SCAPE | The Showguide | September 2023 | Vol. 96

What if your choice of steel can create a new world of possibilities.

The next-generation in steel technology.

An idea is only as good as the execution. At Safal Steel we are at the forefront of steel technology. Discover steel like you have never seen before, durable, flexible, Zincal®

Zincal® steel can last up to 4 times longer than normal galvanised steel due to its ability to perform under extreme atmospheric conditions and due to its advance thermal attributes. We offer you piece-of-mind that any vision you create with Zincal® steel can stand the test of time.

The possiblities are endless, just ask for Zincal ®

Complete coating system. Complete professional service.

Reliability is at the heart of our industry, and our Professional range is no different. Product innovation coupled with our value added services gives you a distinct advantage.

Our complete coating system, spanning preparation, trim, wall and textured coatings, is designed to ensure guaranteed product performance and value from start to finish.

All Plascon Professional products with the Ecokind logo have VOC levels within the GBCSA standards for Green building ratings. Designed for professionals.

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Design that comes full circle.

Samsung’s innovative 360 Cassette air conditioner takes cassette technology to the next level. It provides good comfort and has a neat, tidy look with an aesthetic flair that virtually blends with any ambience.

The bladeless design minimises interference to improve airflow while the circular design directs air more evenly to every corner of the room. It features a stylish panel and an intuitive LED display that allow users to change the airflow direction depending on preference. This advanced design allows for even heating or cooling with no loss in airflow.

The 360 Cassette is lauded industry-wide for combining style, energy efficiency and reliability to deliver outstanding performance in a space-saving design.

• Efficient cooling and heating

Circular

displays airflow direction setting of horizontal and vertical airflow operation.

Digital inverter technology provides fast cooling/heating with minimal power consumption, saving cost and reducing energy waste.

• Maximum power saving

After reaching the set temperature, the inverter air conditioner will operate in half-load mode to prevent the compressor from working at an inefficient frequency or turning off.

• Wide operating temperature range

Operates in extremely harsh environments; where ambient temperatures are between -15°C and 50°C.

• Fits into any interior space

Choose from a variety of colours and panels to match the ceiling space.

• R32 Gas Refrigerant

It uses the next-generation R32 refrigerant, which has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero and a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than conventional refrigerants, so it’s more environmentally friendly and has a lower impact on global warming.

Fourways Group are the national distributors of all Samsung air conditioners and HVAC experts. Contact us to discover the entire line-up and how you can incorporate the 360 Cassette into your next sustainable cooling and heating project.

E: sales@fourwaysgroup.co.za

@fourwaysgroupsa Fourways Group

www.fourwaysgroup.co.za

LED Display

LED

Neville Alexander Building, University of Cape Town.

Fostering Knowledge in the UCT School of Education Airconditioning Project

In 2022, the University of Cape Town (UCT) embarked on an ambitious project to construct the Neville Alexander building for its School of Education department, their primary goal being to create a conducive learning environment that fosters optimal teaching and learning. This required ensuring comfortable air temperature and allergen-free air, while also incorporating energy-efficient systems to reduce their carbon footprint and align with their green initiatives.

The task of designing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the Neville Alexander building was handed to UCT’s Project Electrical Engineer, Avinesh Dhevdath. Determined to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, he collaborated closely with the appointed architects, mechanical engineers, HVAC installers, and the HVAC supplier, Fourways Group, to find the perfect solution. The Samsung 360 Cassette commercial ceiling air conditioner emerged as the ideal choice, standing out as the most attractive air conditioner on the market and boasting the most effective air distribution for the lecture hall. Fresh air connections directly to the units guaranteed fresh, filtered, and air-conditioned air for enhanced performance.

Andries Steyn, the Regional Director of WSP, played a crucial role in translating UCT's vision into reality. The variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system offered efficiency and enabled multiple indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit. Heat recovery systems further optimised energy usage, allowing simultaneous heating and cooling operations within different areas of the building.

As Fourways Group’s Head of Business Development, Leon Crause aligned the project with UCT's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. In the main auditorium, the architects seamlessly integrated the Samsung 360 Cassettes, creating a stylish solution which complemented the auditorium's architectural design and maintained environmental standards. As the world’s first round air conditioner, the unobtrusive bladeless Samsung 360 Cassette also offered the architects and interior designers more creative freedom. Group CEO of Airvent Airconditioning & Ventilation, Mark Rogers, was delighted with the efficiency and thoughtfulness in WSP's designs, and the strong partnership between Airvent and Fourways Group played a pivotal role in achieving exceptional results, with Fourways consistently providing outstanding service.

The collaboration and expertise between these dedicated professionals and the innovative Samsung products have set new standards for sustainable infrastructure in the education sector in South Africa, offering a comfortable and healthy learning environment that contributes to enhanced productivity and wellbeing for students and faculty members alike.

"THE UNOBTRUSIVE BLADELESS SAMSUNG 360 CASSETTE ALSO OFFERED THE ARCHITECTS AND INTERIOR DESIGNERS MORE CREATIVE FREEDOM."

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Welcome to The Showguide

On behalf of the team at SCAPE Magazine it brings me great joy to welcome you to our much anticipated 2023 Trade Show… What If?

Step into a realm where boundaries are mere whispers, and the landscape of possibility stretches as far as your curiosity can take you. We invite you to embark on a unique odyssey through the captivating world of 'What If' at our exciting event. The pages of this September issue serve as a precursor of what is to come, and what we can expect to be brought to the fore of the 2023 show.

Prepare to unlock doors to the uncharted, as we traverse the fascinating realms of architectural hypotheticals. The very essence of this event lies in pondering the limitless potential of the built environment – a canvas where imagination, innovation, and creativity converge in breathtaking harmony.

You will witness architects, designers, developers, landscape professionals, and dreamers pushing the boundaries of convention, unravelling the threads of possibility, and weaving narratives that bridge the gap between the fantastical and the tangible. Each presentation, each interaction, each corner you explore will be a testament to the power of 'What If.'

Immerse yourself in discussions that challenge the status quo, where innovative concepts sprout wings and take flight. Engage

in TED Talks that spark fires of inspiration and browse innovative products, forging connections with suppliers and professionals alike that may redefine the course of your own journey within the industry.

This is not only a navigation guide to the event, but a powerful beginning of what could be. Collect your colleagues and your brightest ideas and arrive to engage and ask questions, as we map the future of the industry together.

POINTS TO NOTE FOR THE DAY

Please note our doors open at 7:45 am for an 8:30 am start, and that you will earn 1 full CPD point for attending all 5 sessions.

We will lean on your expertise to help us judge a few exciting initiatives on the day.

We’ve partnered with some groovy brands like Kauai Food and Thirst Bar services, so you’ll have everything you need in one space for the day.

Please bring cash or card for these services.

We do have some tricks up our sleeve to make your day a showstopper, including happy hours and a resident DJ playing live!

Best place to park: Granger Bay Parking, V& A Waterfront (Oranjezicht Farmers Market) parking.

Any questions: Please reach out to us at hello@paperplanepublications.co.za or 064 113 3039.

thank

Chanel Besson Editor-in-Chief Justine Coleman Key Account Manager

Caitlin Hancocks Commissioning Editor Reinhardt Pieters Account Manager Michelle Greeff Communications & Content Manager Sarah Ternent Designer Brayden Knoop Media Intern

A huge

you to Safal Steel, the proud Headline Sponsor of the 2023 SCAPE Trade Show.

Cover image by Warren Papier, KMH Architects

Navigate

50

TALKING THE TALK

The 2023 SCAPE Trade Show Seminars

57 THE BALANCING ACT Designing for Communities

WHAT IF? Placing Unlimited Possibility

Forefront

59 REACTIVE ARCHITECTURE

Agenda 52 SCAPE TRADE SHOW 2023 Event Programme 32 REIMAGINE ROBBEN ISLAND Faces of the Future Student Competition

54 SAVE US FROM OURSELVES Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes for Tomorrow’s Generation

56

AFRICA’S CARBON SMART CITIES

Bio-based Architecture and Urbanism as a Pathway Forward

The Showguide Collaborators

60

Developing a Compelling Architectural Trademark Aesthetic 24 SILKE AND THE CITY An Interview with Robert Silke

WHAT IF WE KNEW WHAT COMES NEXT? Trends of the

62 NAVIGATE THE SCAPE TRADE SHOW Event Floorplan and Exhibitors

Warren Papier, KMH Architects | Philip Bartman, SAOTA | Gregory Katz, Gregory Katz Architecture | Gillian Holl, Veld Architects | Evandro Schwalbach, Noero Architects | Megan Holman, Co-Arc International Architects | Clare Burgess, TreeKeepers Cape Town | Charlotte Swart, GREENinc | Amy Feng, Square One Studios | Robert Silke, Robert Silke & Partners | Marijke Honig | Tamsin Faragher | Amy Thompson, Yes& Studio | Mokena Makeka | Mphethi Morojele | Stefan Antoni, SAOTA | Theo Kruger & André Krige, TwoFiveFive Architects | David Cohen, Signatura

WHAT IF?

Image by Warren Papier

PLACING UNLIMITED POSSIBILITY AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR AGENDA

Without questions, there are no answers to the world’s greatest conundrums. Without curiosity, we would never move forward. And with forward being the only direction we can afford to move in, we need the members of the industry to probe into the future of their professions.

Gathering the contemplations of endless possibilities, we asked a group of pioneering design minds from across the country to look into the future and imagine limitless realities that could change everything. With an inspired selection of thought-provoking questions and answers to share, we’re venturing into the hypotheticals of what lies ahead.

When the boundaries are removed, how far will the minds of our industry go?

WHAT IF...

WE FULLY EMBRACED TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGNED ALL SURFACES TO BE SMART?

‘What if we fully embraced technology and designed all surfaces to be smart? Through touch we would be able to transform spaces and open new ways of interacting with our environments, giving power to the ordinary citizen to build their own narrative, create new spaces, make connections, and shape society. Our environments could become an ever-changing realm enabling the unexpected. Imagine that world…’

WARREN PAPIER Architect Associate, KMH Architects www.kmh.co.za

WHAT

IF...

THE CITY OF JOBURG ADOPTED A LAISSEZ-FAIRE ZONING POLICY IN THE SUBURBS?

‘After years of a strict division of uses in our city which no longer serves us, our suburbs need a rethink. Large, single-family homes on vast plots no longer serve us. Rezoning processes are too slow and risky, making uncertainty the biggest barrier to development and investment. What if we allowed automatic rights for mediumdensity, mixed-use development on any and all plots? On my street I would love to see a kindergarten, a bakery, a bicycle manufacturer, a nursery, and two hundred residents – instead, I see “For Sale” signs.’

GREGORY KATZ Architect Principal, Gregory Katz Architecture www.gregorykatz.co.za

WHAT IF...

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BECAME SO ADVANCED THAT IT WAS ABLE TO TAKE OVER THE ROLES OF ARCHITECTS?

GILLIAN HOLL Architect Founder, Veld Architects www.veldarchitects.co.za

‘What if Artificial Intelligence became so advanced that it was able to take over the roles of architects? Would it design with nature and humanity in mind or for efficiency and cost only? Would it address congestion, pollution, and waste-disposal in urban areas or only make it worse? Will there be room for creativity and cultural context, or will we end up with a hyper-modern, concrete world where most buildings look the same? Yes, AI will surely bring precision and accuracy to architecture. But for architecture to truly have humanity and nature at the heart, we need architects.’

WHAT IF...

WE ASKED BETTER QUESTIONS?

‘Curiosity is a powerful tool that can unlock many ideas. To successfully arrive at the most desirable solution, we must ask better questions. What if a focus on light, space, and life was the necessary approach to make it possible to design projects that are confident and strong, without being alien to their surroundings? By incorporating South African-rooted experiences, we can create buildings that have powerful connections to the landscapes in which they are located. Through an intuitive approach to what nature intended for these design elements, we can develop spaces that resonate deeply, while balancing the man-made with the natural world.’

PHILIP BARTMAN Architect Senior Associate, SAOTA www.saota.com

WHAT IF...

WE TREATED ARCHITECTURE AND ARCHITECTS IN THE SAME WAY WE TREAT HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND ASKED THEM TO DO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR?

‘I have always believed that architecture is a social art with a strong sense of responsibility towards society. What if we treated architecture and architects in the same way we treat health professionals and asked them to do community service in the public sector? This could help with the distribution of human resources and architectural services to people and areas that are under-resourced; to people and communities that do not have access to the services and skills of the architect. What’s more, it could help our country to provide equitable access to positive, healthy spaces for people, as well as in the development of innovative solutions for our cities – better public spaces for our communities and better designs for government housing.’

EVANDRO SCHWALBACH Professional Architect Associate, Noero Architects www.noeroarchitects.com

WHAT IF...

DESIGN FIRMS COULD OFFER A ‘ONE STOP SHOP’ SOLUTION TO CLIENTS, WITH ALL NECESSARY CONSULTANTS WORKING UNDER ONE ROOF?

‘Imagine it – architects, structural-, civil-, wet-, mechanical-, and electrical-engineers, landscapers, and interior designers, all operating under the same roof. I would love to be able to look across the studio and say, “Hey John, come and have a look to see if this crazy idea can stand up,” and be able to hash out solutions to our most complex design challenges without having to schedule dedicated meetings that require travel and schedule shuffling ad nauseum. Surely that would be a more efficient way to work, with fewer “broken telephone” scenarios. Here’s to a more collaborative working future that’s not just a dream.’

MEGAN HOLMAN Candidate Architect Co-Arc International Architects www.co-arc.com

WHAT IF...

‘My experience with TreeKeepers Cape Town has offered insight into the pros and cons associated with all planting that graces our urban forests. In order to assess the benefits of anything, we need to measure and recognise the real value, ensuring that the asset outweighs the liability. Research demonstrates that the cons are minor compared to the pros, many of which are long term or hidden when it comes to trees. So, what if we all celebrated nature’s majestic towers; managed them wisely; allowed them to provide us with healing energy, and ecological and environmental servicesnot only today, but for future generations, too.’

CLARE BURGESS Landscape Architect Chairperson, TreeKeepers Cape Town www.treekeeperscapetown.org.za

THE VALUE AND MAJESTY OF TREES IN CITIES WAS RECOGNISED BY EVERYONE FOR THE IMMENSE BENEFITS THEY PROVIDE TO ALL?

WHAT IF...

THE LANDSCAPE COULD SPEAK TO US?

‘The landscape is more than its appearance. Textures, smells, and sounds can all contribute to the user’s experience and how we perceive the landscape. We see it in light, which directly affects our appetite, motivation, and ability to focus. Different sounds can add different sensations, which our designs have the ability to produce: the tranquility of the ocean, upbeat music for euphoria, integrations such as Penda’s audio-visual installation, The Soundwave. A design with different smells — that of flowers, the earth after rainfall — contributes to recalling a lost memory. Different materials can also contribute to connecting the user to the design. Although a landscape is beautiful, it is meant to be experienced with the full range of our senses.’

CHARLOTTE SWART Candidate Landscape Architect GREENinc www.greeninc.co.za

WHAT IF...

‘Designing landscapes with exclusively edible plants and fruit trees worldwide presents a transformative possibility to tackle the food security crisis. By promoting local food production in urban and suburban areas, it offers a sustainable solution to reduce food shortages and enhance nutrition. Communities are engaged through shared growing and harvesting experiences, fostering a sense of unity and ownership. Such landscapes support biodiversity, create educational opportunities, and contribute to urban ecosystems' health. The beauty of these landscapes lies in their fusion of functionality and aesthetics, showcasing that productive landscapes can be visually appealing. With collaborative efforts, landscape architects can lead the way in building a more food-secure and resilient future.’

AMY FENG Landscape Architect Operations Manager, Square One Studios www.sq1.au

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS CREATED PLANT PALETTES USING ONLY EDIBLE PLANTS AND FRUIT TREES IN ALL DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THE WORLD TO HELP SOLVE THE FOOD SECURITY CRISIS?

Grow with the people you trust

Tropicana, courtesy of Robert Silke & Partners

Silke and the City

REACHING FURTHER FOR CAPE TOWN’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT

What if positive change for the country’s cultural hub wasn’t just a forgotten blueprint? It has been called one of the best cities in the world, and architect Robert Silke couldn’t agree more – Cape Town is the place to be. For architects like himself, the opportunities to make a difference to the built environment are endless, as well as highly achievable. Sitting down to hear Robert’s thoughts on the future of building in the city, we explored what it means to truly contribute quality and joy to a town budding with potential.

As someone who appears to place design at the forefront of your work, do you feel that architecture as a discipline is inherently more of an art form or a practical endeavour? Or does it naturally strike a balance between the two?

At university, we were taught that architecture is the greatest of all the arts, and by greatest I think they meant that it is physically the largest of the arts; I don't think it can possibly be the greatest of the arts. In fact, I'm not so sure architecture is even an art at all. It's more of a craft, maybe the greatest of the crafts, but not the greatest of the arts. It's a built environment profession, and we're in the business of making things and we try to make them nicely. The difference between arts and crafts comes down to originality. I once read that fine art is something that, when it's good, it's so good that it ought never to be repeated by anyone. That's the bar for originality, whereas craft is the opposite. Craft is if you produce something so well, that it is so good it ought to be repeated by everyone. For architects and craftsmen, originality is not as important as building up generations of skills, and generations of techniques and technologies in order to make quality buildings as it were. We're trying to build a movement in architecture, so that everybody starts producing quality buildings.

Until the 20th century, life was pretty easy for architects in that there was almost a manual as to how to be an architect. You didn't have to be a genius. But we're taught in architecture now that each building has to be totally original, and cannot be based on anything you've seen before; you must reinvent architecture for yourself. Well, the nature of architecture means it’s

not always possible

to do that.

The expectation is to make it art, but it's not necessarily achievable.

Because we're not all artists. The standard of originality that applies to the fine art world, architects have applied to ourselves; we think we must do something truly world changing with every building that we do. In a country like South Africa, where we are effectively building a new built environment, it would help if there was some consensus between architects as to what would be a good thing to do in the city and what kind of direction the building should take, and that we're all on the same page as we try to build a better society.

Do you think a focus on striving for a balance between functionality, beauty, and budget is the way to go for the future of architecture?

It has to be. It's a very practical profession. 90% of what you're dealing with is technology, budgets, technical constraints, and commercial requirements. If you ask neighbours in any neighbourhood if they want a new building in their neighbourhood, they generally don't. Nobody wants a block of flats on their doorstep. My role as an architect is to make acceptable those things which people don't believe should ever have been done in the first place. If you cut to the chase of where environmental politics is going, we shouldn't be building anything. But the craft of the commercial architect is to mitigate these things, so that they are somehow more acceptable. The element of creative arts in architecture can be quantified at a level of about 10%. That's the margin for creativity, and the rest is all budgets and commercial concerns and technical concerns. As an architect, even if you only have a 10% influence on what that building ultimately looks like, you can use your 10% to make that building more joyous and attractive. It’s about getting joy from that kind of making, which we as a practice do when given the opportunity to make something to improve a street.

You've mentioned before that you want to make for a better city with your buildings. What does that mean in terms of your practice and approach?

The streak in society, and particularly in a city like Cape Town, is that it is essentially conservative. This is a town that has a self-image of being 'little Cape Town', despite being a big, heaving city. And we resist the new, which is not a bad instinct to have necessarily, that conservative instinct. But there are a lot of parts of Cape Town that are really not very beautiful. There are large swathes in the city, which are desperately poor, and terribly built, and ugly, but ugly is the least of their problems. There are also parts of the city that are not so poor, and still terribly built. Of course, to be an architect in Cape Town, as one of the greatest city settings in the world, is a privilege. But if you set aside the natural beauty of the city and you just look at the buildings, it's an ordinary city. There's a lot that could be done to improve the built environment.

At the moment, the commercial scene is the biggest scene in town, and all the developers we work for believe that they are improving the cities and improving the suburbs that they are working in. There really is a feeling among them of passion about the built environment. There are far easier ways to make money than to build buildings, so you have to be passionate to be building. The people who come to us, they want to do something special.

Tuynhuys photographed by David Southwood, courtesy of Robert Silke & Partners

ROBERT

@robertlaszlosilke www.robertsilke.com

How do we know we're improving the built environments? When we do a building in a prominent spot, if you can stand outside those buildings, and watch cars slow down, and people stop and take photos and just point and talk. We're not going to change the world with our buildings, we're not going to socially reengineer the cities. We're not going to address homelessness; we're not going to address all of spatial injustice. We can't take an ugly street and turn it into a beautiful street, but certainly if you create a beautiful new building that gives people hope, it creates a little bit of positive sentiment in the air. My favourite point in any construction project is when the scaffold comes down on a façade and people can’t help but look at the building – that’s the joy.

SILKE

Spindle, courtesy of Robert Silke & Partners

VīB, courtesy of Robert Silke & Partners

Your recent project, Spindle, is one everyone's already ogling at. Did you have a personal goal when designing it, and did the history of the area influence your design?

The history of the area and the context of the area – that has to influence the design. It leaks out through the pores of the building, the area that it's in, and sometimes we don't even set out to do that, it just happens. Spindle is a chaotic creative idea, fully based on where it is and the constraints of the absolutely tiny site in the middle of the city centre, but probably one of the most beautiful parts of the city, with incredible architectural heritage around it. Spindle is a tower, it's tall and thin, it literally cannot help itself but ooze out the beauty of its context; it's a product of its context and history within the city.

When we named it Spindle, there was no conscious awareness of the silk spinning history in the area. It was not at the top of our minds. It was that it is on Spin Street, and it's tall and thin, like a spindle. The history was unintentional. It's not to say that there wasn't some subliminal knowledge of the history, but it literally comes to you in the middle of the night, from the depth of your subconscious mind, not predetermined, and it happened to work well as an addition to the city’s story.

Tropicana is our latest and has just started construction in Sea Point. It's another wild new one that we're doing for Signatura and again, you'll see there's a lot of context. It just screams Sea Point.

It seems like something that would have naturally appeared in Sea Point. It couldn't have been a better location for it.

Certainly, and it just comes out that way. We don't do a survey of all the buildings around, but if one's got a feel for the area one tries to build something that encourages and boosts the spirit of that area.

What are you hoping to see more of in Cape Town and what excites you about the possibilities in the city?

When you’re working in a fully developed society, there are very few opportunities to make a change. And if you’re living in most developing societies, the challenges to the built environment are so great that to do one little building is really lost in the developmental challenges of a regular developing city. Cape Town has got this amazing balance, with parts that you can work with which are very highly developed, but they still need a lot of help. It's the most amazing natural setting, but most importantly, it's one of the creative industries in South Africa in which there is a real demand for the skill. Cape Town is this bottomless market, with people that need places to live, and we've got to make room for everyone. It's not a drop in the ocean when you do an eight- or 10-story building beautifully in Cape Town; it's enough to reset everybody's imaginations. The standards are improving. Everyone wants to create something more special and so developers are starting to push the envelope on design.

Flamingo photographed by Paris Brummer, courtesy of Robert Silke & Partners

When we get a building to do, even if it's a little one, we can't help but get excited that there's a chance to positively influence the way the city is going. Cape Town is small enough that a little building can change an environment. The industry has the most tremendous opportunity to reshape the urban environment positively. This is our one big chance to get things right. We're not a particularly wealthy society and we can only afford to build things once. This is not the dress rehearsal. This is it.

Tuynhuys photographed by David Southwood, courtesy of Robert Silke & Partners

Crescent Road, courtesy of Robert Silke & Partners

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Reimagine Robben Island

FACES OF THE FUTURE STUDENT COMPETITION

A SCAPE and Geberit Collaboration

Each year we highlight the budding potential of our youth and launch our Faces of the Future Campaign in line with Youth Month. This year, we wanted to make it more spectacular than ever before, so we called on the help of industry-leading brand Geberit to turn it into a game-changing, career-making collaboration!

We challenged South Africa’s future thought leaders from over 15 universities and tertiary institutions to Reimagine Robben Island. Our goal was to honour the key landmarks and reinspire the passion and appreciation for this legendary living museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The task at hand was to propose a conceptual and functional design approach that holistically reimagines Robben Island, by choosing two out of three key sites – the Maximum Security Prison, the Lighthouse, and the Leper Cemetery – as their focus. To revive the island, the students needed to consider the purpose of the location for locals and visitors alike, how their chosen sites could reignite the island’s legacy, and give a detailed exploration of the access points, transportation, navigation, infrastructure, and the logistics around the island and their chosen landmarks. It needed to not only be inspired and innovative, but also had to be sensitive and respectful, accentuating the island’s legacy of remembrance. Finally, the students needed to base their proposals on the goal of being sustainable and environmentally responsible, while maintaining feasibility, practicality, and clarity. In short, they had to pull out all the stops, and they certainly did!

WHAT IF we could reimagine a site that has been pivotal in shaping the commemoration of our country’s history of resilience? As one of South Africa and the world’s most iconic historical sites, Robben Island serves as a powerful symbol of hope and spirit – one that can inspire and create great impact!

Knowing we would need the keenest of eyes and sharpest of minds to help us judge these dynamic and innovative proposals, we called on the brilliance of dhk’s iconic Derick Henstra (Founding Partner, Executive Chairman) and Guy Briggs (Partner, Director, Head of Urban Design) to make the decision: Who will shine bright enough to claim their place as the 2023 Faces of the Future victor?

It is with great pleasure that we present the incredible shortlisted candidates, the upcoming industry ground breakers, of the SCAPE x Geberit Faces of the Future 2023 Student Competition.

A LASTING IMPRESSION ON THE LANDSCAPE

Restoring a space of growth

For Daniel’s conceptualisation of a revamped Robben Island, he chose to reinvent the Prison Courtyards and the Murray’s Bay Harbour. He decided the prison itself would not be changed, but rather restored, and new garden museums would be introduced. If the prison itself were to change, it risks losing the site’s rich history. However, restoration of the prison to its original condition would do it justice. The gardens represent a space of growth, where ideas about South Africa's freedom were discussed within the walls of the courtyards.

With a goal to make a lasting impression visually and respect the natural environment, readaptation over demolition called attention to bringing about transformative changes on the landscape while also blending into it and respecting the surrounding environment. Creating this seamless integration between the natural and built environments becomes the essence of the island’s story.

THE PHOENIX RISING

Rebirth, resilience, and reincarnation from the ashes

Inspired by the power of revival, Lifa’s approach to redefine and revitalise Robben Island is a deeply mindful reimagining of the island’s rich yet dark history. The goal is for visits to the island to provide a profound architectural experience that combines historical significance with the natural surroundings. Through adaptive reuse of existing buildings and sustainable design principles, Lifa plans to transform the site into a space of education, conservation, and community development.

Looking specifically at the Prison Pavilion and Leper Cemetery Memorial Walk as sites of transformation, Lifa’s reimagining includes designing spaces that engage with visitors while still telling the story of Robben Island, commemorating its history through engagement. With the opportunity for more diversity, Lifa also notices the need for community contributions, making way for local exhibitions that add to the heritage appreciation.

The prison pavilion has 31 panels in which 15 will be constructed from masonry construction. The other 16 will be constructed from The panels have the same height of 3m but vary in concrete that is going to be used is 1 720m2

THE CONVERGENCE OF INTERTWINING HUMANITY

Treading through enlightenment and upliftment

Exploring the call to reimagine Robben Island, Suané embarks on a narrative journey of transformation. What once was dark, oppressed, degrading, and confined has now started to beam vibrant golden rays of optimism, a fresh start, life spurring from the ashes, freedom from the oppression, and upliftment created on an island made for isolation.

From the cosmopolitan Cape Town harbour, a scenic route from the Waterfront extends onto majestic waves soaring towards the island of pilgrimage and solitude. Suané’s approach walks through the barren land leading up to the fortress of confinement.

With a focus on bringing light into a space once dull, Suané aims to use her designs to create a sense of belonging and care on the island through arts, crafts, and community cultivation. Retaining its historical and enlightening values, the island’s redesign will offer to drive new life into it through communal prosperity.

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF FREEDOM

The human spirit over adversity

The awareness of our own existence and the ability to reflect on thoughts, experiences, and emotions was a basis to formulating Aadam and Ziyaad’s approach to a narrative. It embodies the ability to face adversity, overcome challenges, and bounce back from difficult situations with determination and perseverance. In an endeavour to honour the human spirit, Aadam and Ziyaad considered how hope and optimism may be applied to architecture generally in ways that may promote a sense of wellbeing and connection, and facilitate a sense of purpose. If we are able to create buildings and spaces that inspire us, we can inadvertently bolster our inhabitants' own spirit and experience of space.

Their goal was to celebrate our freedom over apartheid and express the victory from detention. The resulting idea is a platform that would symbolise rejuvenation, beauty, contemporary identity, and the battle fought over great adversity, designing urban spaces that facilitated the conservation of local biodiversity, heritage, and the memory of the human spirit over adversity.

R ECO NNECT

Integrating biocentric experience and development on Robben Island

The history of Robben Island and its current tours are indicators of a largely anthropocentric engagement with the landscape. In envisioning a sustainable and inclusive concept for Robben Island, Thuto and Emmanuel asked: What if locals and visitors were to have a biocentric experience of the island’s landscape and its tangible and intangible heritage?

In addition to ‘the triumph [resilience] of the human spirit over adversity, suffering, and injustice,’ the island offers opportunities to also explore the resilience of the ‘ecological spirit’ in order to use both cases as educational tools to enhance the experience of Robben Island.

As part of reimagining Robben Island, Thuto and Emmanuel propose a more engaging and intimate mode of mobility, interactive installations, and developing narratives which minimise adverse impact and maximise the value of the experience overall of the history of human and ecological resilience.

Revolutionising the Architecture and Construction Industry

Embracing Technology for Productivity and Competitiveness

In the fiercely competitive landscape of South Africa's entrepreneurial sphere, businesses face a myriad of challenges, from fluctuating currency values to political uncertainties and infrastructural hurdles. Amidst these obstacles, the architecture industry grapples with an issue that demands urgent attention – the need to improve quality, productivity, and competitiveness.

Over the past two decades, labour-productivity growth in construction has crawled at a paltry 1% per year, a stark contrast to the 2.8% and 3.6% growth experienced by the total world economy and manufacturing, respectively, as revealed in a study by the McKinsey Global Institute.

The international stagnation in construction productivity can be attributed to various factors, including stringent regulations, over-reliance on public sector demand, informality, corruption, industry fragmentation, and mismatches in risk allocations and rewards. Navigating the murky waters of the construction marketplace also poses a significant challenge for project owners, risking subpar project management, execution, and underinvestment in skills development, research, and innovation.

Innovators in the architect and construction industry are already making strides in addressing market disappointments and enhancing productivity. Embracing inventive approaches like generative and additive design, and virtual and augmented reality can potentially skyrocket the sector's productivity by up to 60%. However, reimagining the industry's future doesn't necessarily require reinventing the wheel; it involves reshaping regulations through the infusion of digital technology.

Architects must be trained in new technologies to keep pace with the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. Embracing these new technologies can yield numerous benefits for the industry, including improved building quality, heightened productivity, enhanced competitiveness, reduced costs, and increased sustainability. Innovative technologies can revolutionise the construction process, rendering it more cost-effective and reducing reliance on manual labour. The integration of sustainability-focused technologies also empowers architects to design energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly buildings, making a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.

The path to elevation in the architecture industry lies in a concerted effort from all stakeholders. The future beckons with immense potential – it's time to embrace technology and build a thriving, innovative, and sustainable architecture industry.

INTRODUCING - MATRIX STONE RANGE

THE SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN WALL & FLOOR

What if we could reworld, rewild? Design new behaviours instead of new products, unafraid to undo and redo?

What if buildings were made better for nature, better for people, better for 100 years from now?

What if the now looked more like a dreamscape, or a playscape?

What if we could create buildings that generate more energy than they consume?

What if buildings could be designed to grow and change with the needs of their occupants?

What if we could repurpose waste, collect it all and reimagine it so it becomes something new?

What if cities functioned like forests or wetlands?

What if we planted more tress than we could possibly use…so that trees can grow up to be... Trees?

What if we could create spaces that promote mental and physical well-being?

What if we can use our resources to save water, solve the affordable housing gap, generate our own power, and regenerate our economy?

What if exclusive became inclusive and we knitted cultures together to reimagine an equitable future?

What if we made meatloaf without meat, and grew our own mushrooms?

What if mushrooms were used to make the bricks to insulate our buildings with?

What if together we could create new versions of reality?

WHAT IF WE NEVER STOP ASKING WHAT IF?

Talking the Talk

Introducing the 2023 Trade Show

Seminar Speakers

Rounding up some of the most significant voices in the industry, this year’s SCAPE Trade Show presents a culmination of the hard-hitting but essential questions we all need to be asking. With FIVE Seminars throughout the day, we’re presenting a CPD-accredited opportunity like never before, guaranteed to push your views of the industry to a new level. Our speakers will be exploring the future of the industry by daring to ask questions that count, encompassing everything from resilient landscaping and water-wise urban planning, to compelling design signatures, finding balance in builds, and generating carbonconscious cities.

So, developers, architects, interior designers, makers, engineers, builders, landscape designers, and students of the trade – it's time to gather under one roof to illuminate the industry and push the boundaries of what could be possible.

Bring your best ideas for the post-seminar Q&A sessions, and be ready to question what you know, because these are going to be no ordinary talks...

7 September 2023

The Lookout, V&A Waterfront Seminar Schedule

HEADLINE SPONSOR:

SCAPE TRADE SHOW 2023 Programme

SAVE US FROM OURSELVES

11:15

AFRICA’S

CARBON SMART CITIES

12:00

THE BALANCING ACT

by:

Presented by: Stefan Antoni (SAOTA), André Krige & Theo Kruger (TwoFiveFive Architects), David Cohen (Signatura)

15:00 - 16:00

16:00 - 17:30

09:30 - 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30

REACTIVE ARCHITECTURE

14:15

12:30 - 14:00 LUNCH

STUDENT COMPETITION AWARDS AND EVENT PRIZES

COCKTAILS AND DJ ON THE DECK

WHAT IF WE KNEW WHAT CAME NEXT?

Trends of the Future Panel

Presented by: Marijke Honig, Tamsin Faragher, and Amy Thompson

Presented by: Mokena Makeka

Presented

Mphethi Morojele

Presented by: Robert Silke

SAVE US FROM OURSELVES

Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes for Tomorrow’s Generation

Amy Thompson is the bright co-founder and director of Yes& Studio, a landscape architecture firm in Cape Town that brings a fresh perspective to the industry. Amy's impressive recognitions and excellent academic talents make her a top player in the industry and a voice to be heard.

Amy’s talk will use real world examples to detail potential approaches to mitigate the impacts of climate change on cityscapes, putting forth that Landscape Architects and other designers can no longer afford to ‘solve one problem well’, but rather need to be pluralists, creating multifunctional public spaces.

Sponsored by Water Wise, Rand Water, who believe that as members of the Green Industry it is imperative to truly understand and appreciate the value and benefits that we derive from water in our landscapes. Water Wise works to aid role players in creating water wise landscapes by designing, implementing, and maintaining strict water wise principles. Their goal is to inform and educate both clients and staff to be truly water wise.

Tamsin Faragher is a professional Landscape Architect, with a keen eye for landscape planning, particularly with consideration of the issue of water sensitivity within the local environment. As an integral part of the City of Cape Town’s Resilience Planning, Tamsin brings her wisdom on the importance of the link between the landscape and water in a city like Cape Town.

Tamsin will be asking ‘What if we used ubuntu to build resilient cities?’ Is ubuntu – ‘the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity’ – the same as resilience? Join Tamsin for an exploration that demystifies resilience, highlights the potential of ubuntu in city-making, and accelerates action.

Botanist, Landscape Designer, Author – Marijke Honig’s expertise in the landscape industry are immense. Her work is guided by a keen focus on indigenous landscapes and what resilience means in the local context as she explores her passion for urban ecosystems.

Marijke will be considering how resilient landscape design may require a change of focus and priorities, imagining a world that is resilient, adaptive, biodiverse, and fair, where people live in a reciprocal relationship with Nature.

Presented by Marijke Honig, Tamsin Faragher, and Amy Thompson

AFRICA’S CARBON SMART CITIES

Bio-based Architecture and Urbanism as a Pathway Forward

Presented by Mokena Makeka

Mokena Makeka is a multi-hyphenate powerhouse in the Architecture and Design profession. Most recently appointed as the SAIA President for 2023-2024, he is also the Owner and Founder of Makeka Design Lab, a Principal at Dalberg Advisors, a scholar, theoretician, and all-round industry leader.

Bringing insight from years of experience in urbanism and design, Mokena’s seminar will be asking: How can bio-based architecture and urbanism provide a pathway for community, climate, circularity, and capital? The potential for architecture to lead innovation toward ecological renewal, innovation prosperity, and inclusive economies surely exists, but that is only the beginning. This talk dares to analyse this prospective direction from the future, along with how we can take the power of architecture lightyears into the future.

Sponsored by Sika, a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Their products and systems, backed by comprehensive service packages, are carefully tailored to local market and client needs, committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, innovative, sustainable, and longlasting solutions. In an ever-evolving world, Sika emerges as a catalyst for change, endeavoring to bring about positive transformation for all. Their outlook extends beyond the immediate, embracing a panoramic view of global megatrends like climate change and urbanisation. Sika dedicates themselves to forging sustainable solutions that not only address present concerns but also shape a brighter future for both the environment and generations yet to come. That’s how Sika builds trust: by always delivering more than expected.

THE BALANCING ACT

Designing for Communities

Presented by Mphethi Morojele

As a Professional Architect, Mphethi Morojele is celebrated in the industry for his game-changing engagement in the landscapes across Africa. Mphethi is recognised around the world for the contemporary understanding and consideration of his work. As a figurehead of his profession, his contributions include everything from designs and builds to lecturing, cultural involvement, and serving on a number of advisory boards.

The importance of community involvement from the design concept is essential to promoting a move towards public spaces that include the needs of all residents. In his seminar, Mphethi will consider how this can be achieved and the role of architecture and urban planning in promoting social equity and justice.

Sponsored by Fourways Group and Samsung Air Solutions. Collaboratively they provide every space, from residential to large commercial projects, with innovative, quality-driven and personalised heating and cooling solutions like you've never seen before. The Samsung Air Conditioning ranges have been designed with worldclass technology from the ground up to be outstandingly efficient for your every heating and cooling need, while maintaining style and sustainability.

REACTIVE ARCHITECTURE

Developing a Compelling Architectural Trademark Aesthetic

Presented by Robert Silke

Robert Silke is an industry figure that graces the streets with designs that speak for themselves. Not only the founder of the firm Robert Silke & Partners, he is also known for his iconic, vibrant designs that revive the city. As one of the country’s most exciting architects, his inspired practice is guaranteed to permeate the show.

For Robert's talk on Reactive Architecture, he will be expanding on how to create a signature style as an architect, developing a trademark aesthetic where pedestrians and the layman alike are brought to a halt in front of your work, answering the question: What creates this compelling or visceral reaction to a building? This talk will also cover what considerations to take into account when preparing a brief for a developer, while still maintaining your signature.

Sponsored by Flush Bathrooms, South Africa’s top bathroom supplier of quality tapware and sanware. They take great pride in assisting architectural and design teams with bathroom specification for their individual projects, understanding the complexity of the plumbing process. There every step of the way, they offer a high level of involvement to ensure that all their clients’ projects run smoothly from beginning to end.

WHAT IF WE KNEW WHAT COMES NEXT?

A

Panel Discussion

by Stefan Antoni, David Cohen, André Krige and Theo Kruger

Looking into the future and imagining their profession, the panel considers how they might be designing in the future... Presenting their own 'What If?', the focus is on what the future trends might be, ideas around the industry, and new ways of building. This panel is all about looking ahead, and looking into the next big thing, not just those of the here and now. We're asking them: What do you think comes next?

Stefan Antoni

Stefan Antoni is known for being a leader in the breathtaking architecture of South Africa and beyond. As the Director of SAOTA, he has soared as an outstanding creator and thinker, having made a name for his team with global recognition by creating builds of a world-class caliber.

André Krige and Theo Kruger are a dynamic design duo known for cultivating a unique aesthetic which prioritises putting contemporary society’s needs first. Not only professional architects, they share the titles of co-founders and directors of TwoFiveFive Architects, a firm celebrated for its striking style and stunning quality.

David Cohen is the Managing Director at Signatura – one of South Africa’s most groundbreaking property development firms. With diverse experience across the industry, David brings a deep understanding of innovation and growth in the property development sector.

The Panel Discussion is sponsored by Kansai Plascon – the largest coating supplier in Southern Africa with a proud history of over 130 years in the supply of decorative, professional, industrial, protective, and automotive products. The company’s ethos, to design products through constant innovation and groundbreaking technologies, is what drives Kansai Plascon’s growth, as they strive to meet every need of the architect, developer, asset owner, and contractor.

David Cohen

André Krige & Theo Kruger

David Cohen

STAND 01

The Installation Station What If we could harvest seawater?

This thought-provoking question opens a realm of possibilities and potential innovations. Seawater, which covers about 70% of our planet's surface, has traditionally been considered too saline for most practical uses. However, advancements in technology and scientific understanding are challenging this notion. Delegates are encouraged to interact with this envelope-pushing installation! Visit our self-service, non-alcoholic seawater cocktail bar in collaboration with Studio H and Pienaar & Son. Help yourself to a taste of the future.

STAND 03

Rain Bird Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. Since their inception in 1933, Rain Bird has been awarded more than 450 patents, including the first in 1935 for the horizontal action impact drive sprinkler. Rain Bird also supplies a wide range of high-quality irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments, and homes in more than 130 countries around the world. www.rainbird.com

STAND 05

Hunter Industries is a global manufacturer of products for all irrigation, outdoor lighting, dispensing technology, and custom manufacturing sectors. The family-owned company offers a full spectrum of water and energy-efficient solutions for residential, commercial, municipal, and agricultural applications. Designed with the demands of irrigation professionals in mind, the current Hunter irrigation product line includes pop-up, gear-driven rotors, rotary nozzles, spray sprinklers, valves, controllers, central controllers, professional landscape drips, and weather sensors. www.hunterindustries.com

STAND 02

Execuflora offers indoor plants rentals and interior landscaping services that promise beauty for every budget! Their tailor-made options allow you the freedom of choice to create the perfect space. Through the years, Execuflora has emerged as a market leader, servicing in excess of 90 000 planters per week for over 3000 clients nationally. Their clients include medium and small businesses, malls and shopping centres, corporate offices, and hotels and restaurants. Execuflora believes in the impact of plants beyond aesthetics, and are passionate about helping you integrate the benefits to health, wellbeing, productivity, and financial savings. www.execuflora.co.za

STAND 04

Talborne Organics is a manufacturer and distributor of innovative, organic product ranges, including fertilizers, soil conditioners, pest and disease control, and much more. Talborne caters for sustainable farmers, retail garden centres, landscape architects, contractors, turf care clients, and gardeners across Southern Africa. They offer healthy, safe, and sustainable options that perform to professional standards on all projects. www.talborne.co.za

STAND 06

Revelstone are the manufacturers and suppliers of Quality Cast Stone Products, producing exclusive alternatives to real stone as a result of their continued in-depth studies of the craft of stone masonry and design. Featuring their brand new Devon Paver, they will be displaying an installed version of the product, giving an in-situ look at what this product makes possible. With its hand-finished acid etched texture which gives a unique, smooth, non-slip finish, making it ideally suited for outdoor areas, this Paver from the custom-made Devon Range is Revelstone’s latest reveal. www.revelstone.co.za

STAND 07

Tilt Screens brings everything you need to transform your space with their perforated aluminium screens and products for architecture. For every product or project, they apply the same principles; less material and components, reduced manufacture processes, and design integrity, with the option of custimisations. Integrating perforated designs from an extensive range of on-trend patterns, their screens offer different levels of coverage, ventilation, sun control, and privacy – suitable for façades, cladding, and partition applications, or as dividers, balustrades, and enclosures. The result is a design solution that gives you a modern high-end aesthetic, with longevity and functional building benefits. www.tiltscreens.co.za

STAND 09

With stylish, timeless appeal and impressive sustainability credentials, the enduring hues and textures of Clay Brick look beautiful for a lifetime. Clay brick is a natural insulator against winter cold, summer heat, humidity, and noise. Clay brick is well known for its impressive strength, stability, and maximum fire resistance. Genuine clay brick is the original long-life, no-hassle building material - it does not burn, rot, tarnish, fade, rust, scuff, peel, or erode, and needs minimal maintenance. CBASA represents clay brick and paver manufacturers across Southern Africa and drives inclusive, sustainable practices in the industry, inspiring energy-efficient, stylish, contemporary architecture. www.claybrick.org

STAND 11

With almost 150 years of experience, Geberit's passion for design and technology inspires products which perfect the balance between elegant design and outstanding functionality. Their latest innovation, the Geberit SuperTube, is a hydraulically optimised drainage solution for high-rise buildings. A forward-thinking space gaining system, the ingenious flowoptimised technology creates a continuous column of air in the discharge pipe, meaning a parallel ventilation pipe is no longer required. What's more, the horizontal pipelines can be can be laid to a length of up to six metres, without a slop, creating more usable, uninterrupted floor space. www.geberit.co.za

STAND 08

Stiles is all about keeping things stylish, in your home, your office, your restaurant, and any space you can imagine! The goal at Stiles is to be exclusive and unique, offering only the best quality tiles and sanitaryware in South Africa. Along with importing products from top factories across the globe, they pride themselves in being a community-driven South African company, supporting local industry, artisans, and artists. They believe in the tiles and sanitaryware they market, and employ creative people with an enthusiasm to keep all things stylish, making them leaders in service, technical advice, creative ability, and innovative ideas. www.stiles.co.za

STAND 10

TAL, with a 50-year track record, is the go-to choice in the tiling and construction sector. As a leading player, they provide multi-level systems for tiling, floor levelling, waterproofing, polyurethane, epoxy floor coverings, concrete repair, and surface treatments. Their product performance is backed by on-site support, offering value-added services including technical specifications, on-site advice, training, and project support. With ISO 17025 (1348:2007) accreditation, the TAL laboratory upholds quality, complemented by accessible technical advisors, and their national technical advice line underscores their commitment to sharing expertise across the industry. Visit the TAL stand to meet the team and view their product systems. www.tal.co.za

STAND 12

The Gerflor Group create, manufacture, and market innovative, decorative, sustainable flooring solutions and wall finishes to meet the needs of every customer, while still complementing their environment. Gerflor provides expert advice and consultations to every individual’s requirement by offering a world class pre- to post-installation customer service. With a display that covers a variety of products suitable for all market segments in healthcare, education, retail, offices, residential, hospitality, industry, and sport, Gerflor is a step in the direction of worldclass flooring solutions. Gerflor guarantees a wide range of high-quality, cost-effective, low-maintenance, and beautifully innovative finishes. www.gerflor.co.za

STAND 13

Trees South Africa offers a wide selection of trees – from indigenous and exotic to special feature trees. Their nurseries hold stock of trees in a variety of sizes, whether the landscape requires a tree that’s 2.5m tall or a tree that’s 15m tall. Every single one of their trees is hand-selected for vigour, structure, and form, typical to species, and each installation is planned, treated, and quoted as an independent project. Trees SA guarantee trees that are robust, top-quality, and hardened-off. Their dedicated team expertly grows, delivers, and installs large trees; most importantly, they ensure that they flourish in the Trees SA nursery and in the landscape. www.trees-sa.co.za

STAND 15

Gloelec distributes exceptional electrical products to the wholesale trade, with a focus on sourcing and supplying quality-approved products and solutions. Over the years, Gloelec has developed into an established key provider of high-standard, leading branded products in the installation and Industrial Switchgear markets, providing not only consistent quality, but also practical information and solutions to meet customers’ everchanging requirements. Their brands include the popular Onesto Products and MCE Electric, which include Circuit Breakers, Matrix, Oracle and Trinity Wiring Accessory ranges, as well as O-Lite quality lighting and a range of excellent industrial products. www.gloelec.co.za

STAND 17

By Seamless Flooring Systems, Quartz Carpet is a remarkable flooring solution that seamlessly combines beauty, durability, and comfort. Its unique blend of naturally sourced quartz granules creates a stunning, smooth surface that adds a touch of elegance to any space. Not only is Quartz Carpet visually appealing, but it is also highly resistant to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications. On the other hand, PLAYSAFE playground flooring offers a safe and fun environment for children to play. Its innovative design provides excellent impact absorption, protecting kids from potential injuries while they enjoy endless hours of playtime. With Quartz Carpet and PLAYSAFE, safety and style go hand in hand! www.seamlessflooring.co.za

STAND 14

ProNature are the first and leading producer of natural surface coatings in South Africa, manufacturing in Cape Town since 1998. Their Timber Stains and Sealers, Hardwax Oils, Wood and Wall Paints, Stone Sealants, and Maintenance and Care Products contain only natural and sustainable ingredients to provide ecologically sound coatings. The ProNature Chemists are the pioneers of natural finishes, following European paint technologies, Green Standards, and forecasts, and with over 40 years of German Expertise, they ensure equivalent to international coating systems. Their Interior and Exterior Wood Sealers are available in 60 Standard Colours, as well as Customized Colours to empower your unique designs. www.pronature.co.za

STAND 16

Rubio Monocoat is the go-to brand when it comes to high-quality and environmentally friendly protection of wood. Their advanced technology of molecular binding makes their oils not only durable but also extremely economical and user-friendly. The Rubio Monocoat oil adheres – within a couple of minutes – to the upper microns in the wood by a strong molecular binding (no film forming, no saturation). This unique technology has set Rubio Monocoat apart from other wood protection products for many years. Rubio Monocoat offers a comprehensive product portfolio that includes Interior and Exterior Oils, Stains, and Wood Creams, as well as preparation and aftercare products. www.rubiomonocoat.com

STAND 18

Safal Steel is the sole manufacturer of Aluminium-Zinc coated steel coils in Southern Africa. Their steel coating is the most widely used alloy worldwide to deliver extended service life to steel and offer excellent thermal efficiency. The Safal manufacturing processes are also amongst the greenest of any steel producers in Africa; air emissions and water usage are minimised, and up to 95% of all waste produced (including steel) is recycled. Safal Steel’s latest collections feature durable steel products made to suit the South African climate. Both the Zincal and Colorplus ranges provide a reliable and protective alternative to steel building exteriors, available in a variety of colours and finishes which contribute to aesthetics while maintaining quality. www.safalsteel.com

Maclaren Clime Pro

• THE MOST SILENT ALL IN ONE AIRCONDITIONER WITH INVERTER TECHNOLOGY

• NOW WITH VRC TECHNOLOGY

• ONLY DOUBLE DUCT AIRCONDITIONER WITH R32 GAS

• INVISIBLE EXTERNAL GRILL

• AIR FRESH INTAKE IS YOUR SOLUTION FOR SPACES THAT AS POOR VENTILATION OR WHEN INDOOR AIR BECOMES STAGNANT.

STAND 19

Graytex Metals is a specialist provider of the most extensive, bespoke, and diverse range of local and imported metal finishing applications in South Africa. As the sole distributor and agent of Rimex Metal Group’s products for Sub-Saharan Africa and a wide range of local and imported products, Graytex Metals remain at the forefront of technology that guarantees to produce textured and patterned metals that are functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. www.graytexmetals.co.za

STAND 21

HSN is a regional leader in supplying hard landscape and natural stone products to increase the beauty of landscape design, minimising the environmental impact and maintenance, and reducing the production cost of projects. Their knowledge of their selected stones and understanding of the chemical and physical properties at site allows HSN to reduce the chemical requirements to protect and seal their stones. www.hsnsouthafrica.co.za

STAND 23

XTONE is a company specialised in large format surfaces through two product lines: sintered stone and natural stone. It has a wide range of finishes and thicknesses, which allows the material to adapt to any environment and application. XTONE is a benchmark brand in the national and international markets, with a reputation based on values such as innovation and quality. Their surfaces are 100% natural and recyclable, waterproof, hygienic, and resistant to scratches and ice, making them perfect for spaces characterised by beauty, functionality, and longevity. www.xtone-surface.com/en

STAND 20

LEDVANCE is one of the world's leading companies in the lighting industry, redefining the role of light in a connected world. Their customers benefit from the transformation of light into real savings through intelligent energy solutions, solar technology, and improved working and living environments with their lighting systems. LEDVANCE is committed to contributing to a greener planet by reducing CO2 emissions and waste through sustainable products, solutions, and processes. Ultimately, they focus on putting the power of light into the hands of their employees and stakeholders to contribute to a better quality of life on a greener planet. www.ledvance.com

STAND 22

Sonae Arauco, a leading provider of wood-based decorative products, is excited to introduce four captivating décors joining the Innovus Woodgrains Collection. This expansion reflects Sonae Arauco's commitment to innovation and their dedication to meeting the evolving needs of interior designers, architects, industry professionals, and manufacturers. The latest collection is a testament to their commitment to turning ideas into innovative projects. From the warmth and natural splendour of Woodgrains to the urban accents of Fantasies and the simplicity of Unicolours, the Innovus range offers unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, ensuring you find the perfect choices to bring your visions to life. www.sonaearauco.co.za

STAND 24

The future of wellness is now! Technogym creates smart wellness solutions for fitness clubs, hotels, cruises, medical centres, and residential and multi-family spaces. Your bespoke project requirements will be met with innovative solutions by the Technogym team. Create a space with cardio, strength, and functional equipment, all expertly crafted with contemporary design. You can discover more with the new digital interface for Technogym equipment, with engaging and motivating content. The Mywellness suite of innovative digital products also helps developers and professionals manage their business and improve customers’ lifestyles, keeping them active at the gym, home, or wherever they may be. www.technogym.co.za

STAND 25

All of your PVC vinyl flooring products, under one roof! Wherever your project takes you, Amari Trading’s vinyl flooring range can deliver. Their different shades, applications, and versatile finishes will see your residential, commercial, hospital, school, sporting, and industrial projects well covered. Amari Trading also hosts a wide range of decorative wall coverings and cladding options in their PVC range that take their offerings to far more than just flooring products. Expect to be dazzled with a range of vinyl solutions all on display at this year’s event! Sheeting, moldings, upholstery, insulation mats, geomembranes – they’ve got what you need for your next project. www.amaritrading.co.za

STAND 27

Classic Stone designs and manufactures a unique range of Furniture, Planters, Water Features, and other speciality items. All their products are expertly handmade from a reinforced, reconstituted stone material before being carefully and highly finished. Several of their furniture pieces will be on show at this year’s event, including the Modern Round Table and Wedge Seats, and the new Pebble Seats. Also on show at their exhibit will be the Classic Stone Nova Planters and Small Fire Brazier, a must-see! www.classicstone.co.za

STAND 29

Habit (Home and Building Integrated Technology) is a specialised distributor of high-end European light switches and home and building automation technology. Habit believes in technology that simplifies your life and saves energy. www.ha3it.co.za

STAND 26

Maclaren Air will be launching a very first in Africa: the NEW MACLAREN range of all-in-one air conditioners. Maclaren’s innovative design of the new generation air conditioner, without an outdoor unit, provides a solution for the most complex of installations. Maclaren air conditioners are Italian designed, with building aesthetics in mind. The slim and modern design distinguishes itself from other air conditioners in its category. The new range will complement any room, ideal for hotel rooms, apartments, and executive offices. Maclaren strives to be the leader in environmental sustainability. Therefore, the new range of Maclaren console type air conditioners is supplied with the energy efficient R32 refrigerant. www.ust.co.za

STAND 28

Enbaya Prepaid Meters gives property investors, managers, and developers access to innovative cloud-based utility management services, devices, and solutions for greater peace of mind. Coupled with technical support seven days a week, Enbaya Meters provides a full range of prepaid and smart meters for electricity, gas, and water. Through its portfolio of offerings, the company celebrates a growing legacy of innovation in utility sub-metering products, value-aligned services, and customised solutions, spearheading a ‘smarter, not harder’ approach to the future of utility sub-metering. www.prepaidmeters.co.za

STAND 30

Solar4Life provides energy solutions such as Hybrid Systems, Offgrid Systems, Back-up Power Systems, and Grid Tie Systems. They offer a future-proof solution with hand-selected, industry-leading panels and inverters, combined with expert installation by experienced professionals, which guarantee savings and efficiency. You can trust in their commitment to quality and excellence for a long-lasting, reliable, and sustainable energy source. Invest in the best with Solar4Life! www.solar4life.online

Betafence is a premier provider of fencing products in South Africa, with over 25 years of experience in the local industry. Their products are used to protect a diverse range of sites, from lifestyle estates and critical infrastructure to a new range of residential fences. Having supplied over 2000 km of fencing in just 5 years, Betafence makes it easier than ever to buy and install secure fencing on any site. www.shop.betafence.co.za

Delta Scan is a Specialist Engineering Inspection, Digitisation, and BIM Company founded by a team of professionals in the Civil and Structural Engineering and GIS Industries. They work to digitise the world around us to create powerful Analytical 3D Models that extract Engineering Value, combining cutting edge Aerial Platforms and Scanning Technology together with 3D Digitization, Artificial Intelligence, and Engineering Analysis Principles. With a goal of improving efficiency, lowering costs, and providing comprehensive information, Delta Scan helps you make better-informed decisions. www.deltascan.global

We’ve been growing, relocating, delivering, planting and maintaining mature trees for over 30 years. Our expertise and range of over 15 000 ready-to-plant mature trees make us perfect for any domestic or commercial instant landscape transformation.

the mature tree expert

Call us now to buy trees from our wholesale nursery, or visit www.trees-sa.co.za to learn more about us.

STAND 33

Pictech Trading makes it possible for you to take your business or home to new heights with their cutting-edge commercial air conditioning solutions, combining advanced technology with precise temperature control. Designed to meet the unique demands of the workspace or home environments, their range of systems provide optimal cooling performance, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere and the perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency. With unparalleled cooling efficiency, their AC units are the epitome of reliability and performance. www.pictech.co.za

STAND 34

With a wealth of know-how in landscaping and architectural fields, BERA develops, manufactures, and distributes green products and system solutions for the gardens, landscapes, and urban spaces of professional landscaping architects and contractors. As an innovative green solutions company, BERA specialises in stabilisation systems and prestigious outdoor living concepts. These include gravel stabilisation in driveways and parking areas, as well as planting water management, providing solutions that are sustainable in their manufacture and application. www.bera-bv.com

STAND 35

Duroplastic is a well-established South African company that was founded in 1986 to supply composite materials to trade and industry. Since its humble beginnings operating out of a garage in Muizenberg, Duroplastic has become a major supplier of a wide range of materials and products in Sub-Saharan African, with four branches nationwide in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and George. They manufacture and stock a diverse range of products, including polycarbonate and fibre glass roofing materials, flat sheeting, multiwall glazing sheeting, composite materials, sanware, storage cabinets, awnings, and much more. www.duroplastic.com

CLAY PAVING FOR GOOD

Clay pavers offer a stylish, timeless appeal with impressive sustainability credentials.

Ceramic clay pavers are also low maintenance and tough enough to cope with high levels of loading for life. They will never fade in corrosive industrial or coastal environments and the textured finish remains safely slip-resistant in wet or frosty conditions.

CBASA represents clay brick & paver manufacturers across Southern Africa.

Free technical and construction guides for clay bricks & pavers at www.claybrick.org

STYLE SUSTAIN SAVE SECURE

Photo courtesy of Corobrik

ALL YOUR ESSENTIAL TOOLS IN ONE

Imagine being able to manage numerous essential landscaping and gardening tasks with a single machine. Less clutter, less hassle of storing and transporting various pieces of bulky equipment, and best of all – no fuel costs!

The STIHL KMA 135 R is part of the innovative KM KombiSystem, and offers a single high-performance, battery-powered tool that powers a variety of optional attachments. Because the KombiSystem is battery-powered, the noise levels are so low that you can work wherever and whenever you need to, guaranteeing total convenience and flexibility. An additional benefit is that this tool has zero emissions and low vibration levels for enhanced operator comfort, even with extended work periods, for optimal productivity.

The diverse selection of attachments that can accompany the tool means all your needs are met in one place. The FCB-KM edge trimmer and HL-KM hedge trimmer ensure the neatest lawns, flower beds, hedges, and shrubs. Higher branches up to three metres, as well as woody shrubs, are taken care of with the HT-KM pole pruner. The FS-KM brush cutter will cover all your grass, weed, and overgrown vegetation requirements, and the FH-KM scrub cutter makes for easy trimming in tight areas with a rotation of up to 145 degrees. STIHL leaves no stone unturned, so once the dirty work is done, the BG-KM blower and KB-KM bristle brush sweeper are there to clean and remove dirt, leaves, and grass clippings from the deepest of grooves.

Whether you’re working in peak traffic or noise-sensitive areas, the RG-KM rotary cutting head allows you to easily remove weeds and grass from a variety of surfaces including gravel, asphalt, and paving, with its low spin action reducing the potential for thrown debris like stones, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to nearby objects – like passing cars or windows.

By matching the potential of petrol-powered products, the KombiSystem KMA 135 R delivers a professional-grade performance every time. An added plus is that for longer run times, the battery slot can support an onboard battery or a backpack battery.

Extremely energy-efficient and practically maintenance free, the KMA 135 R and the KM KombiSystem attachments provide professionals with a diverse range of must-have tools for multiple landscaping tasks. What are you waiting for? Get this machine on your team today!