Didiza

As a wake-up call, the South African Government has introduced new legislation in response to the rapid climate risks, heightened by the large emitters of green house gases (GHGs) — the carbon tax becomes effective on the 1 June 2019. The Carbon Tax was passed into law by the South African parliament on the 5th of February 2019 so there is certainly no turning back beyond this point.

The tax will be implemented in a phased manner, considering SA’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The first phase will come into effect from 1 June 2019 to 31 December 2022, and the second phase from 2023 to 2030.

This ensures alignment with our NDC commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Songo Didiza, Founding Director of the Green Building Design Group.

tax will be included in the fuel tax regime’ from the Expalnatory Memorandum, Nat Treasury - Ed).

Worth noting is the inclusion of municipal entities (a municipal entity as defined in Section 1 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems, 2000, Act 32 OF 2000), as well as certain public entities in the definition of a person liable for carbon tax. Liability for the tax arises for every entity that conducts

“The carbon tax was legislated by the South African Parliament on 5 February 2019 - so there is certainly no turning back beyond this point. ”

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CARBON TAX GREEN BUILDING

an activity and emits GHG emissions above the threshold, which is listed in Schedule 2 of the Bill.

Polluter pays principle

The initial carbon tax will be R120 a ton of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), but because of a number of tax-free allowances it will result in an effective tax of R48 to as little as R6 a ton. After 2022, these tax-free allowances could be phased down. The overall maximum tax-free allowance (threshold) is limited to 95%.

The imminent Carbon Tax Act, which will apply over and above the corporate income tax, will impose a carbon tax on entities, which in their operations, emit GHGs above the permissible threshold to be set by the Act. The good news is that the carbon tax will be introduced in SA at a time when some positive strides are already being made towards a low carbon economy by early adopters who are now fully entrenched in their respective green business journeys. For instance, listed companies that have already been declaring their carbon emissions via the Carbon Disclosure Projects (CDPs) will not feel the punitive effects of the reporting burden with some having put remedies in place.

Though it must be stated that the reporting requirements will multiply under carbon tax compared to those for the CDP, some of the data used will be the same. However, the detail required and accuracy will change vis-à-vis carbon tax thresholds.

“Cities around the world, especially in Europe, have begun to shun internal combustion engines (ICEs) in favour of boosting air quality for their residents.”

Global trends and South African export sectors

Key manufacturing industries such as the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will not be punished in phase 1 of the tax as these will likely be impacted in phase 2. However, South African OEMs will need to start preparing themselves for rising global demands for cleaner transport systems.

Cities around the world, especially in Europe, have begun to shun internal combustion engines (ICEs) in favour of boosting air quality for their residents. It is anticipated that South Africa will follow in this low carbon pathway as stipulated in South Africa’s Green Transport Strategy that was launched in November 2018.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids are expected to be an integral part of the future of transport and energy in the green built environment — specifically with the deployment of charging stations in residential, commercial and retail developments — which may offer vehicle-to-grid (V2G) virtual storage for renewable energy. Today, electric vehicle batteries store incredible amounts of energy that can be discharged quickly, safely and smoothly — giving EVs instant acceleration, responsive handling and fast recharging times.

An increasing number of EU countries have begun to shun polluting cars in favour of EVs and hybrids, which means that South African OEMs will need to start manufacturing zero emission vehicles to meet the EU requirements. SA’s biggest export markets for vehicles are the UK and EU, with roughly a third of South Africa’s exports to the EU heading to Germany, creating a shift towards green supply chains in South Africa’s leading export sector.

The National Treasury reports that the tax will be complemented by a package of tax incentives and revenue recycling measures to minimise the impact on affected companies.

OEMs have a responsibility to operate with greater energy and water efficiency, supported by gradual phasing in of small-scale renewable energy in their areas of operation and water efficiency through the effective use of water tanks in office buildings and assembly plants, etc.

While this has a capital cost for OEMs, there are energy efficiency incentives, for example, the Section 12L energy efficiency tax incentive and the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management programme. Also, the introduction of such efficiency measures would mean decreasing utility costs and a healthier bottom line for OEMs – so, a win-win-win scenario for OEMs!

Songo Didiza is the Founding Director of the Green Building Design Group [Ref: www. greenbdg.co.za]. She can be contacted on +27 (0) 79137 7931. She writes in her personal capacity for To Build. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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• • • •

Bonding Agents Chemical Anchors Concrete Bonding Concrete Crack Repairs • Concrete Floor Hardeners • Concrete Floor Repairs • Concrete Repair Mortars

• • • • • • • • • •

Curing Compounds Epoxy Adhesives Epoxy Grout Floor Coatings Joint Sealants Non Shrink Grouts Pre Cast Repairs Shutter Release Oils Wall Coatings Water Proofing

Tel: + 27 11 822 2320 Fax: + 27 11 822 2354 e-mail: cindy@ashak.co.za 5606.Shak Const TO BUILD 1/2pgH MARCH’19

volume 9 | issue 1 March – June 19

To Build Handbook

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT

rene@tobuild.co.za

Hester Kleynhans hester@tobuild.co.za

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volume 9 | issue 1 / March – June 2019

Rene van Heerden

#FREESPACE Battery Park sets urban design standards Fake news, social media & lawlessness Keep diesel pumps ready Modelling with marble White’s in, so white-out COVER STORY: BLUTIDE – THE EPITOME OF INNOVATION AND STYLE

2019/02/28 5:40 PM

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PROVIDING CONCRETE PERFECTION

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GREEN BUILDING OFF-GRID

Hope for rural areas via microgrid WORDS & PHOTOS By Gareth Griffiths

Since the launch in June 2018 of the Cedar Mill Shopping Mall in Clanwilliam up the N7, along the West Coast of South Africa, the solar PV system installed during the construction phase has saved the mall 142 193 litres of diesel since monitoring begun in August 2018.

This is equivalent to around 384 tons of carbon emissions.

Clanwilliam is a relatively small town of just short of 8 000 people (2011 census) but it provides the hub of economic activity for the surrounding area, including the farms and the people who live on them. It is also the main administrative town for the municipal district which ranges as far as Lamberts Bay and Citrusdal. In fact, over 30% of the area’s gross domestic product comes from agriculture, fishing or forestry.

The town’s economic development has long been limited by access to adequate power provision

by SA utility company Eskom. Typically, due to constraints on the national power grid, a 250kVA line was available to developers of commercial infrastructure within the town. For years this has limited the potential of the development of an adequate, modern retail centre to service not only the town but also the whole region.

Thankfully, the town was not left to the resources of the national power company and some resourceful thinking on the part of a developer and the intervention of a well-known renewable energy service provider in the green building sector came to the fore.

‘The solution was to use the substantial roof space on the planned mall to install 2 580 solar panels with a capacity of 851kW. In addition to this, a 696kWh Li-Ion battery was installed to store excess power in times of excess and discharge in times of need,’ explains Dominic Wills, the CEO of SOLA Future Energy.

An additional benefit, courtesy of the solar PV and battery system, is that electricity can also be supplied to the mall independent of the national grid. This will make the centre resilient to power outages which often plague small, remote municipalities.

Ample blue skies: The Cederberg mountains under a brilliant blue sky in mid-winter.

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OFF-GRID GREEN BUILDING

A high lift in a tele-lifter. The mall’s ample PV panel installation supplies 851kW of power.

‘Incorporating a microgrid into the shopping centre turned out to be a financially attractive solution when considering how much energy could be harvested and stored from solar PV,’ says Mario Dos Reis, Director of Leasing at Noble Property Group. ‘The shopping centre will be a blessing for small business owners in the town looking for an accessible and safe location to trade.’

Noble Property Fund had bought the land 10 years back, but development could only take place once it became clear that the mall’s power needs could be adequately met.

Installed on site were 851kW solar PV system with 696 kWh Tesla batteries and the ample sunlight from the predominantly blue skies, summer and winter, is adequately harvested.

The mall is a popular site for the people of Clanwilliam and from smaller surrounding areas. The mall has created 300 permanent jobs for the people of the area and already a substantial boost to the economy has been felt.

“To make a big difference in a small town like Clanwilliam you’re making a small difference to the country as a whole. As long as the sun is shining, we have electricity.

That’s how we see it.” Mario dos Reis, Noble Property Fund.”

696kWh of battery power storage on site.

SOLA Future Energy’s Dom Wills at the launch of the mall.

At a very joyful ceremony in the town, attended

by To Build in June last year, various speakers addressed the occasion, including the town’s Mayor.

‘We salute the developers of the Cedar Mill Mall for not allowing the energy supply problems they experienced to derail their project, thereby ensuring that they were able to create important new jobs and contribute to the Clanwilliam economy,’ said Alan Winde, former Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities.

The learning lesson from such an example is that economic development is entirely possible in rural or outlying areas of Africa that have either limited or no support from grid power. Thanks to great strides being made in the production of high quality, costeffective PV panels, substantial battery advances and power management using the latest in data technology, economic development can be brought to the farthest corners of the African continent. volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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STUDENT DESIGNS

ARCHITECTURAL AWARDS

National architectural student awards bring out the best During an annual competition, the country’s best architectural students from eight participating universities are identified based on their final theses and presented with awards at regional events. The winners of each of the regional competitions then qualify to compete for the national title and a cash prize at an event hosted by the sponsors.

The 2019 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards will be held in Johannesburg in May 2019 and carries a cash prize of R70 000 for the overall winner.

Regional awards as a feeder for the sponsor’s national event have taken place during the past months, the most recent of these being:

Nelson Mandela University – January 2019

As a regional winner of the 32nd Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award, Riaan Huiskens will represent Nelson Mandela University at the final competition to be held on 8 May. Huiskens was awarded a prize of R10 000 for his winning dissertation, The design of a 3D printing facility in Central Port Elizabeth. In second place, receiving an award of R8 000 was Camryn Cochrane and in third place was Devon Diesel who received a prize of R6 000. The award for best use of clay brick in their thesis was presented to Oghenetejiri Akpokinivo who received an award of R6 000.

University of Pretoria – February 2019

For the winners of the University of Pretoria leg and their peers, this would be the era of 3D-printed houses, digi cities, self-drive cars and an urban environment that could not have been imagined as little as 10 years ago.

At an awards ceremony held at the university, Ferdinand le Grange was placed first in the regional finals and received an award of R10 000 for his thesis entitled, “Prospect Portal: A Layered Landscape”. Runners up were Walter Coetzee and

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Alexia Kolatsis. Robbie Jordaan received the prize for the best use of clay masonry.

University of the Witwatersrand – February 2019

Most recently, Jason Ngibuini from the University of Witwatersrand became the regional winner here, taking the top prize of R10 000. Second place and a prize of R8 000 went to Benjamin Kollenberg. The winner of the third prize and R6 000 was Suzanne Pasch, with Genna Price receiving R6 000 for the best use of clay masonry in her project.

Ngibuini’s project was fascinating. Titled “Sherehe ya chai: Transmutation of Kikuyu vernacular as an immersive tea tasting retreat”, his thesis explores the expanding of Kenya’s tea directorate’s plans to increase local consumption of tea from 6.6% to 15% within the next five years, by proposing a tea tasting retreat in Limuru, Kenya.

The tea tasting retreat would allow visitors to gain an understanding of tea cultivation, tea production, as well as the health benefits. The project addresses a real economic problem since Kenya has been battling with declining tea export revenue for some time and there is a desire to stimulate the domestic market.

‘Through supporting our tertiary institutions we are essentially investing in the future of the built environment. We have also introduced new technology into this space and are committed to developing new products that will become the tools through which the architects of the future will craft their legacies,’ says Musa Shangase, Corobrik Commercial Director.

volume 9 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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OUT & ABOUT

TO BUILD’S ROVING EDITOR

To Build out on site Photos by Gareth Griffiths

Since To Build is a substantial infrastructure magazine in South Africa, covering the widest possible range of disciplines and topics within the built environment, we receive numerous invitations to various events. These include conventions, expos and product launches.

To Build also offers a highly personal, dedicated and hands-on platform for anyone wanting to publicise products and professional services in the building space. Anyone who has dealt with our marketing and sales team will most surely attest to that.

We also get invited onto building sites to cover progress and new innovations.

To Build’s editor has taken to permanently carrying his hard hat, reflective vest and even site shoes in the back of his car, along with his professional cameras to record events.

Here are examples of some of the adventures of To Build’s editor in bringing the news to readers.

To Build’s editor covered the construction of the world-famous V&A Silo, aka the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa). This was a hectic and hazardous building site, navigated with the expert help of the Waterfront’s development management team.

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TO BUILD’S ROVING EDITOR OUT & ABOUT

ABOVE & RIGHT: On-site at the Cedar Mill Mall opening – up on the tele-lifter examining the PV rooftop installation.

ABOVE: At the Freshmark office, Cilmor Distribution Centre, with Steyn, LeRoux, Truter Architects.

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notes Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

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Mitek Industries.................................... 152

Advanced Cement............................... 111

Oggie Flooring..................................... 143

Aggreko Energy Rental South Africa............................................ 81

Pelican Systems...................................... 72

AMS.......................................................... 3 Architects of Justice................................ 33

Boomgate Systems................................ 15 Bosch Thermotechnology...................... 11 Build It...............................................39, 98

Platinum Sheeting................................ 118 Radiant Lighting..................................... 91 Reynaers Aluminium............................... 75 Saint Gobain Isover.............................. 120 Scandinavian Water Saving Products.................................................. 64

Cape Industrial Flooring......................... 84

Schmidt Kitchens & Interior Solutions................................................. 88

Centurion Systems.................................. 63

Seats Ahead.......................................... 125

Copper Development Association Africa..................................................... 134

Sephaku Cement.................................. 115

Copper Tubing Africa........................... 133 Decorex................................................. 147 Den Braven Sealants........................ 104, 105, 106, 107

Sika South Africa................................... 102 Solent Trading......................................... 28 Spoormaker & Partners.......................... 49 Steyn City..........................................20, 21

Douglas Jones........................................ 68

Stihl...........................................52, 92, 113

Egoli Gas............................................... 100

Sunlit Technologies................................... 7

Eksteen & Le Roux.................................. 36

SVR SA.................................................... 60

Electrical Contractors’ Association......... 79

Swartland Investments........................... 70

Enterprises University of Pretoria............. 5 Faitsch Products.................................... 122

Tata Automobile Corporation South Africa............................................ 25

Fourways Airconditioning.................1, 150

Technopol South Africa........................ 138

Heidi Jager Interior Design Consultants............................................. 42

The SAFEhouse Association.................. 77

Janes Roofs............................................. 96

The South African Bereau of Standards.......................................... 109

Makram Inc Attorneys............................ 58

Uretek Geo Systems............................. 128

Mapei.................................................... 143

Vortex..............................................66, 130

advertisers’ index

Bayer Limited............................................ 9

volume 9 | issue 1 March – June 19

A. Shak Construction Chemicals.......... 142

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ADVERTORIAL

MITEK

MiTek to launch significant design software PHOTO BY MITEK

MiTek Industries South Africa will soon launch their new roof designing software, called MiTek PAMIR, which enables quicker estimating capabilities, faster roof-editing tools and a more integrated software environment, specifically designed for modern truss manufacturers.

‘The launch of PAMIR is the most significant software development in our industry during the last 20 years and we believe that it will set our customers even further ahead in today’s competitive market place,’ says Hennie Viljoen, Marketing Manager at MiTek Industries South Africa.

The software comprises more than 760 000 lines of code and has taken 130 man-years of work to complete. ‘MiTek customers in Europe have used PAMIR for the past five years and the software has reached a level of maturity that will be of great benefit to us in South Africa. We are currently ensuring that it fully complies with the SANS codes,’ Viljoen adds.

Recent months have seen relentless testing of the software, simulating the various design and practical scenarios relevant to the South African roofing industry in preparation for PAMIR to be rolled out to South African customers in the second quarter of 2019.

PAMIR combines roof layout, truss engineering and high quality CAD output features all in one integrated software platform which can be easily configured to meet specific user requirements. Historically, these three areas have been addressed by three distinct software packages, each with a training requirement.

PAMIR is a single integrated software environment, meaning that roof designers have just one platform to learn, making the whole process

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more productive and faster.

The software also allows the user to input specific factors which will affect the structural performance of the entire structure, including roof cover, site altitude, wind speed and more.

‘Modern roof designers need to be able to design a roof very quickly. With several new inquiries arriving on their desks every day, they need software solutions that enable them to design and quote for roofs in no time. Customers expect information from you quickly and the ability to work within their time frame can often makes the difference when it comes to keeping their business,’ Viljoen points out.

‘With PAMIR you can edit truss and building dimensions and watch the roof dynamically reframe. Whether you are moving walls, adding an attic room, changing the roof pitch or mirroring roof features, PAMIR’s dynamic framing allows you to make any changes required. Also, thanks to the software’s powerful CAD functions, users are able to produce high-quality outputs, including building elevations, live cross sections, zoomed in 3D detail and truss profiles, quickly and easily.

‘PAMIR is the next generation of prefabrication software – more dynamic, more powerful and more versatile than any other software packages available,’ Viljoen concludes.

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