To Build Publication - Volume 12 l Issue 1

Volume 12 Issue 1 March 2022

Colour

your space this Autumn

How to

reinvest your property investment March 2022 R45.00 Incl. VAT

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Italian

retro style bathrooms

Fireplaces: Style & safety

Ready-2-Fit

By Swartland

Roadmap for SA property developers Rebuilding South Africa one artisan at a time

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ED’S NOTE

Despite numerous problems in the wake of Covid-19 and the slump in the economy, the news from ground zero is that things are slowly improving for the construction sector.

One phenomenon, as we emerged from the lockdowns, has been the repurposing of existing buildings. Certain developers report that ‘urban resorts’ are signaling widespread interest from mobile and working professionals. Investment in residential units are attracting first-time buyers as well as property investors.

The younger generations, notably millennials, appear to be drawn to this style of living. Certain property developers of hotel apartments, repurposed empty office blocks or urban resorts report that their investors are seeing value in the significant long-term returns on their investment, while also ensuring an enhanced quality of life in cases of owner-occupation.

Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za

Meanwhile, the allowance for private embedded power generation in the country without a Nersa license was moved from 1 MW to 100 MW by the State President during 2021. This represents a significant opportunity for growth in construction in this sector and for employment outside of the government’s REIPPP.

To Build Publication @To_Build @to_build_publication

In an interview with Wido Schnabel, the Chairperson of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) , he confirmed that South Africa already has as high as 2.5 - 2.6 GW of embedded renewable energy, privately funded and owned, spread across multiple rooftops and other larger installations. Recent research done by SAPVIA shows this to be the case and that this energy also feeds back to the grid in many instances, already helping the country to minimise loadshedding during the daylight hours.

Speaking on behalf of SAPVIA, Schnabel said that in the light of the new 100MW self-generation allowance, there would be swift uptake in embedded projects.

It has been reported that the City of Cape Town will be the first to consider proposals from IPPs for embedded power projects between 5–20 MW under the allowance, which will permit it to access an affordable and reliable electricity supply in the light of loadshedding. It will also help the City to reduce its reliance on Eskom during peak times of use. Proposals from a range of bidders, including generationonly projects, generation-plus-storage projects, and storage-only projects are being considered.

Schnabel believes that energy storage is the key to bringing the country to a point of meeting its needs without loadshedding. Storage battery cost is now considerably cheaper than when the government introduced its REIPPP programme 10 years ago, and internationally the cost of solar PV generation is cheaper than all other means of generation. Now we can both produce and install renewable energy, without the intermittency.

However, it could take as long as 10 years for the country to achieve a sound energy supply again, but it is good news to see the green shoots.

Gareth 4

volume 12 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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CONTENTS 6

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30

INTERIORS Fireplaces: Style & safety

30

INTERIOR DESIGN Redesign of Constitution Hill’s Old Fort interior

34

Sanctuary and progress, our evolving homes ED’S NOTE

4

New decorative product range

15

NEWS & VIEWS Decorex 2022 moves into gear

COVER STORY Ready-2-Fit by Swartland

Fatal collapsed mall to rise again

ARCHITECTURE Merino Mall celebrates site’s legacy

10 11

New CEO takes the reins at SAWEA

12

EDITOR’S CHOICE Technically advanced knives & multi tools tested

14

Bespoke acrylic formed designs

15

18

22

36

ENGINEERING Redevelopment aided by construction chemicals

42

LANDSCAPING Do it for nature… do it for you

44

GARDENS Work your garden this autumn

ARCHITECTURE: OPINION How to reinvest your property investment

46

CONSTRUCTION LAW Choose your adjudicator wisely

48

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28

QUANTITY SURVEYORS Leadership change for industry association

ARTISINAL FEATURE FOCUS Rebuilding South Africa one artisan at a time

50

GEBERIT AQUACLEAN MERA

BEAUTIFULLY CLEVER

DESIGN MEETS FUNCTION

FOR A FRESH-OUT-OF-THE-SHOWER FEELING Experience the gentle cleaning with water with the Geberit AquaClean shower toilets. You can then enjoy the fresh and clean feeling all day long. In every situation. www.geberit.co.za

CONTENTS & CREDITS

60

Back to basics: reprioritise artisanal training

74

52

DIGGERS DIY Pocket hole jigs

56

PROPERTY Roadmap for SA property developers

58

BATHROOMS Italian retro style bathrooms

60

FLOORS The new concrete, only not…

66

KITCHENS Laying out a kitchen?

72

COATINGS & PAINT Colour your space this autumn

74

CEMENT & CONCRETE Leading cement manufacturer calls for responsible practices

70

HVAC Flexible HVAC solutions: Case study

78

CEILINGS Protecting against the wet winter

80

INSULATION Working from home & climate comfort

84

A word on QA from TIPSASA

86

Publisher Elroy van Heerden elroy@tobuild.co.za Head of Editorial Tashne Singh editorial@mediaxpose.co.za

6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 | Tel: 021 424 3625 l Fax: 086 270 9693 Email: info@tobuild.co.za | Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za To Build Publication

@To_Build

Cover Credit:

Picture Credit: 123rf.com | pixabay.com

Printed by:

@to_build_publication

Distribution:

ON THE DOT

Editor Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za Sub-Editor Tessa O'Hara tessa.ohara@gmail.com Content Manager Wadoeda Adams artwork@mediaxpose.co.za Editorial Contributors Adv Bryan Hack Des Schnettler Ettienne van Niekerk Diggers DIY Erina Botha Gareth Grittish Imaging Kim Williams Marlize Fourie and Lance Cohen Rick Volker Shaun Roos Stuart Williams

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Superior air comfort and energy saving you can bank on

88

GREEN BUILDING Existing building EPC measures a catalyst?

90

Design and Layout Anja Bramley artwork1@mediaxpose.co.za Shaun Mays artwork2@mediaxpose.co.za Advertising Sales Manager Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za Advertising Sales Jacqui Marsh jacqui@tobuild.co.za Social Media Coordinator Kyla van Heerden social@mediaxpose.co.za Distribution & Subscriptions Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za Retail Distribution: On The Dot Chief Financial Officer Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za Receptionist Daniëla Daniels receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za

Media Partnerships Maurisha Niewenhuys maurisha@mediaxpose.co.za Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

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volume 12 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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NEWS & VIEWS

Decorex 2022

moves into gear The organisers of a transformed Decorex 2022 invite participants and visitors to adapt, rethink and redefine.

RX Africa Using the radical power of curation, and combining high-value content with hardworking mechanics, Decorex Africa will transform into a hybrid marketplace and growth accelerator.

The organisers have announced that for the first time, Decorex Joburg and 100% Design South Africa will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre – the heart of Johannesburg’s economic hub.

“This move to a world-class, technologically advanced and centrally located venue reflects Decorex Africa’s vision for the future and will ensure unmatched accessibility for design lovers from across Gauteng – and further afield.” say the organisers.

Both are highly curated shows, managed by the industry-leading RX Africa, to feature innovations in homeware, architecture and lifestyle products for the residential, commercial, hospitality and office sector.

A series of new features with curation at its core and guided by key insights will also be launched. Each addresses a specific need, desire, gap or opportunity, including Campus, Unorthodox, Shop Decorex, Future Present, Circular Lab and Material Futures.

Sitting alongside one another at the Sandton Convention Centre, yet remaining distinct in their respective offerings, 100% Design South Africa and Decorex Joburg will amplify each other’s reach and relevance in 2022. This shift promises to improve ROI ratings for exhibitors, enhance the visitors’ experience, and also offer

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opportunities to network, collaborate, and build new relationships between designers.

100% Design South Africa is the country’s largest exhibition of contemporary design in Africa and showcases furniture and product design, as well as art, literature and craft. An incredibly high calibre of stand design and aesthetic quality is maintained throughout the show to create an immersive physical design event, which is then also extended to all the digital platforms.

In addition, Decorex Africa is launching Summits in Johannesburg and Cape Town as platforms for sharing and connection to serve the local design community. Hosted over one day in each city, and running concurrently with the shows, these Summits will feature a line-up of African and international designers who will be invited to share their perspectives on the ways in which we can reimagine the world.

“We will invest significantly in its virtual infrastructure, evolving into a truly hybrid offering encompassing world-class online marketplace, editorial platforms and media services that serve the growth of the African design and decor industry and drive client growth 365 days a year,” says Carol Weaving, RX Africa’s Managing Director.

The shows are on at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 June 2022, and at the Sandton Convention Centre in Joburg from 28 to 31 July 2022.

NEWS & VIEWS

Fatal collapsed mall

to rise again Construction is to resume at the uThongathi Mall which has been closed since 2013 after a partial collapse killed two people and injured 29.

Report by the North Coast Courier Several snags over the years saw the mall change ownership, while construction was also disrupted by legal issues.

In October, BBB Properties won a legal battle lasting eight months after the former building contractor refused to evacuate the site in the Tongaat CBD, which was cancelled a year earlier by the mall owners.

But construction was to start in January 2022, with an estimated completion date of around November.

Why did the original mall collapse?

The incident occurred when a reinforced concrete structure collapsed during the construction of a section of the mall.

A subsequent report by leading construction industry academics pointed to glaring problems in a predominant paradigm in the building industry: “... it is notable that the traditional three project parameters, namely quality, cost, and time are perceived to be more important than H&S. However, quality management is critical in terms of assuring the structural integrity of permanent and temporary structures.

“Conclusions include that competencies, design, registration of built environment professionals, hazard identification and risk assessments (HIRAs), supervision, quality management, H&S management, risk management, planning and H&S planning in various forms, integration of design and construction, and the construction work permit, are all important as clusters of factors, or individually, relative to preventing the collapse of reinforced concrete structures during construction.

“Respect for people is the catalyst for the value ‘people are our most important resource’.

However, poor welfare facilities on site, among others, are not a manifestation of respect for people. This value is critical as it is the catalyst for H&S culture. It must be remembered that supervisors and workers that are exposed to hazards and risk are people that have a body, mind, and a soul” - Professor John Smallwood, NMU.

BBB Properties and uThongathi Mall co-owner, Emarie Botha, said about 400 construction jobs and another 400 retailrelated jobs once the mall opens will be created.

Checkers, Ackerman’s, Pep and banks such as ABSA, FNB and Capitec will be among the anchor tenants.

The original incident occurred when a reinforced concrete structure collapsed

volume 12 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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NEWS & VIEWS

New CEO takes the reins at SAWEA SAWEA

The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) operates as a common law, voluntary, not-for-profit association that represents the South African wind industry, led by a Board that is primarily concerned with issues of governance and strategy.

The appointment of a new CEO, Niveshen Govender, follows the untimely passing of the former CEO, Ntombifuti Ntuli, last year.

Govender has undertaken a leading role in driving the country’s transition to a greener economy as South Africa accelerates its efforts to decarbonise its power sector and increase its energy availability. He brings with him a vision founded on predictable and continued procurement with a focus on industrialisation policy and incentives to build more and better local capabilities for the wind industry to compete with international markets whilst supporting local manufacturers to become competitive for export markets.

With 12 years in the Green Economy environment, Govender certainly has ample experience to tackle this ambitious undertaking. SAWEA believes that in this new role, he will be able to capitalise on his diverse knowledge and depth of experience, which ranges from carbon management and climate change, to flagship energy project implementation as well as formulating and applying energy policy.

His most recent position as COO at SAPVIA, also represents his passion for renewable energy and showcases his tireless dedication to advocating on behalf of members through engagement with government on various levels.

“Some of my immediate efforts will be afforded to maintaining key stakeholder relationships, advocating for an enabling policy and regulatory regime, encouraging the transformation and localisation agenda to contribute to the energy transition, building research and information sharing capabilities, promoting representation by managing the membership and enhancing the organisation's operations,” explains Govender, who has an extensive understanding of policy directives as well as industry capability.

Govender takes the lead at a pivotal time in the country’s energy transition, with the sector having created a lasting impact with more than 3.4GWs of installed capacity, R80.5 billion in inward investment and 30 000 jobs realised.

“Building on the learnings, it is time to map out and analyse the local manufacturing landscape for wind energy, looking at the local strengths and capabilities and capitalise on them to reap potential benefits and forge a new era that will witness the industry playing its part in the country’s economic recovery,” adds Govender.

New SAWEA CEO, Niveshen Govender

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www.solent.co.za

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Technically advanced knives & multi tools tested An impressive range of technically advanced specialist knives and multi tools for outdoor, hunting, adventure, sports, fishing, the service industry, wood working, gardening and hardware is available at a cheaper price than a well-known American multitool brand.

Gareth Griffiths The Tork Craft (www.torkcraft.com) range of eight crafted quality knives and multi tools, offer unique features, tailormade to suit all markets: Multitools with pouches, sets consisting of multi tools, torches and knifes, foldable utility knives with multiple features, 5-in-1 survival knives, and mini multi tools.

TO BUILD’S Editor tested the popular survival knife in the rugged Cederberg wilderness recently and it came out tops, especially in cutting away invasive thorny vegetation from a well-trodden footpath, and also around the log fire while preparing kindling!

Tork Craft says that this implement is a favourite amongst outdoors enthusiasts, with its black stainless steel multi cutting blade that comes with a potent magnetic removable LED light and a handy pull-out fire starter. And for the car, it also features an emergency seatbelt cutter and windscreen breaking tool.

Meanwhile, the versatile utility knife, a 63mm folding 3Cr13 blade, aluminium handle, and a blade push release mechanism, comes in very useful as a handyman’s knife, for instance, in clearing out old wooden window putty. It also comes with other goodies such as an LED torch and a nifty mini multitool.

Try them for yourselves; your hardware chainstore will have them.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE

Bespoke acrylic

formed designs Available from Reflex Products in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, a formed acrylic (perspex) coffee table tray with bronze mirror base for the lounge, living room or bar counter.

Gareth Griffiths Reflex Products is able to do bespoke design and manufacture work, for your decor requirements, including utility items or decor items. Drop Dionne Devereaux an email on dionne@reflexproducts.co.za for further information.

New decorative product range Sonae Arauco

Sonae Arauco’s new wood-based Innovus decorative products range joins the existing Woodgrains, Fantasies, and Unicolours ranges, replacing the Novolam brand. These include Elmina, Sanctuary and Castle Grey.

Each one bears a unique stylistic approach, each matching the prevailing colour of the year, says the manufacturer.

The Innovus decorative products brand (www.sonaearauco.co.za/products/decorativeproducts) was designed with the stylistic concept of ‘matching life’ in mind. In essence, life is what inspires us to be creative. People encourage us to envision and innovate. Hence, the brand hopes to inspire interior designers and architects to create beautiful spaces that make dreams a reality.

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USE WOOD, AND SAVE TREES. The more wood we use, the more forests we will save.

It might seem contradictory, but it’s simple economics.

High demand for timber increases its value, making it less attractive for local communities to replace forests with other, less eco-friendly crops.

As one of South Africa’s largest building materials manufacturers, it’s our responsibility to minimise our environmental impact.

Managed carefully, wood is a renewable resource, which is why we prefer to source our raw timber from responsibly managed forests, where harvesting is strictly controlled.

You can choose our wooden windows and doors, garage doors, and COL products secure in the knowledge that the next generation will be able to do the same.

And if you include the energy-saving benefits, wood is the natural choice if you care about the environment.

For more info call 086 110 2425 or visit swartland.co.za

COVER STORY

Ready-2-Fit by

Swartland Homeowners love the warm beauty of wooden windows and doors. Our cover advertiser, Swartland, provides homeowners with some useful product advice to ensure those important timber features are beautiful and welcoming.

Traditional installation and glazing methods don’t always do justice to even the highest-quality products because on-site skills and standards vary. In short, the best-made product might end up being less than perfectly glazed and fitted.

That’s why Swartland introduced its Ready-2-Fit windows and doors, which are sealed and glazed in the factory during manufacture. The product is then thoroughly wrapped in protective two-stage packaging before being transported.

When it arrives on-site it’s ready to be installed immediately. This not only saves the builder time and money, but also ensures the overall quality of their workmanship at no extra cost. Swartland’s offering is unique in the wooden windows and doors market.

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COVER STORY

There is, however, a lot more to the story of these highly sought-after products:

Pre-sealed During manufacture, all Swartland’s Ready-2-Fit windows and doors are pre-sealed with Maxicare, a high quality, water-based sealant that ensures optimum protection against the elements.

Maxicare boasts a number of benefits: it’s an environmentally friendly sealant with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, it is ultraviolet- and waterresistant, non-flammable, lead-free, and has an element of anti-fungal protection against dry rot and other threats.

It will also offer years of protection from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, cold, rain and sunlight. And while Maxicare was developed in Germany, it copes well with the harsh African sun: to cater for darker colours such as Teak and Imbuia, it contains heat-reflective pigments that lower the surface temperature of the wood to reduce natural contraction and expansion. Swartland’s expert team advises against using dark colours in direct sunlight, though.

Colour choice When this range was launched in 2012, Swartland offered the following colour options: Teak, Imbuia, Light Oak and White. Recently, four new colours were introduced to offer clients more choice: Bali Deep, Dusted Moss, Sombrero and Ivory Parchment. They form a natural palette that will enhance your home’s modern or traditional design.

Variety Ready-2-Fit windows and doors are available in Swartland’s Cape Culture and Winsters ranges on request.

Low maintenance What really makes water-based sealant a real winner is how it makes wooden windows and doors a cinch to maintain.

There’s no need for laborious sanding and re-sealing – just wash and wipe them down to restore their original beauty.

Exceptional quality and finish, minimal maintenance, backed by after-sales service

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COVER STORY

Glazing is standard

Pre-hung doors

All windows and doors in the Ready2-Fit range come pre-glazed with standard 4mm glass or 6.38mm safety glass, in compliance with National Building Regulations. Other types of glazing, including double-glazing that improves insulation and reduces noise, as well as Low-E glass (low-emissivity, to reduce infrared and ultraviolet light) are available on request.

Due to public demand, Swartland pre-hangs doors in their frames in the factory, with all essential hardware fitted. The building trade welcomed the move, as well as the introduction of adjustable frames to compensate for swelling and shrinking.

Fixtures and features Ready-2-Fit doors and windows offer a number of features to ensure security and

energy-efficiency, including: • Espagnolette lock – a multiple locking mechanism that enhances security and ensures a snug, draft-free fit (available in the Cape Culture Supreme range).

• Brass thumb-release handle.

• Double-glazing – a variety of glass thicknesses are available to meet a range of needs.

• Composite gaskets, which form an airlock between the frame and casement, to improve insulation.

• Wood sections are available in varying thicknesses to ensure windows have optimal thermal and security properties.

• Four-bar friction hinge to handle the weight of the extra glass and thicker frame.

Compliance Swartland continuously tests its products to ensure they comply with the National Building Regulations and the Consumer Protection Act. To ensure compliance with SANS 613 Mechanical Performance Criteria, the Ready-2-Fit range is tested for deflection, structural strength, waterresistance, airtightness, operating forces, and energy efficiency.

Unique offerings from the Ready-2-Fit range by Swartland • Wood finish without the hassle • Unique international finish • Manufactured locally to European standards and quality • Only from Swartland • Minimal maintenance

www.swartland.co.za Head Office: 086 110 2425 Customer Services & Queries: 087 630 2144 css@swartland.co.za

Mbano Manor Hotel in Victoria Falls

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Passionately curious – timeless style & lasting quality EVA architects was founded in March 2012. We are a woman-owned, full service architectural firm. We specialise in high-end projects, house designs, alterations and interior design. In addition to architectural design, owner and founder at EVA, Engela de Beer, is also an artist who produces large format wall murials.

We are dedicated to the concept that architecture is an environmentally respectful & socially responsible pursuit. We listen to what our clients require and follow through with passion and enthusiasm.

At EVA we endeavour to approach each project, together with the client & professionals in a collaboration of knowledge, needs and efforts, realising solutions to explore creative opportunities and results.

We strive to create spaces for people to live in, design homes which are environmentally and economically sustainable while keeping both practicality & beauty in mind.

EVA Architects (Ergonomic Venture Artistic) l Engela de Beer l +27 82 721 9518 l www.eva-architects.co.za

ARCHITECTURE

Merino Mall

celebrates site’s legacy Merino Mall in Ermelo, located in the greater Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga, is currently under construction. Expected to be completed by October 2022, the shopping centre, which features the extensive re-use of natural materials, was designed by the award-winning firm, MDS Architecture.

MDS Architecture

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ARCHITECTURE

Professional team A consortium of investors, including property developers Moolman Group and Abland, are developing the 28 000m2 fully enclosed regional shopping centre. It will be the only shopping centre of this size within a 100 km radius of Ermelo.

The mall’s name is derived from the Merino sheep breed, paying tribute to the site’s history. The mall will be built on the original Ermelo Showgrounds on the corners of the N2 and N11 freeways, near the N17 and within walking distance from the Ermelo CBD. Sean Pearce, partner at MDS Architecture, says that the design took into account the agricultural activity in the area.

“The original showground barn structures were used as inspiration in the building and became a key design feature, with the barn shape becoming a distinctive visual reference,” he explains.

Architects: MDS Mechanical engineers:

Ingplan

Structural engineers:

DG Consulting Engineers

QS: Matla Electrical engineer:

Watson Matheus

Fire engineer:

Ronnie Koekemoer & Associates

Wet services engineer:

Watsol and Orion – tenant coordinators

The steep slope on the site resulted in massive bulk earthworks, which commenced in July 2021 and were completed in November 2021.

“Merino Mall’s design needed to provide good visibility from the main road, while considering the residential areas to the rear of the site. For this reason, the building is located away from most of the residential areas and landscaping has been used to provide a level of screening,” says Pearce.

Sandstone is endemic to the area and was found on the site. It will be reused for feature walls. Other natural materials such

as timber and steel complement the red bricks and concrete portals at the main entrances.

Main malls are treated as barn structures.

Internally, they feature exposed roof sheeting, concrete beams above shopfronts and exposed, lime-washed red brick walls. Clerestory windows along the malls and feature courts ensure an abundance of natural light.

“In addition to reusing the sandstone and retaining the existing barn structure, Merino Mall will showcase the work of local artists,” concludes Pearce.

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ARCHITECTURE: OPINION

How to reinvest

your property investment The property game is a tricky business. A tricky business even in a flourishing economy.

The question is, what happens if the economy is not flourishing?

Wynand Tromp, Tromp Studio

When an economy is in distress, the property industry is one of the first to be severely affected by this. The well-being of the property industry is directly related to the well-being of the economy.

There might be people who think a struggling property industry does not affect them because they are not working in the property industry, but they could not be more wrong.

Any person that has a roof over their head, will at some point suffer the consequence of a struggling building industry. Whether you are a property owner, a business owner, an employee, or a tenant; when the building industry takes a nosedive, so do you. If you take into consideration the

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ARCHITECTURE: OPINION

ripple effect that this has on a country, every single person is affected.

possibly can. In a buyer’s market, this is not always possible.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “it’s a buyers’ market”. In recent times, this has been said by everyone in the know, but what does this mean?

The redevelopment option

It means that the current economic situation is forcing people to drop their prices. It means that if you own property, now is not the time to sell it. It means that if you own property, it’s best you hold onto it until the market turns. Sometimes this might be a possibility, but often people sell their properties because they must, not because they want to; especially when the economy is fighting for air. If you are in the market to buy property, this is great news, but what do we do if we are trying to sell a property in a buyer’s market? Sadly, you will be forced to drop your asking price, sometimes leading to significant financial losses. Losses that you certainly do not want to realize.

In most instances, property is the biggest asset you will ever attain, and you spend a lifetime paying off bonds. Even if the property is tenanted, costs such as levies, taxes, and maintenance will always come into play. To lose money on such an investment by dropping your asking price, could have dire consequences and is often not possible. The aim is to maximize your return on investment, and to do so, you need to sell the property for as much as you

However, there is an alternative. If you are a property owner, what you need to do is to check what the zoning classification of your property is. If it is zoned for redevelopment, you are in luck. It means that you are sitting on a potential goldmine, and by partnering with a developer, you could not only get your asking price, but potentially be a shareholder in a lucrative property development venture.

Property developers are always looking for opportunities, and the property that you might be trying to sell, could be exactly what they are looking for.

How would I know whether my property has development potential?

If you are selling a property in an area where you have seen developments popping up, chances are that your property has been demarcated for redevelopment.

The first thing you should do, as mentioned above, is to confirm the property’s zoning classification. One of the ways in which you can do this is by accessing your local municipality’s online zoning viewer. This platform has a city map, indicating the zoning of all properties.

A rezoning process can be undertaken should you find that your property is not demarcated for redevelopment, but fortunately, you don’t have to concern yourself too much about this process, as there are professional town planners that deal with such matters.

Calling the professionals The most important step for you to take is to get an architect involved.

An architect should be able to advise you on the development potential of your property and could introduce you to developers and town planners to manage the process for you. Often the architect will facilitate the entire process on your behalf.

Another aspect to take note of, is that if you were to list your property with a broker to sell, mention to them that you are willing to negotiate with developers about a joint venture. It is vital that your broker knows that you are willing to make your property available for development.

In turn, you should be offered shares in the development. All you have to do is sit back and allow the professionals to work with your property.

It might be a “buyer’s market”, but by thinking strategically and partnering with the right people, you have the opportunity to make even more than the asking price by investing your investment.

Wynand Tromp is a professional architect based in Cape Town and is Director of TROMP Studio. He believes that communication and sharing of knowledge is key to having satisfied clients by working with them to produce stunning architectural concepts, and also in navigating the minefield of property development regulations.

T +27 (0)71 204 4016 E wynand@tromp.studio W www.tromp.studio

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Harnessed from the air Used for your living comfort www.stiebel-eltron.co.za

Sustainable solutions for your home – Heat pump technology Create your comfortable home with efficient building technology based on renewable energies - for example with heat pump technology for heating and cooling. Intelligent building services can improve your living comfort and offer you security of investment.

Hot Water | Heating | Cooling | Ventilation

ADVERTORIAL: STIEBEL ELTRON

A STIEBEL ELTRON

instantaneous water heater does more than heat water You ask, it delivers exactly when needed, in precisely the right amount and always at the selected temperature. That’s why we talk about DHW convenience. And why we call our premium appliances comfort instantaneous water heaters.

What are the advantages of STIEBEL ELTRON's decentralised instantaneous water heaters over centralised DHW systems?

Solutions for efficient DHW heating are differentiated into centralised and decentralised concepts.

Centralised DHW solutions are mostly DHW cylinders that are heated by the central heating system, or a geyser. In this case, reasonable efficiency levels dissipate through long supply lines. The actual energy efficiency of the system usually only comes to light in the end-of-year bill. This is because many cost factors, such as DHW circulation in ring mains, cylinder losses, standby energy losses and distribution losses result in high energy consumption.

Such factors are seldom recognised as DHW costs. If these hidden costs are also taken into account, then STIEBEL ELTRON's decentralised electric DHW heating systems are often more economical than centralised systems. This has been verified by various different studies and has been proven by thousands of installation around the world.

STIEBEL ELTRON electric instantaneous water heaters are energy efficient and environmentally responsible and offer many benefits, if planned in the right way.

1. Close to the point of use installation DHW heating appliances are fitted precisely where they are required: at the kitchen sink, at the washbasin, in the bathroom.

2. Energy saving Short pipe runs, due to installation directly on site, ensures that heat loss is reduced to a minimum. This saves energy and protects the environment.

3. Water saving Short pipe runs also means that there is no cooled water in the supply line, which needs to run off unused when hot water is drawn. If it is drawn directly at the source, no precious water is lost.

4. Easy to fit Our DHW appliances for decentralised DHW provision are quick and easy to install – even when replacing older appliances. This limits expenditure and saves time.

5. Accurate billing In apartment buildings, the possibility of accurate individual billing is truly appreciated. Everyone pays for what they use – not a penny more.

Discover the STIEBEL ELTRON instantaneous water heater range – a guarantee of exactly the right hot water temperature and the best comfort for you.

Thanks to its compact design, the instant water heaters are suitable for the kitchen sink, washbasin, the shower and the bathtub. In commercial settings, it can be used in utility rooms or, for example, supplying multiple hand washbasins in sanitary facilities.

010 001 8547 www.stiebel-eltron.co.za volume 12 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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CONSTRUCTION LAW

Choose your

adjudicator wisely Adjudication is a regular feature of construction agreements.

The title of this article could also read “choose a wise adjudicator” because a party to a construction agreement will more likely than not be obliged to follow the adjudicators’ decision regardless of how unhappy or aggrieved the party might be, suggests our construction legal expert, Advocate Bryan Hack.

Advocate Bryan Hack

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The Gauteng Division of the High Court1 has recently had cause to consider whether an adjudicator’s decision can be reviewed and found it could not and gave the following reasons at paragraph [44] of the judgment:

“I further take notice of the fact that the very nature of the adjudication process carries with it a risk of unfairness, either in the way the adjudication is conducted, or in the result, or both. The need to speedily resolve the dispute and the parties’ entitlement to an answer, increases the risk compared to a hearing, arbitration proceedings, and/or court proceedings. I further take into account that the adjudicator is entitled to take the initiative in ascertaining the facts and the law necessary to determine the dispute.

Having regard to the fact that adjudicators are experts in their own field and probably not qualified lawyers increases the risk that they may adopt a procedure that is or might be seen to be unfair. I also accept that our courts are of the opinion that as long as the adjudicator acted generally in accordance with the usual rules of natural justice and without bias and within his terms of reference, his decision is likely to be enforced. “ Adjudication is a procedure that has become a regular part of construction agreements.

The Joint Building Contracts Committee Principal Building Agreement is an example and was the contract used by the parties in the above quoted case.

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Why adjudication?

The purpose of adjudication is to resolve an interim dispute in the course of the execution of the building works. The purpose is to allow a speedy and relatively inexpensive procedure to ensure that the work can continue and not be delayed because of the dispute. If recourse is had to arbitration at such an interim stage, the works are likely to come to a halt for many months to allow the formal procedures and the hearing in arbitration to take place.

As the court said in the quoted paragraph, a dispute in the course of the work requires a quick decision which may ultimately be shown not to have been the correct decision, but that risk is outweighed by the advantage of not having the work delayed.

The court expressed this at paragraph [24] as follows :

“The adjudication rules describe adjudication as an accelerated form of dispute resolution in which a neutral third party determines the dispute as an expert and not as an arbitrator, and whose determination is binding unless and until varied or overturned by an arbitration award.”

The advice I would therefore give is that when entering into a contract which provides for adjudication, as much care and consideration should go into the choice of adjudicator as is done with price and scope work.

To often, in my experience, the decision of who to appoint as adjudicator is left to the draftsman of the contract without the parties each being certain that they have adequate knowledge of the person nominated, and that they are satisfied that the person has the necessary independence, experience and ability to make a fair and correct decision.

The parties will both be equally bound by that decision and the court is not likely to review any decision taken unless it is satisfied of the existence of very narrow criteria, primarily, that the adjudicator went outside and beyond the terms of reference. Terms of reference being the exact dispute which the parties had referred for a decision. Even if the decision is wrong, either on the facts or the law, a court will not interfere if it is a decision of what the adjudicator was called upon to decide.

Advocate Bryan Hack is an admitted advocate at the Cape Bar and has a special field of expertise in property and construction law, having worked in the industry a while back.

Email him at hack@capebar.co.za

In FRAMATOME v ESKOM HOLDINGS SOC LTD 2021 (2) SA 494 (GJ) which cited with approval the unreported judgment of EKURHULENI WEST COLLEGE v SEGAL which can be found at [2018] ZAGPPHC 662, 29 August 2018; or online at http:// www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZAGPPHC/2018/662.html 2 The EKURHULENI WEST COLLEGE v SEGAL judgment 1

… consideration should go into the choice of adjudicator as is done with price and scope work.

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INTERIORS

CUBO closed combustion insert fireplace by firescience (www.firescience.co.za)

Fireplaces: Style & Safety There’s nothing more appealing as the shadows lengthen and the leaves fall, than being able to bask in the warm glow of a hearth in the home. Want that experience? Here’s what you need to know.

TO BUILD has done an internet round-robin of some of the styles currently available from various national suppliers to give you some inspiration during the cooler months ahead.

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A word on chimneys, flues and safety Installing or retrofitting a fireplace, such as the sleek modern models featured, is a specialised job that should preferably be undertaken by an experienced installer. In order to avoid a roof fire, which commonly occurs in South Africa, there are certain things that you need to know.

It starts with understanding the building regulations, SANS 10400 Part V: Space Heating, specifically.

For the designer and builder to know, these regulations reference various standards, including: • SANS 10177-5, Fire testing of materials, components and elements used in buildings Part 5: Non- combustibility at 750 °C of building materials.

• SANS 10400-A, The application of the National Building Regulations Part A: General principles and requirements.

• SANS 10400-B, The application of the National Building Regulations Part B: Structural design.

INTERIORS

According to the helpful website, www.SANS10400. co.za, chimneys must be designed and erected from materials that are non-combustible, understandably so. It is of critical importance to safety that they don’t become a fire hazard, particularly to those materials adjacent to the chimney structure. Further, chimneys should not be reinstalled in shafts or ducts that might be affected by heat.

Another commonly-occurring hazard is where the flue, the steel or other metal pipe that acts as a chimney, passes through the ceiling and the actual roof. Specialised collars must be fitted to avoid leakage of rain into the roof and very important, to avoid a roof fire, especially above the ceiling.

Timber is one of the most combustible materials found in homes, and the regulation states that elements including joists for timber floors, trimmers or roof trusses may not be built within 200mm of the inside of any chimney. Special care should be taken that no roof insulation touches the flue or comes within the designated 200mm of it. Care must also be taken that the flue pipe is highly insulated from the ceiling board.

Closed combustion fireplace by Jetmaster (www.jetmaster.co.za)

Retrofitting sense In short, for an installation, your starting point will be consulting the owner's manual for your fireplace appliance, be it a wood-burning open hearth, a closed fireplace, a stove or even a gas fire.

Different fireplaces and stoves have varying venting requirements. These requirements involve more than just the kind of pipe you need; it also includes specific information regarding clearances and offsets that must be followed for safe and proper installation. If anything in your manual is unclear or confusing, contact the manufacturer of your appliance directly for clarification and preferably use a professional installer.

Fireplace by Jetmaster (www.jetmaster.co.za)

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Redesign of Constitution Hill’s Old Fort interior

Three rising local designers have creatively reimagined the Old Fort meeting rooms and coffee shop at the historic Constitution Hill in Braamfontein, Johannesburg (www. constitutionhill.org.za). The recently completed interior design project introduces a vibrant local-led aesthetic to the heritage precinct, enriching its many-layered past and priming it for the future.

Clout/SA With a narrative that goes back over a century since its commission in the last decade of the 19th Century, Constitution Hill has gone through numerous iterations. During the Anti-Apartheid struggle, former president Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and Fatima Meer all served prison time there. As did tens of thousands of ordinary South Africans.

Today, the former prison and military fort serves as a living museum and a venue

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INTERIOR DESIGN

for exhibitions and other events, as well as being the home of the country’s Constitutional Court.

A window into the present as well as the future of local design With the redesign of the Old Fort meeting rooms and coffee shop, which are now filled with furniture and lighting from some of the most innovative young South African designers, it has also become a window into the present as well as the future of local design. The initiative is led by Clout/SA, sponsored by Nandos.

“The meeting rooms present an opportunity to incorporate the particular aesthetic of South African design, artistic culture and visual language into the rich tapestry of history at Constitutional Hill. This is also a unique opportunity to develop and grow emerging interior designers that have a strong connection to heritage, and the ability to create sensory experiences,” says Tracy Lee Lynch, creative director of the programme.

With the support of restaurant chain, Nando’s, which funded the initiative as a gift to Constitutional Hill, Lynch nominated three interior designers to pitch proposals for the redesign.

Afri Modern founder Sifiso Shange, Pinda Furniture and Interior Design founder Siyanda Mbele, and Renaissance Design founder, Glorinah Khutso Mabaso (who invited Omni Design’s Nelson Kubheka to collaborate with her on the pitch) were all asked to put forward their concepts for consideration.

“These selected designers speak a language of rebirth and transformation. They have found new ways of expressing our South African heritage, of making creative connections and building community.

Storytelling, art and design are their chosen tools,” Lynch explains.

A journey of learning for the designers Beyond being an interior design project, the challenge turned into a journey of

It was about how to create a conversation and tell a South African story

learning for the designers, each of whom had to take a deep dive into the history of Constitution Hill, and therefore, the history of South Africa.

“It wasn’t just about designing and putting mood boards together. It was about how to create a conversation and tell a South African story,” Mbele states.

“When I started on the research with my team, we were talking about how little we knew about our history until we visited the site… and every time, with each bit of research, we stumbled on something new.”

For Mabaso, the process took on personal significance: “My dad was an activist. He was the first vice-president of COSAS and I grew up hearing these stories from him; and it’s the first time now that I’ve

interacted with a space that speaks the same language. It became very real.”

After the pitch process was concluded, Shange’s design, dubbed ‘Centrality and Diversity’, was chosen as the winner.

However, all three designers then collaborated to bring ‘Centrality and Diversity’ to life in the space.

“The project itself allowed me to realise so much about the history of our country and where we are today, and the center of everything was the people themselves,” says Shange.

Visitors to Constitutional Hill can now visit these dynamic new interior spaces for themselves, to uncover South Africa’s past, and to experience its present and future first-hand. volume 12 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Sanctuary and progress, our evolving homes Trends are more than a flight of fancy among the world's most powerful brands and popular influencers. They are reflections of our needs, and within interiors, often reveal a society's changing desires and beliefs, says top designer, Kim Williams (www.kimwilliams.co.za).

Kim Williams library

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Kim Williams

INTERIOR DESIGN

Kim shares with TO BUILD readers her top insights into the trends that will influence our world in 2022 and the behavioural motivators behind them.

The homes of 2021 and 2022 have shifted to reflect the new norm of holding our home at the centre of our life. Through incorporating our memories, technology and nature we have created spaces that are sanctuaries for our souls to rest and recharge, and spaces where we can express important aspects of ourselves that make us so unique.

Rise of virtual reality The last year has seen a massive increase in our need to make virtual connections as we try to appease our social nature in a time where connecting in person is not necessarily safe. Our need to connect our online behaviour with our physical space is evident in the new technologies that help integrate these two worlds, such as the increase in AI in our domestic spaces.

Existing in these new virtual realities for most of our time every day has also given us new insights into our own behaviour, thanks to the tracking algorithms they are built on. This is leading to a higher degree of self-reflection, especially among businesses, than ever before.

Seeking refuge Our need to find refuge has translated into creating more spaces to recharge, to be spiritual and to make our homes the sanctuaries at the centre of our lives. The rise of the DIY industry in home improvement also speaks to our need to be mindful of how we infuse our identities into the items that make up our sanctuaries.

Aspects like designing spaces for privacy and using touchless technology will dominate 2022. Creating zones in our home spaces, workspaces and public spaces will become essential to living in line with our new consciousness about our health.

Natural textures The return of natural textures that help us self-soothe and connect will continue to rise in 2022. We will continue to create new opportunities in our spaces that facilitate new ways of connection until a return to more social human connection can be made.

Nostalgia The need to bring memory into our spaces is deeply rooted in our desire to bring the happiness of our past into our physical present. During 2021, this too was evident in ways such as bringing in smaller elements of nostalgia, such as items associated with happy holidays, personal history or icons of decades past that we have a fondness for.

The return of colour and expression in our spaces during 2022 will likely continue to operate off nostalgic inspiration.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

What will become very significant in 2022 is that people find their voice in their spaces.

Furniture and things

Individualism

In furniture, for example, we expect to see more rounded objects and repurposing of pieces from the ’70s and ’80s. (See our article on retro bathtubs - Ed.). Our connection with these specific eras is interesting when you consider that they were defined by being full of new voices and had a very transitional nature; an element many of us find comfort in, in the midst of so much uncertainty.

Our need to be seen, heard and not be overcome by the anxiety of the transitional period the world is going through is powerful. We long to be sentimental and expressive in our spaces, rather than reserved. The role of the designer in the individualism context is less about following trends and more about creating different types of meaningful designs for each individual, which facilitate a specific kind of experience.

The recent resurgence and repurposing of older music by the youth is further evidence of the comforting nature of those times, and has made for an extremely interesting space where today’s technology and last millennia music come together.

What will become very significant in 2022 is that people find their voice in their spaces. It’s going to be a very creative time for everyone and we will see the return of colour, even if subtly at first.

And while natural tones will be muted, they will be undeniably present; sea blues, jewellike oranges and burgundies, soft pastel yellows and pinks, mauves and energising greens that offset earthy tones. We will also see the return to the warm white as we move away from the starkness of a bright white in our search to be soothed.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Connection to nature During 2021 we saw massive growth in biophilic elements that helped us return to our connection to nature. During 2022, we will bring nature into nearly every element of our homes in new intentional ways.

In our furniture we will have greater mindfulness of the sustainability with which it is made, and our need to tread lightly on the planet will eventually

assimilate into the core ideals of South African design as it has begun to do in Europe.

We will also witness the return of local products to our spaces in fabrics and items.

Partially influenced by the transport issues due to Covid, and partially our wanting to create more meaning in our spaces – and create community and social economy to keep small businesses going.

Escapism Our need for escapism, specifically through technology, will continue to grow. The evolution of the role of the interior designer will be one where we are expected to create experiences within spaces, not just spaces. The emergence of fluidity between virtual space and real space as technology advances will likely play out in our spaces, especially in the kinds of materials we’ll see.

Futuristic, shiny, chrome, mirrored surfaces and translucency are all set on an upwards trajectory.

Productivity in the home and clearly delineated private and professional space will also become key. This will evolve into a more hybrid working model, with new kinds of collaborations in shared spaces, such as apartment buildings that have shared workspaces.

Meaningful living As we saw in 2021, mindful living is about real healing, feeding our souls, and the layering of emotion into our spaces to rejuvenate and to be more spiritual. We will see a return to natural materials, fabrics and crafts. We will become much more focused on our spirituality and try to find meaning in our surroundings.

The purpose of refreshing our space is to feed our energy. Our spaces set the tone for us to be calm, to be creative, to be connected and to recharge. These should support both mental health and productivity.

Kim Williams

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www.technopol.co.za ®

info@technopol.co.za

(011) 363-2780/1/2

Technopol SA is a local company with more than 25 years of experience in the energy-efficiency and insulation industry and has recently introduced its new LiteCore & LiteSpan Building Systems. This energy-saving and functional insulated brick and roof panel system not only speaks to the company’s core values of efficiency and excellence but is also a showcase of its expanded polystyrene system (EPS) format, which plays a significant role in energy saving over the long term.

LiteSpan

Insulated roof panel

The LiteSpan System is a composite panel comprising of a top and bottom pre-painted galvanized steel sheets, with a sandwiched Polystyrene or Rockwool core. The Polystyrene insulation core is from an approved SANS 1017711 Fire Retarded Expanded Polystyrene Grade.

The panel offers a durable, highly insulated, extremely air-tight, and aesthetically pleasing roof or wall solution. The panel offers benefits at all levels of building design and construction for architects, designers, builders, and end-user.

2.3 3.0 3.7

75 100 125 150

Benefits High strength to weight ratio.

4.4

www.technopol.co.za

info@technopol.co.za

Thermal efficient.

Ease of installation.

Shorter construction time.

Eliminates roof trusses to increase living space.

Estimating costs are simple and accurate.

Shadowline Cornice

Decorative Ceiling Solutions

The new Shadowline cornice range offers a modern contemporary design, is light weight and easy to install. It offers a seamless, clean effect by joining the ceiling to the wall and pairs well with LED recessed lighting.

Shadowline cornices can be painted in any color using a water based paints.

The Shadowline cornice is easily glued into place using an Acrylic Cornice Adhesive.

ENGINEERING

Redevelopment aided

by construction chemicals The Polokwane Eastern Ring Road is an outer ring road that circles the city of Polokwane. The existing two-lane, single carriageway road was developed to a four-lane dual carriageway. This allows traffic to travel the Eastern Ring Road around Polokwane, instead of going through the Central Business District.

SIKA

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ENGINEERING

The initial construction of the road began after the 2010 World Cup, with phase two, the bridge redevelopment and construction, beginning in 2019. The main contractor on this project was Edwin Construction and the specialised applicator was Bridge Jointing and Rehabilitation Contractors Pty Ltd. Sika SA tells To Build of their pride in having been involved with specifying the bridge rehabilitation products.

Methods employed

Specialised chemical usage

The first part of the process was to identify areas of corroding rebar, as well as defective and damaged concrete. These repair areas were demarcated by means of a perimeter cut, using an angle grinder. The defective concrete was broken out and removed until good concrete was reached. The remaining concrete close to the perimeter saw cut edge was then broken out, leaving a nice clean edge to butt the repair mortar up against.

Once the concrete preparation was complete, Sika MonoTop®-412 NFG, a cementitious repair mortar, was mixed with a low speed festo paddle mixer, and applied to the repair area by hand.

This mortar is a low shrinkage repair mortar that is suitable for restoration work, structural repairs and for preserving or restoring passivity to the steel reinforcement. Its increased durability and superior workability and finishing makes it a product of choice, by engineers and contractors alike.

The prepared concrete surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and pre-saturated with potable water to saturated surface dry (SSD).

A challenge on this project was the large number of graffiti and old posters. The graffiti and poster glue had to be mechanically removed by grinding.

Bridge columns and abutments were treated with two prime coats, due to the porosity of the concrete surface and two topcoats of Sikagard®-850AG, a permanent, anti-graffiti and anti-fly poster coating. This product facilitates the removal of what would have been permanent graffiti, using only water, without damaging the protection layer or requiring a refresher coat. Once treated, no flyer glue will bond onto the substrate. This unique product prevents ingress of water and other contaminants and protects against weathering and ageing. It offers a clear gloss finish to any substrate it is applied onto and provides UV protection as well.

Finishing off To protect against carbonation, bridge parapets and soffits were coated with a two-part, polymerbased, cementitious coating called SikaTop® Seal-107. To achieve a uniform colour for the entire structure, SikaTop® Seal-107 was applied on one of the bridges. This was a bit of a challenge as the bridge is approximately 10m above the roadway. To enable access to the deck soffit and the outer faces of the balustrades, all work had to take place from below the soffit.

This bridge redevelopment not only aided in job creation, but it has also made travelling around Polokwane more convenient. Sika is certain that the products used on this project will keep the roadway looking new for many years to come.

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LANDSCAPING

Do it for nature…

do it for you

Autumn in the garden affords an opportunity to tame your bushes, says our writer, who shares how getting the garden back into shape also helps with mental and physical health.

Rolux SA

Stuart Williams, CEO of Rolux SA Being outside makes us happier, eases anxiety, inspires creativity and boosts our immune system.

It’s science and it’s called biophilia: the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings. In the UK, a survey commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society revealed that 7 out of 10 of people believed that having a garden and engaging in regular activities such as watering or mowing helped their mental health during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

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LANDSCAPING

A flow state

Hot tip

Gardening also requires us to be fully present in the moment and focused on one thing at a time, as opposed to other aspects of our lives where multitasking is valued and information bombards us from all sides. Psychologists call this the ‘flow state’ and it happens when you feel fully engaged in what you’re doing and feel like you’re making progress.

After a long summer, what better time than now to get out into your garden and into a flow state? Not only are our minds and bodies in need of a little attention after the hot weather, but a summer of good rains, or no rain at all, has also changed the growth in the garden. It’s time to plant, nip, tuck and trim and get things back into shape for the last bit of action before winter sets in.

Groom the bushes Get out your pruners, loppers and brush cutters and get to work. Bushes need trimming, topiaries need shaping and lawn edges need tidying, and all of this is easy when you have the right tools.

The new Rolux Magnum X 43cc Brush Cutter is a straight shaft machine designed to cut grass perfectly and neatly trim small shrubs and bushes. It comes with a nylon cutting line, a nylon head for trimming and a three-tooth metal blade (255mm) for cutting denser growth. The soft grip and foldable handlebars minimise vibrations so your ‘flow state’ won’t be disturbed, while a starter switch with safety lever and a safety harness will ensure you don’t injure yourself.

Benefit to the garden: By trimming bushes and removing dead wood, you are stimulating new and healthier growth and allowing neighbouring plants room to thrive.

You can also check for diseased or pestridden areas and remove those too.

Benefit to you: Brush cutting will give you a moderate workout, and the repetitive yet rewarding nature of the work can induce a meditative state, and, more importantly, the self-righteous feeling of a job well done.

In the UK, a survey commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society revealed that 7 out of 10 of people believed that having a garden and engaging in regular activities such as watering or mowing helped their mental health during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Get rid of dead wood While the real job of pruning should wait for winter, if the trees in your garden are becoming overgrown and casting too much shade, or have a lot of dead and diseased wood, now is a great time to tame and rejuvenate them.

Hot tip The writer recommends that what is needed is a lightweight chainsaw designed for the home gardener, like the newly launched Rolux Magnum X 45cc model. It has an automatic chain lubricant system for extended chain life and a fast chain brake system for enhanced safety. With a 40cm guide bar and an anti-vibration system, this compact chainsaw will have you prepared for any situation.

Benefit to the garden: By removing excess dead wood you will make way for new growth and increase the light and air available to surrounding plants. Less shade means more sunshine, and more growth for the plants beneath the canopy.

Benefit to you: You get to be a lumberjack for the day. Even Elizabeth Hurley swears by logging, judging by her Instagram posts. She told the Mail Online in 2020, that she enjoys a spot of "manual labour" in her garden. In an Instagram snap she clutches a hedge cutter keeping busy during lockdown spent at her country house. Admitting to Extra magazine that she prefers gardening to keep fit, she adds "…cutting down a hedge, using my chainsaw to cut down a tree, logging, all of that stuff, I do.” Well, if it’s good enough for Liz, go grab a garden tool and get to it then - Ed. Stuart Williams adds: “With X power products at your side, getting your garden into shape is time well spent. Expect feelings of triumph to flow”.

Thanks Stuart!

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GARDENS

Work your

garden this autumn Autumn is a good time for planting generally as the heat of winter dissipates. In the Cape it is also the start of the rainy season. And in large parts of the country the weather is cooler, aiding new life in gardens, writes Erina Botha for us.

Erina Botha and Pixabay contributors Erina Botha, indigenous landscaper at DreamScapes

s how Here i o it you d

If trees are trimmed back in autumn, you get a show in spring. White watsonias glowing in spring after an autumn pruning of a tree to allow more light through.

Tip 2: Contrast Another way to rejuvenate gardens is by introducing contrasting colours and a diversity of shapes and textures. Contrast adds character and intrigue to gardens. We have a wide choice as we’re blessed with the world’s richest floral kingdom in the Cape region (CFK), and as a country, we’re blessed to have the third richest floral diversity worldwide.

The indigenous Cape garden illustrates the point of both contrasting colours and textures well. Yellow Pin Cushion, Purple Vygies, Pelargonium Acculatum (the pale red plant) and lacey lilac Scabiosas on their tall thin stems which sway lightly in the breeze against the sturdy dark green backdrop of bold, strong and tough fynbos shrubs .

Tip 1: Cut back One of the important ways of regenerating gardens is by cutting back and thinning out existing trees in the garden. The branches removed to let in more light, can then be turned into wood chips and be used as a compost ingredient, rather than just having them dumped at a waste site.

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GARDENS

What to plant Restios are one of those fynbos species that provide endless options for contrast, but be careful about the species you select for a particular spot. Some species grow up to almost three metres high and can end up obscuring rather than enhancing.

The use of Chondropetalum tectorum ‘Fishhoek’ restio is recommended as it is medium-sized and it’s tufts are light. It is a very striking plant with a fine appearance and a height of only 60cm.

Among the many interesting boldly textured plants available in the CFK are succulents from families like Senecio, Cotyledon and Kalanchoe.

There should be space in every garden for the trusted favourites such as Agapanthus, Tulbaghia, Dietes and Clivias. Not only are they strikingly beautiful, but extremely waterwise and resistant to pests. A row or grouping of Agapanthus can be enhanced by interplanting them with fine-leaved and flowering plants, such as Chironia, Geranium, Lobelia or Hermannia.

The Crassula family also have a variety of interesting species of hardy ground covers that provide great contrasts to sculpturally structured species such as Strelitzia and Kniphofia.

Trailing Gazanias or Arctotis can form a great feature that is relatively easy to maintain, but mass plantings can tend to look a bit boring. An effective way of adding some ‘spice’ to a bed or pavement covered in Gazanias/ Arctotis of the creeping type, is to plant the tuft-like species of Gazanias along the border areas, or intersperse the beds with clusters for a lovely contrasting effect.

How to nurture the soil in your garden with mulching compost • Branches cut to thin out trees or reduce their size should ideally be chopped up with an axe or a special wood chipping machine.

• Adding the leaves and the wood chip to the vegetable skins, peels and leftovers, adds a lovely coarse texture to the other organic waste in the compost heap.

• Layers of sand should also be added weekly.

• The compost heap should be watered weekly when it doesn’t rain so that it can decompose into a dense, heavy, healthy organic mulch to layer flower beds with.

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QUANTITY SURVEYORS

Leadership change for industry association ASAQS

Larry Feinberg is ended his decadelong term as Executive Director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) in February 2022.

Prior to leading the ASAQS, Feinberg served as Regional Manager for Africa at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Under Feinberg’s leadership the ASAQS implemented holistic governance processes, internal administrative policies, procedures and workflows based on recommended best practice. These changes were made to combine the rich 114-year history of the ASAQS with robust systems that are imperative to today’s business environment.

During his term as Executive Director, Feinberg was also instrumental in successfully facilitating the inclusion of South Africa as an Associate Member of the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS), as well as the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Other collaborative partnerships established during Feinberg’s term include the Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC), Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS), Construction Sector Charter Council (CSCC), and all Voluntary Associations and Statutory Councils within the built environment.

The local Quantity Surveyor profession has also benefited from the establishment of the EduTech Division of the ASAQS. The division is responsible for the delivery of all training programmes, the drafting of QS-specific technical documents, and answering any technical related queries.

“Serving the many presidents, the board of the association as well as all the thousands of members within our vibrant profession, has without doubt been one of the highlights of my career, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the trust and the faith that our members have all placed in me. I reflected on this almost daily while in office and it proved to be an endless source of motivation and encouragement to me. It was the light that always lit the road ahead”, says Feinberg.

Larry Feinberg, Executive Director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS)

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The ASAQS Board has started the process of recruiting a new Executive Director. TO BUILD wishes him all the best of success as he moves forward in his career.

www.siyazama.co.za

ARTISANAL FEATURE FOCUS

Rebuilding South Africa

one artisan at a time Artisans are indispensable to South Africa’s construction industry but are in short supply.

This is why more needs to be done to retain existing artisans as well as to attract youth to future opportunities in the artisanal sphere, writes Lance Cohen, Group Production Director, and Marlize Fourie, Group Human Resources Executive at GVK-Siya Zama.

GVK

It will potentially prove lucrative if combined with business skills, offering entrepreneurs endless opportunities to launch a business and create muchneeded employment.

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ARTISANAL FEATURE FOCUS

With the country’s youth unemployment rate at an all-time high of 64.4% in the last quarter of 2021, and STATS SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2021 indicating that 7.8 million South Africans are unemployed, more needs to be done to create employment opportunities and increase the national GDP. The answer to this, we believe, may lie in the retention and creation of employment opportunities in the artisanal sector.

The number of artisans in South Africa is dwindling, predominantly on the back of artisans leaving the country for a fresh start abroad, and fewer young people aspiring to take up a profession within the sector. The latter is attributed largely to social conditioning and societal aspirations, giving young people the impression that working with one’s hands is less prestigious and lucrative than more conventional career paths.

Adding to this, the rise of digital transformation means the sector is not viewed as “high tech” enough and therefore not as prestigious as others.

Accessible means to a relevant industry-related qualification Greater numbers of artisans in South Africa will result in increased depth for the industry and prove valuable in the transfer of core skills. As the number of artisans increases, it will offer learners from non-academic streams an accessible means to a relevant industry-related qualification and the ability to earn a living in the sector.

It will potentially prove lucrative if combined with business skills, offering entrepreneurs endless opportunities to launch a business and create much-needed employment.

The key to cultivating a societal mind-shift and changing the paradigm in how the sector is perceived begins at school level with career guidance and career orientation days and would provide dividends for learners in their formative years and lower grades.

While anyone can choose a career as an artisan, it presents a golden opportunity

for youth at risk to develop rewarding and potentially lucrative work for themselves in the construction industry.

Skills development services to the construction sector To this end, several initiatives have been implemented, such as the establishment of the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) to meet the requirements set in the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998. The organisation aims to provide skills development services to the construction sector, to implement the objectives of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS III), and to ensure that people obtain the relevant crucial and often scarce skills that are required to build capacity in the building and construction sector. These measures are aimed at ensuring the sector becomes economically sustainable and globally competitive.

Supplementary to this, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Patricia de Lille, recently commented that more professionals are needed in the built environment, and it is for this reason that the department launched the Bursary and Skills Pipeline Programme. This initiative aims to remove the financial barriers for learners planning to enroll in tertiary education institutions and attain a qualification that focuses on the built environment.

Lance Cohen, GVK-Siya Zama

Marlize Fourie, GVK-Siya Zama

Retaining artisans in SA is vital to country’s success Retaining artisans and persuading them to continue plying their trade in South Africa is crucial to the success of the country. So much so that GVK-Siya Zama, through its national business operations, not only provides practical exposure and on-the-job training and coaching to its own labour force, but is also actively involved in uplifting, coaching and mentoring SMMEs and several of its subcontractors.

Young people who are more practically minded and not interested in conventional career paths would do well to investigate the multitudes of opportunities that come with a trade qualification.

Those who work hard, apply, and prove themselves, can potentially become selfemployed, and subsequently, provide employment to others and reduce SA’s alarming unemployment rate. With several bursaries and scholarships available, young people looking at becoming an artisan will be equipped with valuable skills and the associated support and guidance they need to

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ARTISANAL FEATURE FOCUS

Back to basics:

reprioritise artisanal training Late 40s to late 50s; that is the average age of registered and qualified artisans in the country. This is partly due to the stalled production of the next generation of artisans, a reality that should be of great concern to the state, the industry and young people, especially given the rising percentage of youth unemployment in the country. Master Builders’ Association Western Cape President, Rick Volker, shares his experience and his views with us.

MBAWC Rick Volker Since the early 2000’s, the Master Builders’ Association Western Cape (MBAWC) has been involved in the formal training of artisans. Throughout this time, MBAWC has placed a strong emphasis on developing all recognised trades associated with the built environment.

Initially, the Association offered artisanal training from its own in-house facility, but later decided to adopt an outsourced training model. With this approach, employers enroll their apprentices via the MBAWC, either through a formal

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time-based programme, short skills programmes or through an Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) process. Once enrolled, onsite practical training is offered via employer members, with the Association coordinating the training efforts on behalf of the member company.

During an economic downturn, such as the one South Africa is currently experiencing, training and upskilling initiatives often take a backseat. It is important to reframe our thinking to appreciate that theoretical

training is an investment in the future of the individual, the company and the country as a whole. Training can provide capable and competent young artisans with a solid foundation upon which to build further skills within the industry.

The impact of policy changes In the past, the trade testing of apprentices was a centralised function under the control of a single organising body. This changed to a decentralised trade testing system, which meant that each sector of the economy had to adopt

ARTISANAL FEATURE FOCUS

Rick Volker, Master Builders’ Association Western Cape President

its own approach to testing artisan skills, based on demand.

The Association is of the view that the current shortage of young, qualified artisans can also be traced back to the revisions to legislation and state incentives tied to training artisans.

It is also clear that, in hindsight, the shift from a labour-orientated to an educationfocused outcomes approach regarding artisanal development has resulted in an overburdened system, less flexible and adaptable to the industry’s present needs.

The high percentage of unemployment, particularly amongst the youth, calls for decisive action and this is where the shortage of skilled artisans presents the country with an opportunity. The Association believes that a possible solution lies in refocusing the educational curriculum to include technical and vocational skills as a pillar of learning.

Further reforms are needed, including elevating the training of artisans to, for

example, a prioritised national artisan development programme that is centrally directed and funded at a national level.

The academic entry-level for young people wanting to pursue a construction industry apprenticeship needs to be modeled around specific industry requirements and not loosely follow a model which is also applicable to a factory, workshop or mining environment.

Preserving institutional knowledge and the importance of mentorship Ultimately, it is the combination of theoretical knowledge along with practical experience that often leads to success. This underpins the importance of mentorship that the middle and older aged, qualified artisans can provide to the next generation.

Young people need mentors in the various trades to teach them hand and tool skills along with trade related best practices.

South Africa needs a national initiative to instill pride and a sense of professionalism amongst artisans and skilled construction workers. This is a matter which requires urgent attention and concerted efforts to address.

This cannot be overlooked, as the old adage goes, “To become a master in life, you must submit to a master”. On average, mastering a trade takes roughly five years.

Without an upcoming crop of artisans to upskill, as experienced artisans retire from the industry, their collective knowledge and experience is lost, along with the capacity to train young entrants.

The costly consequence of this cycle is that short cuts and lowered standards inevitably become the acceptable norm, eroding critical trade-skills and overall industry standing.

We can no longer afford to defer the responsibility Developing and empowering a young cohort of skilled, well trained, and qualified artisans is in the best interest of society. We can no longer afford to defer the responsibility of optimising our artisanal education and training structures, without jeopardising the future sustainability of the construction industry.

This responsibility is a shared one, and we invite all stakeholders, including the private sector, to put forward their best ideas on how we can again instill a sense of pride and professionalism amongst our artisans and skilled construction workforce.

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53

Single Coat Oil-Based Wood Stain

Protects, nourishes and colours wood in one easy application Can be used on all types of uncoated wood for both interior and exterior application Easy to apply in one single coat 1 litre covers up to 50m² Global Green Tag certified product A member of the Green Building Council of South Africa Low VOC’s Wide colour range with over 70 colours to choose from Good stock levels and quick turn around time Competitively priced product backed by great service Proudly made in South Africa

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MAPEI South Africa has developed a comprehensive range of versatile, reliable and innovative products for use in the application of resilient, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) and textile flooring.

LVT and alternative flooring solutions have recently seen an uptake in popularity within the local market. MAPEI stays up to date with growing trends and technology within this market, making it an ideal application partner. Solutions offered range from substrate preparation and priming, crack repair and filling, adhesives as well as waterproofing and sealing for any resilient, LVT or textile installation.

Learn more at mapei.co.za Tel: +27 11 552 8476 Email: info@mapei.co.za

DIGGERS DIY

Pocket hole jigs A pocket hole jig is the most innovative tool used to join wood, writes Diggers DIY, and his personal favourite, the Kreg pocket jig (www. kregtool.com) can help you drill what are known as pocket holes using a drill and one of the many Kreg pocket hole jigs available. Our intrepid DIY writer explains …

Kreg

The bond is stronger Pocket holes allow screws to be inserted at an angle. The screws run along the grain of the wood rather than through it, the joint is much stronger, perfectly accurate and far more secure. There are several options available for these jigs, starting with the small units plus the larger Kreg K3, K4, K5 and three recently launched new models the 750, 750 Pro and the 520.

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DIGGERS DIY

All you need To manage any joining project all you need is the Kreg Jig, the Kreg’s special clamps and screws and any drill, be it electric or cordless, already in your workshop..

The Kreg pocket hole wood joining jigs are one of the more recent wood joining systems to enter the market. Today, it is the most innovative technically advanced joining system ever to be introduced. This is due to it being the easiest, less complicated, far quicker product to use for all types of wood joinery, for beginners and professionals. It is also the most affordable system available and is perfectly accurate, supplying the strongest joint ever and it does not require any gluing.

Hot tip

What is a pocket hole jig?

Pocket hole joinery, or pocket screw joinery, involves drilling a hole at an angle — usually 15 degrees — into one workpiece, and then joining it to a second workpiece with a self-tapping screw. It is simply a hole drilled at an angle that forms a pocket for the screw. What makes it precise is the design of the pocket hole jig that guides the drill bit into the wood at a specific angle to produce an engineered hole to house the screw head.

Visit the Kreg website for information about choosing the correct screws for this job. See www.kregtool. com/screws for this guide.

To buy a Kreg Pocket Jig or any other useful tool, as distributed by Vermont Sales, simply go to your favourite hardware store.

And that is where the jig comes in useful.

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PROPERTY

Roadmap for SA

property developers The developer of 73 on Grosvenor, a contemporary 36 two-bed, two-bath residential development in Bryanston, shares his experience of launching a new residential development in the prevailing economic climate.

Longitude Developments

58

Shaun Roos, Managing Director of Longitude Developments

As a property developer, the biggest risk is delivery, especially in current times with the property sector having become substantially more cost-driven over the past decade.

The challenge and the opportunity is for developers to bring the desired aesthetics to market, while still keeping their offering budget-friendly.

models and resource output requirements in a way that makes the company not only price efficient, but programme efficient as well.

Covid-19 has diminished returns and over the next five to ten years we expect to see continued growth in cost-sensitivity. The need for property remains though – people are still buying houses and apartments. In fact, the trends in urban areas show that consumers are searching for an upmarket aesthetic even when they don’t necessarily have the means to purchase at that level.

Identify the need

We identified this particular property and really liked it in terms of the location in Bryanston, with a demand from the middle class and its proximity to amenities. Our aim was to bring a product to market that would give consumers a real ‘bang for their buck’ in central Bryanston, offering them a beautiful, well-finished, modern apartment at a great price point.

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Coming from a quantity surveying background, we’re often regarded with mild derision as the proverbial ‘bean counters’ of the construction industry, but it is the basic economics of supply and demand where everything starts and ends.

My years in the commercial construction sector have allowed me to refine cost

PROPERTY

Assemble the most efficient team If you think about it, property developers really are just ‘big project managers’, so we are heavily reliant on suppliers and subcontractors. In mitigating the risk of timeous delivery, it is crucial to pick the right subcontractors and specialists. In this vein, we would rather pay a bit of a premium to A-grade subcontractors than take the chance of a subcontractor not delivering and creating a bottleneck for everyone else, which will end up costing overtime and potential irate customers down the line.

Coming from a quantity surveying background, we’re often regarded as the proverbial ‘bean counters’ of the construction industry, but it is the basic economics of supply and demand where everything starts and ends.

We handpicked who we believe to be among the best in the industry, based on their understanding of design philosophies, their proven track-record of on-time delivery, and their efficiencies. As such, our allstar team included Mark Laburn from ML Architects, Michael Barbosa and his team from SCIP Engineers, and Johan van der Vyver, our conveyancer.

Smart material choice: structural vs aesthetic materials What is important to understand here is the distinction between structural material, including masonry, concrete, reinforcing and structural steel; and aesthetic material including finishes such as tile choices, ceilings, doors and the like. People do not ‘see’ the structural integrity of the building; they see the softer finishes.

It's advisable to make very carefullyconsidered choices with building materials in every aspect from the structure to the tiles, selecting clever, quality materials that could be installed at a good price, so that the developer can pass that saving on to the end user.

In doing so, you manage to keep the aesthetic modern and contemporary at an affordable price through efficiency and smart choice, without any compromise to quality or structural integrity.

Plan, plan, plan In our case, we finished this project within six months; seven if you factor in the demolition.

This is unheard of, but we were able to do it because of partnering with the right professionals, being as efficient as possible, and having a meticulous development and construction timeline and plan.

To give you an idea, our teams only worked six Saturdays throughout those seven months, and did no other overtime work. We simply did things carefully and methodically, planning well-enough to ensure that no deadline was missed.

Build for the future Regardless of how much we expand over the years, our plan is to remain true to this ‘efficiency’ philosophy so that we can deliver on each deadline. If you miss a deadline, credibility and trust is lost and once that happens in our game, you’re done.

While cost and timeous delivery will always remain top-of-mind in our case, building with sustainability in mind is critical, and is a philosophy that must be applied from the design and planning stage right through to construction and delivery. Choose to embrace sustainability, longevity and efficiency in every aspect. This is non-negotiable for us when bringing any new development to market.

With our roots on the costing side of the equation and a firm handle on what works in terms of design functionality and visual impact, we feel we are poised to thrive in the new construction climate.

About Shaun Roos With over a decade of experience in the construction and property sector, Shaun Roos is the managing director of Longitude Developments. He holds a Bachelor's degree focused on Quantity Surveying from Technikon Witwatersrand and is highly skilled in the areas of negotiation, value engineering, procurement, project estimation, and commercial management.

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BATHROOMS

Italian

retro style bathrooms Furnishing a bathroom in a retro style is not only a current trend, but also a specific choice of uniqueness and aesthetic quality, says the manufacturer of the Sbordoni range, fresh from Italy.

Sbordoni

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BATHROOMS

A well thought out retro bathroom is a reliable and top-rate style which due to its vintage has no further geographical or time limits. So, recall the atmosphere of wonderful years and populate your bathroom with luxurious shining details and precious metals.

The bathtub - the undisputed queen!

In a retro style bathroom, the bathtub is the element which best represents the atmosphere of and the taste for the past and therefore is a real must.

The pictured bathtubs are distinguished by their soft and rounded forms, by their harmonious and perfect dimensions: their classic shaped feet in the form of lion’s paws and the botanic details improve a unique style, but they are also suitable for an important customisation which allows anyone to choose the finish that best matches with the accessories of one’s bathroom as well as with bathroom fittings.

As far as the chosen materials are concerned, Sbordoni says it adds a new innovative material, the solid surface, which is frequently used for design and furniture, but also for bathroom fixtures and bathroom furnishings. Solid surface is a composite material from natural mineral mixtures and acrylic resins which allows the production of resistant but malleable surfaces.

It is ideal both for flat and curved applications and, by means of manufacturing, it ensures a continuity in terms of forms thus remaining unchanged over the time.

ic forms. It is ed by pure class This one is inspir b. tu th tterns in semi ba pa ic ss ral flo for this most cla lion’s paws with of rm fo e th e raw A trending color in Feet are ite interior and th ll-proportioned. st iron with a wh ca of de mething balanced and we so ma is ing itself colours. Try plac ing. The bathtub us RAL standard the rio d va gloss silver finish an in e ain bl dr za s, or with a wall primer or customi drain and fitting nd outside made of ou gr a th wi .it ddle of a room ordoniceramica like this in the mi er info on www.sb rth Fu s. ing fitt appropriate

It is the best expression of elegance which celebrates the routine of personal care every day.

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HYBRIFLEX-540

Multiple jointing and sealing applications Cladding and cornices Sealing and bonding panels Drywall finishing Low in VOC’s Excellent movement capability Good UV and weather resistance

Contact us or visit our website for technical specifications: JHB: 011 792 3830, CT: 021 552 9674, DBN: 031 579 2375 sales@denbraven.co.za • www.denbraven.com/en-sa CooleAd 18852

ADVERTORIAL: TIER FLOORING

Tier flooring provides a step up in reliability and aesthetics For many years hardwood floors were the benchmark for luxury flooring, providing an aesthetic experience that signified natural elegance, quality and sophistication.

However, the shortcomings of natural wood as a building material – including variability, low levels of durability and environmental concerns – have driven the evolution of superior composite alternatives. Today, Tier flooring represents the pinnacle of aesthetic beauty and durable reliability in the new era of flooring.

Designed for both residential and commercial floor applications, Tier offers a number of important features and benefits when specified in place of traditional hardwood flooring materials.

Though it is seldom the first thought of residential DIY installers, a class-leading Euroclass B–S1 fire resistance rating makes Tier flooring products a safe and reliable option for both commercial and residential installations. This specification can literally save lives and places Tier’s use case well beyond that of natural wood.

Tier also copes with ambient temperatures of up to 70°C with no adverse effects. This means even in areas of direct sunlight, your flooring will not warp, bend or buckle. It is also highly resistant to moisture ingress, which means unlike most wooden floors, it can deal

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ADVERTORIAL: TIER FLOORING

with all typical spills and accidents without warping, discolouring or cracking.

CarbideCore centre layer create a core layer that is strong but flexible The Tier flooring secret to such incredible stability against environmental changes and high-traffic zones is its CarbideCore centre layer, which is a proprietary blend of powdered stone minerals and vinyl that create a core layer that is incredibly strong but provides the flexibility necessary for any installation.

Above the CarbideCore layer are two layers providing different qualities to every Tier flooring board: the transparent upper layer provides a strong, durable, scratch and UV-resistant surface that is made to last under heavy foot traffic, while the second layer is where the magic of this flooring’s luxurious aesthetic is found – a print layer with photographicquality natural wood features allows for a diverse range of finishes, to suit any colour scheme or required texture.

Flooring is as much about its durability as its appearance, and Tier’s versatility in flooring opens up possibilities in all areas of a home or office. Although it is hardy and strong on the surface, the bottom layer of soft foam IXPE underlay provides a satisfying underfoot experience and keeps noise to a minimum.

All that is needed to keep your floor looking its best are common household items such as a broom, mop and a light solution of regular dish soap. No wax or polish is required.

Kept clean and free of excess dirt, Tier also boasts antimicrobial protection. The IXPE foam underlay is coated using an antimicrobial spray, which inhibits the growth of a wide range of microorganisms, including various bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. This helps maintain a clean and healthy environment for families, employees and visitors.

For its contribution to superior indoor air quality, Tier flooring is accredited by FloorScore®, the world’s top accreditor for indoor air quality for hard surface flooring materials, adhesives and underlayment.

Tier is also made using no harmful or dangerous chemicals, using zero adhesives during production. Instead, the product features a revolutionary bonding system to attach each unique layer of the flooring boards.

Manufactured using solar energy All Tier products are manufactured using solar energy and not a single tree has been felled in the process. While your flooring provides the identical look of natural timber, its manufacturing saves trees rather than using valuable natural resources. Tier offers an alternative that looks great, functions exceptionally well and is good for the environment.

Finally, Tier flooring is a creation of one of the world’s most trusted and innovative building materials manufacturers. Eva-Last has pioneered the development of ecofriendly building materials and premium composite materials that are highly durable, low maintenance and respect our fragile environment.

With more than a decade of experience in the field of extrusion and composite product engineering, Eva-Last has adapted its manufacturing techniques to bring its highly successful product line indoors with Tier flooring. With ten attractive colour options to suit anyone’s choice of décor and design, Tier lives up to its mission statement: Fabulous, Functional, Forever.

Easy to install, keep clean and maintain Tier flooring is made to last, looking like it did on day one, year after year. Another significant benefit of its composite construction is that it is remarkably easy to install, keep clean and maintain. Tier’s tongue-and-groove click system allow boards to be scored, snapped to the required length and clicked together, reducing installation time to a minimum, saving costs and providing a flush, waterresistant surface every time.

+27 (010) 271 1632 sales@tierflooring.co.za

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65

FLOORS

The new concrete,

only not…

Cement sand screeds and concrete floors have evolved significantly since those traditional flat, heavy, one-dimensional looks of years gone by.

Italtile

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FLOORS

Understandably, local producers have been taking note of an evolution of tones, textures and sizes in the world of concrete-look tiles. And they have responded by introducing a highly varianced and multidimensional concrete look yet seen in South Africa.

Hailing from Spain – a country renowned for its fashion and design leadership, a new range called Elementi pushes the frontiers of oldschool concrete effects with digital technology that creates a neutraltoned graphic effect, with highly detailed surfaces, says the suppliers, Italtile. This new concept crosses the borders of minimalism and artfully presents a palette that will harmonise beautifully with all styles: from urban and modern, to classic and rustic.

It goes without saying that the intention of this trend is to reinforce neutrals, as per concrete, so colours range from warm beige to cool pearl and gray, ideally suited to contemporary achromatic mood boards.

But it’s porcelain That’s the beauty of this concept. It creates a base canvas of multidimensional neutrals on which to layer a chosen style. With 1200 x 1200 dimensions, and rectified edges, this high-end porcelain tile delivers a near seamless finish for a flawless roomscape with fewer grout lines. Being not just rectified but also large format, Elementi opens up the space under tiles, giving compact rooms the impression of spaciousness.

Variation from tile to tile is ensured with a number of individual faces cut from a large panel, what the manufacturers call “a canvas”. This means that there is less chance of repetition of pattern. With not just high design but also high-end technology, say the marketers. In addition, the specifier has two options in the finish: slip-resistant or matt.

The photos speak for themselves. Go find them at Italtile.

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Conradie Park, Cape Town.Photo courtesy of Concor.

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

Leading cement manufacturer calls for responsible practices As South Africa endures some of its most difficult economic times yet, the country should recognise the importance of supporting responsible manufacturing practice in its cement sector.

AfriSam

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An import ant part o f local ce and tech ment pro nology d ducers’ co evelopm African ec ntribution ent that w onomy. is the skill e continue s to generat e for the South

CEMENT & CONCRETE

The call comes from Hannes Meyer, cementitious executive at leading cement producer AfriSam, who emphasises the strategic value – both economic and social – in a sector that generates this vital commodity.

“As the backbone of our national infrastructure, cement is also a product that represents our highest aspirations of mineral beneficiation,” says Meyer. “To produce this valuable resource, we must start with mining our own deposits. We then process the ingredients through complex technologies that demand considerable financial investment and expertise.”

The range of products that result must form part of an intricate supply chain before arriving where it must be used, he says.

Almost the entire value chain, however, is local – creating market demand and local job opportunities all along the way.

Producers and miners “In addition to the basic requirements of the cement business, South Africa’s cement producers are also mineral rights holders who must comply with mining regulations, which includes social and labour plans,” Meyer says. “In addition to normal business legislation, we must go the extra mile to promote development in and around the communities where we operate.”

future that responds to the growing dangers of climate change.

As an energy-intensive sector, cement production is researching and applying various innovations to reduce its carbon footprint. The government’s recent carbon tax – which is payable by local producers – has created a further imbalance in the market that disadvantages local players, Meyer points out.

“An important part of local cement producers’ contribution is the skills and technology development that we continue to generate for the South African economy,” says Meyer. “We develop skills in local communities, and opportunities for small black-owned businesses, as well as for women and youth in our supply chain. This is a core pillar of responsible manufacturing that the country should support and reward.”

Unencumbered imports “With the wholesale import of cement from countries unencumbered by a carbon tax, there is no level playing field for responsible local manufacturers who are often undercut by imports not governed by our rules,” he says.

The danger of further weakening the South African base of responsible manufacturers, he says, is that the country will not be able to rely mainly on its own internal capacity if it wants to generate inclusive and sustainable economic growth into the future. With the government hoping to raise infrastructure expenditure, there must be strong local construction expertise and products to implement these projects.

Hannes Meyer, AfriSam Cementitious Executive

He points out that this is currently more difficult for cement producers than for miners of more high-value commodities, who are currently benefiting from buoyant prices set by global markets. In contrast, cement prices are determined by demand in the country’s building and construction sectors, where performance remains lacklustre.

“Despite the challenges, local cement producers like AfriSam continue to meet compliance requirements, as these align with our underlying corporate commitment to the future of Africa and the planet,” says Meyer.

Carbon reduction Added to the industry’s responsibilities, he notes, is the growing pressure on all South African businesses to reduce carbon emissions in the interests of a low-carbon

All South African businesses are under pressure to reduce their carbon emissions.

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KITCHENS

Laying out

a kitchen?

We publish this great article about kitchen layouts from this year’s Kitchens Consumer Guide, compliments of the Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA).

Drawings by the KSA If you’re a homeowner who has recently started designing your new kitchen or remodelling your existing one, you’re probably aware of the number of details that go into the process. From choosing the kitchen layout to picking kitchen cabinet design ideas, there are a number of decisions that need to be made.

One of these is how to optimise your space. Each of the layouts below are ‘typical’ shapes which link back to an optimal ergonomic kitchen plan based on the magic work triangle.

The magic work triangle is a design premise that keeps your key zones (cooking/washing/cleaning) optimally separated but linked via a triangle.

The primary tasks in a home kitchen are carried out between the stove/ oven, the sink and the refrigerator.

Optimally the triangle should be as small as possible and as naturally shaped as possible. Each side of the triangle should measure no less than 1.2m and no more than 3m. Ideally, the perimeter of the triangle should be no less than 4m and no more than 8m. The idea is to reduce the amount of walking and unnecessarily expend energy between these zones to optimize your time in the kitchen.

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The U or G shaped kitchen This is the easiest space to work with. It facilitates three runs of cabinets or work surfaces in the shape of a U or with a double back creating a G. Applying the triangle here is easy and allows you to have your hob, sink and fridge each on a separate run of cupboards.

The island shaped kitchen This is when your kitchen design is centred around a kitchen island. Space becomes exceptionally important in this layout. The key is to ensure you have a good flow through the kitchen and good access to all cupboards within the island. The island should not become a hinderance. Here you can work with two work triangles if you want. This allows you to keep the hob on one side of the island and the oven on the other. The island itself can form part of the triangle (if you are placing your hob or sink on the island) or totally outside of the triangle (if the island is purely for dining and counterspace). You can pair an island with a straight, u-shaped or l-shaped kitchen, depending on the size of the space available to you.

KITCHENS

The galley or in-line kitchen layout In this layout you have one bank of cupboards, or two, running parallel to one another. To make the work triangle viable here, you need to elongate it.

Considering movement is very important on this layout, particularly in a galley set up. It is vital that both banks of cupboards and their appliances can be used by more than one person at a time, and that if someone is working in one zone, that it does not inhibit the use of the kitchen by others.

We would recommend that the distance between the two counters be a minimum of 1.2m to ensure space for an oven/refrigerator door to be open and for a person to still get past. It is advised that the sink and the hob are kept close and the fridge is pushed to the very edge of the triangle and at the end of the run of cupboards.

The L shaped kitchen layout

Splitting your kitchen up into clear zones will help you to plan for your storage/prep/cooking needs adequately and efficiently

Here you must have two zones or elements of the work triangle on the same run of kitchen units. In this layout the triangle becomes elongated.

Splitting your kitchen up into clear ‘zones’ will help you to plan for your storage/prep/ cooking needs adequately and efficiently.

No matter which of these layouts your home facilitates, there are certain design basics you need to keep in mind when planning the kitchen with your kitchen designer: • What is the average height of those who will be using the kitchen – if anyone in the family is very tall or very short, allowances for this will need to be considered in the height of the countertops, the eye level cabinets and the extractor. You may need to add lift systems to top units so a shorter person can access them, or you may need to raise the countertop height so that a very tall person does not strain their back. Any special needs the user may have need to be considered. Are they in a wheelchair? Do they have arthritis, or other physical hindrances?

These special considerations will affect the layout, design and hardware you select.

• Give good thought beforehand to what elements your kitchen layout needs to incorporate – an eating area, an entertainment area, a view, open plan harmony with another room, a work or office space.

• What storage needs does the space have to cater for? Look at your small appliances that need special access storage like mixers or beadmakers. Do you have large platters for entertaining, a warming tray or baking equipment that need unusual sized storage? Do you have a lot of silver or glass wear that you would like to have displayed? Do you have pets and want special storage for their food? All these aspects, unique to your lifestyle, will influence your design and layout choices.

On the whole, a successful layout will optimise your workspace. This is best achieved by placing tall units such as pantries, outside of the triangle to the end of a bank of cupboards.

Ideally, a good layout will give you adequate prep space between the sink and the hob.

What all the above tells us is how important pre-planning is. You, as the homeowner, need to have done some homework before you chat to the kitchen designer so that they have all the information they need to suggest the optimum layout and design for your lifestyle and your needs.

For consumers who are planning a new kitchen the KSA has a wealth of advice, hints and tips. Each year new articles are generated, and the old articles are added to the library of kitchen info on the KSA’s website. If you would like to read the rest of the Guide 2022, a link to their online version is available on the home page of their website (www.ksa.co.za).

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COATINGS & PAINT

Colour your space this

AUTUMN The transition from summer to autumn is typically infused with nostalgia for long, carefree beach days – but you need not say farewell to the freedom and expansiveness of the holiday season just yet, suggests a well-known manufacturer of paints and coatings.

Plascon

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COATINGS & PAINT

The Plascon Colour Advice team has devised an autumn palette of expressive blues, rich reds and shell-tinted pinks that will help you to shore up memories of beach walks, cliff-path discoveries, and mysterious tidal pools. The new seasonal colour collection has been dubbed the Coastal palette.

The rich, inky depths of their Moody Blue (108) and the mid-tone aquatic Azurbeen (B1-C1-4) bring the timelessness of coastal light to mind, while the light green/blue cast of Feathery (105) is reminiscent of sea-mist and summer pleasures, bringing a softer touch to your walls. These evocative hues will do wonders for your living spaces, whether you want to recreate an underwater cave or imagine a life on the ocean waves.

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COATINGS & PAINT

The marine hues are complemented by the supplier’s Hot Terracotta (R5-C1-1) - which delivers a powerful enveloping accent, and tonal partner Walnut Spice (02-C2-2). Recalling sunsets and sea creatures, the warm pink hues lend a note of sensuality to the tranquil palette. The interplay of light and dark shades mimics changeable coastal moods.

Plascon Head of Marketing, Suvasin Moodley, shares some tips on how to use this palette: “Coastal brings both warm and cool elements into your home; cocoon in a rosy-hued living room or turn your bedroom into a seaside sanctuary with the richness, ease and dreaminess of this versatile palette,” he says.

Pop Plascon an email for custom advice at ColourAdvice@kansaiplascon.co.za

These evocative hues will do wonders for your living spaces...

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PROFESSIONAL

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.

The Plascon 360º Partnership Pledge is a comprehensive, tailored service solution offering you coatings specifications, application monitoring and maintenance service co-ordination for your property portfolio. All at no additional cost to you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: PLASCON ADVISORY SERVICE ON 0860 20 40 60 @PlasconSA

@PlasconSA

@PlasconSA

Project Guarantee Terms and Conditions apply. © Kansai Plascon (Pty) Ltd. 2018. All rights reserved. Plascon is the registered trademark of Kansai Plascon (Pty) Ltd.

HVAC

Flexible HVAC solutions: Case study

Regardless of the weather, indoor temperatures during the day and evening should ideally be between 19°C and 25°C – comfortable for the majority of people. This case study from Fourways Group explains how this goal was achieved by using a large multiphase variable refrigerant flow (VRF) design.

From small offices to towering skyscrapers, air conditioning systems are responsible for the regulation of heat, airflow, ventilation and air conditioning of the entire space or building.

Without them, properties, their contents, and occupants are at risk of overheating.

Proactive business owners know to have reliable air conditioning systems in place for the comfort and safety of the workplace and employees, particularly with rising heat levels during summer.

Anris Airconditioning, with product supply and design assistance from Fourways Group, recently completed a large multiphase VRF installation at Reflex Solutions in Dunkeld

The chic boardroom at Reflex solutions fitted with the concealed ducted unit ensuring a harmonious interior.

Samsung’s Super DVM-S outdoor units fitted outside the office and linked to the indoor-ducted units to provide efficient cooling and heating.

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HVAC

Gardens, Johannesburg. Situated in the leafy and upmarket suburb of Dunkeld West, the trendy two-storey technology company commissioned commercial HVAC systems to meet its need for stable temperature control, excellent air circulation and energy-saving efficiencies.

Fourways Group worked on the VRF design and cost estimation for the entire project to assist Anris Airconditioning with meeting Dunkeld Gardens’ requirements.

Samsung Low Static Pressure ducted units and Super DVM-S commercial systems were used to enable the perfect indoor climate for everyday working.

The core benefit of a centrally managed HVAC system like the Samsung LSP ducted unit is its ability to regulate temperatures individually in several rooms through one interconnected system. With limited space in the venue to fit a condenser, Fourways Group Projects Designers, Anelisa Ndzandzeka and Chris Kruger decided to split the design into smaller, low static pressure ducted units.

This installation flexibility meant the system could be configured to suit almost any room and be easily concealed behind ceilings, allowing it to blend in while providing an enhanced airflow to the surrounding space.

The increase of Samsung ducted units also made it possible for a smaller outdoor unit by increasing the combination ratio due to diversity. Heat recovery was used, enabling separate cooling and heating of the air conditioners, all while reducing energy consumption due to the circulation of high-pressure gas in the MCU box.

Ultimately, the design assistance by Fourways Group’ experts ensured harmony between the spaces, and ultimate comfort was achieved.

The Samsung Super DVM-S commercial system used at Reflex Solutions is powerful and expandable to cover a large area.

It offers incredible performance in large rooms, dispersing cooler air over distances of up to 18 metres and works harmoniously with the Samsung LSP ducted units.

Vibrant and trendy office space for Reflex Solutions, with concealed ducting to ensure no unsightly airconditioning systems affect the design interior.

Seamless comfort and building integration

In tandem, these systems not only regulate environmental conditions and human temperatures extremely efficiently, but help to preserve the lifespan of expensive IT equipment and boost computer performance by preventing overheating.

They further stabilise laptops, towers, and server temperatures by removing dampness

from the air, giving IT systems the necessary means to thrive and last longer – a valueadded benefit for the IT industry.

The Fourways Group is available on +27 (0)11704 6230 for commercial air conditioning solutions and long-term after sales support.

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CEILINGS

Protecting against the wet winter A home on the coastline requires smart design and building systems to enable a comfortable environment in the home, especially with the onset of the rainy season in some regions.

Saint-Gobain

The chhajjas concept by the architect, which protects the residents against direct sunlight and adverse weather.

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CEILINGS

An outdoor view like this requires extensive weather protection.

In this case history, we feature a specialised product brought to the country by Saint-Gobain Africa. This coastal property is situated in Fresnaye, above the surf of Bantry Bay, a renowned moist and windy area at certain times of the year.

Architects requirements The client required a design that would manage the bright light reflecting off the sea and the glare from the sand. To manage this inbound light and ensure shading for the home, the smart design includes eaves under the overhangs of the sloped roofs at different levels of the building.

Thus, ‘chhajjas’ (overhanging eaves in Indian architectural vernacular) were specified to shade the windows. The shadows they cast contribute to the building’s fenestration requirements under SANS1400-XA. This supports passive climate control inside the house, helping to shade the building during key times of the day.

In practice, the deep balconies on the floor immediately above facilitate a pleasant indoor-outdoor living space.

These sheltered outdoor spaces prevent

The exterior eaves finish added a practical and also aesthetically pleasing finish and supported a core pillar of the architect’s design: Chhajjas specified to cast shadows in the right places and contribute to the building’s energy efficiency/fenestration requirements under SANS1400-XA. These support passive climate control inside the house, helping to shade the building throughout the day.

direct sunlight and also serve to protect the residents from adverse Cape weather.

Given the outdoor exposed nature of these features, a smooth durable solution for the eaves of the home had to be specified. This was achieved by using a new product called Glasroc X from the supplier.

The client knew exactly what was required and that along the lines of his concept, previous outdoor eaves systems would not be able to deliver. He and the architect hence required a mock up for approval prior to signing off the system for the eaves of the whole house. This was executed and gave positive results.

The solution Glasroc® X is a high performance gypsum based sheathing board with glass mat reinforcement embedded into its core for improved strength, and fire and weather resistance, also making it suitable for external applications. The board contains a special additive that provides high resistance to mould and water penetration combined with a UV resistant surface for long-term protection - a perfect solution to further manage the high humidity from the area. Apart from its durable properties, it also offers an aesthetically pleasing eaves concealed ceiling extension, with no obvious jointing, other than where expansion joints are required.

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CEILINGS

Project team feedback “We decided after consulting with our client to use this product, despite this new system not being fully trialed in South Africa,” says Brian Bernhardt, Project Architect.

and were impressed with the speed and result achieved and determined this was the right product for completion of the ceilings,” Bernhardt adds.

“Following further R&D to implement the ceiling system, the supplier’s technical advisers provided training to the ceiling subcontractors prior to work commencing on site.

“A good quality stretchable paint was applied to finish the ceilings. The team and our client were delighted with the smooth seamless ceiling now in place”.

“The ceiling system application is similar to an internal plasterboard ceiling and hence was quickly boarded to a test area. The double layer skim plaster with mesh was then completed by conventional skimming of the ceiling. Soon after the ceiling had dried out we assessed the finish product

According to Riaan Walters, Project Manager at Saint-Gobain, Cape Town, as a visual comfort enabler, the specified exterior cladding board should fully address the challenges of unstable climatic conditions, by providing a durable yet flexible solution.

“Often, the primary driver in the choice of material for this type of system is that the

material and installation must resist large temperature fluctuations and the natural movement of a structure.

“This new alternative to fibre cement eaves has already been vigorously tested in the harsh climatic conditions of the United Kingdom, Ireland and mainland Europe - with great success. Due to its design and structure, the Glasroc® X board has a high dimensional stability, making it ideal for large running external ceiling areas that are only interrupted at a maximum of every 15 metres for control joints. A prime application of this is inside office buildings,” explains Walters.

Kevin Jones, Head of Commercial and Residential Divisions, Scheltema says that the technical team was always on hand for direction.

“In fact, Riaan Walters was deeply involved in this project which did help.

It is a standard installation, however, it has to be followed by the book to avoid short cuts being taken by unsupervised installers,” says Jones.

The outdoor ceiling solution - smooth and weather resistant.

Project Team Main Contractor Sub-Contractor Supply Partner Architect

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JNA – Kobus Landman Scheltema – Kevin Jones SDP OWA Cape ARRCC – Brian Bernhardt

n e e gr

Do it right Do it Get it DONE

INSULATION

Working from home

& climate comfort

Everybody agrees, since the Covid-19 pandemic there will be no return to 'business as usual' as we know it. And as with every crisis the world faces, there will be some outcomes that can be viewed as humankind's learning curve ... like working from home!

Eco-Insulation and Pixabay Although not always feasible for everyone who is employed, home office workers have spoken of various benefits, including less time spent commuting by car, better health all round due to less human contact, excluding of course the pandemic itself, and optimal use of the IT tools and systems at our disposal.

But with every perceived benefit, comes a price and in many cases that price is home comfort, while being productive at work. Modern offices offer the enormous benefit of air conditioning systems, healthy and effective illumination of the workspace and ergonomic office furniture. Most homes do not offer these systems, meaning that home office workers can suffer from extreme heat in summer while indoors, or cold while working from their favourite spot in winter.

Along those lines, Eco-Insulation's principal distributor in the Cape Town region, Richard Ellis, one of the largest in the country, (eco-insulation.co.za) speaks of being called by prospective clients who have a problem with the comfort of their home climate.

"Not everyone can afford the benefit of a domestic HVAC

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system, nor the power they consume from the grid and so we have had numerous calls for advice on what to do. With the current heat waves, the number of inquiries have increased dramatically,” says Ellis.

“Our solution is so simple: We market and install our famous environmentally friendly cellulose fibre insulation, which brings with it numerous benefits.

"In many cases, the homes we visit have little by way of passive climate control measures.

I refer to those measures that don't need expensive electricity to operate all day long.

But, with only a modest capital investment you can be on the way to keeping comfortable for life - by installing roof insulation. In certain of the homes we visit to give quotes, an existing insulation installation has simply stopped working or was a 'cheapest price' option from day one.”

INSULATION

Check what is causing the movement of heat.

Whoever takes a look in the roof of a house they are renting or buying, a new apartment, or an existing retrofit situation?

Check what is causing the movement of heat.

"The roof is a no-go zone for most people!

But doing a quick inspection is the key to getting a climate controlled house,” Ellis advises.

“What do you see? Use your cellphone camera plus its flash to take photos inside the roof from the top of the ladder and then view the photos when you are on the ground again. My colleagues and I carry a ladder in the car whenever we attend a callout.

“Where the house or apartment has a trapdoor in the ceiling, I go and take a look.

It's genuinely appalling what I encounter.

Haphazard insulation installations with wide gaps above the ceiling, through which 25% or more of heat can transfer into the home in summer or escape in winter.

Or worse still, an insulation job that does not comply with the National Building Regulations ... or none at all!

"Eco-Insulation installers carry a thermal imaging camera with them and use this to take photos of the underside of your ceiling. It is remarkable what we see; dozens of hot spots through which a great amount of heat will move. Nine times out of ten, such a visit leads to a contract for us to fix a roof that 'leaks' heat. We do this professionally and quickly, removing any trace of the old non-performing insulation,” says Ellis.

A fully accredited installer “It's more than just a contracting job, however. Eco-Insulation is a fully accredited installer under the TIPSASA (Thermal Insulation Products & Systems Association SA) and we carry their Product Compliance Certificate. We are also SABS-approved and our product is made in an ISO9001:2015 accredited factory, the only such factory in its class in SA. "And clients are enormously satisfied with the results ... a cooler house!

Whilst there, we also give professional advice as to how the property owner may further boost their passive climate control indoors, leading to a more comfortable working space. Give us a call sometime so we can show you how it's done. We say Energy Efficient, On Time and On Budget," adds Ellis.

“Try us! Our work comes with a warranty of performance. And of course, cellulose fibre thermal insulation has the lowest energy footprint of all as it is a recycled natural material and good for the planet also!”

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INSULATION

A word on QA from

TIPSASA

In this article, Des Schnetler from the Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association (TIPSASA) argues that testing means quality assurance for the end user.

Gareth Griffiths

Traditionally, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has provided an extensive array of testing and certification. Once the product met the SABS testing and certification requirements, it could carry the SABS mark for a three-year period. The misconception in the industry is that the SABS mark of approval is mandatory. However, the National Building Regulations (NBR) simply require that products should comply with South African National Standards (SANS), irrespective of the testing authority.

Mandatory vs voluntary Most SABS Standards are voluntary unless specified in the NBR, as an example a fire test report is mandatory for all insulation products, roof lining or waterproofing membranes used under a roof covering as part of a roof assembly. The definition of a roof assembly is a building cover and its supporting structure, including any ceiling attached to the structure and any additional components such as insulation.

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Most SABS Standards are voluntary unless specified in the NBR

INSULATION

So why test?

An insulation product may pass a fire test but once it has been installed it has to comply with other requirements of the application of the NBR SANS 10400 series. For instance, the design working life for repairable or replaceable components and materials, such as claddings, roofing materials, exterior trims, and integrated components, and windows and doors, shall not be less than 15 years. If only fire tests are conducted, what about durability?

Climate change…yes climate change Durability is of utmost importance, especially if one takes climate change into account. Most areas in South Africa average more than 2 500 hours of sunshine per year and the annual 24-hour global solar radiation average in South Africa is one of the highest in the world. It is of utmost importance that certain insulation materials require UV resistance testing/ accelerated aging tests, to avoid discoloration and/or degradation. Once degradation starts it could pose a serious fire risk, irrespective of whether the product has passed a fire test, hence the importance of Product Standards that incorporate all the necessary parameters.

Test reports and certificates A test report is a factual report indicating the result of a test performed to ascertain the behaviour of the building product/component in respect of one or more specific characteristics.

In relation to the National Building Regulations, the following are acceptable: • An SABS test report; or • A CSIR report; or • An Agrément certificate representing an entirely different approach, i.e. fit for purpose, in the absence of a South African National Standard; or • Any other sources, such as universities or independent laboratories run by private enterprise provided it is deemed to satisfy the NBR.

What is SANAS accreditation and why is it important?

SANAS accreditation certificates are a formal recognition by the Government of South Africa that an organisation is competent to perform specific tasks.

SANAS provides formal recognition to, amongst others: • Calibration laboratories • Certification bodies • Inspection bodies • Laboratories (testing and calibration) to ISO/IEC 17025 (SANS17025) • Mechanical and physical testing laboratories • Measurement & verification (energy industry) Accreditation is important because it determines whether an institution meets or exceeds minimum quality standards.

What about ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is the international standard for a quality management system (QMS). The standard is used by organizations and companies to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements and to demonstrate continuous improvement. If manufacturers are compliant with ISO 9001, it is a good indicator that they take quality control seriously.

The future of insulation products in South Africa As a result of continuing problems experienced with testing and certification, industry has begun the process of finding alternative solutions to measure the performance of insulation products by using private laboratories that are SANAS accredited.

TIPSASA (www.tipsasa.co.za) is determined to provide assurance of consistency of quality of the end product by demanding compliance of product standards, whether by mandatory or voluntary standards. This is the determining factor to become a member of the association. Where product results are indicated as being deemed to satisfy any particular regulation, this should be accepted by the local authority, irrespective of the testing authority.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Superior air comfort and energy saving

you can bank on Reducing HVAC energy consumption is an important building block in the push for greater sustainability in the business world. The good news is that air conditioning technology has come a long way. Breakthroughs in smart technology are making these systems more sustainable than ever before.

For a green-conscious banking group like First National Bank, now was the time to install inverter air conditioning systems at its new its FNB Vincent Park Mall branch in East London from Fourways Group – the kind that offers maximum electricity saving and less drain on the world's non-renewable energy resources.

Best air-conditioning system to meet project criteria Fourways Group, a leader in HVAC product distribution in South Africa, worked alongside installers Air Conditioning Services (ACS) to determine the best airconditioning system that would meet the project criteria. In addition to reduced

Recently completed FNB at Vincent Park Mall in the Eastern Cape.

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power usage, the system commissioned needed to offer efficient temperature and humidity control, proper air distribution and quiet operation. Several Samsung air conditioning systems were chosen, including Samsung Ducted Splits, Samsung Midwall Splits and a Samsung 4-Way Wind-Free Cassette.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Samsung AR4500 Midwall Split chosen for its energy efficient cooling and heating capabilities.

The stylish interior of the FNB customer waiting area with a Samsung inverter ducted system.

In wide-open spaces that included the bank’s entrance, lobby, enquiries, and consulting areas, one Samsung MSP Duct Inverter and three Samsung HSP Duct Inverter Split units were installed. These models operate using less electricity and provide airflow rates of up to 49 CMM and 200 CMM respectively. A low sound pressure from the indoor units translates into extremely quiet operation, a valued benefit for bank employees who require a noiseless and distraction-free working environment for processing important financial transactions. From an office partitioning and layout perspective, the ducted hideaways allow for flexibility in the bank’s floor layout changes, while the units’ expansive air coverage and light installation make them ideal fits for the interior’s high ceilings.

For the bank’s privates offices and cash collection points, Fourways Group

The Samsung 4-Way Windfree Cassette neatly installed by ACS to gently disperse air and avoid direct cold drafts whilst saving on running costs.

advised the use of three Samsung AR4500 Midwall Splits. These inverter technology units support up to 70% energy savings.

All split units were fitted with special drip trays below the indoor unit to collect excess water that comes from the air conditioning process. Incorporating drip trays protects the bank from water damage and protects the furnaces from failure and microbiological growth, the latter being essential for ensuring a safe and healthy breathing environment for employees and the general public. Enhancing air quality within the Covid-19 climate has never been more critical, which Allergy Care full HD filters inside the air conditioners further encourage, capturing bacteria, viruses, airborne contaminants and dust for cleaner air and peace of mind.

Lastly, a 36 000 BTU Samsung 4-Way WindFree Inverter Cassette was installed close to the ATM zone. It prevents ATM electronics

from overheating and keeps bank customers feeling good by maintaining comfortable temperature levels without the unpleasant feeling of cold draughts. The Samsung 4-Way Wind-Free Cassette also consumes minimal electricity. The result is the best of both worlds for customers who expect the best in climate control.

As with all Samsung air conditioners, each unit installed in the FNB Vincent Park Mall branch comes with Fourways Group’s impressive five-year warranty.

Like Fourways Group and the HVAC products it distributes, banks today are the epitome of sophistication, efficiency, and innovation. Updating to inverter air conditioners enhances the level of banking excellence, all while reducing monthly energy costs and contributing to a more sustainable world. Now that is a superior air solution everyone can bank on.

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GREEN BUILDING

Existing building

EPC measures a catalyst?

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) says that its partnership with the Carbon Trust, made possible by funding and support from the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme, will help South Africa get to grips with energy efficiency in the country’s existing building stock through operationalising Energy Performance Certificates. This is an important first step towards achieving the country’s net zero ambitions.

GBCSA

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GREEN BUILDING

Governments and private businesses worldwide are committing to achieve net zero carbon for existing buildings by 2050. This ambitious goal requires clear steps along the journey, and ways to monitor progress.

Turning the net zero by 2050 commitment into a reality is a mammoth undertaking. The process involves many acronyms, ambitious targets, detailed discussions, and tough commitments.

It can seem complex and confusing, but having the right regulatory frameworks in place can provide clarity to drive decision making. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are an example of such a regulation that will focus efforts to ensure energy efficient buildings in the public and private sectors.

The EPC regulations were made effective in 2020, requiring public sector buildings greater than 1 000m² and private sector buildings greater than 2 000m² to obtain an EPC

by December 2022.

Making good progress on developing an EPC roadmap for building owners Through the real-time process of conducting EPCs in 30 buildings across South Africa, the UK PACT, Carbon Trust and GBCSA project has been making good progress on developing an EPC roadmap for building owners. It will include additional guidelines on getting from an EPC to net zero via energy efficiency, renewables, and carbon offsets.

These learnings will feed back into the building of the National Building Energy Performance Register (NBEPR) platform (which is set to be launched in 2022) and into policy recommendations for driving further energy efficiency in buildings through the EPC mechanism.

What are EPCs? An EPC provides a snapshot of a building’s yearly operational energy performance by measuring energy consumption (including LPG, electricity, renewables, diesel, and more) per square metre.

It’s a colour-coded score from A-G, valid for five years, and is similar to the energy rating found on an electrical appliance. Knowing the energy performance of a building empowers potential buyers and tenants to make informed decisions.

How do EPCs affect building owners?

EPCs provide a useful baseline to understand a building’s current energy consumption.

At the moment, there is no minimum rating requirement, Once the inefficiencies are identified, improvements can be made. (The rising cost of grid power alone is likely to drive this - Ed.) “Because of their significant contribution to South Africa’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions profile, buildings are a key part of South Africa’s decarbonisa tion challenge. Energy efficiency in buildings is a good low hanging fruit to target and set the ball rolling towards net zero,” says GBCSA CEO, Lisa Reynolds.

Jonathan Booth, project lead at the Carbon Trust, adds: “While climate change is the fundamental driver, there are strong commercial arguments for embarking on a net zero journey; for instance, rising energy costs and advancing technologies continuously strengthen the economic case for many of the most effective interventions such as upgrading HVAC systems and managing plug loads.”

EPCs will also provide much needed data to assess and monitor what proportion of the country’s emissions can be attributed to buildings, and how a focus on energy efficiency can make a positive contribution towards South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reduction targets. There is currently no baseline, which means we don’t know how well we are doing or how much carbon we must mitigate to achieve net zero by 2050 for existing buildings.

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GREEN BUILDING

Operationalising EPCs in South Africa The focus now is on the development of a robust mechanism to collect and process EPC data and for issuing EPCs. The Carbon Trust, GBCSA, and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) recognised the importance of an effective EPC mechanism to drive energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from buildings.

A grant funding proposal was developed to this effect and submitted to UK PACT. The proposal was successful and work began in March 2021.

The project is led by the Carbon Trust, supported by the GBCSA and some of the immediate priorities identified involve creating awareness, developing an enabling environment for the EPC mechanism, and establishing a National Building Energy Performance Register (NBEPR).

This will be managed by SANEDI and the National Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).

The project began with a foundational phase of research exploring the PESTLE (political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental) factors which impact the EPC legislation process in South Africa and using these to identify what needs to be put in place to make EPCs a success. This also involved looking at global best practice in order to see what could be applied locally.

The next phase involved conducting EPCs with a sample of 30 buildings (15 public and 15 private sector). Through collecting essential EPC data from these sample buildings, learnings have been used to inform the development of an EPC roadmap for building owners with additional guidelines on getting from an EPC to net zero via energy efficiency, renewables, and carbon offsets.

These learnings will feed back into the building of the NBEPR platform (which will be launched in 2022) and into policy recommendations for driving further energy efficiency in buildings through the EPC mechanism.

GBCSA tech team member Manti Seleka of the GBCSA on site for EPC

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Longer term, the outcomes focus on increasing EPC uptake among building owners, using NBEPR data to inform policy, training, and skills development around EPCs and the legislation, encouraging improvements in energy efficiency, stimulating the implementation of smart and green technologies in buildings, and also informing financial products associated with energy performance.

“On top of the potential energy efficiency and carbon transformation within the built environment, the EPC legislation provides another gem: The rollout and implementation of this legislation will create green jobs – both as Inspection Bodies and in businesses related to the retrofit of energy efficiency technology and solutions in buildings. All adding to the growth of the green economy.”

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