Leading Architecture & Design February/March 2019 by New Media B2B

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

BEYOND

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Art life Artworks: ‘Three Blind Mice’ by Kevin Brand on the wall and on the landing ledge is a totem by David Brown.

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CONTENTS FIRST DRAFT

p74

FEBRUARY MARCH 2019

BLUEPRINT

ON SITE

08 THE BRIEF

12 BATTERY PARK

20 BEYOND

Editor’s note and book review.

dhk has completed a public urban park in Cape Town that references the V&A Waterfront’s historic Amsterdam Battery.

SAOTA director Stefan Antoni’s newly completed Cape Town home overlooking Clifton beach is a contemporary setting for life and art.

17 78 CORLETT DRIVE

26 MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

10 INTERNATIONAL The Tianjin Binhai Exploratorium, designed by Bernard Tschumi Architects, is a major museum designed to reinterpret an ancient industrial typology and showcase the city’s industrial heritage.

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

78 Corlett Drive in Johannesburg, designed by Daffonchio & Associates Architects, is leading the local green building sector into a new phase of evolution.

The new student accommodation at Mangosuthu University of Technology, designed by SVA International, pioneers a new student residential concept.

28 WALLING, CLADDING & FACADES Innovation in materials, surface treatments, efficiency, security and versatility transform the visual and tactile experience of a building.

32 FLOORING The appetite for flooring solutions is fuelled by the vast range of materials, from luxury residential finishes to hard-wearing industrial settings.

46 BATHROOMS With the elevation of the bathroom to a luxury zone, it has become a densely designed domain of the home.

p17

62 ENERGY MANAGEMENT Efficiency, sustainability and energy performance underpin the final analysis of every important new building.

64 INTERIORS The Old Fort on Constitution Hill has undergone a massive visitorexperience upgrade that uses technology and innovative design to showcase South Africa’s journey to democracy.

74 FEATURED DESIGN

Net Zero Certification has taken the initiative to reach the endpoint of completely neutralising environmental impact. Enrico Daffonchio, Daffonchio & Associates Architects, 78 Corlett Drive [p17]

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 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 ADVERTISING ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: Johan van Heerden Cell: 082 887 6627 email: johan.vanheerden@newmedia.co.za

Minima – known for its beautiful wood and bamboo laser-cut lighting designs – recently launched the Radius range.

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

Printed and Bound by Novus Print Solutions © Copyright Leading Architecture & Design Magazine 2019

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6 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

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THE BRIEF

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

ED'S NOTE This April, The 6th International LafargeHolcim Forum for Sustainable Construction will be hosted by the American University in Cairo, and Leading Architecture & Design has been invited to attend. 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 pretense 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, United Kingdom), 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). We look forward to bringing you a report on the Forum when we return – it promises eye-opening insights for anyone in the fields of architecture, urban design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, material sciences and related disciplines. Graham EDITOR’S >

BOOK SHELF

JOHANNESBURG THEN AND NOW In less than a century, the jumble of shabby tents and lean-tos that constituted Johannesburg’s first settlement has grown into a modern metropolis of towering office buildings, high-rise apartments and sprawling suburbs. Its rapid development has been in no small measure the result of the fabulous wealth that lay in the gold-rich deposits of the now-famous Witwatersrand basin. The story of gold is also the story of Johannesburg, and in a fascinating series of photographic juxtapositions, Johannesburg Then and

Now chronicles the city’s expansion from dusty mining camp to economic powerhouse. Rare archival photographs, dating from the 1880s to the 1940s, are contrasted with vivid scenes of the modern city, providing a hitherto untold portrait of the Place of Gold. Where possible, the modern-day photographs have been shot from the same locations as the originals. Detailed captions provide fascinating comparisons

Subscribe to Leading Architecture & Design >

Email: Felicity.Garbers@newmedia.co.za Tel: 021 701 1566

between the old and the new, while also illuminating features that have remained the same. Johannesburg Then and Now is a superb collection of images and text that will delight both local residents and visitors.

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Leading Architecture and Design is a proud partner of Specifile, South Africa’s leading online publisher of architectural, engineering and construction-related information. When you see the logo on one of our stories, it means you can head to the Specifile website for more information. All you need to know about our industry products and suppliers at www.specifile.co.za

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INTERNATIONAL

The Exploratorium Bernard Tschumi Architects has completed a major museum, the Exploratorium, in Tianjin, China, to showcase artefacts from the city’s industrial past through to contemporary technology. PHOTOGRAPHY KRIS PROVOOST

he Tianjin Binhai Exploratorium, designed by Bernard Tschumi Architects, is a 33 000m2 museum structure designed as part of the city’s Binhai Cultural Centre. The Exploratorium will showcase artefacts from Tianjin’s industrial past through large-scale contemporary technology, including spectacular rockets for space research. It will also contain facilities for cultural events and exhibitions, as well as galleries, offices, and restaurant and retail spaces.

Bernard Tschumi Architects designed the Exploratorium to relate to the rich industrial history of the area, the site of high-volume manufacturing and research. A series of large-scale cones creates major rooms throughout the museum. The central cone, lit from above, connects all three levels of the Exploratorium. A spiralling ramp ascends to the top level, offering an unusual spatial experience of the modern vertical city by reinterpreting an ancient

10 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

industrial typology. The roof is accessible to visitors and acts as a promenade with striking views over the surrounding city. “The Exploratorium is designed as a building for the past, the present and the future of Tianjin,” says Bernard Tschumi. The focal point of the exhibition complex is the grand lobby or cone that provides access to all public parts of the program. This immense cone – almost double the height of the Guggenheim Museum – connects to all surrounding spaces and allows

visitors to spiral through the large exhibition halls stacked on each end of the building, past view portholes and lightwells that give each hall an individual character and configuration. Grand, tripleheight spaces define the main circulation, while a constellation of lights and circular lightwells give the space an otherworldly feel. The perforated aluminium façade gives a unified presence to the building, despite its large size and the disparate elements of the program. The cones provide even, natural

TIANJ I N B I N HAI E XPLO R ATO RI U M , CH INA

light to gallery spaces and reduce the energy loads required for artificial lighting. Their tapered forms also concentrate warm air, which can then be channelled out of the building in summer or back into the galleries in winter. Glazing surfaces are minimised, except when desired for programs. The perforated metal panels of the faĂ§ade help reduce heat gain. The central, large atrium acts as a solar chimney, drawing up hot air and replacing it with cool air from below in a constant airstream. The Exploratorium was designed by Bernard Tschumi Architects in collaboration with Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute (TUPDI). It is the officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first large-scale, built architectural project in China. The Binhai Cultural Centre masterplan was prepared by GMP and includes a library designed by MVRDV.

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 11

BLUEPRINT Battery Park at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town lies at the nexus of a multitude of new pedestrian routes stitching the new district into the surrounding urban fabric.

Historic Amsterdam Battery reinvented 12 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

PRO J EC T # 1 BATTE RY PARK

dhk has completed a public urban park in Cape Town that references the V&A Waterfront’s historic Amsterdam Battery. PHOTOGRAPHY DAVE SOUTHWOOD; THEO GUTTER

attery Park is a new 12 000m2 (1.2 hectare) urban park situated at a key entranceway to one of Africa’s most visited tourist destinations – the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Developed as the nucleus of a larger urban vision for the district, the site includes a park and piazza that effectively conceal a 1 206-bay parking facility, as well as new pedestrian routes to invigorate the precinct with activity. The site is of archaeological importance as it contains the remnants of one of the city’s oldest structures: coastal fortification, the Amsterdam Battery. This provided a unique opportunity for architecture and urban design firm dhk to pay homage to the historic landmark while incorporating a parking facility and providing spaces for leisure and recreational activities. The project forms part of an urban design framework created by dhk for the V&A’s previously underutilised Canal District that facilitates the reconnection of the historical city centre and De Waterkant to the V&A. The aim was to create a publicly accessible park that lies at the nexus of a multitude of new pedestrian routes, stitching the new district into the surrounding urban fabric and thereby helping to invigorate the area. Continued next page

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The Amsterdam Battery was erected by the Dutch along Cape Town’s coastline in 1784 to defend the city from seaborne and land attacks. In the 1800s the building was used to house prisoners; and was later remodelled and strengthened by the British but eventually abandoned. In 1905 the battery was largely demolished to make way for railway connections to the port, leaving behind only a small portion of its rear curved walls. The historical remnants are now perched eight metres above the new canal running through the site at a lower level. During construction of Battery Park, archaeological excavations revealed former datums, which were used to inform the design. The raised park has been kept at the battery’s original inner courtyard level, while planted edges above retail units on the piazza represent the estimated natural ground level that fronted the battery. Various architectural and landscaped elements reflect the structure’s original footprint – such as semi-circular curved pathways, concrete additions to the rear ramparts, splayed canal-facing walls and concrete-clad structures – giving visitors an authentic sense of the battery’s former size. An axial

visual connection to Cape Town’s Noon Gun on Signal Hill has also been retained, thus preserving the site’s historic sightline. The requirement to respect the original inner courtyard datum and create a lower-level piazza resulted in an elevated park with views across the V&A and CBD but with the challenge of managing the transition between the two levels. Therefore, a large part of Battery Park’s design concept was manifested in breaking the barrier between the park and piazza and bringing them closer together. As a result, the park level has been designed to gradually lower towards the canal edge, providing a closer connection to the piazza, and in turn, the piazza gradually steps down towards the canal. The vision was to create scale between the two levels and provide visual cues to visitors; offering a glimpse of the park while they meander along the canal edge. This was also achieved by means of various soft and hard landscaping elements, such as a grand concrete staircase leading from the piazza to the park, sloping and folding walls, and plants to draw the eye to the park above. On the elevated park level,

A precast concrete panel structure, dubbed the interpretation pavilion, has been built to the estimated height of the battery’s original walls and links the park, piazza and parking facility via internal elevators.

14 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

visitors can explore landscaped gardens with trees and stone-clad planters, meandering walkways with built-in benches, a concrete skatepark, basketball court and new pedestrian routes. Throughout the park and piazza, cantilevered steel pergolas scale the design and provide much-needed shade. The lower piazza level contains 11 boutique retail units that line the splayed canal-facing walls and form an active eastern edge to the new canal pedestrian route. The intention behind the piazza was to activate the canal via a range of water sports and provide a link between the V&A and the CBD – encouraging a pedestrianised environment. Referencing the battery’s original façade, loosely packed stone-filled gabion walls shroud the parking facility and stone-clad planters contain fynbos and waterwise plants. All stone used throughout the park and piazza was excavated from the site during the construction process. These antiquated elements juxtapose contemporary insertions that reference the battery rather than replicate its heritage. The materials palette includes a selection of hardy materials that

suit the robust nature of the park, namely concrete, stone and steel. Concrete was chosen as a “material of our time” for new structures as it can be clearly distinguished from historic elements, ensuring little misinterpretation. A precast concrete panel structure, dubbed the interpretation pavilion, has been built to the estimated height of the battery’s original walls and links the park, piazza and parking facility via internal elevators. To resemble cannon embrasures, three small openings form part of the structure’s canal-facing wall. Historic cannons from Amsterdam Battery found scattered throughout the V&A by the Cannon Association of South Africa and preserved for the development of the park, are now on display inside the interpretation pavilion. The artefacts sit on top of precast concrete plinths, made to resemble old timber cannon carriages, allowing them to protrude through the embrasures and overlook the canal. Director at dhk and lead architect on the project, Pierre Swanepoel, says, “The intention was to facilitate a new hub of activity within the V&A district while being respectful to the heritage of the Amsterdam Battery – once a place of exclusion and incarceration, but now a public space designed to support and engage the greater Cape Town community.”

PRO J EC T # 1 BATTE RY PARK Top left to right: Meandering walkways with built-in benches, a concrete skatepark, basketball court and new pedestrian routes are among the facilities visitors can enjoy. The piazza activates the canal via a range of water sports and provides a link between the V&A and the CBD.

Loosely packed stone-filled gabion walls hide the parking facility while referencing the battery’s original façade.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM CLIENT: V&A Waterfront (David Green, Ernst Roodt) DEVELOPER: V&A Waterfront (David Green, Ernst Roodt) ARCHITECTS: dhk Architects (Pierre Swanepoel, Martin Lardner-Burke, Theo Gutter) PROJECT MANAGER: Igual (Ben Day) STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: LH Consulting Engineers (Tom Linder, Ron Harker) MECHANICAL ENGINEERS: Element Consulting Engineers (Manie van Noordwyk) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS: Element Consulting Engineers (Wouter van der Toorn) LANDSCAPING: Planning Partners (Jaco Jordaan, Alistair Turrel) QUANTITY SURVEYOR: BTKM (Geoff Brooker, Nabeel Nordien) MAIN CONTRACTOR: Group Five (Shaygan Sammuels, Andre Swart) FIRE CONSULTANT: Solutionstation (Reynier Oelofsen, Dimitri Lourandos) LAND SURVEYOR: Joubert & Brink URBAN DESIGNER: dhk (Guy Briggs) ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT: Machoy (Mackenzie Hoy Consulting Acoustic Engineers) WET SERVICES CONSULTANT: Solutionstation (Reynier Oelofsen, Dimitri Lourandos) HERITAGE CONSULTANT: Nicolas Baumann ARCHAEOLOGIST: ACO associates (Tim Hart) HEALTH & SAFETY AGENTS: Eppen-Burger & Associates TRAFFIC ENGINEERS: GIBB (Sarah Chow), UrbanEQ (Andrew Bulman) LIFT CONSULTANT: Solutions for Elevating

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 15

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PRO J EC T #2 78 CO RLETT D RIVE

Net zero

As one of the first projects in Africa to be certified Net Zero, 78 Corlett Drive in Johannesburg, designed by Daffonchio & Associates Architects, is leading the local green building sector into a new phase of evolution.

RWP Taemane Consulting Engineers Tel: +27 (0)11 608 5000 Fax: +27 (0)11 608 3333 Email: gauteng@rwp.co.za www.rwp.co.za

PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM LETCH

8 Corlett Drive is an innovative new office development located on a brownfields site in the heart of Melrose North, Johannesburg. The project is leading the local green building sector into a new phase of evolution by achieving a Net Zero Carbon Level 1 Certification as well as a World Leadership 6-Star Green Star Office v1.1 Design Certification. These accolades have led 78 Corlett Drive to be awarded the Highest Rated Building Award for 2018, presented by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). The GBCSA Net Zero Certification awards projects go beyond the

partial reductions recognised in the current GBCSA tools and have taken the initiative to reach the endpoint of completely neutralising their environmental impact. The building’s design incorporates strong minimalist geometries with a simplified rectilinear floor plate, elevated on columns to provide sheltered tenant parking. The building gently interfaces with the ground plane through a glassfronted lobby, housing the reception concierge and main circulation core. Elevated above it is an array of fixed modular shading louvres, acting as both a dynamic façade treatment and a highly efficient

passive shading system. This was achieved through an interconnected process with lighting and façade specialists, as well as advanced modelling software. The result is an iconic street presence that protects the building’s occupants from the harsh summer sun while ensuring the modular aluminium-clad construction method created almost zero material wastage. Sliding shutters along the adjacent façades creates an ever-changing aesthetic, affording occupants the ability to adjust the amount of natural light, heat and glare that can enter their space. Continued next page

Tel: +27 (0)11 447 2797 Email: hello@solidgreen.co.za solidgreen.co.za

Rick Raven: +27 (0)83 624 2865 Tel: +27 (0)11 882 4035 Fax: +27 (0)11 887 9830 Email: rick@raventp.co.za www.raventp.co.za

78 Corlett will accommodate a mixture of vibrant open co-working spaces and cellular offices, interspersed with social and formal meeting spaces organised around a central coffee bar located in the triplevolume daylit atrium.

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Not only are there ample outdoor areas, but 80% of the office area allows a direct visual connection to the external environment, optimising natural daylight and good quality outside air.

The design allows a direct visual connection to the external environment for 80% of the Office Usable Area, thus optimising natural daylight within. A high level of thermal comfort has been ensured by addressing the internal operative temperatures for at least 98% of occupied hours. 100% of the Usable Area is mechanically ventilated and provides ample good quality outside air by demonstrating a 66% improvement over and above the SANS 10400-O:2011 requirements. Cooling is provided to the building via air-cooled chillers, which means the building does not need to use water to cool it. The extension of architecture into smart urbanism is incorporated into the project’s fundamental planning. The incentive to utilise electric cars is promoted by providing dedicated parking bays complete with an electric car charging station, powered by the high-performance solar array that crowns the building.

The solar array has an annual output of 92 000kWh and will tie directly into the grid. The building is also one of the few in Johannesburg to actively promote cycling to and from work by including safe and sheltered bicycle storage racks, together with a cyclist’s bathroom and changing facility. With the building located less than one kilometre from six major bus transit stops, as well as numerous taxi drop-off points, it is uniquely positioned to seamlessly integrate alternative transportation strategies into Johannesburg’s existing infrastructure. By setting ambitious targets for more sustainable construction practices, backed by a client that firmly believes in fundamentally changing the way buildings in South Africa are created, 78 Corlett demonstrates sector leadership in considering context, environment and occupant wellbeing – redefining the way people work and experience their built environment.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM CLIENT: Legaro Properties ARCHITECTS: Daffonchio & Associates Architects INTERIOR: Daffonchio & Associates Architects; Imbewu Design MAIN CONTRACTORS: Legaro Properties GBSA CONSULTANTS: Solid Green Consulting QUANTITY SURVEYORS: Legaro Properties TOWN PLANNERS: Raven Town Planners LANDSCAPING: Unique Landscaping CC STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers HVAC & COOLING: Graeme Page Consulting Engineers

18 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

PRO J EC T #2 78 CO RLETT D RIVE

Fixed modular shading louvres, designed with advanced modelling software, act as both a dynamic faรงade treatment giving the building an iconic street presence, and as a highly efficient passive shading system.

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SAOTA director Stefan Antoni’s newly completed home in Nettleton Road, overlooking Clifton – one of Cape Town’s famous beaches – is a contemporary setting for life and art. PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM LETCH, STEFAN ANTONI

Elemental architecture

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

20 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

PRO J EC T #3 B E YO N D

Continued next page

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 21

>> B LU EPRINT The French oak dining table is by Pierre Cronje with Arper Juno chairs. The study and winter lounge can be seen on the upper mezzanine level.

eyond is a contemporary setting for life and art, where the full comfort of a modern home is potently married to an elemental architecture drawn from its dramatic setting. Perched on the shoulders of Lion’s Head, the home, designed by SAOTA, springs from a steep hillside that drops off to the famous sequence of Clifton’s white beaches to the Twelve Apostles beyond. Entry from Nettleton Road – the most sought-after street in South Africa – gives a carefully composed impression of four lower stories with tantalising glimpses of two more levels towering above. The lower levels play host to six generous bedrooms, three of which can be interlinked for a family suite, and to a double-volume entertainment space complete with spa, games and cinema. Principal living is at the very top of the building – an expansive, double-height open-plan space that houses kitchen, bar, dining, living and family rooms as well as a winter

lounge, study and art studio at a mezzanine level. The glazed lines between inside and outside peel back to blur the boundaries in a continuous transparent space that links a generous back garden opening directly onto Table Mountain National Park to a pool that stretches out towards the sea in front. The entrance façade responds to Le Corbusier’s definition of architecture as a “magnificent play of masses brought together in light” – and the journey through space and light that follows is clearly inspired by the Modernist movement. From the almost chiaroscuro treatment of the cavernous entrance hall, the visitor is led upwards towards the generous light of the upper living levels. The spatial experience is similarly considered; the house feels like a robust, seamless form whose functions are defined by intersecting planes, ceilings and floor treatments. Continued next page

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The finely perforated aluminium screen is folded at the bottom and upper levels. A slot has been cut out of the centre to allow for views from the games and spa areas. The curtain glass guest bedroom element slides and cantilevers out. The entrance is on the ground level.

PRO J EC T #3 B E YO N D

The gallery foyer is situated on the bedroom level with pyjama lounge at the end. The cinema and games room are on the lower level and can be seen from the gallery. Showcased along the gallery wall is a collection of artwork by Charles Gassner, Mother and Child by Walter Battiss and A019 by Andrzej Urbanski. ‘Blowfish’ by Porky Hefer is hanging in the doublevolume space.

Above: The family room on the far left with double-volume tapestry is by the Keiskama Trust. The reading table next to the family room incorporates Andrzej Urbanski landscape artwork behind it and the artwork adjacent is Nzuri Fufu by Cyrus Kabiru. The mask wall in the kitchen is a collection of Central and West African masks. The kitchen, dining room and lounge are in the centre and the De Riguour standing lamp and Jada couches are by OKHA. The outdoor dining pavilion on the right showcases panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

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This concept is used from the macro scale of the bar – whose glazed form slides dramatically out of the house, floating over the pool with a glass floor – to the material scale of the rough concrete over the main lounge and the timber ceiling on the level below, which, in the true spirit of this house, is made from the very same blemished boards that shutters the concrete above. The masterful interplay of light, space and raw materiality in the house plays generous host to its other family – a considered collection of contemporary South African art. The lines between home and gallery are blurred; and from the Paul Blomkamp tapestry and Paul Edmunds sculpture that animate

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the mystical entrance hall, to Porky Hefer’s playful (and inhabitable) “Blowfish” that floats within the double-volume entertainment area, to the African masks worked into the dark walls over the kitchen, the collection is carefully curated to work with the architecture. The interiors were created by ARRCC together with OKHA.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM ARCHITECTS: SAOTA INTERIOR DESIGNERS: ARRCC INTERIOR DÉCOR: OKHA ENGINEERS: Moroff & Kühne CONTRACTOR: Cape Island Construction LIGHTING CONSULTANT: Martin Doller Design LANDSCAPING: Nicholas Whitehorn Landscape Design

Tel: +27 (0)83 663 8450 Email: design@martindoller.com www.martindoller.com

Above: The double-volume entrance foyer features a rusted steel and glass staircase, Totem by David Brown on the landing ledge and the steel wall sculpture is by Paul Edmunds.

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PROJ EC T #3 B E YO N D

Proud contractor of BEYOND and other SOATA projects

Above: The kitchen, dining room, lounge and bar lounge are situated on the fourth floor. The courtyard garden is on the mountain side facing Lions Head with distant views of the Atlantic Ocean. Left: In the pyjama lounge there are two Orgone chairs by Marc Newson that sit below the Cloud Lamp by Margie Teeuwen. A collection of artwork by Charles Gassner.

“built to last” www.ciconstruction.co.za WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 25

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Student life The new student accommodation on the Mangosuthu University of Technology, designed by SVA International, pioneers a new student residential concept based on a family-type relationship. PHOTOGRAPHY FRANCESCO COPPOLA

he on-site student accommodation on the Mangosuthu University of Technology campus was substantially underprovided in terms of room numbers. The university determined a resolution to address the shortage of oncampus student accommodation and applied for funding from the department to build part one (624 beds) of its planned two-part, first of two-phase, strategy. The provision of on-campus student accommodation is based on a fundamental principle and international trend. By providing affordable housing in proximity to

academic resources, the university improves the learning efficiencies by creating an environment conducive to research and intellectual dialogue among students, their peers and faculty members. This serves further to encourage a sense of community among the students. The design proposal was developed around sound design and sustainable principles, rationality, functionality, efficiency of space and aesthetic appeal. Located on a steep site, the buildings were designed to “cascade” down the slope in order to reduce the visual height impact. A grand staircase down the middle

26 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

of the project becomes a strong link to the main sports field at the bottom, reinforcing the central collection point as the epicentre of the residential precinct while also providing opportunities for social interaction. The design of the residential blocks is such that they are grouped as a series of buildings around courtyard spaces, providing “defensible space” and maximising its exposure to north orientation for functionality and environmental benefit. The maximum “walk-up” is limited to four floors within a fivestorey building. The concept of “responsible living” is used to accommodate 624 students in groups of maximum fifteen students per floor. This figure is derived from analysis of group dynamics that holds that within this size, patterns of self-responsibility and group commitment are engendered. Each

group of rooms are provided with a dedicated communal room and kitchen facility to allow students to prepare their own meals. Each group of fifteen students assume an essentially equal mix of male and female students, and ablution facilities to each unit are provided for either sexes. By grouping students in this manner, the aim was for a familytype relationship to take root, where security and feelings of group responsibility could manifest. The need for hierarchies of privacy is achieved in allowing progression from multi-group social space, to individual group social spaces, to semi-private and ultimately to private space. The inspiration for the composition of the buildings was drawn from three primary references. Firstly, reference was drawn from the main campus’s central courtyards because of

PROJ EC T # 4 MAN GOSUTH U U N IVE RSIT Y O F TECH N O LO GY

PROFESSIONAL TEAM CLIENT: Mangosuthu University of Technology ARCHITECT: SVA International MAIN CONTRACTOR: Liviero Construction PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Focus Project Management QUANTITY SURVEYOR: BTKM Quantity Surveyors STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: LSC Brunette Consulting Engineers WET SERVICES ENGINEER: WSP Consulting Engineers FIRE ENGINEER: WSP Consulting Engineers MECHANICAL ENGINEER: WSP Consulting Engineers

the way in which they transform negative spaces to positive social collective and defensive areas between buildings. Secondly, the introduction of a central precinct staircase with circulation on the horizontal plane creates a sense of presence and a student social gathering point. And lastly, the design drew on the concept of a hilltop village with modulated façades. The pallet of variant material

finishes drawn from the campus was applied to articulate the elevations and create a vertical scaling device. It also provides a sense of continuity with the existing on-campus residential building fabric so that there is the perception of a holistic design approach, while simultaneously providing a variation to what has previously been built on the campus. Materials throughout the project are on display in their honest raw state, and become

decorations in themselves. It was therefore important that concrete shuttering was carefully planned and masonry work was neatly done. Façade finishes become more refined the further it moves away from the site it sits on – starting with a red face brick for the lower floors, then scratch plastered and painted walls for intermediate floors, and finally vertical metal sheeting cladding for the top floors. The new student accommodation

on the Mangosuthu University of Technology ventures a new student residential concept on the campus, as the previous and existing residences are essentially dormitory in nature. The building is geared towards responsible student community living, promoting better social interaction and interface between students. Residential blocks are organised in a manner that forms an urban space while maintaining good surveillance and a sense of security.

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ON SITE

Find a supplier www.terraforce.com

Tel: 021 465 1907

WALL S , CL AD DI N G & FACAD ES

12M HIGH TERRAFORCE WALL WITH SPECIALIST GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING Limited space and precipitous slopes called for some specialist geotechnical engineering in the construction of some of the concrete block wall structures in Bakoven on Cape Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Atlantic seaboard. The walls were built to retain a steep granite embankment that was cut to create a building platform for the construction of Infinity, a luxury six-storey apartment block offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Apart from the sea-facing front elevation, the remainder of the building is enveloped in a cocoon-like concrete block wall structure of varying heights and angles. The walls were designed by structural engineer Fred Laker, with geotechnical engineering input on the three walls at the rear of the property from Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers for the principle retaining components. All the walls were built by Dassenberg Retaining using L12 retaining wall blocks supplied by CMA member, Cape Retaining Systems. Geotechnical site inspections and a detailed slope stability analysis revealed that the bulk of the materials exposed in the cut face took the form of deeply weathered granites. It was determined that if left, unsupported parts of the embankment could be prone to instability during periods of high rainfall. Following an assessment of various support options, Kantey & Templer recommended that two of the three main rear concrete block walls be provided with 300kN tie-back anchorages and concrete waler beams. Geofabric reinforcement was not an option in this instance due to the space between the retaining wall block facing and the embankment face being only 300mm. Steel reinforced, the waler beams measured 350mm thick and about 1 000mm high. They were constructed on the upper and lower wall sections and span the full width of the embankment face. Further reinforcement was achieved by filling the block-work in the lower

28 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

half of each of the three main concrete block walls with steel reinforced concrete. Free-draining sand was used to fill the space between the blocks and the embankment. The total combined height of the backyard walls is 12.4m. The lower wall is the highest at 5.6m. The middle wall tops 3.7m and the upper wall 3.1m. Each wall was built at an angle of 75Ë&#x161;. There are two narrow terraces between the lower and middle walls and the middle and upper walls. A sophisticated sub-surface drainage system was built into the design to handle the percolation of water from the slope and to prevent the build-up of pore pressure. In addition, rainwater flowing off the mountain slope is captured in a stonefilled trapezoidal concrete channel that drains away from the wall into the stormwater drainage system. Perforated 100mm pipes were installed at the bottom of the fill material behind each wall. These drain into core drain pipes, which in turn drain into stormwater pipes. The stormwater pipes run under the building and drain into a silt trap, which then flows into municipal drainage. Fire escape staircases on each side of the property were built as part of the retaining wall structures using Terraforceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4x4 Step blocks. www.terraforce.com

Made from Australian Technology tested in the harshest tropical weather, COLORBOND ® Steel stands through it all, protecting you through time, on any architecture.

A DECISION MADE EASIER: BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS THAT LAST PRESTIGIOUS SOLUTIONS THAT INSPIRE THE IMAGINATION TODAY Business owners and manufacturers are faced with tough decisions every day. A common thread to many challenges often concerns the bottom line. Whether it’s about technology development, equipment upgrades or even building infrastructure, the key question is: How will this solution protect my investment? THE TRUSTED SOLUTION COLORBOND® Steel a leading brand of steel roofing and walling in the building and construction industry that is seen as a solution as it provides security and protection that lasts, and is well suited to the harshest environment. Over the past 5 decades, COLORBOND® steel has earned a solid reputation for quality, versatility and durability. It’s design capability enables forming of sleek curves, sophisticated profiles and it is an investment that stands the test of time. DURABILITY-TESTED COLORBOND® has evolved through technological advances and a consistent focus on quality. It has also been evaluated in accelerated lab tests for corrosion resistance, durability and application, and field-tested in Australia, standing up against some of the harshest weather conditions in the world. Today, COLORBOND® is one of the toughest and most advanced building materials, and with a wide range of products and colours, a preferred choice for roofing and wall solutions. DISTINCTIVELY BEAUTIFUL BlueScope’s proprietary technology gives COLORBOND® steel unique advantages. A superior paint system adds unsurpassed protection to aesthetic appeal, which means it stays beautiful for a longer period of time. It makes the surfaces resistant to dirt staining, maintaining a clean look.

THERMAL COMFORT The economies of thermal control are also an advantage to consider. In moderate to hot climates, compared to roofing material of similar colour with lower solar reflectance, COLORBOND® steel can reduce annual cooling energy consumption by up to 15%. COLORBOND® steel with THERMATECH™ technology reduces the peak roof temperature by up to 6°C, depending on the colour. A COMPLETE RANGE OF INSPIRING CHOICES In addition to a 18-colour palette that appeals to both classic and contemporary tastes, the COLORBOND® range offers specific advantages in durability, versatility and energy efficiency: • COLORBOND® THERMATECH™. Designed to optimize thermal performance for more energy-efficient buildings. Heat reflection from roofing helps to control interior comfort. • COLORBOND® ULTRA. Tough and versatile. It is an excellent solution

ENHANCING COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT SOUTH AFRICA COLORBOND® steel technology produces a premium product that continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of architecture. Its versatility and design appeal can be seen in a wide variety of working and living structures that enhance our landscapes. To name just a few: RESIDENTIAL

• Val de Vie • Sitari • Stone Village • Chapmans Bay • Clara Anna COMMERCIAL • Cape Town Convention Centre

•

• Mall of the North • Whale Coast Mall • Sanctuary Mall • SACD • Matlosana Mall INDUSTRIAL

• Plumbago – (Wurtz, DHL, DB Schenker, John Deere etc.)

for protection against severe environment conditions. COLORBOND® MATT. Another stylish choice that reduces unwanted glare.

PEACE OF MIND For discerning business owners and manufacturers looking to upgrade their building infrastructures, COLORBOND® is the smart, go-to choice for any project. As a premium roofing and

• Pepkor DC – Hammersdale

• HoldSport • Golf Air Park • Poco • GRI Wind

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Cape Town

International Airport

walling solution, COLORBOND® delivers proven quality and durability, with the benefits of being environmentally friendly and visually appealing. A building investment is a significant decision, but the advantages of COLORBOND® makes the choice of materials a matter of simple logic. Beautiful buildings that last begin with one wise decision: The best choice is COLORBOND®. Visit www.bluescope.co.za for more information or call BlueScope Steel Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd at +27 (0)21 442 5420

BlueScope is the world’s leading steel maker in coated steel technologies and has been instrumental in shaping the building and construction industry in South Africa for over 20 years.

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THE COST OF SAFETY When looking for good-quality certified fire-rated aluminium composite panels, Stalcor Facades snapped up Alubond U.S.A’s desire to partner up with one of SA’s largest aluminum and stainless steel suppliers. Stalcor recognised the need for responsible cladding materials. Here’s why Alubond U.S.A was the obvious choice… Fire incidents have been a problem for a long time. In fact, since the Great Fire of London of 1666 to the most recent and deadly Grenfell incident in 2017, it looks like we haven’t learnt our lessons. Unfortunately, fire incidents have no boundaries. We hear about them all the time in different parts of the world, such as the infamous fire at the Address Hotel in Dubai or the Lacrosse building in Melbourne. There is no question of negligence across the construction fraternity. The real question is, after 351 years of fire and life safety advancements, how could thousands of buildings around the world still not be fire safe? And what can be done to prevent potentially catastrophic fires from occurring again? Perhaps the answer lies in the modern construction methods and regulations that govern our construction industry. In the weeks following the Address Hotel fire in Dubai, a committee was formed to investigate the cause of the fire, as well as to write new building code for exterior wall assembly, which is today considered as one of the world’s safest guidelines for fire resistant facades. Alubond U.S.A was among the members of the committee and what followed was an extensive exercise to first determine what caused the fire and remedial measures to stop this from happening again. The four primary reasons for

the spread of the fire, which started at the lower floors and spread to the 43rd floor in minutes, were as follows: 1. The wall assembly used bitumen paint as a water barrier on the walls and a foam backer rod, which was first to ignite and burn the polyethylene silicon. The fire continued to move swiftly through the sealant and backer rod aided by the bitumen paint. 2. The cavity created by the sealed facade and lack of cavity barrier caused a tunnel effect for the fire to spread up the floors very quickly. 3. The non-fire rated low density polyethylene (LDPE) core of the aluminium composite panels, as well as the aluminium skin, both melted causing droplets which contributed to the further spread of fire. 4. The fire spread both from the back and front of the façade aided by winds and cavities, which was further fueled by droplets of LDPE and falling debris of burning panels. With intention to renovate the Address hotel and to set an example for building façade globally, Alubond A2 fire rated panels replaced the exterior envelope of the building with NFPA 285 compliant wall assembly. While an NFPA 285 compliant exterior wall assembly can have many

30 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

EXTERNAL FIRE SPREAD:

different configurations, the principles address concerns by enforcing the following: 1. The use of noncombustible materials that comply with the EN 13501 test. 2. The use of fire barriers at all levels of the building, eliminating a tunnel effect. 3. Encouraging the use of silicon-free systems in order to prevent the façade from

sealing, which again leads to a tunnel effect. So, what’s worth more: convenience, cost or safety? If builders and facilities managers keep choosing convenience, more lives could be lost in fires involving combustible exterior facades and we may face more of these types of fires. www.stalcor.co.za/co

Suppliers to the facade industry

ALUBOND ACP, WHERE IMAGINATION MEETS FIRE SAFETY BY STALCOR FACADES

When choosing a façade material it is important to consider not only the aesthetic capabilities, colour retention & longevity of the product but fire safety should be top of the list. Alubond, the worlds largest ACP brand, distributed exclusively by Stalcor Facades, specializes in fire rated aluminium composite panels which is able to achieve up to a 3hr fire rating*. Let your imagination come alive in an array of colours and designs, while keeping fire safety a priority. Make sure you have all your boxes ticked when specifying an ACP brand. Certified Fire Ratings Aesthetic Capabilities Colour Retention Corrosion Resistance * achieved when using a certified sub-structure, otherwise an 18min & 30min certified fire rating on the panels alone.”

Alubond is exclusively distributed by Stalcor Facades. For colour charts, technical assistance or more information contact: +27 11 871 6900 | marketing@stalcor.co.za | www.stalcor.co.za

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 29

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COPROX ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR PLASTER, PAINT AND TILES Cement flooring is becoming more and more trendy and economical as a floor finish. Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat gives an aesthetically pleasing glass-smooth finish and is cheaper than tiles. It is available in 20 attractive colours. Coprox Masonry Waterproofing and Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat can be kept looking as good as new when coated with Coprox Wall and Floor Clear Sealer – a semi-gloss scuff- and stainresistant clear sealer. Spills and splashes can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Coprox Masonry Waterproofing and Coprox

Waterproof Dualcoat eliminate the need for plaster, paint and tiles, providing an attractive and unique naturally aged, mottled and rustic finish, which becomes more pronounced over time. Unlike paint, there are no unpleasant odours when applying the products. Coprox Masonry Waterproofing is brush applied. Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat can be either brush applied as an elegant textured finish to a variety of surfaces, or can be applied by trowel to leave a classic glass-smooth skim coat finish onto walls, floors and over clay tiles. Coprox International is

SIKA REFURBISHES EKURHULENI MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENT FLOORS

renowned for its range of waterproofing and decorative coatings manufactured at its Sandton plant. The product range, comprising Coprox Masonry Waterproofing, Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat,

Additive, Coprox Cobond, Coprox Waterproof Crack Filler, Coprox Waterproof Tile Grout and Coprox Wall and Floor Clear Sealer, is available in select hardware and paint stores countrywide.

Coprox Waterproof Cement

www.coprox.com

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, based in Isando, is the local authority and government for Gauteng, the former East Rand area. The Ekurhuleni Municipal Police Department needed a refurbishment of their existing floor, requiring a new, durable and aesthetic finish. Sika’s Arthur McGeer, with his acclaimed flooring solutions and technical expertise, was called in for the 1 100m2 floor upgrade. The initial phase of the project commenced in June 2018 when Sika’s specialised flooring product was specified by Donaspex contractor, Eric Blount. The existing floor had an

32 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

old epoxy coating that was peeling off in areas, necessitating a total recoating of the floor. The client had requested that the floor was to have an attractive and clean finish, which was exactly what Sika accomplished with the Sikafloor-24N PurCem. Sikafloor®-24N PurCem® is a multicomponent, coloured polyurethane modified, cement and aggregate thin layer screed with self-smoothing properties. It provides an easy-to-clean smooth surface, with a medium slip resistance, and is typically installed at 3.0 to 4.0mm thick for non-regulated general industrial applications. The application on this

floor was at 3L/m2 for a 3mm floor coating. Separate strips of different colours were used on the floor as a decorative finish, resulting in the challenge of not being able to apply both colour coatings simultaneously – which was timeconsuming and required pinpoint accuracy. The green was applied first and allowed to dry before the application of the red coating. With high-quality products producing the desired glossy and attractive finish, and the project being completed in just a month, the client was thrilled to see the change that was so desperately needed. www.zaf.sika.com

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ARTIFICIAL GRASS IS DIY FRIENDLY WITH EASIDUO Easigrass, the world’s leading artificial turf brand and the creator of South Africa’s most realistic and highest-quality artificial grasses, is entering the DIY market with EasiDuo. According to Herve Truniger, National Account Manager of Easigrass South Africa, Easigrass has applied lessons learnt through developing its award-winning professionally fitted products to EasiDuo, making Easigrass the only company to offer both a

and affordable way to update outdoor spaces, patios and even balconies. It would be great to be able to build your kids (or dad) a putting green, cricket pitch or play area during the holidays, or even spruce up your braai or entertainment area,” says Truniger. The beauty of EasiDuo is that, like its counterparts, it has been carefully engineered to look less like a green carpet and more like the real thing, with bits of brown included in

professionally installed and DIY option in South Africa. “Now the average handyman can also look forward to no mud, no mess and no more mowing! We can vouch for the fact that Easigrass is a great

the green thatch to make it more realistic. It is also a proudly South African product that will be manufactured at Van Dyck Floors’ Durban factory. www.vandyckfloors.co.za

Because putting down an artificial lawn is not something the average home handyman or DIY enthusiast does every day, Truniger offers a few tips to those contemplating upgrading their outdoor spaces with Easigrass.

MEASURING: • EasiDuo is perfect for smaller spaces. If you want to create an Easigrass lawn that is over 20m2, it might be more cost effective to have it professionally installed. Contact an Easigrass agent for advice and a quote. • Even if the area you wish to cover is not square, measure the longest and widest points and then round them up to the nearest metre. Multiply the width by the length to give you your square meterage. • For areas that are not square or rectangular, you can do a drawing of the area and work out how to fit the widths into your area in the best possible way. DIY rolls come in widths of 2m and you can join them together with Easiglue and EasiTape.

repellent followed by a crusher base, if needed. Make sure the surface is level and compacted before laying the grass.

MAINTENANCE:

• Make sure that you cut and place your Easigrass with blades running in the same direction. If you join pieces with blades running in different directions,

• Brush regularly using a hard bristle brush to revitalise your EasiDuo and keep it free from dust and debris. • All Easigrass products are 100% pet friendly. Use a stiff yard brush to remove any pet hair that builds on the area. Avoid pet mess wherever possible and, after removing any solid waste, treat the area with our specialist EasiPong product to remove any smells and bacteria if there’s an accident. • Easigrass recommends that you regularly move any garden furniture, portable trampolines and other equipment to avoid crushing your artificial lawn and creating pressure marks. • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner as this may remove sand infill. The use of a power

they will appear to be of different colours. • Creating a good, level base for your EasiDuo is important. Remove 5 to 6cm

washer and/or power hose is also not recommended. • Do not place your braai directly on your EasiDuo as this could damage it.

FITTING:

34 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

of grass and soil and then compact the area. Use a spirit level to ensure that it is level. • Alternatively, if you need to attach EasiDuo to paving or a cement or concrete floor or surface, make sure that it is clean and dry before applying a double epoxy glue. • For garden areas, apply a weed barrier and insect

Every great symphony starts with the perfect composition. Tie your interior masterpiece together with a carpet tile range that combines fashion, comfort, ease of maintenance and affordability. Mozart is available in six contemporary designs and in three colourways.

MOZART CARPET TILES – DESIGN: TUBA – COLOUR: SHADOW

Toll Free: 0800 CARPET (0800227738) www.vandyckfloors.co.za

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THE VANGUARD COLLECTION’S GROWTH CONTINUES The Vanguard Collection, a leading brand of exclusive flooring products, has announced expansive additions and refinements to its ranges to further enhance the Collection’s offering to designers and home-owners. The new additions to The Vanguard Collection are: • Granite – a robust tufted carpet tile inspired by natural marble and granite stone with unique natural veins and flows of colour • Flagstone – new glue-down luxury vinyl tiles that break away from traditional wood décor to focus on the feel of the built environment • The introduction of seven new colours, improved sizing and realistic embossed surfaces to The Vanguard Collection’s popular Nature’s Look range.

The Vanguard Collection’s new carpet tile, Granite, is available in six standard stock colours with another six highlight colours to be added to the offering. Aimed at a local heavy commercial market dominated by linear designs, the new range has opened new potential for designers to create natureinspired flooring unrestricted by space limitations. The tiles are made from Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN) yarn, superior to other yarn types in terms of colour retention, durability and performance, due to the addition of the colouration and UV stabilisers while the yarn is still in molten form. The Vanguard Collection’s new Flagstone LVTs feature two natural dark stone washes, as well as two lighter decorative cement stains to break the mould of a LVT

36 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

market saturated with woodlook ranges. When used in conjunction with traditional sleek and chic interior flooring, Flagstone LVTs blend the rough with the smooth to create a striking contrast to floor finishes. Finally, The Vanguard Collection’s Nature’s Look is now available in an impressive 16 colours. The seven new colours of this glue-down luxury plank – aimed at both residential and light commercial markets – all feature an oak-type finish in a neutral shaded pallet with an IRE-registered embossed matt surface to substantially add to the plank’s realistic appearance. Previously, Nature’s Look surfaces were merely textured to resemble wood and the individual planks’ surfaces did not follow the grain of the wood.

A new plank size is also among the facelift features for Nature’s Look. To add a sleek, longer and thinner look and increase the luxurious feel, the 2mm-thick planks are now produced in a slimmer width and increased length. The longer planks are economical in that they provide improved floor coverage to add to the new design’s authentic appearance. Launched two years ago with just four LVT ranges, The Vanguard Collection has continued to grow in both ranges and popularity. To cope with increasing demand nationally, Vanguard has partnered with leading flooring contractors throughout South Africa who hold exclusive distribution rights in their respective regions. www.vanguardcollection.co.za

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TAL ADVISES ON THE FOUR LEVELS IN A MULTI-LEVEL WATERPROOFING SYSTEM For high-rise developments, ensure that the waterproofing hospitals and residential compound has a suitable estate developments, or surface to adhere to. This wherever many bathrooms should ideally be a latex-based are present, it is important to primer to provide waterget the right combination of resistance and flexibility. waterproofing products from The second level of the start to finish. system is the waterproofing There are four levels in itself. The product should be a multi-level waterproofing compatible with cementitious system that each play tile adhesives. A flexible their role in ensuring an product that can accommodate impermeable, flexible and structural movement is long-lasting installation. “Using important, especially in highcomplementary products rise developments. Use a throughout an installation flexible waterproofing system builds a system that is stronger that is fully compatible with than its individual parts,” cementitious tile adhesives, explains Sharon Margon, TAL as tiling can be done directly Technical Advice Supervisor. onto the waterproofing system Start with the substrate, without additional priming. “A SHOWERto REPRO.pdf 1 2019/02/06 3:30that PM which may132306 requireTAL priming waterproofing compound

can be tiled onto as soon as it’s cured is especially significant for projects that are timesensitive,” says Margon. Levels three and four of the system are the tile adhesive and grout systems. You can enhance the water resistance of the installation by modifying both the adhesive and grout with a latex additive. This adds flexibility to accommodate the thermal fluctuations in tiled shower installations, and is also important in multi-storey

and high-rise developments to accommodate movement. “Clients are increasingly concerned about the maintenance and cleaning of the finished space. The use of an additive in the grout will inhibit mould growth for easier maintenance,” Margon points out. www.tal.co.za

CMY

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POLISHED CONCRETE: FOR FLOORS THAT’LL LAST 100 YEARS OR MORE Concrete polishing is a relatively new concept, but one that is growing rapidly and is in very high demand. Processed concrete has quickly become the preferred industrial flooring solution to businesses across the globe, not least because of its affordable installation and extremely low long-term maintenance costs. Not only is polished concrete attractive, but it is extremely hard wearing, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and is engineered to outlast virtually any other floor. Utilising the latest in diamond-polishing technology, The Concrete Polishing Company is able to produce timeless surfaces for various industries around Gauteng. Concrete processing, which is the most accurate term used to describe the technique the company uses, is the simple but technical process of changing the structure of an existing concrete surface to one that is more durable and cost-effective to maintain. This involves refining the surface to a desired finish through the use of multiple abrasives measured in

grits. During this process of grinding, honing and polishing the concrete surface, a hardener or densifier is applied to initiate a chemical reaction, creating a surface that is denser than traditional concrete and practically bulletproof.

BENEFITS OF CONCRETE FLOORING • Low maintenance surface; • Easy to clean; • Cost effective compared to tiles, wooden flooring, carpets etc; • Resistant to wear, dust, mould growth, tyre marks, abrasion and heat, water,

• •

• Can be used in new or old construction for industrial warehouses, factories, airports and hangars, retail stores and showrooms; • Can be used indoors or outdoors, creating indoor/ outdoor flow in homes and commercial developments; • Can add years to the life expectancy of existing floors – when cared for correctly it can last 100+ years; • Polished concrete brings out the natural beauty of

a dull existing concrete floor, eliminating any imperfections such as cracks and stains; • Decorative elements are easily integrated in new installations to create truly unique and durable floors; • Polished concrete can be installed without the costly downtime normally associated with epoxy and urethane coatings. www.7stages.co.za

industrial chemicals, oils, food stains, greases, fuels, hydraulic fluids; Allergy free; Environmentally friendly properties promoting a healthier working environment and no toxic emissions during installation; Improves natural lighting through reflection; Great thermal propertie – the floor absorbs heat during the day which is slowly released during the night;

NEW MARAZZI TILES AT DOUGLAS JONES Douglas Jones has introduced a new range of beautiful décor tiles from the Italian tile company Marazzi. The Marazzi D_Segni Scaglie range is inspired by Venetian Seminato and features glossy and matt marble chips that create attractive reflected light effects on the surface. “When we were

38 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019

introduced to this range at the Cersaie Trade Fair in Bologna, we knew we were onto something incredibly special and unique to the décor tile sector of our industry,” says Kitty Douglas-Jones, the company’s operations director. “These cement tiles are wonderful for floor installations, but they look just as stunning on the walls of your bathroom, kitchen, restaurant or retail store.” D_Segni Scaglie is available in six solid colour variants, combined with seven Tappeto décor tiles. www.douglasjones.co.za

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SAFETY FIRST WITH DURABLE MENTIS FLOOR GRATING Liability claims from slips, trips and falls in the workplace can be financially debilitating and have an extremely negative impact on the reputation of a business. Considered the most frequent cause of injuries in the workplace, these incidents can result in serious downtime and even closure of facilities. Floors, stairs and handrails are often cited as the cause of such accidents. In some incidents, injury is caused by factors beyond the reasonable control of the business owner. However, there is great

floor-grating product is selected for an application.” All Mentis floor grating is manufactured in a world-class facility at Elandsfontein, Johannesburg, using a pressure-locking system pioneered by the company. “Quality control is stringent during the manufacturing process to ensure that close tolerances are maintained and that the round transversal bar fits tightly through the pierced bearer bar on our floor-grating products,” he says. Mentis has two predominant floorgrating products: Rectagrid RS40

wisdom in the adage “prevention is better than cure”. Lance Quinlan, national technical sales consultant at Andrew Mentis, says that companies should consult floor-grating specialists to ensure that their floor grating adheres to the required building regulations and occupational health and safety (OHS) standards. He explains that unfortunately for the consumer, not all floor-grating products on the market are of a suitably high standard. “An inferior quality product may well look identical to a reputed brand when viewed through the eyes of an unsuspecting customer. However, the real litmus test comes after the installation is completed and employees start walking on the floor grating.” Quinlan cautions that customers should carefully research the claims made by the floor-grating manufacturer. “Mentis floor grating is engineered to take specific loading, which then ensures the optimum safety of the people walking on or working in those areas. We initially meet with customers to determine their exact needs, then our processing department compiles

40/40 and Rectagrid RS80 80/40. RS40 40/40 is a premium brand and is formed through a process of compressive pressure-locking of bearer bars and transversals to form an exact pitch of 40mm by 40mm. Rectagrid RS80 80/40 is identical to RS40 40/40 grating, except that we omit every second bearer bar, giving an 80mm pitch bearer bar with a 40mm pitch transversal. This effectively reduces the RS80 80/40’s permissible load-bearing capacity by 50%. Quinlan emphasises that the most critical element is the load-bearing capacity of the floor grating. “The best way to ensure the structural integrity of floor grating is to align yourself with a manufacturer who has designed and engineered the product to attain predetermined tolerances. Mentis is pedantic about the strict criteria set for its floor grating.” Non-negotiable factors include the fact that the transversals must be positively and permanently locked to the bearer bars. “In addition, there must be no cracks or crevices at intersections, which could harbour corrosion. The locking method at the intersections should be designed to use the full depth of the bearer

the layouts for the required products according to the structural steel drawings supplied by the customer. A complete understanding of the load-bearing capacity of grating is required to ensure that the correct

bar when calculating loads. Finally, the grating panels should be flat, square and untwisted. Safety in the workplace simply cannot be compromised,” he concludes. www.mentis.co.za

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INVESTING IN QUALITY VINYL FLOORING TO MINIMISE NOISE When a building reverberates with the sounds of voices, footfalls or day-to-day activities in such a way that it hinders work performance or impacts on the well-being of employees, steps need to be taken to dial down the noise levels. Noise is created when sound energy is transmitted either by impact or by air. In a public or work space, impact sound can easily be transmitted through the entire building structure and affect all the employees working in a building or sharing a workspace. Other common sources of noise include traffic, weather, plumbing, duct-borne noise or noise entering the building via open windows. “Noise can have an extremely detrimental effect in the workplace and even significantly impact an individual’s well-being and hinder work performance,” says Tandy Coleman, CEO of Polyflor SA, specialists in vinyl flooring and wall-protection solutions. “For this reason, acoustics, sound levels and sound insulation to effectively reduce the noise levels within new and refurbished commercial interiors are increasingly becoming a primary area of focus for builders, contractors and architects,” she explains.

In recent years, more and more countries have begun introducing new legislation aimed at addressing resistance to the passage of sound. In the UK, for example, building regulations are in place that stipulate that a suitable floor covering should have a weighted reduction in impact sound pressure level of not less that 17dB when measured in accordance with EN ISO 140-8 and calculated in accordance with EN ISO 717-2. Fortunately, the negative impact sound can greatly be reduced by professional acoustic planning at the outset of a project and with the expert assistance of a specialist acoustician. Aspects such as acoustic ceiling and wall panels, fabrics, textiles,

13063_8254_Polyflor_Sustainability_Magazine Ad_v3.pdf

plants and mindful space planning can all contribute towards reducing noise. “We have seen a surge in demand by architects specifying acoustic floor coverings for use in their commercial buildings, owing to the fact that they are able to greatly aid in creating a peaceful, quieter working environment. By selecting and correctly installing reputable acoustic floor coverings, they are able to meet the industry standards of a minimum reduction level of at least 17dB, and in some cases even exceed reduction levels of 19dB,” Coleman explains. Polyflor offers a number of acoustic options within its heterogeneous flooring collection. These allow

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designers to combine aesthetically pleasing designs with robust functionality in a variety of different spaces, such as entrance and reception areas, lobbies, corridors and hallways, meeting rooms, hotel rooms, auditoriums, classrooms and lecture halls, libraries and high-density residential developments. “Acoustic flooring is an excellent choice for large spaces, as it reduces echoes and creates ambience in a room. They are able to reduce impact sound at source, as well as provide the additional benefits of aesthetics, performance, hygiene and durability,” Coleman explains. Available in a wide variety of different colours, designs and finishes, Polyflor’s three main acoustic flooring ranges are Silentflor PUR, Acoustix Forest Fx PUR, Designatex PUR and Secura PUR. Customers are spoilt for choice when it comes to colours and designs options - ranging from wood effect (Aged Oak, Autumn Rain, Blond Oak, Bronzed Pine, Burnt Orange, Classic Limed Ash) to concrete (Light Grey Concrete, Light Industrial Concrete) to stone finishes (Onyx, Zinc etc). www.polyflor.co.za

Sustainability matters. At Polyflor, we strive to provide world-class, environmentally sound, sustainable solutions to South Africa’s flooring industry. As the Triple

Bottom Line concept is an important tool for supporting sustainability

goals, follow our journey to appreciate our commitment.

CMY

www.polyflor.co.za/news

WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 41

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HARD GRAFT – THE RESILIENT TEXTURE

Introducing Hard Graft™, Belgotex’s latest commercial collection. This range does exactly what it says it does – it works hard to deliver a depth of texture that empowers you to create a truly robust and distinctive floor space. Hard Graft promises to infuse resilient texture into the modern work environment. This distinctive carpet is available in both tiles and planks. The collection is a merging of two designs:

Graded is more structured and linear in appearance, and Shaded is a dappled distressed pattern. The palette is mostly tonal across all four colourways, giving way to standout décor and furniture pieces. The four colourways cover a variety of moody hues that deliver an organic canvas to all things “Cubicool” – what’s that, you ask? It’s today’s culture of creating inspiring workspaces that echo the attitude of the business. www.belgotex.co.za

DECORATIVE OPTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL SPACES More and more often, commercial venues are utilising floorspace as an extension of a brand or interior design scheme. This can be through the use of colour or by incorporating patterns, logos and motifs that reflect brand identity. However, commercial spaces such as restaurants, retail areas, hotels and other public spaces require several things from the flooring, and this isn’t limited to design. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, commercial flooring also needs to withstand heavy foot traffic, frequent cleaning and other challenges inherent to specific environments, such as dropped foodstuff in restaurants. Luckily, resin flooring is adept at meeting these needs. The retail and office complex THE MARC, named after its location in the heart of South Africa’s financial district, sits on Maude and Rivonia Corner in Sandton CBD. The project’s architects wanted to build a facility that reflected the area’s fashionable, modern and energetic atmosphere, and the floor was a key part of this. After initially opting for tiles, the architect decided to

use seamless resin terrazzo after seeing what could be achieved in a shopping centre. The eye-catching system Mondéco Earth was chosen in three complementary colours, which was applied in bands and blocks across the shopping centre’s main walkways. Mondéco from Flowcrete South Africa uses a creative mix of aggregates, ranging from recycled glass to mother of pearl, each encapsulated within the resin system. This gives the floor a glittering, shimmering finish that adds an air of luxury to any space. Aside from being decorative, with a neutral mix of Polar Mist, Light Grey and Mid Grey, Mondéco Earth is chemical resistant and seamless, making it extremely easy to

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clean with strong chemical cleaners that will keep the floor looking fresh, even after high levels of foot traffic and years of use. This system is also abrasion resistant, meaning that it can withstand the impacts, scuffs and scratches inherent to busy shopping centres. In a similar vein, Sasol Recreation Club also utilised Mondéco in a crisp white Snow colour for its conferencing facility to portray a modern, minimalist appearance. With this venue regularly hosting large conferences, meetings and parties, ease of cleaning was very important for the dappled white flooring. The durability of this material meant that it could withstand spillages of food and drink, without affecting

the floor’s surface. Chemical resistance of this nature is important for commercial spaces like this, where visitors are likely to have food and drink with them, as exposure to sugars or the natural acids in foodstuffs can have a detrimental effect on lesser floors. Naturally, high chemical resistance is especially important in restaurants, where exposure to food and drink is a daily occurrence. With the knowledge that the floor can tolerate such spillages and scrapes, there is more room for artistic license. Benguela Cove’s Moody Lagoon restaurant required a geometric pattern, utilising Pebble Grey and Dark Grey. The combination of colour and shape was ideal for this site, where no expense had been spared to create a stunning environment of art, colour, views and bespoke interiors. Mondéco can be applied in such configurations thanks to its special, paint-by-numbers application technique whereby the desired pattern is laid out in metal trims and then the chosen colour is poured into the corresponding area within the metal outline. www.flowcretesa.co.za

www.belgotex.co.za

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PRATLIPERL AGGREGATE FOR ‘GREEN’ PLASTER SCREED AND CONCRETE An ultra-lightweight, thermally-insulating and fireproof aggregate for plaster screed and concrete, Pratliperl® from Pratley can assist the construction industry in meeting quality standards such as SANS 204. This is particularly important due to an increased focus on energy efficiency in building. Specified for lightweight plaster and screeds, Pratliperl has been pre-treated to enable it to mix with ordinary cement. The thermal insulation properties of a two-leaf (220 mm) external brick wall can be doubled simply by adding 16 mm of Pratliperl plaster on either side of the wall, Pratley Marketing Director Eldon

Kruger reveals. “Not only is Pratliperl a ‘green’ building material that can assist in meeting sustainability criteria, the fact that it is ultralightweight slashes the cost of high-rise structures in particular,” Kruger adds. In addition, the product is highly durable, and features good acoustic properties. It can even be applied to large surfaces as gunite. Applications range from underfloor insulation and insulated roof decks to lightweight screeds on corrugated iron or concrete roofs, fireproofing structural steel columns, insulating cryogenic tanks, loose-fill

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thermal insulation in wall cavities, and lightweight tile adhesive filler. Apart from its excellent thermal insulation properties, Pratliperl is also resistant to spalling under fire conditions, which improves the integrity of structures and enhances health and safety. The product can withstand temperatures of up to 1 250°C

without compromising its structural integrity. Once cured, Pratliperl has superior strength compared to conventional lightweight concrete. Compatible with cement and other binders, it can be used to produce ultralightweight panels, boards, bricks and blocks that can be cut, nailed and drilled. www.pratley.com

SECURITY DESIGNED WITH YOUR PEACE IN MIND

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SEAL THE DEAL Start 2019 knowing that, by using Den Braven sealants and adhesives for whatever project or job on hand, you will be off to the right start – not only by ensuring the environmental sustainability of the project, but also its quality and longevity. There are many different brands of sealants and adhesives on the market, but some have no equal. Here are just a few examples from the world-renowned Den Braven stable. We have all heard the saying “seeing is believing” and we could tell you over and over again how incredible Den Braven High Tack is – for example, instantly bonding weights of up to 20kg – but you would probably not believe us until you have seen it yourself. Instant-grip Den Braven High Tack can be used without mechanical support for bonding vertically on panels, skirting boards, windowsills, natural stone, thresholds, mirrors and isolating materials. It is non-corrosive to metals. The technology of High Tack extends to a specially designed V-shaped nozzle to ensure the adhesive is extruded V- shaped, for optimum adhesion. It is important to ensure when applying Den Braven High Tack that the V-nozzle faces upward, the cartridge is held at a 90° angle, and is extruded in vertical stripes (not blobs) approximately 10-20cm apart.

Den Braven Hybriflex-540 is the most versatile sealant for use on construction sites. Hybriflex-540 is a joint sealer used to seal all types of external or internal joints, from expansion to construction joints, and joints in precast elements. It may also be used for external walling, joints in pavement walkways and cladding joints, around window- and doorframe sealing. It has excellent movement capability and requires minimum surface preparation, with excellent adhesion to most substrates: concrete, natural stone, asbestos, wood, enamelled surfaces, steel and aluminium. Hybriflex-540 is paintable. Use Hybriflex-540 with polyethylene backing cord, in various diameters (also available from Den Braven) as a bond-breaker material in joints to create the right joint dimensions for the sealant to be applied, thus avoiding three-sided adhesion. Den Braven Silicone-Sanitary is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where fungal growths tend to occur. It is a high-quality fungal-resistant silicone sealant especially formulated for joints around kitchen tops, washbasins and bath and shower cubicles. Den Braven Silicone-Sanitary is also mildew resistant, containing broad-spectrum anti-fungicide and bactericides. It is waterproof, resistant to moisture, detergents and household chemicals. Silicone-Sanitary has an excellent primeless adhesion to a large range of substrates. This sealant has good movement capabilities and has temperature resistance. It is also suitable for use on acrylic sanitaryware. Den Braven Sealants conform to international norms and standards and exceed the Green Building Councils South Africa’s requirements. The Den Braven technical sales team is just a phone call away to discuss your project requirements, or for further product information and technical assistance, visit: www.denbraven.co.za

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Designed to be Designed.

Components Components is a full collection for the contemporary bathroom. The collection invites you to design your own signature look by combining a mixer spout with your style of handles. The different spout and handle combinations within this curated collection allow you to bring a touch of your personality into the room. With different combinations creating distinct looks, Components is a versatile collection that was designed to be designed. By you.

africa.kohler.com | +27 11 050 9000 | contact.africa@kohler.com

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WOMAG SHOWCASES PHOENIX STONE WOMAG, South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading supplier of premium quality natural stone tiles and surfaces, is delighted to showcase their Phoenix Stone range, available in an array of colours in the superior quartz surfaces. The Phoenix Stone range has a multitude of advantages for households and offers unlimited applications, which creates an alternative choice for homeowners that is both aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance. The durability of this surface is characterised by its high resistance to scratches, heat and stains. The range has endless designs with an assortment

Orsa Grigio

French Grey

of colours and features. The veined appearance creates the illusion of a marble surface, however the Phoenix Stone range does not require a sealant. The range can be used to create sophisticated bathroom vanities and kitchen countertops, giving you the marble look without the hassle. www.womag.co.za

Pepper Grey Phoenix Stone

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Black Phoenix Stone

Italian Beauty Phoenix Stone

Floor: Bernes Haya wood-look porcelain tile 234x1200x10mm Walls: Negro 3D porcelain tile 791x791x12mm

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EXOS.

Features and design in harmony. EXOS. accessories by Franke – functionality and performance. Interchangeable fronts made of high quality materials, such as stainless steel and glass, are beautifully designed and can be incorporated individually in any architectural setting.

Clear-cut lines. Sophisticated shapes. The timeless design makes for harmonious proportions.

0861 372 653 | enquiry.fsa@franke.com

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A NEW DIMENSION OF INDIVIDUAL CUSTOMISATION TO THE BATHROOM WITH AXOR MYEDITION Twenty-five years after its inception, AXOR presented its anniversary collection, AXOR MyEdition – a new dimension in individualisation. The collection breaks new ground with its clear design and fulfils the desire for uniqueness with its customisable concept. Also innovative is its spray: PowderRain – a sensual feel on the skin – in a sink faucet for the first time. The faucet range is a marvellous innovation in itself – created in line with the cultural lifestyle of people all over the world looking for the stimulus of differentiation – the new faucet line can

In a world where everyone is looking for a place designed with their own personalised statement and taste, it is no wonder that the MyEdition is turning heads around the world. The Hansgrohe Group design brand received one of the world’s most renowned design awards in the interior design sector – the ICONIC AWARD 2019 – “Best of Best” for the brand’s anniversary collection at the international furniture fair. Developed in collaboration with Phoenix Design, the collection is fittingly one of just 31 products named “Best of Best” by the jury. “With its clear, rectangular

be equipped with different cover plates, thus matching the individual wishes of each client. “MyEdition” reflects authenticity and exclusivity by using high-quality materials to lend a unique character to each faucet – depending on the user’s personal taste.

design, the elegant faucet is a harmonious addition to many bathroom environments. The plate comes in a variety of materials, offering a wonderful, refreshingly innovative option for adding a personal touch to the bathroom,” says the jury. www.hansgrohe.co.za

AXOR MYEDITON. A PERSONAL STATEMENT. IN PERFECTION.

Setting oneself apart. Gratifying the need for uniqueness. Striking out in a new direction. This is what AXOR MyEdition stands for. Clear, linear design sets the stage for personal creativity. With a wide range of plates. Available in exclusive materials upon request. Individualisation. In perfection. 30 Archimedes street, Kramerville, Sandton

Phone: 011 445 0000

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HOLISTIC BATHROOM DESIGN BY DURAVIT In its 2019 news, Duravit shows how it has perfected the art of holistic bathroom design. With two new bathroom series, an accessories series, three faucet series, the new SensoWash® Starck generation, a new shower tray system, one bathroom furniture series in the entry-level price point and two in the top-end segment, numerous technological innovations, logical additions to the range, and new colours and surfaces, Duravit is defining the future of state-ofthe-art designer bathrooms.

VIU/XVIU Duravit and Sieger Design present the Viu ceramic series and the XViu furniture range, a complete bathroom range imbued with a sculptural air. Soft, organic forms encounter geometrically precise contours that create a strong frame. High-quality combinations of materials and surfaces made of ceramics, glass or metal contrast with matt lacquers or wooden surfaces. Striking V-shaped metal profiles in elegant Champagne Matt or avantgardist Black Matt shape the characteristic look of both the c-bonded metal console and the wash-area solutions comprising vanity unit, mirror, mirrored cabinets and freestanding bathtub.

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HAPPY D.2 PLUS Happy D.2 Plus is the product of a collaboration with Sieger Design and aimed at realising the latest trends in surfaces, colours and design drawn from the archetypal open oval of the design classic Happy D. Above-counter wash bowls made from DuraCeram® – with their precise lines, single consoles and matching semi-tall cabinets and circular mirrors – combine to create perfectly harmonised washing areas. With new colour variants in sophisticated Anthracite Matt, also with a twotone contrast on abovecounter wash bowls and bathtub, Happy D.2 Plus brings a splash of colour to the bathroom.

STARCK T The new Starck T accessory line combines functional rigour with organic shapes. A characteristic design feature is the fluid transition from the round base to the geometric “T” shape, similar to the branching of a tree. There are no disruptions to the well-proportioned design, thanks to the concealed fixing system. All 16 elements of the series are available in chrome or the on-trend colour Black Matt, and harmonise perfectly with all Duravit series.

STARCK SENSOWASH® Duravit and Philippe Starck present a new shower-toilet generation, with two versions available: SensoWash® Starck Plus and SensoWash® Starck Lite. Convenient to operate via a remote control, freely configurable via an app, with a minimalist design and maximum shower-toilet comfort. All components have been subjected to further

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technological development and configured such that the technology is now located entirely within the ceramic body.

D.1 FAUCET The D.1 faucet range saw Duravit team up with Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez to create a new iconic design. The unique, perfectly-proportioned design is realised through the dynamic, fluid transition from basic cylindrical shape to a super-flat outlet. With the precise elegance and sophistication of the Chrome or Black Matt surfaces, D.1 makes a bold statement in the bathroom. The electronic D.1e variant features the flat, circular operating button with an integrated LED colour ring

and offers a wide range of functions for intuitive highend comfort and safety.

TEMPANO The new Tempano shower tray system was developed to enable straightforward and efficient installation. Key issues were flexibility, time-saving, extremely secure fitting and noise-protection standards. Available in 27 dimensions, the new acrylic shower trays can be deployed easily and extensively in renovation projects and newbuilds: flush with the floor, semi-recessed or surface-mounted variants are available, with or without the newly developed tray support. The state-of-the-art design follows a linear slope with a high drainage rate. www.duravit.com

DuraSquare: Now with the new bathroom furniture series XSquare. The exact and precise edges of the DuraSquare bathroom series blends perfectly with the latest furniture collection XSquare designed by Kurt Merki Jr. Handle-free fronts, striking chrome proďŹ les and 28 furniture ďŹ nishes enable an individual bathroom design. Co-ordinating mirrors feature a touch-free control panel for demisting and light or dimming functions. Duravit South Africa (Pty) Ltd, 30 Archimedes Road, Kramerville, Sandton, Johannesburg, Telephone +27 (0) 11 555 1220, info@za.duravit.com and at www.duravit.com

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AWASH WITH BEAUTY Traditionally a functional space, the role of the bathroom has extended to include personal sanctuary, encouraging relaxation and tranquillity. As the room in which most people both start and end their day, consideration needs to be given to the diverse effects of its décor. In the morning, the right colours and lighting can be invigorating. Bedtime, however, requires a more calming atmosphere, to quiet the mind after the tumult of the day. Flooring, walls and vanity tops available in a wide range of colours, finishes and materials,

attract applies even in the bathroom where black materials are being used to create striking statements in otherwise light, airy settings. With patterns inspired by marble, igneous rock, metals and more, Neolith offers countless ways of achieving eye-catching contrast in a wide range of textures and finishes to satisfy any inclination. Elegant Neolith Estatuario pairs well with darker marbles such as Nero Marquina, appealing to classical tastes, while Basalt Black juxtaposed with Arctic White evokes a more

provide infinite choice to personalise this private area to meet individual needs and taste. Beyond comfort and wellbeing, hygiene and resistance to damp are crucial. Surfaces should be easy to maintain and must not compromise the cleanliness of the room. Fortunately, practicality and aesthetics need not be mutually exclusive.

contemporary feeling.

ROOM TO GROW Walk-in showers are a popular way of optimising space in what is typically a compact room. Using the same material inside and outside the shower evokes a sense of continuity, rather than segmenting the area into smaller sections – creating the illusion of more space than there actually is.

WOOD LOVIN’

Whether used for wall cladding that will regularly be covered in condensation, or for vanity tops subject to the daily routines of personal care, Neolith can meet every demand. Taking this further, Neolith has partnered with Piattibelli, a manufacturer of ultra-thin shower trays, to deliver even more continuity. This is the first time the Sintered Stone’s raw materials have been moulded with a curve for this purpose, resulting in fast and

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effective water drainage. Available in nine Neolith colours, including pristine Snow, industrial Iron Corten and warm Basalt Beige, the 18mm thick plates do not create any depth differences. The singular trays are available with dimensions of 200x100cm to 70x70cm, allowing for seamless installation.

MONOCHROME IS WHERE THE HEART IS The old adage that opposites

Neolith is seeing an increase in the use of wood motifs in the washroom. Adding an organic quality to any space, the unpredictable, knotted grain of timber is versatile, able to evoke a rustic atmosphere or combine with dissimilar patterns for an arresting effect. A faithful interpretation of natural wood, Neolith’s La Bohème successfully meets this demand. Not only does a playful mix of striations and knots seduce the eye, Neolith Digital Design (NDD) achieves a real texture, satisfying to the touch. While timber’s appearance alters with wear, the Sintered Stone will not change over time. www.neolith.co.za

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COBRA INTRODUCES ITS STYLISH CAPSTAN AND VICTORIANA RANGES Cobra, South Africa’s go-to brand for high-quality kitchen and bathroom fittings and accessories, has introduced the Capstan and Victoriana ranges as part of the upmarket yet affordable ‘Elegance Collection’. These ranges offer a contemporary take on the classic designs of traditional taps, showerheads, mixers and other accessories and are sure to enhance the look and feel of the sophisticated home. The Capstan range offers a fresh take on the bathroom and kitchen products that loyal Cobra customers have come to know and love, featuring a bespoke nautical design that fits seamlessly into any space. Victoriana, inspired by the grandeur and luxury of the 19th century, is a classic collection of taps and accessories that

exudes old-world charm and romance. Some of the enhancements include sturdier handles fitted to the elegant exposed bath mixers, as well as beautifully designed new spouts included with the three-hole basin mixers. “The Elegance Collection is an ultra-chic addition to the elite and classy home, and the ideal fit for home owners who are mindful of adopting the latest trends but want to maintain a sense of timeless class and sophistication when it comes to the look and feel of their living spaces,” says John Westermeyer, Chief Marketing Officer, LIXIL Africa. With the increased demand for modern eco-friendly home products in South Africa, a wide selection of elements in both

ranges are fitted with a six-litre-per-minute flow restrictor to help users save water, without compromising on the stylish design. Both ranges include over 25 elegantly designed fittings and accessories, including pillar taps, a bath spout and a variety of mixers for both kitchens and bathrooms. Made

from chrome-plated, strong DZR brass, the Capstan and Victoriana ranges are a durable and long-lasting addition to the home, and come with a 10-year warranty. The elegant new Capstan and Victoriana ranges will be available from selected stores across South Africa. www.cobra.lixil.co.za

FRANKE'S HOTEL & RESIDENTIAL BATHROOM ACCESSORIES Franke’s new range of luxurious bathroom accessories is available in two stylish designs. With a high-polish finish, this range

– comprising accessories in stainless steel – is ideal for hotels, offices, retail or any semi-public washroom. Although they only contribute

to a fraction of a bathroom, no bathroom is complete without accessories. Unlike many ranges on the market, Franke’s assortment of accessories is manufactured from Grade 304 stainless steel, making these items particularly robust and of high quality, ensuring that they last for years. The Cubus and Medius ranges are created with different styles in mind, making it easy for a designer to integrate these accessories into almost any design concept. MEDIUS The Medius design has been created to complement classic-style sanitaryware. The complete

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range can be installed in such environments. CUBUS As the name suggests, the Cubus design is based on square lines and solid material. This range gives a futuristic look to its surroundings and is most suitable for bathrooms with a subtle yet unrestrained design. BATHROOM MIXERS New to Franke’s bathroom accessories range are its bathroom and shower mixers. These come in three stylish designs: Aspera, Serenus and Novus. www.franke.co.za

THE MODERN FAVOURITE. Eurosmart Cosmopolitan kitchen faucet is the perfect choice for those seeking a functional single-lever mixer crafted in a modern design. The integrated cartridge technology makes this kitchen faucet move extra smoothly and you'll have it cleaned in no time thanks to its chrome coating. You can adjust its swivel range to prevent the spout from colliding with cupboards or walls.

Purchase yours today at: Tiletoria - CPT/JHB, Richmond Plumbing - KZN or visit groheonline.co.za

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VALSIR TROPEA S FLUSH CISTERNS WITH ARIAPUR Valsir Ariapur is an extractor fan that performs a dual extraction function, thus ensuring the perfect renewal of air inside the bathroom. Ariapur extracts air both through the wall or ceiling extraction grid and through

the WC pan as it is connected to the flush pipe. Its capacity to eliminate odours before they spread to the room makes it the most effective and innovative fan on the market. www.valsir-uneeq.co.za

KOHLER’S REAL RAIN SHOWERHEADS RIVAL NATURE Trust KOHLER to successfully mimic the rain. This globally celebrated brand sets itself apart with cutting-edge technology and exemplary design that is at the forefront of the bathroom and kitchen manufacture industry; and now they’re releasing a shower system that rivals nature itself. Due to KOHLER’S scientific approach, Real Rain bears impressive similarity to nature with different droplet sizes, different drop rates and random formations that are as natural as rain is non-uniform. Reminiscent of the way summer rain feels on your skin, Real Rain’s large square panel is broad enough to envelop you in water thanks to an impressive 775 nozzles that release droplets via gravity, rather than

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pressure. Accounting for the different kinds of rainfall we experience, Real Rain has two unique functions. While the Rainfall function offers you a gentle and deeply relaxing shower that uses just 7.6 litres of water per minute, Deluge will drench you with a heavy fall of water (1.9 litres) for eight reviving seconds, washing away soap and leaving you feeling energised. When it comes to customisation, the Real Rain overhead panel comes in different colours and trim finishes. In addition to this, you can opt for traditional manual controls or automate your experience with unique user settings and digitally paired water, steam and sound for a tech-savvy shower experience. www.africa.kohler.com

Viega Visign for More 105

Good design is clear. Clear as glass.

viega.com

New style, tried-and-tested technology The new Viega Visign for More 105 combines the clear lines of Bauhaus architecture with soft contours. A statement of pure design, perfectly mise en scĂ¨ne through materials such as clear glass, Parsol glass or aluminium. No compromise. No frills. No doubt: Already a classic, extremely easy to clean, highly reliable thanks to the Bowden cable mechanism. Viega. Connected in quality.

Visign for More 105 Chrome-plated aluminium

55 Hill Street Ferndale Randburg Phone: +27 11 7872993 Email: sales@harscan.co.za

Visign for More 105 Black glass

Visign for More 105 Chrome matt aluminium

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LIG HT WEIG HT STE E L

TWO GYPROC RHINOBOARD PRODUCTS RECEIVE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACCREDITATION Two RhinoBoard products within Saint-Gobain’s Gyproc stable have received international accreditation validating their environmental impact in accordance with the global programme, The International EPD® System. Gyproc’s RhinoBoard 12,5mm and 9,5mm have both received an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) under the ISO 14025 standard and EN 15804, an independently verified and registered document that communicates transparent and comparable information about a product’s environmental impact over its whole lifecycle. The endorsement is valid for five years and provides a fair basis for comparing environmental performance of products. According to Sathia Govender, Technical Specialist at SaintGobain Gyproc, while a product’s integrity and quality will always be key elements throughout the supply chain, environmental credentials are no longer negotiable. “We are seeing a definite increase in the awareness of environmentally-friendly materials, components and final products.

Increasingly, customers are requiring green performance claims to be substantiated. The EPD endorsement means our products comply stringently with accepted industry standards and build on a strong foundation of trust and transparency which has always underpinned our products.” He says that EPDs are becoming compulsory by law in certain markets, and it’s imperative for a global brand to ensure its product credentials are broadly accepted across various markets and regions. To create an EPD, a life-cycle assessment study, which completely maps a product’s environmental footprint, is carried out in accordance with the calculation rules in the product category rules (PCR). The results from the study and other information, as required by the PCR, are then compiled into the EPD reporting format. EPDs provide information about products so that architects, designers, specifiers, buyers, regulators and the general public can better understand a product’s specific, as well as overall, environmental impact. www.gyproc.co.za

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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

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E N E RGY MANAG E M E NT

REYNAERS ALUMINIUM INCREASES VALUE OF GREEN RATED DEVELOPMENTS The internationally recognised Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a standard for developing high-performance, sustainable

buildings. LEED points (credits) are awarded to reflect the building’s potential environmental impact. On a national scale, the Green Building Council develops

Reynaers Aluminium systems used: CS 68 (doors), CS 68 Hidden Vent (windows) and special curtain wall solution based on CW 50-SL-SC

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the Green Star SA rating tools to provide an objective measurement for green buildings in South Africa and Africa. These tools recognise and reward environmental leadership in the property industry. Green Star tools are created for each building type and support design professionals and developers in creating a better built environment for people and the planet. Reynaers’ goal is to increase the value of buildings and to enhance the living and working environment of people worldwide. This is achieved by providing innovative and sustainable aluminium solutions for the building envelope – as a result, credits are gained in the following domains: • Materials and resources Reynaers’ extruded aluminium profiles contain about 40% recycled aluminium. Reynaers can also offer extrusions with a higher amount of recycled aluminium. • Energy and atmosphere Reynaers’ systems (windows, doors, curtain walls and sliding systems) can be implemented in combination with other insulated building

components. Sun shading can be applied to reduce the energy need for air conditioning, and their solar products can help to earn credits for on-site renewable energy. • Indoor environmental quality The amount of natural daylight and ventilation possibilities are important. All Reynaers’ products can be used to serve this purpose. Reynaers systems are designed to meet different levels of thermal insulation. This insulation level is realised by a thermal break between the inner and outer aluminium profiles. Reynaers’ profiles also have a unique centre seal or gasket and a continuous acoustic seal, to ensure the insulation. To indicate to what extent a material is thermally insulating, the term thermal transmittance, or U-value, is used in the construction industry. The lower the U-value, the higher the heat resistance of a material, meaning the better the insulation. Reynaers systems respond to the requirements of various international standards on energy performance. www.reynaers.co.za

IMAGES: REYNAERS CAMPUS BELGIUM| ARCHITECT: JASPERS EYERS | PICTURE©GEORGESDEKINDER.COM, OFFICE BUILDING TRAVESSERA | ARCHITECT: OCTAVIO MESTRE ARQUITECTOS (OMA)

Reynaers Aluminium systems used: BS 100 (solar shading), Hi-finity (minimalistic), CW 60 (façade) and a bespoke curtain wall solution based on CW 86-EF/SG

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THE OLD FORT The Old Fort in the Constitution Hill precinct has undergone a massive visitor-experience upgrade that uses technology and innovative design to showcase a pertinent part of South Africa’s history and journey to democracy.

Formerly known as the Johannesburg Jail, the Old Fort housed white male political and common law prisoners, as well as a number of prominent political inmates, including South African Communist Party leader Joe Slovo and former president Nelson Mandela – The Fort’s only black prisoner, who was deemed too influential to be housed with black prisoners at the Awaiting Trial Block. Today, the National Heritage Site attracts visitors from all over the world, who come to experience first-hand the former “site of incarceration and abuse” – which ceased to operate in 1983, a century after it was built. As one of the country’s main tourist attractions, telling its countless stories well for local and international guests to relate to, and to understand the role it played in the country’s road to democracy, remains a fundamental requirement. To ensure the Old Fort remains attractive to the public, and to enhance its rich heritage innovatively, awardwinning interactive exhibit design firm Formula D was commissioned to lead the visitor-experience upgrade. The company is known for making history accessible and fun, using interactive technologies and game design. Formula D CEO, Michael Wolf, is confident that the new

developments will make the Old Fort more attractive to visitors, specifically families and the youth. He says the upgrade will provide visitors with a curious, self-guided experience; an opportunity to engage physically with the history of the site through audiovisual storytelling, game-like activities, and the punctuated use of cutting-edge technology – like a hologram of Joe Slovo, bringing him back to life in a cell. But the upgrade has not come without challenges. Wolf says creating an environment that children and families could really appreciate and enjoy, as well as designing attractions that appeal to a diverse group of local and international guests, were two of their biggest challenges. “Many museums in South Africa struggle to get feet through the door, because their traditional fashion of presenting content doesn’t work for their audiences anymore. Formula D uses technology, good storytelling and asks questions and encourage the audience to build their own opinions. At the Old Fort, our intention is to unlock the site’s history in ways that encourage critical thinking for visitors of various age groups and educational backgrounds,” Wolf says. www.formula-d.com

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I NTE RI O RS

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DRAWING BOARD

GEZE PROVIDES CROSS-BORDER SOLUTIONS AT FIRST HILTON GARDEN INN HOTEL IN AFRICA

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

The Hilton Garden Inn in Gabarone, Botswana, was one of the first projects to utilise GEZE as a complete-package door and window solution partner. Says Kevin Diamond, MD GEZE Southern Africa, “The first of many Hilton Garden Inns planned across Africa by The Hilton Group has been a magnificent challenge and a huge learning opportunity. Having successfully managed the process from beginning to end, GEZE has added value by working closely with the professionals: SVA International, Source Design and Group Five on the project from design, specification and construction. All-in-all this particular process has been a huge movement forward for us.” There are effectively two developments on this site: the hotel plus the mixed-use commercial development. GEZE supplied the complete door solution for everything, for example guests are directed to the lobby through automatic bi-fold doors, GEZE ECdrive: Automatic Linear Sliding Doors, designed to offer robust and convenient access for high-traffic areas. And across the hotel floors, guests are assured of the highest standards of door fire-safety with GEZE TS 3000 ISM door closers for double fire doors, and the GEZE 400 series panic-hardware on escape doors that are CEN certified and CE marked for safety. Back-of-house staff experience appropriate hands-free ease-of-access across kitchen, laundry and basement areas to ensure optimal service

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and security controls with GEZE 700 series locks and GEZE TS2000 door closers.

CROSS-BORDER CHALLENGES, GEZE A PERFECT FIT Says Ruan Beylefeld, Group Five Site Agent, “Being a cross-border project for a global brand brought with it huge challenges relating to time, cost and logistics. So GEZE’s control, supply and installing was an ideal fit. When we hit inevitable challenges, they would jump and get right onto it. The feedback from the global stakeholders after the walk-through, is that this is fivestar quality for a three-star build. We’re extremely proud of this result!”

READY TO SERVE THE GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR HOTELS ACROSS AFRICA “Our local teams truly understood the demands of the African market. Together with The Hilton Group’s brand standards and the support of the client in every single stage of the process, this ensured that the standard was met for all concerned. We expect that the demand for hotels in general will increase dramatically across this continent, and thanks to the GEZE team locally and globally, we know that we are ready to support our clients to meet this demand,” says Karen Sum, Head of Global Account Management, GEZE Leonberg, Germany. www.geze.co.za

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KOMATSU AFRICAN HOLDINGS OPENS R985-MILLION CAMPUS EAST OF JOHANNESBURG Komatsu African Holdings, the southern African division of global capital equipment player Komatsu Ltd , has unveiled a new industrial hub built at a cost of R985 million in Sunnyrock x11, Tunney, Germiston, east of Johannesburg. The 300 000m2 development is one of the largest industrial campuses in the country and will serve as the central hub from which the company will manage its widespread operational footprint across South and southern Africa. The venture brings together multiple previously geographically dispersed operations in a single, convenient complex that has been purpose-designed to streamline existing operations and enable the business to capitalise on future market resurgence opportunities. “This development clearly reflects our confidence in South Africa and its future and serves as a launching pad to meet our objective of growth through innovation. It will also enable us to render support in the much-needed expansion of the local economy through the seamless supply of equipment to the mining, construction and utilities markets,” says

managing director Mike Blom. The campus comprises the company’s head office operations, Gauteng branch and state-of-art training centre, equipment workshop and parts distribution centre. Construction on a technically advanced component remanufacturing facility will begin in 2019 and is set for completion the following year. Blom highlighted the main drivers behind the development: the creation of

a safe, pleasant and modern working environment for employees and the delivery of enhanced operational efficiencies. These will have a positive impact on the levels of service and support provided to customers through improved logistics, workflow and communication. “Africa, and South Africa in particular, have become an integral part of our global business,” said CEO and president of Komatsu Ltd

Tetsuji Ohashi. He added that the country is not only the company’s biggest market on the continent but the base from which operations in nine separate countries across the region are driven. “What we are doing today is sowing the seeds for future growth,” he says. The investment comes as Komatsu Ltd prepares to mark its centenary year in 2021 and the promoting of its mid-range management plan – ‘Together We Innovate GEMBA Worldwide: Growth Toward our 100th Anniversary and Beyond’ is based on innovation and structural reform to accelerate growth. ‘Gemba’ is the Japanese word for ‘the real place’ or ‘the place where work gets done’. www.komatsu.co.za

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SUSTAINABLE LED THROUGH INNOVATION “Achieving sustainability sounds simple but we need to act unconventionally and be prepared to go against the flow,” says Francois van Tonder of Power Matla Innolumis (PMI). “Innovation remains a challenge for most countries and industries. Carrying the responsibility for future generations,” he maintains, “we must strive to achieve complete sustainability in the materials used, providing the most efficient technologies and at the lowest energy consumption. It goes without saying that this also counts for public lighting application like streetlights.” PMI has, by choice, spearheaded the development of making light using the combination of red, green and blue LEDs so that they can provide the highest visibility with less energy, a technology introduced in the Netherlands in 2008. Furthermore, by applying colour mixing using pure LEDs with minimal or no phosphorous layers, the light’s lifetime is much longer than when using the industry standard blue-phosphorous LEDs. In addition, almost its entire luminaire can be reused or recycled. But sustainability is much wider than only recycling and reusing products and

parts. It includes your impact on the environment and the choices you make for building materials and when completing projects. In South Africa, an important fact for architects to consider – other than providing the best light condition for humans during darkness – are bats and birds. Bats are afforded legal protection in South Africa,1 and like everything else in the ecosystem, play a very important role. Bats control those annoying insects that humans don’t necessarily want around their homes, like flying termites, plant-sucking bugs and flies, among others. The PMI Batlamp light colour has been designed for areas where street or area lighting is desired but where bat populations must be disturbed as little as possible. Research has shown that many bat species do not experience this amber light as such and are disturbed in a minimal way in their natural lifestyle. In the Netherlands, the mass introduction of bright white LED streetlighting has disrupted the feeding and migration patterns of bats significantly. Kayleigh Barber (OneGreenPlanet.org) noted the dramatic impact of public lighting on birds and other animals. She highlights how

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bright lights may alter the biological clocks of birds and other daytime animals. It may even leave songbirds exhausted by day from protecting their territory all night long. Other animals, like frogs’ mating patterns, may be influenced and this can impact in some cases on survival rates. PMI addresses light pollution in all their products and it specifically produces a bird lamp, designed for areas where streetlighting is desired but where bird populations need to be disturbed as little as possible, typically in estuaries and coastal areas. Research has shown that many bird species do not experience this blueish-hue light as such and are minimally disturbed in their natural lifestyle. So where is the future of public lighting going? Despite lowering your impact on the environment, saving energy and by making smart choices, we also need to build smarter cities. PMI’s Smart Solution is the ultimate culmination of PMI’s comprehensive public lighting solution that merges LED technology with data management solutions. “Vision pod” and “Signal pod” will be integrated into PMI’s products from 2019 onwards. The system collates video and measurement data into a cloud platform, from where data applications

are developed (standard and custom). This information is then provided on subscription to the client, whether it is a municipality or a mine. The Smart concepts include, but are not limited to the following:

DAY/NIGHT SENSOR INSTALLATION • Streetlight data logging and controls (on/off, consumption, dimming, vandalism, accidents, etc.) • Comprehensive control (video streaming, photography, accident notification, IP address identification, forward alert, etc.) • Full Integration – a comprehensive cloud and data application system that manages a number of utilities using the LED streetlight as a base • The Internet of Things (IoT) is a currently available solution, enabled by our global sister companies and affiliates.

www.powermatlainnolumis.com 1. Bats are afforded legal protection under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 under Chapter 4, Part 2: Threatened or Protected Ecosystems and Species. According to NEMBA Act 10 of 2004 section 56, bats are a protected species in South Africa due to bats being indigenous to the country.

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THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW IN RATIONAL DESIGN The qualitative review under rational design includes an architectural review, firesafety objectives, fire hazards and risks, trial fire-safety designs, and worst-case fire scenarios for analysis. For example, consultants often ignore the building roof’s geometry, and the required substitute rectangular volume used in smoke-fill formulae. All buildings in South Africa must comply with the requirements of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977), Fire Protection, as set out in SANS 10400 Part T: 2011. Any digression from the prescriptive requirements requires a rational design. This has to be completed in accordance with the fireengineering methodology framework requirements of BS 7974. The Application of Fire Safety Engineering Principles to the Design of Buildings, supported by the published documents, form an integral part of the BS 7974 framework. A rational design is the performance-based design of fire-safety and prevention mechanisms and strategies in a building in order to provide the same or better firesafety levels of the National Building Regulations, where the prescriptive requirements cannot be applied. This process is not elective, inasmuch as that only certain parts of the framework may be used, or that the results of the process are subjective or optional. A rational design commences with a firerisk consultant visiting the premises, or reviewing a

set of new building plans, to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of all areas of the property to inspect all areas for fire safety and risk in detail, ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk explains. “Rational design takes into account the behaviour of a building during a fire, meaning the structure must be designed accordingly, thereby minimising any potentially devastating impact. Engaging a fire engineer at the earliest possible stage of the design can avoid costly fire-protection systems by designing from the start with fire in mind.” Following the qualitative review, the next step is quantitative analysis in accordance with BS 7974. Here the main focus is on the development of fire within the enclosure of origin, the spread of smoke, structural response and fire spread beyond the enclosure of origin, detection of fire and activation of fire-protection systems, fireservices intervention, and

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evacuation of occupants. Assessment against criteria is the final step, where the fire-safety designs developed during the engineering analysis are assessed to ensure that the objectives established at the beginning of the process are, in fact, met. Upon completion of the fire-risk assessment and drafting the rational design report, ASP Fire provides the client with practical actions to implement. The report comprises a detailed and documented objective firerisk assessment, as well as fire-engineering calculations and analysis where required, covering all aspects of fire risk and safety. “This guides the client in protecting its business, employees and customers by providing prioritised recommendations for action, in order to rectify problem areas and strengthen existing fire-safety procedures. This also ensures that the client complies with fire-

safety regulations for the protection of life, property and the environment,” Van Niekerk highlights. ASP Fire also works closely with insurance brokers and underwriters to address a client’s fire risk based on the outcomes of the fire-safety risk assessment report. This assists in preventing damage to property and products, loss of life, financial loss, consequential loss of profit, loss of productivity, and insurance repercussions. www.aspfire.co.za

ASP Fire's CEO, Michael van Niekerk

STOPPING FIRES BEFORE THEY START!

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WHY ROOF INSULATION IS THE BEST APPROACH TO LOWER ELECTRICITY COSTS Electricity in South Africa is a touchy subject. For one, it isn’t exactly reliable due to load shedding at the most inappropriate times. And two, it’s expensive – the more you use, the more you pay. With this reality to face, we as South Africans are trying everything in our power to lower our electricity consumption, thus lowering our monthly costs. Unfortunately for us, our homes aren’t built for extremes. In Europe and other colder countries, you’ll find double glazed windows and central heating. Another must-have for these homes is insulation in the roof and walls. While we don’t have extreme cold in South Africa, we could surely benefit from insulating our roofs to keep heat or cold from entering and leaving our homes when we need it most. Roof insulation is proven to retain more than 90% of the heat generated in your home from escaping through the roof in winter and just under 90% of summer heat from entering your home. Thermguard offers an eco-friendly insulation product created from

80% recycled newspaper manufactured in a lowenergy process. Thousands of tons of newsprint that could otherwise have been sent to fill up landfills are milled into Thermguard’s light cellulose insulation product with optimal density, which is blown onto the ceiling in your roof. Cellulose insulation fits effectively into all the hard-to-reach nooks

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and crannies, ensuring the best possible coverage for superior results. Thermguard contains harmless household additives making it rodent and insect resistant as well as fire retardant. With a nationwide network of approved and reliable installers, you don’t have to go through great lengths to find a Thermguard contractor. Thermguard offers

a professional service by doing a thorough assessment of your ceiling and covering of all downlights before placing the insulation in the appropriate places for the best results. Don’t fall victim to extravagant electricity bills for heating or cooling. Invest in roof insulation, which can reduce your bills by 50%. www.thermguard.co.za

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FEATURED DESIGN

Pushing the limits with plywood and bamboo

inima – known for its beautiful wood and bamboo laser-cut lighting designs – recently launched something different at the curated Next 19 Trade Exhibition in Cape Town: the Radius range, comprising an armchair with footrest, stacking chair and kitchen stool. After achieving much success with their Flow Bench – which won the DTI’s Furniture Award in 2016 – minima’s founder and designer, Jacques Cronje, decided to grow the furniture range. Says Cronje, “We are very excited about adding furniture to our offering. The Flow Bench and also our Flow Stool were primarily competition and exhibition pieces, so were not intended to be commercially viable. But the new Radius range of chairs are accessible design pieces suited to everyday use. The Radius furniture range follows a similar design logic to the original minima lighting pieces – that of components radially arranged to create curved forms. In this case, very gentle curves.” www.minima.co.za

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Distinction

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.

to the last detail

Implement your projects efficiently and to the finest levels of detail with Alania. www.alania.co.za

JHB • DBN • CPT

Leading Architecture & Design February/March 2019

Articles inside

Student life

Elemental architecture

Net zero

Historic Amsterdam Battery reinvented

The Exploratorium