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LAFARGEHOLCIM FORUM

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CONTENTS

p74

APRIL MAY 2019

FIRST DRAFT

10 THE BRIEF Editor’s note, dates to diarise and book review.

12 INTERNATIONAL Vessel, the centrepiece for the new Hudson Yards development in New York City designed by Heatherwick Studios, represents an extraordinary new kind of public legacy for the city.

14 SPECIAL REPORT “Being less bad is simply not good enough”: Highlights from the 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum.

60 DRAWING BOARD What’s new in the world of architecture and design.

The existing building is tomorrow’s new building material Anne Lacaton, Lacaton & Vassal Architectes, Highlights from the 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum [p14]

ON SITE

p20

32 GLASS & ALUMINIUM Aesthetics and efficiency meet with glass and aluminium.

BLUEPRINT

40 CEMENT AND CONCRETE

16 DESMOND TUTU HIV FOUNDATION

24 HILTON GARDEN INN GABORONE

A new TB and HIV research facility near Cape Town designed by theMAAK aims to set a new architectural precedent for building in developing areas.

The Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, designed by SVA International, harnesses the presence of an international hotel brand to feed the imagination of a city.

20 PRAN BOULEVARD

28 THE ONYX

57 INTERIORS

Developing one of the last open sites in the Ridgeside precinct in Umhlanga afforded Paragon the unique opportunity to shape the landscaping as part of the overall design.

In a masterstroke of urban regeneration, Robert Silke is transforming Cape Town’s Foreshore with the Onyx.

74 FEATURED DESIGN

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Graham Wood Cell: 083 547 8437 email: graham.wood@newmedia.co.za SUB EDITOR: Anita van der Merwe LAYOUT & DESIGN: Julia van Schalkwyk

PUBLISHING TEAM GENERAL MANAGER: Dev Naidoo PUBLISHING MANAGER: Sandra Ladas email: sandra.ladas@newmedia.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER: Angela Silver ART DIRECTOR: David Kyslinger

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Felicity Garbers email: felicity.garbers@newmedia.co.za

Congratulations to Terraforce on their 40th anniversary.

48 HEATING Innovation and improvements in the ongoing search for efficient heating.

A dynamic Cape Town home by ARRCC Interiors.

Porky Hefer’s Endangered collection of soft sculptural seats. MANAGEMENT TEAM MANAGING DIRECTOR: Aileen Lamb COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Maria Tiganis BRAND STRATEGY DIRECTOR: Andrew Nunneley CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Venette Malone HEAD OF HR: Camillah West CEO: MEDIA24: Ishmet Davidson Head Office: New Media House, 19 Bree Street, Cape Town, 8001 Postal Address: PO Box 440, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051 Tel: +27 (0)21 417 1111 Fax: +27 (0)21 417 1112 Email: newmedia@newmedia.co.za

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While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information given to readers, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom. All rights reserved. © Leading Architecture. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.

8 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

THE BRIEF

BY ED I TO R G RA HA M WO O D

ED'S NOTE In the last issue of Leading Architecture & Design I promised a report back from the 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum for Sustainable Construction, which I was lucky enough to attend in Cairo earlier this month. It was a fascinating and intense three days where some of the world’s brightest and most committed thinkers discussed and debated the urgent need to improve the sustainability of the built environment, which is, to put it bluntly, the single biggest contributor to global warming. While there were dazzling speakers such as Norman Foster, who pointed out that some of the most advanced architecture he’s involved in – designing a dwelling for the moon – uses sustainable principles such as energy efficiency and the use of local materials, one of the most powerful points made was by French architect Anne Lacaton. She was subsequently announced as the winner of the Mies van der Rohe

}

DATE TO DIARISE

Award 2019, The European Union Prize For Contemporary Architecture. She advocated the reuse of existing buildings as the basis for fast, achievable sustainability. “The existing building is tomorrow’s new building material,” she said. “Never demolish, always transform.” It was gratifying to come home and see projects like The Onyx in Cape Town, which is a luxury hotel in a converted office building, employing exactly the principles Lacaton advocated. David Cohen of the project’s developers Signatura says, “In a world so caught up in sustainability, recycling a building through thoughtful conversion is probably the greenest act a property development can do.” Flip to page 28 to see the stylish results, and to page 14 for a taste of the LafargeHolcim Forum. Together, they provide a note of inspiration in a world where change is urgent and serious. Graham

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“Spomenik” – the Serbo-Croat/Slovenian word for monument – refers to a series of memorials built in Tito’s Republic of Yugoslavia from the 1960s-1990s, marking the horror of the occupation and the defeat of Axis forces during World War II. Hundreds were built across the country, from coastal resorts to remote mountains. Through these imaginative forms of concrete and steel, a classless, forward-looking, socialist society, free of ethnic tensions, was envisaged. This book brings together the largest collection of spomeniks published to date. Each has been extensively photographed and researched by the author, Donald Niebyl, to make this book the most comprehensive survey of this obscure and fascinating architectural phenomenon. Niebyl is an American writer and researcher based in Illinois.

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INTERNATIONAL

Vessel Vessel, the new centrepiece for Hudson Yards in New York City designed by Heatherwick Studios, is expected to attract approximately two million visitors a year. PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL MORAN; FORBES MASSIE-HEATHERWICK STUDIO

he eight-level public centrepiece of the new Hudson Yards development, known simply as ‘Vessel’, opened to the public in March this year. With 2 500 steps and 80 landings, Vessel is essentially a climbing frame to lift people above the new square and reveal views across the Hudson River and Manhattan. When Heatherwick Studios was first invited to design a public centrepiece for Hudson Yards, they felt that to be memorable, they would need to create a structure that visitors might be able to use and touch, not just look at. A design was developed for a new social landmark that could be climbed and explored by everyone. Inspired by the Indian stepwells of Rajasthan, formed from multitudes of stone staircases reaching down into the ground, the studio became interested in the mesmerising visual effect of the repeating steps, flights and landings. Vessel rises from a base that is 50 feet in diameter and widens to 150 feet at the top. The 75 interlocking pieces of the steel structure, fabricated by Cimolai in Italy, took over two years to assemble onsite and together offers a one-mile vertical climbing experience. Vessel’s complex architectural framework of raw welded and painted steel contrasts with its polished copper-coloured steel underside that reflects the surrounding city. It is the central feature of the main public square in the Hudson Yards development, one of the largest real-estate projects in American history, which has transformed a former railyard in Manhattan’s Upper West Side into a new neighbourhood, with more than five acres of new public spaces and gardens. Forming a major free public attraction at the heart of this new district, Vessel represents an intention to create an extraordinary new kind of public legacy for New York. www.heatherwick.com

12 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

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Frankfurt, he was particularly interested in the properties of Sintered Stone and its suitability for the urban environment. With high levels of resistance to staining and pollution, combined with being both lightweight and waterproof, it was ideal for handling the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The architect opted for an understated palette, allowing the façade’s raised geometric shapes to stand out without becoming loud and overbearing. Neolith®’s Arctic White Silk was specified. EXPERT APPLICATION Approximately 6 000m2 of Neolith slabs were used. The 6mm thick surface was applied by curtain wall specialists Lithodecor using a sandwich construction. According to Lithodecor’s Head of Product Management, Philipp Wirtz, who worked directly with Teherani, the project was not without its challenges. “This project required a high level of prefabrication due to the specification of the panels we were working with, which were storey sized (3.10m x 11.50m). You can imagine the care we had to take to transport them through Frankfurt’s busy streets without damaging them,” he says. “In terms of Neolith, there’s little competition when working on this type of façade project. It outperforms on all levels and, in my opinion, the building will look as good in ten years as it does now.”

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S P EC I A L R E P O R T

'Being less bad is simply not good enough' Highlights from the 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum Leading Architecture & Design editor Graham Wood attended the 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum in Cairo this April. These are some of the highlights of the forum.

he LafargeHolcim Forum is a tri-annual series of conferences on the topic of sustainable construction, conducted by the Foundation. The multi-day Forum, including workshops and site visits, is an academic platform for architects, engineers, construction professionals and specialists of all generations to exchange information on creating a sustainable built environment and thus advancing sustainable development. Speakers included internationally-renowned ‘star’ architects such as Lord Norman Foster, Foster + Partners, United Kingdom; Christine Binswanger, Herzog & de Meuron, Switzerland; Anne Lacaton, Lacaton & Vassal Architectes, France; and Francis Kéré, Kéré Architecture, Germany. The American University in Cairo (AUC) hosted the 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum.

LORD NORMAN FOSTER, FOSTER + PARTNERS, UNITED KINGDOM Norman Foster addressed the proposition “How much does your building weigh, Mr Foster?” with illustrations of how design is inseparable from nature. Using examples of his work, including Apple Park, the Corporate Headquarters of Apple Inc, California, USA and Bloomberg’s European Headquarters in London, he showed the interconnection between design and the selection of materials. “Sustainability is inseparable from energy, and inseparable from the process of recycling,” he said.

CHRISTINE BINSWANGER, HERZOG & DE MEURON, SWITZERLAND Christine Binswanger explored the theme of “Make it desirable” and ways of ensuring buildings with higher sustainability attain greater public support. Projects such as the REHAB Basel Centre for Spinal Cord & Brain Injuries, Switzerland, and the new Children’s Hospital (Kinderspital Zürich) in Switzerland were used to illustrate “designing for adaptability – how to minimise the amount of materials that can’t be modified in the future. Visual impact is an important element, but social impact is intrinsic to sustainable design,” she said.

14 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

ANNE LACATON, LACATON & VASSAL ARCHITECTES, FRANCE Anne Lacaton presented how “Never demolish, always transform” is at the heart of the design process of Lacaton & Vassal, including the renovation program of more than 500 dwellings in the Cité du Grand Parc in Bordeaux, France, originally constructed in the early 1960s. The renovation strategy not only extends the usable lifespan of the building, but also delivers multi-layered social, aesthetic and economic benefits. “The existing building is tomorrow’s new building material,” she said.

FRANCIS KÉRÉ, KÉRÉ ARCHITECTURE, GERMANY To conclude the series of keynote addresses on day one of the forum, Francis Kéré reflected on the theme “Embed know-how”, including examples from his work building a school in his birthplace village of Gando, Burkina Faso. He advocated education, learning from history, and making information more accessible as key components of ensuring success. “We need to deconstruct preconceived ideas – embracing innovation and locally-sourced materials,” he said.

I NTE RNATIO NAL L AFARG E H O LCI M FO RU M , CAI RO

LAILA ISKANDAR, FORMER MINISTER OF URBAN RENEWAL & INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS, EGYPT Laila Iskandar provided an overview of the detailed mapping of Cairo’s informal waste sector and asserted the same principles could be effectively applied to construction waste because the sources can be defined. She examined how waste material streams can be leveraged, although re-thinking was urgently required. “The formal recycling industry is not accessing, and will not access, valuable resources available in waste streams – because current waste systems are designed to ‘eliminate the waste’ rather than ‘harvest the materials’,” she said.

MOBILE WORKSHOPS Forum delegates split into four workshop groups that visited sites in and around Cairo. Leading Architecture & Design attended the New Vernacular Workshop, which foregrounded the important role of traditional construction methods and materials in the production of Egypt’s building stock, both in the past and today. The emergence of a new vernacular in popular urbanisation, centred on the use of structural concrete with brick infill, was examined. The excursion visited sites where informal construction has occurred, including different typologies of informal settlements, public housing with informal extensions, and rural areas close to the city experiencing urbanisation in an informal way.

SIMON UPTON, PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, NEW ZEALAND Simon Upton, who had spent the Forum absorbing the discussions in the workshops and keynote addresses, reflected on the challenges identified in reaching a sustainable built environment. He noted the difficulties in both explaining complicated problems in simple ways, and for global externalities to be made visible at the local level. “How, with such little time, do we tackle a problem of such complexity and such scale – and thereby intelligently re-materialise our economy?” he asked.

MICHAEL BRAUNGART, ACADEMIC CHAIR, CRADLE-TO-CRADLE FOR INNOVATION & QUALITY, ROTTERDAM SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, ERASMUS UNIVERSITY IN THE NETHERLANDS Michael Braungart, who coined the phrase, “Being less bad is simply not good enough”, provided a note of optimism based on his seminal “Cradle-to-Cradle” concept. He asserted the need to depart radically from the approach to design that had created the problem. “If you just perfect the wrong design, you end up with a design that is perfectly wrong,” he said.

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA APRIL/MAY 2019 15

B LU E P R I N T

New TB Lab unlocks social potential A new research facility in Sunnydale outside Cape Town for the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF) designed by theMAAK aims to set a new architectural precedent for building in developing areas. PHOTOGRAPHY ANTON SCHOLTZ; theMAAK

LEFT From an angle, the north-facing aluminium façade fins of the new building optically compound to form a confident new face for the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation. BELOW The building is sited so that it forms an edge that creates a new courtyard of public space and unlocks the social potential of the site.

16 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

ridging the needs and financing of DTHF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the South African Medical Research Council, theMAAK has completed a new Aerobiology TB Research Clinic in Masiphumelele, Cape Town, for the study of the transmission of TB among humans. The building includes dedicated laboratories on the ground floor and staff offices on the first floor. These facilities enable the rigorous testing and monitoring of the transmission of TB organisms, in order to find ways to curb the disease. A key intention of the architects’ approach towards building is the

incorporation of public space that supports enhanced public life and social activity. In this project, the building is sited so that it creates a new courtyard of public space and itself forms an edge to hold the space. The building was then cut back at an angle, to a) generously give of its own footprint expanding the public space, and b) create a strong link between itself and the adjacent existing clinic building. By creating this shared ‘free space’ between the new clinic and the surrounding buildings, theMAAK was able to unlock the social potential of the site for all of its users.

PROJ EC T # 1 D ESM O N D TUTU H IV FOU N DATIO N

The bright yellow staircase bridges the solidity of the laboratories on the ground floor and the transparency of the staff offices on the first floor with its prominent geometry and colour.

Continued next page Continued next page

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA APRIL/MAY 2019 17

>> B LU EPRINT

PROJ EC T # 1 D ESM O N D TUTU H IV FOU N DATIO N

LEFT AND ABOVE RIGHT The building’s sawtooth roof lets soft south daylight into each of the first-floor offices and external circulation spaces.

Architecturally balancing “striking and welcoming”, “bold and subtle”, the new building appropriately addresses both the ambition and prestige of the internationallyacclaimed research of DTHF, as well as the sensitive human nature of their work. It is from the existing facility that the new building reveals its bold face: the north-facing aluminium façade fins, from this angle, optically compound to form a confident new face for DTHF, clearly marking a positive and impressive move forward for the Foundation. Moving across the site and changing the angle of view, the fins become thin vertical lines and the inner workings of the facility are revealed. Furthermore, the fins and overhanging roof afford the appropriate levels of privacy, shelter and transparency for client, staff, patients and users of the social courtyard. The scheme’s bright staircase acts as the joining element that bridges these worlds of solidity and transparency with its prominent geometry and colour; allowing it to

act as a visual constant emphasises the dynamic nature of the screen. The simple geometries and bold form of the building are communicated through the expression of the building’s sawtooth roof on both the north and south façades – the south acting as the understated counterpart to the more celebratory north. The roof’s geometry lets soft south daylight into each of the first-floor offices. Veiled behind the north façade fins, which follow the roof’s profile, is a generous social landing for these offices. Supported by nine equally spaced off-shutter concrete columns, this area extends over the ground-floor footprint. This gesture helps provide adequate cover from rain along the external circulation spaces and sufficient solar shading for the sensitive testing labs below. With the completion of this unique build, the architects wish to set a new tone of bold, appropriate and inspiring public buildings for all people.

18 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

Social architects theMAAK focus solely on public buildings, working with existing organisations, NGOs, funding bodies and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) to realise tangible and long-lasting social impact through built infrastructure. Often, these projects take place within developing communities. The architects take a firm position on “designing worldclass buildings for those who need them the most” and will therefore not compromise on delivering the best solution to both client and community. With their latest project recently completed for the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF), they are hopeful that the project will set a new architectural precedent for building in developing areas. www.themaak.co.za | @the.maak PROFESSIONAL TEAM DEVELOPER: Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation ARCHITECTS: theMAAK STRUCTURAL/ CIVIL ENGINEERS: KFD Wilkinson MECH/ ELEC ENGINEERS: De Villiers and Moore QUANTITY SURVEYOR: Key Quantity Surveying CONTRACTORS: Lamont Dumaresq Projects

Lamont Dumaresq Projects Tel: +27 (0)72 134 6807 Email: info@ldprojects.co.za www.ldprojects.co.za

De Villiers & Moore Tel: +27(0)21 976 3087 Cell: +27 (0)78 894 3042 Email: carl@devmoore.co.za www.devmoore.co.za

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>> B LU EPRINT

Landscaping, building design grow together at Pran Boulevard Developing one of the last open sites on Umhlanga Rocks Drive in the Ridgeside precinct in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, afforded architecture and interior architecture company Paragon the unique opportunity to shape the landscaping as part of the overall design. PHOTOGRAPHY ALEXIS DIACK; KARL BEATH

Paragon was commissioned by Shree Property to design the landscaping at Pran Boulevard. A minimum of 20% of each site area was to be landscaped.

20 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

PRO J EC T #2 PR AN BOU LEVARD

A panorama of Pran Boulevard in the Ridgeside precinct in Umhlanga reveals how the positions and angles of the various access routes were influenced by the buildings’ shape, its axes created, and the relationship/ position of the pedestrian routes around the site.

nown as Pran Boulevard, the development consists of two separate office buildings of three levels each above ground floor, linked together on each level with enclosed glazed bridges. There are three parking levels providing about 250 parking bays, as well as a ground-floor podium level with timber decks, walkways, landscaping and water features. The total building area, including the parking levels, is about 18 600m2. Paragon was commissioned by Shree Property Holdings to design the landscaping as part of the holistic design of the project. This meant using the building’s design language throughout the landscaping. “The client gave us the design freedom to sculpt the landscaping to complement the buildings’ angular and distinctive design,” Project Architect Jurie Geldenhuys comments. Six basic elements or materials had to be included throughout the design, namely fire, earth, water, metal, wood and stone. Three

separate external timber deck seating areas had to be provided in terms of the program: two areas for the two buildings, and one area for the public coffee shop at the pedestrian entrance to the buildings. A 4-star Green Star rating was the target from the offset, which the project received in May 2018. Over and above these specific client requirements, Paragon also had to adhere to the very specific requirements of the Ridgeside Management Association (RMA) concerning the treatment of corner sites in the precinct, as set out in the RMA Design Guidelines Volume 0 & 1. These guidelines relate to planting types, which had to be presented and approved by the RMA Design Review Committee. The guidelines also include: planting recommended for use on specific streets, 90% of all planting is to be indigenous, and the landscaping plans are to list and motivate plant types to be used for approval. Continued next page

The area between the two buildings had to be kept as flexible as possible, so a row of trees in combination with built-in and movable planters was designed on the axis between them.

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA APRIL/MAY 2019 21

>> B LU EPRINT

Pran Boulevard, which has a 4-star Green Star rating, consists of two linked office buildings.

A minimum of 20% of each site area is to be landscaped (the 20% is to be regarded as hard and soft landscaping areas); landscape designs are to take into account safety, surveillance and defensibility of the public environment; in addition, corner sites have very specific requirements in terms of planting height and species, so as not to obscure or obstruct views. Another focus of the guidelines is the external horizontal surface treatment throughout the Ridgeside precinct, and the interface of the public surfaces with the surfaces used in the various properties. In this regard, professional landscaping design firm Ochre Office of Johannesburg assisted Paragon in selecting and specifying plant types that would meet the requirements of both the RMA and Green Star throughout the design. Ochre Office also assisted in terms of the documentation of the paving layouts, timber decks, timber seating and the water features. Most of the first-level basement would have been exposed was it not for the cascading planters next to the stairs, which provide access from more than 1.5m below the podium level.

22 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

The site, situated on the corner of Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Ntusi Road, slopes away steeply from Umhlanga Rocks Drive towards the east, down Ntusi Road. The steep slope, combined with a maximum building-height restriction on the site, posed a major challenge in terms of maximising the building height/ office area, while also finding a median level to maximise pedestrian accessibility from the Umhlanga Rocks Drive side, and vehicle access from Nokwe Avenue on the opposite side of the site. There is a level difference of more than one metre between Umhlanga Rocks Drive (the western side) down to the ground-floor podium level, while down Ntusi Road (the northern side), most of the first-level basement would have been exposed was it not for the cascading planters next to the stairs, which provide access from more than 1.5m below the podium level.

PRO J EC T #2 PR AN BOU LEVARD

The edge conditions of the landscaping on the site boundaries were designed to, where possible, join seamlessly with the adjacent RMA landscaping levels to soften the transition, to keep the natural slope, and to not impose the new landscaping on the area with hard edges. The RMA landscaping will, in future, tie into the project’s landscaping as a natural extension of the design. Pedestrian access to the site was designed with the pedestrian movement through the precinct in mind. From Umhlanga Rocks Drive, pedestrian access was introduced to the podium level through an accessible ramp and a stair down. From Ntusi Road, access is provided through a

stair to the podium level, while on the corner, on-grade access was provided that could also be used for deliveries to the coffeeshop. The positions and angles of the various access routes were influenced by the buildings’ shape, its axes created, and the relationship/position of the pedestrian routes around the site. Another important element of the client brief was to keep the area between the two buildings as flexible as possible for future functions, and as a spill-out area for both buildings. To that end, a row of trees was designed on the axis between the buildings, in combination with built-in and movable planters to create the necessary flexibility.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM DEVELOPER: Shree Property Holdings ARCHITECTS: Paragon Architects (Anthony Orelowitz, Director/ Owner; Duanne Render, Director; Jurie Geldenhuys, Project Architect; Dipesh Dhaya, Architectural Technologist; Justin Brien, Candidate Architect) PROJECT MANAGER: Orion Project Managers QS: Brian Heineberg & Associates STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: L&S Consulting ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT: Tesla Consulting Engineers MECHANICAL CONSULTANT: Mahesh Khoosal and Associates WET SERVICES CONSULTANT: Redline Consulting Engineers FIRE CONSULTANT: Umlilo Consulting GREEN CONSULTANT: AECOM TRAFFIC: RMC Civil & Traffic Engineers LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: The Ochre Office MAIN CONTRACTOR: Trencon

Orion Kevin Mc Pherson +27 (0)83 625 3820 Email: kmcpherson@orionpm.co.za Paul Hoogendyk +27 (0)82 853 1952 Email: phoogendyk@orionpm.co.za www.orionpm.co.za

ABOVE AND BELOW The edge conditions of the landscaping on the site boundaries were designed to join seamlessly with the adjacent levels to soften the transition.

L & S Consulting Structural and Civil Engineers Tel: +27 (0)11 463 4020 Email: mail@lsgauteng.co.za www.lsgauteng.co.za

MKA Tel: +27 (0)31 536 8306 Cell: +27 (0)79 435 5452 Email: aashik@mkaengineers.co.za www.mkaengineering.co.za

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Hotel World The Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, designed by SVA International, harnesses the presence of an international hotel brand to feed the imagination of a city, offering quality urban space and architecture while supporting a sustainable business model.

he Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone forms part of a mixed-use development in the New Gaborone Central Business District in Botswana. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design, by SVA International, is the result of the dialogue of four different functions in the same block, including a sevenstorey Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, a three-storey commercial building, parking at semi-basement and public space around and in between the building blocks. SVA International opted for a sensible approach to the urban

design aiming for a pedestrianfriendly, visually pleasant, mixed-use development with a gardened central courtyard, which allows circulation to the hotel drop-off and accessible parking at the most convenient level for the city and the tenants. It is a sensitive design that considers not only the scale of the buildings, especially the human scale of its users, but also connectivity with the CBD. The architecture of the buildings features a modern and contemporary approach,

The new Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone forms part of a mixed-use development in the New Gaborone Central Business District in Botswana.

24 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

speaking to the environment and landscape directly, by taking into account elements like the culture, climate and surrounding functions resulting in a pedestrian scaled ground floor, large overhangs (to create deep shaded internal spaces) and solar control systems that double up to enhance the architectural aesthetic. While the commercial block has been kept to three storeys, the hotel has been designed as a sevenstorey building to comply with the precepts of the iconic nature of the

Hilton brand and its function as a hotel, including vertical gardens on a contemporary-style building, and the efficient use of floor space. The two buildings have a convenient orientation in terms of reduced sun exposure to the east and west, while still offering quality views to the interior and exterior of the block. This orientation also allows for sunlight gain in winter and protection from west and east low-sun in summer, which in turn translates into a huge powerconsumption saving. Continuity of the shapes of the buildings

PROJ EC T #3 H I LTO N GARD E N I N N GABO RO N E

RIGHT AND BELOW RIGHT The hotel has been designed as a seven-storey building to comply with the iconic nature of the brand, while its orientation and large overhangs create deep shaded internal spaces.

ABOVE Instead of creating a closed continuous building with restricted access, the project has been conceptualised as a complementary public space open to the public at ground level. Continued next page

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has been ensured with the use of continuous canopies in line with the building lines alongside the main roads next to the site. The landscape design includes water-wise vegetation in the form of ground-floor gardens, vertical green walls, and tall trees rising up from natural ground level, working together to provide a refreshing image of the whole complex. The inviting trees and gardens provide a pocket of relaxation in the busy CBD and encourage residents to visit the central square and the retail space defined by the hotel’s reception, the restaurant and restaurant terrace, garden lounge and bar. Instead of creating a closed continuous building with restricted access, the project has been conceptualised as a complementary public space open to the public at ground level. The two buildings rise to the sides, completing the scheme and negotiating a central public space in between – which also offers urban permeability and an active ground floor, a convenient drop-off zone for the hotel, and easy access parking for wheelchair users. The pedestrianfriendly design encourages access by the floating and permanent community in the new CBD. It also offers a pleasant and accessible area in which people can enjoy a meal or a coffee at the restaurant, or perhaps a drink in the hotel’s bar overlooking the public parking deck and green spaces. The project will efficiently contribute to the excitement and vitality of the CBD and the life of the street.

PROJ EC T #3 H ILTO N GARD E N I N N GABO RO N E

ABOVE The two buildings negotiate a central public space between them, which offers urban permeability and an active ground floor, encouraging residents to visit the central square.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM CLIENT: Botswana Pension Fund for Public Officers (BPOPF) DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Messidor Investments (Asset and Development Management) HOTEL OPERATOR: HWW – Hilton Worldwide PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL AGENT: SiVEST Project Management Division ARCHITECT: SVA International (Pty) Ltd LOCAL ARCHITECT: Cons-Com (Botswana) (Pty) Limited

ABOVE As the landscaping establishes itself, its water-wise vegetation will include vertical green walls and tall trees working together to provide a refreshing image for the whole complex.

SVA International Tel: +27 (0)11 268 6090 Email: svajhb@svarchitecture.com www.svarchitects.com

26 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

INTERIOR DESIGNER: Source IBA QUANTITY SURVEYOR: EQUATE PROPERTY | CONSTRUCTION | SOLUTIONS MEP ENGINEERS: A R EDWARDS & ASSOCIATES STRUCTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING: ADA Consulting Engineers FIRE ENGINEER: WSP, Building Services, Africa CONTRACTOR: Group Five

SiVEST SA Tel: +27 (0)11 798 0600 Email: info@sivest.co.za www.sivest.co.za

Equate Tel: +27 (0)12 644 1747 Email: info@equateafrica.com www.equateafrica.com

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Robert Silke’s radical In a masterstroke of urban regeneration, Robert Silke is transforming Cape Town's Foreshore with his new Onyx development for John Rabie's Signatura. PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Careful surgical intervention to the façade of the existing building on the Cape Town Foreshore - particularly a sculptural white aluminium curved balcony offset against the existing black façade - helped edit a corporate 'black glass box' into an elegant apartment hotel.

28 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

PRO J EC T # 4 TH E O NY X

transformation T

here’s been a fair amount of hype about what’s going to be the tallest or largest building in Cape Town over the past few years, but little is made of the re-inventions of current spaces into glorious citychanging landmarks. Take, for example, Robert Silke’s transformation of Cape Town's Foreshore with his new Onyx development for John Rabie's Signatura. Silke explains, “Johnny Rabie has this sixth sense for what’s going to be the next big thing – he saw the opportunity in the area, found the ideal property, and didn’t have to wait for approval. In partnership with Nedbank, the property’s owner, we could get into the project very quickly. Instead of a new development, we made a new building out of an old one. That’s incredibly hard architecturally, but it has brought new life to the Foreshore.” He adds, “The brief was to make something aspirational and beautiful and give it a genuine joy and frivolity. And there was a budget available to do it.” Silke set about the delivery of something different – to transform the office building into a luxury cruise liner. “The trick here has been to edit a corporate ‘black glass box’ into an apartment hotel – something that inspires fantasy and the joy of living in one of the world’s great harbour cities. This happened by careful surgical intervention (to the façade, especially) so as to create opportunities for futuristic and sculptural white aluminium curved balcony features, off-set against the existing black façade. The crisp aluminium detailing evokes the experience of a luxury yacht. We didn’t even think we had the skills and expertise in South Africa to pull this off. It’s more like an iPhone than a building – a piece of product design. I think Continued next page

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The hotel component of the development is run by Newmark Hotels as a ‘oneoff’. Materials inside make use of real wood and marble.

30 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

that’s perhaps one of the reasons it captured the public’s imagination.” The outcomes of commercial design are currently quite predictable in South Africa (“at its lowest ebb” as Silke explains), and yet it’s no secret consumers and investors are yearning for something more bespoke – creating a shift to smaller scale individualised design, not just in property but in products too. The challenge is delivering something sustainable, authentic and of high quality. “In a world so caught up in sustainability, recycling a building through thoughtful conversion is probably the greenest act a property development can do – more than any regulation or bylaw can demand. But to do it with style,

well, that's a whole other thing,” adds David Cohen of Signatura. Silke continues, “Run by Newmark Hotels, the hotel component of the development is not another subset of a large chain. It’s a ‘one-off’ and for that reason the materials inside make use of real wood and marble. In a generation where we are looking for differentiation and value, Onyx delivers, with some apartments offering expansive views and wooden decks.” Design maven Michael Chandler, of Chandler House, explains, “Robert’s work is visionary and yet deeply nostalgic at the same time – romantic and poetic. I wish the rest of the city would wake up and follow in his footsteps, but I think it’s very hard to get it right

PRO J EC T # 4 TH E O NY X

and it is something that Robert is so good at. The Onyx presents as a glamorous sailing ship, full of happy travellers ready for a voyage of adventure.” The development’s clients range from European and African billionaires through to neighbouring Naspers employees. Interestingly, there are many residents who do not use a parking bay, a growing trend in a world of rising vehicle and parking costs with Uber as a

popular alternative. City dwellers, entrepreneurs and employees have access to Woolworths and Virgin Active and enjoy the benefits of hotel facilities, with use of both the hotel pool and bar, as well as access to room service. “What has been rewarding to see is that the base of residents and hotel guests is totally diverse, which is exactly what we are seeking to achieve in the city. It’s a real sign the city is growing up,” Silke concludes.

The crisp aluminium detailing and futuristic aesthetics evoke the experience of a luxury yacht, a design that captures to the joy of living in one of the world’s great harbour cities.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM DEVELOPER: Signatura: David Cohen, Bradley Parker, Vaughn Erasmus & Mark Saacks ARCHITECTS: Robert Silke & Partners: Robert Silke, Robert McGiven, Jonathan Gundry, Raa-ieq Simon & Alex Geh QUANTITY SURVEYOR: Kahts & Sparks: Josh Sparks & Ryan McCrindle INTERIOR DESIGNER: Robert Silke & Partners: Sarah Schulman & Drew Wolf STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: S&T Consulting Engineers: Rob Stuart Fox ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: SolutionStation: Dimitri Lourandos WET SERVICES ENGINEER: SolutionStation: David Levin RATIONAL FIRE DESIGNER: SolutionStation: Reynier Oelofsen MECHANICAL ENGINEER: CP Mech Eng: Colin Pryce, Allan Cunnighame & Michael Watson INTERIOR DECORATOR: Francois Du

Kaht & Sparks Tel: +27 (0)21 761 5794 Email: info@ksqs.co.za www.ksqs.co.za

D&S planning studio Tel: +27(0)21 422 3549 Email: Ben@planningstudio.co.za Email: Fred@planningstudio.co.za www.planningstudio.co.za

Plessis Interiors: Graham Jones HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANT: Frontline: Darion Hendricks & Yusuf Claassen LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Planning Partners: Jacques Dohse TOWN PLANNER: D&S Planning Studio: Ben Schoeman MAIN CONTRACTOR: JW Hugo Construction: Juan Hugo, James van Druten & Jaco Barnard

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O N S IT E

G L ASS & ALU M I N I U M

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ENHANCED BY REYNAERS CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS

A futuristic distribution centre, with round shapes in steel, glass and aluminium, has recently been built right next to a motorway in Tilburg (Netherlands). Habeon Architecten were commissioned to design the highly sustainable building for Rhenus Logistics. The logistics building is a real breath of fresh air compared with the straightforward warehouses that pollute the horizon along motorways and industrial estates everywhere. Reynaers’ curtain wall system CW 50 was used to meet project criteria based on sustainability and design. Remarkable aspects of this new industrial building include the vastness, the round shapes and the large amount of glass for this type of building. This logistics

centre is highly sustainable because of its use of materials and energy, offering at the same time a pleasant working environment and flexibility.

CURTAIN WALLS The building has large curtain walls to let in as much daylight as possible for an enjoyable atmosphere. The large canopy created by the cut-out in the Tube on the long south side serves as a sun shade for the office and the mezzanine floors behind it. The two elliptical end walls also consist entirely of curtain walls. Portalume Systemen, a specialist in aluminium façade technology, produced, supplied and installed some 3 700m2 of aluminium curtain walls with Reynaers CW 50 profiles. Approximately 95% of the curtain walls are

32 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

machine-made, only the round parts are handmade. The architect’s opinion regarding this choice is that aluminium frames fit perfectly with a distribution centre because they are maintenance-free and create slender details that minimise the visible material and maximise the glass surface.

of the building is now greater than its own consumption. This achievement ensures the building is designed for the future. www.reynaers.co.za Reynaers Curtain Wall 50 is a façade and roof system that offers unlimited design freedom and allows maximum transparency. As such, CW

BREEAM OUTSTANDING

50 is available in several

The distribution centre was constructed with sustainable materials, automatically dimming LED lighting, triple insulation glass, extra insulation of roofs and the use of heat pumps. The building has now achieved a BREEAM Outstanding certificate with a super-high score of 98.48%. At the end of 2018, the roof was fully equipped with solar panels. The energy production

design and glazing variants, but also includes different technical variants to comply with specified levels of fire-resistance and thermal insulation. The design variants offer solutions for both the exterior and the interior of the building. The glazing variants range from using standard pressure plates, to structurally glazed and structurally clamped solutions.

Photo: Julien TRAGIN

A GREENER FUTURE IN OUR HANDS

Siège MATMUT - La Filature | Architect: Cabinet ARTEFACT Reynaers Aluminium systems used: CW 50, CW 60-SC

With over 50 years of experience worldwide Reynaers Aluminium offers practical and cost effective building solutions. Reynaers Aluminium … • Is GREEN committed – helping you achieve credits for LEED & BREEAM • Adheres to the highest international TECHNICAL STANDARDS • Offers you a 10 YEAR SYSTEM GUARANTEE • Can assist you with the DESIGN and TESTING of challenging FACADES

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

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

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STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS

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REASONS TO CHOOSE AN ALUMINIUM FRONT DOOR A good-looking front door is the make-or-break factor when it comes to first impressions of your home. Cobus Lourens from leading window and door supplier, Swartland, says: “Your front door speaks volumes about the rest of the home that lies beyond – so it is important to select one that compliments your home’s architectural and interior style. However, your choice should not only be about aesthetics, but functionality needs to be considered as well.” In this light, Cobus notes that aluminium front doors, such as those from Swartland’s KENZO range of aluminium doors and windows for example, are a great option: “Aluminium front doors come in various good-looking styles that are designed to complement both contemporary and traditional homes. They also boast a whole host of other benefits that make them a very practical option as well.” He provides a list of the main benefits of choosing an aluminium front door for your home:

STRENGTH

We structure solutions by providing specified, rolled and extruded aluminium alloys and volumes world-wide. Our team of engineers and metallurgy specialist are keen to work with you. We provide expertise to leverage exciting aluminium features and benefits. Hulamin’s fabrication and finishes ensure the success of your business. www.hulamin.com

“Aluminium is a composite material and is really strong, yet lightweight. As such, aluminium front doors can feature larger glazing elements in order to let in maximum light, while not compromising on the strength of the door itself,” explains Cobus.

STYLE While many people tend to think that aluminium front doors err on the side of contemporary styling, Cobus notes that they are available in a diverse range of styles: “Front doors in the KENZO range for example, are available in a variety of styles that complement both modern and traditional architectural design.”

DURABILITY

Think future. Think aluminium. 34 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

G L ASS & ALU M I N I U M

Aluminium front doors are incredibly durable, says Cobus: “Aluminium doesn’t experience any form of contraction or expansion, so they don’t warp or crack, whatever the

climate. Aluminium is also naturally resistant to corrosion, which makes them an especially good option for coastal areas.”

EASE OF MAINTENANCE Minimum maintenance is required to maintain any aluminium windows or doors – saving you time and money. Cobus elaborates: “Aluminium front doors come with a durable and aesthetically pleasing powder-coated finish. The KENZO range for example, is available in a choice of Silver, Bronze, Charcoal or White powdercoated finish.”

AFFORDABILITY Aluminium front doors are a comparatively inexpensive option. This is largely due to the wide availability of the material, and the fact that it is really easy to recycle. Cobus adds that its ease of maintenance also adds to its affordability over its lifetime, as you won’t need to invest in sandpaper, sealant or labour in order to keep them looking their best.

A GREEN OPTION Aluminium boasts a very long lifespan, but it is also very easy to recycle, notes Cobus: “Recycling aluminium requires a mere 5% of the energy needed to collect new aluminium – making aluminium front doors a great option for homeowners with environmental concerns.” www.swartland.co.za

QUALITY DOESN’T FEAR TIME. Swartland is a name that’s synonymous with quality. Frankly, we’re obsessed with it. And it’s thanks to this dedication to quality that all Swartland products last so long. Our windows, doors and door frames have stood the test of time since 1951. We’ve applied this same attention to detail and production excellence to our new range of products: cornices, awnings, insulation rolls and manufactured pine products. But quality doesn’t only apply to our products, it’s infused in every facet of our business. Our new customer promise is “Experience Quality” and it’s our commitment to holding ourselves to the highest standard, to ensuring that every interaction and every experience with us, is a quality one – time after time. For more information visit www.swartland.co.za or call us on 086 110 2425

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G L ASS & ALU M I N I U M

SPIDBOLT STAINLESS STEEL AND ALUMINUM GLASS FITTINGS NOW IN SA Spidbolt, the manufacturer of innovative and unique design stainless steel and aluminum glass fittings, is now available in South Africa. Spidbolt architectural fitting systems allow for maximum creative flexibility while presenting unique and innovative design, unparalleled quality, strength and superior performance. Spidbolt glass fittings range from glass structural and shower fittings to internal glass fittings that are easily identifiable by their castings, which shift focus from that of a standard functional element to a true design feature. The glass hardware is created from the highest quality 316 grade stainless steel. All castings undergo rigorous tensile, impact, hardness, salt spray and radiography tests, thus ensuring superior appearance, quality and performance. They are also TUV certified. Spidboltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practicality, attention to detail and commitment to easy installation achieves beauty without sacrificing functionality. www.spidbolt.com

36 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

KEEPS UV RAYS OUTSIDE WHERE THEY BELONG. Our screen roller blinds are specially designed to protect you, your flooring and furniture from UV Rays and glare. Combining function and beauty, these blinds maintain a temperate climate while bringing a level of architectural sophistication to your home and are available in over 100 different fabrics to match your design needs. Taylor Screen Roller Blinds

0861-1-TAYLOR (829567) www.taylorblinds.co.za

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G L ASS & ALU M I N I U M

SOLUTIONS FOR GLASS SEALING AND BONDING Finding the right adhesive or sealant to suit a specification is a critical and necessary step in the range of services you can expect from Sika®, and now Sika has fine-tuned their sealing and bonding solutions for the Façades, Fenestration and Insulating glass market. Sika’s Industry Business Unit has developed a wide range of technologies and products designed to achieve faster production, better material costs, more innovative designs and improved product performance.

FAÇADE Glass can be well combined with other materials such as natural stone, metals or plasticcoated metals, giving planners a wide scope for creativity. But façades must also provide longterm durability. This requires

INSULATING GLASS Façades are mainly responsible for the energy balance of a building. The excellent thermal insulating effect of bonded double- or triple-glazed units with coated glass – sealed by dual-seal technology – can save much of the energy otherwise consumed for heating or cooling.

WINDOWS perfect adhesion between the components and highly elastic, weatherproofing solutions. These specifications call for high-tech products, which are tailored to meet specific demands and guarantee peak performance in every respect. Sika® supplies a wide range of tried-and-tested, innovative façade products for every demand.

38 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

Structural bonding of the glass to the sash frame stiffens the window. As a result, the glass supports the frame, instead of the usual situation where the frame supports the glass. Reduced requirements to the structural strength for the sash frame enable numerous options for improved window structures. The face widths of the sash frames are

narrower, which increases the incoming light and improves the insulation characteristics. Permanent secure bonding of the glass with the frame reduces maintenance costs because the structure retains its dimensional stability. Settling of the sash frames is largely excluded. Automation of the glazing process and reduction of steel reinforcement make enormous contributions to improved productivity in window manufacturing.

PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR IN FFI IN SA: • Sikasil® SG adhesives for structural silicone glazing • Sikasil® IG adhesives for primary and secondary seals in insulating glass units • Sikasil® WS for weathersealing www.sika.co.za

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CE M E NT & CO N CRETE

GET GLASS-SMOOTH CEMENT FLOORING WITH COPROX Cement flooring is becoming more and more trendy and economical as a floor finish. Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat gives an aesthetically pleasing glass-smooth finish and is cheaper than tiles. It is available in 20 attractive colours. Coprox Masonry Waterproofing and Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat can be kept looking as good as new when coated with Coprox Wall and Floor Clear Sealer, a semi-gloss scuff- and stainresistant clear sealer. Spills and splashes can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Coprox Masonry Waterproofing and Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat eliminate the need for plaster, paint and tiles, providing an attractive and unique naturally aged, mottled and rustic finish, which becomes more pronounced over time. Unlike paint, there are no unpleasant

odours when applying the products. Coprox Masonry Waterproofing is brush applied. Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat can be either brush applied as an elegant textured finish to a variety of surfaces, or can be applied by trowel to leave a classic glass-smooth skim coat finish onto walls, floors and over clay tiles. Coprox International is renowned for its range of waterproofing and decorative coatings manufactured at its Sandton plant. The product range, comprising Coprox Masonry Waterproofing, Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat, Coprox Waterproof Cement Additive, Coprox Cobond, Coprox Waterproof Crack Filler, Coprox Waterproof Tile Grout and Coprox Wall and Floor Clear Sealer, is available in select hardware and paint stores countrywide. www.coprox.com

ARCHITECTS SHOULD KNOW CONCRETE BETTER, SAYS TCI

Concrete is the material of choice for many architects and structural designers globally because of the vast design spectrum it offers, but too few South African construction professionals know enough

Roxburgh, senior lecturer at TCI’s School of Concrete Technology, says architects who employ concrete in their designs because of its versatility and flexibility should also be versed in

– both off-shutter and architectural. This would not only enhance their understanding of the design potential of concrete but also help ensure the durability of their concrete creations. “Architects need no convincing about the aesthetic qualities of concrete and are constantly finding new and exciting ways of showcasing concrete beauty. It allows for design variations such as gently flowing structures, curves or straight lines to enhance the artistic properties of a building. No other modern

about its technological aspects, says John Roxburgh of The Concrete Institute (TCI) in Midrand.

the practical properties of concrete at various construction stages and the variety of finishes it offers

construction material offers the designer such a variety of forms, colours and textures,” he adds.

40 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

Concrete also offers benefits such as strength, sustainability, economy, thermal efficiency and sound attenuation. Speed of construction and the opportunity concrete offers to use local labour and materials are also regarded as important advantages. The School of Concrete Technology’s five-day Concrete Technology training course, to be presented in Midrand, Durban and Cape Town this year, is the ideal course for architects and civil and structural engineers. “Not only would it provide these professionals with essential technological concrete knowledge, but also boost their career advancement,” Roxburgh adds. www.theconcreteinstitute. org.za

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CE M E NT & CO N CRETE

40 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE! The year 2019 marks Terraforceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40th anniversary of being engaged in the earthretaining and erosioncontrol industry. Initially as a supplier and installer of wire mesh gabions, Terraforce soon switched to the more sustainable concrete block method of their own design. It was a good choice, and with only one competitor from Europe in this sector, the business grew steadily and is now represented by dedicated licensees on all continents. From the word go, Terraforce knew that robust research, testing and design guidelines were indispensable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not only as a service to their customers, but also to keep the free-riders at bay that invariably pop up. Over the years, a number of laboratory tests (crushing resistance, inter-block sliding resistance, block-geogrid connectivity tests and blockgeogrid shear resistance), three design manuals and a wealth of supplementary information were conducted and published. In 2004, Terraforceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first design software was launched and soon many of their clients requested the introduction

of a design service. Terrasafe was launched in 2011. In 2018, Terraforce launched its state-of-the-art design software, Maxiwall, a design tool for experienced professionals. Terraforce is currently completing a comprehensive design course for gravity and composite retaining walls, in compliance with SANS 207 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; based largely on BS 8006. To this end, it was necessary to verify some of the findings of the aforementioned tests conducted in 1991 and 1995 in South Africa and Canada.

SHEAR TESTS AT CURTIN UNIVERSITY, 2018

Curtin University in Perth, Australia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; under the guidance of Johan Joubert of Wave International â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have recently

1907 Tel: 021 465

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42 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

submitted their report on their 2018 laboratory tests for determining shear strength between closed-face Terraforce blocks and geogrids in accordance with ASTM-D6916-18. www.terraforce.com

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Creating Concrete Possibilities

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CE M E NT & CO N CRETE

EARTHFORM: THE PERFECT SOLUTION When a couple in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, decided to build their dream retirement home, they were faced with an unexpected challenge: soil erosion due to the high-lying area of their land. A Google search highlighted Technicrete’s Earthform retaining wall blocks as a solution. Meeting with Technicrete at their Polokwane office offered them the erosion solution they required. “Our Earthform retaining wall blocks are ideal for the kind of challenges the couple were facing. The longevity of the product has stood the test of time on many projects where soil erosion has been vast due to flooding,” says Peter Hilton, Sales Consultant for Technicrete in Polokwane. Due to the magnitude of the project, Hilton travelled to Thohoyandou to assess the site and take the required measurements, which took over two hours. The house, large enough to accommodate four children and extended family, was built high up in the magnificent hilly area of the region, affording the property exquisite views, but the heavy rains were causing massive soil erosion on the chosen site. Hilton adds, “Earthform gives embankments a natural support while protecting the land from collapsing due to erosion. Additionally, it provides an attractive and practical finish in difficult-tomaintain steep areas through the creation of plantable and easy-to-maintain retaining walls. I knew that Manie Troskie from Engineered Interlock Solutions (EIS) is a specialised concrete block retaining wall contractor that has many years of experience in the design and building of concrete block retaining walls, as he is a regular customer

of ours. Due to the massive size of the project and the challenging terrain, I referred the couple to Troskie for the retaining wall installation and design,” says Hilton. Troskie says, “EIS designed and constructed the retaining wall in various stages. The critical area was in front of the house where 80mm wide tension cracks had already developed. There was a risk that this embankment could collapse. A total slip failure would have had a major impact on the structural integrity of the house. The in-situ embankment was cut back to the required design distance for the Geosynthetic reinforcement and drainage to be installed. The soil was stockpiled for reuse. The fill wall was constructed in two terraces, each 3m high. The terraces were of a more economical design solution and provided a softer look for landscaping. There were various smaller terraced walls constructed on both sides of the house. One wall was constructed as a 7m-high continuous wall that flared out into three smaller terraces,” adds Troskie.

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“The wall behind the house in the cut section was also designed as a two-terrace wall. The bottom section was 5m high and the second wall 3m high. There is an access road to the neighbour’s property on top of the wall. This required that the embankment was cut back and the soil stockpiled to provide space for the Geosynthetic reinforcement and drainage.” Troskie says, “This is the biggest residential retaining wall project that we have undertaken to date. We happily used the recommended Technicrete Earthform retaining wall blocks because we ourselves have used them in the past on other projects due to the quality of the block and its longevity. “Over 20 000 grey Earthform blocks were needed to complete the Thohoyandou project. The house was situated off the main tarred road, and this is where the expertise of the Technicrete drivers came to the fore as they battled dirt roads – at times in bad rainy weather – and still delivered on time as scheduled, without breakages,” he says.

“The access to stock as required and competitive pricing are other factors that made working with Technicrete a win-win situation over the eight months that it took to complete this project. The technical advice from Peter Hilton was spot on for this development and the couple involved were very happy with the end result in terms of erosion control and final appearance,” says Troskie. Earthform retaining wall blocks can be stacked up to 7m high, provided that sufficient Geosynthetic reinforcement, erosion control layers and drainage are installed in the reinforced fill section directly behind the Earthform retaining wall blocks. Plants or vegetation suited to the style of the Earthform retaining wall blocks should be planted facing outward of the front face of the wall and require little maintenance. The blocks are available in autumn, grey and plum. Technicrete is part of ISG, which includes Ocon Brick and Rocla. www.isgroup.co.za

Your architectural masterpiece should always have the perfect ﬁnishes - from paving & garden kerbs, to enhancing surrounding landscapes. Technicrete has expanded its wide range of industrial and infrastructure concrete products, and today has the most comprehensive range of concrete products across multiple industries. From paving to kerbs and retaining walls, the Technicrete range takes any architectural design, refurbishment and investment to perfect completion. Occupying a unique and signiﬁcant place in the precast concrete products market, Technicrete is poised to make your investment, perfect.

Paving for:

Retaining walls for:

• • • •

Driveways Roadways Pavements Walkways

www.technicrete.co.za Technicrete is a subsidiary of ISG, a leading supplier of innovative infrastructure products to the construction and mining markets in Southern Africa.

Earth embankments Steep channels Slopes Bridges / river banks

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CE M E NT & CO N CRETE

LUXURY CAR WASH “FLOORS IT” WITH FLOWCRETE A unique car-washing and leisure experience in Ballito has installed a bright and vibrant floor from Flowcrete South Africa that matches the site’s energy and attention to detail. Designed from the ground up by its owner, Machine WashWorx is a new venue that provides petrolheads with a relaxing space in which to enjoy a quality cup of coffee while waiting for their vehicle to be washed and detailed to the most exacting standard of car cleanliness. Flowcrete South Africa was tasked with providing a number of flooring solutions that would convey Machine WashWorx’s distinctive branding while being able to withstand the water, cleaning chemicals, foot traffic, automotive oils, impacts and other challenges inherent to a car-washing facility. Craig Blitenthall, Vice President of Flowcrete South Africa, says, “Getting Machine WashWorx’s floor just right presented us with a fun and challenging project. The bespoke, highend environment that the client wanted to create called for floors that would convey their image while simultaneously supporting the site’s demanding carcleaning activity. “Our resin flooring collection was perfect for this task, as each system has been made with the dual principles of design and durability at its core. This meant that Machine WashWorx could rest assured that the finish underfoot would provide a safe, clean and colourful surface to impress their highend clients.” Machine WashWorx is no ordinary car wash, as its

meticulousness sees cars roll through a custom cleaning area that not only includes a conveyor belt where the car is washed by hand but also specialist bays for vacuuming, polishing and even buffing the engine! 800m2 of the flexible and solvent-free polyurethane coating system Deckshield ID was applied across the car wash and parking areas. Originally designed to provide long-lasting surfaces in large, multi-storey car parks, this

46 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

was the ideal solution to cope with the onsite conditions. The Deckshield ID was manufactured in a vivid yellow and urban light grey that exactly matched Machine WashWorx’s corporate colours. This ensured that the floor mirrored the wall coatings and other key elements of the carefully considered, industrial-style interior design scheme. To make sure that the site is safe for staff and visitors, extra slip resistance was

added to the wash bay’s ramps. Suede additive, a fine sand-like powder, was incorporated into the coating to enhance traction underfoot without creating an overlyrough effect. In the adjacent coffee shop, the floor also had to convey the same aesthetic while withstanding foot traffic and point loading from items such as heavy tables made from car engines. 120m2 of the decorative epoxy coating Peran STB was installed to create a glossy, light grey floor area that would be both on-brand and easy to keep clean should any food or drink spill onto the floor. In Machine WashWorx’s back-of-house storage area, 80m2 of the hardwearing and self-smoothing epoxy system Flowshield SL was used to provide a reliable floor for an extended period of time. www.flowcretesa.co.za

>> O N SITE

H E ATI N G

MAXIFLEX’S NEW ENERGY-EFFICIENT OVERHEAD SECTIONAL DOOR “Energy efficiency is an integral focus in our endeavour to constantly improve our product and service portfolio,” says Bram Janssen, managing director of Maxiflex. “It is therefore with great excitement that we introduce a new stateWith an 82mm insulation panel, the door delivers of-the-art, ultra-efficient exceptional thermal separation and efficient and cost-effective insulation for optimal energy efficiency. overhead sectional door solution that will help The new overhead sectional customers cut costs by door has been built not only reducing their energy usage. to comply with the current Featuring a full 82mm of highest environmental insulation and an efficient regulations, but also to thermal break that results meet future insulation in a low U-value, this door requirements. It boasts from ASSA ABLOY Entrance a U-value of 0.46W/m2K, Systems’ product range which is below the European delivers optimum efficiency building regulations’ minimum and ultimately high requirement for 2020. “The energy savings.” U-value is more than twice as

48 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

effective as that of a standard overhead sectional door and is the lowest U-value in our current product portfolio,” affirms Janssen. With an 82mm PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation panel, the door delivers a combination of exceptional thermal separation and efficient insulation, ensuring the optimal use of energy to heat or cool work spaces. Rugged, tight double-lip rubber top and side seals prevent temperature differences from passing from one side to the other, giving customers control over their indoor environment and contributing to a safe, comfortable working space. The door’s assisted manual operation design, which offers two different types of chain

hoists (depending on door weight), makes opening and closing the door simple and safe. All manual doors can be upgraded with electric operators and automation. Placing safety as a top priority, the overhead sectional door features an electrical lock that can be remotely locked by a switch or via a PC. Service and maintenance is simple and hassle-free; smart components and layout minimise downtime to further reduce costs and achieve the lowest possible total cost of ownership. This versatile overhead sectional door is available in a choice of eleven standard colours (or matching factory painted colours), windows, track sets and dimensions. www.maxiflex.co.za

EFFICIENT & STYLISH HEATING SOLUTIONS WITH MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Visit www.infinitifires.co.za to view our extensive range

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H E ATI N G

HEATING TRENDS AT FIREPLACE WAREHOUSE As environmental considerations have become a central concern for consumers, there has been a strong move away from the traditional open fireplace to the more efficient closed or slow combustion fireplace. “Fireplaces have really evolved over the years with the new products now being more environmentally friendly and efficient,” says Dave Tunbridge, sales manager at Fireplace Warehouse. “Today’s fireplace design allows you to use less fuel for more heat and emit lower emissions into the atmosphere.” Modern fireplaces (sometimes referred to as stoves) decrease emissions by channelling the byproducts of the first primary combustion through the back of the stove into the combustion chamber, where secondary burning occurs,

thus creating more heat and lowering practical emissions. “Our range consists of wood, gas, wood pellets and Bio-Fuel options in both built in and freestanding models,” says Tunbridge. “Our most popular fireplaces are the closed combustion wood or pellet fireplaces and the flueless gas fireplaces because of safety, heat efficiency and running costs.” Wood fireplaces are a good choice as the amount of carbon dioxide released is approximately the same that is absorbed by the tree during its growth. It is also a renewable resource as one can create plantations and cultivated woodland, thereby leading to job creation. These types of fireplaces are not restricted to new houses and can be retro fitted or installed when doing a home renovation.

“It is important for architects, designers, interior decorators, home owners and builders to get the right information regarding the installation of a fireplace from the very beginning of the project,” recommends Tunbridge. “It is also important to consider the position, size and design of a fireplace so that one has a beautiful yet practical feature in a home that also adds value.” He adds that a fireplace can be fitted into any room in the house as long as it is safe to do so. “Our specialist consultants will visit the site to assess the installation and make recommendations based on safety rules and bylaws,” he says. Fireplace Warehouse also offers an installation service within the Johannesburg and Pretoria areas and can

arrange installation in certain outlying areas on request. They also offer shipment anywhere in South Africa and to neighbouring countries. “Another change in fireplace design is that one does not need to have a black fireplace anymore as some units are available in different colours,” says Tunbridge. “Most clients are looking for modern or retro design units nowadays, with the wallmounted type of fireplace being one of the most popular selling units at the moment.” www.fireplacewarehouse.co.za

ISOBOARD THERMAL INSULATION INTRODUCES RETROFIT SOLUTIONS IsoBoard has recently introduced a retrofit option for residential and industrial applications, making it possible to retrofit existing inefficiently designed buildings in a cost-effective manner. With IsoBoard, it is now possible to convert buildings such as factories, processing plants, commercial outlets and warehouses, or any other older buildings that were built without thermal insulation, into energy-efficient environments, reducing heat load, providing comfort, health, safety and productivity to occupants. This is especially

glued the board in short pieces between the existing purlins, adding a matching edge trim.” Russell points out that installing IsoBoard is the fastest way to introduce thermal insulation, excellent comfort for visitors to the showroom, great aesthetics, and to protect the occupants from asbestos.

now better understood, and need to be protected against. IsoBoard recently took on a conversion project, transforming a former factory

painless way of creating a usable and more energy efficient space. “We installed IsoBoard by gluing it directly to asbestos roof sheets, to

• Lightweight, easy to handle and prepare on site • Water resistant • Excellent thermal insulator, in summer and winter

useful when repurposing buildings for functions unintended at their conception. Also, some buildings in the past employed asbestos roof sheets, the risks of which are

into an interior design showroom in Somerset West for interior design display showroom Mood Collective, which demonstrates that adding IsoBoard is a relatively

improve the aesthetic and to add some really badly needed thermal insulation,” explains Mark Russell of IsoBoard. “We used painted IsoBoard to match the colour scheme, and

• Fire safe • Paintable • Durable, will last as long as your building • Thicknesses 25mm to 80mm www.isoboard.com

BENEFITS OF USING ISOBOARD

50 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

>> O N SITE

H E ATI N G

SHOPPING CENTRES POSE A DIFFERENT FIRE RISK TO TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS The National Building Standard and Building Regulations Act prescribes minimum fire-safety requirements for all buildings, including shopping centres, as per the SANS 10400-T fireprotection standard. However, most shopping centres do not fit the generic building type contemplated in the standard. Shopping centres pose a different fire risk to traditional buildings as they have multiple tenants within a complex single structure, all with varying fire loads and hazards, combined with a large number of members of the public. Multi-storey malls with interconnecting floors increase the risk of a fire spreading if they are company has also completed not equipped with adequate fire-protection plan designs or fully operational firefor tenants and property safety equipment. owners, both for existing and ASP Fire not only supplies proposed shopping malls. and installs the necessary Van Niekerk highlights fire-protection equipment, that a ‘rational design’ but its technical maintenance approach has to be adopted in teams provide ongoing accordance with the BS7974 support for the framework. maintenance and Shopping repair of existing centres are also fire-protection often ‘green’ equipment. “We buildings. can even reinstall Here the systems that do requirements not comply with fall into the appropriate two broad standards,” categories. ASP Fire's CEO, Michael CEO Michael Firstly, the van Niekerk van Niekerk SANS XA highlights. standard requires a building ASP Fire has completed a to be energy efficient. The number of risk assessments use of insulation materials in shopping centres – either at that are not fire retardant, the request of a single tenant, or that do not comply with or at the request of the SANS 428, increase the fire property owner and managing risk. Large glass windows or agent. These have ranged door-separation elements from multi-storey buildings to within a building that are not single-storey strip malls, and fire-rated will not prevent the even high-rise buildings in the spread of a fire or hot smoke. centre of Johannesburg. The The use of organic

52 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

materials, either in the construction of the building, or in the decoration of the walls or shops within the structure, increase the fire load, which may result in a rapidly-developing fire, a very large or hot fire, or a fire that produces a large quantity of smoke or toxic gases. All of these factors need to be taken into account in terms of the safety of shoppers. Some of the latest trends in terms of fire-prevention strategies for shopping centres are very-early fire detection and the compartmentalisation of shopping centres using lightweight fire-rated dry walling. “The prevention of any fire remains the most effective strategy,” van Niekerk cautions. Here the inclusion of fire-safety elements in the electrical system design and highpiled storage layout are essential to an effective fireprotection system. In addition, the regular maintenance and monthly

inspection of fire-safety equipment is often more important than installing the correct equipment in the first place. “All too often we come across a well-designed and installed fire-detection system that is either switched off or that has been disabled, with several fire and fault alarms showing on the control panel,” van Niekerk adds. Weekly tests of fire-pump or sprinkler-alarm valves are not carried out. “Fireprotection systems are an anomaly inasmuch as they are critical to life safety, but they are only used or needed when there is a fire. They are largely ignored for the most part, and often forgotten by key personnel in shopping centres,” van Niekerk notes. ASP Fire provides a monthly service to ensure that fire-safety equipment is inspected and tested, and that any defects are attended to immediately, so that the systems are always available in the event of a fire. www.aspfire.co.za

STOPPING FIRES BEFORE THEY START!

Fire Risk Assesment Rational Fire Designs +27 11 452 2169

ASPFIRE Chat to us on LinkedIn

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H E ATI N G

NEW HYBRID AIRCON SYSTEM HALVES HEATING COSTS Rising utility costs and increasingly stringent environmental standards demand more economical and energy-efficient temperature control in all buildings. Heat recovery systems combine cost-efficient thermal comfort with increased energy efficiency in areas where occupant comfort is paramount.

CUT ENERGY COSTS IN HALF BY SIMULTANEOUSLY HEATING AND COOLING The new Hybrid VRF system from Mitsubishi Electric cuts energy costs in half by simultaneously heating and cooling. Using advanced heat recovery technology, the Mitsubishi City Multi Hybrid VRF saves energy by redirecting the heat captured during the cooling process to areas requiring heating, such as hot water tanks. The advanced two-pipe heat recovery technology uses refrigerant only between the outdoor units and the patented Hybrid Branch Circuit (HBC) controller, while water replaces refrigerant between the HBC and the indoor units. This reduces exposure risk to harmful refrigerants in occupied spaces by 30% and complies

with international legislation and environmental trends. Offering increased energy efficiency, the patented Hybrid Branch Circuit (HBC) controller allows heat exchange between refrigerant and water, transferring energy around the building using a pair of water pipes connected to each indoor unit to supply hot or cold water. In fact, the Mitsubishi City Multi Hybrid VRF is up to three times more efficient than a traditional geyser, as 1KW of power produces up to 3KW of heating capacity! Simply put, the HBC

to 70 degrees or chills it down to 10 degrees. The two-pipe Heat Recovery System does not require an external pump and control panel usually necessary for chillers. All valves, pumps and heat exchangers are contained within the HBC. The system monitors high pressure, low pressure and the heat exchanger mode to set an appropriate compressor frequency. Waterflow from the indoor unit is automatically adjusted by the temperature difference between inlet and

intuitively directs the necessary energy to areas requiring heating or those that require cooling, using water rather than refrigerant.

outlet, based on required temperature settings, thereby ensuring no energy is wasted. The decentralised system means phased installation is possible with the same high levels of seasonal efficiency expected from VRF. This reduces the resources required for installation while ensuring a comfortable environment during the retrofit.

FLEXIBLE INSTALLATION WITH FEWER RESOURCES Flexible to design and install with fewer pipes and units than traditional HVAC, the new hybrid system offers the same control and network of a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) combined with the added benefits of a chiller system – heat one room up to 30 degrees Celsius, while chilling another down to 14 degrees. The heat exchange process simultaneously heats water up

54 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

LESS REFRIGERANT = LESS GREENHOUSE GAS = REDUCED LEAK DETECTION = INCREASED OCCUPANT SAFETY HVRF is ideal for applications where individual control settings or simultaneous heating and cooling – such as in

hotel rooms, hospitals, offices and schools – is required, or limitations on refrigerants and occupant safety restrictions are imposed. With the use of centralised control, HVRF is well suited to buildings that require individual temperature settings – from operating theatres to wards and consulting rooms, server rooms to boardrooms, hotel rooms to kitchens, clubhouses to gyms and changerooms. Since the indoor units are water-based, they have low noise levels while providing comfortable and efficient temperature control with variable airflow. Less refrigerants in occupied spaces reduces the need for expensive leak-detection systems and ongoing maintenance. In addition, by using less refrigerant in the total system, the Mitsubishi City Multi HVRF system also minimises rising SGG (Synthetic Greenhouse Gas) or Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) levies that increase the cost of refrigerants used in commercial airconditioning systems. www.msaircon.co.za

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I NTE RI O RS

TILE AFRICA COMMERCIAL DIVISION INCREASES RANGE OF FLOOR COVERINGS Tile Africa’s Commercial team are well-known for their expertise in tiles and bathroom-ware, supplying a wide range of local and imported ceramic and porcelain tiles, as well as bathroom-ware and associated products for both

TAF_LAD_APR2019.pdf

residential and commercial applications. In order to expand their service to their architectural and corporate customers, they have recently added laminate, vinyl and hardwood flooring options to their existing range of tiles and cork wall and floor coverings. “It is important to us to provide a wide range of options to our commercial clients, which is why we are always looking at ways to advance our product offering – both in terms of 2019/04/03quality 12:14 PM in line and

with current trends,” explains Craig Irvine, Tile Africa Commercial Operations Executive. The decision was made to partner with Finfloor for this range extension. “Finfloor’s commitment to integrity, service and quality products resonated with our own core values, making them the logical choice for Tile Africa,” confirms Irvine. The commercial division of Tile Africa has worked with corporate clients for many years, supplying and fitting bespoke solutions, together with a professional specifying and sourcing service from concept to completion. This is the core focus of the team,

which includes commercial supply and fit services to selected national customers, with centralised sales coordination for national customers and corporates. www.tileafrica.co.za

FLOORING SOLUTIONS

to create seamle spaces

CMY

HARDWOOD

V I NYL

The TILE AFRICA COMMERCIAL team supply a wide range of local and imported ceramic and porcelain tiles, cork, vinyl, laminate and hard wood floor coverings as well as bathroom ware and associated products for both residential and commercial applications. Specialist advice and a Supply & Fit service is available nationally.

L AM I N AT E S

TILES

™ COMMERCIAL

For a professional service and peace of mind, contact TILE AFRICA COMMERCIAL on 011 979 0327 or email contracts@tileafrica.co.za

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C IT Y

A profusion of metallic surfaces is juxtaposed with warm wood and splashes of bright colour, invoking a sense of dynamic living in this Cape Town terraced home with interiors by interior-design leader ARRCC. PHOTOGR APHY G REG COX WORDS TRACY LYN N CH EMALY

H E I G H T S

On Cape Town’s mountainside stands a striking angular building by renowned local architecture firm SAOTA. Complementing this terraced home, the interiors by ARRCC are a treasure trove of gem-like materials and custom furniture that pull together the client’s brief for ultimate comfort within high-functioning entertainment zones. Says ARRCC Designer Nina Sierra Rubia of the entrance hall, “The walnut panelling is a reflection of the warmth in the rest of the home, while the metal fleck ceramic by Chantal Woodman for OKHA, standing on a suspended black swing server, tells you that there’s fun to be had inside.” The patterns in the marble-like flooring and custom designed geometric grey woollen rug are complemented by ceramic installation art by Hennie Meyer – each piece inviting closer inspection in its uniqueness. SAOTA developed the house with all guest bedrooms on the bottom storey to elevate the main living area and

58 58 LEADINGARCHITECTURE LEADINGARCHITECTURE&&DESIGN DESIGN APRIL/MAY APRIL/MAY 2019 2019

master bedroom to a penthouse. Dividing the bedroom and bathroom is a slatted, faceted walnut screen. “It creates yet another beautiful point of interest, while defining the two spaces and adding privacy,” Mark explains. The bathroom walls continue the language of the marble-like floors, presenting the notion of five-star indulgence. Reached via a double-volume glass stairwell that introduces mountain views, the living area is a riot of calculated contrast, where light-reflective metallics – polished, tarnished or patinated – hover above and surround precious marble and wooden surfaces.

I NTE RI O RS This is evident in the pared-back kitchen, where a dark marble is inserted into a patinated brass countertop with a granite work surface. Brightened up with an optically abstract painting by Andrzej Urbanski from Everard Read, this area also encompasses the dining suite. The walnut dining table was custom-made with a marble lazy Susan and is surrounded by Arti-forte chairs from Limeline that complement the table’s rounded form. Such circular shapes come to play in the sculptural light, too. Brass rings cast a halo over the table, an atmosphere that is mimicked in the lounge with

Broom hanging lights from Crema. It’s here that the combination of material and form is at its most condensed, with the slatted ceiling wrapping itself over the back wall, blurring into the wooden splashback that doubles up as illuminated shelving. The bar itself is a custom structure, fronted by Pietra Paesina Laminam slabs. Tom Dixon bar stools and Classicon side tables from Limeline add vibrant colour and light reflection to this intimate hangout. “This entire living-area floor opens up to an enclosed terrace,” Mark explains, “which can be closed completely for weather

its polygon-shaped light. Separated from the dining area by architecturally slatted walnut screens, the lounge continues the dialogue of fascinating form. Its custom sofa, with angled bend, allows for complete immersion, offering views of the ocean, courtyard and television, which also acts as a mirror, further enhancing the sense of space. On either side of this mirror is a decorative acoustic fabric with brass detailing, cleverly concealing the speakers, while below the mirror stands a bio-fuel fireplace surrounded by Emperador marble. Such cosiness is best enjoyed while lazing on the reclining chair upholstered in a mustard felt by COR. Two purple OKHA Gloob chairs, on either side of a Minotti side table, introduce colour to this otherwise muted area. The custom-made server and coffee table cluster create interest in their unusual design, with the Tom Dixon Melt lamp acting as sideboard sculpture, maintaining the metallic pops of attraction around the home. On the opposite end of this floor is the bar, a stylish nook for mixing drinks under Lee

protection.” Here, Nina and the ARRCC team created two outdoor entertainment areas – one encompassing another lounge with custom furniture in neutral tones, reflecting Cape Town’s beach lifestyle, and the other sporting a cantilevered bio-fuel fireplace for drying off after a swim in the infinity pool. Entrance at the back of the building is deliberately understated; a modest canopy shelters the front door opening onto a landing from which a broad spine gently traces down the natural gradient alongside a generous garden courtyard. The corridor ends at the kitchen, whose island – a solid block of granite – forms a fulcrum with the principle living areas placed at right angles, parallel with the lagoon. The kitchen looks out over open-plan dining and lounge areas towards a fireplace and picture window framed in a massive concrete hearth wall. The top-storey master suite continues the home’s affinity for walnut, grey, mustard and curvaceous forms, bringing these to play in a more masculine way, and then

softening the aesthetic with linen effect curtains. Another Andrzej Urbanski hangs over the bed, adding an interesting geometric language to the space. The wall on either side of this brings warmth through walnut slats with brass fittings that light up. The limited edition Kaggen Side Table, by OKHA in collaboration with Atang Tshkare, and the marble-topped coffee table by Tonic create

visual texture in the lounge area, while a painting by Shany van den Berg on the entrance screen welcomes one to this bedroom floor, offering a taste of what’s to be found beyond – a space for full mental and physical immersion. “It’s a dynamic home,” says Mark. “One where unexpected materials combine to create a space that is as energetic as its owner.” www.arrcc.com

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA APRIL/MAY 2019 59

D R AW I N G B OA R D

SABIC’S REVOLUTIONARY ANTI-BACTERIAL LEXAN™ CLINIWALL™ POLYCARBONATE (PC) SHEET MEETS SANITATION DEMANDS The growing need to comply with sanitation standards and stricter safety regulations have resulted in construction professionals and maintenance managers in the medical industry as well as public facilities being driven to explore new ways to enhance public safety. SABIC is helping customers meet these challenges with the introduction of new LEXAN™ CLINIWALL™ sheets for clean room surfaces and interior wall cladding applications. The CLINIWALL™ portfolio features opaque, low-gloss PC/ ABS blend, solid sheets that delivers high strength and stain resistance to blood, iodine, rubber gasket marks and other common stains in hospitals, clinics and public facilities. It

is virtually unbreakable, very resistant to abrasion and offers excellent chemical resistance to most of the cleaning agents, including disinfectants and Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol). When compared to high-pressure laminates, ceramics and steel, LEXAN™ CLINIWALL™ sheet can significantly lower maintenance costs, thus providing long-term budget savings. The material is also very easy to install (even in existing buildings), form and transport due to its lightweight. LEXAN™ CLINIWALL™ sheet complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive due to its Non-Chlorinated and NonBrominated Flame Retardant Technology and meets the

current European EN 135011 regulation requirements of the Most Stringent Fire and Smoke Standards, obtaining the best rating for a thermoplastic material. When installed correctly LEXAN™ CLINIWALL™ sheet has a 10year written limited warranty.

APPLICATIONS FOR LEXAN™ CLINIWALL™ SHEET: • Interior wall cladding of healthcare facilities such

as hospitals, clinics, sterile rooms and laboratories. • Industrial facilities such as clean rooms, industrial kitchens, refrigeration rooms, storage areas. • Public facilities such as schools, kindergartens, restrooms, airports, bus stops, train stations, sport centres, or any other surrounds where there is a desire to reduce the potential transference of pathogens. www.evonik.com

Interiors and Architecture that is brilliantly inspiring, creative and unique...

PLEXIGLAS® offers a unique range of solutions for the interior design and construction industries that satisfies a diverse applications scope. Choose from from impact or scratch resistant and heat-reflecting to special surface textures like frosted, gloss, textured, mirror and wooden look-and-feel materials. The options are endless... EVONIK ACRYLICS AFRICA T: +27 11 387 1940 | F: +27 86 686 2448 E: plexiglas.africa@evonik.com

60 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

EAA’s technical specialists will gladly assist with applications development, installation and technical support and product selection.

>> D RAWIN G BOARD

VAN DYCK AND NOUWENS WEAVE TOGETHER A SOLUTION IN TROUBLED CARPETING SECTOR Durban-based Van Dyck Floors, South Africa’s oldest carpet manufacturer, and Harrismithbased Nouwens Carpets will consolidate their operations in order to streamline and optimise their manufacturing and supply chains, the companies recently announced. Dr Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of PFE International – the familyowned British investment company that acquired what was Van Dyck Carpets in 2004 – said that the consolidation was still subject to Competition Board approval. However, in

the two companies are not yet available, both Zarrebini and Nouwens Carpets chairman, Oscar Grobler, said that this would impact some of the 400-plus employees at the two manufacturing plants in KwaZulu-Natal. Nouwens, known for its quality product offering since it was launched in 1962, currently employs close to 200 people, while PFE International has approximately 600 employees across the group in South Africa and 205 within its carpeting division.

setting line and upgrading and modernising the tufting and needle punch machinery at the factory in Prospecton, Durban. This, together with investment in sister companies such as Mathe Group, which manufactures a range of rubber crumb products from recycled truck tyres and close associations with international brands – such as artificial turf company Easigrass, Balta, Instafloor and PERGO, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium laminates, commercial LVT/Ps and engineered wood

“At Nouwens, we believe this consolidation with Van Dyck Floors will be a game changer, not only for our respective businesses but also for our customers and the industry as a whole. We feel that it will add value to both of our customer bases and enable both companies to leverage each other’s strengths,” Grobler adds. Zarrebini believes that the consolidation of Van Dyck Floors and Nouwens Carpets

a challenging market where carpet manufacturers not only have to contend with rocketing input costs, an unreliable electrical supply and shrinking disposable income for home improvements but also competition from other flooring solutions, it made sense for the two companies to consolidate. Although specific details of the resulting restructuring of

PFE International’s 40-plus years’ global experience in yarn extrusion and carpet manufacturing has stood the company in good stead. In South Africa, the group has invested more than R100m over the past 15 years with big capital projects, including South Africa’s largest stateof-the-art fibre extrusion line, a BCF twisting and heat-

products – has enabled Van Dyck to diversify its product offering within both the commercial and residential flooring markets. This multi-brand strategy the combined companies intend to apply going forward will allow each of them to retain their own independent brands, products and sales and marketing teams.

will also enhance the impact of future investment. “This consolidation will ensure that efficiencies are gained from both manufacturing operations and will enhance our ability to innovate and ultimately ensure sustainability of the soft flooring industry in South Africa,” he explained. www.nouwenscarpets.co.za www.vandyckfloors.co.za

EUROLUX ACQUIRES RADIANT LIGHTING

Eurolux (Pty) Ltd is proud to officially announce its recent acquisition of Radiant Lighting (Pty) Ltd. The merger came into effect on 1 January 2019 and sees the two brands running parallel to each other as separate

entities under the umbrella of the Eurolux Group. Eurolux started out as a modest Cape Town operation in 1991 and has continued to grow from strength to strength. With two locations in South Africa, the brand is an industry leader in lighting importation and distribution. Radiant began operations in 1990 and, similarly to Eurolux, expanded its offerings as the company flourished and experienced rapid growth. Together they have a combined trading history of 57 years. This strengthened pool of resources allows for an improved product offering and an elevated

62 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

level of customer service, making them a force to be reckoned with in the market. “We strongly believe that this merger will bring about only positive changes for everyone, especially our customers. It will certainly make both companies stronger and more competitive in the market,” explains Eurolux director, Shaun Bouchier. Although it is business as usual for both Eurolux and Radiant staff, there are a number of exciting changes on the horizon in the near future. In Johannesburg, the Eurolux team will move across to the existing Radiant buildings in Wynberg,

Sandton, where several interesting showroom concepts will be launched during the course of 2019. This new chapter will also see the brands establish a presence in Durban with a new showroom in the works. In Cape Town, the Radiant team has already moved into the Eurolux offices in Milnerton. The Eurolux Group would like to take this opportunity to thank customers of both brands for their loyalty and support over the years, and to reaffirm its continued dedication in delivering a product offering of global standards. www.eurolux.co.za

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THE FUTURE OF FRAMING MiTek Industries South Africa will soon launch their new roof-designing software called MiTek PAMIR, which enables quicker estimating capabilities, faster roof-editing tools and a more integrated software environment – specifically designed for modern truss manufacturers. “The launch of PAMIR is the most significant software development in our industry during the last 20 years and we believe that it will set our customers even further ahead in today’s competitive marketplace,” says Hennie Viljoen, marketing manager at MiTek Industries South Africa.

various design and practical scenarios relevant to the South African roofing industry in preparation for PAMIR to be rolled out to South African customers in the second quarter of 2019. PAMIR combines roof layout, truss engineering and high-quality CAD output features all into one integrated software platform that can be easily configured to meet specific users’ requirements. Historically, these three areas have been addressed by three distinct software packages, each with a training requirement. Contrarily, PAMIR is a single integrated software

the whole process more productive and faster. The software also allows the user to specify factors that will affect the structural performance of the structure, including roof cover, site altitude, wind speed and more. “Modern roof designers need to be able to design a roof very quickly. With several new enquiries arriving on their desks every day, they need software solutions that enable them to design and quote roofs in no time. Customers expect information from you quickly and the ability to work within their timeframe requirements can often make the difference

“With PAMIR you can edit truss and building dimensions and watch the roof dynamically re-frame. Whether you are moving walls, adding an attic room, changing the roof pitch or mirroring roof features, PAMIR’s dynamic framing allows you to make any changes required. Also, thanks to the software’s powerful CAD functions, users are able to produce high-quality output – including elevations, live cross sections, zoomed-in 3D details and truss profiles – quickly and easily. “PAMIR is the next generation of prefabrication software – more dynamic, powerful and versatile than

The software comprises more than 760 000 lines of code and has taken 130 man-years of work to complete. “MiTek customers in Europe have used PAMIR for the past five years, and the software has reached a level of maturity that will be of great benefit to us in South Africa. We are currently ensuring that it is fully compliant with the SANS codes,” Viljoen states. Recent months have seen relentless testing of the software, simulating

environment, meaning that roof designers have just one platform to learn, and making

when it comes to retaining their continued business,” Viljoen points out.

any other software package available,” Viljoen concludes. www.mitek.co.za

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>> D RAWIN G BOARD

The professionals choice

DON’T USE JUST ANY ACRYLIC SEALANT – HERE IS WHY

Acryl-W Acryl-W is a high grade plastic elastic sealant used to fill small cracks in walls. Acryl-W can be used for adhering polystyrene cornices, ceiling tiles and interior finishes. Acryl-W has good movement capabilities and conforms to international standards. Acryl-W has excellent resistance once over painted with emulsion paints.

An acrylic sealant is a sealant typically with water-based ingredients made from acrylic resins and used primarily for filling small cracks and joints. Certain grades can be used for adhering cornices to walls and ceilings. In order to have the satisfaction of doing a job that will last, do it right the first time by making correct purchasing decisions and knowing the differences in grades or quality of acrylic sealants on the market. YOU MAY NEED TO PAY FOR QUALITY Often, but certainly not always, the better the quality ingredients used in a product, the higher the shelf price may be. Not all acrylic sealants are equal. Some have undergone extensive technical research and laboratory testing in order to produce a product that will perform optimally, in varying weather conditions. Many acrylic sealants are not waterproof and can leak over time.

Silicone-NO MF/MFT Silicone-NO Matt Finish is a neutral curing fungal resistant, durable and elastic sealant with excellent adhesion on many surfaces. It has a high UV and weather resistance. Perfect for sealing joints where mildew is undesirable, glazing systems, as well as perimeter sealing.

BUY A DUAL-PURPOSE SEALANT Ideally, dual-purpose acrylic sealants should be used. These sealants have strong adhesion, are able to adhere to a range of substrates and also have ‘flexible’ gap-filling properties. Den Braven Acryl-W is a dual-purpose acrylic. There is also a triple-purpose acrylic sealant, the Den Braven FP Acrylic – a certified and approved fire-protect acrylic. LOOK FOR A SEALANT WITH MOVEMENT CAPABILITIES A good acrylic sealant is

Do it right the first time JHB: 011 792 3830 CT: 021 552 9674 DBN: 031 579 2375 Please contact us for further technical product information and technical assistance

‘plastic elastic’ and has what is referred to as movement capabilities (7%-12%). This allows for adequate expansion and contraction

CooleAd 18138

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18138-Leading Architect & Design.indd 1

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of the filled cracks and joints once the area ‘settles’ and the acrylic sealant cures. A dualpurpose good-quality acrylic sealant will remain ‘elastic’ and more durable and longer lasting. Evaporation of moisture from the sealant allows the sealant to ‘cure’. Cheaper acrylic sealants often have limited performance characteristics, which result in joints or filled cracks becoming brittle and shrinking, thus causing possible cohesive and adhesive failures. Once cured, a good acrylic sealant should not crack or harden. ACRYLIC SEALANTS CAN BE PAINTED There is a variety of paintable acrylic sealants in the market that can be painted over with solvent-based paints as well as water-based paints (i.e. acrylic latex). Generally, the sealant should be fully cured before painting. They are mostly available in white, grey and beech and some brands have selected wood colours, i.e. the Den Braven Woodflex range. Acryl-W can be overpainted almost immediately. This saves money on downtime – no time lost waiting for the sealant to fully cure prior to painting. Good colour stability is achieved with high-grade sealants as they are pure white, non-grainy, with no discolouration. www.denbraven.co.za

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IT’S NOT JUST WHAT’S ON TOP, BUT WHAT’S BELOW THAT MATTERS IN FLOORING A beautiful floor plays a large part in creating a cohesive, well-designed space, but the look and performance of a floor covering is largely dependent on what lies below. When specifying vinyl sheeting, LVTs, laminate flooring or large-format tiles, the underlayment system is critical to ensure the desired end result. TAL believes that careful attention must, therefore, be paid to the correct preparation of the substrate to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation. Two factors in particular are vital, and equally important: • The substrate must be fully cured and have attained the

moisture content stipulated by the manufacturer of the floor covering. Excessive moisture in the substrate, or high moisture vapour emission rates, will most certainly result in an installation failure, for example vinyl flooring ‘bubbling’ or delaminating from the substrate. • The substrate must be integrally sound, smooth and level. Vinyl, laminates and large-format tiles will suffer from surface imperfections or a poor aesthetic appearance if the floor below is not perfectly smooth and level. If there is no damp-proof membrane below a surface

THE TAL MULTI-LEVEL SYSTEM FOR VINYL SHEETING

STEP 1

VAPOUR BARRIER

VaporStop HB

bed, or if moisture levels do not attain 5% MVER (75% RH) or less, a suitable moisture or vapour barrier should be installed. This will prevent the passage of water vapour and moisture through the concrete slab into the final floor covering. The moisture content of a concrete substrate may also fluctuate according to the season, so it is recommended that a vapour barrier be installed even if the floor appears to be dry at the time of the flooring installation. A compatible underlayment can then be installed, creating the perfectly level surface required to support the final

floor covering. A rapid-setting levelling compound is ideal for fast-tracking the project, particularly when refurbishing spaces with hard deadlines. Once the underlayment has cured, a floor level survey and moisture testing must again be carried out to verify that the surface is ready to receive the selected floor covering before installation begins. www.tal.co.za

STEP 2

STEP 3

AGGREGATED PRIMER TAL Aggregate

LEVELLING COMPOUND

TAL Screedmaster

STEP 4

VINYL ADHESIVE TAL Protac

TAL FREE TECHNICAL ADVICE CENTRE: 0860 000 TAL (825) or taltech@tal.co.za • www.tal.co.za *TAL, *TAL Screedmaster and *TAL Protac are registered trademarks of Norcros SA (Pty) Ltd. VaporStop HB is a registered trademark of X-Calibur International

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA APRIL/MAY 2019 67

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IS LOCAL MANUFACTURING DYING?

REAL BENEFITS AT D&G we understand that customers differ and thus need different solutions. By offering services ranging from quick turnaround times, project management, job specific packaging to level 2 BBBEE supplier status, we are able to service a wide range of customers effectively.

Local manufacturers are relinquishing jobs daily as they cannot keep up with the demand for imported goods that often retail at significantly lower prices. There is a strong misconception in South Africa that locally manufactured goods cannot compete with the perceived “better quality” of imports. As lower priced imported products may be appealing on the surface, the quality and production processes of these goods are often not of the same high standard, but more importantly they are not fit for the South African built environment conditions. The plumbing sector is in trouble. During the last six months of 2018 it is reported that an average of 25% of finished goods in the brassware plumbing sector was locally manufactured, as opposed to 75% that was imported during the same period. This is not unique to the plumbing sector. In today’s time and with South Africa’s current economic situation, it is more important than ever to ensure we are supporting and promoting locally manufactured goods. Part of the GDP of any country, manufacturing should constitute at the very least 24% of the fiscus. Presently, manufacturing in South Africa reports a paltry 12% of GDP and continues to decline. As quoted by President Ramaphosa at the Job Summit: “If we do not buy the goods made by South African hands, there will be no factories and no workers.”

✔ Decades of seasoned building experience ✔ Efficient, streamlined processes ✔ Best prices ✔ Ironmongery specialists (qualified to supply ironmongery projects – large and small)

51-61 Sylvester Ntuli Road Durban 4000 selvin@dghardware.co.za www.dghardware.co.za

031 942 4344 68 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

One of the top priorities of government is to embark on a Supplier Development Programme, which is envisaged to create jobs both upstream and downstream of the finished product. If South Africans continue to support products manufactured outside of its borders, government’s envisaged programme will be yet another pipe dream. The unemployment rate is currently sitting at 27%. Manufacturing has a multiplier approach of five to eight times. This means for every one person that is employed, five to eight people are directly empowered and therefore, social return vs. private return is outweighed by three to one. “This is something that is close to our hearts. As a local manufacturer of Cobra and Vaal, we have been in South Africa for 70 years, providing jobs and investing in the growth and development of our citizens,” says Natie van der Westhuizen, Chief Operations Officer LIXIL Africa. “We implore all South Africans to buy local as we believe it is the responsibility of each individual, be it public or private, to insist on local in order to increase the demand. This will result in better prices of local products and increased job opportunities, which will accelerate South Africa’s GDP growth and result in a better South Africa for us all!” concludes van der Westhuizen. www.lixil.com

Designing your bathroom? At Vaal we have a range of hand sculptured masterpieces that are renowned for their modern classic design. The gentle curved lines of the pieces below compliment each other to create the perfect elegant bathroom.

+ Kate Woburn

+ Tuscany

Quartz

the Perfect Match

To order your perfect match, contact our projects team on: sales.africa@lixil.com

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www.lixil.co.za

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BOLON BRINGS EXCITING NEW DIVERSITY TO FLOORING Diversity, Bolon’s 2019 collection, “celebrates variation, participation and inspiration”, says the acclaimed Swedish flooring producer. Johannesburg and Cape Town-based KBAC Flooring, currently celebrating 50 years of operations, is the sole SA distributor of Bolon. The Bolon Diversity collection includes three different patterns: Bling, Buzz and Bouquet, and comes in a total of 12 colourways. Diversity’s flowing expression binds the three designs together although the patterns vary. Given the collection’s carefully considered family of colours, Bling, Buzz and Bouquet can effortlessly and attractively be combined, says Bolon’s CEO, Marie Eklund.

The three designs are available in four base colours – grey, beige, brown or black – into which a selection of vibrant earthy hues, such as terracotta, aquamarine and pine green, have been woven in Bolon’s jacquard looms. Bling’s twisted, chain link pattern is large in scale and bold in execution, and is available in roll form in three colourways. Bouquet’s floral motifs is inspired by a watercolour painting and features a melange of colour and gloss threads. It is available in two colourways. Available in seven colourways, Buzz is softer and more modest with a textile-like appearance, with a slight shimmer and comfortably covers large areas. Both Buzz and Bouquet are available in roll form and as

50cm x 50cm tiles. “Diversity is a muchanticipated addition to Bolon’s portfolio. The collection creates opportunities to play with the patterns and give different floor areas of a hotel or office space a distinctive look without compromising on the overall impression,” adds Eklund. Now under the leadership of its third generation, Bolon celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The family business – run by sisters Annica and Marie Eklund – has evolved and grown from a traditional weaving mill

into an international design brand with clients such as Armani, Google, Four Seasons Hotels, Chanel, Adidas, Apple and Missoni. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Bolon designs and manufactures all its products at a facility in Ulricehamn in Sweden. www.kbacflooring.co.za

A.B.E. LIQUID WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE HAS VARIETY OF BENEFITS a.b.e. Construction Chemicals’ liquid abeproof waterproofing system is proving extremely popular for a variety of reasons, says Glenn Bouwer, a.b.e.’s Regional Manager: Western and Eastern Cape. The liquid waterproofing membrane from a.b.e. Construction Chemicals – part of Chryso SA – is highly elastic and durable, and requires very little maintenance.

“The product is a singlepack, solvent-borne, rubberised, waterproofing membrane applied in liquid form to waterproof most building substrates, including non-porous screeds, concrete, wood, polyurethane and bituminous surfaces. It can also be used to refurbish existing new as well as old torch-on membrane. It is so simple to apply that most DIY home improvers will be

able to handle waterproofing projects using this product,” says Bouwer. abeproof liquid membrane has proved popular for reasons that include: • Superior water resistance that can cope with water ponding • High elasticity and durability offering good tensile strength • Excellent thermal stability • Outstanding adhesion to most prepared substrates • Fast curing – the second coat can be applied after four hours and full curing carried out after just 24 hours • Not sensitive to moisture – so can be applied in cool, warm or humid conditions. “There is also no fabric reinforcement required for standard applications. Applicators on recent

70 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

projects have praised abeproof liquid membrane particularly because of its quick turn-around time and simplicity of application,” Bouwer says. Successful recent applications include the waterproofing of a residence in Mount Edgecombe, KwaZulu-Natal, where abeproof liquid membrane was painted over existing, aged torched-on waterproofing that had previously been covered with a.b.e.’s silvakote reflective aluminium. Other noteworthy recent applications include the roof of a residence in Fancourt Golf Estate in George, the balcony of a house in Welgemoed in Cape Town, and the roof and balcony of a house in the Val de Vie winelands estate in Paarl. www.abe.co.za

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POOL SPA & FILTRATION HAVE BEEN SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING FOUNTAIN ENGINEERS FOR 39 YEARS

OUR SERVICES • Turnkey water feature and fountain specialists • Water feature, fountain design and consultation expertise • Technology design and specification • Manifold and control panel design and manufacture • Product repairs and maintenance • Installation of cutting edge technology Projects such as Monte Casino, Silverstar Casino, Midland Mall, Menlyn Mall and The Mall of Africa showcase the fantastic technological design and installation skills of the Pool Spa & Filtration Contracts team. 011 793 1381 | info@poolspa.co.za www.poolspa.co.za

72 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

POOL SPA BRINGS WATER FEATURES TO LIFE AT ZWAVELSKLOOF ESTATE Last year, Pool Spa received a brief from their client’s architect to design a spectacular entrance feature to showcase the grandeur of the new porte-cochere at their Zwavelskloof Estate home. They decided to use an Oase Cascade nozzle with LED high-output colourchanging lights in the upper pond and a rim-flow edge underlit with an LED colourchanging strip concealed under the moulded rim edge, emphasising the moving water at night. They also specified jets for their swimming pool. The client wanted to make a statement as this was part of the entertainment area. The brief specified that it should be possible to see an infinity edge with concealed water jets appearing from the lower trough. Here, Pool Spa used laminar jets with an arc of 2m above the pool level fitted above the trough on fibre grate and fed by submersible pumps in the trough below. They worked on a laminar jet system where the jets will all work

together and form a great spectacle with integrated LED lights in both the pool and fountain. The client also requested stainless steel bar stools to be embedded in the pool. They integrated the filtration system with UV and Ozone, which reduces the chlorine consumption up to 90%, providing a significant cost saving. www.poolspa.co.za

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POOL COVERS THAT SAVE ENERGY INTRODUCING THE KARIBA

Recently, various local crises have necessitated a rethink on how pools are used and maintained. The new ‘normal’ has become a covered pool that consumes less water and power. “Pool pumps are among the heaviest consumers of power in the domestic setting,” says Carolyn Idas of PowerPlastics Pool Covers. “When the first power crisis started in 2006, there wasn’t a pool cover on the market designed specifically to reduce power consumption. We decided to design a solution.” Made from the technically advanced and highly durable GeoBubble material, the EnergyGuard cover uses a process of selective transmission to block out the specific rays from the sun that algae feed on. By stopping algae growth, chemical input can be reduced, which allows for a 50% reduction in filtration

times. The EnergyGuard cover is also the only dual-purpose thermal cover on the market, offering natural heating as well as power savings. This ‘smart’ pool cover has gone on to be a global bestseller. The EnergyGuard Selective Transmission cover was awarded the 2018 Institute of Physics Business Innovation Award, recognising excellence in innovation that delivers significant economical and societal impact through the application of physics. With the combined savings on water, power and chemicals, a GeoBubble pool cover has a short payback period. It also allows one to over the pool during winter months, reducing filtration times by more than 50%. A pool cover also stops 98% of evaporation instantly. Another upside of pool covers is that they can increase the value of a property. Given the local crises, even tenants are starting to expect pool covers as standard property fixtures supplied by the landlord. “Pool covers make sense on every level and we have made it easier than ever to get covered,” concludes Idas. www.powerplastics.co.za

The latest offering from in wood bending and chair manufacturing specialists Woodbender is the Kariba. For this new addition to their range, the Woodbender design team drew inspiration from Kariba, a small town nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Kariba. Lake Kariba offers visitors a juxtaposition of tranquil waterways and rugged landscape. The Kariba chair interprets this contrasting beauty in its form and functionality. This compact, open-back chair takes up less space than some of the larger dining chairs on the market but does not sacrifice comfort. With a tilted backrest and sloping arms, the Kariba allows for easy relaxation around the dining table during a meal and long after it’s ended. An experimental design process has resulted in a chair with fewer parts and joins, giving it a degree of durability and

strength demanded by high traffic applications. Crafted with the ongoing minimalism movement in mind, the design team envisioned a pared-back end-product with African flair. The Kariba is an amalgamation of the two styles, staying true to the trend forecast while incorporating a distinctly Southern African aesthetic. The Kariba is fully customisable. It can be upholstered in a fabric of your choice and is available in any of Woodbender’s 15 timber finishes. www.woodbender.co.za

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA APRIL/MAY 2019 73

FEATURED DESIGN

Endangered

his March, leaders of South African design were honoured at the sixth annual Design Foundation Awards, in a ceremony held in Cape Town. The awards recognised the industry’s top achievers in design, manufacture, commercial success and innovation, each category sponsored by a supporter of local talent. The seven winners each took home a limited-edition bronze trophy depicting a gorilla, made by sculptor Otto du Plessis. “Recognising achievers in this industry not only places a spotlight on what design businesses are capable of, but allows those outside the industry to start placing more value on the commercial viability, social impact and strategic importance that design can have on economic success and global identity,” said Trevyn McGowan, co-founder of the Design Foundation and CEO of The Guild Group. Porky Hefer was named this year’s Icon – his second time receiving the title, which acknowledges outstanding achievement by a highly regarded designer, based on work produced over the past 12 months. His Endangered collection of soft sculptural seats was exhibited at Design Miami/Basel last June, where it was virtually sold out, raising more than $200 000 to benefit the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation’s wildlife conservation programmes.

74 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2019

ROOFING

L I K E N O OT HER

KLIP-TITE

only from GRS

Klip-Tite concealed fix roof sheeting was developed through continuous in-house testing of existing products, where it was realised that failure is normally caused by the sheet unclipping from the fixing clip, during high wind uplift pressure. Thus Klip-Tite was developed: • With transverse stiffeners in the trough to strengthen the sheet and achieve a balanced system design and even higher wind uplift resistance. • The deflection of the pan is reduced, thus increasing the wind uplift resistance of the sheet. • Transverse stiffeners which are a first in the South African sheeting market. • Klip-Tite offers improved wind uplift resistance results compared to other traditional clipping systems and are more difficult to remove • The ultimate wind uplift resistance of Klip-Tite exceeded expectations

GRS

GLOBAL ROOFING SOLUTIONS TIONS BrownBuilt | HH Robertson

For more information email marketing@globalroofs.co.za or visit www.globalroofs.co.za

Distinction

is in the detail Alania’s reputation for delivering uncompromised quality, leading technology and exceptional turn around times is underpinned by an astute understanding of and respect for the design intent. Implement your projects efficiently and to the finest levels of detail with Alania. www.alania.co.za

JHB • DBN • CPT

Leading Architecture & Design April/May

Articles inside

Neolith\u2019s Flare for Fa\u00E7ades

Robert Silke\u2019s radical transformation

Hotel World

New TB Lab unlocks social potential

Landscaping, building design grow together at Pran Boulevard

Highlights from the 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum

Vessel