Leading Architecture & Design - June/July 2017 by New Media B2B

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JUNE/JULY 2017 Take a look inside Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

Buildings for health, wealth and happiness

NELSON MANDELA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Human scale; minimal massing; healing gardens ALICE LANE

Form chiselled from light in Sandton CBD ONE ON MUTUAL

The facebrick façade that has everyone talking

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JUNE JULY 2017

Working with generated site line analyses and sun studies, the conceptual design chiselled away at the sculptural forms to generate refined massing and bring sunlight into the public space, essentially using sunlight to chisel form.

CONTENTS

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Alice Lane, law firm Bowmans’ new home, by Paragon Architects [p16]

FIRST DRAFT 08 THE BRIEF Editor’s note and giveaway.

BLUEPRINT

ON SITE

12 NELSON MANDELA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

28 SUSTAINABILITY

The design for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg, breaks away from a single “box” design and focusses on creating a safe, welcoming healing environment for both children and parents.

10 INTERNATIONAL South African-born architect Stanley Saitowitz’s Center for Jewish Life at Drexel University in Philadelphia is sheathed in local red brick, mimicking textured fabric draped in an abstract menorah.

16 ALICE LANE The trio of buildings that make up the Alice Lane development in Sandton have found their final form with the completion of “Tall Alice”, law firm Bowmans’ new home.

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

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20 PEARL VALLEY HOTEL BY MANTIS The Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis in Val de Vie Estate aims to enrich guests’ experience of its natural setting by capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

22 ONE ON MUTUAL This new rental apartment block just off Church Square in the Pretoria CBD is respectful of its urban context and makes a meaningful contribution to urban renewal.

EDITORIAL

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The major concern of our era in architecture and design.

40 SANITARYWARE The latest products and designs for bathrooms, the key touchpoint of any building.

47 AUDIO VISUAL Where architecture and technology meet.

48 ROOFING More than simply putting a roof over your clients’ heads.

50 INTERIORS Interior design firm Mezzanine has re-designed the communal spaces of KPMG’s heritage icon, the Wanooka building in Parktown, Johannesburg.

66 EVERGREEN The National English Literary Museum in Grahamstown adds an impressive 5-Star Green Star SA PEB v1 As-Built rating to its list of achievements – a first for the Eastern Cape as well as South Africa.

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THE BRIEF

BY E DI TO R G RAH AM WO O D

ED'S NOTE The buildings featured in this issue are all quite different: an office tower in Sandton, an inner city residential block in Pretoria, a children’s hospital in Johannesburg and a boutique hotel in the Val de Vie Estate in Paarl. But sometimes it’s the commonalities across very different buildings that make it easier to discern broader architectural or cultural trends, and so it is with these four buildings. All of them include courtyards and open spaces. Instead of a single large hotel building, The Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis in Val de Vie Estate is conceived of as a series of double storey blocks. Not only does this arrangement break up the mass on the site, making the hotel less imposing on its beautiful natural surroundings, but it also allows views on either side of each suite. On the opposite end of the scale, One on Mutual in Pretoria, with its beautiful brick-patterned façade, was designed in such a way as to add a new inner-city arcade to the city’s proud heritage of shopping arcades (such as Norman Eaton’s magnificent Polly’s Arcade). This new arcade links buildings and streets, and includes shops and cafes, benches, planters, and even a striking Angus Taylor sculpture – a gift of public space to the urban realm.

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“Tall Alice”, the third and final of the trio of buildings of the Alice Lane development in Sandton, encloses a muchneeded green lung in Africa’s richest square mile – a piazza surrounded by restaurants, cafes and shops. The form of the building – office space for a law firm – was determined by site line analyses and sun studies that ensured that it let sunlight into the public space. (Its shallow floor plates also maximise natural light and views inside.) The benefit of all these courtyards – these open spaces and pockets of greenery – is most clear when looking at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg. It is designed to have six wings that break down the building’s mass and give it human scale. Once again, the wings mean shallow floorplates and a building flooded with natural light. The wings also create ‘five internal therapeutic courtyards and the three exterior therapy gardens’ which aid patients in their recovery. Because, whether it’s a hotel, office block, apartment block or hospital, natural light, views with greenery and pockets of open space, improve wellbeing. They make us happier and healthier. They remind us that buildings need to work for people. Graham

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INTERNATIONAL

The new Centre for Jewish Life at Drexel University in Philadelphia sits strikingly but sensitively between Victorian buildings. The pattern of light and shadow on the woven brick notches shifts and changes with the passage of the sun during the day. The negative spaces shine outwards at night

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CE NTE R FO R J EWISH LI FE , PH I L AD E LPH IA , U N ITE D STATES

Clockwise from top left Aspects of the design, including the façade and the staircase, were inspired by an abstracted menorah, a candelabrum, or the pattern on a prayer shawl. On the top floor, a central court opens to the sky above, evoking an absent dome

Space for life South African-born architect Stanley Saitowitz’s Center For Jewish Life at Drexel University in Philadelphia is designed to create a continuing community of traditional values through meeting, learning and ceremony. PHOTOGRAPHY RICHARD BARNES; STANLEY SAITOWITZ SOURCE V2COM

rexel University’s Hillel House in Philadelphia, designed by South African-born architect Stanley Saitowitz, is sheathed in local red brick as if it were textured fabric draped in an abstract menorah that terraces down to the street. Arranged on four interconnected levels, the square building has thickened side walls which contain services, and four central columns which structure the middle, front and rear. The building is organised on four interconnected levels. The basement contains the kitchens, storage and mechanical areas. The street level is dedicated to everyday life, to meeting and talking, sitting around a fire, gathering and eating at the rear which opens to a garden. At the centre, and connecting the second floor, is a staircase, amphitheatre, auditorium and balcony. This multilevel courtyard is a multipurpose space at the heart of the building, the pivot of everything.

The second floor is for focused activities: offices for planning and arranging, rooms for quiet study and discussion, places for groups and gathering, spaces for exploration and learning. The top floor is the place of worship, the Shabbat floor, the level of sanctity. The three prayer gatherings, Conservative, Orthodox and Reform, are connected with a central court that opens with a circular cut, an absent dome to the sky above. This is the only view in the city free of the works of man. This absent sanctuary is what is common and connects the three branches of worship in shared faith. The largest room doubles as the library, or Beit Midrash, the House of Learning. By day, light reflects on the woven brick notches; by night light shines from within. This is a space to create a continuing community of traditional values through meeting, learning, and ceremony. This is a place to gather and emanate light. www.saitowitz.com

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Built to heal The design for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg focusses on creating a welcoming, safe environment for both children and parents. PHOTOGRAPHY TRISTAN MCLAREN

K-based architecture firms Sheppard Robson and John Cooper Architecture (JCA) collaborated in 2009 to win an international design competition for the new Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg, opening late June this year. Sheppard Robson and JCA, responsible for the concept design of the hospital, were joined by local architects, GAPP Architects & Urban Designers who were responsible for the development of the façade and public spaces within the hospital. Ruben Reddy Architects acted as the local lead architects with a scope that included the design development of the clinical and operational facilities of the building. The vision for the new hospital centred on creating a modern state-of-the-art paediatric tertiary facility located on the University of the Witwatersrand’s education campus in Parktown, Johannesburg – a central position allowing it to service the needs of the region’s populations. A key element of the brief was to construct a hospital that provides high-quality child healthcare in a natural healing environment. This focus on connecting to nature would go on to shape the design of the project and be a starting point to creating a welcoming, safe environment for both children and parents.

The competition-winning design broke away from housing all departments in a single ‘box’ building, which often leads to deep floorplates where the patients and staff have little contact with the outside world. After extensive consultation, it was clear that long, institutional and windowless corridors should be avoided in favour of a plan that connected to its natural surroundings. The design concept revolved around creating six wings, each with its own specialism. These were connected by a ‘street’ that ran through the centre of the project. This ‘street’ was vital for connectivity, with three main junctions that enable efficient flow of people. The separation of floors avoided cross-overs and assisted wayfinding. By breaking down the mass of the building into six elements, the design has a domestic, human scale that is reassuring and familiar to children. Further moving away from a feeling of institutional design, each wing has subtle twists of the common design language to give it a distinct identity; for example, the colour of the solar shading walls – formed from horizontal rails – changes for each department, picking up on vibrant, local colours. Continued next page

12 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2017

The new Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital has shallow floor plates to make the most of the views of the surrounding landscape. They also allow more natural light into the building. Therapy gardens for occupational therapy and children’s play encourage patients to use the outdoor spaces as part of their recovery

PROJ EC T # 1 N E L SO N MAN D E L A CH I LD RE N 'S H OSPITAL

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This composition increased the length of the perimeter of the building and created shallow floorplates. This meant more natural light could flood into the building, placing many treatment spaces next to windows which made the most of the views of the surrounding landscape as well into the internal courtyards created in between the hospitals wings. Spaces that invite contemplation, the five internal therapeutic courtyards and the three exterior therapy gardens were designed for occupational therapy and children’s play. The landscape is predominantly indigenous, using plant species found in the nearby Melville Koppies Nature Reserve. The external spaces were created with healing in mind, and the design encourages patients to use the outdoor spaces as part of their recovery. The wards are positioned on the second floor of the wings to maximise views, whilst more heavily serviced, critical care facilities are located in more private spaces on the lower levels.

PROJECT #1 NELSON MANDELA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

The palette was characterised by burnt orange brick, referring to the region’s red clay soil. The pronounced ends of each wing rise to a sweeping peak, designed to give the building a distinct architectural form that makes the hospital identifiable from a distance and animates it when viewed close-up. Sheppard Robson’s interior design group, ID:SR, also worked on the project with Black Bird Design, helping create a clear and coherent wayfinding solution and designing the internal finishes for shared spaces, including the corridor, reception and family rooms. The wayfinding designed in collaboration with local graphic designers Bon-bon Graphic Design Studio incorporated a number of artworks completed by children at project workshops. Rather than being text-based, much of the wayfinding uses colour and symbols to ease navigation for children and the different nationalities that will use the hospital.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM ARCHITECTS: Sheppard Robson International; John Cooper Architecture; Ruben Reddy Architects; GAPP Architects & Urban Designers PROJECT MANAGER: SIP Project Managers QUANTITY SURVEYORS: Mbatha Walters & Simpson STRUCTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERS: Mott MacDonald PDNA MECHANICAL ENGINEERS: Spoormaker & Partners ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: Spoormaker & Partners; Mnjiya Consulting Engineers WET SERVICES: Izazi Consulting Engineers FIRE ENGINEER: Chimera Fire Protection Consultants TOWN PLANNER: Tinie Bezuidenhout & Associates; Beth Heydenrych LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Green Inc INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR: Blackbird Design GRAPHICS & WAYFINDING: Bon-Bon Graphic Design Studio ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: Mills & Otten cc SAFETY CONSULTANT: Cairnmead Industrial Consultants MAIN CONTRACTOR: Group Five

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Left The pronounced ends of each wing give the building a distinct architectural form Below Five therapeutic courtyards were designed with healing in mind, using predominantly indigenous species Bottom The bright colours used in the interior design not only animate the space, but also make it easier for children to navigate the hospital using colours and symbols as a wayfinding solution

E N IG MA , BARCE LO NA

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The butterfly-shaped form of ‘Tall Alice’ maximises the views from the office interiors and the natural light throughout the building. The H-shape is pulled together by a dramatic central atrium

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P ROJ EC T #2 ALICE L AN E

Tall Alice The trio of buildings that make up the Alice Lane development in Sandton, designed by Paragon Architects, have found their final form with the completion of ‘Tall Alice’, law firm Bowmans’ new home. PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

he third and final building of the Alice Lane development in Sandton, on the corner of Alice Lane and Fifth Street, is complete. The new addition to the Sandton skyline, designed by Paragon Architects and developed by Abland, is the home of law firm Bowmans, but also includes restaurants, retail elements and concept stores on the ground floor which will interact with the piazza. ‘Tall Alice’, as the architects dubbed the building, is higher than Phases One and Two, but a common design language binds the three buildings. Working with generated site line analyses and sun studies, the conceptual design chiselled away at the sculptural forms to generate refined massing and to bring sunlight into public spaces. The building’s form was designed using Revit software. “Working and managing the Revit models from all the disciplines allowed for a smoother flow of information and clash detection between consultants, thus streamlining the documentation time, improving productivity and reducing rework of items,” says Paragon lead architect Duanne Render. “The consistent use of 3D modeling allowed easy control of elements and the ability to change or update design elements fairly quickly.” Continued next page

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P ROJ EC T #2 ALICE L AN E

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In the building itself, two wings were generated so that offices were equally exposed to natural light, thus ensuring that every office is a perimeter office. “In addition to the high density of offices, they required views and windows to each unit, so we had to design a sculptural external element that was practical to the client’s internal operation,” says Render. “The H-shape building thus allows more peripheral space to have views and windows. The H-shape is pulled together by a dramatic central atrium fed from the two, north and south, cores.” The materiality of phase three is characterised by the predominance of glass. Contemporary developments in glass printing technology allowed Paragon to create individually designed and printed panels with a pattern of dots. Not one panel is like another. “The pattern undulates creating streaks and streams imitating water veins,” says Render. “This effect is particularly visible on a cloudy day when the silvery blue glass reflects the clouds only to be broken by the asymmetrical composition of the ‘dot runs’, and the façade assumes the look of water flowing down a smooth glass face.”

The completion of phase three also completes an enclosure for a central landscaped piazza – a pedestrian-friendly, public environment and a muchneeded lung in Sandton’s shopping precinct. “The piazza is a real differentiator for this development,” says Janet Glendinning, Development Manager at Abland. “Abland wanted it to be easily accessible to the public. Originally, access to the piazza was planned through the office cores from the basement, which were security controlled. As we rolled out each building it came to our attention that we had to provide lifts and escalators to get the public onto the piazza without the hassle of going through security – incorporating convenience and service retail.”

PROFESSIONAL TEAM DEVELOPER: Abland STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: L & S Consulting MECHANICAL ENGINEERS: C3 Climate Control Consulting Engineers GREEN CONSULTING: Solid Green Consulting QUANTITY SURVEYORS: Quanticost Quantity Surveyors ELECTRICAL: Taemane Consulting Engineers MAIN CONTRACTOR: WBHO Construction FIRE CONSULTANT: International Fire Engineers Left All three buildings of the Alice Lane development are now linked by a central landscaped piazza - a pedestrian friendly, public open environment that includes showrooms, retail elements and concept stores, creating a much needed green lung in Sandton’s shopping precinct

Paragon Architects Climate Control Consulting Engineers 33 Fricker Road, Illovo, PO Box 782843, Sandton, 2146 Johannesburg, 2196 Tel: +27 (0)11 234-3090 Tel: +27 (0)11 482 3782 Email: c3@c3eng.co.za Email: media@paragon.co.za www.c3eng.co.za www.paragon.co.za

Rawlins Wales Cape ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS Tel: +27 (0)21 674 0870 Email: cape@rwp.co.za www.rwpcape.co.za

18 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2017

Solid Green Consulting +27 (0)11 447 2797 hello@solidgreen.co.za www.solidgreen.co.za

L&S Consulting (Pty) Ltd Structural & Civil Engineers Tel: +27 (0)11 463 4020 www.lsgauteng.co.za

Quanticost Quantity Surveyors Tel: +27 (0)11 705 2505 general@quanticost.co.za www.quanticost.co.za

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Natural charm Designed by FDT Architects, the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis on Val de Vie Estate, aims to enrich the guest experience by capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

he recently completed first phase of the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis at Pearl Valley, part of Val de Vie Estate in the Cape winelands is designed and orientated to maximise exposure to its beautiful location and views framed by the mountain peaks. Francois Theron, director of FDT Architects, who designed the hotel, believes that the essence of architecture is in the relationship between the building and the earth that it stands on, and the relationship between the people and the space. “A ‘good building’ depends on how well you integrate these factors,” he says. The setting of the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis – both in the sense

of the natural surroundings and the architectural guidelines of the estate – was a key consideration in the design. “Given the hotel’s location on an estate, we had to be mindful of certain design parameters,” says Theron. “Although this is often seen as stifling to the design process, in this particular project it enabled the buildings to be contextualised within the current built landscape at Pearl Valley, Val de Vie Estate.” FDT Architects conceived a design of double-storey residences that limits massing on the site and incorporates existing trees to break the scale. Each double unit has balconies on both sides to impart a sense of

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living in and through the spaces. “Simplicity, the flow of spaces and privacy for each room was also key to the design of the hotel,” says Theron. “The double suites with dual balconies allow guests to close up one side of the suite yet still enjoy the outdoors on the opposite side when winds pick up.” He adds, “In addition to limiting the scale of the buildings, by creating double storey blocks, we believe that using natural materials such as slate roof tiles, earthy Table Mountain Sandstone cladding as well as a large number of white boulders in the landscaping (found on site during the excavations of the foundations) blended the buildings into the landscape in a seamless manner.”

In keeping with the architecture’s consideration of the hotel’s setting, a number of eco-friendly elements were incorporated into the design. Double glazing was used throughout the hotel to ensure thermal efficiency. “Provision for natural ventilation was made in the club room (where breakfast is served) and living areas in the double suites,” says Theron. Heat pumps were incorporated to ensure at least 50% of hot water is heated by an alternative means to electrical resistance heating, thereby complying with SANS Energy Efficiency Regulations. For the interior design, Maurette van Eyssen of MI Designs, also took her cue from the expansive views

PROJ EC T #3 PE ARL VALLE Y H OTE L BY MANTIS This page The hotel room interiors draw on the views and surrounding natural scenery for inspiration, incorporating a natural palette of greys, whites and blues

across the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley to the surrounding Simonsberg Mountains. “FDT Architects have worked with MI Designs extensively over the past two decades,” says Theron. “We feel they created a timeless design at Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis – a design which feels spacious and oozes class and sophistication.” To ensure the attraction of the scenery was unimpeded and to draw the exterior in, outside hues and textures are reflected and floor plans are open and uncluttered. “This is a hotel that celebrates the natural beauty of its location and surroundings,” says van Eyssen. The scheme is clearly contemporary while drawing on a neutral palette of greys and whites, with accents of blue referencing mountain chasms, streams and the wide country sky. White sheers and crisp white linen are complemented by fresh navy-and-white accent cushions and bed throws. Vibrant artworks celebrating indigenous flora provide a rich counterpoint to the calm neutrals. “Each double unit has a large living area with a modern oak

Opposite Rather than designing a single hotel block, FDT Architects conceived of Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis as a series of double-storey blocks to limit massing on the site and break the scale

dining suite finished in a soft grey tone,” says van Eyssen. “A comfortable L-shaped sofa provides an intimate seating arrangement in the lounge area.” Although the design includes smooth, high-gloss

surfaces, coldness is averted by juxtaposing these against the warmth and texture of light natural woods. “Our hope is that guests are enriched by the spaces that have been created,” says Theron.

fd t

architects

“We believe that nature is celebrated first and foremost and that the architecture is merely an understated backdrop to the mesmerising mountainscapes, allowing the celebration of life in this stunning region.”

T +27 (0) 46 648 1286 www.fdtarchitects.co.za info@fdtarchitects.co.za 32 River Road, Kenton on Sea 6191 South Africa

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The inspirational face brick finish on the parking levels of One on Mutual â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a mixture of stack and Flemish bonds in a random 50-50 pattern â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was both a functional and an aesthetic decision, complementing the existing city aesthetic and allowing ventilation into the parking spaces via the pattern of voids between the bricks Opposite The historical Ons Eerste Volksbank, built in 1927 with Red Kirkness Bricks, was restored as part of the development of One on Mutual

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PROJ EC T # 4 ONE ON MUTUAL

Urban bond One on Mutual, just off Church Square in the Pretoria CBD blends in well with its urban context and makes a meaningful contribution to urban renewal.

ne on Mutual is a new rental apartment block in the Pretoria central business district close to Church Square. The building, designed by GASS Architecture Studios and developed by City Property Administration, is striking not only for its randomly patterned curved brick façade, but also for its emphasis on urban renewal and its contribution to the quality of the urban fabric around it. One on Mutual occupies the site of a former parking lot, and its development included the restoration of the adjacent redbrick heritage building, originally for Ons Eerste Volksbank (which subsequently became Volkskas and was then absorbed into Absa), dates back to 1927. The new building comprises 142 residential units and includes basement parking and ground floor retail, as well as three additional levels of parking above the retail level.

Architect Georg van Gass, principal at GASS Architecture Studios, says that the approach the studio took when designing the building was more akin to carving a block of marble than to building up a form. This approach manifests in the sculptural quality of the resulting series of blocklike forms that ‘step back’, as Van Gass puts it, to a central core with pop-out balconies. In its tone and texture, One on Mutual carefully considers its context, taking cognisance of the proportions and patterns of the buildings around it without devolving into pastiche or imitation. The building’s brick patterned façade, however, gives it a distinctive appearance that is nevertheless respectful of its context. Van Gass says the perforated facebrick pattern arose partly as a solution to the question of how to deal with three levels of parking above ground. “We were initially

concerned about how massive the building would look,” he says. “The perforations are a practical and functional way of getting ventilation into the parking area, and also of breaking up the mass.” The brickwork – a combination of 310 Silvergrey Satin and

180 000 Silvergrey Travertine face bricks in a mixture of stack and Flemish bonds in a random 50-50 pattern – not only adds depth and complexity to the façade, but also makes the building seem less imposing or alienating on street-level. Continued next page

We a t G A S S w o u l d l i k e to thank City Property for the opportunity to have worked on such an exciting project that positively contributes to urban regeneration, and explored new ways of dealing with residential developments within the i n n e r c i t y.

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“It complements the existing city aesthetic,” explains van Gass. It is also noticeable how One on Mutual is sensitive to the pedestrian experience of the street. The street-level façade of One on Mutual cuts away to create a sheltered area for pedestrians while also bringing human scale to the building. The shop front is clear glass, which also enhances the building’s relationship with the street, making it permeable and inviting rather than blank and imposing. (Even the pop-out balconies contribute to the sense of life on the street, as people come out and interact with the street below. The balconies also create views of Church Square, knitting

PROJ EC T # 4 ONE ON MUTUAL

the residents’ experience into the urban fabric). The design offers additional public space to the city in the form of an arcade that has been created between the restored Volksbank building and One on Mutual, connecting Mutual Street with another existing arcade. Van Gass adds that Pretoria has an interesting urban heritage of arcades, possibly because the city blocks are unusually long. The arcades make the streets more pedestrian-friendly, and bring and added historical dimension to the design. (One on Mutual includes a landscaped courtyard on the fourthfloor podium level that provides recreational facilities for residents).

The lower floor of the Volksbank building has been converted into a space for a restaurant, where it is envisioned that chairs and tables will spill out into the arcade. The landscaping includes planters and a sculpture by Angus Taylor to enhance the quality of the

space. “It is designed to drawing people into the space,” says van Gass. The arcade also creates a sense of interaction between two adjacent buildings, “It’s a little bit of a sanctuary or an oasis outside the madness of the city on ground level,” says van Gass.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM DEVELOPER: City Property Administration ARCHITECTS: GASS Architecture Studios MAIN CONTRACTOR: Fikile Construction PROJECT MANAGER: Gonang Consulting Services QUANTITY SURVEYOR: SSQS Trading (Pty) Ltd STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT: WSP SA Civil & Structural Engineering ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT: Monty Miller Associates WET SERVICES: IZAZI Consulting Engineers FIRE CONSULTANT: H Hamman & Associates cc LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Insite Landscape Architects MECHANICAL CONSULTANT: AConsult (Pty) Ltd TOWN PLANNER: MVB TRAFFIC ENGINEER: WSP Group Africa (Pty) Ltd EMPLOYER SAFETY CONSULTANT: Konsafe Measures LIFT CONSULTANT: Lifteknic Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Left and above left On street level, the façade of One on Mutual has been cut away to make for a sheltered pedestrian-friendly space, and an arcade had been created between the two adjacent buildings, with planting and sculpture, a gift to the public realm as part of the developers’ urban renewal strategy Above Balconies pop out from the building to create views of the city, especially nearby Church Square, which creates a relationship between residents and the urban context of One on Mutual

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Incorporating insulation with smart design. Lowest moisture absorption and highest resistance to heat transfer Does not support flame spread

Does not support mould growth

Insulation designed for life. Every architect knows designing the perfect living or work space is no easy task. However with IsoBoard, incorporating the best in thermal insulation into your design from the ground up has made environmentally responsible temperature control a lot simpler. Suitable for use in virtually every building including high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, IsoBoardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adaptability makes it the number one choice for highly effective and durable insulation for any project. Available in a range of finishes, and perfectly suited for over-truss installation, you can not only achieve the optimal design with regards to your temperature control needs but also maintain a beautiful aesthetic finish.

Sustainability in action, now with zero ODP. IsoBoard is not just a cost effective thermal insulation that lasts a lifetime, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also manufactured to be environmentally friendly. Our cutting - edge extrusion process uses zero Ozone Depletion Potential blowing agents, making IsoBoard environmentally friendly as well as super energy efficient.

www.isoboard.co.za Gauteng 012 653 8204 | Western Cape 021 983 1140 | Kwazulu Natal 031 569 1800 26 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN APRIL/MAY 2017

Over truss sheeted roof

Retrofit sheeting roof

Over truss tiled roof

Retrofit tiled roof

Key properties of IsoBoard Thermal Insulation: •

Zero Ozone Depleating Properties

•

Excellent thermal resistance for the life of the building - proven!

•

Thermal Conductivity aged design value: 0.030 W/m°C

•

Agre’ment certification for common applications

•

Washable - Unaffected by moisture

•

Suitable for exposed applications in homes, farms and businesses

•

Colour white, paintable with water based paints

•

Does not spread flame: classification B/B1/2/H&V

•

Does not support vermin or mould growth

•

An excellent 22 year track record of local manufacture and successful projects

•

Easy installation for DIY and professional

Dimensions and Finishes to suit your needs: Lengths up to 8m Thickness up to 80mm Effective board width 600mm Board edge profiles: Tongue & groove Finishes: IsoPine, bevelled edge

ZERO

ODP WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA APRIL/MAY 2017 27

ON SITE

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Geyserworx: How it works

THE SMART WAY TO CONVERT TO SOLAR POWER Save between 30 to 50% of your bill for approximately 10% of an ‘off-grid’ Photovoltaic installation cost. Geyserworx is a patented innovative product locally designed to use with the existing geyser (hot water boiler) to reduce electricity bills by up to 40%. With electricity costs rising way above inflation, it will become an ever-bigger portion of the running costs in the domestic and commercial world. During the day, Photovoltaic panels are used to electronically heat the water up to 70˚C. By using a microprocessor-based controller, the controller can be set to optimise the geyser consumption depended on the consumer’s needs. During periods of low sun levels, normal utility power is used to ensure that the hot water is kept above 55˚C. The advantages of Geyserworx over conventional solar water systems and heat

pumps are clear. This SANS 10400-AX2 compliant product can be configured to run multiple geysers, as well as medium-sized commercial geyser and there is no sign of a big monster on your roof. Installation is a quick and easy process and takes no longer than half a day to install and to get the system up and running to maximum efficiency. Geyserworx has no moving parts, thus ensuring that there is no wear and tear. Because an existing geyser can be used with this product, no modification has to be done to accommodate new plumbing. The Photovoltaic panels are guaranteed to last at least 20 years and there is no glycol or other heating medium involved that may contaminate water sources. As no batteries are required,

28 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2017

there is no danger to humans or the environment. What makes conventional Photovoltaic systems affordable is the cost of the batteries. Further, batteries need to be replaced adding to operating costs. This solution is cheaper as there is no maintenance, and the installation is cheaper as it doesn’t use storage batteries like conventional solar solutions. (Backup power is provided through the mains.) The ‘Deluxe ’version comes with Wi-Fi, phone app and can be connected to the internet. By using the latest technologies, the Geyserworx software is easily updated as and when new features are made available. The Geyserworx Software Application allows the user to set the geyser’s water temperature, as well as switch the system into manual mode to boost the temperature using Eskom. Timers on the geyser can be set according to the consumer’s lifestyle to ensure that hot water is produced during times when needed. The consumer can control and ensure that Eskom power is not used during stipulated times. With ‘time of use billing’

being introduced in the near future, the cost of electricity will be substantially higher during peak times of the day. Thus, one would want to ensure that Eskom power is not used during these times. A ‘Holiday Mode’ is provided to switch the complete system off when there is no activity in the home over a certain period. The system will automatically start up on time to ensure hot water is available when the consumers return home. The software will further monitor drip tray leak detection, scale build-up on the heating element if the element is faulty and will protect the original geyser from overheating thus preventing damage. www.voltex.co.za

PRODUCED IN

RSA

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DAIKIN LAUNCHES LOW PROFILE MINI VRV SOLUTION Daikin’s new mini-VRV IV S-Series Compact stands at just under one-metre-high, including the installation feet, giving it the lowest profile on the market. It is suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Its small footprint offers maximum flexibility for installers and designers, providing a discreet, goanywhere solution that can be hidden behind low walls,

hedges or concealed on balconies, what every architect aspires to achieve in offering a flexible, out-of-sight solution. The S-Series is perfect for urban or built-up areas, offering full compliance with building regulations and low sound impact. The VRV IV’s unique Variable Refrigerant Temperature control automatically adapts to the requirements of the building and climate, significantly

reducing seasonal operational cost by up to 28% compared with previous series. Longer piping lengths allow units to be positioned away from the building for discretion and convenience, while front blow units remove the need for ducting, saving on installation costs and allowing units to be fitted in tight spaces

previously unsuitable for an outdoor unit. Up to nine indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor unit to meet the needs of larger buildings of up to 200m2. www.daikin.co.za/vrv-iv

ALLIANCE DIRECT HEATING HEAT PUMPS PROVIDES SOLUTION FOR ELEMENTAL ENERGY

Each 80kW Alliance Heat Pump is connected not only to a tank but also a recirculating ring main system

Insulated 4 500-litre tanks ensure a constant reserve supply of hot water

30 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2017

When Elemental Energy tendered for the supply of an energy-efficient water heating system for The Village, a new multi-storey development in Centurion, their recommendation was Alliance Direct Heating Heat Pumps. ”Actually, we’ve used Alliance Heat Pumps for about five years now,” remarks Bruce Thomas, MD of Elemental Energy. ”We’ve always liked their product quality, along with the excellent back-up service provided by Fourways Airconditioning.” A 4 500-litre tank mounted on the roof of each of the eight blocks was used, with a ring main system to ensure virtually instant hot water to each of the 32 or 40 units in the apartment blocks. ‘Direct heating’ ensures consistently high outlet temperature. Says Jason Finlay, Fourways’ technical executive, ”Key to the installation was the fact that Alliance Commercial Heat Pumps are ‘direct heating’, ensuring that water temperature at the outlet of

each Heat Pump remains consistently high – 50°C to 60°C depending on setting – no matter how heavy the water draw-off. ” An 80kW Alliance Commercial Heat Pump was connected to each insulated 4500-litre tank, with a separate pump taking care of the recirculating ring main system. To solve the challenge of calculating electricity consumption by each apartment for its water heating, a separate smart meter was installed in each unit. However, with the Alliance 80kW model having a COP range from about 2.5 in winter up to 4 in summer, tenants enjoy hot water for approximately one third of the energy cost of water if it was supplied by an electric-element geyser. Concludes Thomas, ”Our client at ‘The Village’ is very happy with the installation, and our company in turn has always appreciated the fast delivery of Alliance stock from Fourways Airconditioning, plus their after-sales technical and parts support.”

Keep looking youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never find me

Keep a low profile Compact VRV IV heat pumps for residential and light commercial applications. Less than 1m high, including feet, our new VRV IV S-series compact is the lowest profile VRV unit in the market today. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for all kinds of tight spots and urban spaces. Available in 4 & 5 HP, this lightweight single-fan unit joins our newly extended range of double-fan VRV IV S-series, now available from 4-12 HP. Every unit in the range now features VRV IV technology so you can get all the power of a VRV, in the smallest of spaces.

For more information visit www.daikin.co.za and find your nearest installer via our dealer locator.

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Comfort in living spaces

ISOVER

with high performance insulation products

ISOVER manufactures high performance, energy efficient glasswool, mineralwool and EPS insulation products for residential, non-residential and technical applications

0860 476 837 www.isover.co.za Sustainable insulation solutions

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SHUT THE WARMTH IN

The heat loss and gain in your home depends largely on your windows and doors. Well-designed coverings can improve energy-efficiency by taking full advantage of natural elements such as daylight and natural ventilation. Timber shutters provide an ideal aesthetic barrier between outside cold and indoor warmth and assist in controlling the sun’s light and heat by means of adjustable louvres, which at the same time optimise cross ventilation. Aluminium shutters installed on the outside of a building are particularly efficient in regulating inside temperatures as they form a barrier between the weather and the glass panes of a building. They are also a stylish security option and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. AMERICAN shutters’® newly designed security shutters feature the industry first ‘Gear Tilt’ system hidden in the shutter framework which nullifies the need for unsightly tilt bars and produces a shutter with clean lines and more elegant contours. www.americanshutters.co.za

RECYCLING BINS Not only does Obbligato manufacture a variety of recycle waste bins with three or four compartments to allow for separated waste collection and recycling, but they are also committed to using sustainable, environmentally friendly and carbon neutral materials where possible when manufacturing products. Waste material from manufacturing and off cuts of steel and stainless steel are recycled. Many of Obbligato’s units are made in materials including 3CR12 and stainless steel, timber and Perspex. Stainless steel is the most recycled material on this planet. It is fully organic and meets the requirements of the Green Star Rating Tool used in the building industry in the following categories – indoor environmental (non-toxic), energy saving, water recycling, materials recycling (it is 100% recyclable), emissions and others. Perspex is also 100% recyclable, 17 times stronger than glass, low maintenance and has a potentially long life span. www.obbligato.co.za

Affordable quality · Proven reliability · Since 2006

UNECONOMICAL Keeping warm in winter with an electric-element heater is pleasant. Getting a massive electricity bill at month-end, isn’t. The answer? An Alliance Inverter airconditioner. Because it warms air via a heat pump, not an electrical element, it heats a whole room for a third of the cost of a conventional heater. Economical warmth – that’s Alliance. Backed nationwide by Fourways Airconditioning.

w w w. a l l i a n ce a i r. co . z a Johannesburg: (011) 704-6320 · Pretoria: (012) 643-0445 Cape: (021) 556-8292 Bloemfontein: 083 381 0074 George: 082 380 0708 · Helderberg: (021) 864-5233 Port Elizabeth: (041) 484-6413 · KZN: (031)579-1895

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HOW TO PRESERVE TREATED TIMBER The natural durability of our commercially grown species like Pinus and Eucalyptus, is low, rendering it susceptible to insect and fungal attack. It is important to treat the timber with a wood preservative. There are two types of wood preservation; primary (industrial) and secondary (DIY). In primary preservation, wood is impregnated (pressure treated) with an industrial chemical wood preservative e.g. CCA, TBTN-P, creosote, etc. This process increases the long term durability and resistance to fungi and insect attack. Primary preservation is prescribed in South African National Standards (SANS), NRCS Compulsory Specifications and Building Regulations. Secondary preservation is a surface application used for supplemental (preventative) and/or remedial (corrective) purposes and applied by hand, e.g. treating previously untreated timber or exposed ends of machined pressure treated timber. Protective wood sealers or varnishes are not regarded as secondary preservatives unless they

H CLASSES

contain active ingredients (biocide). Without active ingredients such finishes merely protect against weathering i.e. moisture and UV rays, and not fungal and/ or insect attack. Primary preservation of timber is categorised into different Hazard or ‘H’

TYPICAL END-USES

PROTECTION AGAINST

and Boron • TBTN-P and ZP

Roof trusses, frame wall construction, interior doors and joinery

Insect attack and low decay risk

H3 – Exterior above ground

• CCA, CuAz& ACQ • Creosote

Decking, cladding, exposed structural

Fungal attack and insects

H4 – Exterior in ground

• CCA, CuAz & ACQ • Creosote

Timber used in ground, poles used in light structures, fencing, landscaping and garden features

Fungal decay and insect attack

H5 – Fresh water and heavy wet soil contact

• CCA, CuAz & ACQ • Creosote

H6 – Marine

CCA plus Creosote

H2 – Dry interior above ground

PRESERVATIVE TYPES

classes for different end-use applications. When specifying pressure treated timber be sure to choose the correct H class for your intended application and apply remedial preservative to all cross-cut and exposed areas (except for cross-cut ends exposed

• CCA, CuAz, ACQ

Jetties, walkways, poles/posts used as foundation supports in permanent timber structures Jetties, quays, marine walkways, retaining walls and barriers

34 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2017

in ground, fresh water or marine applications). Apply a suitable penetrating wood sealer and regularly maintain it if a natural non-weathered look of the exterior timber is desired. When planting a pole or post do not plant them inside an encapsulated concrete base. Instead, use a ‘collar’ or compacted stone and soil with or without a solid (cured) concrete base. As a safety precaution when machining CCA treated wood, wear a dust mask, gloves and safety glasses to protect your eyes. Do not make baby toys, furniture, food utensils or store food or water in containers made from CCA treated wood. CCA treated wood should also not be used in beehives. Treated wood waste is not regarded as hazardous waste material and should either be re-used for applications where treated wood was intended, or be disposed of at a registered disposal or landfill site. Do not burn treated wood off-cuts and do not use it for firewood or for food preparation. Do not use treated wood shavings and sawdust as mulch in gardens, or for animal litter or bedding where it may become a component of animal feed. www.sawpa.co.za.

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WINDOW AND DOOR BUYING IS A CINCH WITH SPECNET Swartland’s revolutionary SpecNet is a practical, easy-to-use web-based tool that supports professionals operating in the built environment by providing free downloadable ArchiCad objects, Revit families and product information for Swartland’s range of windows and doors – making specifying and accurate design a cinch. Any building project can be described as a sum of all its parts – and as any building professional will know, there can be literally thousands of different ‘parts’ – making the specifying process a long and arduous job. One of the largest joinery and moulding manufacturers in southern Africa and producers of a wide range of quality doors and windows, Swartland, has taken it on themselves to help industry professionals by making the specification of their products as quick and easy as possible. With Swartland’s SpecNet system, specifiers, architects, builders and developers don’t need to leave their desks in order to garner all the necessary information, measurements, prices, product values and even professional drawings of Swartland’s range of windows and doors. All you need to do is to simply log on to www.swartland.co.za/specnet, register, and you will have access to over 800 accurate and detailed architectural drawings of Swartland’s products that can be downloaded at no cost adding to your personal library. John Lamb from Swartland elaborates, “In a nutshell, SpecNet provides access to accurate, intelligent ArchiCAD objects and Revit families of

Ready-2-Fit range of windows are tested for deflection, structural strength, water-resistance, air-tightness, operating forces, and the best possible energy efficiency. As a result, they have unique mechanical property values, from A1 to A4, assigned to them.”

various Swartland products. From sketch through to design and rendering, architectural drawings of Swartland’s windows and doors are freely available to all registered SpecNet users. The system has been designed by professionals, for professionals, with the aim of simplifying the specification process and saving professionals time and money. Also, since the information provided on the SpecNet system is 100% accurate and continuously checked and updated by Swartland themselves, it leaves less margin for error on the professionals’ side.”

An overview on the benefits of using SpecNet The SpecNet platform offers users access to: • Autocad objects, Revit families and intelligent schedules with product values • Product documentation and certification • A specification tool as well as a drop and drag function • Product catalogues • A pricing/estimate basket system • Training and information sharing • A blogging platform with interactive expert advice • Lifestyle images for all product ranges • New product and service initiatives.

The ultimate in green compliance The SANS 10400-XA National Building requirements relating to energy usage in buildings are not new, however ensuring that a building is compliant takes a lot of extra effort. To aid in this process, each SpecNet drawing comes with its own individual U- and SHGC values, as well as full certification of compliance, ready to insert into your drawings and calculations

to ensure that they meet all the necessary regulations. Says John, “Swartland continuously tests its products to ensure that they are compliant with the National Building Regulations. In order to make sure that its windows are compliant with the SANS 613 and 204 (Fenestration Products) Mechanical Performance Criteria for example, its

36 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2017

Inspiration and convenience Currently, drawings of and information about Swartland’s full Cape Culture range of wooden windows and doors are available on SpecNet – you can browse these products for inspiration or to find the specific products that are best suited to the project you are working on. Swartland’s Winsters and Kayo ranges will also soon be added to the system – broadening the scope of the offering to cover all project budgets – from high-end, through to low cost building projects. Further to the convenience of being able to source all required product information, and download professional architectural drawings, SpecNet has also been designed as a platform where professionals can participate in various forum discussion groups, and read interesting articles on what is trending in the built world, and in particular, the field of fenestration and doors. “The SpecNet forum is a great source of information – it keeps us updated with the needs and requirements of the building environment, and it provides professionals operating within the industry access to a forum where they can pick the brains of other industry or fenestration specialist about specific queries,” explains John. www.swartland.co.za

Exceptional craftsmanship that even years from now, you’ll appreciate. So will the value of your home. You’re the kind of homeowner who won’t settle for mediocre quality. You also understand that top quality finishes add value to your home. Then Cape Culture, our premium range of wooden window and doors is for you. With thicker sections, exquisite craftsmanship and superior hardware these windows and doors can be delivered to site, glazed and sealed in a range of beautiful wood finishes, ready for installation. Cape Culture is superior quality that you’ll appreciate as the value of your home does the same.

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

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CLAY BRICK CONSTRUCTION SUPPORTING THE GREEN BUILDING IMPERATIVE

“Clay brick construction is increasingly being recognised as a vital component of green building in the ongoing quest to find solutions that eliminate or reduce adverse impacts of development on the environment and its occupants,” explained Musa Shangase, commercial director of leading brick manufacturer, Corobrik, who adds that there is an abundance of local and international research to support this premise. “Green buildings share a number of positive attributes with clay brick masonry. Possibly the most significant of these is superior thermal performance,” he said. Masonry construction has inherent high thermal mass. This enables a building to store heat and remain cooler for longer than lightweight structures. It deals efficiently with extremes of temperature in both summer and winter so that, regardless of how hot it becomes outside in the daytime or how much cooler it gets inside the house at night, the interior remains comfortable. “This leads to lower life cycle operating costs in addition to being energy efficient, resource efficient and environmentally responsible,” Shangase said. Shangase cited the red-brick Britten Pears Archive in Suffolk, England as a fine example of a green building, which has won numerous architectural awards including the Civic Trust Award for sustainable architecture for its ability to protect and preserve the fragile collection celebrating the work of the renowned composer, without using mechanical temperature control. A case study prepared by the UK’s Brick Development Association said that the aim of the architects and the engineers was to create a passive archive where the internal environment was controlled with minimal energy input. Because the structure required good thermal shielding, they felt that brick offered the ideal solution. This thinking was reinforced by a study conducted by The University of Newcastle in Australia, which measured how well the internal surface of various external walling systems responded to the external surface temperature under

38 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2017

all-weather parameters. It found that the insulated cavity brick module with its combination of thermal shielding and insulation layers performed best. The outer skin improved the overall performance while the thermal mass within the wall helped moderate the internal temperature. The well-insulated brick walls would play an important part in moderating the temperature as well as the relative humidity between the outside environment and the valuable objects inside the building. “This was achieved through effective thermal shielding delivered by natural and sustainable clay brick masonry,” Shangase said. These thermal benefits are also of huge value in the South African context with its extreme climatic conditions, Shangase said, but clay brick has many other benefits that support its green building credentials. “Its material density provides a natural sound barrier facilitating quiet indoor environments and its mineral properties prevent the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at levels which could impinge on indoor air quality. They also facilitate the absorption and release of moisture from the air to help keep humidity within a 40% to 60% level for healthy living. This, in turn, promotes comfort, wellness and productivity,” advised Shangase. He concluded, “There is no doubt that clay brick delivers enduring structural integrity, creating durable and secure buildings in line with the ongoing trend towards a more responsible and sustainable built environment.” www.corobrik.co.za Musa Shangase

South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Custom Industrial 6 Green Star Rating

Belgotex Floors is now recognised as a world leader in sustainable carpet manufacture, after receiving a prestigious 6 Green Star Rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa.

www.belgotexfloors.co.za

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SLIM, SOPHISTICATED AND EASY TO INSTALL

Geberit’s new tap system is helping to bring about a change in thinking. Electronic washbasin taps can be slim and elegant and still be very robust. They can also be installed both in the wall and in the washbasin quickly and without any errors at the first attempt. Electronic washbasin taps make washing your hands particularly hygienic because you don’t need to touch anything to turn the tap on or off. They are primarily used in sanitary facilities in public and semi-public buildings such as airports, shopping centres, schools, bars and restaurants. The challenge with taps used in such places is that they need to be able to withstand a lot, particularly if the places are highly frequented, with regular and often rough use that puts a strain on them. Conventional taps are often installed in the washbasin and their electronics are constantly exposed to high levels of dampness and moisture, which can lead to annoying malfunctions. “With the new tap system, we have developed an impressive solution to remedy the shortcomings of touchless taps and solve specific problems that arise when installing wall-mounted taps,” explains Louise Pitt from Geberit.

With the exception of the IR sensor, all the new Geberit tap system’s function parts – such as the control, mixer, valves and the power supply is housed in a separate, 14cm x 14cm function box. This is installed in the pre-wall in an easily accessible position under the washbasin and is therefore located outside of the wet zone. If the function box cannot be installed in a pre-wall, a robust alternative for exposed installation is available. Special features of wall-mounted taps Touchless wall-mounted taps are extremely practical. They leave the entire washbasin free, which makes cleaning it significantly easier, and they offer sophisticated ergonomics when washing your hands. The reason why we see so few electronic wall-mounted taps, despite these advantages, is relatively banal – until now, there has been practically no solution for planning them safely and installing them without errors. With the new Geberit tap system, sanitary engineers and plumbers can rely on Geberit’s innovation. Thanks to integration into the Geberit installation elements, wallmounted taps can be installed quickly and without any errors at the first attempt, the same

40 LEADINGARCHITECTURE & DESIGN JUNE/JULY 2017

applies to the installation of deck-mounted taps in the washbasin. The tap system includes newly designed drywall-construction installation elements (Geberit Duofix and Geberit GIS) for washbasins, which are prepared for the easy and safe installation of the Geberit tap system. They are based on Geberit’s proven system technology and feature height-adjustable crossbars for holding and anchoring the base of the tap and the washbasin. Not only does this ensure that the tap housing is precisely aligned (vertically and horizontally) and firmly fixed, it also minimises the potential for costly errors. Not having the function parts located in the tap housing opens up a whole new world of design possibilities for the tap itself – a fact illustrated by the incredibly slim, timeless and elegant form of the Piave and Brenta models designed by the London-based design studio Christoph Behling Design. Both versions are available as wall-mounted or deck-mounted taps and combine with practically any washbasin design. The Geberit wall-mounted taps Piave and Brenta are supplied in lengths of 170mm or 220mm. A special feature here is that

the water is guided through a reinforced plastic hose that extends from the function box under the washbasin to the tap aerator on the tap outlet. This ensures that the quality of the potable water is not impaired at any point in the tap system. Economical operation and easy maintenance In addition to boasting an attractive price-performance ratio, the tap system also impresses thanks to its economical operation. There are three available power supply options: connection to the mains supply, battery operation or a self-sustaining power supply by means of a generator unit driven by the pressure of the tap water. The latter does not create any additional costs for energy or replacing batteries. All components for regulating and maintaining the tap and the water supply and mains connections are housed in the function box under the washbasin, where they stay safe and dry. Valves, mixers and filters are easily accessible and can be setup and cleaned in just a few steps. The configuration can be modified at any time – for example, by installing a selfsustaining power supply. www.geberit.co.za

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THE IDEAL MOSAIC GROUT AND ADHESIVE FROM TAL

INTRODUCING KOHLER MICA KOHLER, one of the world’s largest bathroom specialists, seamlessly fuses innovation and technology with their latest Mica Vessel range, which is slim, sleek, and ultra-contemporary. Deemed as an absolute showstopper, the Kohler Mica Round or Square Vessel has the thinnest edge Kohler has ever produced in a basin. The elegant Mica Vessels emphasise Kohler’s refined sense of innovation and embodies true minimalism, becoming a quintessential centrepiece of modern and contemporary style. This piece draws its popularity thanks to its durability, made of Supramic material for a longer lifespan and which is one and a half times harder than standard basins, plus the DFI stain-resistant surface coating makes it easier to clean. The Kohler Mica Vessel features: • Kohler’s thinnest edge in design, at only 6mm, demonstrating true innovation in bathroom product development • Crafted with Supramic material for durability and extended lifespan • Sealed with an invisible patented DFI coating for stain resistance and effortless cleaning. Available in two shapes: • Round with a diameter of 410mm • Square with a diameter of 393mm “Mica embodies minimalism in design – obsessive reduction and refinement, absolute attention to detail to achieve a delicate precision with the fine edge and feel of bone china. This demanded innovation in materials, manufacturing and design. The result is a ceramic that is not just thin but also one and a half times harder than normal. Mica is beautifully simple – like all great minimalist design it is timeless and universal,” says Mark Bickerstaffe, director new product development – Kohler EMEA and Asia-Pacific. www.africa.kohler.com/highlights

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TAL introduces TAL Mosaicfix, a newly formulated tile adhesive suitable for ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and glass mosaics, as well as glass tiles up to 100x100mm in size. “It’s just one of the many innovations TAL is pursuing to make tiling easy,” says Gela Ohl – TAL, marketing manager. Produced at TAL’s ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001 accredited plant, the new formulation is the result of extensive research and development, using quality, locally manufactured products, and tested for local South African conditions. “The use of mosaic is on the rise; glass tiles in particular are resurging as a popular design trend,” notes Ohl. “TAL Mosaicfix is exactly what our customers have been asking for.” TAL Mosaicfix is a fine textured adhesive and grout, available in both super white and light grey – making the latter a solid flooring choice. “The super white is ideal for shower and splashback walling, or for contrasting and accentuating glass tile,” says Ohl. Bonding and grouting should be done in a single application. First, apply the adhesive as normal, then tap the mosaic sheet into place; allowing the adhesive to squeeze through the joints. Wait 20 minutes to allow for an initial set and then add more TAL Mosaicfix to fill the grout joints. Setting takes 12 hours. Hobbyists can also use TAL Mosaicfix, but its pot life means that batches should be used within two hours, so try to plan accordingly. When installing glass mosaics or tiles, the rigid nature of the glass necessitates the use of a flexible adhesive system. TAL BOND or TAL BOND POWDER must be incorporated in the adhesive mix, strictly in accordance with the product instructions. It is also very important to install tile panel movement joints in both directions at maximum two-metre centres. Movement joints (‘soft’ joints) must also be created at the interfaces between glass mosaics and other finishes (i.e. tiles, metal trims, etc). Other related products include TAL Keycoat, TAL Keymix or TAL’s adhesive powder, used to prime smooth surfaces for extra grip; TAL Goldstar Sealmaster 1000 Polyurethane Sealer; TAL Grout Sealer; or any one of TAL’s tools: adhesive mixer, paddle mixer, 6mm and 10mm trowel, squeegee, grout float and sponge. www.tal.co.za

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SAN ITARY WARE

THE SEAL DEAL Polyurethane and silicone sealants or adhesives deliver significant adhesion, good movement capability and durability. However, these highperformance products have some limitations. Through research and technological advancement in hybrid technology, Den Braven has now modified these and produced a range of new high-performance sealants and adhesives. Michael Berg, national sales and marketing manager at Den Braven, points out that new technology, silylated urethane-based hybrid adhesives, brings with it exceptional performance characteristics beyond those of conventional polyurethane sealants. “The new breed adhesives have increased chemical resistance as well as high and instant tack properties,” says Berg. “Hybrid polymers have better weathering characteristics than conventional polyurethane sealants. These new generation hybrid sealants and adhesives provide better adhesion, abrasion resistance and low temperature extrudability.” Sustainability and the harmful effect of VOCs are top of mind in the built environment today and Den Braven’s Hybrid product range has a very low VOC content conforming to the South African Green Building Council Standards. Den Braven recently held a hands-on workshop at their head office in Randburg, Gauteng, to highlight and educate their clients from many different market sectors on the advantages of hybrid technology. Some of the products demonstrated at the workshop were: • Hybriflex-540 for sealing building joints: expansion and connection joint sealing to precast concrete, brickwork and masonry as well as for weather and perimeter sealing • Fire Protect (FP) Hybrid Sealant: provides up to four

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hours of fire resistance in linear and horizontal joints between walls and floors or ceilings to contribute to the overall fire protection design • Crystalflex-530: a transparent adhesive for interior use on many different construction and building applications • Mirrorfix-MS: especially developed for bonding mirrors and decorative and acoustic tiles on all classic building substrates • High Tack: a unique adhesive with extremely high initial grab bond for use on many building materials without the use of clamps and or fixing tape. www.denbraven.co.za

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GROHE EUROCUBE

Make a statement with GROHE’s Cubist Masterpiece. The Eurocube’s strong lines and solid, architectural shape is perfect for modern kitchens where design is at the forefront. From the lever’s cut-out detailing to the new professional-grade features, this is a faucet for those who are both style conscious and serious about their cooking. 46 available LEADINGARCHITECTURE JUNE/JULY 2017 Now at& DESIGN groheonline.co.za and grohe.co.za

NEW

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AU DIO FLO VISUAL O RI N G

THE SOUND, THE WHOLE SOUND AND NOTHING BUT THE SOUND

The C'SEED 125 in action video

Introducing the C’SEED 125 Open Air Speaker System – it’s a game changer Home automation specialists BNC Technology have introduced the C’Seed 125 Speaker System, powered by L’ Acoustics, for the first time in South Africa. C’SEED is definitely something to get excited about – certainly, among premium circles, high-end eventing, outdoor extravaganzas and upmarket entertaining. “The C’Seed 125 Speaker System is a creed unto itself,” says BNC Technology managing director, Nick Caripis. “Fit for the ultimate in outdoor entertaining, its passive cased speakers range from 2.0. stereo to 9.1. surround – making it truly the last word in open-air sound brilliance.” Revealed at the Integrated Systems Europe Show 2017 (ISE), this app-controlled creation operates as a retractable, passive and very showy outdoor sound experience. The system lives within an underground, waterproof container, from which it rises automatically when activated. Its sleek and sexy finish, with interchanging light options, are just the bonus factor. “While epic at belting out the fullest, most exquisite sound on the planet, it has the ability to operate at a lower frequency too,” says Caripis, “we’re talking dog-whisperer low. This kind of precision, hi-performance quality will set your patio apart.” The C’SEED 125 speaker, coupled with the C’SEED 136 subwoofer, is a premium

experience for the lifestyle entrepreneur who wants more out of his outdoor living. “It’s impressive, immersive and pleasing on so many levels, with the ultimate options in sound and amplification technology,” concludes Caripis. BNC Technology are exclusive distributors of C’Seed home automation equipment in South Africa. BNC Technology is proudly accredited by CEDIA, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association. This global body is made up of more than 3 500 member companies worldwide, and serves no less than 22 000 home automation professionals. BNC follows CEDIA's best practices stringently to ensure the exceptional solutions we provide are our best and most enduring trademarks. www.bnctechnology.co.za

Industry Design Training in Home Automation BNC Technology provides industry professionals with training and education in the home automation domain. BNC’s training provides interior designers, architects and industrial design students the opportunity to understand the progressive world of home integration and the countless possibilities available to their clients through the integrated and intelligent use of technology. The company’s training and development courses are accredited with international standards and aligned with Continual Professional Development (CPD) points. Contact online@ bnctechnology.co.za to find out about upcoming BNC Training Workshops

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RO O FI N G

STATE-OF-THE-ART SIKALASTIC-560 PROVES ITS WORTH The first commercial applications in South Africa of the Sikalastic-560 roofing system, an innovative waterproofing membrane based on Sika’s Co-elastic Technology (CET), were completed on two separate residential roofing projects in Gauteng. Combining the high performance of polyurethane dispersion with the familiar properties of an acrylic, Coelastic Technology offers an unsurpassed performance compared to conventional acrylic dispersion. This includes higher elastic and crack-bridging properties, faster drying times, higher UV resistance resulting in better colour stability and

durability, as well as being environmentally friendly with very low odour and VOC free. GCF Projects was contracted for the first project at a private residence in Morning Hill, Johannesburg. Liquid waterproofing membrane, Sikalastic-560 was used to seal an existing concrete flat roof. It provides excellent adhesion on both porous and non-porous substrates as well as on bituminous products. Since it is a completely seamless, fully bonded system, the risk of leaks due to overlap failures is totally negated. Sikalastic-560 is water vapour permeable and rain-resistant after only four hours. Soon after completion of

this project, a second roofing project took place in Fourways, Johannesburg, where an existing concrete flat roof was sealed with a combination of Sikalastic-560 and Sika Reemat, a glass fibre mat reinforcement. Supplied in rolls, Sika Reemat is quick and easy to apply and suitable for roofs with many details and complex geometry, especially where accessibility is limited. By ensuring the correct thickness of the base coat and enhancing crack-bridging properties,

Sika Reemat provides a cost efficient life cycle extension on failing roofs. Based on Sika Co-elastic Technology, Sikalastic-560 provides an economical, eco-friendly roof waterproofing solution for both new construction and refurbishment projects while its reflective coating (when coated in white) enhances energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs. Sikalastic-560 fulfils the requirements of most international standards. www.sika.co.za

ADVANCED ANTI GLARE ROOFING NOW AVAILABLE Leading multinational steel supplier BlueScope has introduced an innovative new coated steel roofing material to the African market. Clean Colorbond® Matt (AZ 150) and its Ultra version (AZ 200) incorporate a new unique performance coating designed to reduce the glare caused by today’s high gloss steel roofs. They are available in a range of durable and attractive colours, and can be formed into a variety of roofing profiles. Clean Colorbond Matt was brought to South Africa for the east extension project of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Rudolf Estyerhuyse of architectural firm Stauch Vorster said, “The specification makes perfect sense considering BlueScope Clean Colorbond Matt Ultra’s aesthetic and technical

qualities. The Matt finish provides an elegant textural appearance as an alternative to the standard gloss finish. This finish also reduces reflective glare, a critical consideration in terms of the impact of the relatively low light coloured roof on neighbouring highrise developments and the adjacent freeway. BlueScope Clean Colorbond Matt Ultra was specified because of its excellent corrosion protective qualities

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and long-term durability.” BlueScope’s regional manager for Africa, Arno Hanekom, adds, “Our matt product has set a new standard for steel roofing and cladding with stylish matt finish, suited to address the issues of glare from sunlight common in urban areas. Since the CTICC project, it has been specified on several important projects.” The new matt product still incorporates Thermatech™

technology, which allows the steel to achieve greater thermal performance with no compromise to quality. It also provides high dirt resistance, chalk resistance and gloss retention. It is able to help the building owner to save energy from costly climate control measures while it mitigates the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. At Abacus’ recently completed Sanctuary project near Strand, Cape Town, the developers specified Clean Colorbond Matt Ultra, supporting their vision of building in such a way as not to upset the wild bird population on the wetland, or residents of the neighbouring eco residential development, De Velde (itself a Clean Colorbond with Thermatech roofing project). www.bluescope.co.za

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WANOOKA KPMG’S HERITAGE ICON Interior design firm Mezzanine was briefed to re-design the communal spaces of KPMG’s heritage icon, the Wanooka building in Parktown, Johannesburg.

PMG's Wanooka building became part of the KPMG Johannesburg campus during a major building project in 2009. The communal spaces included a reception area, bar, canteen, coffee kiosk as well a corridor that all the offices open onto, known as ‘The Street’. THE CANTEEN

The traditional old-school canteen was redesigned to feel more like a lounge. The monotony of rows of tables were broken by introducing big communal tables as well as smaller lounge areas and communal couches including number of coffee tables. To create more warmth the big double volume space includes materials such as textured fabrics, Nero Marquina marble and wooden timber slats. Greenery introduced to the area, further adding a homely style to this space, with some living walls. Continued next page

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LIGHTING

Lighting formed a big part of the design features. There are two prominent areas where the effect of the light fittings was carefully considered. In the Canteen area, the lights were selected and sourced according to the shape of the roof. The second area was in The Street, where the lights were based on the existing steel columns in that area. In both spaces, the lights are floating, sculptural pieces that creates a piece of art in its own way. UPPER LEVEL LOUNGE/ MEETING AREA

On the top level of the offices, another lounge/meeting area was created, offering staff more space for informal meetings.

THE STREET

The concept behind The Street was to create a comfortable, informal space for employees to meet colleagues or work away from their desks. Even though the area is a big space, smaller spaces were created to offer privacy. The pods are smaller, more private areas suitable for informal meetings. The lounge areas in this space are furnished with high backed couches and chairs, again offering privacy. Ottomans were added to this area to accommodate bigger sized meetings, with seating that is easily moved as required. To ensure easy access to refreshments a coffee station has been added in this area.

THE RECEPTION

By implementing existing details such as the wooden cladding to create cohesion with the rest of the building the reception area was simplified. This space is quite dark; this was lifted by adding additional light into the area with a backlit wall and an LED lit reception counter. www.mezzanineinteriors.co.za

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DRAWING BOARD

ISOCORE – ODDS ON FAVOURITE The Private Box and VIP Betting areas of the Turfontein Race Course have recently been re-shod using Traviata’s ‘IsoCore’ – Swiss Oak Bern flooring. Key to this installation was the technical innovation offered by the new IsoCore technology. Firstly, the ‘Drop-Lock 100’ system allowed the more than 650m2 of flooring to be laid in less than three days. The added lightness and rigidity of the IsoCore board also meant that no floor preparation was

necessary before laying the new floor – saving time. The second unique aspect of IsoCore is the exceptional dimensional stability of the board. This combined with the particular site conditions where the temperature is controlled and where there is no direct sunlight, allowed for the floor to extend over 55m without the need for any unsightly expansion profiles. It is a real jackpot for the designer to be able to achieve this degree of ‘flow’ throughout the project. The third leg of the Turfontein

Trifecta is the IsoCore surface. The new natural emboss offers a surface which looks authentic, is 100% waterproof and will be very easy to maintain for years to come. Hot on the heels of Traviata’s IsoCore is the all new ASPECTA 1 range of glued down vinyl flooring. This next chapter offers 46 trend setting tiles and planks in colours and

textures to accommodate every type of space. These authentic and eye-catching designs include an eclectic collection of wood grains, a ‘pattern’ range that allows you to express your creativity in a choice of five styles, a stone and masonry tile range, which provides timeless appeal. traviata.co.za

BOLON FLOORING COLLABORATION WITH ACCLAIMED ARCHITECT UNVEILED Swedish woven vinyl flooring designer and manufacturer, Bolon – represented in South Africa by KBAC Flooring – has launched a new ‘architect-driven’ range of flooring designed by acclaimed French architect, Jean Nouvel. The ‘Bolon by Jean Nouvel Design’ flooring concept was first unveiled at the architect’s retrospective exhibition in Paris in October last year, and then introduced to the European design fraternity at Bolon’s

‘Innovators at Heart’ exhibition in Stockholm in February this year. Jean Nouvel came to prominence in the 1980s, with ground-breaking projects like the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in Paris and the Cultural and Conference Center in Lucerne, Switzerland. World-class projects followed, establishing Nouvel as one of the great architects of the century. In 2008, he was awarded the coveted Pritzker Prize, awarded annually ‘to honour

Bolon woven vinyl flooring – represented in South Africa by KBAC Flooring – has launched a new ‘architect-driven’ range of flooring designed by acclaimed French architect, Jean Nouvel

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a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture’. Bolon’s collaboration with Nouvel marks the Swedish manufacturer and designer’s first architect-driven flooring concept and directly addresses the concerns of architects in its concept and execution. The Bolon by Jean Nouvel Design collection features six signature colours. A departure from Bolon’s typically designer-driven flooring the product was conceived with spatiality in mind and has a textural, hand-woven effect in combinations of black, grey, red and blue. The colour panes make it possible to have complete control and flexibility within the interior. The flooring amplifies the interior geometry, making it possible to experiment with the

layout and natural circulation in an interior space. “The freedom is yours to use the flooring to play with colour and light, and engage the windows of the space,” says Jean Nouvel. “It is not a decorative carpet, but an architectural floor. Using Bolon is a bit like choosing the fabric for a suit: it makes you want to look closely and to touch.” Bolon by Jean Nouvel Design woven vinyl rolls are available in six colours: Black Warp with red, blue or grey weft; and Grey Warp with red, blue or dark grey weft. The new collection is also available in 50cm by 50cm tiles in Black Warp with blue weft, or Grey Warp with dark grey weft. Bolon is a 70-year-old Swedish company that makes innovative flooring solutions for public spaces with a list of clientele that includes Armani, Google, Volvo Cars, Adidas, Skype, Missoni and Radisson Red. KBAC Flooring was appointed as sole Bolon distributor in South Africa last year. www.kbacflooring.co.za

EMPLOY LINES - 4223005 SUNSET INSTALLED DESIGN BY TILE

EMPLOY LOOP - 4197011 CIRRUS, 4197021 CLEMENTINE INSTALLED MONOLITHIC

selected colours now stocked locally

PERFECT SYNERGY Employ Loop offers a great wall-to-wall appearance and Employ Lines has an exciting linear design that can be used on its own or as a transition. Interface dealer, South Africa:

www.interface.com

www.kbacflooring.co.za | info@kbacflooring.co.za | JHB: 011 608 4270 | CPT: 021 464 4320

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NEW LUTEC BULKHEAD RANGE FROM EUROLUX Outdoor lighting is as much about security as it is about aesthetics, and with the Lutec range of outdoor luminaires, there is no need to compromise on either. Lutec is Eurolux’s latest range of premium outdoor fittings. Characterised by technological innovation and a dynamic design aesthetic, the diverse product range means there is a fitting to suit every outdoor function and style. The four LED bulkheads in the range are all made from die-cast aluminium with an opal lens. With a distinctly clean design, they’re a subtle, unobtrusive addition to any outdoor space, be it residential or commercial. Each fixture is fitted with an integrated LED light source, guaranteeing significantly more lighting hours than traditional lamps, at a lower lifetime cost and with less impact on the environment. While bulkheads are a flexible outdoor lighting option in terms of application, they tend to work best when fitted three to five metres apart along exterior walls.

Titan wall lamps (B266 and B268) These two round, silver Titan bulkhead twins are an outdoor lighting staple. Compact in size (140mm diameter), the 3W warm white integrated LED light source emits a luminous flux of 145lm at a beam angle of 120 degrees, making them ideal for both garden illumination and security applications. Unlike the standard open face of the Titan 268 bulkhead, the Titan 266 has an industriallike grid as a stylish point of difference.

Seine wall lamp (B267) Something of an unconventional shape for a bulkhead, the square Seine 267 is a medium-size (140 x 140mm) fitting with a 4W integrated LED light source. An industrial-like grid gives this fixture that extra modern allure.

Titan wall lamp (B269) The biggest fitting in the Lutec bulkhead range, the Titan 269 has a diameter of 260mm with a depth of 95mm. The graphite colour adds a sleek edge that elevates the fitting from functional to rather fashionable. With a 16W integrated LED light source emitting a luminous flux of 480lm, it’s an asset to any outdoor space. www.eurolux.co.za

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THE 2017 PPC IMAGINARIUM AWARD WINNERS The overall winner of this year’s PPC Imaginarium Awards (and the Sculpture Category Winner) was emerging artist Mziwoxolo Makalima, who impressed the judges with his thought-provoking sculpture submission titled ‘Doubt-Queuing’. Makalima’s sculpture, which is fashioned out of concrete and mild steel, aims to be the voice of a voiceless, subjugated society. ‘Doubt-Queuing’ represents a group of community members who have stood for so long waiting and hoping for change, and who have remained as strong as concrete. The concrete represents the strength of the community that has had to endure a queue of unfulfilled promises that seems to have extended ever since the dawn of social equality called democracy. The finalists’ works were on display at an exhibition at the UJ Art Gallery in Johannesburg until mid-June, and will be exhibited nationwide at a variety of auspicious galleries and events across the country, such as 100% Design South Africa in Cape Town and the KZNSA Gallery in Durban. www.ppcimaginarium.co.za

Zoe Trumpet

For a full range of fittings visit us online at www.eurolux.co.za and follow us on social media

Morino

Armor

Cape Town (Head Office): 9 Racecourse Road, Milnerton, 7441 Tel: +27 (0) 21 528 8400 Email: info@eurolux.co.za

www.eurolux.co.za

Metro

Mini LEDspot

Johannesburg: 10 Milkyway Avenue, Linbro Business Park, Sandton, 2065 Tel: +27 (0) 11 608 2970 Email: jhb@eurolux.co.za WWW.LEADINGARCHITECTURE.CO.ZA JUNE/JULY 2017 57

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XPANDA QUALITY NEVER COMPROMISED Xpanda Security has been securing South African consumers’ homes and businesses for more than four decades. It focuses on supplying strong but affordable security barriers to the public and industrial sector. Security is key so strength is never compromised for price and all Xpanda products are tested for the SA market and meet stringent SABS ISO 9001:2008 standards. Xpanda manufactures, supplies and installs a wide variety of products ranging from industrial roller shutters, sub-station doors, roller grilles, sectional overhead doors, trellis doors and burglar guards either DIY or custom made. The quality of Xpanda materials is never compromised. Only the best hardware has been used, ensuring minimum maintenance on all moving components. When Xpanda products are compared product for product, component for component and quality for quality, the value for money from Xpanda is unrivalled. www.xpanda.com

CAST IN STONE Technology in the cement industry has developed rapidly over the last few years. With its vast experience, as well as access to a vast number of specialists such as engineers, sculptors, mould makers, specialised artists and painters, cement design and

manufacturing specialists Style Décor has not just followed numerous trends, but has set trends of its own. “We have been blessed over the years to have excellent relationships with numerous experts in the field and have made sure that our products are competitive in

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quality and pricing,” says Jane Le Roux of Style Décor. The company’s standard range for the building, garden and interior markets exceeds 6 000 products. “The designs vary from classical to modern to ethnic and more and include products such as cladding, paving, plant containers, benches and tables, columns with caps and bases, water features, finials, arches, coffee tables, servers, sculptures, park furniture, statues and more,” says Le Roux. A variety of materials are used to produce these products depending on their applications, including precast concrete, exposed aggregate, textile and fibre cement, fibreglass, light weight cement and polymer gypsums. The company also designs, develops and manufactures new products as per client specification. “We have our own in-house mould shop and it is here where patterns and masters are developed which ultimately are needed to make the moulds,” says Le

Roux. “The moulds and masters are the heart of our business and a specialist craft.” “Our own mould shop manufactures 85% of all moulds that are used in our factory,” she adds. The mould shop also manufactures moulds for sale to third parties and can be made according to each clients’ specific requirements. “Products can be cast in the standard grey colour (with or without the antique white wash finish) or with colour oxides,” says Le Roux. “Different colour finishes are possible and include washes, stains or paint.” Projects that the company has supplied specialised products for include a hotel in the Seychelles, the arrival halls at O.R. Tambo International Airport, new recreation facilities at Orange Farm and Coronation Park, the Bafokeng Stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and various shopping centres and estate developments in the Gauteng and North West areas. www.styledecor.co.za

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RENICO DEVELOPMENTS IN GAUTENG BY NICO LOUW, RENICO CONSTRUCTION OFFICE PARK DEVELOPMENTS Renico is about to change the nature of office developments on the West Rand with the launch of its Eagle Canyon Office Park development on the site of the old Colourful Nursery along Christiaan de Wet Road, bordered by Dolfyn Street and Jan Frederick Avenue, secured by Renico in 2016. Situated across the roads from the luxury Eagle Canyon Golf Estate and the NHC Health Centre Building, it will command an exceptional corner position, enjoying views towards Rivonia and Magaliesburg from its elevated position. Earthworks and services on the 11 123m2 (GBA) building, will include underground parking facilities and building is set to commence on 1 June 2017. Once the development is completed 6 035m2 of GLA will be available for sale or lease. The aesthetics of this new office development will resonate with developments in Sandton and Rosebank, bolstering the West Rand’s appeal for corporate offices. Renico Construction is also busy with ‘39B on Kingfisher‘ Office Park development in

Fourways. With the Fourways node now firmly the talk of the town due to high-rise skyscrapers forming part of the new Fourways Mall redevelopment. This 905m2 (GBA) building can be bought or rented in its entirety, or sections can be secured with the sectional title register to be opened. Construction commenced on 1 March 2017, and the site handover is set for 25 June 2017. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS Although a slight drop in activity in the Industrial space has been noticed, Renico Construction recently completed the ‘Aero Park’ development in the Lanseria Corporate Estate. The development comprises of six 1 454m2 warehouses, each with an office component. The six units are to be let. Renico Construction firmly believes in the future development the Lanseria node will bring. Renico Construction secured the corners of Malibongwe, River and Elsecar Roads, Kya Sand to develop another well-designed distributing warehouse (D.C). This 21 500m2 building, with

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13m eaves at the lowest roof point and sprinkler protection is set on a commanding corner position, adding to potential street frontage for advertising and branding. Renico Earthworks and Civils have completed the necessary platforms, are now in the process of attending to the external and link services. Once these are completed construction of this large building will commence, and be available either as a rental unit or for purchase. TURNKEY SOLUTIONS Renico Construction specialises in turnkey solutions

for business owners who wish to develop their own warehouse or industrial space. With the comfort of turnkey solutions at hand, Mpumelelo Ceilings, Vision View, Greenbean, Flowsafe and Flowsolve all moved, or are busy moving into their new owner occupied buildings that Renico Construction has developed. Renico not only attends to the planning and execution of industrial projects, but also guides and assists investors in finance, rental structures, and various ownership options. www.renicoconstruction.co.za

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GETTING A GOOD GRIP WITH CRB WALLS AT PUMA

Find a supplier www.terraforce.com

Tel: 021 465 1907

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In 2015, JSE-listed Equities Property signed a R155-million contract to develop 2.3ha of its 5.4ha land in Contermanskloof, Cape Town to house a new A-Grade distribution centre and head office for apparel brand Puma Sports Distributors. To maximise space for the new buildings and infrastructure, the Terraforce concrete retaining wall block (CRB Walls) system was chosen to retain numerous cut and fill slopes on site needing earth stabilisation.Â Dassenberg Retaining, appointed by Greymo Civils to install the Terraforce walls, started construction the mid-March 2016. Says GĂŠorg Brand, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The modern office building, with underground parking and adjacent large storage warehouse, is connected by a fly-over bridge necessitated several retaining walls.â&#x20AC;? A design was supplied by Fred Laker,Â TerrasafeÂ Design Service, and in total, 21 800 Terraforce L11 blocks were delivered to site. The blocks are all filled with concrete for extra reinforcing, except those lining a steep slope along the detention pond that manages the storm water coming off the roof of the warehouse and office building.â&#x20AC;? Brand adds that here the blocks

were filled with 19mm stone for extra traction and to ensure water flow through the pond as the water level rises or drops. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the detention pond was constructed, a temporary berm was put in place to allow excavation and the placement of a concrete footing for the wall. At this stage, all material had to be handled by hand to transport it to the top of the 6.75m wall on the office side. Because the almost vertical wall is 6.75m high and braces the loading and parking area of the warehouse, geofabric was placed into the compacted back-fill and locked into every second row of blocks.â&#x20AC;? The walls were completed in February this year, with additional, higher, and longer Terraforce walls to be added on adjacent land also owned by Equities Property. www.terraforce.com

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>> D RAWIN G BOARD

CULINARY EQUIPS NEW UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA FOODS LABORATORIES The new Food Laboratories at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Consumer Science, commissioned in April 2017, are the culmination of an ambitious vision to renovate three training kitchens and food science labs in one of the campuses’ historical monument buildings. Culinary Equipment Company, a specialist kitchen project design company, collaborated with leadership at the university to design and equip the kitchens according to international best standards of quality, efficiency and performance. The configuration of the stoves allow for two students to share a stove as they have two ovens and sufficient space to cook using four gas burners and one simmer plate allowing for a variety of food preparation to take place simultaneously. The new ‘labs’ consist of a large 60-student main facility, a smaller test kitchen and a food science laboratory. Boasting state-of-the-art range cookers with dual ovens and gas hobs as well as five-pan combi ovens, made in France by Culinary and configured especially for the requirements of the university. Within the

tight space constraints, the ergonomics of the space allows cookers to be shared between students, with each student benefitting from a complete range workstation for stove cooking and baking. Dr Gerrie du Rand, head of Food and Nutrition and senior lecturer at the Department of Consumer Science, acknowledges that the scope and results of the project now gives the university enhanced capacity. “This capacity provides knowledge and skills training in the culinary arts and sciences to all students studying Consumer Science, Human Nutrition and selected the Food Science degree programmes at the University. ”The new ‘labs’ will be used to teach Basic and Advanced Food Preparation, Recipe Development, Consumer Food Research, Culinary Arts, Culinary Science and Quantity Food Preparation and Event Management. From the outset, Culinary shared the university’s vision of developing and equipping a world-class facility to educate and enrich the chefs and food scientists of tomorrow, which culminated in years of

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deliberating every detail of the project. “Since the new labs were built in an historic landmark building much research went into the conceptualisation stages and many site visits were made to various facilities and stakeholders”, says du Rand. Planning encompassed project ideas from various industry partners, inputs from other training schools both locally and globally, advice from appliance and equipment companies and a major input from Pretoria-based MEG Architects. The old facilities were outdated and equipped with household appliances, which did not provide a suitable training environment. Industrial kitchens of today are fitted with high performance gas burners and sturdy appliances for heavy use. In order to reach international benchmarks each piece of equipment and furniture

was designed to integrate seamlessly and emulate a professional kitchen similar to those found in the best global hotels or restaurants. Focus was placed on ergonomics with trays and vessels transferring easily between hobs and ovens. Provision was made for powerful, intuitive and industrial-grade ranges while ensuring that equipment was suitable for the rigors of research that will take place in the labs. Culinary’s CEO, Wehrner Gutstadt said, “The company is extremely proud to be associated with a prestigious project and institution with which we share values and vision for quality and educational excellence.” Two additional large 10-pan combi ovens and two intelligent plate-detector salamanders were donated by Culinary Equipment Company to the value of R4 000. www.culinary.co.za

CMY

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>> EVE RG R E EN

National English Literary Museum adds to 5-star green rating

he National English Literary Museum was the first Public & Education (PEB) building in South Africa to achieve a 5-Star Green Star SA rating for its design in November 2013, and it can now add an impressive 5-Star Green Star SA PEB v1 As-Built rating to its list of achievements â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a first for the Eastern Cape as well as South Africa. The project, constructed by the Department of Public Works for the Department of Arts and Culture appointed Solid Green Consulting to undertake the Green Star certification process, while Intsika Architects were responsible for the design. The Museum is situated on the outskirts of a built-up residential area in Grahamstown. The design brief called for the building to be a highly functional landmark that would fit the site context and building typology. Accordingly, the architecture takes a sensitive approach with massing and elements responding to the humanÂ scale. The development enhances the area by introducing facilities such as a mini-theatre, outside amphitheatre, exhibition area, archives, library, and museum offices. The Museum is not fenced off, and provides park-like areas for the surrounding community to enjoy. Courtyards and balconies make for enjoyable outdoor

breakaway spaces for personnel; 80% of the occupied areas have views to the exterior. The precinct is pedestrian friendly with walkways and bicycle routes. Shower and storage facilities for cyclists are available to encourage non-motorised commuting to the Museum. User health and wellbeing have been further considered by including large windows to the staircases with views of the surroundings, thereby encouraging occupants to use the stairs rather than the lift. The building aims to reduce potable water consumption by more than 95% below benchmark, and water meters have been installed for all major water uses to monitor and facilitate management of water consumption. Storm water detention ponds were introduced to release storm water gradually and prevent the erosion of the related river system. Rainwater is harvested from the roof area and used for irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing and xeriscaped landscaping was used to reduce the need for irrigation as the garden consists of indigenous plants that are endemic to the environment. Annelide Sherratt from Solid Green explains that a Topsoil Management Plan (TMP) was implemented to guide the contractor

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on separating all topsoil impacted during construction, in order to protect it from degradation, erosion, or mixing with fill or waste. This way, 75% of the original topsoil was retained on site. Mechanical and electrical equipment was chosen for its low energy use, as well as introducing a building management system to actively control and optimise the effectiveness of building services. Air-conditioned and mechanically assisted natural ventilation systems were specified to effectively deliver optimum air quality to each occupant throughout the occupied area. The air-conditioning system is a Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system with heat recovery, which can provide cooling and heating simultaneously to different parts of the building. A heat-recovery system can transfer the heat extracted from those spaces requiring cooling to areas demanding heating, thus reducing energy requirements and operating costs. The project only utilised refrigerants and other gasses with zero ozone depletion potential that do not contribute to long-term damage to the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ozone layer. Natural lighting to interior spaces is optimised; artificial lights can be adjusted individually and occupancy sensors were installed to further reduce energy consumption. In

addition, energy-saving heat pumps have been installed at dedicated points of the building to supply hot water and heating systems. A unique feature of the building is the archive section, which is located below the ground with a green roof that insulates the building, making air-conditioning unnecessary in these spaces. On the north and west facades of the building, gabion walls and natural stone cladding have been used as thermal massing to stabilise the indoor air temperature. Green materials used include recycled rubber and bamboo flooring, low VOC paints, coconut mosaic wall cladding, and recycled plastic carpets. Where possible, materials were sourced locally, reused and recycled to minimise transport distances and fuel consumption. From a social transformation perspective, local labour was used where available to provide the community with a sense of ownership and generate economic upliftment. In total, 205 local job opportunities were created during construction. The National English Literary Museum not only provides a valuable cultural resource to the Eastern Cape, but is also an important learning resource for building users and visitors on the benefits of green building design, construction and operation. www.solidgreen.co.za

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