TO BUILD Publication - Issue 4

To Build Handbook

issue 4

Issue 4 • November 2011

Issue 4 • November 2011

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FOREWORD

issue 4 Amazingly, our fourth issue is published, with great success, and exciting new changes to it. In September, we celebrated the first year of TO BUILD’s existence. Last year, September, we were still wondering whether TO BUILD would make a difference, and clearly it did, with great success so far.

It’s been a great year for TO BUILD and we can only thank our editorial contributors and valued advertisers for their great support and trust in TO BUILD. I would also like to thank our editor for his input and hard work for the past year. He’s been amazing and, with his passion for TO BUILD, all our readers can look forward, with great excitement, to our next issue, which is due out in the first week in April 2012.

Once again, a big thanks to our regular advertisers, and we are looking forward to having all of you on board our 2012 editions.

Lastly I would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012.

PS: Please don’t forget to send all editorial content to our editor for possible publication in future issues: editor@petermuller.co.za

Regards

Elroy

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Publishers

issue 4

Media XPOSE excellence in exposure Shaun Mays Elroy van Heerden Cell: +27 72 365 4877 elroy@mediaxpose.co.za Tel: +27 21 433 1349 / 2309 Fax: +27 86 516 7277 PO Box 27337, Rhine Road, 8050 Editor Peter Muller Cell: +27 76 155 1113 editor@petermuller.co.za SUB-EDITOR Melinda Hardisty mjhardisty@gmail.com Editorial Contributors Nonhlanhla Mashego Rethabile Mogaki David Beer Stephanie Forbes Warren Gray DESIGN & LAYOUT CDC Design Tel: +27 21 704 3319 cdcdesign@telkomsa.net ADVERTISING Rene van Heerden Tel: +27 21 433 1349 advertising@mediaxpose.co.za Content Co-ordinator Kaleigh Emin Tel: +27 21 433 1349 / 2309 Fax: +27 21 433 1349 artwork@mediaxpose.co.za Accounts Melany Smith accounts@mediaxpose.co.za Tel: +27 21 434 5222 Printed by Tandym Print www.tandym.co.za Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein.

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

COVER ART:

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Lighting your way

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issue 4 Foreword Editor’s Note News & Reviews Interview: Warren Gray Project Focus: Aurecon Regional Office Out & About Student Work: Tshwane University of Technology Listing: Architects Listing: Interior Designers Listing: Building Contractors Advertisers’ Index

CONTENTS 2 8 10 16

A new era for the Architectural Profession

26

Sustainable Interiors

34

20 188

Urban Streetscape: Becoming a sustainable urban area

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192 198 199 200 203

Quantity Surveyors and their role in sustainable design

50

Green Roofs: Some Basics

61

Mitek roof trusses

64

Divisions

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What role does flooring play in all of this 69 Choosing your walls..

ARCHITECTS 23 INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DÉCOR & DESIGN 31 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 37 QUANTITY SURVEYORS 47 ENGINEERS 53 ROOFS 59 FLOORS 67 WALLS 73 WINDOWs & DOORS 79 CEILING & PARTITIONS 85 HOME AUTOMATION 89 ELECTRICAL, LIGHTING & AIR conditioning 95 BLINDS, SHUTTERS & AWNINGS 105 FIRE PLACES AND braais 109 KITCHENS & ACCESSORIES 113 TIMBER DECKING 119 MARBLE & GRANITE 123 BATHROOMS & ACCESSORIES 129 PAINT & DECORATIVE COATINGS 135 SECURITY FENCING 141 FURNITURE 145 CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS 149 BRICKS AND PAVING 155 CEMENT & CONCRETE 163 GREEN BUILDING 169 CORPORATE PROFILES 177

TO BUILD

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Why timber windows should be the best 82 Home Automation

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Automation

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Alternative Energy Sources: Wind

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Radiant Cooling

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Everything you need to know before starting a kitchen renovation

116

Environmentally Prudent Stone

126

Concealed Cisterns in Disabled Bathrooms

132

Colour use in Architecture

137

Sustainable Furniture

147

Social Sustainability

151

Quality is the NHBRC’s Priority

153

Building in Brick for a more sustainable future

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Concrete Block paving fights poverty in George

166

Benefits of sustainable design

170

Arcelor Mittal

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Lafarge Gypsum South Africa

184

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Editor’s Note

An industry in flux – keeping up is the challenge!

2011 has raced passed all of us, while we were focusing on the industry through another tough economic year. To make matters worse, in already difficult times, there were several changes that directly affect the industry. All but the last four of the SANS 10400 series of documents have now been published, including Part XA: Energy Efficiency. These documents have caused some consternation within the industry, especially amongst Architectural Professionals, and apparently the Local Councils as well. Some Local Councils started implementing the new codes, while others have not. There should, however, not be confusion, as council are no longer responsible for complying with the regulations; the Architectural Professional has been tasked with that responsibility, and, to a lesser degree, the other professionals. So, even where councils have not implemented the new regulations, non-compliance can have serious implications for the professionals involved. It is, therefore, of great importance that all in the industry ascertain for themselves what the requirements are.

A concern about the implementation of the building regulations is that it seems as if they are not taught at tertiary level. While attending the awards ceremony of the PG Bison 1.618 student design competition, it was noticed that none of the entrants complied with the building regulations, especially the new regulations.

This matter must be addressed as it creates an impression, amongst students, who are the next generation of built environment professionals, that compliance is not a necessity.

Another major change, which is for the better, was the publication of the interim Identification of Work for the different categories within the Architectural Profession. More about this in our article on page 26. Again, the responsibility is placed on the Architectural Professional.

With that said, the builders’ holiday is ahead of us, and for those lucky enough to not be working, it is a time of rest and relaxation...or maybe an opportunity to read up on the new regulations and requirements.

Whatever you do this holiday, we, at To Build, wish all our readers a peaceful break and trust that the new year will bring with it prosperity.

Peter Muller Editor

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News & Reviews Cape Town – Design Capital 2014!

The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) announced, on 26 October 2011, that the City of Cape Town has been designated the World Design Capital® (WDC) 2014. This announcement was made on the closing day of the International Design Alliance Congress in Taipei.

Cape Town became the fourth city to hold this biennial title, and the first on the African continent.

The World Design Capital is a city promotion project that celebrates the merits of design. It seeks to highlight the accomplishments of cities that are truly leveraging design as a tool to improve the social, cultural and economic life of cities, throughout a year long programme of design-related events.

“The creative industries make up an extremely important part of our local economy. The value of an event such as World Design Capital not only exposes our creative design talents to the world, but, in turn, develops our local industry into an asset for decades to come.” Patricia De Lille, Mayor of Cape Town.

To Build wish to congratulate Cape Town and all involved in this prestigious achievement.

For more information on the World Design Capital, visit www.worlddesigncapital.com.

LightTape brings aesthetic flair to pedestrian bridge: LightTape is a paper like strip that emits light, when connected to an electrical source.

Coming in various colours and sizes, and in very long sections, with only one connection, it has several benefits over typical lighting installation. It can only bend in one plane, similar to paper. LightTape has recently completed an installation on the Booysens pedestrian bridge, giving the bridge some flair at night time. For more information visit www.lighttape.co.za

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News & Reviews PG Bison 1.618 2011 student design winners announced at a fashionably glam affair at the Alex Theatre in Braamfontein: This year there was no outright winner at the prestigious PG Bison 1.618 student design competition. Due to the vast number of excellent entries, PG Bison decided to rather award two 2nd place, and two 3rd place recipients. MC, Paul Rothmann, made the announcement to a packed Alex Theatre auditorium on 13 October, and the four winners were visibly excited when their names were called out.

Violet Chengeta, of the Tshwane University of Technology’s Department of Architecture, and Tarquin van der Westhuizen, of the BHC School of Design, were selected as joint second place winners.

Peter Lekganyane, also of the Tshwane University of Technology, (but with the department of Interior Design), and Lorika Martins, of the Potchefstroom Academy, shared third place.

PG Bison also decided to honour a member of the design community for his unwavering commitment to design. This special award was presented to Brian Steinhobel, for his contributions to design and the design community.

Ceasarstone Student design Competition: Wouter Bason, of Tshwane University of Technology, was this year’s winner of the Ceasarstone Student Design Competition, titled “Real and Simple”.

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News & Reviews To Build @ Decorex Johannesburg: The To Build team was quite active at Decorex Johannesburg. Spending four days on their feet, networking, and discussing To Build with the industry members that visited the exhibition in Gauteng.

Cape Town getting a new skyscraper: Western Cape Premier Helen Zille participated in the ground breaking ceremony, signalling the start of the construction of the new Portland project, on 12 August.

Designed jointly by DHK and Louis Carol Architects, the new Portside Building occupies a full city block, between Buitengracht, Hans Strydom, Bree and Mechau Streets. It capitalises on the stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. The proposed completion date is March 2014. It will house the provincial headquarters of First National Bank, Rand Merchant Bank and Wesbank.

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News & Reviews Part XA of the National Building Regulations has been promulgated: On 9 September 2011, the Minister of Trade and Industry published Part XA, to form part of Act 103 of 1977, allowing only two months before implementation.

As from 10 November 2011, all buildings have to comply with the energy efficiency standard that is now part of the minimum building requirements, as per the National Building Regulations.

The Deemed to Satisfy requirements, SANS 10400 Part XA, were also published by the SABS, and are obtainable from them on www.sabs.co.za.

UJ Students win 2011 Des Baker award: The student congress for architecture took place in Port Elizabeth, earlier this year. They announced the winner of the Des Baker competition at the congress. Jessica Grobbelaar, Ruben Kruger and Anton Bouwer, from the University of Johannesburg, walked away as winners from the renowned design competition.

Intellipen Competition Winner: Congratulations to the winner of our Intellipen competition, from issue 2, Mr Barry Mansill from New Gen.

NCS Competition Winners: Congratulations to the winners of our NCS competition, from Issue 3, Mr Wayne Bruun, from Eticon Construction, and Mr Dawie Jacobs, from Sleeper Corner.

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Ideal for industrial drawings, architecture, photographic renderings, project presentations, solid modelling, electronics design, mapping, satellite images and posters, among others, the printer operates with the new generation wide model variable drop print head, which has eight rows of 180 nozzles, It produces the highest resolution for CAD at 2 880dpi, and this, coupled with wave print technology, offers effortless production and very high quality prints. Although compact, the IPE-3020 Pro gives a maximum media size of 1 080mm and includes a motorised take-up system for handling short run production print jobs.

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Interview

Interview: Warren Gray As a specialist in the sustainability field, especially regarding energy efficiency, Warren Gray, from SolidGreen, brings us some insights on the current developments and effects that energy efficiency has on the built environment.

ED: Introduce yourself to our readers – Who are you? What do you do?

WG: I graduated as a mechanical engineer, but have never worked as one in the traditional sense. I have, instead, specialised in modelling and simulation within the built environment. The majority of the projects I am involved with are buildings pursuing Green Star accreditation.

ED: Sustainability is currently on the tip of almost everyone’s tongue, Solid Green Consulting, who you work for, provides services in this field. What is the interest and industry like for green consultants at the moment?

WG: It is difficult to ascertain exactly what percentage of the market is represented by green buildings at represent. I would say that the market for green buildings is better than the market for buildings in general at present. One thing is clear, there does appear to be an undersupply of building industry professionals who are able to deliver on green buildings, which is understandable given the relative infancy of the market in South Africa.

ED: What would you say is the biggest obstacle at this stage, as far as sustainability is concerned?

WG: The price of fossil fuels. At present, there is no price attached to the bulk of our externalities associated with energy usage. I see no obvious mechanism in place that will stop us from burning all the fossil fuels that we have economically-viable access to. The assumption that we are in a world of ever-rising energy prices is underlying a lot of investment into green building. History suggests we most likely need other drivers like public policy, including regulations, cap-and-trade and carbon taxation to bring about permanent change.

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Interview ED: Dealing with Architects and Quantity Surveyors, do you find that there is sufficient knowledge in these two fields to encourage clients, prepare relevant budgets, and design sustainable buildings, or is there still a way to go to educate the professions?

WG: There is no doubt that there is still a way to go. This is perfectly understandable, given neither architects, nor quantity surveyors have had the incentive from either the market, or the regulatory process, to innovate in the direction of sustainability. Further to that, our universities only touch on sustainability in their coursework. Quantity surveyors will graduate knowing how to cost incumbent HVAC systems, for example, but not the innovative energy efficient alternatives.

ED: On the projects you have been involved in, was there a significant cost increase to make buildings more sustainable?

WG: This number varies a fair bit based on building size and type, and the market is new and so does not yet have much depth from which to draw reliable statistics. There is certainly a premium, and I believe that the paybacks will show that the increased capital cost is justified in the majority of cases, which is what we have seen in the Australian market.

ED: You mostly deal with energy efficiency, if I’m correct. Will SANS 10400 part XA of the building regulations, which was recently published, and will come into effect on 10 November 2011, have the desired effect on South Africa’s energy consumption?

WG: Yes, that is correct. The built environment accounts for a smaller portion of grid electricity usage than it does in the first world, and even projecting a decade into the future the bulk of our building stock in this country will already have been built. In this energy context, the regulation of new buildings takes a long view on national energy use, the impact of which will be marginal in the short term. It is a crucial step nonetheless.

If you want to change the course of a supertanker, then it’s best to start turning the rudder now.

ED: From an engineer’s perspective, is it difficult to meet the requirements of SANS 10400 part XA? WG: No, it is not. At present I have seen that most new business-as-usual commercial buildings will be compliant if they follow the simulated approach to compliance. Provided the regulatory benchmarks move over time, I think this is a good thing. If regulations had been too onerous at the outset, the resistance to promulgation would have been a deal breaker for their adoption. It is a good strategy to set a reasonable, even easily achievable benchmark, and raise it over time. By comparison, it is far more difficult to meet the building energy regulations in the US or Europe. This is because they have undergone many iterations of more stringent requirements over the years.

ED: Will it have significant cost implications for developers/facility owners, to comply with SANS 10400 part XA? WG: The cost implications will not be high for commercial buildings. I predict that, for these buildings, the market will favour the rational design path to compliance, because it bypasses the prescriptive and limiting deemed-to-satisfy compliance route. You may find that in houses, the cost becomes a bit more significant, relative to the overall cost.

ED: Part XA invokes various clauses from SANS 204, is there currently confusion in the market as to what exactly needs to be complied with, especially with several workshops being presented covering both SANS 10400 Part XA and SANS 204 at the same workshop?

WG: Absolutely, there is confusion as to the implementation of, and compliance with, these regulations at present.

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INTERVIEW ED: One of the methods to meet the requirements of part XA is to compare the design with that of a theoretical building that complies with the regulations. You do this through computer modelling. Is this a complicated process, especially considering that most projects proceed so fast, that the design is usually not finalised before construction commences? Elaborate a bit on the modelling process, what you require from the designers, etc.

WG: I suppose it may seem complicated if one is not used to it. Simulation essentially allows us to show that a building employing a rational design has better energy performance than if it were built to SANS 10400 XA deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) requirements. It is the same process that is followed for Green Star to comply with the energy conditional requirement. Taking precedent from the green building market, I believe that this simulated path to compliance will be more appealing in the case of commercial buildings on the basis of cost and flexibility. Individual houses, however, will most likely go for the DTS route for reasons already mentioned. The economies of scale are more likely to be realised on larger projects.

ED: What is next in this energy strapped country? Are there any attempts to redress the energy shortage?

WG: Certainly there have been, and I understand that there has been a significant impact on national peak load and demand fluctuation through demand-side incentivisation, largely on the basis of tariffs. I do believe that there are three broad market forces that will work towards a more energy-efficient future. They are energy price uncertainty, increasing regulatory pressure, and the sustainability movement. History has shown us that the market responds quickly to price volatility (as it did in the oil crisis of the 70s, and as it is now), but that this response is temporary. I think that long term change is going to come from policies that address factors which are external to the price we pay for in the utility bill, which will be driven by a more environmentally aware public. Such policies are being introduced now, but it is too early to gauge the extent of their impact.

ED: Thank you.

il.co.za

reensa You can follow Warren on his blog www.g 18

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EDITORIAL

Five Stars for Aurecon!

It’s been several years since the Green Building Council of South Africa was established, and, until now, it has only awarded four star ratings for buildings. Aurecon became the first South African building to receive a five star rating, through any of the GBCSA rating systems, in July 2011. This is recognised as a project of South African Excellence in green design.

A global engineering, management and specialist technical services group, Aurecon, took some bold steps in design and commitment to the ‘green’ process, in their new 7000m2 regional offices, in Century City, Cape Town. Steps that most other designers and developers are only talking about. Through creative solutions, they achieved the Green Building Council of South Africa’s 5 star design rating on the Office Design v1 rating system. Colin Anderson, director of the Rabie Property Group, stated that this was achieved within a normal commercial budget.

This success must be attributed to Aurecon’s global strategy, and the conviction to pursue that strategy, combined with a professional team driven to achieve sustainability and green design. Even though the building received the design rating, Anderson also stated that the building has been built to spec., so there is no reason why they should not apply for the GBCSA Office As Built rating.

The building, orientated so that it receives mostly indirect sunlight, which is further increased through a central atrium and a light well, while reducing east and west direct sunlight, achieves an enjoyable indoor environment.

Specialised glazing reduces glare, as well as heat gain, lightening the load on the HVAC system. The majority of the office space has direct visual connection to the outside. Lighting levels have been set at 400 lux, with high frequency ballasts. The lighting has also been divided into lighting zones of 100m2 or less. External light fittings are installed so that no light is emitted higher than the horizon, reducing light pollution.

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EDITORIAL

To further enhance the human comfort levels within the office environment, low VOC adhesives, sealants, carpets etc. were specified. To make the building user-friendly, a simple user manual has been provided for the tenants. A water cooled central HVAC system, with a full economy cycle, reduces energy consumption, ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures. A further step taken, to ensure that the indoor air quality remains above requirements, was to install carbon dioxide monitors in the return air path. These fresh air limits should keep staff healthier and more productive. To further ensure clean air, dedicated exhaust risers are provided to the main printer and copier areas.

Various community amenities, including an ATM, retail, restaurant, etc. are located within 400m of the site. “A happy worker is a hard worker� mentality should prevail with all the above benefits for the occupants.

There is also a public transport system within 1 km of the site, which should contribute to transport cost savings for the employees. Preferential parking has been provided for hybrid vehicles and motorcycles, as well as those who carpool. Bicycle storage facilities have been provided, complete with shower and changing facilities for staff and visitors.

A dedicated recycling room has been provided near the site access. A waste management plan will be implemented by the tenant, which will also deal with the recycling of materials collected from each floor.

Rain water is similarly recycled, as is effluent water. Rain water is harvested and used for flushing toilets, while roof gardens and other planted areas reduce storm water runoff. Treated effluent water will be used for

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EDITORIAL

irrigation and the air conditioning cooling towers. Low flow faucets reduce the potable usage consumption.

A state of the art Building Management System ensures that the building runs at an optimum level of energy efficiency. The HVAC system, zoned lighting, reduced lighting levels and external lighting, all contribute significantly to the energy efficiency of the building.

The building owners will also offer guided tours of the building, which they believe will educate and encourage others to “go green.�

The building was completed since receiving the recognition, and was officially opened. Time will tell if the construction went the distance and if they will achieve a further Green Star rating.

The project team were: the Rabie Group (Project Managers); MaC Architects; Aurecon (Fire, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Environmental Consultant); Aurecon & MaC Architects (Wet Services),Aurecon & PJ Carew Consulting (Green Consultants); Murray & Roberts (Main Contractor); Richard Abrahamse (Land Surveyor); Planning Partners (Landscape Architect), Davis Langdon (Quantity Surveyors), ASPIRATA (Health & Safety) and Khone (Lifts).

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Architects AMA Architects..............................................................................................25 Francois Marais Architects.................................................................24 Louise Wileman Architecture & Interior Design...................30 Nicholas Plewman Architects...........................................................29

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EDITORIAL

A new era for the Architectural Profession Almost 12 years after the Architectural Professions Act, Act 44 of 2000, was legislated, another new era has dawned on the Architectural Profession, with the publication of the draft Identity of Work (IDoW) policy.

In issue 2 of To Build, an interview with the CEO of the Council for the built environment, Mr Bheki Zulu, was published. During the interview, he was asked what is causing the delay, and why is the draft policy not yet published, as it is preventing job creation in a time when this is a focus of Government? His response was very encouraging and he indicated that he would look into the matter. We, at To Build, believe that this interview put the wheels in motion, and has led to the publication of the interim IDoW on 4 October 2011, changing the “architectural marketplace” forever.

What does this mean for the Architectural Profession? Firstly, it allows the various categories of registration within the profession to do the work they are deemed competent to do. Secondly, it should lead to more job creation, as those professionals who were previously restricted by the 500m2 rule, are allowed to accept bigger projects, which will require an increased number of staff to meet the various requirements and deadlines that come with bigger projects.

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F

Occupancy

Detailed description

Project complexity

Class of occupancy or building

Extract from Interim IDoW Policy – Schedule 1: Demarcation of Architectural Work Matrix 5 September 2011 (Board Notice 154 of 2011)

It does not address the specific competencies of the professionals, as mentioned during the interview with Mr. Zulu. A policy that addresses these competencies would be, logistically, extremely difficult to implement

SHOPPING CENTRES F1

Large Shop

F2

Small Shop

F3

Wholesaler’s Store

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F1.1

Shop Interior

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F1.2

Department Store maximum 2 storeys

M

F1.3

Department Store more than 2 storeys

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F1.4

Local Convenience/Neighbourhood Retail Centre - maximum 1000sq. m

M

F1.5

Suburban Shopping Centre

H

F1.6

Regional Shopping Centre

H

F2.1

Corner Store / Home (Spaze) Shop maximum size 500sq. m

B

F3.1

Max 2000sq. m / max 3 storeys

F3.2

Ulimited size

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EDITORIAL and administer. To this effect, special provision has been made within the IDoW policy, to allow those, who have gained the various other competencies, to apply for special consent for the types of projects they are competent to do.

How does the IDoW matrix divide project types?

The interim IDoW uses 2 sets of criteria to classify building types. These two criteria are, building complexity, and site sensitivity. The following definitions were published in the government gazette to clarify the various divisions within each criterion: Building complexity: Basic complexity project means small, simple building with a low impact on its environs; Low complexity project means simple buildings, or groups of buildings, in an uncomplicated grouping, with low impact on their environs. These are structures with low performance requirements, of simple utilitarian character, design and detail, and constructed utilising standard, low technology building methods. They require a minimum of mechanical and electrical services or equipment, and basic civil works infrastructure; Medium complexity projects means buildings, or a group of buildings, in a relatively uncomplicated grouping, with a medium impact on their environs. These are structures with medium performance requirements, of average character and design or detail, up to three storeys high, which require non-complex structural and civil works, and an average level of mechanical or electrical equipment, as could normally be handled by design/supply specialist contractors; High complexity projects means a building or buildings in a large or complicated grouping with a significant impact on its environs. These are structures with high performance requirements, and demanding a sophisticated level of design and detail content to respond to specialised requirements. Complex buildings will usually incorporate comparatively large or specialised mechanical, electrical and other specialist installations, or be of complex structural or civil design;

Low sensitivity site

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EDITORIAL Site Sensitivity: Low sensitivity site means a site that is neither identified as being, nor exhibits any evidence, of environmental or heritage significance, and do not require EIA, HIA or SIA studies to be undertaken before development. Low sensitivity sites are normally, but not exclusively, within already developed urban areas; Medium sensitivity site means a site which exhibits some evidence of environmental or heritage significance but for which EIA, HIA or SIA studies are not required by the government agencies involved; High sensitivity site means a site identified as being of special environmental or heritage significance, which will require EIA, HIA or SIA studies to be undertaken to define the parameters for development. For example; declared protected areas, and urban conservation areas; Site sensitivity means the inherent importance of the site, in environmental or heritage terms, as defined by the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999), the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998), and the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000).

Various types of buildings have been classified using these criteria, and accordingly, these have been allocated to each of the professional categories who are eligible to accept the commission. For example, Professional Architects may accept any commission, while Professional Draughtspersons may only accept a commission on a select few building types. Professional Technologists and Professional Senior Technologists are listed accordingly between these two categories.

To comply with the requirements, the code of conduct, Rule 2: Technical Competence and Professional Work, as published by SACAP, is very specific that one, as a Professional, may only accept an appointment as stated in the IDoW. Non-compliance will constitute a breach of the SACAP Code of Professional Conduct.

Should anyone accept a commission that they are not deemed competent for, or have not been exempted for, action can be taken against them by SACAP, as allowed for in the Architectural Professions Act. Effective Self-Regulation: The Architectural Professional is required to complete the Architectural Compliance Certificate with every submission made to a local council. A copy of the certificate, stamped by the local council, should be retained for record purposes. As professionals, integrity will play a big role in complying with all these requirements, as there is no specific monitoring system put in place. It is worth noting that any person could challenge your appointment and, if found guilty of breach of the Professional Code of Conduct, action will be taken by SACAP. One of the aims of the IDoW is not to act as a limitation of what you can or cannot do, but rather as an encouragement to progress through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), or to further studies through tertiary institutions, to move upwards through the various categories. With the RPL currently under review, it creates a further dilemma for professionals, which needs to be addressed and resolved as soon as possible, if we are to believe that the IDoW is truly an encouragement for professionals to further themselves. Currently the only process available to follow is through full time study.

For more information, and to download the IDoW documents, go to www.sacapsa.com.

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INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DESIGN & DÉCOR

Desert Pots........................................................................................................33 Limelight Design............................................................................................32 Style Décor (Pty) Ltd.................................................................................36

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design . manufacture . retail . restoration of crystal chandeliers

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EDITORIAL

Sustainable Interiors

Nonhlanhla Mashego

“It’s too cold!”; “It’s too stuffy and too hot.” These are the resonating battle guns of the “air-conditioning wars”, which we all have, or will, at some point in our working lives, participate in. This is just one example of the issues that we deal with in our working environments, our home environments, and in human comfort and sustainability in general. Sick Building Syndrome is another term that jumps to mind, an epidemic that has been kept quiet for too long. Sick Building Syndrome is mostly caused by poor indoor air quality. We can blame the lack of productivity in the workplace, the endless thousands of Rands that we pour into medical bills, and the alarming carbon emissions footprint, on our unsustainable ways.

Sustainable design has taken the world by storm, but it seems that the fire is not burning hot, or rather, green enough, where Interior Design is concerned. We need to take the microscope to the word ‘sustainable’ in design, and unpack it piece by piece. When we do that, we realise that it refers to a holistic design perspective, meaning that no stone can go unturned! Having said that, let’s take a closer look at our internal environments. Are we comfortable where we work? What about where we live? What impact do our habitats have on this environment?

The factors to take a look at, when designing sustainable interiors, are: ventilation, thermal insulation, furniture, and materiality. Every aspect of our internal environment needs to be considered, from floors to ceilings, window openings, lighting, walls, wall finishes, surfaces, just about everything!

It is astonishing how many toxins and fumes we have in our homes and workplaces, particularly in paints, adhesives and cleaning products we use. Some of these contain Volatile Organic Compounds which linger in the air. Notable toxins that we live with range from benzene to formaldehyde to asbestos (from historic sources). What is also alarming is that, in air-conditioned offices, there is hardly any fresh air let into the building and, although going green is all about recycling, it is quite disturbing how we re-use germ and illness-laced air for eight hours, five days a week, for the average worker.

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EDITORIAL And what about lighting...how much energy are we wasting each day? And, what sort of effect does lighting have on productivity and wellbeing?

Light Emitting Diodes (LED lights) are said to be sustainable, as they are long lasting, need very little maintenance, and are big energy savers, especially when compared to outdated fluorescent lights, where the flicker can cause migraines, which reduce productivity.

There are many eco-friendly products geared to help in the design of sustainable interiors, and in sustainable living. For example, there are energy saving appliances, alternative materials for furniture, such as locally produced wood, bamboo (which is sustainable, depending on the source), locally produced fabrics, and hemp. Hemp has recently taken the spotlight for being versatile and very sustainable.

Below is an image of a chair designed and made by Assilinger, a Berlin based architect and designer. This lounger is made completely out of hemp.

According to Abbey Koplovitz, a Boston based Interior designer, the key issues to be tackled with ecofriendly or ‘green’ interiors are; the indoor air quality, conservation (recycling and re-using), energy saving, and a responsibility and awareness of the local market and its products. 1 There is currently no legislation governing the design of ‘Green Interiors’, but the GBCSA (Green Building Council of South Africa) is gearing towards a more environmentally sound South Africa, with some of its focus aimed at internal fit-outs. They are offering courses, and have events, that are meant to further enrich and enlighten those in the built environment regarding this matter. 2 1. www.abbeyk.com

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Landscape Architects De Wet Enviroscaping...............................................................................46 Johannesburg City Parks.................................................................. 44,45 Newtown Landscape Architects.....................................................41 Succulent Art.................................................................................................38 Terraforce CC................................................................................................39 Turg-Ag................................................................................................................43

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VERTICAL GARDENS VISUALIZE A FRAMED PAINTING IN WHICH THE COLORS ARE LIVING, VIBRANT PLANTS. EACH LIVING GARDEN CONTAINS A CUSTOM DESIGNED SPECIALIZED PALETTE WELL SUITED TO VERTICAL CONTAINER CULTURE. WE FULFILL EVEN THE MOST CREATIVE PLANT TYPE AND FRAME FINISH REQUESTS.

VERTICAL GARDEN SOLUTIONS ARE ENDLESS AND ONLY STOP AT ONE'S OWN IMAGINATION. AT SUCCULENT ART WE OFFER: PLANTED SUCCULENT FRAMES, VERTICAL HYDROPONIC POCKET FRAMES AND WHOLE WALLS COVERED WITH PLANTS. EACH CUSTOMIZED AND ENGINEERED TO SUIT YOUR ESTHETICS, ENVIRONMENT AND NEEDS. advert.indd 1 38_SucculentArt.indd 1

T 011 781 3410 M 072 034 5459 E info@succulentart.co.za W www.succulentart.co.za

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EDITORIAL

Urban Streetscape: Becoming a sustainable urban area

Rethabile Mokgari

Landscaping, on the other hand, has been side-lined as an aesthetic add-on, and dismissed as automatically sustainable due to its environmental properties; usually an afterthought fitted, where possible, as a ‘nice to have’.

Urban areas are typically characterised by a dense population of buildings, surrounded by concrete walkways and asphalt roads; Concrete Jungles, as so many have described them. These large masses of concrete absorb heat throughout daytime and, in turn, create heat islands, resulting in high usage of cooling systems in buildings.

In terms of public knowledge, sustainability in the built environment has focused primarily on individual buildings, and the internal performance thereof. Landscaping, on the other hand, has been side-lined as an aesthetic add-on, and dismissed as automatically sustainable due to its environmental properties; usually an afterthought fitted, where possible, as a ‘nice to have’. Notably, several environmental initiatives, such as the construction and reconstruction of more parks in urban areas, have been undertaken in the past decade or so. This approach, however sustainable in its own right, has been more of an aesthetic one and has, thus far, been unable to fulfil greater sustainable aptitudes. Of course, input from environmentalists and water conservation organisations have, to an extent, ensured a certain level of sustainability through stressing the idea of increased vegetation, as well as controlling and regulating indigenous and invasive plant species within our region. Again, this has been a one-sided approach, lacking a creative and artistic quality. An understanding of an overall integrated aesthetic and ecological urban development therefore proves to be still lacking.

Landscaping, in both its hard and soft forms, can contribute largely to an urban area’s sustainability and appearance. Urban landscapes are subjected to all matter that falls victim to gravity, from direct rainfall & roof runoff, to surface pollution, together, having the potential to form a chain of various negative ecological, as well as social, implications. Through breaking the solid mould of urban streetscapes, that is, through the creation and renewing of open and public spaces, landscaping has the potential to: Reduce the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect; reduce energy consumption; reduce storm water runoff, as well as to increase available water supply; improve air quality; and to improve natural environmental conditions and community liveability as a whole.

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES Aside from absorbing a lot of heat and contributing to the formation of an Urban Heat Island, conventional cement paving, and asphalt road systems, cause a large amount of storm water runoff (due to their nonporous nature). Replacing such non-porous surfacing with permeable paving systems allows for the absorption and infiltration of rainwater on site, which, in turn, can have several positive effects on both the environment and community.

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EDITORIAL By allowing storm water to infiltrate, these porous surfaces reduce runoff volumes and improve the water quality by removing a large percentage of un-dissolved nutrients & sediment. This, then, results in less need for water treatment, which not only reduces the costs and energy that go into it but also the amount of toxic emissions produced by power plants during the process.

Polluted storm water runoff flowing into storm water drains –Johannesburg, CBD Currently, urban development initiatives are being taken by the city of Johannesburg, through a development outreach programme, GDS2040 (Growth and Development Strategy), to improve the current conditions of the inner city (i.e. Parktown, Braamfontein, Newtown and the CBD).

Kerk street market redevelopment – Johannesburg CBD

Old concrete pavers are being replaced with permeable paving blocks -Braamfontein, Johannesburg;

On the softer side of landscaping, vegetated features such as Bio Retention and Infiltration Systems (Bioswales, Rain gardens, etc.), the planting of trees and indigenous shrubs and grasses, as well as the construction of more “water conscious” landscapes (Xeriscaping), can add a more natural, attractive and fresh feel to an urban environment while maintaining a good level of sustainability. Naturally, vegetated features increase infiltration and improve air quality through the absorption of air pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxide, Carbon Dioxide and the like.

Bio Retention and Infiltration Systems have a natural tendency to hold water over a period of time, allowing it to gradually drain into the ground. Typically public features, Bioswales are usually constructed within or alongside paved areas (e.g. parking lots), roads and walkways. By allowing water to pond, they are also able to remove bacteria through exposure to ultraviolet light, as well as to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, through evaporative cooling.

Continued on page 55

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Quantity Surveyors De Leeuw Group....................................................................................... 48,49 Enumerate Consulting............................................................................52 Schoombie Hartman Quantity Surveyors..................................51

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EDITORIAL

Quantity Surveyors and their role in sustainable design Financial diligence, in our current economic environment, is one of the main driving forces as far as any project is concerned, this is especially so in the built environment.

There is a general perception that sustainable design within the built environment is directly opposed to cost effectiveness. This is, however, not the case, especially if creative design solutions are incorporated into a project from the onset.

It cannot be stressed enough, how important it is to start incorporating sustainability during the initial stages of design. Through this early implementation, budget figures make allowances for these interventions, while later incorporations are always seen as additional costs. This also allows for early comparisons of sustainable solutions, as opposed to standard construction methods and materials. The role of a Quantity Surveyor, one who has sufficient knowledge of sustainable design, during this process, is invaluable.

Some benefits a Quantity Surveyor can contribute during the design stage of a project are: • Ensure accurate budgeting of sustainable initiatives, which ensures no sudden additional costs during the project.

• Propose alternative sustainable initiatives, which can lead to a more cost effective solution, or a more sustainable project.

• Propose savings in certain areas, which could be used for sustainable initiatives elsewhere.

• Provide client with ROI (Return on Investment) information.

Davis Langdon has done several case studies which indicate that a sustainable building, if designed well, should be a few percent more expensive than an unsustainable building. They have further developed their green book, titled “Quick guide to emerging green design attributes,” that contains numerous guidelines on how you can make a design more sustainable. They include information on the potential cost implications each of these steps would have. This can assist significantly in incorporating sustainability into a project.

Through consulting an experienced Quantity Surveyor, sustainability can be incorporated cost effectively.

As indicated in the previous issue of To Build, the main goal, as far as sustainability is concerned, is to implement as many sustainable interventions as possible, within the client’s budget. It remains the role of the Architectural Professional to encourage and educate the client into allowing sustainable initiatives, as it will not only benefit him in the long run, but also society and the environment.

The client also needs to be willing to invest in sustainability, which will require information regarding his ROI, which the Quantity Surveyor should be able to supply during the design stages. This remains a problem, especially as far as developers are concerned, as they require an immediate return on their investment, as opposed to the longer payback time that sustainable development brings about. The current focus is still on capital outlay, rather than the effect building projects have on the earth. This is changing, but too slowly.

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Tel: (011) 795 3556

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Fax: (011) 795 3669

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Engineers Charles Pein & Partners............................................................................54 Vital Engineering & Angus McLeod & Co Gratings........ 56,58

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EDITORIAL

Followed from page 42 Rain garden at bottom of sloping pavement. TEN SIXTY SIX – Johannesburg CBD

Rain gardens are usually shallow, planted depressions, constructed at the bottom of slopes, close to sources of runoff, such as roofs, impervious walkways and driveways, as well as compacted lawn areas. These depressions usually comprise of permeable sands and soils with deep rooted indigenous vegetation, specifically selected to carry various quantities of runoff, therefore causing a slowdown of the runoff momentum and allowing it to infiltrate into its underlying soils. The moist conditions and plant life attract and, in turn, create habitat for insects, such as butterflies, and other species, such as birds.

Trees are a source of shelter from natural elements such as the sun, wind and rain. When strategically placed, they can reduce the Heat Island Effect, by providing shade, reducing the amount of solar heat reaching and being absorbed by the hard surfaces. They can also reduce wind speeds and

1. Bank City – Johanesburg CBD; 2. Illovo Boulevard – Illovo, Johannesburg; 3. Kerk street – Johannesburg CBD 1

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redirect them during winter periods. Trees, like most vegetation, can reduce air temperatures through transpiration, as well as improve the air quality through their natural absorption of air pollutants. Socially, these natural canopies form beautiful features which, not only create habitat for birds and other species, but also, through their light filtering, create cool gathering places in spaces like parks. This also reduces glare caused by reflection, which generally improves pathways.

Xeriscaping is a drought resistant landscape practice which makes use of indigenous plants as well as deep rooted vegetation, with minimal water consumption. Amongst several principles within the practice are, soil improvement, selection and zoning of plants, minimising turf area, and efficient irrigation. The aim of conserving water need not limit plant selection to desert species. Beautiful landscapes can be designed with any plants (ideally indigenous) that will flourish within the specific region. This practice encourages, most importantly, grouping of plants according to their needs, as well as limited lawn area, which generally requires a lot of water and maintenance.

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EDITORIAL Most parks in urban areas consist mainly of large lawn areas with trees and some paved sections here and there. Reducing the amount of lawn area and replacing it with alternative natural covering such as xeriscaped areas can reduce water consumption, as well as maintenance costs and energy, by a substantial amount; moreover, it can add colour and a creative flair to parks.

Park at the Civic Theatre – Braamfontein, Johannesburg When well designed, and planned accordingly, all these features and strategies can be implemented and incorporated into landscaped (vegetated and paved) open spaces within private and public developments.

To achieve an overall sustainable urban development, all aspects of the built environment should be equally considered so as to minimise the overall impact on the environment which, in turn, can have social and economic implications.

Illovo Boulevard – South Piazza island. Permeable pavement with rain garden at lower end to collect additional runoff. Beautiful street feature with sustainable benefits.

References: The Value of Green Infrastructure – Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) 2010 Development of A Sustainable Landscape Architecture Best Practices Manual – Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

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ADVERTORIAL

Design specifications – Vital to steel industry safety When engineers design elevated walkways, a variety of factors is taken into consideration to ensure the complete safety of people using them. Vital Engineering – manufacturers of high quality gratings, stair treads, pressed floors and safety handrails - also introduced fibre glass gratings to improve the corrosion process which is crucial to safety. Dodds Pringle, MD of Vital Engineering says that when one is walking some 30 to 60 metres off the ground, the last thing one needs is a badly designed and constructed metal walkway.

“We place great emphasis on designing for safety. This means that when the installation is for an industrial application, we design with 350WA steel. The use of this grade of steel naturally affects the design we implement, with the platforms that the walkway rests on being placed further apart than if we were specifying a lower grade or commercial steel,” Pringle says.

“At times, however, companies are basing their decisions on price rather than performance, recommended specifications are sometimes disregarded by customers or contractors. Likewise, if a customer or specifier has an established relationship with an alternate supplier, it can often be difficult to convince them that the choices they make with regard to inferior material of construction are unwise. Unfortunately, the losers at the end of the day are the people who risk their lives walking at considerable heights above the ground on unsafe walkways,” Pringle adds.

“If a design recommendation is rejected for a cheaper material, the risk evolves in the structural strength of the walkway. One could liken it to placing a ruler on two support points. The bending that occurs in the centre of the ruler as one places a load on it, will increase with increasing distance between the two support points.

What results is commonly referred to as the ‘trampolining effect’ and can result in a catastrophic event. If one’s ruler is made of thicker/stronger material, the bending moment will decrease and the abovementioned effect will decrease, even being avoided altogether,” Pringle explains.

Pringle points out that accountability for the safety of the walkway ultimately rests with the end user, who is generally the person who puts his signature next to the order to purchase. “Contractors and customers need to be educated on the dangers of cutting corners with respect to quality of materials used. When engineers design walkways they do so with specifically suitable materials in mind. By replacing this with unspecified material, one is courting disaster.

“We provide our customers with a full consultation service in order to determine the design best suited to achieve maximum safety levels. However, it is contingent upon the customer to undertake a full risk analysis should he decide to ignore recommendations from a structural loading perspective. Customers need to bear in mind that unlike door locks, for instance, which are incidental purchases, walkways constructed from unsuitable material are a recipe for potential disaster. Companies should ask themselves the question: ‘How will we deal with loss of life because we insisted on shaving a few hundred Rands off the project costs?’ before they downgrade the steel strength,” Pringle concludes.

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Roofs Arona Roofing (Pty) Ltd.........................................................................62 Blue Scope Steel SA (Pty) Ltd..................................................................60 Mitek Industries....................................................................................... 64,65 Safintra Roofing.........................................................................................66

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EDITORIAL

Green Roofs: Some Basics A green roof not only decreases the energy demand, but also significantly adds to the aesthetic appeal of a building.

Green roofs have been around since ancient times, ziggurats from Mesopotamia, built until 600 B.C., are generally accepted as the first manmade gardens above grade. Several other historic references exist, especially within Europe, serving to protect against the extreme cold. The modern green roof has been used in Europe for more than 40 years, with several patent systems registered there.

Green roofs, the total opposite of cool roofs (p70, To Build Issue 3), are heavy and dark, but with their own benefits, while cool roofs are light in colour and construction. Why would you consider a green roof as a viable alternative to cool roofs, or even to standard roofing?

To answer this question, we have to consider the various benefits that green roofs bring, and compare them with the disadvantages - a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of sorts.

With various green roofing systems available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, we will focus on a basic green roof typology.

Strengths (Advantages) Advantages for the building owner include, expanded roof life; increased insulation, which reduces air conditioning costs in summer and heating demand in winter; better storm water management; and dead space becomes a garden. Advantages for the community include, reduced storm water runoff; reduced heat island effect; reduced noise; reduced energy demand; reduced glare; improved air quality and improved aesthetics. Advantages for the environment include, prevention of combined sewer overflow; reduced carbon dioxide impact; neutralisation of acid rain effect; and increased natural habitat for birds and insects.

Weaknesses (Disadvantages) Disadvantages for the building owner include an increased capital outlay due to the increased structural and landscaping requirements, as well as the requirement for garden maintenance.

Opportunities Opportunities for green roofs are numerous. Almost any building can receive a green roof, from sheeted roofs to concrete roofs, flat and sloped, big and small. It only depends on the design, and on the client’s willingness to invest in it.

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Tel: 012 333 3784 / 021 510 892 Email: aronaroofing@vodamail.co.za www.aronaroofing.co.za

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Tel: 021 442 5420 Email: wayne.miller@bluescopesteel.com www.bluescopesteel.co.za

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EDITORIAL Functional layers of a typical extensive Green Roof

Threats Threats to green roofs are mainly focused on various myths that seem to be around. These include, “Green roofs are maintenance free.”, “If you have a green roof you can’t use the roof for solar electric generation panels.”, “Green roofs leak.”, “Green roofs don’t need to be watered.”, “Green roofs are too heavy for most buildings.,” “Green roofs don’t require insulation below them, inside the building”. These myths might cause unrealistic expectations with building owners and developers, and need to be addressed to ensure everyone understands what exactly the benefits and disadvantages of green roofs are.

With that covered, here are some basics on the construction of green roofs. With several patent systems available, as mentioned before, the image above is a representative example of an extensive green roof system and contains several optional layers.

A basic green roof would generally consist of the following layers as a minimum: Substrate – Structural portion of the roof, ie. Concrete slab or roof sheeting, Waterproofing Membrane – A 4mm thick bituminous torch sealant which includes a root repellent as a minimum.

Synthetic Drainage System – An egg-tray type drainage layer which retains moisture as well as allows excess water to drain. This could be replaced with a stone layer, which would require a moisture retention membrane. It also serves as a protective layer for the waterproofing membrane.

Geotextile Filter – A synthetic fabric layer which retains the growth medium, but allows water to filter through.

Soil / Growth Medium – A ‘topsoil and fertilizer’ medium, the thickness varying based on vegetation requirements. Wood shavings can be added to help with water retention, while polystyrene beads or pumice stone can be added to reduce the weight of the growth medium.

Vegetation – This is the most important layer in green roofing. Indigenous planting should be used, as it requires less watering and maintenance. Planting should be selected considering their rooting system based on the soil/growth medium depth. A Xeriscape garden (p33, To Build Issue 2) will be the best type for roofing due to its benefits.

In conclusion, installing a green roof is not as simple as just adding a growth medium and planting to your existing roof. Consulting an expert on green roofs and, especially, a structural engineer is required to ensure an environmentally friendly roof is created using indigenous vegetation, as well as that there is sufficient structure to carry the additional loads imposed.

References: Green Roof Construction and Maintenance, McGraw Hill, 2009 The Green Building Handbook South Africa: The Essential Guide Volume 3, Alive2Green To Build, Issue 2, MediaXpose, 2011 To Build, Issue 3, MediaXpose, 2011 http://www.roofsystemsconsultants.com/Green.htm http://www.greenroofplan.com/author/admin/feed/

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advertorial MiTek Ultra-Span Caters for Low-cost Housing Due to a very low self-weight, and high strength of materials, this roofing system provides substantial savings on transport, assembly and erection costs – making it an ideal choice for low-cost applications.

Examples of applications and advantages:

Tiled Roofs: reduction in trusses due to large truss spacings (1.1-1.2m centres). Savings on erection due to fewer trusses and low weight (about 14kg/ truss or 4kg/m2 roof area). No wastage of any materials.

Ideal for: Tiled or Sheeted roof applications

Sheeted Roofs: Savings: on transport and erection due to very light structure (about 1-2kg/m2 roof area), corrosion resistant, no additional painting required, ease of installation.

Ideal for: Sheeted roofs also in very remote areas

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Site / Factory assembled trusses: All materials in exact required lengths – simple assembly with screws, allowing 3 man crew to make 250 trusses /day Site assembly: creates employment Factory assembly: saves site assembly time about 2-3min /truss.

Transportation: Savings: in Kit form approx. 100-120 roofs/ load, about 50% saving on timber pre-fab trusses

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advertorial Ultra-Span (LGS) Roof Trusses offer Viable Option for Large Span Applications The low mass per m2 (between 6-10kg/m2) of this roof system ensures both, savings on the supporting structure, as well as on transportation and erection costs. Large sections of the roof can simply be pre-assembled on the ground and hoisted into position on the roof – making this one of the most viable roof systems in the range of 20m to 40m clear span structures.

Examples of some of the many roof structure applications:

Office / Factory application in Bloemfontein with some of the spans being 35m, making it one of the largest LGS bowstring truss systems.

Speed of erection and low mass was essential.

Church applications with spans of 28m and 30m respectively, both with Concrete Tile loading.

Speed of erection, even on a multi-storey building, was the deciding factor.

Warehouse / Factory application – in this case 800m2 roof with 27m clear span, completely assembled on the ground and lifted into position.

Supermarket / Retail Centre application with clear spans in both cases of 25m to 32m.

Speed of erection and low mass of the structure contributed to substantial saving for both contracts.

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

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Floors Coirtex.................................................................................................................71 Natural Quartz Flooring....................................................................72 Osmo......................................................................................................................70 Transit Floor Coverings.......................................................................68

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EDITORIAL

What role does flooring play in all of this?

Flooring makes up a small percentage of a completed building, so does it really matter what kind of floor finish you use?

What impact does flooring play as far as sustainability and green design is concerned? The answer is more complex than one generally thinks. Flooring is one of the most used and abused areas of any building.

It gets walked over, rolled over, scrubbed, swept and much more. This makes the life expectancy of the floor finish important where sustainability is considered. A further consideration, and probably the most important, is the effect it has on a human healthy building.

SUSTAINABILITY: In a study done by Dovetail and Partners in 20091, nine floor finishes were considered with regard to their sustainability (excluding hardwood floors). The study used the Building for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (BEES) Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) database, and was based on the following twelve environmental attributes: Global warming

Indoor air quality

Ecological toxicity

Acidification

Human health

Water intake

Eutrophication

Habitat alteration

Ozone depletion

Fossil fuel depletion

Criteria air pollutants

Smog

With a big drive to stop the use of vinyl, it is worth mentioning that it fell in the lower echelon of coverings listed, with composite marble, and wool carpets being deemed the worst performers.

HUMAN HEALTH (AIR QUALITY): The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommend that smooth flooring be used by sufferers of asthma and allergies. This generally assumes that carpets and rough surfaces gather more dust and contaminants, such as pesticide, lead, etc. and allergens. Allen E Luedtke, Figure 1 below provides the sustainability results: Ph.D., in his study, “Floor Coverings, Dust and Airborne Contaminants�, found that the difference in levels of airborne contaminants between smooth and other finishes is quite small, and should not have a significant influence on the occupants2. Carpets, however, do collect more dust and air, but keep it trapped, in contrast with smooth flooring, which does lead to the possibility of higher levels of health related problems.

As an aesthetic and budget driven choice, consideration must be given to sustainability and Human Health. Biobased floor finishes, such as linoleum, hardwood and cork, are more sustainable, and should take preference when a sustainable and healthy building is designed.

1. Bowyer, Dr J, Life Cycle Assessment of Flooring Materials: A Guide to Intelligent Selection, Dovetail Partners Inc, 2009 2. Luedtke, A.E Ph.D, Floor Doverings, Dust and Airborne Contaminants

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Tel: 013 656 3123 Fax: 013 656 5336

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Walls Beau Ideal...........................................................................................................75 Design Stainless Products SA...............................................................78 Ergo Systems.....................................................................................................77

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EDITORIAL

Choosing your walls Sustainable design and low cost housing has brought about significant changes in the South African construction industry. One of these changes is the introduction of several “new� wall systems. How do you choose one?

In the previous issue of To Build, an article on Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) was published, and, in the current issue, an article on brick walls is included. Various references to other walling types and their benefits are being made throughout the print media.

Some of the walling types being bandied around are masonry, including face brick, plastered or rendered clay, cement bricks and block work; SIP panels with timber; MGO or sheet metal siding; plastered, reinforced polystyrene walls; stone walls; steel framed and panelled walls; timber framed walls; timber log walls; mud, adobe and rammed earth walls; and straw bale walls. The list goes on.

Where do you start assessing and deciding which type suites your application best? Some points to consider, in order of importance, should be: Regulations: There are many requirements imposed on building construction through the National Building Regulations.

Part K deals with structural requirements while Part XA deals with energy efficiency. Local Town Planning Schemes can place further restrictions on the kind of walls or the colours you are allowed to use in certain areas.

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EDITORIAL

Climate: The local climate needs to be considered. A successful building is one that responds appropriately to its surrounding climate. Depending on the region in which you are building, requirements needed for the envelope of the building will change. Specific regions experience extreme weather conditions. The recent tornadoes in Ficksburg and Duduza were a clear indication that extreme weather calls for additional requirements in order to ensure safety in construction.

Cost and Budget: Two different sets of costs must be considered: Construction costs, and maintenance costs. The cost of initially building the wall should be considered when selecting a material. Then, the cost of maintaining the material, over its lifespan, also needs to be considered.

Durability and strength: Depending on the purpose of the wall, its durability and strength are further points to consider. Loadbearing brickwork or high walls would require specific characteristics to ensure stability and the required strength.

Some materials may also be vulnerable to weathering, and the selected walling should be durable to prevent or minimise this weathering.

Maintenance: Some materials require more maintenance than others. This needs to be considered as maintenance should be done to prevent deterioration or damage to the wall.

Acoustics: This is dependent on the location. If the building is situated in a noisy area, the walls might need to have special acoustic insulating properties, to ensure a comfortable internal environment. The opposite is also true, if the noise is inside, perimeter walls should have acoustic insulation to prevent noise pollution into the surrounding neighbourhood.

Look and Feel: A specific aesthetic might be required. The type of wall selected will have a direct effect on the aesthetic appearance of the building and should be considered to achieve the desired effect.

Sustainability: Consideration should be given to the sustainability of the walling material. This should include all the various assessment criteria involved in determining the sustainability of the material. Questions like; is the product resource efficient?; does the product, or the manufacture thereof, cause more pollution than other products?; does the product contain VOCs?, etc.

The above list is not comprehensive as there might be other points to consider, but the above should form the basis for a decision on walling type. The walling type will have further effects on the foundation and roof structure.

With all the options becoming available in South Africa, the choice will become more and more difficult.

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Flexible Stainless walling and ceiling Solutions

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Windows & Doors Dryden Doors.................................................................................................80 RL Woodworks..............................................................................................84 We Fix It Frameless Glass..........................................................................81

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DRYDEN

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We offer a tailor made system to your specific needs, using a European product of an advanced design and excellent quality.

We Fix It maintains high standards during the installation process and offers a two year warranty on the system and a lifetime warranty on the glass.

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EDITORIAL

Why timber windows should be the best With the publication and implementation of SANS 10400 Part XA, window type has become a critical issue with regard to ensuring compliance with the National Building Regulations. Sustainability, however, causes several more complications when considering window types for a project.

Energy Efficiency has now become part of our daily lives. Compact Fluorescent light bulbs, solar geysers, and other electrical equipment, promote themselves as energy efficient, saving money. SANS 10400 Part XA is the latest addition to this discussion. It requires that buildings meet certain energy efficiency standards in order to comply with the National Building Regulations. The biggest part of this is the effect windows have on a building’s energy efficiency.

Part XA states that, if the window area exceeds 15% of the net floor area of the building, on a per floor basis, it needs to comply with the heat conductance and heat transmission requirements as published in the document. It further requires that all the windows must have an air leakage that meets the requirements of SANS 613.

The document includes worst case, whole glazing element performance values, including steel, aluminium, timber and uPVC framed windows. The table below is an extract from SANS 10400 Part XA reflecting these values.

AAAMSA has performed tests based on all 3 criteria and the results held no surprises.

Steel framed windows failed to meet the requirements of all 3 stipulations. Timber windows failed to meet the air leakage requirements, as did uPVC. Aluminium windows met all three requirements. It is generally accepted that the uPVC windows will meet the leakage requirements, but that a badly assembled unit was used for the tests. Timber windows did the best in the conductance and transmittance tests, but as the test sample did not have seals, it failed leakage. (1) A further framing material, not locally available yet, and not considered here, is fibre glass frames.

Swartland now produces timber frame windows with rubber seals to meet the air leakage requirements.

This effectively means that all three window types, aluminium, uPVC and timber framed windows meet

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EDITORIAL the requirements of the regulations. Ensure that whoever supplies the windows provides the relevant certification, confirming their compliance with the requirements.

This is where the energy efficiency of windows ends, and the three window frames that meet the mentioned requirements will be considered further.

When considering sustainability, various other factors must be taken into consideration; fossil fuel consumption, weighted resource use, Global Warming Potential, Acidification potential, water use, Human Health Respiratory Effects Potential, Eutrophication Potential, Ozone Depletion Potential and Smog Potential. All these criteria must be considered during the manufacturing process, use and disposal. Further considerations are, life expectancy, costs and disposal.

In “Life cycle of window materials - A comparative assessment” by Asif, Davidson and Muneer, the above points were considered for the three types of windows, including aluminium clad, timber frames, that are not well known locally. They concluded the following: Environmental impact: Aluminium is worst, uPVC is second and Timber is best.

Embodied Energy: Aluminium is highest, uPVC is second and Timber is lowest.

Maintenance: All three wear under certain circumstances; uPVC, due to UV exposure; Timber, if not treated regularly and; Aluminium, if exposed to corrosive conditions.

Costs: Capital costs – not considered due to there being too many variables.

Maintenance costs – Timber is most expensive, uPVC second and Aluminium least expensive.

Operational costs – Aluminium is most expensive, uPVC second and Timber least expensive Life Span: uPVC – 25 years, Timber and Aluminium 40 years.

Considering all the above criteria, timber windows are the better choice when choosing a window frame type, but they need to have seals to prevent air leakage. They comply with the energy efficiency requirements, are sustainable, and are least expensive based on lifespan costs and, if maintained, lasts jointly longest.

References: (1) Hans Schefferlie, Executive Director of The AAAMSA Group, during presentation to the Gauteng Chapter of SAIAT. (2) bse.sagepub.com/content/26/1/71.abstract (3) continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=20&C=270&P=4 (4) www.cibse.org/pdfs/Masif.pdf (5) www.efficientwindows.org (6) www.greendesignetc.net/GreenProducts_10/GreenProducts_Karen_Cronin_Paper.pdf (7) www.informedesign.org/_news/mar_v05r-p.pdf

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Ceilings & Partitions AG Ismail CC.......................................................................................................88 Isofoam.......................................................................................................... 86,87

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53 Hans Street c/r Main Street, Jeppestown Johnannesburg, 2094 PO Box 15956, Doornfontein, 2028 South Africa

10/26/11 10:18:02 PM

Home Automation Civic Automation................................................................................... 90,91 E-Home Automation....................................................................................94

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ADVERTORIAL

Home Automation Rob van Winsen Home Automation can be linked to both power and water saving in the home. Using this technology, home owners are not only able to create smart homes, but homes that are considerate to the environment. Automation allows the customer to switch lights on and off by means of occupancy sensors, thereby never leaving lights on when nobody is in a room. Also, by using sensors or timers, you are able to control any electrical item eg. geysers, air-conditioners, under floor heaters etc. only need to be switched on when required. Home Automation is a programmable system, so when you switch on lights you can control the brightness. For example, if the lights in your lounge/ entertainment area are dimmed, you will save a portion of electricity, as your lights are not burning at full intensity. Another benefit of this is that you also create an ambience in the area in which the lights are being dimmed. In terms of technology, Home Automation is on the forefront of energy saving technologies in South Africa. The technology is constantly evolving and is able to control all the latest LED lighting technologies and all energy saving devises.

Be sure to have the system designed before the house is built. Use an industry expert to do this design.

All good installers have the ability to work off your architect’s plans, using AutoCAD, thereby making the issuing of plans to the builder easy. It also ensures that all parties on a building project are using the same revision of plans.

Technology has allowed the merge of home automation devices into one, single controlled system ie. iPhone, iPad and Android can control entire home automation, lighting, security etc. Having the home automated ads to the value, as well as giving the home owner a system that is modern in approach. It is also a lifestyle change that adds an electronic housekeeper to the mix. All good automation systems are customised to the owner’s needs. Every family has a different lifestyle, and with a good installer, the system can be totally customised to one’s needs.

Automation is not only for the new house, but can also be added to an existing home, using the latest wireless technologies. Conversion of a standard wired home is relatively simple. It is very important that all lighting circuits are surveyed and the current measured, to ensure that the correct components are specified for the home. It is also crucial that the wireless system signal is properly designed to take into account the size of the property, thickness of walls and floor slabs. A bad wireless signal will cause untold problems in trying to operate the systems properly.

Civic Automation Systems is the largest automation provider in the country and supplies systems from Schneider Electric (C-Bus) Control4, Rako, Comfort, Paradox, to name a few, to achieve the highest levels of automation in the home, as well as in commercial buildings.

Tel: 011 907 2878 / 0861 100 215 Email: info@civic.co.za Web: www.civic.co.za

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EDITORIAL

Automation

Rethabile Mokgari

Building Automation refers to a centralised system, used to integrate and, through this, centrally monitor and control mechanical and lighting systems within a building.

Technology has found a solution to society’s day to day mismanagement and waste of large amounts of energy in buildings; that being the introduction of a new integrated system, aimed at maximising energy efficiency in the operation of buildings in the modern environment. Energy in South Africa is generated mainly by coal power stations, which involves the burning of coal, and the consumption of large quantities of water (used for producing steam to power generators) , resulting in vast negative implications on the ecosystem at large. Considering the recent national crisis of energy shortages, along with the increasing cost, and demand from a growing population, this advancement has given way to opportunities for occupants to gain better control and management over their energy consumption; this, moreover, benefits their comfort.

Building Automation refers to a centralised system, used to integrate and, through this, centrally monitor and control mechanical and lighting systems within a building. Its primary role is to ensure that systems and devices under its control are used only when needed, thus increasing their longevity, as well as reducing maintenance. Like other centralised systems such as HVAC, buildings are typically outfitted for Building Automation Systems (BAS), taking advantage of initial spatial consideration in ducts, storage rooms and other service zones. Alternatively, wireless connections are used in the installation of BASs, reducing the amount of wiring required by communicating through radio, infrared, or existing wiring. This type of connection is also typically used for installation in pre-existing buildings.

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EDITORIAL Control units (monitors) come in various types and sizes, depending on the building function and scale, ranging from computers to TV screens and even (certain) smart phones. These monitors create an inputoutput interaction between the consumer and the management systems; in simpler terms, they allow the consumer to read and receive data (output) from the systems connected, as well as to control and adjust them (input) according to his/her comfort. Output capabilities of BASs can be programmed to alert the consumer of a variety of problems and complications within the systems. Situations that can trigger the alarm can range from mechanical and maintenance problems (e.g. mechanical failures, open/closed valves in valve actuators, leaks within systems), to security (break-ins, fire detectors, unlocked doors), as well as occupancy detection (light sensors, security motion sensors). Alerts can be announced through audible alarm, sms, or even email.

Energy efficiency Lighting and HVAC play an important role in creating, as well as maintaining comfortable and workable internal environments within buildings – and both use up a considerable amount of energy.

Occupancy, one of the operating modes in a BAS, aims specifically to maintain comfortable internal environments through the control of lighting and HVAC systems on a time (specifically day) and zone basis.

In terms of heating and cooling, the zoning allows for area-specific programming of internal temperature levels. This variation is achieved through providing each of the different zones with their own sub-system (e.g. thermostat), transferring feedback to the controller which, in turn, provides ventilation at levels required by the different zones.

Lights can be automatically switched on and off through different lighting control devices such as occupancy sensors, photo sensors and timers. These can be used to programme lights, based on a time and date range, saving hours of wasted energy in unneeded lighting within and around buildings. Studies have shown that lighting consumes the greatest percentage of the energy going into commercial buildings (accounting for as much as 30% to 40%), most of which is wasted in unoccupied rooms and spaces. Dimmers can also be used to control brightness and ambience, according to occasion or personal comfort.

Other benefits of a BAS Other systems managed and controlled in BASs include geysers and sprinkler and alarm systems – to name a few.

Geyser and sprinkler systems can be programmed to supply and source out water on a daily, weekly or monthly schedule. Security systems, on the other hand, can provide the convenience of a more developed notification structure, where the home owner or building manager can receive immediate notification, within the building or away, in case of emergencies such as burglaries or even fire hazards.

REFERENCES: www.control4.co.za www.greenfan.co.za http://www.travelhouseuk.co.uk/travelGallery/index.php/Africa/south-africa/johannesburg-night-view

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Electrical, Lighting & Air Conditioning Crystal Gallery........................................................................................... 104 Future Light.................................................................................................. 102 GBT Grand Solar.................................................................................... 98,99 Radiant Lighting....................................................................................... 104 Solent Trading..............................................................................................96

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EDITORIAL

Alternative Energy Sources: Wind Free electricity! That is an idea we would all go for. Wind is everywhere, why are we not harnessing it then? It is free!

Wind power is making a comeback. It seems that every time we have an energy crisis, wind power makes a comeback. Notably, during the 1970s, when America went through the oil embargo, everybody was looking towards alternative energy sources and wind seemed to be just that.

With a history of several thousand years, harnessing wind power has a history like no other energy source.

Records indicate that wind power was used to propel sailboats more than 5000 years ago. Records of windmills pumping water date back to 200 BC, in China. In 700 AD windmills were used to mill grain in Pakistan and India.

This application spread throughout the world, with wind becoming a source of energy everywhere. With the advent of industrialisation, the popularity of wind power started to decline. Fossil fuels became a new source of energy, which was supplied to rural areas at an affordable price. Diesel engines replaced windmills for milling grain and pumping water.

Industrialisation, however, also led to the development of more advanced wind turbines in certain areas, as the benefits of wind power was recognised by some.

As mentioned earlier, the oil crisis in the 70s created an increasing interest in wind generated energy. But, it was short lived as the oil crisis reached an end. It brought about the benefit of more development taking place during this time, and wind power became a serious consideration as an alternative to fossil fuel sources.

The drive for sustainable design and energy sources is at the forefront of discussions at the moment. Wind power has become one of the fastest growing industries and power sources worldwide with several “wind farms� appearing all over the world.

Wind power, generated by wind turbines in these farms has very few disadvantages. These are; the noise, made by the blades when cutting through the wind; unsightliness due to location; the death of birds and bats that fly into the blades; sporadic and irregular wind sources; and capital cost. The first four can be

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EDITORIAL addressed through proper site selection for the installation. The latter, capital cost, is more difficult to address. Even though the costs involved have dropped significantly over the last decade or so, it remains substantially higher than the most common energy sources today. As demand increases, so the cost will continue to decrease.

When the life cycle costs are taken into consideration, with wind turbines, requiring no fuel and very little maintenance, the cost balances out and it is almost the same for both energy sources.

The benefits of wind turbines are numerous. The cost of producing energy is effectively free. It does not generate any pollutants. If sited correctly, could contribute to the aesthetics of the project and generate power consistently.

Wind turbine types are classified in two basic types, horizontal-axis and vertical-axis. The horizontalaxis type is like the standard windmill, while the vertical-axis type is more like an upside down eggbeater.

Wind turbines generate power in a similar way to a bicycle dynamo. The wind turns the blades, which turns a generator, which generates electricity that is fed into a network. A wide variety of wind turbines have been erected in various applications, but have been free standing turbines, either as a single installation or as part of a wind farm.

One application that is drawing a large amount of interest, and holds a large amount of potential, is incorporating a turbine as part of a building.

Several smaller installations have been made, and can be made in South Africa as well.

Systems such as Vertical Green Energy’s VAWT system, or Kestrel wind turbines are available on the local market.

Larger installations are also seen worldwide. One of the buildings that received credit for their sustainable initiatives is Council House 2, in Melbourne, Australia. Four vertical wind turbines were installed on the roof to contribute to the energy requirements of the building.

The best known building is probably the Bahrain World Trade Centre, with three enormous rotors, suspended between the two wings of the building. What makes the building so noteworthy is the way the building tunnels the wind to the turbines through its ingenious design.

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EDITORIAL

The options available are as many as there are design options for designers. This can be as part of the building envelope, freestanding, on the roof, in the building, vertical-axis, horizontal-axis, rotors, blades, on land, on the sea, single installation, or a group, or even a wind farm, and all the various combinations made possible by these.

As a final point, and some food for thought, wind power is actually a solar power source of sorts. Wind is caused by heating and cooling of the earth and air, so effectively, the sun is the source of energy, even if you consider it to be wind power. In our next issue we will focus on exactly that, solar power.

References: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power windeis.anl.gov/guide/index.cfm www.eere.energy.gov www.kestrelwind.co.za www.verticalgreenenergy.co.za

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FUTURE LIGHT

The Future of Light is LED

E: info@futurelight.co.za T: CPT: 021 801 6319 JHB: 071 620 0554 W: shop.futurelight.co.za

Future Light supplies a wide range of Energy Efficient LED Lighting.

Our range of products caters for both commercial and domestic applications and includes a wide variety of South African manufactured LED lights including LED down lights, LED Tubes, LED Strip Lights, LED Security Lighting, Solar LED Lights and more.

LED Advantages: 50,000 Hour Lifespans – Reduced Maintenance· Up to 90% More Efficient – Reduced Running Costs· Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly

Contact us today for all your LED Lighting requirements.

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EDITORIAL

Radiant cooling

Warren Gray

In the quest to lower building energy use, the HVAC system is an obvious target, given that it represents a large portion of commercial building energy use.

Once the specification of efficient HVAC equipment has reached diminishing returns, a paradigm shift needs to be engaged to unlock further energy saving potential.

There are two broad ways of doing this. One would be to change the thinking around the heat rejection side of the system, and the other would be to look at how cooling is delivered to the occupants in the space.

Radiant cooling is one such leap in thinking. It presents some inherent gains over the business-as-usual ducted-air approach with which we are all familiar.

The reason that radiant cooling can reach efficiencies that are not possible with ducted air is threefold.

Firstly, it requires significantly less energy to pump water than it does to duct air to deliver the equivalent amount of cooling to occupants. Secondly, radiant heat exchange accounts for almost half of the mode in which the human body regulates its temperature. Convection (addressed by ducted air) only accounts for about one quarter. The remaining quarter can be attributed largely to exhalation. Lastly, radiant systems tend to deliver cooling more consistently throughout the day, allowing the plant to operate as closely as possible to its most efficient point.

Radiant cooling can either be applied through radiant cooling elements, which are essentially like radiant heaters, which have cold water running through them instead of cold air, or through cold water pipes running through floor slabs. The former would be known as chilled beams or chilled ceilings, and the latter goes by the aliases of concrete core tempering, or thermally active surfaces.

The benefits extend beyond energy savings. If properly designed, radiant systems can provide better indoor environmental quality because they allow the fresh air system to be decoupled from the cooling system.

Radiant cooling is also perceived to provide better thermal comfort for most people.

The implementation of radiant cooling is not without its challenges. The approach works best when floor and ceiling slabs are exposed, which requires creative ways of dealing with acoustics; condensation on chilled surfaces means that humidity needs to be controlled; and more advanced building management is required to control the delivery of cooling throughout the days in different seasons.

There are already a number of radiant cooling systems in operation in South Africa, and the percentage that they represent in the market is only set to increase with energy price uncertainty, and the greater rate of adoption of green buildings.

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Blinds, Shutters & Awnings

Cape Patio Blinds........................................................................................ 106 Southern Right.......................................................................................... 108 Vrede Textiles................................................................................................ 107

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CAPE PATIO BLINDS Relief from the SUN WIND and RAIN

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

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

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We supply and install blinds and shutters for the domestic, industrial and commercial markets.

Blinds: Aluminium venetians, wood venetians, vertical blinds, block-out rollers, solar film rollers, patio rollers, romans and bamboo. Service and repair all blinds.

Shutters: Aluminium security shutters, Plantation wood and PVC shutters.

Contact us: Cape Town: Tel: 021-702 4887 Email: info@srblinds.co.za Gauteng: Tel: 021- 452 9363 Email: Sharon@srblinds.co.za Website: www.srblinds.co.za

Fireplaces & Braais Eurafrican..................................................................................................... 110 Fire & Gas Lifestyle..................................................................................... 111 Global Pact Distributors (Pty) Ltd.............................................. 112 Real Fires........................................................................................................... 112

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GLOBAL PACT DISTRIBUTORS (PTY) LTD Tel: 0861 407 007 or 021 424 9091 Website: www.globalpact.co.za or www.falconsouthafrica.com Email: info@globalpact.co.za

REAL FIRES

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WE SPECIALISE IN GAS & SOLD FUEL FIREPLACES & BRAAIS, VENTILATION, EVAPORATIVE COOLING, AIRCONDITIONING, CENTRAL VACUUM CLEANING & EXPANDA GATES, WATERPROOFING AND WOOD DELIVERIES, ALSO WATERPROOFING FOR FIREPLACES AND BRAAIS

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING REQUIREMENTS: GARAGES, EXTRA BEDROOMS, BATHROOMS, JACUZZIS & LAPAS CONTACT REAL FIRES WALKERVILLE Tel: 011 949 8900/2/3 Cell: 082 373 4941 112.indd 1 112_RealFires_hh.indd 1

Fax: 011 949 8901 realямБres@telkomsa.net www.coolingandheating.co.za 10/26/11 5:07:31 PM 10/26/11 2:27:12 PM

Kitchens & Accessories Martin Meyer Kitchens........................................................................... 114 M&R Quality Kitchens............................................................................. 117 Stonetech....................................................................................................... 115

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EDITORIAL

Everything you need to know before starting a kitchen renovation

Stephanie Forbes

The majority of problems we see at the KSA (Kitchen Specialists Association) can often be traced back to clients not being fully informed about what the process of installing a new kitchen involves. All too often clients have misconceptions about the cost, timeline, preparations and payment.

Before you even start talking to kitchen companies, you need to have a good understanding of what you want and how much you are prepared to pay. Start by doing your homework as to what aesthetics you like and what would work with the rest of your home. There are a multitude of finishes out there, and you need to have an idea of whether you are looking for modern, clean lines, country or traditional styling. Assemble a few pictures from magazines to give the kitchen company some insight into your tastes and style.

The next step is to set a budget. Most people underestimate just how much a new kitchen costs. Bear in mind that it is recommended that 1/3 of the value of your home is invested in the kitchen and bathrooms. It is important to ensure your budget is realistic. The larger the kitchen, the more it will cost. If you want to work with timber, granite, solid surfacing or engineered stone, the cost will be higher than if you are looking at working with wrap, melamine and Formica.

The next step is to look at the basics that already exist in your kitchen, and whether or not they need changing. When installing a new kitchen, it is also a good time to look at upgrading your appliances, plumbing, electrics and lighting. If your appliances need an upgrade, have an idea of what you want before approaching a kitchen company, and have the necessary specifications of size and installation for them.

When looking to appoint a kitchen company, we suggest you talk to three reputable companies. Look to protect yourself by ensuring the company you appoint is listed with an industry association like the KSA. This will mean that the necessary background checks have been done on the company and that, should anything go wrong, you have recourse through the industry association.

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EDITORIAL Ensure you give the kitchen company an idea of your budget and the aesthetics you are looking for. Most people are reluctant to give a budget for fear of the kitchen company fitting their quote to the budget. Without an idea of what you are prepared to spend, the kitchen company can’t see if your budget will cover the style of kitchen you want. What they can do once they have your budget is to achieve the look you want with materials that will fit your budget. It can be a good idea to ask the company to do two quotes, one using the whole budget with all the bells and whistles and another, more conservative version, coming in under budget. This way you can pick and choose those special extras you like from the expensive quote, add then to the conservative quote, and end up with a happy medium.

Allow each kitchen company to do their own measurements and design. Don’t take one design from company to company. Each company will have their own interpretation of your needs, your space, and your budget. With three different options you will be able to choose the company that has best understood you and your space. Most kitchen companies will charge you a fee for their drawings. This is usually refundable if you sign with them. It is standard in the kitchen industry to have a payment structure of 50% deposit, due on signing of the contract, 40% on delivery of the carcasses to site, and the final 10% on completion.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the old kitchen is removed before the kitchen company comes to site.

Before your new installation begins, you should ensure all structural, plumbing and electrical changes have been made. If gas or water lines need to be laid under the floor to reach an island unit, this should also have been done.

A kitchen installation does not happen overnight and, if you are having granite, timber, engineered stone or solid surface tops, you should allow four weeks on the time line, from the carcasses being delivered to site.

It is important to note that, should you, as the client, delay installation, or make changes once the kitchen company is on site, this will add to the four week time line, as well as to the cost.

In conclusion, protect yourself, and your investment, by working with an association registered company, and have realistic expectations of cost and timeline.

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Timber & Decking Merensky.......................................................................................................... 121 Swissline Design.......................................................................................... 120 Timbermax........................................................................................................ 122

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T I M B E R supply

R O O F

T R U S S E S

• manufacture • install

EXPOSED ROOF TRUSSES supply manufacture & install

MERCHANT spruce (pinaceae) construction timber (kvh) spruce ceiling boards (t&g) larch timber

TIMBER FRAME HOUSES co nstr uctio n of timber fr ame ho uses in so uth afr ica

STAIRWAYS & BALUSTRADES timber & glass

FLOORING & DECKING solid wood flooring and decking installations and supply including pergola’s

contact: tel: 021 932 3342 fax:

021 932 0539

info@swisslinedesign.co.za

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Marble & Granite Caesarstone.................................................................................................. 125 Rudi’s Choice................................................................................................. 124 Samsung Radianz Quartz Surface................................................ 127

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www.caesarstone.co.za

+27 (0)83 608 5810

Quartz is more than beautiful. It is also one of nature’s strongest minerals. We get creative with our quartz developing surfaces that offer you design freedom with almost unlimited application possibilities.

So go on, design your dream with Caesarstone.

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Ivory 2220

EDITORIAL

Environmentally prudent natural stone?

Rethabile Mokgari

Natural Stone has been used, for centuries, as an aesthetic feature in buildings worldwide, for applications such as floor finishing and cladding.

With studies ranging from widespread urban development, to the more detailed design finishes, sustainability in the built environment is becoming more widely applied than ever before. Internal and external finishes, more specifically, are now being examined and evaluated, to assess how they rate in their contribution or set back to sustainability.

Natural stone has been used, for centuries, as an aesthetic feature in buildings worldwide, within applications such as floor finishing and cladding. A natural resource extracted from the earth, it is a non-toxic and highly durable material with a lifetime of up to 100 years. This, together with other attributes, including low maintenance and recyclability, make it one of the most sustainable finishing materials in the building industry.

Toxicity and maintenance Most manufactured materials typically generate dust, allergens and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which can be toxic to occupants, as well as contribute to pollution of the atmosphere in external applications. With flooring materials, most of the VOC emissions come from products such as adhesives (carpeting) and chemical finishes (polyurethane for timber flooring), which are used for installation, maintenance and refurbishment.

Natural Stone generally does not contain VOCs and is typically installed with mortar, grout, or mechanical connections which do not have much effect on air quality. Stone sealants (used as protection against stains and scratches), on the other hand, contain quite a substantial amount of VOCs; however, low-VOC alternatives are available on the market. As for maintenance, cleaning is as basic as a simple solution of gentle, non-acidic soap and water, with a bit of abrasion for a glossy finish.

Recyclability Studies have shown that deconstruction, as opposed to demolition, is a far more sustainable option as it allows for salvaging of materials which can be reused or resold. This, in turn, reduces the amount of

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EDITORIAL waste ending in landfill, and the cost for its removal. Unless classified as antique, salvaged natural stone is generally less expensive than virgin stone. Reuse of reclaimed natural stone reduces and limits the amount of extracted natural stone. In doing so, it reduces the amount of energy used, as well as the costs that go into the process. It further reduces the overall environmental impact.

Due to its flexible range of applications, Natural Stone can almost always be reused, whether crushed, fragmented or whole. In terms of reuse in cladding and flooring, it depends mostly on its design for deconstruction. Making use of mechanical connections which, unlike mortar fixing, allows for easier disassembling and removal.

Applications Whole slabs & tiles, after structural testing, can be reused as cladding and masonry in new buildings, or paving tiles in the case of non-structural applications. On the other hand, if classified as neither suitable for structural or finishing material, it can be used in construction of gabion retaining walls. Stone fragments can be used for mosaics in walkways (flat) or for defining certain areas and features in a landscape design such as flower beds or pathways (cobbles).

Smaller pieces can be added to gravel fill or aggregate for concrete. Moreover, in powder form, it can be added as an ingredient to fertilizers, supplementing them with minerals such as magnesium and calcium The following table is a comparative analysis on Granite and Marble, done by Genuine Stone: Granite

Marble

Indoor air quality

Contains no VOCs although they are highly present in installation materials (adhesives) and sealants for protection

Contains no VOCs although they are highly present in installation materials (adhesives) and sealants for protection

Formation

Igneous rock formed during cooling of magma below earth surface

Formed from Limestone subjected to intense heat pressure and chemical solutions

Building applications

Cladding (internal or external), landscaping, paving, flooring, moulding and statuary

Cladding (internal or external), landscaping, flooring and moulding

Durability

Countertops - Lifetime Flooring - 100 years with adequate maintenance External app. - Lifetime

Countertops - Lifetime Flooring - 100 years with adequate maintenance External app. - Lifetime

Recycled applications

Concrete mixtures, landscaping, retaining walls, walkways, reuse on new buildings, statuary

Landscaping, retaining walls, walkways, reuse on new buildings, statuary

References: http://www.buildingstoneinstitute.org/sustainability.html http://www.sky-marble.com/green.asp http://www.bajaonyxmarble.com/recycled_marble.html http://www.gardenmolds.com/abouttheartist.html http://www.asparagusinteriors.com/2010/07/20/leftovers-recycled-granite-and-marble-tiles-pavers-backsplashes/

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Bathrooms & Accessories

Handles Inc................................................................................................... 131 Shower Haus................................................................................................. 133 Shower Planet............................................................................................ 134 Wirquin............................................................................................................ 130

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EDITORIAL

Concealed cisterns in disabled bathrooms Concealed cisterns have led to much sleeker bathrooms in buildings but, as far as disabled persons are concerned, they have caused some problems.

A well designed building addresses the needs of all its occupants. This should include the disabled. To this effect, Part S of SANS 10400 has laid down some ground rules. With the introduction of concealed cisterns, such as those supplied by Geberit, Cobra and Grohe, to name a few, the bathroom, as we know, has changed. Clean lines, flat walls and wall hung WC pans are now the trend.

Even though aesthetically pleasing to the eye, these wall hung WC pans make things extremely difficult for disabled persons, especially those who are wheelchair bound. Part S increased the minimum size of the disabled toilet cubicle to 1.8m by 1.8m. This allows for easier wheelchair manoeuvrability within the room. It also included guidance on the installation of concealed cisterns and wall hung WC pans. The requirement remains that the front edge of the WC pan must be 690mm from the back wall.

This requires that a nib, housing the cistern, be built behind the WC pan. This requirement did not just make it into the regulations. It is based on the space required, next to the WC pan, to allow a wheelchair user to position the wheelchair in a suitable position next to the WC to enable easier transfer to the WC. If the nib is left out, the task becomes exponentially more difficult, due to the increased offset that needs to be accommodated between the wheelchair and the WC pan.

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TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY

Custom-made Showers, Saunas and Steamrooms Cape Town 021 511 0833 52 Marine Drive, Paarden Eiland Johannesburg 011 794 5184 e-mail: sales@showerh.co.za www.originalshowerhaus.co.za

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Paint & Decorative Coatings B-Earth............................................................................................................... 136 Cotect Industrial Paints.............................................................138,139

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Durable & sustainable paints & coatings that are tested by internationally acclaimed laboratories, and in the harsh South African climate * PROVED AS: Low VOC / HAP’s Nearly odourless Breathing membranes Waterproofing qualities Colourfast and Flexible Resistant to diverse weather Highly penetrating membranes Hardwearing and able to scrub

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EDITORIAL

Colour use in Architecture

Nonhlanhla Mashego

… the use of colour can create aesthetically pleasing and spatially sound buildings.

Colour is an important tool in design. There are various aspects that a designer can apply to the design in order to achieve occupant comfort, which is one of the defining principles of sustainable architecture. Space design can be tackled with colour psychology, through the plain use of colour itself. Passive solar design is a further sustainable design principle where colour plays a role.

Occupant Comfort: The colour schemes used in interiors affect the mood of the occupants, they give character and ‘atmosphere’ to a space. There is no empirical evidence to support the theories on the use of colour in architecture and the effects that it has on task performance, work productivity, and human psychology. According to an experiment conducted by NASA several years ago, and cited in a paper by Nancy Kwallek, Professor and Director of Interior Design in the School of Architecture at the University of Texas, titled “Colour in Office Environments”, the use of colour and colour schemes does not have any impact on the productivity of

KfW Office Model, Frankfurt, Sauerbruch Hutton, www.eikongraphia.com

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EDITORIAL

KfW Office, Frankfurt Jan Bitter, www.miesarch.com

people in office environments. It proved, however, that colour does affect the mood. Even so, the effects of colour on the moods of occupants are dependant on the individual. Her solution for trying to achieve human comfort, and trying to please everyone with the internal environment, is a ‘one-size-fits-all intervention’ that not only tackles colour as an element of design, but also involves other aspects and technologies pertaining to internal environments.

The use of colour in design cannot be explored in isolation as, without light, there can be no colour. You cannot look at buildings or spacial design using colour, without looking at light and how it affects the space.

How light and colour shape a space and the effects of these on the occupants is, again, occupant specific.

A further issue that should be explored, as mentioned by Maria L. F. De Mattieloe in her paper; “Colour and light in architecture”, is what happens to the way a colour, or a certain colour scheme, has shaped a space “when natural light becomes artificial light?” This will largely be affected by the Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of the artificial lights utilised.

Sauerbach and Hutton Architects are famous for colour sustainability, among many other aspects of building, they believe that colour is, and defines, space. They believe in the use of colour to create aesthetically pleasing and spatially sound buildings in order to create a sense of heritage, and therefore inspiring the community and occupants to look after the building. An example of such a building is the KfW Office in Frankfurt.

Passive Solar Design: Passive Solar is defined as the use of the sun’s energy for heating and cooling of a habitable space. Passive Solar Design Systems that make use of colour are all linked with Heat Gain. In direct heat gain, where the elements of the building absorbs heat and store it, it is recommended that medium dark colours are used for masonry floors, while light colours should be used for lightweight walls.

For thermal mass walls facing the sun, dark colours must be used to ensure maximum absorption of the sun’s heat and energy. These elements of passive solar design store the sun’s heat and energy, which are later radiated into the various spaces, saving on energy usage for heating.

Using light coloured roofs contributes to the reduction of the Heat Island Affect, while decreasing the energy requirements for cooling within the building itself.

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Security & Fencing Firespec Systems........................................................................................... 143 Robo Door..................................................................................................... 142 Securitronics Safety Solutions..................................................... 144

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Bobby Hayes 082 888 1919

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Furniture Patio Warehouse........................................................................................ 146 SA Wallbeds.................................................................................................... 148

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EDITORIAL

Sustainable Furniture:

Rethabile Mokgari

Sustainable building construction, sustainable living...from the building materials used, to the type of paint on the walls, and even the selection and control of appliances and fittings. You’ve heard it all, but what about that final, personal touch that breathes life into the building, that gives it character?

Furniture is, undoubtedly, an important factor which, not only helps to define a space, but also affects both the physical and psychological comfort of the occupant. In terms of aesthetics and quality, designers and manufacturers, worldwide, have managed to keep up with modern society’s need and demand; however, this has been at the expense of the environment. The manufacture of furniture consumes quite a considerable amount of the earth’s resources, contributing largely to unsustainable and environmentally destructive processes, such as deforestation, energy depletion and the Green House Effect.

These environmental impacts are mainly a result of the manufacturing processes which, in this case, also includes the extraction and transportation of the materials (wood, metals, etc). Furthermore, chemicals in adhesives, paints and finishes used on furniture (known to contain high levels of VOCs - Volatile Chemical Compounds), as well as formaldehyde, found in pressed woods, have a negative impact on the indoor air quality, thus also affecting occupant health. Green furniture design proposes an approach that focuses on using materials that are renewable, as well as reused, with fewer chemical applications, in both the furniture construction, and finishing.

This approach will push the creative boundaries of designers, encouraging more extensive thought and consideration around the selection of materials, and the assemby of a design. Play your part as well, by ensuring that the furniture you buy is not only local but also has some certification that proves its sustainability (e.g. The Forest Stewardship Council - timber; Greenguard - low emission products and materials for indoor use).

Resources: http://webecoist.com/2009/01/13/creative-strange-sustainable-furniture-design/ -bottle chair http://www.furnicraft.info/green-furniture-for-your-garden/green-furniture-4/ - grass chair http://www.goinggreenbenefits.com/getting-eco-friendly-furniture/ - grass chair-classic and article

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Construction & Contractors BASF....................................................................................................................... 154 Troniscape (Pty) Ltd................................................................................ 150 Witch Rooms................................................................................................ 152

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Entertainment enovations Renovations Building

Tel 082 844 1495 Fax 086 577 0091 www.zamorisa.co.za

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EDITORIAL

Social Sustainability

Nonhlanhla Mashego

“Green Design is not only about energy efficiency, and it is not a purely technical matter. Instead, it involves a whole nexus of interrelated issues, the social, cultural, psychological and economic dimensions.” The Architectural League of New York, retrieved from the New York Times.

It seems that sustainable and green design is leaning far too much into the physical design of things, but, if the purpose of all the talk and interventions is to preserve the earth for future generations, and to ensure that present day generations are living comfortably and harmoniously on earth, then one cannot look at the issue of sustainability without looking at the people, and the development of our communities.

Environmental and Social sustainability go hand in hand. One cannot, and must not, look at either in isolation. It is all about making sure that everyone‘s need for food, shelter, education, work, and the like, are met; a sort of utopian equal distribution of the benefits of development and progression among the entire human race. Social sustainability is geared towards constantly improving and maintaining the physical, mental and the social well-being of the population, and, for the future populations.

Trevor Hancock, founding member of the Canadian Green Party, makes a point when he says that, through urban planning and development, we can work on the infrastructure and get it to a point where it is environmentally sustainable and does not have adverse effects on the ecology, but this will not guarantee that communities will be living sustainable lifestyles.

On the architecture side of things, traditional building practices have mostly ignored the links between site, building, context, building components, and occupants. Now, some architects believe that the site, the conditions, and the people that will be using the building, are the biggest informants in the building design.

Let’s take a step further and ask ourselves; “Where do our materials come from?”, “How are we creating jobs?”, “How are we enriching and educating the surrounding communities?”, “As a professional, what legacy of sustainability am I extending to society?”.

The Hibiscus Coast Municipality is starting to marry environmental sustainability and social sustainability, through their food-for-waste programme. The community is involved in the collection of waste, which gets dropped off at a collection point where it is collected by a recycling contractor. In exchange, the people involved get food parcels. This is a small step in the social sustainability direction and there is much more that can, and should, be done.

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advertorial

Quality is the NHBRC’S priority The National Home Builders Registration Council’s (NHBRC) mandate is guided by the Housing Consumers Measures Act, 1998 (Act No. 95 of 1988) (as amended), whose objectives, inter alia, are to regulate the home building industry, provide protection to housing consumers in respect of the failure of home builders to comply with their obligations in terms of the Act, to provide warranty cover against defined structural defects in new homes, to establish and promote ethical, quality and technical standards in the home building industry and, in so doing, protect the interests of housing consumers.

Home builders need to be registered In terms of the Act, any person in the business of building homes must register with the NHBRC. Registration with the NHBRC provides a licence and a right to build homes. To qualify as a registered NHBRC home builder, applicants are assessed on their technical, construction, management and financial capability.

By law, all new home builds have to be registered with the NHBRC, irrespective of the value of the planned house development. This ensures that the home build has warranty cover against defined defects, and that, through the comprehensive NHBRC inspection process, the construction is structurally sound and meets NHBRC technical standards.

In instances where builders do not meet their obligations (as stipulated by the Act), and where poor workmanship has been uncovered, the NHBRC has a complaint and remedial procedure to resolve such cases.

Home consumer protection The NHBRC may suspend a home builder’s registration and/or right to enrol homes where it has information that the builder has failed to rectify reported defects by either the consumer or the NHBRC inspector and/or where the NHBRC considers that immediate intervention is in the best interest of the home consumer.

Subsidy housing At the onset, the mandate of the NHBRC did not cover the low cost housing (subsidy) sector. Unregulated, a number of builds in this sector did not meet technical and industry standards. In some instances, the product delivered was of a substandard technical quality, inferior materials were used, and substandard building practices were employed. Currently, the majority of the houses that are to be demolished, or are undergoing major repair, were built pre 2002.

In February 2002, the Honourable Minister of Housing announced that the NHBRC Warranty Scheme will apply in the housing subsidy sector.

In the subsidy sector, the NHBRC has initiated remedial works of housing subsidy failures. The organisation enrols new housing builds, conducts geotechnical, civil and structural assessments required, inspects the builds and materials used and, through its builder training programs, empowers builders in respect of product and technical knowledge.

In partnership with the building industry Improving the lives of the South African people, through the provision of quality homes, is a collective responsibility.

The NHBRC is in continuous engagement and consultation with provincial governments to sensitise them to the risks of utilising unregistered builders. Partnerships with the private sector remain crucial to ensuring that rules and regulations are followed, and standards in the building industry are maintained.

For more information, please contact the NHBRC: 0800 200 824 (Toll free) Or the provincial or satellite office nearest to you, or www.nhbrc.org.za for more information www.mediaxpose.co.za

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Bricks & Paving Corobrik...................................................................................................156,157 DSM....................................................................................................................... 160 The Paver Connection.......................................................................... 162

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EDITORIAL

Building in brick for a more sustainable future

Clay brick is the cornerstone on which South Africa’s bondable built environment is based. Thanks to its longevity, structural strength, flexibility in design and application, natural sound proofing qualities, incombustibility and natural resistance to fire, inertness that ensures no release of VOC’s or CFC’s to impinge on the quality of the air one breathes, solidity and security – all wrapped into one neat environmentally friendly package. Added to that, the enduring natural, earthy colours and textures of clay face brick walls contribute to a more favorable economic value over a building’s life cycle.

More recently, in the context of the international focus on achieving energy efficient houses and reducing energy usage for heating and cooling, comparative empirical and thermal modelling research scientifically demonstrates why clay brick houses are more comfortable to live in, warm in winter, cool in summer and adaptable to all climatic conditions.

Passive solar design interventions involving orientation, shading and ventilation are the common sense approach for addressing operational energy reductions. The use of high thermal mass, as provided by clay brick, is fundamental, particularly in South African climates, where the primary challenge for walling materials is to moderate the external temperature amplitude to more bearable levels indoors, whilst also ensuring that the average indoor temperatures across all seasons are at an acceptable level for the average person.

Through the power of sophisticated computer modelling, based on years of empirical research data, it has been established, beyond question, that optimal walling systems should have sufficient levels of thermal capacity (C-value) as provided by the thermal mass of clay bricks and supplemented by appropriate levels of thermal resistance (R-value). Depending on the climatic zone, appropriate levels of resistance are provided by the brick itself and the air in the cavity, and in the colder climatic zones, characterized by the greater diurnal temperature swings, the incorporation of insulation materials in the cavity between the brick skins.

Thermal capacity “C”, acts like a battery in that heat energy is absorbed, stored and released at a later time. In the hot summer months the wall’s thermal “capacity” slows the transfer of heat from the outside to the inside between 6 to 8 hours, thereby delaying peak indoor temperatures to much later in the day and avoiding the “hotbox” effect associated with alternate insulated lightweight system building technologies such as LSFB and Timber Frame.

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EDITORIAL In winter, similar dynamics are present, but the focus is more on the ability to absorb heat energy in the low angled winter sun, and then to keep it inside for as long as possible, so as to minimise the need for heating energy. Internal thermal mass holds heat for longer thus providing for longer periods of thermal comfort and lessening the need for artificial heating interventions.

The holistic sustainable value that double skin clay brick walls bring to the built environment is put in context by the findings of the full Life Cycle Assessment [LCA] by Energetics of Australia that assessed the life cycle performance of five different walling systems in a Verdant house type, located in three different climatic zones and four different orientations.

THERMAL MODELLING OF A VERDANT HOUSE PLAN TOTAL ANNUAL (HVAC) HEATING AND COOLING ENERGY [kWh] Extracted from Energetics Full Life Cycle Assessment for Think Brick Australia

3 X Locations Newcastle/ Melbourne/ Brisbane

4 x Orientations Per Climatic Zone

Total/Average

Un-insulated Double Brick

Insulated Double Brick (R1.3)

Insulated Timber Frame

Insulated Timber more/ (less) HVAC Energy than Double Brick

Insulated Timber more/ (less) HVAC Energy than Double Brick Insulated R1.3

13302

12332

15574

17.08%

26.29%

Modelling used Design Builder- Energy Plus Software

The double skin, clay brick, cavity walled house, both un-insulated and insulated, provided greater thermal efficiency than the insulated lightweight walled alternate. While it is recognised that the outcomes of thermal modeling are house design floor plan specific, and a different design, or a floor plan with different window and door placements, may well lead to different results, these operational energy usage findings, in favour of double skin, clay brick walling, correlate to the findings of three South African thermal modelling studies.

Going further, and what is also significant, the findings of the LCA show that the operational energy savings provided by the clay brick walled house were so material as to offset clay bricks’ higher embodied energy values, as built to provide lower total green house gas [GHG] emissions over a 50 year lifecycle. Such findings, that are mirrored in the findings of the WSP Green by Design research, comparing LSFB with double skin clay brick houses, highlight the inappropriateness of comparing embodied energy values of building materials alone as a meaningful comparative measure of ‘greenness‘.

THERMAL MODELLING OF A VERDANT HOUSE PLAN TOTAL GREEN HOUSE GAS (kg CO2-e) EMISSIONS OVER 50 YEARS Extracted from Energetics Full Life Cycle Assessment for Think Brick Australia

3 X Locations Newcastle/ Melbourne/ Brisbane

4 x Orientations Per Climatic Zone

Total/Average

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Un-insulated Double Brick

Insulated Double Brick (R1.3)

Insulated Timber Frame

Insulated Timber more/ (less) GHG than Double Brick

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Insulated Timber more/ (less) GHG than Double Brick Insulated R1.3 26.18%

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EDITORIAL On average, the un-insulated, double skin, clay brick house incurred 16.10% less, and the insulated, double brick [R1.3] 26.18% less, carbon footprint than the Timber Frame alternate.

The Energetics full Life Cycle Assessment, in the context of today’s environmental paradigm, and finding that approximately 90% of total energy is consumed in the operation of a house, simply reinforces the importance that we build houses with thermal mass in the building envelope, so that they are able to endure, with little maintenance, and definitely no materials replacement, way beyond the 50 year life cycle. Clay brick houses, in all their forms, have proven themselves, over the centuries, to be more than up to this task.

The final endorsement of the value of clay brick construction in the sustainability context must be the Landcorp Western Australia 10 show house study, where the only house to be awarded an 8 Star rating for environmental compliance, in terms of Building Energy Rating Scheme [BERS], was the Jade Project house, built with double skin clay brick walls. The other nine show houses, of which seven comprised various forms of frame construction, achieved ratings of between 5 and 6 Stars.

Clay brick consistently demonstrates itself as a building material that has it all, offering superior, holistic environmental value for building a more sustainable future, and for making our world a better place.

Reference sources: • Full Life Cycle Assessment by Energetics (Pty) Ltd, Australia (2010) for Think Brick Australia - http// Thinkbrick.com.au • “A Study of the Influence of the Wall R-value on the Thermal Characteristics of Australian Housing” – University of Newcastle, Australia (Prof. AA Page, Prof B Moghtaderi, Dr H Hugo, S Hands 2009) • 40 m² Low Cost House Energy Modelling Project – WSP Green by Design (2009/2010) • 130m² Standard House Energy Modelling Project – WSP Green by Design (2010) • C.R. Product Research – “A Novel Algorithm for the Specification of Thermal Capacity and Resistance in External Walling for the South African Energy Efficient Building Standards - WSP Energy Africa – (Prof.

D Holm and H Harris April 2010) • 132 m² CSIR House Energy Modelling Project – Structatherm Projects (2009) • The Potential for Increasing Thermal Comfort through the Selection of Construction Types in Brisbane – Queensland University of Technology – (Williamson D.J. and F.N. Demirbilek 2003)

For more information contact Peter Kidger 031 – 5603111 Website: www.corobrik.com Email: intmgt@corobrik.co.za www.mediaxpose.co.za

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Cement & Concrete ASPASA................................................................................................................. 165 Pan Mixers South Africa....................................................................... 168 SARMA.................................................................................................................. 164

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EDITORIAL

Concrete block paving fights poverty in George

David Beer

Concrete block paving (CBP) is spearheading a poverty alleviation and road resurfacing project in George. The local municipality is resurfacing its deteriorating, low-trafficked, suburban, asphalt roads, as well as some gravel roads, with CBP, in all residential areas.

A CBP-surfaced street in Rosemoor, George.

A parking area, surfaced with CBP, outside the Outeniqua Primary School in Meade St, George.

This ongoing project began in 2001 and since then some 53km of roads, at an average width of five metres, have been resurfaced with CBP. In addition, 49km of pavements, 1.5m wide, have been surfaced with CBP. The project also includes a small percentage of roads and parking areas in the CBD, as well as some servitudes and footpaths.

“The main motivation for choosing CBP, as opposed to asphalt,” according to Jacques Quinot, Senior Manager for Streets and Stormwater, of the George Municipality, “are cost, and job creation. CBP surfacing is more cost-effective in that it allows us to rebuild roads using some of the existing material as opposed to relaying them completely, which would have been the case had we opted for asphalt.

“Moreover, all the work is being done entirely by local people, as part of a poverty alleviation project. The laying of CBP is labour-intensive, and we find it relatively easy to train unemployed community members to lay concrete pavers. To date, some 2 650 community members and 440 sub-contractors have been employed through the project. The municipality is being assisted on the project by VKE Consulting Engineers.

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EDITORIAL “All sub-contractors receive CETA accredited theoretical and on-site training in block paving and concrete work, as well as in health and safety aspects.

“Although we have no official figures to hand, we have made significant savings due to the low- maintenance requirement of CBP roads. So far all we’ve had to do is spray weed killer on the surface of the roads and pavements,” says Quinot.

The road-resurfacing process involves removing the asphalt and then, where necessary, replacing it with fresh G5-7 aggregate. This is followed by a layer of bedding sand and 60mm interlocking paving blocks, which are being supplied by a Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) member, Mobicast, as well as some other local manufacturers. The pavements are being surfaced with 50mm bevel pavers.

A footpath laid with CBP at Rosemoor Old Age Facility in George.

Workers completing a path laid with CBP at the Rosemoor Old Age Facility in George.

CMA director, Hamish Laing, says that this is another example of the win-win attributes of CBP, providing a cost-effective road surfacing solution, creating employment, and skilling the unskilled.

“This project proves, once again, that unskilled people can be trained to lay concrete blocks with a high degree of workmanship, and these skills can subsequently be used in other construction-related projects.”

“Besides its labour-intensive and job creation attributes, CBP is proving to be a very durable and aesthetically appealing road surfacing material, in many parts of the country. This is particularly so in areas where CBP enhances visual appeal, such as in small towns, suburban areas, shopping centres, office car parks, residential paths, and driveways.

“The type of CBP roads being laid in George should have a lifespan of at least 30 years. Furthermore, CBP roads can be maintained and repaired by the local community, using skills developed during the construction period,” concludes Laing.

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DATE ISSUED FOR ENQUIR

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Green BuildinG Build It Green............................................................................................... 175 Eticon Construction........................................................................... 171 Perspex SA..................................................................................................172,173

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EDITORIAL

Benefits of sustainable design: Social benefits form the second part of the Triple Bottom Line. In the previous issue, we had a closer look at the potential economic benefits of sustainable design.

Social benefits are probably the most difficult, of the three areas that benefit from sustainable design, to put figures or values to. These benefits (social), have a direct impact on people’s lives, as they interact with each other, the environment, and there living, socialising and working places.

As mentioned in our previous issue, the long term economic benefits are usually ignored during the design process. Similarly, social benefits, with the exception of the working environment, are also generally ignored, as the developers/facility owners and the local economy receive very little, if any, benefit socially. A closer look at most of these benefits should prove that they are worth considering.

Continued on page 174

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EDITORIAL Followed from page 170

Social benefits include: Developers/facility owners receive almost no social benefits from sustainable design interventions. A more attractive building, aesthetically and operationally, can draw more visitors or tenants, due to a more natural and enjoyable environment.

Local economy benefits as sustainable design contributes towards creating more employment opportunities.

These could be in sustainable developments or through job creation caused by sustainable initiatives or products.

Society benefits most socially from sustainable design. The benefits include the preservation of natural, agricultural land and parkland for future generations to use and enjoy, by focusing on the development of brownfields. Sustainable design further creates a development that has improved aesthetics and functional quality for those within society, including occupants and neighbours. A sustainable design can further preserve natural water resources as it reduces water consumption and pollution. A market for renewable energy products is promoted, which leads to job creation that directly influences society. An expanded market for recycled products, environmentally preferable products, and salvaged materials is created.

There is reduced nuisance associated with landfills. Through the use of FSC accredited timber, forests will be preserved for future generations. The re-use of existing buildings causes fewer disturbances to society, as it reduces new construction.

Local community and neighbours also benefit, quite extensively, through sustainable design initiatives.

Fewer disturbances are caused to the local community during site preparation and the construction process.

Vegetation and scenic vistas are retained within the neighbourhood of the development. This leads to more green space for the use of the community and occupants. The development has a more aestheticly pleasing, natural exterior appearance to neighbours. Lighting interventions, especially light pollution reduction, leads to less disturbance to the natural night sky, and to improved security for the building.

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EDITORIAL Employees are another big winner from social benefits of sustainable design, if implemented successfully.

Through the consideration of public transport systems, more options of transport are provided to employees.

Improved quality of the interior space creates a better working environment which leads to increased productivity and happier employees. A further benefit of the improved interior space is occupant comfort, health and safety. The biggest health benefit is the reduction of respiratory disease/discomfort. Those occupying the building feel they are “making a difference,” which can be an opening for further actions towards sustainability by those individuals. External views create happier employees due to a more relaxed environment, which contributes to personal productivity.

The above benefits are not exhaustive, more benefits exist, and more will become known as sustainable design is implemented. The benefits, as listed clearly, indicate that the benefits are focused on society in general, with almost no benefits to developers and facility owners.

As previously mentioned, the economic benefits are almost the only consideration that affect a decision to invest or not. A paradigm shift is required within this segment of the built environment, similar to that exhibited by Aurecon, Rabie Property Group and Nedbank with the new Aurecon regional offices in Cape Town.

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The Three Spheres of Sustainability

Social-Environmental Environmental Justice Natural Resources Stewardship Locally & Globally

Social Standard of Living Education Community Equal Opportunity

Adapted from the 2002 University of Michigan Sustainability Assessment

Environmental Natural Resources Use Environmental Management Pollution Prevention (air, water, land, waste)

Sustainability

Environmental-Economic Energy Efficiency Subsides / Incentives for Use of Natural Resources

Economic Profit Cost Savings Economic Growth Research & Development

Economic-Social Business Ethics Fair Trade Worker’s Rights

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Corporate Profiles

Arcelor Mittal..................................................... 178,179,180,181,182,183 Lafarge Gypsum....................................................................184,185,186,187

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of my nature, uilding

act on

er is a lanted every as life-

Company profile

ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited is the largest steel producer on the African continent, with a production capacity of 7,8 million tonnes of liquid steel per annum. The company has a depth of technical and managerial expertise, carefully nurtured since 1928, a reputation for reliability, and a sharply defined business focus, which has forged the organisation into a modern, highly competitive supplier of steel products to the domestic and global markets. ArcelorMittal South Africa’s global standing is further underpinned through becoming part of the world’s largest steel producer, the ArcelorMittal Group.

ArcelorMittal South Africa’s steel is used in various projects for critical infrastructure in South Africa. These include: • Transport systems.

• Electricity transmission and distribution systems.

• Telecommunications networks.

• Water supply and treatment.

• Fuel supply systems.

Domestically, the company plans to expand its position in the market through development of new products, and growth of the downstream industry, while focusing its international attentions at selective export markets, particularly in Africa.

Company strategy ArcelorMittal South Africa has set clear goals for itself as it enters the next phase of its journey towards transformation.

The board of ArcelorMittal South Africa has developed and approved the following strategic goals: • Industry leading value-creation for shareholders; • Positive economic value adding, (EVA) over the steel price cycle; • Improving operating capabilities; • Value-creating throughput increases; • Substantial reduction in hot rolled coil/billet cash cost in real terms; • Building on the existing performance culture; • Create an environment that generates true employee pride and attracts, develops, and retains top-performing people; and • Being a responsible corporate citizen.

The drive for operation excellence is supported by the Group’s global presence, which gives ArcelorMittal South Africa access to a unique knowledge base.

Vanderbijlpark Works Vanderbijlpark Works is one of the world’s largest inland steel mills, and the largest supplier of flat steel products in sub-Saharan Africa. The ISO 9002 and ISO 14001 accredited plant employs some 4500 staff.

The central focus is to maintain and grow its established share of the local market through

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Company profile development of additional value-added products, and a focus on industry partnerships. Its international position is being refined by focusing on identified high profit export markets, and meeting international levels of operational excellence, product quality and customer satisfaction.

The plant’s steel products are manufactured in an integrated process. Raw materials, such as iron ore, coke, and dolomite, are charged to blast furnaces where they are converted to liquid iron. The liquid iron is refined in basic oxygen furnaces and electric arc furnaces to produce liquid steel. The liquid steel is cast into slabs, which are hot rolled into heavy plate in a plate mill, or into coils in a strip mill. The coils are either sold as hot rolled sheets in coil or processed further into cold rolled and coated products, such as hot dip galvanized, electrogalvanised and pre-painted sheet, and tinplate.

Vanderbijlpark Works has two blast furnaces, three electric arc furnaces and three basic oxygen furnaces.

Vanderbilpark Works produces a range of high-grade products: • • • • • • •

Hot rolled sheet in coil; Hot rolled steel plate; Cold rolled steel sheet in coil; Hot dip galvanised steel sheet in coil; Electro-galvanised steel sheet in coil; Colour coated steel sheet in coil; and Tin plate coil.

These products are sold locally and exported to global destinations in Europe, the Middle and Far East, North and South America, Canada, Australia and Africa.

Saldanha Works Saldanha Works’ is a largely export-focussed plant. It is in close proximity to the deep-sea port of Saldanha and employs 568 staff. The plant was commissioned, and produced its first hot rolled coil (HRC), in late 1998, and is currently producing at its designed nameplate capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum.

The plant is distinguished by merging leading edge technologies to produce high quality, ultra thin, hot rolled coil (UTHRC). The ISO 9002 and ISO 14001 accredited plant is the only steel mill in the world to have successfully combined the Corex/Midrex process into a continuous chain – replacing the need for coke ovens and blast furnaces, and making the plant a world leader in emission control and environmental management.

Facilities and technologies at Saldanha Works were specifically designed to produce ‘clean’ steel, with virtually no impurities such as tin and copper. The continuous production chain is exceptionally short, taking only 16 hours from the time iron ore enters the Corex or Midrex units to the rolled product. The individual processes are linked very closely with virtually no process stock between the units.

In the highly competitive international HRC market, Saldanha Works has carved a niche for itself in applications requiring HRC in thicknesses of less than 1.6mm.

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Company profile Saldanha works product list: • Hot rolled coil • Ultra thin hot rolled coil The product specifications are: • Thickness: 1mm – 8,5mm; • Width: 900mm – 1 524mm; • Length: coil; • Max coil diameter: 2 000mm; • Max coil mass: 27 tonnes; and • KIM value of coil: 20kg/mm width.

Saldanha Works’ location is ideal to serve international steel markets. The largely export-focussed plant lies centrally between the Americas, Europe and the Far East, where there is strong demand for its high quality products.

Vereeniging Works Vereeniging Works is the country’s major supplier of speciality steel products, seamless tube and forge products. The ISO 14001 certified plant employs 908 staff and produces 0.4 million tonnes of final product per annum, of which some 32% is exported.

Its strategic priorities are focused on retaining and expanding its share of the Southern African market, whilst supplying high quality, value added, steels to select international markets.

It supplies input material for the manufacture of safety critical components (SCCs) for the automotive industry, seamless tube for the petrochemical, oil and gas industries, and wire rod wire for fencing and hoisting rope used in deep shaft mining.

The plant’s seamless tubes are manufactured and tested in accordance with API standards, and meet the requirements of the petrochemical, oil and gas industries. It is manufactured via a mini-mill, incorporating a multistand pipe mill and in-line downstream finishing facility. The manufacturing facility consists of a rotary hearth furnace, a cone-type rotary piercer and a multi-stand pipe mill. In addition, it has a 22-stand stretch reducer followed by two straighteners, cutting and beveling facilities, as well as an EMI and ultrasonic testing unit.

Forge products include an extensive range in sizes from 90 mm to 1 400 mm. The Vereeniging plant produces rounds, squares, flats, thick-wall tubes, step-forgings, rings, disks and blocks. Products are supplied in the “as-forged” condition or heat-treated to specification. Extensive machining facilities are available.

Special profiles, which are produced at a scaled down Pretoria operation, include a full range of window

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Company profile sections, which are used for manufacturing of residential and industrial windows. Other products include Y and I standard fencing posts, T-section droppers and palisade fencing sections.

The Vereeniging operation utilises an electric arc furnace in its manufacturing of profile products from scrap and DRI. Vereeniging Works’ profile products range comprise: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Billets and blooms; Round ingots; Straight and coiled bar; Grinding media steels; Carbon steel; Fastener steels (bolt and nut); Carbon-structural steels; Alloy-structural steels; Hot and cold-work tool steels; Hollow-drill steels; Automotive spring steels; Forging quality steels; and Stainless steels.

The plant’s seamless tube range consists of: • Seamless line pipes • Seamless casing and tubing Its forge product range comprises: • Rounds • Squares • Flats • Thick-wall tubes • Step forgings, rings, disks and blocks • Tool steels • Stainless steels • Hollow-bar • Rise bore pipes Newcastle Works Newcastle Works, located in the northern part of South Africa’s Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, is the country’s foremost supplier of profile products. This highly efficient and low cost operation, rated among the lowest billet cash-cost producers in the world by a leading commodities research institute, bears testimony to the success of the intensive re-engineering programmes undertaken at ArcelorMittal South Africa.

The plant employs 1850 staff. Yearly, Newcastle Works produces 1.6 million tonnes of final product, of which a fluctuating amount is exported to international markets. The profile products produced include, low and medium-carbon commercial grades, low-carbon rimming steel substitutes, sulphur containing free-

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Company profile cutting steels, micro-alloyed steels, high-carbon wire-rod steels and low, medium and high-alloy steels.

Sizeable capital expenditure has been invested for the extensive refurbishment of the plant, and to introduce sophisticated information systems. This has optimised operations and sustained global competitiveness at all levels.

Newcastle Works’ strategic priorities revolve around expanding its strong position in the African market.

Growth of its present market share is being realised by providing customised attention to client requirements, enhanced delivery reliability, and product quality.

Internationally, the focus of the operation has been to identify specific global locations where it can maximise export volume and price, and concomitantly reduce the risk of exposure to volatile markets abroad.

Successful implementation of re-engineering and continuous improvement programmes at the business unit has honed the business into a modern, internationally aligned operation.

The ISO 9002, 14001 and 18001 listed plant is an integrated operation that produces rolled steel from iron ore via a blast furnace route. The plant has three coke oven batteries, one sinter plant, one blast furnace, two basic oxygen furnaces and four rolling mills.

Newcastle Works’ products can be divided into five groups, namely, low carbon steels, medium carbon steels, high carbon steels, alloyed steels and micro alloy steels.

Its product list includes: • Blooms (for re-rolling) Billets (Commercial; Forging; Automotive Forging; Billets for re-rolling); • Structural Sections (Equal Leg/Unequal Leg Angles; Flat Bar; Square Bar; I-Sections; Parallel/ Taper Flange Channels); • Straight and Coiled Round Bar (Round Bar for general applications; Bolt & Nut; Black Bar; Bright Drawing; Machining; Automotive forging; Spring Steel; Forging; Grinding Media; Reinforcing); and • Rails for Mines and Sidings The plant’s major markets are the mining, engineering, automotive, building, construction and agricultural industries.

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Company profile

Chromadek®,

the preferred choice Through the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), the discerning consumer can realise the benefit of having a product that surpasses conformance to specification with the additional benefit of a protection guarantee. This means your constructed property, being one of your most valuable investments, uses only the best permitted construction materials.

As an international steel manufacturer, and supplier to renowned companies in the construction industry, ArcelorMittal is known for its commitment to uncompromised quality standards and leadership in setting standards through its Chromadek® brand.

With this in mind, ArcelorMittal is proud to ensure that its Chromadek® premium quality branded products supplied into the construction industry, used for roofing and cladding, conform to stringent SANS standards and the guidelines set by the NHBRC. Through the Chromadek® brand, manufactured by ArcelorMittal, we provide you with the following assurances: Chromadek® is a prepainted galvanised steel sheet, hot dipped galvanised steel substrate, pre primed and finished with a top and backing coat.

Chromadek® conforms to SABS 0237:1991 that stipulates that the top and bottom zinc coated sheet surfaces below a Z200 coat specification shall be paint protected. This means that a galvanised steel sheet with Z200 coating thickness or less is not suitable for any bare external applications.

In addition, Chromadek® fulfils the NHBRC requirements related to the minimum thickness for 0.5 mm roofing sheets and galvanising coating.

In support of the NHBRC galvanised roof sheet requirements, ArcelorMittal manufactures Z100, Z150, Z200 and Z275 products, to a stringent thickness tolerance of -0.02 to +0.02 for 0.5mm. This ensures that products are not supplied below a minimum thickness, and are approved within specification.

Chromadek® is intended for use in rural, mild chemical, and moderate marine conditions, where correct application and maintenance will guarantee an exceptional lifespan.

Chromadek® can be specified with the assurance that there is no coated sheeting that is better suited, or longer lasting, available from reputable roof profilers and suppliers.

Insist on a reputable product that sets the standard in form and function .

Remember if it doesn’t say Chromadek® it isn’t Chromadek®

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CORPORATE PROFILE

Lafarge Gypsum South Africa The legacy of Lafarge Gypsum South Africa is starting to be felt within South African communities, through sustainable social initiatives that answer the needs of individuals and families in unfortunate circumstances.

Construction of the steel frame house was completed within only a few days, demonstrating the speed and ease of this alternative building technology.

Based on the company’s ‘Principles of Action’, Lafarge cements its footprint within the communities in which it operates, by helping people to improve their living standards, their education, and their general awareness.

“We want to create a legacy for tomorrow and, as such, all our initiatives are geared in that direction”, says Jean-Paul Croze, Managing Director of Lafarge Gypsum South Africa.

The latest project was unveiled on Sunday, 14 August 2011 by South African president, Mr. Jacob Zuma.

The Shezi household in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal, is a struggling family of five whose circumstances are dire. Lafarge Gypsum was made aware of their situation through the Masibambisane Rural Development Initiative,

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corporate profile “We were discussing the feasibility of using alternative building methods with the above-mentioned initiative, as well as the Department of Economic Development, to alleviate the delivery of social housing in rural developments,” Croze said. “It was an opportunity, not only to display the advantages of our steel frame building technology, but more importantly, to ease the difficulties of the struggling Shezi family.”

Construction of the 60m2 steel frame house began immediately. Lafarge Gypsum joined forces with the Lafarge Ready Mix division which offered technical advice and donated concrete for the raft foundation slab undertaken by a qualified local contractor.

The steel frame building process was completed within only a few days, demonstrating the speed and ease of this alternative building technology.

Jean-Paul Croze, Managing Director of Lafarge Gypsum South Africa

All the materials used for the house contributed towards an energy-efficient building. Lafarge Gypsum supplied the steel frame material and all the plasterboards for the ceilings and partitioning. Moisturecheck board was installed in the bathrooms, while the rest of the house was fitted with Lafarge fire-check plasterboard.

Lafarge Gypsum also wanted to ensure that skills were transferred to the local community through this project, and so unskilled local labour was trained, on the job, to be actively involved in the building process.

The keys to the Shezi family’s new home were handed over by Lafarge Gypsum South Africa at a private ceremony. In addition, the company supplied the household with three months of food provision to ensure that their basic nutritional needs were also taken care of.

“Lafarge Gypsum South Africa is proud to have been given this opportunity to change the lives of the Shezi family,” Croze commented.

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corporate profile South African President, Mr. Jacob Zuma, cuts the ribbon to the Shezi household in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal. Lafarge Gypsum was made aware of the family’s plight through the Masibambisane Rural Development Initiative.

“Environmental protection and respect for the local communities are two solid pillars in our plan to create space for further social projects which we believe can impact positively on the sustainable economic growth envisioned by President Zuma.”

Lafarge Gypsum holds a strong and competitive position in the South African market, generating the full system offering, including plasterboards, ceiling tiles, plasters, Cover Cornices, suspended ceiling grids, and stud and track steel partitioning.

The company’s building solutions for the social housing sector enable developers to build sustainable, quality housing in minimum time, while also keeping costs to a minimum. Erection of the wall frames and roof trusses takes place within 2 to 3 days.

These solutions include: + Light steel frames; + Plasterboard ceiling and accessories; + Plasterboard walling; and + Doors Light steel frame housing is structurally sound (each structure is signed off by an engineer), and complies with the rational design requirements of the NBR. Other advantages of the system are that it can accommodate imperfect foundation conditions and sloping sites, and that the thermal insulation of the structure is superior to that of double skin brick walls.

While light steel frame housing is popular in the US, Europe and Australia, it is fast becoming an attractive building solution in South Africa. To this end, Lafarge Gypsum offers a complete training programme to develop installer skills in the sector.

Efficient building with Lafarge is a Group initiative that is being rolled out globally. Environmental, economic and social dimensions will be incorporated into the company’s research to explore, develop and propose solutions that promote sustainable and efficient construction.

Geography, climate, urban planning, and the level of the country’s development, all have an impact on the behavior of buildings, and on the construction methods used. Croze says Lafarge Gypsum South Africa is intent on becoming the benchmark for intelligent building systems locally, offering the best sustainable and pioneering solutions for its customers.

The implementation of SANS 204 in South Africa has generated greater awareness of the country’s energy efficiency requirements for buildings. To this end Lafarge wants to provide solutions as close to specification

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corporate profile requirements as possible, allowing architects and interior designers the flexibility to adapt design concepts without compromising the environment.

The process of Steel Frame technology 1. The architect’s building plans are copied into a PROCAD ENGINEERING building system design facility, which is linked to the Frame Master roll-profiling machine. Sections are produced to the exact required lengths, holes punched, and each section marked in the correct sequence for assembly. Cross-bracing is included for increased structural strength.

2. Fibre blanket insulation is installed in the wall cavity created by the light steel frame, while a weatherproofing membrane is fixed to frames of all exterior walls. Services (electricity and water) are installed using pre-punched holes in the studs.

3. Ceiling

solutions Ceilings make for a healthier home, sound insulation as well as energy efficiency and comfort.

Lafarge Gypsum’s Standard Ceiling Range for Social Housing comprises Lafarge ceiling board (6.4 mm or 9mm) and Lafarge Steel Brandering or H-Strip.

Lafarge is a world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, and Gypsum.

Lafarge was ranked 6th in the ‘Carbon Disclosure Project’ and entered the global ‘Dow Jones Sustainability Index’ in 2010 in recognition of its sustainable development actions.

With the world’s leading building materials research facility, Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity.

In South Africa, Lafarge Gypsum operates a Gypsum mine in Pofadder in the Northern Cape, and two world class manufacturing facilities in the south-east of Johannesburg: a plasterboard factory in Roodekop, and a factory in Alrode, which manufactures steel ceiling grids, metal studs, for partitioning frames, associated accessories, and access flooring.The Lafarge Gypsum business unit manufactures and markets Gypsum-based building products for constructing, finishing and decorating interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial and institutional construction projects.

For more information, visit www.lafarge.co.za Lafarge Gypsum South Africa 18 Barium Street, Alrode Ext 7, 1448 Telephone: (011) 389 4500 | Fax: (011) 864 6816 Contact: Ayanda Ndlovu ayanda.ndlovu@gypsum-za.lafarge.com

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Pictorial

Out and About PG Bison 1.618 awards The Finalists

MC Paul Rothman

Brian Steinhobel received a lifetime award form PG Bison

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Pictorial

Conversations in Architecture

Hugh Fraser

Hugh Fraser interacting with Pierre Swanepoel

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Student Designs

Tshwane University of Technology Tshwane University of Technology students have been very successful in several student design competitions. In this issue we are looking at work done by various of their best students: PG Bison 1.618 Competition joint winner by Violet Chengeta

Pretoria Skyscraper

by Danel Mentz

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Student Designs Ceasarstone National Design Competition 3rd Place: Eloise van Dyk

Des Baker 3rd Place Winner Helena Mouton

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Student Designs

Ceasarstone National Design Competition finalist Victor Mokaba

Ceasarstone National Design Competition finalist Rhode Kasselmans

Proposed additions to Architecture Department by Enrico Franco

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Student Designs

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CONTACT

To Advertise Tel: 021 433 1349 / 2309 Fax: 086 516 7277 Mobile: 072 365 4877 Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za

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LISTINGS: Architects Company Name: CMAI Architecture Contact Number: +27(0)44 382 6732 E-mail Address: info@cmai.co.za Website Address: www.cmai.co.za Description: Specialists in environmentally sensitive architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and sustainable development planning.

Company Name: Prism Architects Contact Number: 015 296 4570 E-mail Address: info@prism-arch.co.za Website Address: www.prism-arch.co.za Description: Architects, space planners, interior designers and project managers.

Company Name: Greg Wright Architects (Pty) Ltd Contact Number: 021 465 9775 E-mail Address: studio@gwarchitects.co.za Website Address: www.gwarchitects.co.za Description: Innovative architectural and interior solutions for a range of sectors including boutique residential, leisure and commercial/mixed use project.

Company Name: Bekker Architects Contact Number: 082 862 7667 E-mail Address: bekker@bekkerarc.co.za Website Address: www.bekkerarc.co.za Description: Residential (homes and schemes), motor showrooms, commercial projects, offices, industrial and hospitality sectors.

Company Name: KMH Architects Contact Number: 021 423 4141 E-mail Address: rod@kmh.co.za Website Address: www.kmh.co.za Description: Airports/railway stations/regional and neighbourhood shopping centres/office buildings/high end residential.

Company Name: Beverley Hui Architects Contact Number: 021 883 8603 E-mail Address: huibeverley@yahoo.com Website Address: www.architectscapetown.co.za/index.html Description: Architect specializing in luxury homes, hotels and other buildings required a level of style a cut above the rest.

Company Name: Bartsch Consult (Pty) Ltd Contact Number: 045 839 5728 E-mail Address: bartsch6@eci.co.za Website Address: None Description: We specialise in architecture and project management.

Company Name: Francois Marais Architects (Pty) Ltd Contact Number: 011 425 2721 E-mail Address: francois@fmarchitects.co.za Website Address: www.fmarchitects.co.za Description: Francois Marais Architects motto is to produce signature buildings each unique in their own right.

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LISTINGS: Interior Designers Company Name: Unique Stone & Garden Décor Contact Number: 021 987 2589 E-mail Address: uniquestone@vodamail.co.za Website Address: www.uniquestone.co.za Description: Supplier and manufacturer of sandstone, wall cladding, coble pavings, flagstones, stepping stones and garden furniture.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Description:

Lee Moon Interiors +2731 266 3752 info@leemoon.co.za www.leemoon.co.za Offering all aspects in interior decorating, from concept to completion of project.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Description:

Peppergreen Interiors 082 850 8850 peppergreen@mwebbiz.co.za www.peppergreeninteriors.co.za Timeless, tasteful interiors executed with flair. Professional workmanship & installation.

Company Name: Brigitte Hills Interiors Contact Number: 041 585 9674 E-mail Address: info@brigittehills.co.za Website Address: www.brigittehills.co.za Description: We specialise in turnkey interior projects for up-market homes, corporate, retail, hospitality and leisure industry, encompassing all aspects of décor and design.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Description:

Obbligato 031 701 6565 info@obbligato.co.za www.obbligato.co.za Bespoke furniture, manufactured for commercial, retail and hospitality projects.

Company Name: BHC School of Design Contact Number: 021 447 7288 E-mail Address: info@designschool.co.za Website Address: www.designschool.co.za Description: Promises to motivate any innovative and creative mind by offering comprehensive and practical courses in design and décor.

Company Name: Heidi Jäger Interior Design Consultants Contact Number: 021 447 7288 E-mail Address: heidi@designschool.co.za Website Address: www.heidijager.co.za Description: Offers project analysis, creative design, costing and project management with a balance of aesthetics and commercial logic.

Company Name: MDA Interiors Contact Number: 041 581 0000 E-mail Address: kirsty@mdaarchitects.co.za Website Address: www.iidprofessions.com/designers/kirstyking/webpage.htm Description: Offers a complete service of interior design, colour co-ordination, space planning, detail design and project management.

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LISTINGS: Contractors Company Name: Cape Core Construction Contact Number: 083 282 9285 E-mail Address: info@capecore.co.za Website Address: www.capecore.co.za Description: Up-market residential and exclusive commercial developments. We keep the Environment in mind, whilst building for demanding clients in often challenging locations.

Company Name: Rocon Building (Pty) Ltd Contact Number: 011 466 0811 E-mail Address: info@rocon.co.za Website Address: www.rocon.co.za Description: Rocon Building is a South African based construction company, specialising

in the construction of luxury housing.

Company Name: 5H Construction Maintenance Contact Number: 082 040 3502 E-mail Address: andre@5h-cms.com Website Address: www.5h-cms.com Description: Dry walling, suspended ceilings, home and office renovations or alterations.

Turn-key building projects.

Company Name: G.E. Project Management Contact Number: 021 554 0600 E-mail Address: admin@geprojects.co.za Website Address: www.geprojects.co.za Description: We undertake construction and/or project management of new homes, renovations and small to medium sized residential or commercial developments.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Description:

San-V Projects 016 971 2584 peter@sanv.co.za www.sanv.co.za Professional building and construction services.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Description:

Factcon Building Constractors 082 461 6591 francois@factcon.co.za www.factcon.co.za Builders of houses, housing complexes and industrial buildings in Cape Town area.

Company Name: Contact Number: E-mail Address: Website Address: Description:

Eco Log Homes 011 462 0308 info@ecologhomes.co.za www.ecologhomes.co.za Environmentally sensitive. Beautiful, handcrafted structures.

Company Name: JOH Civils CC Contact Number: 011 462 1062 E-mail Address: nicola@boh.co.za Website Address: not available Description: Construction of up-market housing and small commercial-Rubble Removal-TLB, truck and bobcat hire.

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NOTES www.mediaxpose.co.za

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M&R Quality Kitchens..............117 Martin Meyer Kitchens...........114 Merensky.....................................121 Mitek Industries.....................64,65 Natural Quartz Flooring . ......................................72 Newtown Landscape Architects ...................................41 NHBRC.............................................204 Nicholas Plewman Architects.....................................29 Nouwens Carpets.........................7 Osmo.................................................70 Pan Mixers SA..............................168 Patio Warehouse . ....................146 Pearl Pac...............................190,191 Perspex SA............................172,173 Radiant Lighting . ..................1,104 Real fires . ..................................112 RL Woodworks.............................84 Robo Door...................................142 Rudi’s Choice...............................124 SA Wallbeds................................148 Safintra Roofing .......................66 Samsung Radianz Quartz Surface.........................127 SAPY ...............................................197 SARMA.............................................164 Sasol Homegas..............................3 Schoombie Hartman Quantity Surveyors..................51 Securitronics Safety Solutions.....................................144 Shower Haus..............................133 Shower Planet..........................134 Solent Trading............................96 Southern Right.........................108 Stonetech ..................................115 Style Décor (Pty) Ltd................36 Succulent Art..............................38 Swissline Design.......................120 Sytech Supplies..........................15 Terraforce...................................39 The Paver Connection............162 TIASA...................................................9 Timbermax....................................122 Transit Floor Coverings .......68 Troniscape (Pty) Ltd................150 Turf–Ag . ........................................43 Vital Engineering...................56,58 Vrede Textiles ..........................107 We Fix It Frameless Glass.......81 Wirquin..........................................130 Witch Rooms...............................152

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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

AG ISMAIL cc...................................88 Alu Glas..........................................19 AMA Architects............................25 Arcelor Mittal...........................178 Arona Roofing.............................62 ASPASA............................................165 BASF................................................154 B-Earth..........................................136 Beau Ideal......................................75 Blue Scope Steel........................60 Build It Green.............................175 Caesarstone..............................125 Cape Patio Blinds......................106 Charles Pein & Partners.........54 Civic Automation Systems.......91 Coirtex............................................71 Copper Development Association ................................202 Corobrik...............................156,157 Cotect Industrial Paints......................................138,139 Crystal Gallery........................104 De Leeuw Group ....................48,49 De Wet Enviroscaping .............46 Decorex..........................................14 Desert Pots .................................33 Design Stainless Products.......................................78 Dryden Doors..............................80 Dryforce.....................................196 DSM..................................................160 E-Home Automation . ..................94 Enumerate Consulting . ..........52 Ergo Systems . ............................77 Eticon Construction .............171 Eurafrican .................................110 Eurolux ...........................................5 Fire & Gas LifeStyles .............. 111 Firespec Systems.....................143 Francois Marais Architects.....................................24 Future Light...............................102 GBT Grand Solar....................98,99 Global pact Distributors . ............................112 Handles Inc.................................131 Isofoam .....................................86,87 Johannesburg City Parks...........................................44,45 Lafarge Gypsum........................184 LimeLight Design . .......................32 Louise Wileman Architecture and Interior Design...................30

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