Leading Architecture & Design December/January 2019 by New Media B2B

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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

dazzle

SANDTON’S GEOMETRIC JEWEL

The MARC SABLE PARK

The Macro-chip shuffle GARDEN COURT KITWE

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DECEMBER 2018 JANUARY 2019 In effect, this complex was set out in scenes that take inspiration from aspects of cinematography and film.

CONTENTS

p30

p62

Henry Abosi, dhk associate director, Sable Park [p22]

FIRST DRAFT

BLUEPRINT

10 THE BRIEF

15 THE MARC

Editor’s note and book review.

The Marc, Sandton’s spectacular new jewel-like edifice, designed by Boogertman + Partners, not only adds a bold new icon to the Sandton skyline, but has also transformed the street level of the precinct.

12 INTERNATIONAL Children Village, a new school complex on the edge of the rainforest in northern Brazil designed by Brazilian architects Aleph Zero and Rosenbaum, won the RIBA International Prize 2018.

p12

ON SITE

22 SABLE PARK Inspired by shuffling forms, dhk designed a twin development in Cape Town that adapts to its surroundings.

66 DRAWING BOARD

26 KITWE

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

Kitwe Tsogo Sun Garden Court Hotel on Zambia’s famous Copperbelt, by Robert Silke & Partners, is designed to reflect the spirit of place with elements of Silke’s signature futurist features expressed in materials that include natural local stone.

34 WATER MANAGEMENT The scarcity of water is one of the most pressing environmental concerns facing architects and builders at the moment, and buildings themselves can become part of the solution.

41 DOORS & WINDOWS Whether taking in materials such as wood, glass and aluminium, doors and windows are the key to the relationship between the interior and exterior of any building.

56 LANDSCAPING More and more, architects and landscape designers are working together from the inception of project design, with landscaping forming an integral part of the overall design.

60 INTERIORS Plascon’s neutral of the year, new colours from Neolith, and Saint Restaurant in Sandton, which was recently awarded the Eat Out VISI Style Award.

30 KLOOF 119A

74 FEATURED DESIGN

This SAOTA-designed family home in Cape Town, below Lion’s Head, presents a unique inverted pyramid roof that encapsulates panoramic views of Table Mountain and the city.

Houtlander, the furniture-design duo best known for their iconic chairs, has joined forces with local design sensation Dokter and Misses to create the “One Night Stand”, an irresistible piece of collectable 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

PHOTOGRAPHY Unless previously agreed in writing, Leading Architecture & Design owns all rights to all contributions, whether image or text. SOURCES: Shutterstock, supplied images, editorial staff. COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Adam Letch

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THE BRIEF

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

ED'S NOTE

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At around the time we were going to press with this issue of the magazine, I received a summary of the findings of the SAIA survey into the state of the architecture profession in South Africa. The survey results paint a pretty bleak picture, especially when it comes to the way the profession as a whole deals with fees and finances. Particularly concerning was the revelation that “in 2017, architects were charging fees roughly 40% less than the last Guideline Fee Scale published in 2015 by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession”. The survey found that the “average profit margin is 12% and one in five practices reported a loss. A similar recent survey in the UK showed an average profit margin of 17% - over 40% higher.” It also revealed that “69% of practices undertook work at risk and of that, 55% of projects worked on at risk led to fee-earning work”. It’s clear that, for various reasons, discounting and working on risk have become prevalent in the architectural profession in South Africa. Architect Simmy Peerutin, who is Chair of the Practice Committee of the South African Institute of Architects, a Practice Committee member of the International Union of Architects and a member of the SACAP Fees Committee, has written and spoken about the results of the survey in some detail. In an opinion piece he wrote, which was published on the Leading Architecture & Design website, he spelled out some of the implications of this trend. “The main consequence of fees too low to cover a full and proper service is increased risk to clients, delays and errors on sites, and inferior buildings that aggregate into inferior environments,” he wrote. The way architects operate is compromising their ability to deliver real value. It’s clear that something has to be done; what is less clear is exactly how this self-destructive professional climate is to be remedied. But at least now, for the first time, we have an accurate picture of the state of the architectural profession from which to start. Graham EDITOR’S >

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As the dynamo of South Africa’s economy, scholars throughout the world monitor Johannesburg as an exemplar of urbanity in the global South. This richly illustrated study offers detailed empirical analyses of changes in the city’s physical space, as well as a host of chapters on the character of specific neighbourhoods and the social identities being forged within them. Informing all of these is a consideration of underlying economic, social and political processes shaping the wider Gauteng region. A mix of respected academics, practising urban planners and experienced policymakers offer compelling

overviews of the rapid and complex spatial developments that have taken place in Johannesburg since the end of apartheid, along with tantalising glimpses into life on the streets and behind the high walls of this diverse city. The book has three sections. Section A provides an overview of macro spatial trends and the policies that have influenced them. Section B explores the shaping of the city at district and suburban level, revealing the peculiarity of processes in different areas. This analysis elucidates the larger trends, while identifying shifts that are not easily detected at the

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SHELF

macro level. Section C is an assembly of chapters and short vignettes that focus on the interweaving of place and identity at a micro level. This book, now available free on Open Access (www.oapen.org) is an essential reference for planning practitioners, urban geographers, sociologists and social anthropologists, among others.

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INTERNATIONAL

Reinventing Brazilian vernacular

Children Village, a new school complex on the edge of the rainforest in northern Brazil designed by Brazilian architects Aleph Zero and Rosenbaum, won the RIBA International Prize 2018. PHOTOGRAPHY CRISTOBAL PALMA / ESTUDIO PALMA; LEONARDO FINOTTI

he RIBA International Prize is awarded every two years to a building that exemplifies design excellence and architectural ambition, and delivers meaningful social impact. It is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most rigorously judged architecture awards, with every longlisted building visited by a group of international experts. Children Village was chosen from a shortlist of four exceptional new buildings by a grand jury chaired by renowned architect Elizabeth Diller (DS+R). Children Village provides boarding accommodation for 540 children aged 13 to 18 attending the CanuanĂŁ School. Pupils come from remote areas of the country, some travelling many hours by boat. Funded by the Bradesco Foundation, Children Village is

one of forty schools run by the foundation providing education for children in rural communities across Brazil. The architects, Gustavo Utrabo and Petro Duschenes from Aleph Zero, designed Children Village in collaboration with Marcelo Rosenbaum and Adriana Benguela from architecture and design studio Rosenbaum. Central to their vision for the project was the idea of architecture as a tool for social transformation. The architects worked closely with the children to identify their needs and desires for their school. They wanted to create an environment that could be a home away from home, where children could develop a strong sense of both individuality and belonging.

12 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Replacing dormitories for 40 students, the new design provides rooms for six children in a more intimate environment. As well as private spaces, public spaces were designed to give ample space for pupils to study, play and relax. Covering an area of almost 25 000m 2, Children Village is organised into two identical complexes: one for girls and one for boys. Residences are centred around three large, open and well-shaded courtyards at ground level, where the dormitory accommodation is located. On

the first floor, there are a number of flexible communal spaces, ranging from reading spaces and television rooms to balconies and hammocks, where the children can relax and play. The tropical climate, with summertime temperature in the mid-40 degrees, was one of the major challenges cleverly addressed by the architects. The large canopy roof, the structure of which is made up of crosslaminated timber beams and columns, provides shading. The overhanging canopy design has

CH I LD RE N VI LL AG E , B RAZI L

created an intermediary space, between inside and out, giving the effect of a large veranda overlooking the surrounding landscape and creating a comfortable environment with no need for air conditioning. Combining a contemporary aesthetic with traditional techniques, Children Village has been described by the judges as “reinventing Brazilian vernacular”. The building is constructed with local resources and based on local techniques. Earth blocks handmade on site

were used to construct the walls and latticework, chosen for their thermal, technical and aesthetic properties. As well as being cost effective and environmentally sustainable, this approach creates a building with strong connections to its surroundings and with the community that it serves. Elizabeth Diller, on behalf of the Grand Jury, says: “Beyond being a standout work of architecture, Children Village embodies the generosity of the Bradesco Foundation’s philanthropic mission to provide much-needed

amenities to those who otherwise have limited access to schools. Aleph Zero and Rosenbaum have achieved a humble heroism, utilising a sophisticated approach to detailing and construction that belies the fact that the building’s users are predominately teenagers, age 13-18, in a remote area in Brazil. The architect’s inventive rethinking of the region’s traditional techniques and materials succeeds in building community and in proving that space matters in education.” www.alephzero.arq.br

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 13

PRO J EC T # 1 TH E MARC

BLUEPRINT

The jewel of Sandton

‘The Jewel’ and ‘The Jewelery Box’: The Marc consists of two towers – a dazzling 12-floor ovoid commercial tower with a gold-and-black faceted façade, and a 17-floor tower occupied by legal firm ENS set further back from the street.

Continued next page

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 15

>> B LU EPRINT

he Marc (an acronym for Maude and Rivonia Corner) has transformed the intersection in Sandton, Johannesburg, where the two roads meet, into a new urban landmark. The site, which was formerly occupied by the Village Walk Shopping Centre, has been redeveloped as a mixed-use precinct made up of two office buildings and a retail component, which includes restaurants, supermarkets, a boutique shopping offering and a gym. Most visibly, The Marc consists of two towers: a dazzling 12-floor ovoid commercial tower with a gold-and-black faceted façade, which bulges elegantly over the intersection; and, set further back from the corner, a 17-floor tower occupied by legal firm ENS. They have become known as ‘The Jewel’ and ‘The Jewellery Box’ respectively, and have created an entirely new identity for the intersection. At the same time, they have also transformed the character of the surrounding neighbourhood on street level by activating a vibrant pedestrianfriendly public domain. One of the first questions the architects, Boogertman + Partners led by director Bob van Bebber, faced was how to create the visual impact and engagement demanded by the prominence of the site without competing to be the tallest new building on the Sandton skyline. “We went through a process of mapping the existing aesthetics in Sandton, and found that one of the only opportunities to make a statement on the skyline was to use colour,” says van Bebber. So, the relatively diminutive but highly impactful gold-and-black façade was born, articulating

the intersection like a glittering jewel cradled by the neighbouring “boomerang-shaped” ENS tower. The ENS tower’s added height in turn imparts visual identity – even from a distance – from its position set back from the corner. The architects placed a great premium on harnessing the opportunity the development offered to create accessibility and open up the public realm. Van Bebber says they went to considerable lengths to design “accessible urban space with no

16 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

barriers” around the precinct while ensuring safety and functionality. On street level, between the 6.5-storey basements and the commercial space in the towers above, is a two-storey retail level, “the ham in the sandwich” as van Bebber puts it. Apart from providing a shopping destination, this retail podium level activates the precinct on street level, and integrates the complex with coherent pedestrian movement routes through Sandton’s commercial node and maintains connections to the adjoining hotels.

Van Bebber argues that it was “very important that we achieve on-grade pedestrian access off both Maude and Rivonia” to create easy pedestrian access. The natural fall of the site required an urban staircase from the Rivonia and Maude Street intersection, but for the rest, access is completely unimpeded. (The walkability of the precinct also encourages the use of public transport and mitigates congestion in the commercial hub of Sandton.) Continued next page

PROJ EC T # 1 TH E MARC Access to the retail podium from the street is completely unimpeded, and the visible street frontage of the shops and restaurants is designed to activate the street edge and draw office-dwellers out from the surrounding commercial buildings.

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The transparency of the glazing lines in the retail section facilitates a sense of connection, engagement and shared ideas and a shared, dynamic retail experience rather than the compartmentalisation of a typical mall experience.

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>> B LU EPRINT Left: The natural fall of the site required an urban staircase from the Rivonia and Maude Street intersection. Right: The ENS tower connects at street level, knitting the precinct into the surrounding urban fabric while opening up considerable public space on a pedestrian level.

This was another reason for the arrangement of the towers. While the Jewel “has presence”, the ENS tower “connects at street level”, van Bebber explains, opening up considerable public space on a pedestrian level. The generous pavements, public benches, public sculpture and soft landscaping bring human scale and appeal to the streetscape around the precinct, and the visible street frontage of the shops and restaurants and easy pedestrian accessibility draw office-dwellers out from the surrounding commercial buildings and onto the street. The retail level, while fairly small and bespoke in its offering, is characterised by transparency and visibility. Overhead skylights help to flood the interiors with natural light and blur the distinction between interior space and exterior urban environment, conceptually

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18 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

PRO J EC T # 1 TH E MARC

linking the retail space with the landscaped podium outside. The movement routes through the interior are articulated with friendly curves and organic shapes. Moreover, the subtle erosion of the boundaries between individual shops and mall space, achieved through the transparency of the glazing lines, facilitates a sense

of connection, engagement and shared ideas and a shared, dynamic retail experience rather than the compartmentalisation of a typical mall experience. Similarly, the way in which the restaurants open onto the sidewalk space along Maude Street activates the street edge. Continued next page

INNOVATIVE FAÇADE DESIGN Arup provided specialised façade engineering services on The Marc’s facade, supporting the developer, the architect and the façade contractor, Geustyn & Horak (G&H). Matilde Tellier, senior façade engineer at Arup, comments, “One of the biggest challenges with a building of such unusual geometry was rationalising the façade envelope for efficient fabrication while adhering to the architectural concept.” The façade’s surface is formed by a mesh of 5 620 alternating gold and black flat triangular elements whose vertices follow a nebula of points scattered in space with a specific logic. The Arup façade team approached the Jewel’s façade panelisation design by forcing the maximum number of equal triangles on the surface and exploring various combinations of curves. The team

utilised the geometry of a spiral, one of the fundamental geometric shapes in nature, to solve the need of gradually evolving curvature. The curve, generated surface and triangular panels were coded in a parametric environment, allowing the geometry of the spiral curve to be adjusted to change the overall shape of the façade and achieve different degrees of “bulginess”. This enabled the architect to make geometric adjustments, with the parametric model ensuring that the geometric relationships that provide the smooth curvature and geometric rigour facilitating fabrication are maintained. Tellier adds, “We were able to accommodate and review any geometric or material changes and assess their impact almost instantaneously. The flexibility of our design process was a key factor in our contribution to the Jewel, which is much more than a building – it is a work of art.”

9. All images © Arup / Tessa Brunette

1. 11 Diagonal St, Johannesburg 2. PwC, No 5 Silo, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 3. No. 1 Mutual Place, Sandton, Johannesburg 4. Grain Silo Complex, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 5. The Leonardo, Sandton, Johannesburg 6. Constitutional Court, Johannesburg 7. The MARC, Sandton, Johannesburg 8. Park Square, Umhlanga, Durban 9. PwC Tower, Midrand, Johannesburg

A building’s skin can define its value, performance and architectural expression. Arup has designed the façades of South African skylines since 1981.

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 19

PRO J EC T # 1 TH E MARC

>> B LU EPRINT

The ENS tower’s added height imparts visual identity, even from a distance, from its position set back from the street.

The Marc has also been designed to actively interface and connect with neighbouring properties – particularly the Balalaika Hotel and the Holiday Inn. Van Bebber points out that “knitting The Marc back into the urban fabric” was essential to ensure the successful activation of the public space of the precinct, and to Sandton’s commercial centre more generally. The Marc is unique in Sandton in that it has three separate entrances, including the newly unlocked passageway from Stella Street to the south – which has been decorated with specially commissioned urban art – and draws pedestrians from neighbouring offices to the south, as well as Gautrain users, facilitating easy access to the centre and hotels beyond. Boogertman + Partners also provided name generation, brand creation, signage and comprehensive wayfinding design for The Marc.

Block C, Main Straight Office Park, 392 Main Road, Bryanston 2191 Tel: +27 (0)11 790 1769 www.boogertmanandpartners.com

S&P House, Corner Lenchen Avenue North and South Streets, Centurion Tel: +27 (0)12 663 3125 Email: info@spoormaker.co.za www.spoormaker.co.za

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Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers 9 Burnside Island, 410 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Tel: +27 (0)11 501 4760 Fax: +27 (0)11 501 4769 www.kanteys.co.za

Left: Overhead skylights in the retail areas help to flood the interiors with natural light and blur the distinction between interior space and exterior urban environment.

+27 (0)832359089 | +27 (0)11 4862979 +27 (0)11 4861513 | Fax: +27 (0)11 646 5399 Email: sonja@aedlandscape.co.za www.aedlandscape.co.za

PROFESSIONAL TEAM ARCHITECTS: Boogertman + Partners (Bob van Bebber; Gavin Tucker; Roxanne Momberg; Judith Jurgens; Herman Jansen; Julia Carew; Mia Els; Dean Jacobs; Philippa Lankers; Liesl Niemand, Avinesh Pather, Nonjabula Madlala, Luis Araujo; Marie van de Merwe, Kylie Rankin; Sandra van Wyk, Saffiya Laher; Merike Swanepoel; Samantha Niar; Ayanda Mkize, Ronnie Figuera, Senzo Philips, Orepa Mosidi; Nqobile Lombo) DEVELOPER: Eris Property Group PROJECT MANAGERS: SIP Project Managers TENANT CO-ORDINATION: Tenant Co-ordination Services (Pty) Ltd TOWN PLANNER: Urban Innovate QUANTITY SURVEYOR: AECOM STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Aurecon Group MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Spoormaker & Partners TRAFFIC ENGINEER: Arup FIRE ENGINEER: Specialised Fire Technology HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANT: Cairnmead Industrial Consultants GREEN DESIGN CONSULTANT: WSP Green by Design ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: Arup WET SERVICES CONSULTANT: Sutherland FACADES ENGINEER: Arup LIFTS CONSULTANT: Projitech EXTERNAL ROADS UPGRADE CIVIL ENGINEER: Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT: Linspace LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT: African Environmental Design PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR: Aveng Trencon Village Walk JV LATERAL SUPPORT CONTRACTOR: Franki (Pty) Ltd BULK EARTHWORKS CONTRACTOR: Zero Azania (Pty) Ltd

20 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

10 Woodmead Estate 1 Woodmead Drive Ext.28 Woodmead Tel: +27 (0)11 233 6800 Fax: +27 (0)11 233 6801 Email: sipjhb@sippm.co.za www.sippm.co.za

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>> B LU EPRINT

The macrochip shuffle Inspired by shuffling forms, dhk designed a twin development in Cape Town that adapts to its surroundings. PHOTOGRAPHY DAVE SOUTHWOOD; WIELAND GLEICH

22 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

P ROJ EC T #2 SAB LE PARK

The pair of buildings that make up Sable Park in Cape Town not only form an iconic "face" for the prominent entry point into Century City where they are located, but also offer unobstructed views of Table Mountain.

Continued next page

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 23

>> B LU EPRINT

Conceptually, the buildings are structured as a series of distinct floating boxes that veer off and cantilever beyond one another.

eading South African architecture and urban design studio, dhk, has completed Sable Park in Century City in Cape Town. The commercial development comprises two buildings – one of 8 000m2 and another of 8 300m2 – and sits at a prominent entry point into Century City, forming an iconic front face for the suburb. Situated at the southern edge of the blossoming Bridgeways Precinct, it boasts unobstructed panoramic views of Table Mountain. Originally dubbed the ‘macrochip shuffle’, the buildings’ composition was inspired by shuffling forms that operate independently and adapt to their immediate surroundings. The

development was intentionally designed to appear as a single large complex, and simultaneously as four small independent volumes, depending on where it is viewed from. The four volumes are further broken down into thirds – a double-height layered mass and a single-height crystalline cube. Each of these thirds shift and jump on the horizontal and vertical plain to achieve maximum views and optimal orientation. A large part of the buildings’ concept was manifested in its structure – creating distinct floating boxes that veer off and cantilever beyond one another. Both buildings have four storeys with two levels of underground parking. The buildings comprise a

24 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

concrete backbone and glass-andaluminium façade cladding with a massive offset concrete cube that is both functional and attractive. dhk associate director and lead architect on the project, Henry Abosi, says, “On an abstract level, the spaces are duplicated and the volumes are inverted. This simple application was the singular method to the complexity of the resultant macro-articulation that forms a setting for a series of tableaux with an iconic mountain backdrop. In effect, this complex was set out in scenes that take inspiration from aspects of cinematography and film.” In accordance with the shifting floor plates, two systems of glazed façade have been installed over

the three levels of office. A deliberate, yet playful interchange of these systems contributes to the aesthetic complexity of the buildings. Internally, the buildings have two wings with a central core and fullheight atrium bringing light into the centre of the expansive floor plates. The wings are connected by a series of bridges spanning across the atrium at the edge of the main core. The core is a standalone element that is exposed on both sides of the building. From the rear, this concrete cube protrudes and is visible from over a kilometre away. It forms the proverbial ‘heart’ of the building, circulating people left to right, up and down, and into different chambers in the building.

P ROJ EC T #2 SAB LE PARK

Each building encloses a landscaped courtyard, bringing nature into the very fabric of the buildings and providing outdoor breakaway places for staff. On the upper levels, a wrap-around terrace takes advantage of the buildings’ prime position, offering additional outdoor spaces for the offices located on this level. Sable Park is the newest addition to Bridgeways Precinct, a new neighbourhood that merges lifestyle and commercial functions. Also located in the precinct is Bridge Park, a twin development with over 18 000m2 of premiumgrade office space, and Axis, a mixed-use development that is nearing completion – both of which were also designed by dhk.

Left: Two systems of glazing have been installed on the facade, a playful inversion that brings complexity to the appearance of the building. Right: A central core and fullheight atrium bring light into the centre of the expansive floor plates.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM ARCHITECT: dhk architects DEVELOPER: Rabie Property Group PROJECT MANAGER: Cogent Development Management STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: Aurecon MECHANICAL ENGINEERS: BVI Engineering ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS: QDP Light and Electrical Design (Pty) Ltd FAÇADE ENGINEERS: LH Consulting Engineers ENVIRONMENTAL: Ecosense Environmental Consultants LANDSCAPING: Planning Partners QUANTITY SURVEYOR: RLB/Pentad Quantity Surveyors MAIN CONTRACTOR: WBHO FIRE CONSULTANT: Solution Station Consulting Engineering SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT: PJ Carew Consulting LAND SURVEYOR: David Hellig & Abrahamse INTERIOR DESIGNER: dhk thinkspace LIGHTING CONSULTANT: QDP Lighting & Electrical Design (Pty) Ltd LIFT CONSULTANT/WET SERVICES: Ekcon Engineers

dhk Architects Tel: +27 (0)21 421 6803 Email: hello@dhk.co.za www.dhk.co.za

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 25

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Feature glazing on the main corner at the hotel's entrance give the hotel a strong visual identity while curved walls create a streamlined, modern impression.

26 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

PROJ EC T #3 SOUTH E RN SU N GARD E N COU RT KIT WE

Copperbelt hotel Southern Sun Garden Court Kitwe on Zambia’s famous Copperbelt, designed by Robert Silke & Partners, is a key element in the urban renewal of Zambia’s mining hub. PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

he new 130-room Southern Sun Garden Court in Kitwe, a commercial mining city near the DRC border, as well as its associated convention centre, has been designed not only to function as a business hotel with accommodation for longer-term residents working in Kitwe, but

also to function as an urban hub and a major feature of the social and business landscape in Kitwe. Hotel operator Tsogo Sun required in its brief that the hotel design should reflect the spirit of place while the Zambian National Pension Schemes Authority (the owner) was keen for the new buildings to have an aspirational quality. Continued next page

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Top: Vast outdoor covered terraces cater for gatherings, events and leisure activities. Right: The hotel takes full advantage of the views toward the nearby Kitwe Stream, while dramatic wraparound covered balcony terraces make the most of Kitwe’s ideal climate. Bottom: The entrance of the hotel boasts extensive covered wraparound terraces to maximise the best of Kitwe’s tropical climate.

28 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Aesthetically, architect Robert Silke responded with a futuristinspired design expressed in materials that include Kariba Slate, a locally sourced natural stone milled by local stonemasons. “Futurism was the last great decorative architectural movement,” says Silke. “Its sculptural forms reflect the optimism and positivity you find in present-day Zambia.” He also points out that design movements such as Art Deco and Futurism allow a genuine rediscovery of handcrafted construction. Undulating curved feature walls create a streamlined forward-

looking impression, while curved feature glazing at the hotel’s main corner, adjacent to a shopping mall, gives it a prominent landmark quality. The entrance of the hotel forms a glass and steel feature porte cochere and boasts extensive covered wraparound terraces to maximise the best of Kitwe’s tropical climate. The outdoor areas take full advantage of the views toward the nearby Kitwe Stream. Silke, however, points out, “Designing a hotel on the Copperbelt is very different from designing one in South Africa, where the visitors are expected to spend a great deal of their time out of their rooms and visiting local

PROJ EC T #3 SOUTH E RN SU N GARD E N COU RT KIT WE

attractions. In Kitwe, residents will spend more of their time at the hotel, which functions as a community hub, so we have catered for this with vast outdoor covered terraces for gatherings, events and leisure.” The interiors, also by Robert Silke & Partners, are similarly slick and modern. “Local and indigenous materials such as copper and pink sandstone have been introduced as well as subtle and elegant industrial references in a nod to Kitwe’s mining tradition,” says Silke. He points out that the local sandstone has a copper tint. “Everything here has a dusty pink hue,” says Silke, “It

looks like it has been dusted with copper.” Complementary blue and teal colours have been used to contrast with the copper, while also referencing the oxidised patina that copper forms. Floors are an elegant oak herringbone, and occasional white marble finishes add glamour to selected public areas. “The artworks are by local Zambian and South African fine artists,” he says, referencing Jeannette Unite who explores industrialised landscapes

through an artistic exploration of materiality using mineral oxides extracted from the earth. Adjacent to the hotel is a free-standing 1000m2 convention centre. Like the neighbouring hotel, the convention centre is modern and futuristic, and features dramatic wraparound covered balcony terraces. “The idea of the colonial-era club persists in Zambian social life,” says Silke, explaining that covered

terraces are an important part of any traditional club design, reinvented here for a new era. More than a hotel, Southern Sun Garden Court Kitwe and its convention centre function as a major feature of the Kitwe social and business landscape. Silke saw it as a major urban regeneration project, and designed it accordingly to provide a new heart and centre (and indeed a new way of life) for Kitwe’s up-and-coming residents.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM PROJECT MANAGER: SIP Project Managers QUANTITY SURVEYOR: MLC Quantity Surveyors STRUCTURAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS: Bicon Zambia LEAD ARCHITECT: Robert Silke & Partners LOCAL ARCHITECT: Chazya Chileshe Associates INTERIOR DESIGNER: Robert Silke & Partners MECHANICAL, WET SERVICES & FIRE ENGINEERS: DH Engineering Consultants LIGHTING DESIGNERS: WSP LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS: Urban Choreography CONTRACTOR: Stefanutti Stocks

Blue, green and teal colours, which reference the oxidised patina that copper forms, have been used to contrast with the bright copper features in the interiors.

Plot 68 Eucalyptus Road, Avondale Lusaka, Zambia Tel: +260 211 285 623/4 | Fax: +260 211 285 674 Cell: +260 971 044 685 | +27 (82) 574 2928 Email: Wantz.Klopper@stefstocks.com www.stefanuttistocks.com

MLC Quantity Surveyors Tel: +27 (0)21 673 5800 Email: info.ct@mlc-group.com www.mlc-group.com

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 29

>> B LU EPRINT

Giant lightbox This SAOTA-designed family home below Lion’s Head presents a unique inverted pyramid roof that encapsulates panoramic views of Table Mountain and the city. PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM LETCH & MICKY HOYLE

his Cape Town family home is positioned below Lion’s Head with views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, the city of Cape Town and the mountains of the Boland and the winelands in the distance. The architecture is shaped to take in as much of the surroundings as possible. The strongest gesture is the inverted pyramid roof, which creates a clerestory window around the upper level. It allows the building to open up, capturing views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head that would otherwise have been lost. This has also opened up views of the sky, bringing the sun and moon into the home, heightening the connection to nature and its cycles.

The house presents a stone wall, built in a traditional Cape way, to the busy city street that it sits on, revealing very little about its interior. At night, the inverted pyramid roof glows, creating a giant lightbox adding to the intrigue. One enters the house through the large metal front door – which sits between the house proper and the stone wall – into a small entrance lobby connected to a courtyard garden. From this restrained quiet space, a few steps take you up into the living space with its cinematic bold views over the city.

Continued next page

30 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

PRO J EC T # 4 KLOO F 119A

A distinctive inverted pyramid roof gives this Cape Town home its strong aesthetic identity, but, more importantly, captures views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head and creates a strong connection to its natural surroundings.

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 31

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The house is arranged on three levels. The top level has the strongest views and holds most of the living spaces – the open-plan kitchen, dining room and lounge. The family’s work and bedroom spaces are on the mid-level with the garage, gym, cinema and guestroom on the lower level. Each level has its own set of gardens and courtyards. These gardens extend from the mountain surface down against the house, screening the neighbouring buildings and intensifying the relationship with nature; and allowing light and air into spaces that would otherwise be dark and isolated. The dark exterior breaks down the mass of the building, pushing it into the background. Internally, colours are muted, and the use of a washed oak gives the spaces warmth. The sophisticated spaces were furnished using OKHA furniture. The Hunt Sofa, the Nate, Nicci Nouveau, Vince and Miles armchairs are placed on the upper and middle levels, and the Planalto dining table creates a focal point adjacent to the second-floor courtyard, which is used as a working/personal space. OKHA also provided the To Be One and Lean On Me floor lamps in the lounge area. PROFESSIONAL TEAM ARCHITECTS: SAOTA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: Moroff & Kühne Consulting Engineers QUANTITY SURVEYOR: SBDS Quantity Surveyors MAIN CONTRACTOR: Gossow & Harding Construction Pty (Ltd) INTERIOR DECOR: OKHA LANDSCAPING: Franchesca Watson Garden Designer GLASS SUPPLIER: Shaluza Projects

+27 (0)83 955 7693 / +27 (0)22 492 2921 barry@shaluzaprojects.co.za www.shaluzaprojects.co.za www.facebook.com/ShaluzaProjects

32 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

This picture and right: The living spaces on the top level offer bold cinematic views over the city through the clerestory windows that wrap around the upper level, while the inverted pyramid roof opens up views of the sky, sun and moon. The furnishings are from OKHA furniture.

PRO J EC T # 4 KLOO F 119A

The entrance to the house is via a large metal door subtly positioned between the house itself and the traditional Cape stone wall.

K L O O F 119A

The entrance lobby connects with a courtyard garden, intensifying the home's relationship with nature and letting light and air into its interiors.

cape town

www.saota.com

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ON SITE

WATE R MANAG E M E NT

LIBRA MANUFACTURERS TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Local Manufacturer Libra has recently started producing a range of shower products for its international sister company GROHE, which is renowned for its winning design and world class quality in sanitaryware. In March 2018, JJ de Waal, General Manager of Libra was approached by GROHE Germany to produce extralow-profile GROHE shower trays with design accents that can ultimately increase a property’s value. “We pride ourselves on our high-quality standards and world-class production processes that create carefully hand crafted pieces delivering on creative excellence and functional design,” says de Waal. “The GROHE shower tray request was for both rectangular and square models that adapt seamlessly to all designs in seven different dimensions. We initially designed three different size shower trays at the beginning of July 2018. We recently have loaded seven, 40-foot

containers to be delivered to Europe and the surrounding regions, totalling over 5 000 shower trays,” adds de Waal. The shower trays are manufactured according to the European standard, EN14527 and are particularly low profile, with a depth of only three centimetres. Made of highquality cast acrylic, with a non-porous and smooth surface, these shower trays now have

increased slip resistance during showering, while their solid full surface base features stability and longevity. Designed as PerfectMatch, they not only match any of the three design lines – GROHE Bau, GROHE Euro and GROHE Cube – but can also be optimally combined with GROHE bathroom accessories. “As a premier South African manufacturer and leading

supplier of acrylic baths and shower trays globally we will continue to innovate and make a design statement in your bathroom catering to all global and local needs. We are honoured to play a vital part in local manufacturing and skills transfer in South Africa and are optimistic about LIXIL Africa’s future in the country,” concludes de Waal. www.lixil.com

NO MORE AWFUL SHOWER EXPERIENCES WITH KOBOLD What usually happens when hotel guests all start to shower at the same time? The water temperature suddenly changes from pleasant to horribly cold or unbearably hot! Sometimes there is less water flowing, sometimes there is more… This annoyance is avoidable, however, if you install Kobold’s REG flow restrictors/regulator to keep constant quantities of liquids in pipework systems. The REG rate regulators are ideally suited for the simple restriction to a pre-set value of throughputs of water, or of liquids similar to water. The flow restrictors ensure equilibrium,

particularly in systems with many users and resulting pressure fluctuations caused by random flow conditions. In other words, the desired throughput is not exceeded. The REG valve operates without power supply, keeping the flowrate of fluids constant with great accuracy (about 0.2 L/min), regardless of fluctuating inlet pressure. The principle is impressive, yet uniquely simple. The constant flow is generated by two stainless steel spring plates of the regulating orifice, riveted together across each other, and which, depending on

34 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

the differential pressure, open or close to a greater or lesser extent the ring or regulating funnel thus created. For the most extreme differential pressure (around 10 bar) the flexible regulating orifice is in complete contact with the regulating funnel so that only the rivet hole crosssection is available for flow, and from this point the valve operates as a fixed orifice. The REG flow limiter can be used wherever a constant flowrate is required, despite pressure fluctuations in the system, for example switching a consumer unit on and off.

BENEFITS • No auxiliary power required • Easy to assemble • Compact design • Reliable – no wearing parts • Energy-saving • Easy to fit Unwanted fluctuations in flow and temperature also occur in many areas of general industry and plant construction. Kobold’s REG valves are available in brass and stainless steel. www.instrotech.co.za

NEXT LEVEL WATER INNOVATION INTRODUCING COBRA FOCUS In a world intent on saving our most precious resources Cobra launches Focus. Combining modern design and state of the art water saving technology; Focus is a sophisticated range that will suit any contemporary eco savvy home.

ELEMENTS by cobra

earth

fire

water

air

The new Mikado aerator allows real water and energy savings, using technology which ensures a ďŹ&#x201A;ow rate of approximately 1.9l/m

Be sure to include this in your eco savvy home, visit a Plumblink near you. For further information visit www.lixil.co.za or call us on 0861 21 21 21

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WATE R MANAG E M E NT

SPACE SAVINGS THANKS TO OPTIMISED WASTE WATER HYDRAULICS In high-rise buildings, the ventilation pipes in the drainage systems take up a great deal of space. With the new Geberit SuperTube technology, it is now possible to dispense with the ventilation pipes entirely. This is in addition to the possibility of smaller pipe diameters, with the discharge capacity still reaching almost the same levels as those seen in conventional systems. It is also possible to install horizontal pipes with a length of up to six metres without a slope. Geberit SuperTube is available from April 2019.

having relatively small pipe dimensions,” comments Mathias Riggenbach, a senior product manager from Geberit. “Normally when there is a change in direction, this column of air collapses and ventilation pipes are necessary. With our two new bends – the Geberit PE BottomTurn bend and the Geberit PE BackFlip bend – we have now rectified this problem. Both new bends ensure that the column of air is maintained even when there is a change in direction and that ventilation pipes can be dispensed with.”

HYDRAULICALLY OPTIMISED

MAINTAINING THE COLUMN OF AIR WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE IN DIRECTION

The two new bends and the Sovent fitting are the core elements of Geberit SuperTube technology and come together to ensure a continuous column of air is maintained in the drainage system. A continuous column of air is key when it comes to achieving added space and reduced complexity when planning drainage systems in high-rise buildings. This is made possible thanks to the new Geberit SuperTube technology, which is based on the Geberit Sovent fitting and two flow-optimised bends. Thanks to the Geberit PE Sovent fitting and the two new bends, a continuous column of air is created, rendering additional ventilation pipes unnecessary. “The Geberit PE Sovent fitting causes the waste water to rotate and, in doing so, generates a continuous column of air. This increases the discharge capacity while at the same time

The two bends ensure that the column of air is now maintained even when there is a change in direction, thus guaranteeing proper ventilation as before. The integrated flow divider in the Geberit PE BottomTurn bend ensures that the annular flow in the stack is converted into a layered flow before the change in direction. The air column thus also remains stable in the horizontal line system. At the end of the horizontal pipe, the Geberit PE BackFlip bend with its special design gives the waste water a swirl, thus guiding it back into an annular flow once again without disrupting the air column. “Wherever building owners, architects and sanitary engineers seek to achieve the maximum possible living space, the planning of the drainage system becomes particularly interesting,”

36 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

comments Riggenbach. “With Geberit SuperTube technology, space savings can be made and the complexity reduced, as it is no longer necessary to plan or install parallel ventilation pipes.”

SPACE SAVING AND POWERFUL The combination of PE Sovent and the new bends with SuperTube technology allows sanitary engineers to build pipe ducts with significantly smaller dimensions. With SuperTube, narrower pipe diameters are also possible, and the ducts can be reduced in size through the absence of the ventilation pipes. This now also applies to the ceilings. Horizontal pipes with a length of up to six metres can now be installed continuously without a slope when connecting to

the collector pipe. This means that the ceiling suspension can be attached very close to the concrete ceiling, with the system achieving a high discharge rate of up to 12 litres per second. A further advantage for sanitary engineers is the reduced complexity when planning a continuous pipeline.

MINIMISING EFFORT With Geberit SuperTube technology, sanitary engineers can implement drainage systems without ventilation pipes in future. Plumbers also benefit here – thanks to the omission of the ventilation pipe and the use of smaller pipe dimensions, they require less pipe material and make speedier progress on the building site. www.geberit.co.za

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STE E L

TIME SQUARE SUN ARENA EXCELS AT STEEL AWARDS Time Square Sun Arena was the Commercial Category Winner at the recent Steel Awards.

The Sun Arena at Time Square in Menlyn Maine is the biggest live entertainment venue in Pretoria. The purpose of the arena is to create an event and performance space where some of the biggest music concerts in South Africa will be held. The multi-faceted brief to the architect was to create a performance venue that could seat 8 500 people and could be adapted to accommodate 1 300 banquet guests and up to 18 000 delegates in a school-room format. The client wanted a continuous roof span without any columns and the arena had to incorporate all the bells and whistles that would make it an arena of international standard. The fly tower height of the arena – the framing around the stage – is of international standard, which means that many international artists will be able to perform at the Sun Arena. The project wasn’t envisaged in steel from the start. The columns on which the edged gutter and roof wedges sit were originally conceived in concrete, but due to steel offering faster construction times, this was later changed to steel. The roof structure, which is a tubular truss frame roof, plus a large gutter, were done in steel. The gutter of the roof has a steel construction tension ring and there is a compression ring in the centre of the roof trusses. The design team had to create an acoustic sandwich out of the cladding because

the performance arena had to be insulated from the noise of traffic and weather, and it also had to prevent interference from the concert to neighbouring facilities. The cladding also had to be watertight so that the arena would be kept dry during bad weather. Global Roofing Solutions supplied 86 tonnes of cladding to cover the 1 300m2 cladding area for the project. The company’s widely popular KlipTite system was specified for the project. The geometry of the cladding of the Sun Arena is particularly interesting because the roof was designed as a series of wedges. A curved gutter edge, however, meant that when an edge intersected with a curve, it would lead to a varying height at the bottom. During the project, the team had to resolve how they were going to marry the varying heights at the bottom of the cladding that resulted from the

38 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

combination of curved gutter edges and roof wedges. The roof has a 96m, column-free span, which is unusually large. While there are many long-span roofs in warehousing projects, the unique acoustic envelope that the team had to create makes it an exceptional project. The entire project team worked together from the start to conceive the structure and decide on the

appropriate materials for the arena. The main contractor was involved in all stages of the project so that the goal of creating an economic, structurally efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure could be achieved. The team also worked in the 3D modelling program REVIT, which resulted in digitaldesign-led decision-making and information. www.globalroofs.co.za

Klip-tite

Klip-Lok 700 Zip-Tek 420 KL 700- clip

Klip-Tite™

The multi award-winning Klip-Tite™ profile has been an intricate part in the success factor of many buildings decorating the South Africa sky-line. Companies like Cell C, Cummins Africa, Hirt and Carter and Amrod™ preferred Klip-Tite™ to cover their assets. With design traits similar to the popular Klip-Lok 700™, the Klip-Tite™ profile introduced transverse stiffeners, in lieu of the traditional longitudinal pan stiffeners, forming structural members spanning across the width of the pan. The deflection of the pan is thus reduced, increasing the wind uplift resistance of the sheet. These transverse pan stiffeners are a first in the South African sheeting market. Site-rolling is also available.

011 898 2900 Corner Barlow & Quality, Isando marketing@globalroofs.co.za www.globalroofs.co.za

Menlyn Time Square Casino Globe Bar and Casino Arch Category: Winner of the Tubular and Architectural Category Region: Pretoria, Gauteng Roof Cladding Installed: 1200m² of Klip-Tite

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Enlightened Architects

- choose aluminium for superior efficiency, innovative options and environmental Aluminiumsustainability. is the environmentally friendly and efficient choice for buildings.

Take the world’s tallest building in Dubai, which has a 132 000m2 aluminium façade. From design and construction to operation, maintenance and renovation, creating responsible ecosystems that consume less is imperative. Hulamin rolls, extrudes and finishes aluminium for roofing, sun control, guttering, fenestration and endless components. Think Hulamin for your next project. www.hulamin.com

The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa incorporates aluminium, with a weight of up to five A380 aircraft, to achieve its incredible height. Hulamin rolls, extrudes, paints, powder-coats and finishes aluminium for roofing, structural, sun control, guttering, cladding, fenestration and endless components – delivering superior lightness, strength and durability. For your next building - Think Hulamin

THERE’S NO BEATING AN ORIGINAL BY GARETH GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHY GRANT DUNCAN-SMITH Over decades, ZINCALUME® steel has become a household name within the building industry. When specifying premium high-performance metalliccoated roofing and cladding materials, this original and trusted brand remains the roofing material of choice for specifiers, says Arno Hanekom, the BlueScope Steel regional manager for Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. The product’s 55% Al-Zn technology is licensed internationally by BIEC International Inc., a BlueScope subsidiary. In the mid-2000s, the acrylic surface resin applied to coils of the product at the factory was upgraded, yielding significant advances in performance and formability. The choice of roofing material influences the amount of solar energy that enters a building, affecting climate control and building comfort. To mitigate against heat, ZINCALUME steel has an attractive, shiny appearance designed to limit solar absorptance. All roofing products are subject to weathering – however, BlueScope’s product will stay brighter for much longer than alternatives, providing approximately twice the thermal performance of other commonly used materials such as weathered galvanised steel and fibre cement/asbestos. “ZINCALUME steel delivers strong thermal performance throughout its life. It’s also very easy to form and work with,” says Hanekom. “It stays brighter for longer. Due to its lightweight nature, it is the architect’s dream material for curves and shapes. It’s been formed into a variety of curved surfaces. A good example of this is the roof over

www.hulamin.com

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34421 Hulamin Building 2018.indd 1

STE E L

the departures terminal at Cape Town International Airport, which is shaped like an aircraft wing.” The corrosion-resisting benefits of the product are considerable, and a special AZ 200 (both sides coated with 200 g/m2 of Al-Zn) version is available for use within the 5km-distance of the sea or in areas where there is a strong industrial fallout. Its lifetime in service is reported as being four times longer than conventional galvanised metal. The metallic coating consists of 55% aluminium with the 43.5% zinc (the balance silicon) on a minimum coating mass, both sides of 150g/m2 total. ZINCALUME steel offers a complex surface with both aluminium- and zinc-rich areas. The zinc-rich area provides excellent sacrificial protection, while the aluminium-rich area provides durable barrier-protection, making this unique product durable and effective against corrosion. “All this means that a special corporate warranty of performance can apply when the product is fitted in an approved way,” adds Hanekom. ZINCALUME has been used extensively throughout South Africa. Clotan Steel expertly formed ZINCALUME into its Craft Lock profile in use at the Secunda Mall, as specified by architectural firm LP Architects. The double-storey mall was completed late in 2013. “If the good name of your practice is on the line, why risk your reputation by using generic Al/Zn coated steel when you can enjoy peace of mind by using genuine ZINCALUME steel?” asks Hanekom. www.bluescope.co.za

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DOO RS & WI N DOWS

FLAGSHIP DEVELOPMENT INTEGRATES WORK-LIFE-PLAY CONVENIENCE Nedport’s newest prestigious development in Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre, Park Square, is changing how people experience convenience in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s located 18km from King Shaka International Airport, with proximity to Durban central, easily accessible to the N2 and M4 freeway, as well as the future Rapid Bus Transport system. “When we began to work with MAP Architects to specify our door-closing solutions for this groundbreaking development, we saw that the design would offer occupants and the public a unique workand-play lifestyle experience,” says Brett Oosterberg, GEZE regional manager for KwaZuluNatal and Eastern Cape.

Featuring office and retail space, together with a glassfilled walkway that connects and integrates CJ Saunders Park to the building from the open public square, Park Square affords the public and occupants a truly connected and integrated lifestyle experience that responds well to Durban’s climate while offering a truly sophisticated cosmopolitan experience.

SETTING NEW STANDARDS ON HOW PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THEIR DAY Nedbank’s new campus and office space spans five blocks, and its primary purpose is to house a sizable call centre. “We challenged the traditional single-use intention of the brief, because we saw this as an opportunity to lift the large functional call centre footprint off the ground, and to incorporate a ground-level space below that transforms how the high volume of foot traffic from both the public and building occupants will activate the space, elevating the way traditional office space is typically used,” says Jarryd Murray, Director of MAP Architects.

Working with the Arup Group, the bulk of the modest budget went into creating a breath-taking open concreteand-glass structure, which not only introduces natural light through the elegant double-volume retail space, but also provides the offices with a 270-degree view of the surrounding area.

EXQUISITE DOORCLOSING SOLUTIONS, PERFECT FOR THIS LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT Because door and window solutions are becoming increasingly specialised to address fire-safety standards and seamless integrated easeof-access, GEZE offers expert end-to-end support for the full project journey, starting with upfront consultation to better understand the functional and aesthetic requirements of the building. Bespoke GEZE EZE BIM specifying software facilitates faster results and higher quality outcomes. If needed, GEZE will also project manage the product supply and guide installation to ensure that GEZE standards are upheld at every stage

of the building journey. This results in faster outcomes and fewer snags. “While our client wanted occupants to experience unencumbered access to the building, there was a need to ensure that the door presentation and its functioning was seamless and simple, to ensure that these didn’t detract from the incredibly engineered structure of the double-volume shopfronts,” says Tandi-Lee Salvado, GEZE architectural consultant, KwaZulu-Natal. The retail and office space doors were treated with a pleasing functional and streamlined TS5000 ECline guiderail door closer, which can be fitted to 1 250mm leaf width doors. This is the ideal system for universal access where a high reliability is needed, due to the integrated guide rail. Fire safety doors feature GEZE’s European certified TSA160 NT-Invers, which allows the doors to open in the event of a fire or emergency and helps provide fresh air intake required to clear the area of smoke. www.geze.co.za

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THE GATE DOCTOR The Gate Doctor has been in business since 1995, mainly as a gate automation company in the early years, originally trading as East Coast Appliances. The company soon moved on to fabricate its own gates. It was the first company in Durban to provide a repair and back-up service to all makes of gate systems. The success of this offering led to re-branding the business more in line with its new-found identity. The Gate Doctor was registered in 2002. Although The Gate Doctor has been fabricating its own gates for years, it became apparent that the company was perceived primarily as a repair company, and was often overlooked by people in the market for new gates. Once again, there was a need for the company to re-market themselves. During early 2018, the name e-Gate Engineering was decided on, as a department within The Gate Doctor through which the company promotes the manufacturing component of the business. Products manufactured by the company are now branded with a welded-on logo, eG8, pledging product quality. The company’s gates are designed to be cost effective without compromise to structural rigidity and mechanical integrity, ensuring a smooth solid operation, which is necessary for gate and operator to function properly and reliably for many years. The Gate Doctor believes that quality does not have to come at an inflated premium – costing is computerised with precisely formulated calculations based on minimum acceptable standards through quality materials and workmanship, sustainable cost to business with a market-related mark-up. Simply put: “Quality at an affordable, sustainable price.” There is no limit to the designs and styles that can be created, but to help with budget and ideas The Gate Doctor has a comprehensive list of standard designs illustrated with specs and price, that will cover more than 90% of the average requirements. Ranging from basic-budget gates to Balau slated gates, decorative gates, commercial and industrial gates up to 12m in length. Bigger gates can be made and quoted for. The company also specialises in the development of products for special applications, including telescopic gates, reticulated sliding gates, automated roof structures and hydraulic tilt-up doors, to name a few. The Gate Doctor can assist clients, architects, developers and building contractors working towards solutions of challenging situations, from concept, design, manufacture, fitment and implementation to a functional working product. They will supply structural engineers’ reports on designs, QCPs, etc. where required by the client. www.thegatedoctor.co.za

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

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REAL EFFICIENCY, QUALITY AND SERVICE The D&G Ironmongery and Hardware team has a combined 225+ years of experience in the ironmongery and hardware trade. Lead by Selvin Govender together with Kim Davidson, Tony Latter, Rajenj Lochen and team, their seasoned expertise translates into efficiency through streamlined processes with products at the right price. The ironmongery specialists are solution-driven, ensuring a superior experience tailored to each customer’s requirements. The 1 260m2 D&G premises house the ironmongery showroom, which stocks a large range of hardware, paint, plumbing and building materials – alongside ironmongery – allowing D&G to offer industry-leading solutions and a simplified buying process. By offering services ranging from quick turnaround times, project

management, job-specific packaging to level 2 BBBEE supplier status, D&G is able to service a wide range of customers effectively. D&G offers a wide range of well-known and trusted product brands such as Dormakaba, GEZE, Assa Abloy, Hillaldam, Dulux, FRANKE and CISA. D&G is the sole distributor of MANITAL in southern Africa. MANITAL was started near Brescia, Northern Italy, in 1990 to manufacture brass door and window handles. The company’s strategy, which has been strictly pursued till the present day by the founder Luigi Bigoloni, is to couple 100% Made in Italy design and production, so as to combine aesthetics with innovation and quality. MANITAL ensures that each product is manufactured with the utmost care, employing

only the best materials and with the help of the most sophisticated industrial technologies. The design of MANITAL products comes as a result of collaboration with internationally renowned designers and architects such as Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas, Sottsass Associati,

Pedrizzetti Associati, Maurizio Giordano e Roberto Grossi, Davide Mercatali, Valentina Downey, Itamar Harari, Studio Hot Lab and Mario Mazzer. MANITAL’s wide catalogue comprises 60 ranges of handles in a wide variety of finishes with a total choice of 600 products.

BLINDS THAT BEAT THE AFRICAN SUMMER HEAT Your home’s window treatments can help to better manage the temperature of your home and protect its contents. Anthony Mederer, managing director of Taylor Blinds & Shutters, recommends blinds as a way to soften the harsh afternoon sunlight, keep your home cooler, or simply to have a beautiful window treatment to match your interior décor. “More than just a shield for light and a solution for privacy – blinds are also a stylish way to block out both heat and UV rays that can cause furnishings to fade and deteriorate over time,” he says. “Best of all they are available in different light filtering levels and a variety of styles to suit every setting.” Mederer elaborates on the various blinds and their light filtering levels available from the Taylor stable. Light Filtering Blinds let the maximum amount of light in, while

44 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

blocking the majority of UV rays that accompany sunlight. This range is ideal for kitchens or lounges overlooking the ocean or with views of the countryside. Screen Blinds are slightly more opaque, offering more protection from the heat and harmful UV rays than the Light Filtering range while still allowing in natural light. Dim Out Blinds are perfect for people who prefer a little extra privacy. This range is great for glare reduction and stops harmful UV rays from entering the room. Block Out Blinds are designed to eliminate the light completely, making them perfect for a bedroom, boardroom or nursery. All of Taylor’s blinds come with a child-safety cord and can be motorised to make life that much easier. www.taylorblinds.co.za

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MAXIFLEX INTRODUCES NEW STACKDOOR® SECURITY GRILLE Maxiflex’s new Stackdoor range is a unique and innovative certified security door solution that combines robustness, high safety specifications, efficiency and optimum security in a neat, compact and flexible package. Manufactured in The Netherlands, Stackdoor’s ground-breaking stackable, strong, lightweight construction sets it apart from any other rolling door, security door, open security grille and speed gate available. The door stacks rather than rolls, delivering a host of advantages. The grille is constructed from steel slat profiles and solid steel pins that disappear into horizontal beams. The thin design of the steel slats

allows for maximum transparency when closed. Another key feature is a unique mechanism that locks automatically after the grille is closed, making it virtually impossible to forcibly lift it and providing a break-in delay of up to 15 minutes. Stackdoor is specifically designed for restricted spaces. It takes up very little head room and eliminates the need for large shutter boxes normally required for rolling doors. The modular mounting system allows for easy integration into the ceiling or wall. The grille can be easily installed inside or outside in straight, round, U- or L-shaped areas, in corners as well as in upwards or downwards closing applications without requiring

additional support beams. Available in unlimited widths, Stackdoor is ideal for securing extra narrow spaces or entrances that are too wide for standard solutions. Even revolving doors can be secured with Stackdoor. Subsequently, these doors meet a virtually unlimited spectrum of security requirements that range from securing shop-fronts to entrances and parking areas at malls and office parks. As the security grille stacks vertically, there are no limitations with regards to the thickness of fabrication materials. The grille is constructed with significantly stronger materials that are three to five times thicker than traditional rolling doors,

offering an extremely robust yet lightweight solution. Placing focus on unmatched reliability, Stackdoor contains patented high-quality components. The security grille is also efficient, consuming minimal energy. Stackdoor is an official certified security solution and holds the title of the safest security grille in the European market. The break-in resistant grille is the only product on the market to be officially RC2/RC3 certified (EN1627) and is compliant to security level 4 and 5 standards. The security grille is available in various powder-coated colours as well as in stainless steel and carries a five-year warranty. www.maxiflex.co.za

CMY

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WHY CHOOSE REYNAERS ALUMINIUM FOR YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS? FREEDOM OF SHAPES AND STYLES When it comes to design freedom, aluminium is the material of choice. Styles, shapes, dimensions, opening types, colours and accessories – you can decide everything yourself. This allows you to express your own personality in the building style of your project.

STYLE VARIANTS Reynaers window and door systems come in six style variants that you can choose from. These styles have everything to do with your personal taste and the style of your building: modern and stark or classically shaped. Depending on your wishes,

there is always a profile that meets your needs.

Private House Hi-finity Hombourg 1 / Architect: Crahay & Jamaigne Architectes / Photo: Samuel Defourny / Reynaers system used: Hi-finity

DIMENSIONS Aluminium windows and doors come in almost every dimension. Large spans or even elements in excess of four meters in height are possible. Together with your architect, you can virtually design your windows and doors yourself. Your Reynaers fabricator can advise you regarding any limitations, including minimum and maximum dimensions.

GLAZING TYPES Modern and minimalistic architecture often features large glass surfaces that offer many advantages: your rooms get filled with natural

MAN Corporate Centre / Architect: Max Bögl Bauunternehmung GmbH & Co. KG / Photo: Aspectfoto Königsbrunn / Reynaers system used: CW 86 (curtain wall bespoke solution), parallel opening window

46 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

daylight, they look more spacious and you can enjoy a beautiful view. Moreover, when large sliders are used, these large openings allow for not only good indoor and outdoor combined areas but also maximise the views. The architect plays an essential role in the positioning of your windows. If you envision a special concept for the windows in your building, it is important to discuss this with your architect in an early phase of the design stage, as the construction of the building needs to be appropriate for the desired solution. Reynaers’ aluminium systems make it possible to realise large glass surfaces up to six meters high or six meters wide. Depending on the chosen system, glass or other packing elements from 4mm to 65mm can be fitted into aluminium profiles. This allows for a broad range of glazing options – from acoustic glass or safety glass, to a highly aesthetical mirror-glass. If necessary, the window profiles are strengthened against heavy wind load or the weight of large and heavy glass panes.

COLOURS Aluminium is without doubt the ideal material for the

creation of contemporary building concepts. Coloured windows and doors certainly bring an added value to your building. They can combine an impressive outside appearance with a pleasant living atmosphere on the inside.

BICOLOUR COATING Suppose you want to match the exterior colour of your windows with your façade and choose an inside colour that perfectly matches your interior. Reynaers can provide the interior and exterior of your profiles in almost every colour you can imagine. Over 450 different shades and finishes are available: metallic or anodised, matt or gloss RAL-colours, or even a special low-maintenance and scratchresistant Coatex finish. Our “wood structure” option can even provide you with a “wood look” coating finish.

COLOURED ACCESSORIES Handles, hinges and other accessories can also be lacquered in exactly the same colour as your windows. Opting for coloured accessories results in a spotless integration of all accessories into your windows. www.reynaers.co.za

S L I M PAT I O 6 8 . . . OPEN ELEGANCE SlimPatio 68 is a highly insulated sliding system with ultra slim profiles and a concealed frame that combines comfort with elegance. Thanks to the clever design, this sliding window allows maximum natural light and provides optimal panoramic views. The integrated innovative technologies guarantee ultimate performance with regard to wind-, water tightness and thermal insulation, meeting the highest standards. FLEXIBILITY ABOVE ALL This sliding system offers a wide range of opening possibilities, from elements which slide over 2- and 3-rail solutions, allowing you to open up to 6 leaves, over a very slim central closing option of only 74 mm wide, to a single- and doublerail pocket solution that allows you to slide the elements into the wall.

www.reynaers.co.za Aluminium systems for Windows & Doors, Sliding Systems, Curtain Walls, Sunscreening and Solar integration.

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

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Need to fill gaps and joints?

TECHNICAL WINDOW COVERINGS PUR Foam and Hybrid Sealants Use PU Foam, the long lasting, 100% CFC free, fine cellular polyurethane based insulation and construction foam for industrial and building applications. This very strong closed cell structured foam is ideal for fixing window and door frames, filling of gaps between walls and ceilings, gaps around pipes and much more. Fire Protect® PU Foam separately offers fire resistance up to 120 minutes. Combined with other Fire Protect® products up to 4 hours. E-N 1366-4 tested.

Green in more ways than one JHB: 011 792 3830 CT: 021 552 9674 DBN: 031 579 2375 Please contact us for further technical product information and technical assistance CooleAd 18136

The Blinds Syndicate, in partnership with Junkers & Müllers in Germany,

impossible for artificial air cooling to be excluded in any commercial

brings the Southern African market window blind fabrics that offer specifiers a myriad of options for light control, privacy, solar protection and thermal comfort. Junkers & Müllers has developed a whole range of textiles that offer various solutions. Silkshade fabrics have several specific properties to accommodate differing light requirements, but have a homogenised colour palette to ensure the visual effect of the interior is never compromised. Silkshade fabrics are offered in a loose weave, allowing up to 50% of light transmission, and go down to as low as 5% transmission with a tighter weave. There is also an offering that is 100% blackout, which still maintains colour consistency. There are more than six variants of this fabric, ensuring that the use of natural light is maximised from all directions. Glare in a commercial environment has to be carefully managed and the correct solution must be specified. The Blinds Syndicate has expert advisors who are able to provide certified data from internationally recognised testing bodies, making sure that specialist interior consultants can

environment. This not only has increased the cost to the tenant, but also has an added health risk to its occupants. The Blinds Syndicate’s solution to reducing the reliance on air conditioning as well as assisting in the wellness of the occupants is steered through its technical fabrics that effectively reduce thermal transmission. They have an array of textiles that can reduce thermal discomfort by as much as 30%. Most of The Blinds Syndicate’s heat-reflective fabrics have a vacuum aluminised back. This is the most effective, long-lasting application that achieves the highest heat reflection of all aluminium-backed products. All of these fabrics are biodegradable and manufactured to stringent standards with minimum environmental impact. An extensive range of sound-reducing fabrics allows for the preferred open office plan to be more practical. These fabrics can be outside-facing or even used internally as soft partitions. Certified technical data is available to ensure that specifiers can pre-determine the effect prior to committing to installing the product in a project. The Blinds Syndicate, in

confidently specify their product.

partnership with Junkers & Müllers from Germany, offer their technical services free of charge, and supply and installation is undertaken by factory-trained installers. www.luminosblinds.co.za

THERMAL The internal heat generation through carpeting, machinery and human occupation has rendered it near

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AMERICAN SHUTTERS’ UNIQUE ‘GEAR TILT’ SYSTEM 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. ✔ 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

American Shutters’ Security Shutters have a unique ‘Gear Tilt’ system that differentiates them in the market. With the Gear Tilt being hidden within the stile, the elegant contours of the shutters are perfectly suitable for interior specification. However, the pleasing aesthetics don’t compromise their robust construction and security features, and the corrosion-resistant finish makes them ideal for both indoor and outdoor installations. The advantages of having the tilt bar hidden within the stile don’t stop at the aesthetics – other benefits are the improved view through the louvres, which remains undisturbed, and the operation of the louvres, which is considerably smoother. With Gear Tilt, privacy and light block is also greatly enhanced because the louvres fit snuggly against the shutter framework and the overlapping stile design eliminates strips of light between the shutter panels. The shutters are locally manufactured from architectural-grade aluminium and powder-coated in custom colours and a choice of three standard colours: matt satin white, matt light grey and matt charcoal. The light grey and charcoal colours have an attractive fine-textured finish, adding to the distinctive appearance of this security range. The patented strip-proof Italian locking system with double-key-turn secures the shutters with bolts engaging the top and

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the bottom of the shutters simultaneously. American Shutters offers a locking system accessible from both sides for access doors, and their tamper-proof installation prevents the shutters from being lifted out of the top and bottom guides. The lead time is 15 to 20 working days from order to installation. The numerous installation possibilities make this security range a popular choice among designers and architects. American Shutters’ experience and impressive track record ensure that guarantees are honoured and assistance is always on offer. Their well-trained consultants provide a professional service right from the design stage through to installation, to ensure you have a stress- and problem-free experience. www.americanshutters.co.za

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STRONGEST EMERGENCY ESCAPE DOOR MADE IN RSA With terrorism, bomb threats and violent crowds part of the modern-day public space landscape, physical security barriers are sharply in focus for governments, transport hubs, sports stadia and the retail sector worldwide. Trellidor has been at the forefront in developing a locally designed and manufactured product that meets stringent international standards of protection under these tense circumstances. The Durban-based security barrier manufacturer spent 18 months and just under R3m in the research, development and design of their state-of-the-art Trellidor Trojan 3 EMESC T3000. This is an immensely strong expandable security gate with a unique emergency escape locking system. Surprisingly, the gate is not the ugly steel monstrosity expected of a heavy-duty security gate weighing 50kg/m2. It is remarkably neat, stacks easily to the side when opened, and is powder coated for a smooth finish. The Trellidor Trojan 3 EMESC T3000 has been independently attack-tested by BRE Global Ltd’s Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). The company is based in London and is an internationally respected third party testing body. The gate was certified to BRE Standard LPS 1175: Issue 7 SR3. This is the highest certification received by a sliding security grille in the world. The testing criteria include practical measures, i.e. the gate must meet crowd loading and building regulation safety standards. It must have an emergency escape locking system that is simple to operate while still meeting the test criteria on the attack face. This is particularly important in the case of panic, which is inevitable in a crisis. Furthermore, the gate has to be easy to use by a person in the 75th percentile, meaning someone below average in terms of strength, and materials had to be corrosion resistant and conform to health and safety standards. To test its strength, the Trellidor Trojan 3 EMESC T3000 was flown to the UK and attacked under test conditions by experts in this process, using a variety of tools to physically assault the gate. “It surpassed the testing requirements, which was a great reward for thousands of hours of hard work by our team in the development and design phase,” says Peter Rawson, Trellidor marketing and sales director. The design was certified to a height of 3 630mm with unlimited width, using multi-sash and dual-channel technology, which makes it unique as no comparable product can offer this. “Since receiving the requisite certification, we have shipped 12 of these world-class gates overseas to destinations that we cannot disclose due to their sensitive nature. Our production plant is currently working its way through the order book for additional units and we are exploring new markets in Europe, Africa, the East and South America. “Demand in the international market was the primary motivation for the introduction of the Trellidor Trojan 3 EMESC T3000 to our Trellidor Retractable Security range. But we are seeing increasing interest locally due to the high rate of violent robbery in the commercial arena, as well as in public spaces in South Africa,” says Rawson. www.trellidor.co.za

H SYSTEMS is a leading supplier of aluminium systems and accessories to the architectural market in South Africa. Not only do we supply the South African systems but we also stock unique curtain walling, sliding doors, cladding and tilt and turn window systems. We are owned by an international aluminium company Corialis www.corialis-group.com/en.

H SYSTEMS YOUR GATEWAY TO A BETTER VIEW. www.hsystems.co.za Unit 3 Poplar Park 16 Lancaster Road Benoni South Gauteng 1508 011 748 2660

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ASSA ABLOY UNLOCKS AUTOMATION WITH OVER R10M INVESTMENT Global leader in door-opening solutions, ASSA ABLOY, has tapped into the Industry 4.0 space by investing over R10m to process automation machines in their Roodepoort factory in Johannesburg. This investment saw the recent installation of six robots with the goal to have a fleet of more than ten before year end. Digital transformation is fast becoming a common feature in the workplace, with companies reassessing existing production processes to meet the demands of the approaching fourth industrial revolution. “Product manufacture through robotics in our newly automated facility adds value by enabling us to further ensure product quality and increase production volumes while reducing production cost,” says Gerrit Viviers, Chief Operating Officer: Africa, ASSA ABLOY. ASSA ABLOY elected to use collaborative robotics that work alongside people, and this plays an integral part in the upskilling of workers, providing them with the knowledge and practical experience to manage and work with automation. Ongoing training programmes are in place for the entire production team.

In order to successfully specify and implement the automation, ASSA ABLOY has employed an automation engineer to manage these projects. Keeping it local, the company enlisted the services of only South African automation contractors. “As ASSA ABLOY is one of only a very few manufacturers in the ironmongery industry in South Africa, off-the-shelf solutions were simply not an option, which presented a challenge to the local automation experts as all solutions had to be tailored to our environment,” explains Viviers. He adds that the automation process and associated cost reductions have also allowed for insourcing of products that were formerly imported – a further investment in the local economy. The robots have been assigned to various divisions within the plant: • The lever locks assembly process – compared to the historical manual assembly, the inclusion of robots has greatly improved the manufacturing speed. This new automated process includes 12 employees working in collaboration with the robots, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) as well as

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cameras, leading to continuous improvement in quality. • The signage and engraving area – ASSA ABLOY tailor-makes directional and information signage for buildings, as well as bespoke kick plates and push plates. • The die-casting area where handles and keys are manufactured. • One robot provides the finishing on brass products and components such as padlocks. Placing a strong focus on the continuous improvement of employee health and safety, these new robots allow for the redistribution of employees into other or more comfortable environments, enabling the company to operate at elevated levels of performance. “These value-added production processes and automation enhancements ensure heightened customer

service by improving our speed of production and, subsequently, our lead times,” affirms Viviers. “We are enthused by the fact that as a local manufacturer invested in South Africa, we are positioned to grow to the benefit of all our customers and end-users. “Automation and digitalisation is a big part of successful businesses and we are excited about the benefits for our customers, as well as the opportunity to grow as a result of market competitiveness,” concludes Viviers. With the recent introduction of advanced process automation technologies, ASSA ABLOY has augmented its extensive high-quality portfolio that includes access control, asset and key management, door furniture and locking systems, and has solidified its position as an industry leader in door-opening solutions. www.assaabloy.com

Access Control for the modern era

AperioÂŽ H100 - wireless access control in a designer lever handle

Cam-MotionÂŽ Door Closers allowing for access control and fire safety with smooth, silent operation

Electromechanical & Mechanical Locks for every application to secure your building

With a wide range of mechanical and electromechanical solutions for every door application, allow the ASSA ABLOY specification team to assist with full ironmongery specification including access control. www.assaabloy.co.za | 011 761 5000 | za.info@assaabloy.com

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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS If you are wondering whether to opt for aluminium or timber windows and doors for your new build or renovation, but not sure which one to choose – then read on. According to Cobus Lourens from leading window and door manufacturer Swartland, an interesting new trend is fast taking hold in the built environment. “Increasingly, more designers and developers are opting to use aluminium windows and wooden doors in the same build – thereby benefiting equally from the amazing benefits of both materials,” he says.

THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING ALUMINIUM WINDOWS Lourens says that aluminium has become a very popular option for windows – not only because of its versatile aesthetic, but also because of its other benefits: • Strength: Aluminium is a robust material and its natural strength provides security to your home. The fact that it is resistant to corrosion ensures that your windows will never rust, warp, twist or expand. • Slim profiles: Its natural strength means that aluminium windows can have

really slim frames and hold more glass – meaning bigger windows and more glazing. This allows the outdoor views to take centre stage, instead of the windows themselves. • Lightweight: Aluminium is a comparatively light material, which makes the operation of aluminium windows easy. • Easy maintenance: Aluminium is very easy to maintain – it doesn’t require any sanding, sealing or painting. • Colour choices: Aluminium windows offer colour versatility so that you can truly customise the look of your home. Swartland’s range of aluminium windows, for example, is available in Silver, Bronze, Charcoal and White powdercoated finishes.

CHOOSING WOODEN DOORS Timber doors have an incomparably rich sense of character, says Lourens. “The undeniable visual beauty of timber doors can largely be attributed to their natural wood grain, their oftenstained appearance, and the heavy, durable feel they offer when they are opened or closed.” He provides a

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compilation of the benefits of solid timber doors: • Beauty: Solid timber has an innate beauty, thanks to its rich grain and organic texture, making it an element of visual appeal that is unrivalled when compared to other door materials. • Timeless appeal: Timber’s appeal is due to the fact that it doesn’t date, but looks good from the day it is installed and for years to come as a result of the unique patina it develops over time. • Eco-friendly choice: As general home improvement trends head towards more eco-friendly solutions, timber remains a great

choice. Timber not only looks good, but it is an excellent insulator, it has an impressively low carbon footprint, it boasts an incredibly long lifespan, and if sourced from a sustainably managed forest, it is also a renewable building resource. • Added size: Similar to tile trends, large-format front doors seem to be bang on trend – increasingly more designers and architects are choosing timber front doors with added width and height in order to give their designs a more dramatic aesthetic and to create the illusion of added space. www.swartland.co.za

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LARGE-SCALE EROSION CONTROL ON THE WEST COAST Initiated by the Department of Public Works as custodian of state land, this large retaining wall located on the West Coast, Pepper Bay harbour area, was built to stabilise existing

of the final face slope set out. Using soil-crete (sand:cement mix) the rockface was covered by backfilling in well-compacted layers, with the depth of the backfilling being monitored

eroded embankments in the interest of publicÂ safety. The embankments consist of multiple layers of sedimentation up to 21m in height and 2.5km in length, where softer material has eroded, leaving harder layers of overhanging and unstable rock. The Terraforce retaining wall system was specified by the consulting engineer, Ulwazi Consulting Engineers, as offering practical, stable and weather-resistant surface protection.

and minimised to follow the natural contours of the exposed face. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the same time, the block facings were built up and the blocks filled with soil-crete, stepping back towards the rockface where appropriate, to minimise depth of backfill and reduce the visual impact of a sheer wall. Finally, the tops of the step-backs and the finished level are capped with a concrete slab.â&#x20AC;?

STABILISING A DANGEROUS SLOPE

Some of the challenges encountered and successfully managed during installation included the continual navigating and assessing of the steep, 15m-high, heavily vegetated terrain with cranes and telescopic handlers. An estimated 180 000 blocks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; supplied by Van Dyk Stene, Terraforce manufacturer on the West Coast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with 100m2 backfill sand per 1 200 blocks (100m2), were installed using five TLB loaders, a 20Â 000-litre water truck and 80 labourers, of which 90% were local untrained labour who underwent onsite training. Also, under the auspices of the Expanded Public Works Programme, 25 official learners were given basic construction skill training over a period

Before block installation could begin, all vegetation and loose material had to be removed to expose the underlying rockface of the embankments. Says Adriano Guerrini, of Guerrini Marine Construction: â&#x20AC;&#x153;These were swept clean and benched for slip prevention, so the extent of stabilising could then be determined and the angle (generally between 60 and 70 degrees to the horizontal)

Find a supplier www.terraforce.com

Tel: 021 465 1907 56 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

JOB CREATION AND ON-SITE TRAINING

of approximately three months. On completion in March 2018, indigenous plants were planted by a company specialising in establishing the sensitive vegetation of the West Coast. www.terraforce.co.za

LEDVANCE.COM

Light is personal Success the easy way with LEDVANCEÂ® LED luminaires. All the features you need in your daily work: high efficiency, proven quality and easy installation.

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WHY EARLY-STAGE POOL DESIGN PLANNING IS CRITICAL TO THE LONG-TERM OUTLOOK ON LOWERING SA’S DROWNING STATISTICS Pools are still not being planned or designed correctly for safety, and this is having a direct impact on child drownings, according to PowerPlastics Pool Covers, the leading pool cover supplier in South Africa. “We get the calls all the time: ‘Just finished building or refurbishing my pool and outdoor area. Can you come out and design a pool cover as I have small kids?’ We get excited, knowing we can add a beautiful finish to the new pool area, only to find the pool can’t be covered. Either it’s a rim flow pool, or it has a fountain or some kind of water feature, a fire pit, multiple levels with a jacuzzi on the side, etc. And there is just no way we can secure the pool for children. Basically, their pool builder and architect haven’t given a thought as to how the pool can be made safe,” says Caryn Formby of PowerPlastics Pool Covers. The topic of pool safety legislation has been on the cards for a long time and for good reason. Local drowning statistics are too high. This

is one form of child mortality that is entirely preventable. This means a considered design to the pool, and a pool cover specialist should be a part of the project team from the start. When it comes to fitting a solid safety cover, the perfect pool is one with clean lines, no extruding features that will interrupt the cover, a single level pool and 600mm of durable/sturdy paving or decking on the long edges and 800mm on the shallow and deep ends. This allows for a cover such as the PowerPlastics Solid Safety

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Cover, which meets USA safety standards. The most important criteria for a safety cover are: it prohibits any object measuring 114mm in diameter from accessing the water or slipping under the cover; the fastenings or securing points must not be workable by a small child; it must have a tensioning system and a weight tolerance of 220kg; and after rainfall or if garden sprinklers are used, the water must drain off unaided and the cover must be dry within five minutes. PowerPlastics Pool Covers has recently launched an internal process to offer

special design approaches to accommodate unique pool shapes and designs. This comes at a higher, customised price to the consumer but at least most pools are then made safe. “We welcome participation from the design, architectural and building sector as we continue with our efforts to lower local drowning statistics within the domestic swimming pool sector and reduce the environmental impact of domestic pools,” concludes Formby. www.powerplastics.co.za; www.topstep.co.za

The Lotex range of quality imported solid composite decking products will finish and compliment your housing projects and building investments.

LOTEX SOLID COMPOSITE DECKING FEATURES: • No cracking, warping or splitting • Water proof, corrosion-resistant and non-toxic • Low maintenance with no painting required • Easy to install • Weather resistant and durable • UV and color stability • Eco-friendly APPLICATIONS: • Decking, cladding, pergolas balustrades, gates and outdoor benches • Seaside and wetlands • Water platforms • Park roads, landscaping and municipal projects.

Switchboard: (011) 964-3900 Sales Office: 082 414 8402 Website: www.nla.co.za Email: info@nla.co.za

Solid Coffee Solid Grey

Easy to install clip system with frame

Our vast range of expertise within NLA, combined with our culture to exceed customer expectations, through exceptional service and sincere relationships, allows us to provide our valued customers with a unique solution to their specific project and budget requirements.

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ON TREND AND VERSATILE, SAY HELLO TO RAVINE (62) - PLASCON’S NEUTRAL OF THE YEAR 2019 The announcement of Ravine (62) as Plascon’s Neutral of the Year tells us that, even though it has evolved over more than 10 years as one of the top decorative neutrals, grey is here to stay. Ravine (62) is a timeless blend of grey and beige, which invites a minimalistic yet luxurious look to a space and, according to the Plascon Colour Connoisseurs, is the perfect hue for the classic home in the 21st century. Part of the Plascon Colour Forecast’s 2019 Luxury colour story, Ravine (62) has a soothing taupe undertone, perfect for classically decorated homes. On grey’s enduring popularity, colour expert Claire Bond says, “Ravine continues to be our warm go-to natural as it provides a neutral canvas, making it a safe option when detail needs to be added – be it a coloured painted feature wall, curtaining, flooring or upholstery.” For a luxurious classic look, Bond recommends pairing it with optimistic blush pinks such as Nutmeg Dust (O3-C2-2) or gentle salmons such as Orange Delight (O5-A1-4). Partnered with bright whites and blonde wood tones, versatile Ravine (62) also invites a clean, clear and calm Scandinavian aesthetic to a home. Bond comments, “In contrast to other cooler shades that have been popular in the past, this neutral shade of grey adds warmth to a space.” The recently launched Plascon 2019 Colour Forecast identified cocooning, mindfulness and individualisation as some of the trend drivers compelling people to transform their homes into

personal sanctuaries away from a busy, technologicallydriven world. Ravine (62), moving away from the ‘more is more’ concept, is about creating spaces where life’s simple pleasures take centre stage. Says Bond, “The concept of luxury has taken a new direction with the new interpretation extending to simple joys like reading a book, taking a bath or enjoying a long lazy Sunday lunch with family and friends.” Ravine (62) can be used in any space, depending on the mood you want to create. A soothing relaxing bathroom would do well with a coat of this grey, as would a reading nook or dining area. To get that luxurious minimalistic look, Plascon suggests using Ravine (62) as the core colour and teaming it up with accent colours such as dramatic Dark Antelope (P7-E1-1) or Bovine

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(47) for a monochromatic look. Ravine (62) also works well with Golf Greens (G4-A1-1) from the colour forecast’s Urban story, while rich feature colours such as Winter Storm (B3-B12) or Atlantic Ocean (B2-C1-1)

on a feature wall or painted furniture brings the palette into the millennial age. Golden Lake (Y5-C1-3) from the forecast’s Luxury palette also combines beautifully with Ravine (62). Bond recommends introducing woods and shiny copper fittings for a modern touch to a traditional décor scheme, or textural elements like a rich floor rug that inspires luxury. The beauty of Ravine (62) is that it’s the ultimate grey that can be used for building a signature palette. Paired with colours such as calming Berry Good (P1-A2-3) and beautiful pastels, it also offers a French Provence edge, which Bond sees in the classical home. “Because Ravine (62) is a blend of grey and beige, it effortlessly brings opulence into a home without having to fill the space with too much stuff. With this wonderfully adaptable grey, you won’t go wrong when transforming your home into a refuge where simple luxuries are the order of the day,” Bond concludes. www.plascon.com

Professional products, premium service Plascon’s 128-year history gives you a distinct advantage – we combine innovation, extensive research, service excellence and the use of cuttingedge technology to meet your every industrial, trade and retail expectation. The highest of service standards are entrenched in our history, bringing us full circle to our Plascon 360° Partnership Pledge, which introduces you to our wide range of varied, customised and cost-effective coatings solutions, covering every aspect of your property portfolio. Our Plascon 360° Partnership Pledge embraces your project requirements from the assessment to the specification, application, approval and product guarantee thereof. Our pledge maximises and enhances your return on investment through a maintenance programme that extends the life expectancy of your coatings over the lifetime of the guarantee. The Plascon Professional Range and Premium Plus Range draws on a rich heritage, with every product hailed as an industry benchmark of superiority, trusted to beautify, protect and enhance your most valuable investments. The 360° Partnership Pledge is designed to deliver benefits to our clients in all aspects of your coatings experience. It’s what you would expect from a paint partner.

For more information visit your nearest hardware or paint outlet or log onto www.plascon.com Contact our professional consultants today. Plascon Advisory Service: 0860 20 40 60 | advice@plascon.co.za Copyright © Kansai Plascon (Pty) Ltd

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NEW INTRODUCTIONS 2019: START SPREADING THE NEOLITH® NEWS Neolith, a market-leading brand of Sintered Stone, announces four new colours for its 2019 catalogue: New York - New York, Mar Del Plata, Mont Blanc and Sofia Cuprum. These new introductions were chosen following rigorous market research.

Throughout September, the company registered feedback at a series of special Neolith events, held in tandem with some of Europe’s most prestigious design trade shows. Visitors were invited to choose their favourites from eight prototype designs, with the top four choices

subsequently selected for next year’s collection. These slabs have been created using a revolutionary new production process that will deliver the same high-quality colours Neolith is known by, in a more ecologically friendly way. HYDRO Neolith Digital

Design 2.0 (HYDRONDD 2.0) uses the latest pigments existing in the industry. The new colours are complemented by an expanded range of Neolith products, including four new additions to both the 3mm and 20mm ranges.

NEW YORK - NEW YORK: START SPREADIN’ THE NEWS The Big Apple. They say that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere, which is certainly the case with Neolith’s New York - New York. This visually appealing surface is influenced by the city’s infectious energy, its iconic avenues and majestic skyscrapers, responding to a revival of interest in using concrete for interior applications, particularly worktops. With distinctive grey tones it offers an ontrend, urban style suitable for all surfacing applications. Incorporating a full-body edge, it’s highly realistic; a special surface that blends matt and shine particles to create a pleasing visual effect.

MONT BLANC: SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

MAR DEL PLATA: EXQUISITELY EXOTIC, PERFECTLY PEARLESCENT Inspired by the exotic Dark Pearl granite, a Brazilian stone from TheSize’s Granith® collection, this stylish, rippled slab incorporates wavy white quartz stripes on a grey backdrop. With a slated stone relief, the surface offers a mesmerisingly aqueous fluidity akin to flowing water, evoking the movement of a mighty South American river. The whiter and lighter grey

striations are produced with a special technique that gives texture to the veining. Flecks of shine particle throughout the stone also create a beautiful nacre effect, which mirrors the quartz veins found in the original granite.

SOFIA CUPRUM: RUST NEVER SLEEPS Sofia Cuprum, a mesmerisingly dark and sober surface, represents the evolution of Neolith’s Steel Collection. The metal on which this surface is based was first realised in the early 2000s when renowned French architect Jean Nouvel was designing a new building, commissioned for the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid. His concept used a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures, particularly metallic slabs treated to create surface effects, including different hues, mottling and varied degrees of patination. From these audacious and visionary experiments, Sofia Cuprum was born. The semi-polished finish on these stones creates an irregular, burnished effect that gives the surface a more worn-in touch and feel.

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The pristine slopes of the French-Swiss Alps and the alpine glamour of one of the world’s most prestigious ski resorts, Chamonix, are the inspiration behind the rarefied Mont Blanc. A homage to white quartzite, one of the most popular stone patterns currently on the market, its enrapturing neutral tone combines a creamy white background with subtle veining in deep black and ochre hues. Using a special technique, Neolith was able to create an inward relief exactly where the veins are, delivering an original texture that is pleasing to the touch and evokes the soaring beauty of the alpine landscape. www.neolith.co.za

Flooring: ZAHA STONE Silk I Residential Project, Brazil

www.neolith.com www.neolith.com

NEOLITHÂ®: DESIGN, DURABILITY, VERSATILITY, SUSTAINABILITY. Interior and Exterior applications: Flooring, Countertops, Cladding, and Furniture. Resistant to stains, chemicals, extreme temperatures. Light and 100% natural. Maximum format, minimum thickness, different finishes. More than 20 selections available.

TheSize Surfaces South Africa I hello@neolith.co.za I www.neolith.co.za

2017

2016

2015

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SAINT Saint Restaurant in Sandton was recently awarded the Eat Out VISI Style Award. PHOTOGRAPHY ELSA YOUNG Saint is the spectacular new restaurant by Chef David Higgs and Gary Kyriacou, owners of Marble. It is located in the newly developed Marc Building on the corner of Maude Street and Rivonia Road – the heart of Sandton’s bustling CBD. The 1 000m2 restaurant seats approximately 230 people, has a large bar with

a DJ booth, window seating overlooking Maude Street, and some of the most sophisticated 3D projection technology in Africa. After gaining inspiration from visiting London, Amsterdam and the MAISON&OBJET PARIS Trade Show, interior designer Irene Kyriacou worked closely with Reddeco to design Saint’s interior. The result is a space that incorporates interesting local bespoke designs and beautiful imported objects. As with Marble, the scale of the space at Saint brings people together in an environment that delivers an experience – drinks in the bar, a meal in the restaurant and an

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opportunity to share time with friends, family and colleagues. “Marble has a more monotone colour palette that is darker and leans to the slightly serious mood,” says Kyriacou. “At Saint, I knew that the space needed to be a little less serious in terms of the design. Using brighter colours creates a relaxed dining space that combines well with our design features like the vaulted ceiling with 3D projections and the sculpted bar panels.” The theme of “Pazzo Italiano” embraces local, African, Italian and European cultures – representative of the cultural melting pot that is South Africa. The design incorporates and juxtaposes

cultures – a strong Italian influence, a play on the Renaissance, and elements of mid-century, contemporary and the mythological. This is exemplified in features such as the handwoven tapestry that adorns the entrance. Designed by Sarita Immelman from GRID, it features a centaur, African angel and a Cupid baby – a mythological interpretation of love in the modern world. Similar themes are picked up in a striking photographic artwork by Krisjan Rossouw in the bathroom, which depicts a gorgeous African woman in period dress and a gold headdress, representing a modern take on period styling.

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The modern reinterpretation of classic design continues in the restaurant’s centrepiece: the dome. Originally, it was intended to feature painted frescos, but the Saint team decided to take it one step further. Moving art is created by four 3D projectors that map the ceiling with beautiful classical imagery that you might see in Italian chapels. Similarly, the bar back, by Damian Grivas, is an oversized and deconstructed sculpture. 3D projectors also bring this installation to life. The basins are sculpted hands, also by Grivas. And the theme is carried through in other key elements such as the wine cellar, which features custommade stained glass that is interpretive of the stained glass from Italian cathedrals. Kyriacou also collaborated with a number of local artists and designers for the furniture, including David Krynauw, Thabiso Mjo from Mash T Design Studio and Guideline. The result is a space that is welcoming, sophisticated, fun and a contemporary combination of modern and Renaissance. “[It has] a little bit of everything... whimsical wonder, local flavour and international flair,” says Kyriacou. www.saint.restaurant; www.reddeco.co.za

Contact: Gysbert van Graan Tel: +27 (0)82 322 7315 Email: Reddeco@reddeco.co.za Instagram: @reddecosa #designbyreddeco Facebook: @reddecosa www.reddeco.co.za

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THE WHOLE WORKS FROM INTERFACE

Interface, the world’s largest modular flooring producer – represented in South Africa by KBAC Flooring – has launched The Works, a new innovative range to create tranquil and comfortable office or home spaces. Hannetjie Smit, KBAC Flooring’s Sales Consultant in Johannesburg, says: “The Works Collection consists of four colour-coordinated designs to solve a wide range of flooring challenges. A major advantage is that the new range comes at an extremely affordable price – an important consideration during economic crunch times with limited budgets for interior designers.” The Interface Works Collection is basically a collection of square-patterned, structured loop pile carpet tiles suitable for ashlar, brick, monolithic and non-directional installation. The collection features organic, biophilic

and geometric designs in coordinating colours for easy mixing and matching. “Furthermore, a common yarn system means the product is compatible with other Interface products with similar yarns – such as Interface’s equally affordable Employ range. The Employ Loop and Lines ranges have been hailed by designers for their unlimited creative design options in commercial installations,” she adds. The new Interface Works Collection designs stocked by KBAC Flooring consist of: • Works Flow – With nature as inspiration, this organic pattern offers natural variation with 12 colourways ranging from neutral to pastel, reminiscent of a marble floor or a flowing river. • Works Geometry – A modern look for contemporary spaces, Works Geometry offers a varied linear pattern, creating a solid foundation for

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any modern space. The range comprises nine colourways, featuring both neutral and colourful designs. In line with Interface’s Mission Zero pledge to have zero negative impact on the environment by 2020,

the new ranges feature exceptionally high recycled content and 100% renewable energy. “These credentials make it the most sustainable carpet tile offering currently on the market,” Smit adds. www.kbacflooring.co.za

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SIKA’S CARBODUR CARBON PRODUCTS USED FOR GATEWAY SHOPPING CENTRE UPGRADE Sika’s external structural strengthening carbon fibre system offered a flexible and versatile solution to a tricky problem at the Gateway Shopping Centre. The Gateway Shopping Centre is an upmarket shopping centre situated in the heart of Umhlanga Rocks, on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, offering an overall entertainment experience. Additions to the shopping mall have necessitated the conversion of part of the parking area into shops and a hotel. The beams and roof slabs have required strengthening to take this additional loading and this is where Sika’s internationally

respected Carbodur carbon fibre plates were used. Sika Carbodur S1014 (7 300 metres) and Sikadur 30 (510 kits/10 200 litres) were specified for the external structural strengthening of the beams and roof slabs. Sika Carbodur plates are pultruded carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates designed for strengthening of concrete, masonry and steel structures. The carbon fibre plates were bonded onto the soffit roof slab using Sikadur 30. This adhesive for bonding Carbodur is a primer-less structural epoxy adhesive, ideal for bonding to concrete, masonry and

steel. The application of the Sika Carbodur S1014 has allowed for the increased load capacity of the floor slabs in the sections where heavier equipment was installed. The high strength and excellent durability of the Sika Carbodur structural strengthening products made them an ideal choice for this application. The time constraints of the construction programme were challenging, as contractors

Amsteele Systems were given only six weeks to complete this project. Therefore, the correct products needed to be applied effectively in a short period of time with the best overall outcome. Sika has proven once again that it has a product for every application and a solution to every problem, ensuring that Sika will have the correct solution for even complex and challenging projects. www.sika.co.za

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NEW TRADE OUTLETS FOR MAPEI BY RAYMOND CAMPLING

A.B.E. PRODUCTS FOR HISTORIC KNYSNA HOTEL’S NEW FLOORS Three of a.b.e. Construction Chemicals’ popular flooring products were used for the refurbishment and alterations to the concrete floors of Knysna’s historic and prestige Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa. Leading supplier of specialist products for the construction industry, a.b.e. is part of the Chryso Southern Africa Group. Alta Diedericks, a.b.e. branch manager in George, says the 450m2 flooring project at the Turbine Hotel on Thesen Island at Knysna, called for the provision of: • abeflo epoxy self-levelling flooring system • abecote WD 337 epoxy as primer • epidermix 318 epoxy repair compound. Diedericks says the challenging flooring project, assigned to a.b.e.-approved applicators Global Theme Design, was completed in only a fortnight while the busy hotel was in operation, thanks to carefully planned sectional application. The reception area was initially re-floored, then the courtyard, the hotel’s Gastro Pub, and finally the floors on which the historic and heavy turbines – after which the upmarket hotel is named – are displayed. “Paul Basson and his Global Theme Design team initially applied a.b.e.’s

two-component polyamide cured epoxy adhesive/repair compound, epidermix 318, to fill all cracks and holes in the existing flooring. epidermix 318 can effectively repair and patch a wide variety of concrete defects, including honeycombing and spalling. “Then a.b.e.’s abecote WD 337 two-component, waterdispersed grey epoxy was used as primer. abecote WD 337 is a protective, decorative coating that, in addition to other uses, is also often used as a primer of concrete surfaces prior to the application of abeflo. “A 2mm coating of abeflo in a new colour, Turbine Cream – especially formulated by a.b.e. for the Hotel flooring – was then applied. This well-known and acclaimed system provides seamless, hygienic flooring and, with its with strong colour retention, was perfect for the five-star hotel flooring. Selflevelling abeflo – which is also chemical resistant – has been specified for health-sensitive institutions such as hospitals, schools, kitchens, canteens and supermarkets throughout South Africa for many years. It’s a fourcomponent system comprising a clear resin and hardener, pre-packed blended aggregate and pigment paste,” Diedericks explains. “Turbine Cream has now been added to the colours in the a.b.e. abeflo range.” www.abe.co.za

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Construction chemical manufacturer Mapei is continuing its drive to simplify supply of its products with the addition of two new distribution outlets that are aimed at small to medium construction companies, contractors and cash buyers. Mapei’s commercial manager, Tracy Harris, says the initiative is part of the company’s drive to meet customers wherever they find it most convenient. The appointment of WF Chemicals and Construction Components as official distribution partners therefore provides these contractors with fully-fledged, easy-to-deal-with trade counters where Mapei products can be bought. They are essentially one-stop shops where the entire range of products can be sourced, whether it is a single bag of grout or multiple pallet loads of screed. The service is quick and friendly, so customers can collect their orders and be on the road again within 15 minutes. Payment can be made by account, card or EFT. Technical assistance is available where needed, and both warehouses are centrally located in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Mapei brings a broader range of products to its offering, with the addition of tile adhesives, tile grouts, self-levelling underlays, adhesives, paints and waterproofing, among others. “A building contractor has the same requirements to run his business as a large company. They need professional assistance to run their portfolios, and require technical advice and support when undertaking new or difficult types of projects. While most retailers do stock some of our products, they do not necessarily stock all of them. Nor do they stock bulk products, so it pays to have a channel where our contractors can buy everything they need with the benefit of technical documentation and contractor-centric advice,” says Harris. “The partnership with us will give them access to new clients and another channel to introduce our modern and reliable products into the market. They will not only benefit through access to a wider selection of products but will also have access to our substantial resources and training facilities.” www.mapei.co.za

NEW Inverter Light

TheSamsung advantages of offers an inverter, 15 700 reasons why at an affordable price. superior draught-free airconditioning: the 4-Way Wind-Free cassette Samsung, a world leader in airconditioning technology, announces yet another revolutionary advance in climate control: Wind-FreeTM airconditioning. Our new 4-Way Cassette first cools a room ultra-quickly with Fast Cooling mode, thanks to the world’s first 8-pole Digital Inverter Compressor that dramatically reduces time for the compressor to reach maximum cooling speed. Then as soon as pre-set temperature has been reached, the Cassette automatically switches over to Wind-Free mode, gently dispersing cool air evenly and silently through 15 700 micro-holes. Samsung is thrilled to introduce the new Inverter Light. Result: no cold draughts plus energy-savings of up to 55% compared with Fast Cooling mode.

With a new and sleek design, bigger fan motor and increased air intake, the TM Samsung Inverter Light maximises energy efficiency Wind-Free - Aunit newperformance. meaning to comfort. with unrivalled

For more information on the Samsung Wind-Free units, please contact Fourways Airconditioning.

Contact your local distributor for more information. JHB & Central: (011) 704-6320

Pretoria: (012) 643-0445

Cape Town: (021) 556-8292

Kwa-Zulu Natal E.Cape W. & N. Cape George: PretoriaPort Elizabeth: (041) 484-6413 Gauteng & Central region579-1895 Kwa-Zulu Natal: (031) 082 380 0708 Fourways Airconditioning (Jhb) Fourways Airconditioning (Pta) Samair ( Cape Town) Samair ( Port Elizabeth) Fourways Aircondidtioning ( K Bloemfontein: 083 381 0074 Helderberg: (021) 854-5233 East London: (043) 722-0671 (031) 579-1895 (041) 484 – 6413 (021) 556 8292 (012) 643-0445 (011) 704-6320 w w w.four waysaircon.co.za

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FLOWCRETE RAISES THE FLOORING ‘BENCHMARC’ AT NEW SANDTON MALL Johannesburg’s brand-new retail and office complex, The Marc, worked with Flowcrete Africa to create a stunning floor that consists of sparkling terrazzo systems weaving around the mall’s walkways. The Marc is named after its location in the heart of South Africa’s financial district, as it is on Maude and Rivonia Corner in Sandton CBD. The project’s architects, Boogertman + Partners, wanted to build a facility that reflected the area’s fashionable, modern and energetic atmosphere. Getting the floor area right was central to achieving this aim, as it is one of the biggest surfaces in any shopping centre and so plays an important role in setting the look and feel of the environment. To achieve this, the architects knew they would have to choose a floor finish that conveys a contemporary, decorative aesthetic and that would be able to maintain this look even after extensive use and wear. Initially the architect

opted for tiles, due to the cheaper initial cost of this material. However, after seeing examples of what could be achieved in a shopping centre using the seamless resin terrazzo system Mondéco, they quickly changed their minds. Following consultations with Flowcrete Africa’s team of resin flooring experts, as well as test samples being put down and analysed, The Marc’s architects specified a bespoke, eye-catching Mondéco Earth floor. Three complementary colours were chosen and applied in bands and blocks across the shopping centre’s main walkways. Lightreflective and decorative additives are included within every Mondéco floor to create a glittering, dappled aesthetic. 1 865m2 of Mondéco Earth in Polar Mist was selected as the main backdrop colour for the floor, with 840m2 of Light Grey and 550m2 of Mid Grey used for adding interest and accents into the finish, particularly along the floor’s edge and for breaking up the main colour

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with curving shapes. The floor’s design included a cone-like area of wooden planking in the mall’s central atrium, which was bordered by the resin terrazzo systems. The floor finish also had to incorporate blocks of carpet by the mall’s entrances, which would soak up any water or dirt walked in from outside. The durability of Flowcrete Africa’s seamless resin terrazzo solution meant that The Marc could rest assured that its floor would be able to withstand the heavy foot traffic, high heels, food and drink spillages as well as the inevitable scuffs, scrapes and stains that floors in busy retail areas inevitably face. The impervious nature of Mondéco Earth means that it is very easy to clean, which helps the mall’s staff to keep the floor area looking its best at all times. In addition to the Mondéco Earth, 374m2 of Peran STB in Light Grey was applied on levels 15 and 16 of the development. Peran STB is a decorative and durable epoxy resin floor coating made up of colour-

stable quartz granules sealed within a clear resin binder. Away from the publicfacing areas, 7 000m2 of the self-smoothing epoxy resin floor finish Flowshield SL 1000 in Mid Grey was applied throughout all the tank rooms and back-of-house areas, because of its robust nature. The architects behind The Marc are founding members of the Green Building Council of South Africa, so it was important that the new site be designed and constructed as environmentally sustainable as possible. Mondéco Earth was ideal for this, as its long lifespan avoids the need for an early flooring refurbishment and the environmental impacts of this. Flowcrete Africa has an extensive amount of experience supplying high-end floor finishes for prestigious, large-scale commercial developments. In addition to this project, the resin flooring specialists have also recently worked with Benguela Cove, Sasol Recreation Club and the Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate. www.flowcrete.com

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MASTER TILE TRENDS WITH WOMAG

LAFARGEHOLCIM FORUM FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION 2019 IN EGYPT The 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum for Sustainable Construction will be hosted by the American University in Cairo from April 4 to 6, 2019. The LafargeHolcim Forum is dedicated to the topic of “Re-materialising Construction”. Keynote speeches, workshops and site visits will focus on strategies to reduce consumption throughout the material cycle, from extraction to processing, transport, installation, maintenance and removal. The Forum pursues the question of how the building and construction industry can adapt to be leaner: with a smaller ecological footprint and not driven by the pretence of infinitely available raw materials. Hence, the Forum seeks to suggest radical solutions in the use of building materials. Keynote speakers include Christine Binswanger (Senior Partner, Herzog & de Meuron, Switzerland), Lord Norman Foster (Chairman & Founder, Foster + Partners, UK), Laila Iskandar (former Minister of Urban Renewal & Informal Settlements, Egypt), Mitchell Joachim (Co-founder, Terreform ONE, USA), Francis Kéré (Principal, Kéré Architecture, Germany), Anne Lacaton (Principal, Lacaton & Vassal Architectes, France) and Rt Hon Simon Upton (Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, New Zealand).

REGISTRATION OPEN Around 300 experts from architecture, urban design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, material sciences and related fields are expected to actively participate in the LafargeHolcim Forum. Registration of interest to attend closes January 31, 2019. The Academic Committee of the LafargeHolcim Foundation will then select participants from the registrations made at: www.lafargeholcim-forum.org/register

With so many shapes, patterns and colours available, it’s an exciting time to be choosing tiles for your home. But it can also be bewildering. How do you make the best choice for the room you’re tiling? As South Africa’s preferred supplier of premium quality natural stone tiles and surfaces, quartz-based tops, porcelain tiles and design-led sanitary ware, WOMAG has over 25 years of experience in the field and the expertise to match. “Tiling trends at the moment combine classic and contemporary shapes, colours and patterns with the most amazing results,” says WOMAG managing director Oren Sachs. “To get the looks right, it helps to know a bit about how best to select from the wide array of choices available.”

HEXAGON Hexagonal tiles blend vintage appeal with modern possibilities. One of the simplest, but most effective techniques with hexagonal tiles is simply to select a solid colour. This is an excellent way to revitalise a bathroom floor or a kitchen splashback in a classic home. In a more contemporary home, a mixand-match approach using multiple coordinated colours provides a

cutting-edge look. Try WOMAG’s Hexagon Collection: Décor Hexagon Blue, White, Black, Dark Blue, Dark Grey, Light Blue, Red, Yellow and Canal Grande Esagonia Hexagon tiles.

RECTANGULAR The simplicity of the rectangular tile lends itself to multiple interpretations. The classic metro layout, for example, is perfectly suited to kitchen walls. Even a classic choice of either uniform black or white can be updated with a contrasting grout. One of the biggest trends at the moment is the herringbone pattern. Take it to the next level with a variety of alternating colours. A herringbone layout also lends itself to the year’s most exciting trend – wood-look porcelain tiles. WOMAG’s range includes Ladoga Beige, Ladoga Taupe, Ladoga Roble, Cleveland Taupe and the Mamawood Range.

SQUARE The simplicity and symmetry of the classic square tile makes it easily adaptable to both traditional contemporary spaces. Try WOMAG’s Agrego Bianco, Agrego Grigio, Alessy Bianco and Non-Slip Charcoal tiles. The versatility of square tiles becomes apparent when you consider the possibilities they offer in variety of sizes. Large-format tiles can make a room appear larger than it is because they have fewer grout lines, creating an almost seamless finish. WOMAG’s new large format porcelain tile sizes range from 900x900 to 2500x1000 and 3000x1500. At the other end of the scale, mosaic tiles provide creative expression, both on large expanses and in small nooks. Because of their size, they are also uniquely suited to curved or shaped surfaces. They also bring impact to isolated areas, such as splashbacks or in showers. In addition, they can be used as borders, frames or edges. WOMAG’s mosaic range includes: Grigio Cielo and Crema Cielo Mosaic. www.womag.co.za

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THE BUSINESS CASE FOR DRYWALL SYSTEMS – CLEAR ADVANTAGES TO BENEFIT DEVELOPERS, BUILDERS AND END-USERS Take a look at the Sandton or Rosebank skylines in Johannesburg and compare it to five years ago – what do you see? Numerous new highrise residential developments are competing for space with cranes, signalling a new approach to city planning and building. Population growth, urbanisation and densification have combined and lead to a significant increase in the development of multi-storey residential developments. The result being a shift in the way we look at building and construction. Solutions need to be “fit for purpose”, meaning they need to consider all broad and specific objectives, needs and uses of a building. This is not only true for the actual building but extends to building materials and construction techniques. In addition, thanks to an ever-increasing awareness of carbon footprints and long-term sustainability,

more and more companies are opting for light-weight construction methods. As our South African urban landscape becomes more space-constrained, there is a growing trend towards the use of drywall systems in multistorey residential apartment blocks. Currently there are a number of high-rise buildings under construction on the Sandton skyline and many that have been developed in Cape Town, all making use of this technology. Due to its light weight and ease of installation, drywall presents several environmental benefits compared to brick or block wall systems. Thirdparty lifecycle assessment comparisons between plasterboard systems and traditional partitions systems in South Africa have revealed that using drywall systems instead of brick systems can save 70% in global warming potential, 62% in primary

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energy use, 86% in wall system weight and 67% in fresh water usage. LCA and EPD documentation is available for green building purposes. Developers benefit on a number of levels as construction considerations and elements like crane loading, site logistics and labour times are all reduced with lighter materials. Drywall enables a cleaner building site as there is less dust and general mess from sand, cement and mortar, which also saves additional water. Building with these materials is the norm in developed countries and with a better understanding of the performance benefits of drywall in South Africa, there is a trend towards adopting these building solutions for this market. These benefits include better acoustics across the frequency spectrum, easier installation with factory-made components, while beautiful, smooth and

straight finishes all make sense in the construction phase and for the final occupant. Cost impact studies reveal there are total project costs savings where groundwork, piling, slab and rebar thickness, and logistics are considered. Adding to the cost benefit, potential owners will gain from better utilisation of space, resulting in increased floor areas, lower maintenance costs, and superior acoustics that protect against the unwanted noise that could come from close living. With the ever-increasing awareness of sustainable building techniques and methods, coupled with costefficiencies and time-saving factors, drywall systems are rightfully positioning themselves today as nextgeneration options that have the potential to transform the way industry looks at building and development. www.saint-gobain-africa.com

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PARK SQUARE: A LANDMARK DESIGNED WITH PEOPLE IN MIND Park Square, Umhlanga’s newest business and lifestyle development, opened its doors in November 2018. Interfacing beautifully with its surrounds, the development offers a future-forward, peoplecentred destination where the surrounding communities and professionals can shop, work and connect. In 2015, Jarryd Murray and Charles Taylor, directors at MAP Architects, and their team were approached by Nedbank to design a space that would accommodate their KwaZuluNatal team. The brief was to create a structure that would allow the easy flow of people through the development but also accommodate a 17 500m2 space to house their staff, in addition to general commercial and retail space. Murray and his team designed a space that responds perfectly to Durban’s climate and will be a connected urban landmark on the Umhlanga Ridge. They conceptualised an off-the-ground design that would see the commercial elements ‘hovering’ above a perfectly activated retail arcade and square, which people could use for shopping and simply enjoying the city’s unique outdoor lifestyle. The idea was to create a connected community, which would simultaneously be an exceptional business destination for professionals to work and socialise and a dynamic urban space to activate the local community. The emphasis at Park Square is undoubtedly on transparency. The simple and modular building design features raw concrete slabs, steel beams, generous concrete overhangs and glassed infills. Column

placements, exposed ramps and staircases are optimised to allow for easy foot traffic flow throughout the building. “Even though Park Square has them, our brief was for the design to discourage people from using the elevators,” says Murray. The development’s 36 000m2 commercial element is housed on the perimeter of its upper floors and features its own rooftop, which is punctuated with over 100 planters to be filled with indigenous landscaping. Abundant space to sit and take a break or meet informally is available to effectively take the office outside and into nature for the benefit of workers. “Here professionals can use the outside spaces to relax and unplug. All the offices are just a short walk from each other and this underpins the connected nature of this business community,” says Murray. More than 3 500m2 in size, the generous open square features an amphitheatre, grassed spaces and substantially sized planters with

fig trees that will ultimately grow to create a lush and shady canopy over the square. The retail section opens onto the square, which means shops and restaurants are easily accessible to the square as an extension of their premises. Linear directional paving channels people through the building’s elements, linking with the surrounding buildings and amenities such as the CJ Saunders Park, Gateway Theatre of Shopping and a proposed nearby GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Transport Network stop. The square’s paving is more static and encourages people to stop and use the common break areas like benches and incidental grassy areas. Murray comments, “This space is not overly designed and has been left open, dynamic and versatile for people to use in a way that comes naturally to them.” The retail section, approximately 4 500m2 in size, includes the Retail Arcade, the development’s main artery that seamlessly links the open

square on the western side with the CJ Saunders Park on the eastern side. The arcade’s orientation allows you to see the park through the main building. The connection between the two elements is framed by the park’s trees and those on the square to bring natural elements closer. Murray says, “There are no dead ends within the building, which reinforces the easy flow of people through the different sections.” Responding to Durban’s warm, outdoor climate, Park Square’s open design reveals the human activity taking place within the development. The result is a visibly connected, integrated and open community where people can come together in a vibrant, urban space. While final construction continues at great pace to complete the development, Murray concludes, “We look forward to presenting this landmark development to the community as we are sure it will be a place that everyone can enjoy and benefit from.” www.parksquare.co.za

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FEATURED DESIGN

Houtlander and Dokter and Misses have a One Night Stand

outlander, the furnituredesign duo best known for their iconic chairs, has joined forces with local design sensation Dokter and Misses to create the “One Night Stand”, an irresistible piece of collectable design. Houtlander’s co-founders, Phillip Hollander and Stephen Wilson, explain that the collaboration came about when Dokter and Misses’ Adriaan Hugo suggested turning Houtlander’s signature chair into a furniture piece that doubles as a bedside table, complete with integrated lamp and drawer.

“It was an exciting partnership, because we have such very different styles,” Hollander observes. On the one hand, Dokter and Misses is known for its experimental ethos, often blending materials like wood and steel to create pieces that have an undeniable, and equally unmissable, element of ‘cool’. In contrast, Houtlander has developed a reputation for classic, timeless wooden furniture. “Our pieces have a big accent on sustainability and craft,” Wilson adds. The melding of these contrasting design philosophies has resulted in a piece that “is an instant conversation starter”, in Hollander’s words. “Ultimately, this is a work of solid design,” he points out. “We’ve simply made it more accessible and affordable.” The bedside table also represents “a one-night stand” between these two rapidly growing local brands, each steadily gaining a loyal following among lovers of South African design; a niche that is gaining traction. “It was a great partnership, since we share neighbouring showrooms at the 99 Juta Precinct,” Wilson comments. Says Katy Taplin of Dokter and Misses, “Working with Houtlander was fun and effortless. The role of each party was clear and we’re keen to push the collab further and create more hybrid furniture together in the future.” The One Night Stand is available to purchase from Houtlander or Dokter and Misses. www.houtlander.co.za; www.dokterandmisses.com

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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 December/January 2019

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