To Build - Volume 11 l issue 3 - September 2021 by Media Xpose

Volume 11 Issue 3 September 2021

Do-it-yourself maintenance tips

Looking for ways to

‘go green’ at home?

Design insights:

Fireplaces, heating and cooking September 2021 R45.00 Incl. VAT

Efficient water

heating technology eases energy crisis

Enhance the front of your home with plants

Hansgrohe writes

bathroom history

21003

Evolving beautiful ideas | Japandi colours take interiors by storm 9 772219 724008

Greater energy efficiencies and optimal comfort this winter - without compromising on performance.

Catalogue 2020

III All-year Comfort - Perfectly optimized in all climates The DVM S system is also ideal for residential buildings. It lets you easily control the room temperature even in the hottest or coldest weather. And you can reduce the noise level to minimize disturbance at night.

Independently cool and heat multiple spaces

South Africa’s winter season can be extremely cold. Keeping offices, Simultaneous Cooling and Heating* hotels, shopping malls, homes, schools, and all commercial buildings With a Mode Control Unit (MCU)**, the DVM S lets you independently cool and warm during winter canheat bedifferent a challenging and costly feat. According to spaces at the same time. So you can simultaneously heat Eskom (Energy Management Information Pack: 5) “Heating, some rooms or areas of the building, while coolingVentilation others. and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are subjected to more misuse * Available only on DVM S HR (Heat Recovery) models. ** Optional. than any other type of equipment in South Africa’s business sector. Poor maintenance, lack of knowledge on how to use them efficiently, and the large number of old and inefficient systems in the sector, make 11 HVAC systems a significant contributor to the country’s demand for Ensures comfort energy.” It is therefore imperative that aircon systems are optimised, in with all seasons and old systems replaced energy efficient alternatives. Fourways Group, the national distributors of Samsung air conditioners have the Wide Temperature Spectrum ideal climate solutions for various environments. The Flagship VRF No matter how extreme the temperature, the highbased Samsung DVM S systems provide world class energy efficiencies performance DVM S can handle the conditions. with its dual inverter technology, so end-users can enjoy a toasty Cooling Operating across a wide temperature spectrum, it indoor climate while saving on electricity costs. can cool in heat of up to 48°C and provide warmth in

Heating

Mode Control Unit (MCU)

freezing cold conditions of -25°C.

12 Smart Airconditioning Solutions

Simply optimizes your comfort

DVM system needs to be commissioned and signed off by Fourways for the warranty to be valid

Works quietly and efficiently at night

efficiency and economy, achieving a much better Energy Efficiency Rating (EERa).

valuable space and costs

especially costs, while still providing you the coverage you Flash Injection System need across large areas. The DVM S 30HP with its small Peak Demand Control footprint and large capacity means you can replace multiple lower capacity conventional models with fewer units, thereby reducing costs on installation, parts, and maintenance. Hybrid

ising on d to offer a

otprint and conventional

So you can maintenance,

The Dual Digital Inverter Compressor allow the compressors toDigital operate simultaneously allowing for quicker cooling and Inverter Super quickly Inverter heating therefore reaching the set temperature.PHEIttype Sub-cooler Motor Scroll Compressor will then operate at a lower capacity to maintain this set temperature, meaning it isn’t constantly running at full capacity to keep the set temperature. This allows for greater energy efficiencies and lower electricity costs.

1,795mm

765mm

1,295mm

Its compact size leaves you Samsung plenty of extra space S thatis a Variable The world-renowned DVM can be used for other purposes compromising onof outdoor Refrigerant Flow (VRF) unit.without VRF systems consist performance. units which host multiple indoor units via refrigerant piping to provide heating as well as cooling to individual zones. The DVM S Heat Recovery (HR) system can independently cool and heat multiple spaces with a mode control unit, which outdoor unit (18HP + 12HP) = 1.66m². means you can heat and cool different spaces at the same time ensuring comfort in all seasons operating across a wide temperature spectrum. No matter how extreme the temperature, the high performance DVM S can handle the conditions and continues to heat your environment reliably and intelligently. With enhanced flash injection it can produce high heating capacities at -25°C and can cool in heat of up to 48°C. DVM S systems are a smart, ideal DVM S Outdoor DVM of S environments whether large or solution for a wideIvariety smaller residential buildings. The complete range available South Africa includes (Heat III Effin iciency - Saves energy, as well asDVM spaceSand costs Pump and Heat options), and S Water, alltofrom 8HP toenergy 30HP TheRecovery Samsung DVM S includes a range of smartDVM technologies that combine deliver world-class efficiency economy, a much better Energyto Efficiency Rating (EERa). Pump and Heat andand the DVMachieving S Eco from 4HP 14HP (Heat Recovery options).

Flash Injection System

Hybrid Heat Exchanger

Asymmetric Algebraic Scroll

Digital Inverter Motor

Protective Coating

PHE type Sub-cooler

Super Inverter Scroll Compressor

Optimise power and energy costs with smart technology. Proven to work more efficiently As well as being the largest and most compact DVM system, the Samsung DVM S is extremely powerful and incredibly energy efficient. This means saving space, and more

Top-class Energy Eff iciency

Save energy by doing nothing! The Samsung DVM S outdoor unit delivers top-class energy efficiency, based on its exceptional energy efficiency in various areas of the world. By combining various smart technologies it is up to 7% more efficient than previous models in terms of EERa*. In fact, the high efficiency of all of our products, across a range of capacities, is certified by global leading institutions, so they are proven to deliver tangible savings.

[EER]

7.0 6.5

6.97

6.75

6.66

6.9

Max.

6.6

6.56

6.57

6.74

6.54

New DVM S

Previous DVM S

6.35

6.70

Max.

Min.

6.26

6.01

5.95

5.5

7.0 6.5

6.97 6.75 6.66

6.9

Max.

6.6

6.56

6.57

6.74

6.54

6.4

Previous DVM S

6.35

6.0

New DVM S

5.5

Min.

5.71

[HP]

Average

6.70

Max. Min.

6.26

6.01

5.95

Min.

5.71

[HP]

Average

Reliability and durability * Based on Korea’s Energy Efficiency Rating (Avg). EERa: New DVM S = 6.70, Previous DVM S = 6.26.

A.088

The super inverter scroll compressor with a range of innovative technologies provides a better compression performance. The Plate Heat Exchanger Sub-cooler improves cooling and heating efficiency, its higher heat exchange rate means optimal distribution, once again lowering maintenance and energy costs, a no brainer when it comes to choosing the perfect HVAC system to install in your building.

With design and climate control flexibility, premium comfort, high energy efficiencies, and superior performance, the Samsung DVM S air conditioning system offers the precise solution for any HVAC application. Fourways collaborates with thousands of HVAC Installers and Consulting Engineers across the country to assist in the design of complex VRF and commercial systems with our dedicated engineering division to provide eco-friendly and energy-saving offerings. Combined with training and dedicated technical and aftersales support, these are just some of the attributes that has made Fourways Group the largest air conditioning and heat pump supplier in South Africa. Make Fourways your trusted partner in HVAC innovation and solutions.

Contact Fourways Group today: To request a FREE VRF design or to find your perfect VRF air conditioning solution. JHB: (011) 704 6320 · PTA: (012) 643 0445 · CAPE: (021) 556 8292 · KZN: (031) 579 1895 · PE: (041) 484 6413 EL: (043) 722 0671 · George: 082 380 0708 · Free State: 083 381 0074 6.4

6.0

[EER]

Optimal comfort with Samsung climate solutions

Peak Demand Control

Pr C

In efforts to help businesses manage energy consumption costs, the DVM S provides Power-Demand Control for Proven to work more efficiently peak hours and seasons, especially useful when power supply is insufficient or when trying to avoid excessive and Top-class Energy Eff iciency wasteful energy usage. With Samsung’s Smart Management Save energy by doing nothing! The Samsung DVM S outdoor unit delivers top-class energy efficiency, based on its exception controls, it is simpler to access the system to monitor its efficiency in various areas of the world. By combining various smart technologies it is up to 7% more efficient than previous operational or data manage control from terms of EERa*. In fact,status the high efficiency of all ofto our products, across aand range of capacities, isit certified by global leading in so they are proven to deliver tangible savings. anywhere, anytime.

04and

Heating performance and year-round Compact Size control temperature

Heat Exchanger

Asymmetric Algebraic Scroll

ED’S NOTE

Working from my home office in jeans and veldskoen, I made a conscious decision to exclude the negative aspects of our country over the past weeks in the interests of finding something to have hope in. Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za To Build Publication @To_Build @to_build_publication

Travelling through the Northern Cape on a recent trip and seeing the glow of superheating from the Khi Solar One concentrating solar plant near Upington reminded me of all the noteworthy things our society has achieved, including the renewable energy ambitions of our power utility Eskom. Parabolic mirrors located at ground level focus the sun's rays on a boiler located on top of a centralized 205-metre-high tower, which creates enough heat to liquify salt, which in turn is transferred to a boiler system that creates steam energy. The plant was connected to the grid in 2016. While the plant is 50MW, equivalent to that of a lower end wind farm generating plant, it does represent the very best of technology and the outcome of cooperation between the State, Eskom, an international partner, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and, significantly, the local !Khi community trust. Such technology is significant since the heat generated can be stored after sunset for over two hours, allowing power from this plant to continue into the early stages of the night. Such technology and the continuation of South Africa's renewable energy programme represents our country at its best. It's not just technology for the sake of technology; it's a genuine way of addressing the carbon footprint that our built environment is leaving behind. More recently the announcement by our Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy that a 100MW embedded power product will be allowed on site will go a long way to take the strain off the national grid and lessen our reliance on the burning of coal for energy. May this go from strength to strength. Speaking of wind power, we are very saddened to hear of the passing of Ntombifuti Ntuli, the CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association. Ntuli was a young and vibrant leader with an impressive record in renewable energy. TO BUILD extends its heartfelt condolences to her family and colleagues.

Gareth 4

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Quality Composite Wood Products:

Decking Balustrading Pergolas

Best Deck supplies premium quality products throughout South Africa and Africa. Based in Johannesburg, it is a partnership between Gary Fisher and Stuart Martin; who have a combined experience of more than 50 years in this type of industry. Gary has been involved with manufacturing and importing composite wood products for more than 20 years. Stuart has earned a fantastic reputation as a prominent building developer in Gauteng since the mid-1990’s. To date, he has built more than 600 beautiful homes. Together, Stuart and Gary form a driven team that strives for the very best results. Best Deck is one of very few composite wood companies that import, supply and install our own products. We oversee and take responsibility for our projects from start to finish. In addition, Best Deck is able to supply our products

Gauteng

+27 (0)11 463 7948 info@bestdeck.co.za

Wall Cladding Screens Gates

to independent contractors nationally and internationally. Our high level of service delivery is evidenced by the glowing testimonial page on our website. Best Deck has become the supplier and installer of choice to some of the biggest construction companies in the country. We also work closely with prominent architects, quantity surveyors, interior decorators and other professionals throughout Africa. Gauteng’s newest City, Steyn City, this iconic development has been totally BEST DECKED. Here Best Deck have installed a fortune of pergolas, decking, wall cladding and balustrades. The aesthetic Best Deck has added to this development is evident around the entire project. Best Deck warehouses carry large stocks of all of our Best Deck products.

Cape Town

+27 (0)83 377 3813 admin@bestdeckwc.co.za

Zambia

+26 (0)97 169 8115 bestdeck@forgezambia.com

STRIVE

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

DESIGN:DÉCOR SA designs: no chicken feed!

10 / 12 NEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

SIENNA

DIY: LANDSCAPING Enhance the front of your home with plants

COVER STORY Hansgrohe writes bathroom history

24 28 Cellulose fibre serves major housing developer’s insulation needs

32 ARCHITECTURE Integrated plant for leading German company

36 COUNTRY ARCHITECTURE Split level shopping centre in rural heartland

FALCON

LANDSCAPING Investing in the home landscape: A great decision

66 TIMBER CONSTRUCTION Ratanga rises again

70 DIY: DRAINAGE Eco-friendly home and garden products

74 ROOFING Award winning distribution centre – what a roof!

78 INSULATION If you do it, do it right!

ENGINEERING A sustainability engineer

PROPERTY Looking for ways to ‘go green’ at home?

CONSTRUCTION KNOW-HOW Safety harness need-to-knows

CONSTRUCTION LAW Contract payment: Don’t let the grass grow under your feet

www.seatsahead.co.za

Tel: 011 434 0444, Email:Shantelle@chairexpress.co.za 44 Hulbert Rd Cnr Rosettenville Rd, New Centre, Johannesburg PO Box 39799, Booysens, 2016

DIY: GARDEN MAINTENANCE Do-it-yourself maintenance tips

EDITOR’S CHOICE

LEAD STORY Sustainable housing in practice

ORION

82 PROPERTY POPIA & Community Property Schemes

CONSTRUCTION Construction industry & POPI Act

LIGHTING Unusual design chandeliers gain traction

INTERIOR DESIGN: RESTAURANTS Newly revamped Chef’s Studio fuses fine interior design with culinary excellence

PROJECT FEATURE Rustenburg Mall – unique sensory experiences

True beauty doesn’t fade with time.

Hydro aluminium garage doors are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and extremely durable, which makes them perfect for coastal areas. They’re also easy to clean and maintain. Available as single or double doors in four attractive colours, Hydro aluminium doors will enhance the kerb appeal of any home. For more info, visit hydrodoors.co.za or call 086 110 2425.

100

108

116

HVAC The ideal HVAC for a flagship store

WALLS & WALLPAPER Fresh decorative concepts for your walls

100

110

118

CEMENT & CONCRETE Admixtures to reduce contractors’ carbon footprint

PAINT & COATINGS An alternative to tiled or painted walls; murals are a bright way to uplift both interiors and exteriors

HEATING & COOLING Efficient water technology eases energy crisis

DIY: ADHESIVES & SEALANTS Filling gaps using foam filler

94 FIREPLACES Design insights: Fireplaces, heating and cooking

98 DIY: TOOLS DIY tips circular saw: Blade selection & best practice

104 KITCHENS Kitchen Specialists Association: Update

106

@To_Build

Cover Credit:

Picture Credit: 123rf.com | pixabay.com

Printed by:

@to_build_publication

Distribution:

ON THE DOT

120

BRICKS & LIME Restoring Wupperthal

GREEN BUILDING Residential energy utilization: The reality

114

122

FURNITURE Evolving beautiful ideas

BUILT ENVIRONMENT GRADUATE NEWS Construction management post-graduate competes in a tight market

FLOORS Focused on floor solutions

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

112

Publishing Director Elroy van Heerden elroy@tobuild.co.za

Advertising Sales Manager Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za

Editor Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za

Advertising Sales Jacqui Marsh jacqui@tobuild.co.za

Sub-Editor Tessa O'Hara tessa.ohara@gmail.com

Distribution & Subscriptions Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za

Content Manager Wadoeda Adams artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

Retail Distribution: On The Dot

Editorial Contributors An-Lie Nel Arjun Khoosal Bryan Hack Christoff Pienaar, Lee Shacksnovis and Jonathan Sive Danie Hattingh Des Schnetler Digger's DIY Erina Botha Gareth Griffiths Imaging Kim Williams Stephanie Forbes

Chief Financial Officer Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za Social Media Coordinator Kyla van Heerden social@mediaxpose.co.za Media Partnerships: Maurisha Niewenhuys maurisha@mediaxpose.co.za Receptionist Daniëla Daniels receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za

Designer Anja Bramley artwork1@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.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Have you considered using interior plants to promote social distancing? The number of employees working from home is higher than ever before, and those colleagues who do choose to come into the workplace expect it to be both safe and welcoming. Employees may feel nervous about returning to the office, so creating a welcoming space in which both hygiene and aesthetics are taken into consideration is key to keeping employees motivated. Create a safer, more productive environment by choosing interior plants and air purification solutions form Ambius. From the design concept to installation and ongoing maintenance, we are passionate about providing world-class service to every one of our customers.

Contact the Experts, today.

t: 0800 77 77 88

w: www.ambius.co.za

Part of

NEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Striking a rock Construction is currently underway at Paarl Rock, the fifth building in Concor’s 22-hectare Conradie Park development in Cape Town. When completed this eight-storey structure with 266 architecturally designed apartments will accommodate home owners. Concor

The design makes use of face brick, but with a difference.

Current works on site progressing well with the rental stock units.

Following initial planning and design (by dhk Architects), Concor has been on site at Conradie Park, where the old Conradie government hospital closed in 2002, for over two years, preparing the land for infrastructure and the developments. The project was featured in Volume 10 Issue 2 of TO BUILD in July 2020. Piling for the eight-storey block began in May 2021, marking the start of a one-year building programme, according to Mark Schonrock, property development manager at Concor. Paarl Rock will comprise 266 architecturally designed apartments in an affordable model for first-time home owners. The block is underpinned by 158 continuous flight auger (CFA) piles, which present a quicker solution than bored or driven piles. With depths of 8 to 11 metres, the piles were to be completed in just three weeks, Schonrock says, improving the pace of the project. 10

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

“We have also installed two tower cranes – a 55 metre jib and a 45 metre jib – to facilitate our programme of work,” he says. These will lift and move concrete for vertical columns, as well as reinforcing bars for slabs and columns, and all formwork around the site.

“Pouring of slabs will be conducted by a truck-mounted boom placer, which enhances construction efficiency especially where large continuous pours of 200 to 220 m3 are required on this project,” he says.

Horizontal concrete slabs will all be posttensioned, a current efficiency trend which reduces the amount of costly rebar required. The planned slab thickness has also been slightly reduced, from 285 mm to 255 mm. While a relatively small reduction, this will allow a saving of some 450 m3 of concrete over the planned area of 15,000 m2 of slab work.

The Paarl Rock block will include ground floor retail space, two lifts and a roof top deck on the sixth floor looking westwards at Devil’s Peak and over the Cape Town central business district towards Signal Hill. To minimise the cost of long-term maintenance on the outside walls, the design makes use of face brick.

CONSTRUCT THE WORLD with quality and sustainable construction materials

MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF EXPERTISE Since 1910, the name Sika stands for quality and reliability. You can rely on us to provide problem solving products for all your needs. That is why Sika is the only partner providing solutions to the construction industry from basement to roof and is committed to offer the right technical support for more sustainable, faster, safer and better results.

Call us for more info: 010 823 8688 www.sika.co.za

NEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Hot vs cold water

cleaning solutions

High-pressure cold-water cleaning often does not have the desired effect. Usually, the specifications for impact are carefully pre-decided in terms of pressure and water volume but the cleaning result is not what was expected. Hawk Pumps Gavin Pote, Managing Director at Hawk Pumps, advises how to identify whether hot or cold water washing will work.

Cold water washing

be cleaned are greasy or waxy. Hot water tends to melt the dirt, allowing the water to emulsify it. • Diesel powered hot water portable machines have no problem with burning diesel. • All-electric cabinet hot water machines are available for cleaning in those areas where burnt diesel fumes are not allowed. However, 48KW of electric elements are required to raise 15 l/min from ambient to 60ºC, and including the electric motor,

• These machines tend to be less costly than hot water ones. • They often use electric motors, where electric outlets are conveniently available. • Hot water boilers require diesel for the burners and the use of this is not recommended in food processing or similar Options for hot water applications. • Where the surface being cleaned is greasy and where cold water is necessary, a surfactant (detergent) has to be used prior to cleaning. • Typically cold water is suitable for vehicle cleaning, roof cleaning, drain and sewer cleaning, and removing concrete from steel and applications where the dirt does not have Standard cold water high to be melted.

Hot water cleaning • Cleaning with hot water tends to be more effective than cold water in a lot of cases. • Hot water is indicated where the surfaces to

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

the total draw is about 80 amps. • Boilers up to 500 bar are available for volumes of 15-21 l/min • Hot water standalone boilers (hotboxes) are popular for adding to existing cold water machines where hot water is needed only occasionally. Hot water pressure washers are limited to off-the-shelf solutions and are usually available as cabinet mounted units or as an attachment, in the case of the hotBox.

equipment

pressure cleaners can be converted to a hot water unit by attaching the diesel-fired boiler hotbox, up to 85°C. The unit can be switched amongst a team of cold water high pressure cleaners.

The Hawk E-Hot Electric hot water high pressure washer makes use of an electric element for heating to 65°C then passing through the high pressure pump. The system is ideal for applications where hot water is required, but not traditional dieselfired burners such as in the food processing industry.

The cabinet-mounted D-Hot Electric hot water high pressure washer. The water is heated after the pump by a dieselfired burner up to a higher temperature of 85°C. This system must be used in a ventilated space.

GREAT COMFORT. BETTER SAFETY.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Featuring the latest —

graphene batteries & brushless motors The CAT® brand is recognized worldwide for the engineering innovation and rugged dependability of its construction and mining equipment, diesel, and natural gas engines plus industrial gas turbines, say the distributors in SA, Vermont Sales. CAT® Now, a new line of CAT cordless and corded power tools provide the same focus on quality and durability, including innovations in battery technology and brushless motors. The full range of CAT® tools are now available at Makro and Builders Warehouse stores throughout South Africa. CAT cordless power tools feature revolutionary Graphene 18v batteries to run longer and charge quicker, the brushless motors offer more power and durable design is there to withstand everyday professional use.

Keeping in step with Team SA Good enough for the country's Olympic team, good enough for built environment professionals! Gareth Griffiths & Vermont Sales

The veldskoen is an all-time classic, handcrafted the old-fashioned way, with a strong insole and sole for extra wearability in the true ‘vellie’ tradition. Tork Craft says its vellies are created by a leading shoemaker, crafted by hand for maximum quality and comfort; strong distinctive leather footwear made tough with a timeless style. Made using only full-grain, natural leathers, which are soft and naturally more flexible, ensuring better comfort, they are stronger, have a better aesthetic appearance and they last longer. Note: scars, veins, tick marks and neck grooves are all signs of natural leather. “ The original traditional veldskoen is still around and well accepted. It still rules and can be worn to any occasion (well almost). They have come a long way from the old outdoors, farmers, bush footwear, and are currently well accepted by all and worn everywhere by both male and females. But not instead of safety shoes!” says a company spokesperson. Stop press: The Editor agrees. He obtained his pair of vellies from the distributor a while back and has been wearing them in step with SA’s Olympic team’s official outfits! They are available for men and women from leading hardware chain stores.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Japandi colours take interiors by storm Design trend, Japandi, promotes sleek lines, calming set-ups and neutral colour schemes, making it the perfect antidote to modern, busy lifestyles and the intense societal shifts of the past year - further embedding itself as a trend that is here to stay. Kansai Plascon The Plascon Japandi palette offers the flexibility and versatility to incorporate Japandi in a way that works with a variety of décor styles. It combines the lighter tones of the palette, such as Plascon Light Reflection - their light neutrality and wooden tones speak to the minimalism of Japandi. Darker tones offer the opportunity to create a deeper, calming contrast while still maintaining that Zen atmosphere.

Plascon French Shutter is a green that brings a sense of peace and calm to any space. At the same time, the brown hues of their Waxen Tint and Black Bean will work in spaces with earthier, warmer tones. There are also the cooler green-grey tones of their Nomadic Dream that offer a lighter, sleeker alternative. www.plascon.com

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

COVER STORY

Hansgrohe

writes bathroom history What began 120 years ago with three employees in the Black Forest town of Schiltach, is now the Hansgrohe Group, an international fittings and shower specialist with around 5 000 employees. Hansgrohe

120 years of passion and innovation striving for perfection — the story of our esteemed cover advertiser, Hansgrohe.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

COVER STORY

The story thus far With an inexhaustible passion for the element of water, sustainable innovative power and the constant pursuit of perfection, the fittings and shower specialist has become a global player in the sanitation industry since its founding 120 years ago.

There are three characteristics that run like a thread through Hansgrohe's corporate history that have made a decisive contribution to the successful development of the Hansgrohe Group, say its present day executives.

Hansgrohe Assembly line circa 1950s

The right instinct

Today, with around 5 000 employees, Hansgrohe is considered one of the world's leading manufacturers of taps and showers. The company markets high-quality products under its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, the majority of which are manufactured in Germany at its headquarters in Schiltach and in nearby Offenburg. It also has foreign production capacities in France, China and the USA. Worldwide, the sanitation specialist operates in 32 companies and has 22 sales offices. It supplies taps and showers to more than 146 countries around the globe.

Without a doubt, Hans Grohe had the right instinct: at the beginning of the 20th Century, the private home bathroom came into fashion and he decided to specialise entirely in metal goods for the sanitary sector. From 1928, his handheld shower developed into a comfortable alternative to the overhead shower that was common at the time. His ideas continued to shape the style of modern shower technology for many decades. Even at the age of 82, the company founder achieved a stroke of sanitary genius: He invented the shower bar, on which the hand-held shower could be fixed at any height and which is today a standard in bathrooms all over the world.

Unbridled drive Alongside company founder Hans Grohe, who ran the business for 54 years, it was his youngest son, Klaus, who had a decisive influence on the development of the sanitation specialist. Klaus Grohe took over at Hansgrohe in Schiltach in 1977, and introduced the hansgrohe brand name in the same year.

Hans Grohe with baby Klaus.

Klaus Grohe made environmental protection and sustainability an issue in the sanitary industry, drove forward the development of energy- and water-saving products, and paid attention to environmentally friendly and resource-conserving production. His management style was characterized by his pragmatic approach and energetic drive, but also by his down-to-earth character. His credo as a perfectionist was: "Good is the enemy of better". He chaired the Hansgrohe Supervisory Board from 2008 to 2015 and is now its Honorary Chairman.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

COVER STORY

From family business to global corporation Klaus Grohe's two eldest sons continued the family tradition in the business. Richard Grohe was Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board from 2008 to 2016. He developed hansgrohe into a world-renowned premium brand with numerous innovations. His brother Philippe, led the design brand AXOR from 2001 to 2016. In his tenure, he collaborated with many renowned designers such as Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio and Patricia Urquiola and helped the brand achieve its international breakthrough. Both brothers made a significant contribution to the success of Hansgrohe's corporate history in the new millennium and laid the foundation for the transformation of the Hansgrohe Group from a family business to a medium-sized corporation. The two main shareholders are the US-based Masco Corporation (68% of the shares) and the Grohe family via Syngroh Verwaltungs und Beteiligungs-GmbH (32% of the shares).

Pushing ahead with structural change Hans Juergen Kalmbach has led the company as Chairman of the Executive Board since 1 August, 2018. A graduate in business administration, he began his career with the Hansgrohe Group in 1998. "The fact that our company is today considered one of the innovation leaders in technology and design in the international sanitary industry is primarily due to our relentless search for better solutions," says Kalmbach. “The goal of every new development is to increase customer benefits and thus create real added value. Innovation must make people's lives easier or more convenient," he adds. Even 120 years after the company was founded, the constant optimization of water flow is a driving force within Hansgrohe. From an early stage, the highest functionality of products goes hand in hand with beautifully designed products. More than 15 000 industrial property rights and more than 600 awards from independent juries in international design competitions show that the art of engineering and creativity are of outstanding importance. In collaboration with some of the world's most successful architects and product designers, timeless forms are created for bathrooms and kitchens. As individual and as different as people themselves, the products express different styles: from the vibrantly functional eat-in kitchen to the nature-inspired haven of calm in the bathroom. Hans Juergen Kalmbach

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Tradition obliges Just as it was in the three-man operation back in the day, quality is also a cornerstone of the Hansgrohe philosophy today. The "Made by Hansgrohe" quality concept applies to all production sites around the globe, from Schiltach to Shanghai. This stands for "German Engineering" and encompasses the highest standards of product quality. "Our customers can rely on safe, stable and sustainable faucets, showers and shower systems with a long service life," says CEO Kalmbach. "For the Hansgrohe Group, quality also means the highest standards of service. Customer wishes are always included in the development process." In production today, Hansgrohe continues to rely on selected materials, high-tech and precision work for high-quality and environmentally friendly manufacturing.

COVER STORY

Responsibility for the environment, employees and society Since 1901, Hansgrohe's passion for water is strongly linked to its corporate and social responsibility for the environment, its employees and society. For example, the company was one of the first in the sanitation industry to start looking at the water and energy efficiency of its products. The research and development department passionately works on new technologies that reduce water consumption, with products such as EcoSmart, Air Power and CoolStart. Efficient products and manufacturing processes are only part of Hansgrohe's lived responsibility. As early as the late 1980s, it was one of the first companies in the sanitary industry to introduce an environmental management system. In 1992, Klaus Grohe implemented the construction of what was then the largest roof-integrated solar power plant in Europe on the new factory building in Offenburg, Germany. "At Hansgrohe, protecting the environment and assuming social responsibility are integral parts of the corporate culture," confirms Kalmbach. "Our goal is by 2022 to have climate-neutral production at all our production sites worldwide in terms of direct emissions and energy, and in terms of products by 2030.” For Hansgrohe, sustainability also means taking responsibility for social issues. The company offers its employees numerous initiatives on health, occupational safety, employability and work-life balance.

Hansgrohe in South Africa The #hansfactor culture also runs through the veins of every staff member at its South African subsidiary with its head office based in Kramerville, Johannesburg. Headed up by Erwin Minnie, the South African team prides itself on outstanding customer service and technical support for customers and consumers across the country. With a 15 year warranty you can #CountOnhansgrohe for your next project – no matter how large or how small.

Hansgrohe South Africa (Pty) Ltd, 30 Archimedes Street, Kramerville, South Africa T +27 (0)11 445 0000 W www.hansgrohe.co.za

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

w e N

HARVEY EcoTile

A DIVISION OF

The green roof tile for all the right reasons

– Mineral Polymer Composite Roof Tiles – Welcome to the future of roofing. Introducing a technological breakthrough from Harvey Roofing Products: the Harvey EcoTile®. Harvey EcoTile® is a proudly South African, revolutionary breakthrough in roof tiles. By utilising 98% waste material, Harvey EcoTile® is 100% recyclable yet provides superior functional benefits to concrete or clay roof tiles.

Harvey EcoTile’s® technological design advantage ensures an interlocking, lightweight tile that is low on maintenance, weatherproof and virtually unbreakable in normal use. Your building’s roof is one of its most important elements in function, aesthetics, surface area and investment. Increase its functional performance and green credentials with one innovative product – Harvey EcoTile®

Advanced engineering provides interlocking system for weather proofing and superior strength. 70% mineral content.

A DIVISION OF

Precision-fit accessories provide weatherproof, maintenance-free seal.

Tel: +27 11 741 5600

Solar compatible: Fixing brackets available.

Lightweight

Low on Maintenance

Strong & Durable

Weatherproof

• 70% lighter than comparable concrete tiles

• UV stability

• 4x stronger than standard concrete tiles

• Precision engineered interlocking design

• Virtually unbreakable in normal use

• Gaps are eliminated

• Save on roof-structure timber costs

• Ridge Tile assembly does not require unsightly cement and debris

• Shatterproof

• Wind proof beyond gale force

• No need to repaint

• Walkable once installed

• 100% Hail proof

• Easy offload and handling on-site

• Will not shift due to fixing methodology and interlocking design

• Enhanced security

• Water and leakproof

Attractive design

Easy installation

Paintable

SANS 10400-T Tested

• Classic Double Roman design

• 5 Location points for ease of placement

• Standard matte black coloured tile

• Consistent matte black textured surface

• Fixing screw ensures quick fastening and suitable for high wind areas

• No need to paint

• Harvey Eco Tile is tested in Accordance to SANS -10177 – 123 and conforms to SANS 10400-T with regards to safety distance

• Transport 3 times more roof tiles with one load

• Creates a precise and uniform complete structure

• On-site speed due to light weight • “Cuts like butter” with no dust unlike concrete tiles

www.harveyroofingproducts.co.za

• Minimised dust ingress

• Paintable with Harvey Products approved paint in any colour desired post construction

• Agrément certification

A DIVISION OF

LEAD STORY

Sustainable housing in practice Renier Smith is Group Manager: Engineering and Planning for Garden Cities NPC(RF), an established developer in the housing sector of Cape Town with a 100-year pedigree. We spoke to him about the successful implementation of an overarching green building programme within its substantial developments over the past decade. Garden Cities, rvb geomatics and Gareth Griffiths Gareth Griffiths

The developer’s origins go back to the Pinelands suburb in Cape Town, ‘Garden City’ as it is still referred to, thanks to it being the brainchild of British town planner Sir Ebenezer Howard who pioneered that concept in the early 1900s. Another name, that of prominent Cape Town department store Richard Stuttaford will forever be associated with the project. In the mid 20th Century, the Pinelands Development Company (PDC), became the construction and development arm of the Garden Cities group of companies. Garden Cities is today a dynamic developer with an impressive portfolio under its belt, which Smith confirms has developed approximately 15 developments with the complete sphere of typologies included. “These cater for various categories, including group housing, retirement villages, commercial, shopping centres, schools, light industrial and various other facilities to ensure that allencompassing housing developments are delivered in which sustainable and well developed communities can establish and grow,” he says.

Aerial photograph of the whole site by professional land surveyors, GVB Geomatics.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

LEAD STORY

Sunningdale - extensive landscaping practices underway.

Embracing sustainable building and green technologies Perhaps it’s a swing back to its roots in Pinelands which has always been well known for its trees and other greenery, but the developer has embraced sustainable building and green technologies wholeheartedly, beginning with its adoption of SANS 10400-XA, the prevailing standard for energy efficiency of buildings inside the National Building Regulations. They also became the first South African developer to achieve Green Building Council of SA’s (GBCSA) 4-star Green Star rated Sustainable Precinct Development, for a development called Northridge Coastal Estate, located in Sunningdale, on which construction will commence from September 2021. Smith explains: “We developed an overarching Green Building methodology and created a series of comprehensive guides called Greening our Supply Chain. Our intent was to change the mind-set of our homeowners, suppliers, contractors and consultants; resulting in a cumulative approach and positive impact on the

A recent development on the ground in Sunningdale. Note the emphasis on drought resilient hardscaping practices and plantlife.

overall Garden Cities’ Green Policy. The ultimate drive and goal is that of ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ throughout our complete supply chain from raw land all the way up to handing over the keys to the new homeowners and thereafter”. With the intention of creating an ongoing ripple effect to add to the cumulative green impact, the company has adopted various interventions within its houses over the past decade.

Importantly, the developer believes its own sustainability policies will be the company’s greatest reward in the long term. “Our belief is that applause dies, awards tarnish, achievements are forgotten and accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. But a sustainable approach to the complete supply chain in our developments will have a permanent impact and prove to be the true reward.” says Smith.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

LEAD STORY

Green building interventions to residential opportunities Roof insulation: A well-known brand of cellulose fibre thermal insulation, Eco-Insulation, has been used across the developments since the year 2013, due to its high recycled material content. Grey water reuse: “Initially each house was fitted with a grey water solution. Later, in line with the City of Cape Town’s policies on grey water usage, each house was plumbed as grey water-ready”. This allowed for the easy retro-fitting of grey water systems by residents prepared to make the changes needed to align their usage and type of cleaning products with the system. This behaviour change ensures that the grey water is a beneficial and sustainable alternative water source for landscaping and external uses. Rain water harvesting: Each residential opportunity that is undertaken by Garden Cities is conveniently installed with two 1000 litre rainwater tanks. Solar water heating: Each house is fitted with an aesthetically pleasing solar water heating unit to ensure that compliance is achieved with SANS 10400 XA. “From our data and theoretical calculations the heat pump is by far the most consistent and suitable solution for water heating purposes in the home, however we opted for solar water heating due to issues such as load shedding and other factors that impact on the heat pump solution” adds Smith.

Site layout - Northridge Coastal Estate a 4-star Green Star Sustainable Precincts development.

About Northridge Coastal Estate The Northridge Coastal Estate is a residential estate located in Sunningdale, Cape Town, which comprises approximately 429 residential dwellings. The Estate has been designed in such a way to preserve biodiversity and enhance community interaction. Specifically, an approximately 7ha conservation area has been created to protect the dune thicket vegetation, and residents can enjoy the boardwalk, footpaths, and educational biodiversity signage provided in this area. A multitude of open green spaces/parks for communal use, and a community zone has been established and will offer a community meeting space/clubhouse where community events can take place. The estate also promotes an active lifestyle and sustainable living amongst its residents by accommodating cyclist facilities and footpaths throughout. Rainwater harvesting tanks have also been provided as an incentive to all households. The development was awarded a 4-star Green Star Sustainable Precincts v1.1 by the Green Building Council of South Africa.

Waste reduction and recycling: Dual bin systems included and built into the kitchen layout to ensure that recyclable and non-recyclable waste are separated at source. Water wise landscaping: Verge areas are landscaped being mindful of creating an aesthetically appealing landscaped verge and streetscape, but at the same time incorporating green and sustainable landscaping verge areas. Water wise fittings: The developer has utilised flow restrictors and water wise plumbing fittings and cisterns for many years. They frequently review these products and fittings to ensure sensible and effective use is achieved.

Our belief is that applause dies, awards tarnish, achievements are forgotten and accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. But a sustainable approach to the complete supply chain in our developments will have a permanent impact and prove to be the true reward.

Project professional team - NCE • Terramanzi Environmentally Sustainable Consultants • BVI Civil Engineering Consultants • Raubicon Electrical Engineering Consultants

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

• CNDV Landscape Architects • MLH Town Planners • VULA Environmental Services

LEAD STORY

Cellulose fibre serves major housing developer’s insulation needs

Since 2013, when Garden Cities, a major developer of middle-income housing stock in the Atlantic and northern suburbs of Cape Town, embraced the vision of SANS10400-XA and introduced Eco-Insulation cellulose fibre thermal insulation. The supplier has worked on every site that the Garden Cities group has developed. Gareth Griffiths and Richard Ellis Richard Ellis, team-leader and distributor for Eco-Insulation in Cape Town, says that this remarkable relationship has been a win-win for both parties. “We have cemented a very strong relationship with PDC (the construction arm of Garden Cities) having completed 2 300 house installations to date since Jan 2013 and installing over 380 000m2 of cellulose fibre insulation over two schemes, Pinehurst and Sunningdale. Over the past eight years, Eco-Insulation has successfully installed in excess of 1 million kilograms of cellulose fibre insulation on the ceilings of the 2 300 homes. This is a phenomenal amount of waste removed from possible landfill and upcycled into an energy-saving role!” he says. According to Ellis, at the time his client was addressing SANS 10400-XA as earlyadopters of this standard and found in Eco-Insulation “exactly what they were looking for”.

Recycled quality a strong motivating factor Garden Cities group Manager for engineering and planning at Garden Cities, Renier Smith, says that the fact that Eco-Insulation is made using cellulose fibre that has been recycled from newsprint waste streams was a strong motivating factor for the brand.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

LEAD STORY About Eco-Insulation As a thermal roof insulation, EcoInsulation offers the following standout features:

“Garden Cities took an in-principle decision several years ago to align itself with a more sustainable and ‘greener’ approach in terms of the all-encompassing suburbs we deliver. We ensure that we minimize and mitigate negative practices and impacts as far as possible by establishing an overarching green building methodology. The ultimate drive and goal is that of ‘Zero waste to landfill’ throughout our supply chain, from raw land all the way up to handing over the keys to the new homeowners and thereafter,” Smith explains.

“With the introduction of SANS-10400 XA and subsequent additions to the building regulations, Garden Cities aligned its overall approach with the development and implementation of our homeowners guide as well as the supporting and continuously refined guides addressing the sustainability themes of water, energy and materials, with the vision guide defining and elaborating on our overall approach and intentions”, he adds.

Immediate and seamless service So exactly what is it that makes the cellulose fibre insulation stand out enough to win such a prestigious contract over the years?

• Award winning cellulose fibre ceiling brand with a national footprint. • Exclusive and professional turnkey service - you call and we install. • The brand is a SABS mark-holder, is fire-rated B/B1/2 ‘no spread of flame’ and holds the TIPSASA Product Compliance Certificate, the customer’s assurance of quality, performance and safety. • The product contains over 80% recycled material, plus a non-toxic inorganic salt for its fire-retardant nature. • Eco-Insulation is SANS10400-XA compliant and offers an insulation solution for each climatic zone defined by the National Building Regulations - summer and winter. • Acoustic insulator: Eco-Insulation makes a great sound-deadening layer in the attic, under the floor, or even under the stage - for concert venues. • Due to the moisture absorbing nature of cellulose fibre, the product ‘breathes’ helping to promote a comfortable humidity in the building envelope. • The product is unattractive to rodents, insects and fungal growth - in fact it repels them. • People-friendly - no detachable inorganic fibres, safe on the hands, eyes and lungs. • Non toxic and zero VOCs

Ellis reckons it is due to the level of service, wherein it is immediate and seamless. “Eco-Insulation prides itself on its professional, turnkey-type of service. We arrive on site on time, conduct the installation within only a few hours, and clean up afterwards, leaving the site in a better condition than prior to starting. We then issue the warranty and certificate of compliance under the auspices of the Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association of SA (TIPSASA) then leave the site. No fuss, no disruption and no mess.” “We have cemented a strong relationship with the client over the years and have pretty much put in a dedicated installation team (with an installation rig) just to manage their sites, with that kind of volume. “They make a good (housing) product. They have the strictest safety, health and environmental housing site protocols in the country;- by far the most superior in my view. They run a really good ship and so does Eco-Insulation,” Ellis adds. Indeed, house prices of the Garden Cities homes have experienced growth, with Sunningdale currently around the R2.8 million mark and in Pinehurst, near Durbanville, around R2.9 million per dwelling.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ADVERTORIAL: SONAE ARAUCO

Sonae Arauco –

Taking the framework of sustainability further Sonae Arauco is one of the leading producers of wood-based panels in the world. With the global Innovus brand reaching the South African market to align with global trends, Sonae Arauco has held steadfast to the adage that wood forms the baseline of their value chain. In addition to being a natural raw-material, wood has a remarkable capacity to store CO2, making it a great alternative to materials of fossil origin. As such, a sustainable approach to the production and manufacturing of decorative wood-based products is one of the grounding pillars of their corporate identity. As one of the world's main producers of woodbased products, the company aims to create wood solutions for a better life, a better future and a better planet. They are able to make this bold promise based on the fact that their products are sourced from sustainable, certified, and controlled sources.

Sustainability through bio-economics Sonae Arauco believes in efficient value chains which are capable of stimulating investment in active forest management. As such, the company is probably one of the best examples in the world of an active and effective Circular Bioeconomic Model. Wood forms the foundation of the company’s value chain, which starts with the use of raw-materials of sustainable origin, incorporates by-products from the wood industry and which, in a circular approach, closes the cycle with the reuse and recycling of the waste. The waste is also used in the manufacture of wood-based panels, keeping this material circulating. This is a virtuous cycle, and recycled wood can be reintegrated into the process countless times. The company's path in pursuit of this model dates back to the 1990s, when they developed an innovative business ecosystem in the area of recycling of wood for the Iberian Peninsula.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

What is circular bio economics? This kind of circular bio-economic model is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society and the environment. Also known as the triple bottom line, it foresees a holistic approach to businesses, considering the profit, planet and people pillars. This is a direct contrast to the typical singular bottom line model which is regressively focused on profit above all else. The triple bottom line is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources. “Sonae Arauco's business model fully answers to the future challenges of humankind, namely climate change. We work with wood-based solutions from sustainable origin, we continuously recycle them and, while extending the life cycle of wood products, we are leveraging their ability to store CO2. Sonae Arauco’s activity thus thrives around a circular bioeconomy model that fully respects the principle of using wood in cascade,” says Paul Lerios, Product and Community Manager at Sonae Arauco, SA.

regulatory bodies. These standards measure and regulate the acceptable amount of formaldehyde emissions within a given product. To receive accreditation, manufacturers must submit samples of their panels to independent laboratories to assess their makeup. Depending on the emission level, panels may be classified under E1 or E2 standard accreditations. As a matter of principle, Sonae Arauco encourages the procurement of boards that match these crucial standards and is proud of their E1 certified particleboard available in the Innovus Decorative Products collection, which is tested regularly to keep in line with the environmental requirements. As a sustainable manufacturer that understands the value of wood in people’s lives, Sonae Arauco is committed to the recycling premise that nothing is lost and everything is transformed. They are committed to the use of recycled and reusable products, which will also contribute to their goal of achieving net carbon neutrality by 2040.

The vital role of E1 certification Sonae Arauco is invested in reducing formaldehyde emissions and eliminating them entirely. It was in the early 2000s that E1 and E2 certification standards were put in place by European

www.sonaearauco.co.za

ANT

TERIAL

ARCHITECTURE

Integrated plant for leading

German company German multinational B. Braun, a leading medical device and pharmaceutical company, has recently established a new integrated plant in Longlake 20 Business Park, Johannesburg, Paragon Architects SA

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ARCHITECTURE

Property developer Zenprop, appointed Paragon Architects South Africa (PASA) to undertake the role of architects for what is reported to be one of the most significant industrial investments in South Africa in recent times. The new development includes office, laboratory, warehousing and production spaces, having a total gross area of 6 435m2. Situated on a highly-visible Greenfield site along the busy Longmeadow Boulevard, the facility also overlooks the picturesque Modderfontein reserve. PASA Architect Benjamin Chihota points out that industrial buildings tend to be large monolithic structures, and that the intention with this project was to humanise the scale of the facility while maintaining a simple and coherent architectural language.

Dynamic forms The best means to achieve this was by using dynamic forms to reduce the overall scale. For example, breaking up large masses into smaller forms resulting in fragmented roof and façade forms and heights. This de-emphasises the scale of the facility within a largely under-developed landscape, while making use of high-quality and robust materials that are easy to maintain. “The brief for an integrated pharmaceutical plant made for a complex typology because there are so many layers before you even get to the architectural design itself,” comments Chihota. Instead of a typical industrial facility, PASA was determined that the end result be a signature project that not only complements the surrounding business park aesthetic, but which also expresses the corporate identity of B. Braun itself. “As a multinational, there is obviously an existing brand image that we needed to maintain. This meant developing a specific design language for the exterior, interior and the landscaping, but obviously still keeping within a South African context. Being one of the few new projects of this type and size built in South Africa to date, it really gave us an opportunity to showcase what we are capable of in the industrial sector,” elaborates Chihota.

Project progression The design process began in 2018, based on extensive consultation with the client and tenant. Construction commenced on-site in January 2019, with practical completion achieved in April and works completed n in November 2020. Despite a delay due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, PASA saw the project through to its successful conclusion.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ARCHITECTURE

Coordinating the functionality of the facility was the biggest challenge Chihota believes that planning and coordinating the functionality of the facility was perhaps the biggest challenge. Apart from the office and laboratory component, there is also warehousing space for incoming raw materials and outgoing products. Changing rooms for workers were also critical, in addition to the production component itself, the heart of the facility. “In terms of the actual architecture, firstly we had to keep the client in mind and the highly specialised nature of this facility and its specific requirements. We also had to adhere to the development guidelines of the business park itself, while at the same time staying true to the design ethos of PASA and what makes us unique as a practice,” highlights Chihota.

Design process The design process involved fragmenting the vertical and horizontal extents of the facility to reduce its scale. To give depth to the building mass, elements of the roof and façade were pulled out. To give the building envelope a rhythmic pattern, the roof sheeting and façade cladding’s contrasting colours stepped-in sections allowed for fluid connectivity that merged with the walls and wrapped around the windows. “That comes across in different ways in both the office and the warehouse. With most projects, you start out with an initial idea that invariably goes through different iterations, but ultimately it is a concept you stay true to right up to the final design,” stresses Chihota. The major engineering challenge was coordinating the different services. Most projects require standard wet, electrical, fire and HVAC services. However, B. Braun had hi-tech pharmaceutical process equipment with very specific functional requirements thrown into the mix. “We really worked together well as a professional team in overcoming all of these different challenges,” notes Chihota. “The developer was very open to our ideas and willing to take them onboard. While we have a longstanding relationship with Zenprop that we are continually nurturing, it is equally important that we establish close ties with other consultants as well.”

Professional Team Developer: Zenprop Tenant: B.Braun Project Manager: Capex Projects Architect: Paragon Architects South Africa Quantity Surveyor: Schoombie Hartmann Civil and structural engineer: DG Consulting Engineers Mechanical Engineers: WSP Electrical Engineer: Topack Consulting Electrical Engineer Fire Consultant: Chimera Fire Protection Consultants Wet Services Engineer: Izazi Consulting Engineers

PASA Architect Benjamin Chihota

About the roof and cladding The high solar reflectance of the roof caught our eye so we asked about it. According to PASA, the roof is Saflok 700® - a concealed fix profile with an effective cover width of 700mm. The angular interlocking trapezoidal rib profile is roll-formed on site. The substrate is Colorbond. The cladding is in an IBR profile in Safintra's Widedek with a prepainted ZINCAL substrate. Both roofing and cladding were installed by Cladco Projects.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

COUNTRY ARCHITECTURE

Split level

shopping centre in rural heartland Robust materials have been selected and kept true to their raw state, including bricks and steel, say the designers of a new 11 500m2 shopping centre in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape. MDS Architecture Designed by MDS Architecture for McCormick Property Development (MPD), the development serves a massive retail catchment area. Flagstaff is traditionally known in the area as a trading post, with shoppers visiting the area to buy bulk supplies.

“It was important to ensure easy access to both levels. As a result, Flagstaff Square has a street-facing entrance with a pedestrian entrance via a bold entrance portal into the building on one side, as well as pedestrian access from the opposite direction with the same treatment,” says Savva.

Aki Savva, a partner at MDS Architecture, says that the L-shaped building includes both a covered open element and a closed mall design.

On the lower level, several shops face the public realm with covered walkways. Paving patterns provide interest by evoking a barcode in the layout design and this element

is repeated with porcelain tiles indoors on the upper floor, revoking the retail aspect of a trading post with a modern twist. The food court is on the upper level. “The colour palette features white, grey and earthy brown tones which form a neutral backdrop in order for the individual shops to shine,” says Savva. Large voids in the first-floor mall slab allow for natural light from the clerestory windows to penetrate the mall level below. This assists in creating an airy space in the lower level and visually links the two levels. The lack of municipal water and sewerage to the site prompted the development team to create a self-sustaining water and sewer solution in the form of borehole water and a sewage plant. It is also an area which is very humid and has high rainfall. A large swamp-like section of the site complicated construction and the engineers created a plan to work around this challenge, Savva says. There is also a formal taxi rank in the parking lot to serve as a meeting place and transport node. Construction commenced in November 2020 and the split-level shopping centre is expected to be completed in October 2021.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

MODERN DESIGN. MADE THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY. At Swartland, we only know one way to make doors and windows, and that’s to last. Our Kenzo range is built from strong, lightweight aluminium-alloy frames allowing for expansive walls of light, space and seamless integration with nature. Kenzo windows and doors require very little maintenance and never need to be painted – the perfect combination of durability and aﬀordability. All products are SANS 613 certiﬁed and compliant. Call us on 086 110 2425 or visit www.swartland.co.za for more info.

ENGINEERING

Sustainability engineer André Harms, the founder and CEO of Ecolution Consulting, talks to TO BUILD about his career to date and what drives an independent sustainability engineer. André Harms You are a qualified electromechanical engineer. Was there a defining moment when you decided to create a future for yourself in the sustainability sector of the built environment? I was the mechanical engineer and team leader of the 49th South African Antarctic overwintering expedition from Dec 2009 to Feb 2011. During this time on the highest, driest, coldest and windiest continent on

earth, I was confronted with numerous (partially extreme) examples which made me realise firsthand how dependent the planet and humankind are on limited resources; how helpless we become if these are interrupted and how effectively we as a species are in squandering these resources. I also realised that this isolated and remote place was being drastically impacted by anthropogenic activities globally and how its seemingly boundless beauty was being eroded at increasingly and unsustainable

rates by our systemic and collective greed, carelessness and exploitative behaviours. When this realisation dawned, I decided a drastic career-change was needed to combine my lifelong inclination towards efficiency, my engineering and technical background and qualifications, plus my passion for the environment, adventure and outdoors. So when I returned, I began to dedicate my efforts, career and skills towards green buildings and sustainability in business. The green building sector also made sense to me as a place I could make a bigger impact because it is one of the biggest greenhouse gas contributors and has a very high percentage of cost-effective mitigation and adaptation opportunities.

Hotel Verde, Zanzibar.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ENGINEERING

Building efficiency is one of the most affordable ways to cut emissions 7 6

Gt COe/yr

5 4 3 2 1 0

Buildings

Argiculture

'Low cost' emission reductions

Industry

Energy supply

'Medium cost' emission reductions

Forestry

Transport

Waste

'High cost' emission reductions

Note: 'Low cost' emission reductions = carbon price <20 US$/tCOe. 'Medium cost' emission reductions = carbon price <50 US$/tCOe. 'High cost' emission reductions = carbon price <100 US$/tCOe. Source: IPCC. 2007. IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007.

What made you decide to 'go it alone' and start your own company in this challenging field?

Similan-Urbika Residential. Hotel Verde, Cape Town.

I was motivated by the following, among others: • A good challenge seems irresistible to me so I took it by the horns. • My trusted mentor and advisors suggested I consider starting my own business rather than run the risk of being boxed in elsewhere. • I wanted the independence to allow pursuing the approach, projects, clients, services and priorities that the team and I see fit. • I did not want to be beholden to decisionmakers that might prioritise profit rather than offer the best possible advice for a particular client or project. • I had ambitions to use my business as a force for good, not just through the advice we give but to all stakeholders. Our 2016 and 2020 BCorp certifications are huge milestones along this journey. I wanted to take the approach of giving clients sound, independent and best practice advice, rather than focussing on an end goal of a certification on the wall • I needed independence, a break from working for others, although now I work for my clients and my team most of the time.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ENGINEERING

Where do you see sustainable building technology headed? My hope is that the focus will become broader than just one that centres technology. Rather that our focus will embody a paradigm shift whereby we rethink what we need and how we approach buildings. Where the built environment will play a part in a just, equitable transition to a more sustainable economy where nobody is left behind. Through this shift, a technological transformation will become easier and more impactful. I foresee and hope for prolific buildings that are accessible and inclusionary, respect the beauty of nature and a sense of place, utilise benign or responsible local materials, that are hyper efficient and generate/purify most if not all of their energy/water onsite. Or better yet, produce more energy and clean more water than they consume. I believe that sustainability needs to become mainstream if we are to actualise a livable future on this planet. That will take commitment, accountability and transparency across industries, business and government alike.

Readers can find out more about André’s exciting vision here: www.ecolution.co.za/ about-us/ and here www.ecolution. co.za/2019/06/12/the-ecolution-consulting values/ See more about the BCorp journey here: www.ecolution.co.za/2016/11/15/ ecolution-pioneering-b-corp-in-south-africa/

Projects that have defined André’s career André has worked on over 140 projects over the last 10 years. Some of those projects have been at the forefront of sustainability in South Africa and Africa but all have contributed to his memorable journey and development. Here are some of the highlights: Two Dam Sustainable Sustainability consulting & net zero carbon Two Dam Sustainable, a trout farm near Montagu, Western Cape, is one of the first four pilot projects to have been certified net zero in South Africa in October 2017. As the sustainability consultant on the project, Ecolution worked closely with the farm as the sustainability project manager, and were appointed as the commissioning authority that certified the farm net zero under the GBCSA’s Green Star SA Net Zero Carbon certification. Operating as an off-grid, responsibly operated trout farm, this multi-award winning farm produces ethically made trout products and runs almost entirely off of renewable energy. The hybrid energy system relying on predominantly PV and hydro sources was a great engineering problem to solve. Equator - The Belt Factory Sustainability consulting & Green Star Certification Equator is a belt factory on a committed journey to sustainability with carbon neutrality and circular economy as guiding goals. Ecolution has been the lead sustainability consultants on the project for the last few years, of which the biggest milestone has been the factory becoming the first fashion manufacturer to receive a Green Star certification. What excites André about this project is the factory’s commitment to a genuine, humble and far reaching sustainability journey which profoundly impacts the way decisions are made in the business. Singita Kwitonda - Rwanda Energy modelling & sustainability consulting Singita, an award-winning hospitality brand, commissioned André and his team to work on sustainability and efficiency for their new lodge. Integrated building performance modelling was used to ensure optimal thermal comfort, energy efficiency and maximum daylighting. Furthermore, through André’s guidance and advice, the project team implemented broad reaching sustainability interventions and practices while taking great care to conserve the environment in this beautiful and sensitive area. This project is a highlight because it had a genuine commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, to think global but act local and to honour the place. “I fell in love with it’s beautiful location. Although I have never been to the site, I have since explored the greater area, also spending time with the aweinspiring mountain gorillas in neighboring DRC,” says André.

Andre Harms on site.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

USECLC CLCLIME LIMEFOR FOR USE OLD/HERITAGEBUILDINGS BUILDINGS OLD/HERITAGE RESTORATION RESTORATION

CLClime limeisisa abinder binderwith withexcellent excellentbreathable breathableproperties, properties,highly highlyrecommended recommended CLC

 forforold/heritage old/heritagebuilding buildingrestoration. restoration.

CLClime-based lime-basedplaster plasterand andmortars mortarsguarantee guaranteelong longlasting lastingdurability durabilityand anddampdampCLC

 free freerenovation. renovation.

COSTSAVINGS SAVINGS  COST Fewer repairs, less maintenance faster application. Fewer repairs, less maintenance andand faster application. SUPERIORQUALITY QUALITY SUPERIOR

Adapts climates, is weather resistant limits damage caused to to all all climates, is weather resistant andand limits damage caused by by  Adapts moisture cracking. moisture andand cracking.

LASTINGDURABILITY DURABILITY  LASTING Less susceptibility hairline cracks fractures strengthens over time. Less susceptibility to to hairline cracks andand fractures andand strengthens over time. GREATWORKABILITY WORKABILITY  GREAT Enhanced durability ensures easy application voids cracks. Enhanced durability ensures easy application andand fillsfills thethe voids andand cracks.

BUILDING&& BUILDING PLASTERLIME LIME PLASTER QUALITYTHAT THAT QUALITY LASTS LASTS

Formore moreinformation informationon onwhat whatmakes makesCLC CLCthe the For superiorchoice, choice,contact contactusustoday. today. superior Keshev Naidoo Keshev Naidoo

Elgar Watts Elgar Watts

keshev.naidoo@afrimat.co.za keshev.naidoo@afrimat.co.za

elgar.watts@afrimat.co.za elgar.watts@afrimat.co.za

9480 071071 301301 9480

9639 082082 771771 9639

www.afrimat.co.za www.afrimat.co.za CONSISTENTLY DELIVERING CONSISTENTLY DELIVERING

CONSTRUCTION KNOW-HOW

Safety harness

need-to-knows Protekta Safety Gear Institute for Work at Height

An effective harness needs to comply with the relevant SANS or EN standards and be suitable for the type of work which will be conducted at height.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

CONSTRUCTION KNOW-HOW The definition of a harness is a form of personal protective equipment intended to be worn on the body and used in conjunction with suitable fall arrest devices to protect a person from injury or death. It is designed to support the whole body of a person and to restrain the wearer during a fall and after the arrest of a fall. The full body harness may comprise of straps, fittings, buckles or other elements, suitably arranged and assembled. Realizing the difference

What makes a harness effective? Fall arrest work (scaffolding, MEWPs, roof work, towers, etc.) will make use of a fall arrest harness, and complex work at height activities that involve being suspended on ropes such as rope access work (high level window cleaning, flighting, etc.) will be done using a rope access harness.

SANS 50361 EN 361

SANS 50361/ SANS 50358 EN 361/358

SANS 50361 / SANS 50358 / SANS 50813 EN 361/358/813

It is important to remember that all workers who are required to use a safety harness need to be found competent in the safe use and understanding of the harness.

What the contractor needs to know? Choosing the right harness When selecting a suitable harness to perform work at height safely, the following needs to be considered: 1. What type of work will be done? 2. What risks are involved? 3. What type of rescue will be required? 4. To what standards does the harness need to conform? Establishing the above requirements will determine which harness will be sufficient to protect the employee while working at height.

Harness inspections and testing Inspection of harnesses is a vital part in ensuring that the harness is safe to use. All inspection records should be kept and any item showing any defect should be withdrawn from service immediately. There are four main inspections to be conducted: Inspection Who

Pre-use The user

Detailed (formal) inspection

Interim inspections

A competent person

Intervals not exceeding six months

Intervals determined by the risk assessment considering whether items are subject to high levels of wear, tear, or con-tamination

Frequency shall be at least every 12 months considering factors as legislation, equipment type, fre-quency of use, and environmental condi-tions.

Formal visual and tactile inspection

Formally as per the manufacturer’s peri-odic examination procedures

When

Before every use

How

Informal visual and Formal visual and tactile inspection tactile inspection

Periodic inspections

Gender-specific safety harnesses It is important to remember that the majority of safety harnesses are not designed with females in mind, although some of these offer the required protection to females as well. Where possible, gender-specific harnesses should be considered as they can provide additional support, such as keeping shoulder straps to the side of the chest, supporting the hip and pelvic area differently, and reducing stress on the lower back. Safety harnesses should be used in such a way that offers maximum security to the individuals. For more information, contact An-Lie Nel, Institute for Work at Height, at anlie@ifwh.co.za

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Contract payment:

Don’t let the grass grow under your feet In the client/contractor relationship, it is important to ensure that the terms of the contract are abided with, right along the way, including non-payment, argues TO BUILD’s legal expert. Advocate Bryan Hack

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

CONSTRUCTION LAW

I started this article with the words “When times are tough”... and paused. I asked myself “was there really a time for the construction industry when times were not tough?” – so I started again... Generally, for most builders, it is tough to obtain work. Once you have work and you are progressing well, too often an obstacle arises in the form of non-payment by the employer of an amount due. Regardless of the sophistication of the contract, if any amount becomes overdue, the contractor faces a dilemma. Fight now or later. The choice is to stop work or carry on living in hope. Both options have significant consequences. Stopping work, of course, might have the desired result and as soon as the decision to stop work is conveyed to the employer the payment might arrive. However, if it does not, the most likely course of action will be a process of

dispute resolution which, sadly, too often is long and protracted with an end to what was a happy contractual relationship and work performance. The temptation therefore is to carry on, relying on the belief that there will also always be the final weapon to force payment, retaining possession of the site and exercising the builders’ line. There are various jurisdictions where the law on builders’ liens has been codified, whether by statute or other forms of legislation. Various provinces in Canada are an example. That is not the case in South Africa. Accordingly, our law is governed by the common law and therefore precedent. It is therefore, often difficult to find a clear and definitive answer to numerous problem questions. These run the gambit of what is adequate retention, whether there was a waiver, possibly by conduct, the sufficiency of alternate security for payment and finally

that often illusive to define the concept of fair and just. In addition, the option of carrying on and fighting at the end, hopefully, using the trump card of the builder’s lien means there is significantly more at stake than when the problem of non-payment first arose. At the end of the contract what was possible a relatively minor sum has now become as much as the entire contract price with extras. When that first problem with non-payment arises, it would be wise to seek legal assistance. Such assistance will no doubt be to follow the terms of the contract. As I have opined in previous articles, more often than not disputes arise because there are only two occasions when the parties look at the terms of the contract; when they signed them and once they are consulting with lawyers because the relationship has broken down and litigation in court or in an alternative form has started.

Watch for the signs When payment is not made for the first time this is a potential red light that the employer is experiencing some financial restraint. Always take the contract documents out of the draw, read them and apply them. So much heartache, frustration, and of course money, can be saved by doing so. Builders’ liens are not the panacea for non-payment. Our court and arbitration records show that too often the lien cannot be enforced for a variety of reasons. Rather, try to resolve the problem of non-payment at the time when it occurs. Don’t let the proverbial grass grow under your feet.

What is a builder’s lien? A construction lien is a claim made against a property by a contractor or subcontractor who has not been paid for work done on that property. Construction liens are designed to protect professionals from the risk of not being paid for services rendered. A builders lien is typically used if you are having difficulty getting paid. When you file a builders lien you are registering a legal interest against the property you have done work on. You are showing you have a financial interest in the project, for monies owed for the work you have done.

Bryan Hack is a practising advocate and member of the Cape Bar. He graduated from UCT and UNISA with a BA LLB, and worked for a prominent building company for a number of years before joining the Cape Bar in 1994. He has also served several terms as an Acting Judge in the High Court, Cape Town Bench. He can be contacted via email on hack@capebar.co.za volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

031 001 5000 HS-enquiry-fsa.za@franke.com www.zipsa.co.za

HYDROBOIL

Plus

– the most energy-efficient electronically controlled instant boiling water system. Zip HydroBoil Plus saves energy in 5 ways: 1. Power-PulseTM technology cuts standby power consumption dramatically. Cuts back to micropulse power during periods of light usage, or when unused.

2. Sleep-mode feature can be set to activate after 2 or 4 hours of non-use.

3. Sleep-when-it-is-dark feature can be set to activate whenever lights go off.

4. Programmable 24/7 on/off power clock can disconnect power twice each day.

5. Patented steam-heat-boost system recycles steam to preheat incoming water.

Instant Boiling Water on Tap!

Smart infrared sensors

Create a safer workplace with Zip HydroTap Touch-Free Wave

Introducing Zip HydroTap Touch-Free Wave, with smart infrared sensors that activate boiling, chilled and sparkling water. With an increased consideration around hygiene in the workplace, new Zip HydroTap Touch-Free Wave provides a 100% 031 001of5000 touch-free solution to instantly dispense pure tasting drinking water with a simple wave a hand. HS-enquiry-fsa.za@franke.com www.zipsa.co.za Zip HydroTap Touch-Free Wave is proudly Australian designed and manufactured.

Contactless delivery of filtered drinking water with Zip HydroTap Touch-Free Wave

Wave right for chilled

Wave above for sparkling

Twin sensor activation for boiling

CONSTRUCTION

Construction industry

& the POPI Act The Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) came into effect on 1 July 2021, after a long process of consultation and the setting up of the required regulatory structures prior to it being set into law. What, however, are the implications for the construction profession, building trade and the like?

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

CONSTRUCTION

Companies are now legally obliged to protect the privacy of the information and data they gather. Danie Hattingh, Past President and Executive Committee member of the Master Builders’ Association Western Cape (MBAWC) and Principal Officer of the Pension Fund at the Building Industry Bargaining Council, talks about the implications of the Act. “The POPI Act will impact all businesses, regardless of their nature or size. Those in the construction industry, which is one of the leading employment providers and economic contributors, will need to ensure that they are compliant to avoid data breaches and reputational harm. “The first step employers can take to safeguard against liability in terms of POPIA is to ensure that their employees’ consent is obtained, and that the processing of their personal information is done for a specific purpose,” he says.

In addition to obtaining consent, Hattingh mentions that it is imperative for employees to know what their personal information will be used for. The Act further requires that organisations justify why they are holding personal information. This measure forces employers to assess what information it gathers, be it from employees, clients, service providers or other third parties, and helps determine whether the information gathered is indeed necessary.

Sunset clause on data held Hattingh comments that under the POPI Act, a business cannot keep a record of personal information once the reason or need for which it was collected no longer exists. In addition to the impact on their own employees, it will impact the construction industry in a number of other ways, including the following: • Suppliers: Supplier companies will have to review the methods they use to conduct any direct marketing campaigns. • External communication: Communication shared with clients to the market may require consent. • Incident management: Organisations will need to set up an incident management process to handle any data breaches in the sharing of personal information. • Contract amendments: Existing contracts and obligations of service providers will need to be amended in accordance with the Act.

Businesses within the construction sector can ensure that they are POPIA compliant by: • Appointing an Information Officer – this is mandatory for all companies in South Africa. • Maintaining a catalogue of data protection threats. • Regularly monitoring privacy business practices. • Performing regular data protection threat assessments. • Having an open-book policy with clients and advising them about the information the organisation is storing. • Conducting awareness sessions with employees, clients, stakeholders and other third parties. • Ensuring that personal data is always up to date. Hattingh mentions that, although the Act might seem onerous, it comes with benefits as well, particularly for the construction sector. “Private employee records will now be stored more effectively and can be discarded once contracts come to an end. Clients will feel more comfortable knowing that their personal information is kept secure and not shared or sold to third parties. Another benefit of the Act is that it empowers companies by requiring that their internal processes and policies be reviewed often in order to comply,” says Hattingh. The MBAWC values and supports the POPI Act. It assures its members that their information is securely stored. “When requested, we are also assisting our smaller member companies to reach POPIA compliance,” Hattingh concludes.

The POPI Act will impact all businesses, regardless of their nature or size.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

INTERIOR DESIGN: RESTAURANTS

Newly revamped Chef’s Studio fuses

fine interior design with culinary excellence Tegan Smith

The recently revamped interior of The Chef’s Studio, Cape Town, is a unique concept space located in the heart of the city. The venue hosts interactive dining experiences and masterclasses for people who are as excited about what goes into creating a beautiful dish, as they are about eating it.

Interior designer, Monya Eastman of Stokperd , is the creative force behind the up-to-the-minute revamped space. The custom-built workstations feature slick yet hard-working surfaces from Caesarstone, are equipped with state-of-the-art cooking technology and feature professional cookware from Scanpan.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

INTERIOR DESIGN: RESTAURANTS

Test top-notch equipment makes for a working professional kitchen It’s a professional kitchen down to the last chef’s knife, but it’s also a stylish, contemporary environment that epitomises the notion of ‘fine casual’. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, either at home or for a client, it is the ideal space to test top-notch equipment and witness a working professional kitchen that has been styled to make people feel like they’re in a wonderfully appointed home, designed with food lovers in mind. For this reason, the venue was part of the Cape Town Design Trail, conceptualised by Decorex Africa.

"Stokperd has balanced the need for high functionality with a high-end interior. This is a kitchen space that works, and works hard, but it is also one that we just love to work in!" says The Chef’s Studio founder and chef patron, Matt Manning. Born in England, Matt perfected his trade in London’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants under the tutelage of some of the best in the business, including Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing and Bryn Williams. On relocating to South Africa, Matt worked at La Colombe, before his inherent entrepreneurial spirit saw him start his own business in private cheffing and events. In December 2018, Matt opened his first restaurant, Grub & Vine (located in the same building as The Chef's Studio) followed by Culture Wine Bar, two years later. In addition to steering the kitchen in the bistro, Matt also offer the occasional masterclass in The Chef’s Studio, alongside a host of Cape Town’s most respected and exciting chefs - aimed at birthday party

surprises, team building and corporate events. In addition to the cooking area, a communal table offers social dining, as well as an elegant private dining room. Guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience in a trend-led interior, while soaking up the ambience of the Mother City.

Team building prospects catered for in the design The ‘Corporate Culinary’ option lets companies inspire and stimulate their employees with a high-octane, fun and educational team-building cooking event. The hands-on cookery experiences are designed to break down hierarchies and barriers and stir up competitive team spirit. Behind the Design Trail was Decorex Africa, which positions itself as the design authority for the décor, interior design, and lifestyle industries. The Decorex Africa portfolio is hosted by Reed Exhibitions.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

DESIGN: DECOR

SA designs:

no chicken feed! An organisation called Clout SA, which aims to promote indigenous decor items to the business sector, was recently launched via a Cape Town exhibition called Right Here Right Now which ran during June and July at the House Union Block near Parliament. Gareth Griffiths & Hub Mosaic Studio A section of a breathtaking tapestry by Tamlin Blake of Riebeek West entitled Tied by Time, commissioned by Spier. It’s citation reads “Tamlin Blake’s monumental tapestry is akin to a Renaissance fresco in its magnitude of scale, the sweeping drama of its thematic conception and the brilliance of its detail”. The work took four years to complete.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

DESIGN: DECOR

Clout SA (https://clout-sadesign.co.za) has its origins in a foundation project for the outlets and restaurants of a well-known chicken meal restaurant chain when indigenously-sourced items of decor were commissioned for the interiors of various stores in South Africa and abroad. The food chain has created an online shopping platform for designer furniture that has facilitated more than R60 million worth of sales across 20 900 products since it was launched in 2018, making it one of the country’s largest exporters of South African design. There are approximately 1 200 Nando’s restaurants located across the globe from Washington DC to Dhaka, and each space showcases bold, bespoke furniture items which are procured through a space called the ‘Portal to Africa’.

Cork furniture items and lamps by Wiid Design.

First South African designer ever to have collection in Louvre’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs As part of the Nando’s Design Programme, Clout SA has developed and facilitated one of South Africa’s top biennial design competitions, the Nando’s Hot Young Designer Talent Search, which has launched and supported tens of local design careers, including Mash T. design founder, Thabiso Mjo. One of the shining lights to come through the food chain’s programme has subsequently gone on to make history. In 2020, Thabiso Mjo, became the first South African designer ever to have her work collected by the Louvre’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, for their permanent collection. Clout SA now offers bespoke interior solutions for hospitality, retail, residential and corporate clients. Lesego Maloka, Pone Creatives, creates the most amazing designs, printed onto textiles and throws.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

DESIGN: DECOR

Turning South African design into a globally recognised category brand

Naturalis ( www.naturalis.co.za ) has re-imagined the typical school chair concept into a bright and exciting concept.

Bench by Siviwe Jali. Backdrop pattern by Pone Creatives.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

To further the enterprise’s aim of growing the South African design industry and turning South African design into a globally recognised category brand, it invites corporate partners who share these values to join its mission by taking part in collaborations with its designer-maker partners. Clout’s inaugural exhibition, Right Here, Right Now, forming part of Decorex’s month long Cape Town Design Trail programme in June 2021, was curated by creative director, Tracy Lee Lynch. At the same time the launch also unveiled a collaboration with HUB, a platform borne out of the Spier Arts Trust which has run the Spier Arts Academy since 2009, training artisans in the field of ceramics and mosaics, as

DESIGN: DECOR

Inspired by Lesotho: Bodulo Bench by Khosi Leteba in collaboration with Wiid Design.

well as supporting the development of visual artists. The HUB’s platforms work to create collaborative commercial opportunities for artisans and artists. “Previous collaborative projects include the striking serving counter of the Nando’s restaurant in Soho, London. This features artwork by HUB artist Henk Serfontein, that was rendered in mosaics by HUB artisans. Another example is the Potjie Server by designer Thabisa Mjo. The beaded panels on the front of the server were designed by Mjo and created by the skilled Qaqambile beaders of HUB”, says Mirna Wessels, the CEO of the Spier Arts Trust, who helped conduct media tours at the inaugural exhibition .

Artist: Henk Serfontein & HUB mosaic studio Title: Ponta du Oura | Year :2017 | Dimensions: 900 x 11077mm Medium: Hand cut stone & Venetian stained glass, bespoke ceramic tiles and glass seed beads

The potjie server was later featured as part of the Sacrosanct exhibition at Milan Design Week in 2019.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

DIY: GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Do-it-yourself

maintenance tips So you have invested money, time and effort into creating that wonderful kerbside or driveway garden … here’s how to keep it looking pristine, courtesy of our intrepid gardening specialist, Erina Botha.

Also top tall trees that block your view, especially of the sea or a mountain or a stretch of veld.

Clear vegetation away from the windows at least once a month to keep windows clean and enable you to see what is happening on the street.

Do not turn over the soil, but use a small weeding fork to lift out the weeds, so that the mulch remains undisturbed on top of the soil.

Remove dead leaves from succulents and especially from aloes, as they often provide a home for bugs that will cause rotting.

Retain the diversity of species by trimming back those growing over others. Don’t just allow the strongest growers to engulf the others. In nature plants would be controlled by different animals grazing on different species.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Clear a few leaves off the base of tree aloes every three months or so to encourage them to grow taller and make an even more striking impact.

Regularly raise the canopies of trees on the pavement, either planted by you or by the relevant city or town council, to let light through to the garden.

Gifts from above: Some indigenous plants may come up naturally – don’t just ‘weed’ them out. If you’re not sure what it is, consult with someone who is an expert in indigenous plants and gardening.

Fibertex eco-friendly home and garden products keep gardens, patios, ponds and driveways as beautiful as they should be, year after year

Fibertex Universal performs excellently as • • • • • •

A separation geotextile between sand and stone to prevent intermixing of layers A separation geotextile for root control A stabilisation fabric for under-paving to prevent sagging and rutting A filtration geotextile to allow water to pass through the fabric and retain soil fines A filtration geotextile used behind retaining walls to prevent loss of the retained soil through the facing A separation and filtration layer in subsoil drainage systems

Fibertex Universal is available from leading DIY and hardware stores in both 1m x 10m and 1.3m x 10m sizes.

Fibertex U niversal DIY rolls p rovide solutions to multiple d rainage, filtration, s eparation and conta inment challenge s.

#designf or life

Visit www.fibertex.com/products/home-and-garden for more insights and information, as well as installation guidelines.

Head Office +27 31 736 7100 | salesza@fibertex.com | www.fibertex.com

DIY: LANDSCAPING

Enhance the front of your home with plants A striking indigenous pavement garden enhances a home and increases the appeal and value of a property. It complements a home in a way a sandy, paved, chipstoned or tarred pavement can never do. Here’s how it is done, says Erina Botha, indigenous gardening expert at DreamScapes (www.dreamscapes-ct.co.za).

The preparation of the pavement garden and the selection of plants and hardscaping features, would depend on the size of the pavement area adjacent to your home. Or the kerbside. It would also depend on the amount of sun or shade the area gets. This is impacted not only by the height and placing of your home, but also the fencing of your property and trees inside your property and out on the pavement. Whether the pavement area gets lots of sun most of the day, or only morning or afternoon sun, it doesn’t matter – there are many plants to select from our incredibly rich indigenous floral kingdom.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

er hardscaping The problem: Aft its for planting. wa work, the area

DIY: LANDSCAPING

Design

Hardscaping

Pathways, hard edging for borders and rocks placed in strategic places, can serve as great hardscaping features. Unless a pavement garden is very narrow and small, pathways are essential for structure and to enjoy and maintain the garden. The hardscaping also forms an attractive contrast with the greenage and flowering plants in the garden.

Pathways are es

sential for str

ucture.

I use chip stone or pebbles spread on weedguard, that allows water to seep through into the soil underneath but keeps weeds at bay. Otherwise solid cobbled, cemented chipstone or cemented paver pathways can also provide the necessary passages and contrast. Pavers placed in chip stone or pebble pathways for access can also achieve a great design effect. Sometimes a groundcover growing between pavers could be used, although it is generally not advisable for pathway gardens, as more frequent maintenance will then be required to keep it at bay and trimming it back from growing over pavers and other plants next to the pathway areas. If some of your pavement garden area is placed in front of windows looking out onto the street, be sure to place a row of pavers along the wall under the windows, so that you would have access to wash the windows and to trim the plants back, so as to not obscure your view of the street.

Tough, sturdy A colourful sid

and tall grow

ewalk greets

ing shrubs or

Spring.

creepers at th

e back of the

garden.

Plant selection

Feature, filler and ground cover plants should be used in any garden but the right selection is particularly important in the relatively limited space of a pavement garden. Tough, sturdy and tall growing shrubs or creepers should generally be placed at the back of the garden, which is usually against a house wall or a fence surrounding the property.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

With the vegetation slanting down towards the pavement in this way and no tall plants obscuring the view, the diversity of the garden can be seen and enjoyed by passersby, visitors and owners alike. It can be very striking, though, to place a tall, structural plant like a tree aloe on the edge of the garden near to the street edge, as it usually has no leaf growth around the base of the plant or in younger tree aloes, the base leaves can easily be removed to great effect.

Seasonal flowering diversity is also very important in the selection of plants, so that there would always be some plants flowering throughout the different seasons.

Erina’s

Medium-sized plants should then be placed in front of those and lowgrowing plants closest to the pavement area.

spe cia l

tip :

DIY: LANDSCAPING

Preparation Once all the hard scaping has been done, it is time to prepare the soil or sand for the planting. Remove all weeds or grass and then work in at least 1 cube of coarse, organic mulch compost for every 10m2 of surface area. Turn half of it into the soil and then add another thick layer on top covering all the areas to be planted. Top up the mulch at least once a year by spreading a layer two fingers thick over the soil at the base of the plants.

Another fun idea is to buy small packs of Namaqua daisy seeds and plant them towards the end of July, beginning August for a blast of temporary colour in early Spring. Then harvest the seeds and keep them in envelopes for the next season.

Planting First place your feature plants like tree aloes, large aloes, restios or cycads. Then fill in with strategic placing of medium-sized plants. And then the groundcovers - it is important that some medium-height, filler plants and groundcovers provide foliage colour contrast to light up the garden with shades of grey, for instance. Helichrysum petiolare is one of the most effective to use for this purpose. Some gazanias are also greyleaved and so are many indigenous salvias.

A pavement colour feast

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Aloe Tree - beginning stages

Aloe tenuior in flower

The bee’s knees -

pollinator gardens are in Pollinators are essential for providing food on which humans, birds, insects, and animals rely. The latest environmental positive trend in landscaping is ‘pollinator gardens’ - planting a garden that is attractive to a variety of pollinators including birds, wasps, bees, and butterflies. This action supports biodiversity and protects our environment. 1. Choose plants that are attractive to pollinators. 2. Group your pollinator-friendly plants together. 3. Choose plants with a long flowering cycle. 4. Allow your plants to flower. 5. Indigenous flowering plants are great for attracting local biodiversity. 6. Don’t use chemicals in your garden. 7. Provide a ‘bee-friendly’ water source. 8. Include plants that support caterpillars. 9. Colourful and/or scented flowers are usually great for pollinators. 10. Examples of indigenous pollinatorfriendly plants include vygies, sweet thorn, agapanthus, aloes, clivias, ribbon bush, cape honeysuckle, bush willow, and gazanias.

www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATER WISE, PLEASE CONTACT US ON: 0860 10 10 60

LANDSCAPING

Investing in the home landscape:

A great decision Investing in a landscaping professional to embark on projects such as enhancing your lawns, improving the entire landscape, and 'hardscaping' by incorporating new features like patios, boundary walls or exterior fireplaces, is a smart, worthwhile investment, say the experts. However, much of the work can be DIY, requiring only the time and effort of dedicated homeowners. Here is some motivation for doing this. View from the kerb Real estate agents suggest that a home’s first impression is really important when taking potential buyers around a property up for sale.

- these can add major kerb appeal and greatly enhance your enjoyment of living in a vibrant modern home.

Simple updates such as adding retaining wall units or paving stone edging around gardens add value and positive first impressions from the kerb

In addition to the beauty of the plantscaping, the hardscaping done first also makes routine garden upkeep easier. Think of creating a tree ring from retaining wall units and surrounding it with pavers to reduce the need for trimming after mowing.

If you have the funds to invest, try the more ambitious projects like a front paving stone entrance with patio and a seat wall or two

Damage to your property can devalue it and create major problems.. Ensure that you invest in engineer-certified retaining walls to

regulate gradient changes outdoors and prevent damage to the landscape and in certain environments, and even damage to your home.

Safety first consideration Outside walls are commonplace in a country such as SA, for security reasons. Within the property, however, seat walls can add a measure of privacy and protection against the wind and driving rain, while energy-efficient landscape lighting can be installed along patios, paver walkways and under retaining wall caps for night time ambiance as well as functionality when arriving home at night. There are a number of DIY options. If the budget allows, practicing landscape businesses can advise how adding these and other hardscape elements can increase value and offer measures of safety and privacy. Or you can do it yourself. Ensure that all electrical work is done and signed off by a registered electrical professional.

Finally, the plantlife Think waterwise gardens, which allow multiple choices and are beautiful and easy to maintain. Read the column by our exclusive landscaping professional in this edition. Enhance the value of your property, improve security and create moodenhancing spaces … surely a landscaping job is a no-brainer, isn’t it? 62

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

SUSTAINABILITY

REPUTATION

INNOVATION

SOLUTION DRIVEN

SPECIALISTS IN SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR BUILDING PRODUCTS Eva-Last® is a globally reputable brand that represents a solution-driven model of creating innovative, sustainable building materials and systems that add value to customers’ lives. By embracing low environmental impact manufacturing and cutting-edge composite technology, Eva-Last® is revolutionising how building can be done. We design and deliver beautiful, long-lasting green alternatives that make our customers’ lives easier, healthier, and just plain better.

LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Holistically sustainable manufacturing & use of raw materials

Scan for more information on our product range

010 593 5220 | www.eva-last.co.za

ADVERTORIAL: EVA-LAST

Timber vs composite building products Why Eva-Last composite building products are taking the world by storm For centuries, timber products have provided a decorative touch when used as building materials, bringing their own special aesthetic to architectural designs. As the world’s hardwood resources have come under increasing pressure and as the natural drawbacks of timber became more widely known, the composite building material industry began to search for ways to match the performance and look of natural timber while exceeding its all-weather performance. With Eva-Last’s range of advanced composite products, that search has reached its pinnacle. Following Eva-Last’s brand design ethos of 'Inspired by Nature, Designed for Life', its patented range of lightweight and low-maintenance composite technologies are the result of more than 15 years of cutting-edge engineering. Eva-Last’s pursuit of better, more cost-effective composites – made from natural and fastgrowing bamboo fibres co-extruded with cellular PVC-based plastics recycled from urban waste – has led to a new age of decking, cladding, fencing, screening, railing and fastening products that are pushing the boundaries of building material performance. Eva-Last’s composite products, manufactured using solar energy, are also reducing environmental impact in manufacturing and by providing durable building products whose longevity reduces the need for replacement.

Eliminates all known drawbacks of real timber Eva-Last ensures its composite building products eliminate all the known drawbacks of real timber; such as weathering, warping, cracking, splitting, fading, scratching, staining, mould and mildew and flammability, while being structurally and aesthetically identical to the finest timber, year after year. As a sophisticated alternative to timber, Eva-Last products are engineered to last with almost no maintenance – only an occasional clean is required to keep it looking as good as the day it was installed. With the multitude of benefits Eva-Last composite offers, it’s no wonder the brand is at the forefront of architect and landscaper recommendations worldwide.

Outstanding performance in a range of weather and usage conditions Steyn City, one of South Africa’s most sought-after luxury residential estates, serves as an ideal showcase for EvaLast’s premium decking offering, Apex. Functioning as a world-class 'smart city', materials and architectural designs on display at Steyn City are known for being at the leading edge of technology and performance. Used in both decking and cladding applications, while the natural timber aesthetic and visual appearance of Apex is a major selling point for the range, it’s the performance in a range of weather and usage conditions which makes Apex the first choice for clients.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ADVERTORIAL: EVA-LAST

Increasing longevity, performance & consistency of a brand’s look and feel International home improvement, gardening and DIY retailer Leroy Merlin, in rolling out retail stores across South Africa, found that the timber products deployed in the creation of its stores’ façade were weathering, tarnishing and discolouring after a short period. Treatment of the timber products to raise their performance to match composite cladding materials was prohibitive and required ongoing maintenance, specialised labour and obstructive scaffolding on site. Leroy Merlin acknowledged that such an ongoing maintenance protocol on such large commercial buildings was not suitable. The original timber cladding was also flammable due to the wax-impregnated timber used, which constituted a significant fire risk and did not meet relevant codes of compliance for commercial application of this nature.

Leroy Merlin then selected Eva-Last VistaClad cladding and Lifespan support beams to replace the timber products to increase longevity, performance and consistency of the brand’s look and feel. The Apex product installed by Eva-Last in the VistaClad system provided a BFL S1 fire resistance rating and exceptional aesthetic appeal. Lifespan, as the most advanced composite technology offered by Eva-Last, provided a highly advanced and durable architectural structure, that thanks to its reinforced lightweight aluminium core, created a far-spanning screening profile with a matching extruded composite finish.

Outperforms hardwood both outdoors and indoors Yum!, the owner of the KFC franchise rights in Africa, sought high performance decor and architectural materials in complying with a worldwide update of the brand’s outlet specifications. Controlling over 600 outlets in South Africa alone, the update required a significant amount of imported cedar hardwood, which would need to withstand severe outdoor weather conditions on the continent. Eva-Last’s VistaClad cladding material not only matched the design requirements dictated by KFC globally, but would outperform hardwood both outdoors and indoors backed by an industryleading 30-year warranty. VistaClad is also widely available throughout South Africa, allowing a consistent look and feel across all applications, as well as being easy to install through a variety of potential contractors. Eva-Last was able to provide a solution which ensured availability of supply, consistency of application and installation, consistency in look and feel, cost competitiveness, low maintenance and performance longevity; as well as a product whose sustainability credentials exceed those of the specified hardwood design elements. Using Eva-Last products, a customer can feel safe and assured in embarking on a new or upgrade project – residential or commercial – that will still be under warranty up to 30 years from now. That is the kind of incredible confidence a well-engineered product can provide and no competitor has been able to match it. With leading safety, fire resistance and performance ratings across the globe, Eva-Last is poised to take on all climates, territories and architectural styles with its modular products that can be blended into just about any application.

010 593 5220 www.eva-last.co.za

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION

Ratanga rises again A striking timber walkway and pedestrian bridge construction forms part of the landscape development for an exciting new development at the old Ratanga Junction site in Century City outside Cape Town. Robin Schultz

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION

After the former Ratanga Junction theme park shut down in May 2018, Rabie Property developers has been on site to redevelop the area into a vibrant mixed use precinct with apartments, offices, convenience retail, and restaurants and hotels. The areas where the Cobra and Monkey Falls and other rides once saw queues of fun seekers, will become a public park with an extensive water body and a series of bridges over the canals. These will link up with the existing Century City waterways, adding a second large habitat for the amazing birdlife currently seen at Intaka Island. Site contractors, Power Construction, appointed a Cape Town company, Contour Decks, to erect timber bridges over the waterways. Cladocalyx decking timber, with planks measuring 40mm thick by 100mm wide , is being installed onto steel frames using stainless steel fasteners and fixings supplied by Fastenright. This species of hardwood originated from the Eucalyptus in South Australia but has been planted in South Africa since the 1800s. It is exceptionally durable and ideally suited to use in the Ratanga bridges. Universal Timber is

the main supplier of the timber and the stainless steel fasteners are supplied by Fastenright SA. The Island pedestrian walkway bridge spans over 40m and extends from 3.5m wide at the ends to 6m wide in the middle. The design is 3m above the water level and will have a faćade with railings, also of cladocalyx . The support posts are pine poles sunk into a concrete base platform in the water. Another bridge is the Bridgewater pedestrian bridge which is steel clad in the cladocalyx timber by Contour Decks. This is 35m long. There are several other bridges planned for installation over the waterways. “The decking and faćades are Eucalyptus Cladocalyx, specially selected out of the heartwood of the trees. This is a Class One hardwood that supports sustainable development, having been harvested from alien forests on the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West. It is a large and challenging project, but our experience of over 20 years with similar projects has boosted technical competence on the ground”, says Robin Schultz, CEO of Contour Decks.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

SOFTWOOD (e.g. SA PINE) IN STRUCTURES MUST BE TREATED TO MUNICIPALITIES, BUILDING CONTROL OFFICERS, BUILDERS, MORTGAGE LENDERS, ARCHITECTS, PROPERTY OWNERS Do you have softwood timber (e.g. pine) in your home, or office? Do you live along or near to the coast? If you have answered YES to both questions, do you know if the timber is treated? If it isn’t treated, did you know that it is illegal and susceptible to insect attack? Wood used in structures are required to have been treated in accordance with SANS 10005. What exactly does this mean? All softwood that form part of a permanent building shall be preservative treated and carry the mark of a SANAS accredited certification body. This applies to all buildings where softwoods are used in load bearing or non-loading bearing situations and form part of the permanent building, e.g. joinery timbers, ceilings, floor boards, doors, etc. The timber could be sawn, planed, profiled, poles or logs — round or partly round, etc. Inspectors and mortgage lenders be aware of these requirements. In addition to this all treated timber produced and sold in South Africa shall be treated in accordance with SANS 10005 and comply with SANS 1288. WHICH LAWS GOVERN THIS The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977) and the Application of the National Building Regulations - Part A: Regulation A13(1)(b) NRCS VC 9092, The compulsory specification for preservative treatment of timber WHY DO WE PRESERVATIVE TREAT TIMBER? These regulations originate from regulations introduced in 1946 to stop the spread of wood destroying insects. They also have a secondary function to protect property owners against damage, injury and unnecessary replacement expenses as a result of insect and decay. Imagine a rafter attacked by insects or fungi collapsing into your home, and the damage it would cause. WHICH TIMBER IS AFFECTED? The Gymnospermae—coniferous species, all softwoods including SA Pine. Correctly treated timber will have the trade mark of the treater, the product certification mark of a body accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), and the H class it was treated to. Timber is treated at different strengths for different end applications or hazard classes i.e. HAZARD CLASS SYMBOL and END USE APPLICATION

Internal above ground

External above ground

In ground contact

In contact with fresh water or heavy wet soil

In contact with sea water

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREATED TIMBER FOR THE JOB If you require further information on any aspect related to preservative treated timber contact SAWPA on Tel : +27 (0)11 974 1061 E-Mail: admin@sawpa.co.za

MUNICIPAL AREAS WHERE SOFTWOOD MUST BE TREATED: Amahlathi Berg River Bitou Breede Valley Breede River / Winelands Buffalo City Cape Agulhas Cederberg City of Cape Town Drakenstein eNdondakusuka eThekwini Metropolitan (Durban) Ezingoleni George Great Kei Hibiscus Hlabisa Impendle Jozini Kamiesberg King Sabata Dalindyebo Knysna Kouga Kou-Kamma KwaDukuza Langeberg Makana Maphumulo Matzikama Mbonambi Mbhashe Mbizana Mkhambathini Mnquma Mooi Mpofana Mossel Bay Mthonjaneni Mtubatuba Msunduzi Nama Khoi Nelson Mandela Metropolitan (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth) Ndlamble Ndwedwe Nkonkobe Ngqushwa Ntambanana Nyandeni Overstrand Port St Johns Qaukeni Richmond Richtersveld Saldanha Bay Stellenbosch Sunday’s River Valley Swartland Swellendam The Big 5 False Bay Theewaterskloof Ubuhlebezwe Umdoni uMngeni uMhlathuze Umhlabuyalingana uMlalazi uMshwati uMuziwabantu Umvoti Umzumbe Vulamehlo Witzenberg

PROMOTING THE USE OF PRESERVATIVE TREATED TIMBER

PROMOTING TREATED TIMBER PRODUCED BY SAWPA MEMBERS

Tel: 011 974 1061 admin@sawpa.co.za www.sawpa.co.za

DIY: DRAINAGE

Eco-friendly home

and garden products Is your landscaped area under attack by invasive living things? TO BUILD’s editor discovers a locally manufactured DIY material that provides sustainable green solutions to multiple drainage, filtration, separation and containment issues in gardens, driveways, patios and ponds. Fibertex

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

DIY: DRAINAGE

Unruly roots, destructive ants and sagging paving are beyond an inconvenience for homeowners and commercial property management teams. In the interests of being planet-friendly and avoiding the use of toxic chemicals, consumers are presented with challenges in preventing or eliminating these garden invaders. International company, Fibertex, has come up with a solution and their technologists recommend an environmentally friendly material specially designed to minimise maintenance, reduce weeds and avoid the need to use chemicals. The locally manufactured product, called Fibertex Universal, performs excellently as a separation geotextile between sand and stone to prevent intermixing of layers; as a separation material for root control and as a stabilisation fabric for under-paving to prevent sagging and rutting. It also acts as a filtration layer to allow water to pass through the fabric and retain soil fines. This means it can also be used behind retaining walls to prevent loss of the retained soil through the facing. This versatile material also acts as a separation and filtration layer in subsoil drainage systems.

Subsoil Drainage: The product acts as a separation layer in subsoil drainage systems by preventing fine soil particles from entering and blocking the agricultural pipe.

“Our innovative products are used to create clever, efficient and ecofriendly solutions, that improve the quality of life for everyone, all over the world,” says Sefton Fripp, Commercial Executive, Fibertex South Africa, “As specialists in nonwovens and performance-based materials for use in diverse industries, our company protects the environment by incorporating sustainable practices across our businesses and solutions.

Paving: The product ensures separation of the different material layers allowing for drainage and reducing settlement of the paving ensuring serviceability.

“These products for gardens, homes and commercial properties are carefully designed to minimise maintenance, avoid the use of chemicals and keep the garden, terrace and driveway beautiful for many years. They are easy to install and can be cut to the required dimensions simply by using scissors” he finishes. The product can be obtained from leading DIY and hardware stores throughout the country in 1 m or 1.3m width x 10 m roll sizes. volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ROOFING

Award winning distribution centre what a roof!

Previously called the Cilmor Distribution Centre, the Shoprite Group’s Whitey Basson Distribution Park is a “remarkable manifestation of world-class design arching from futuristic logistics to effective engineering, moulded into breath-taking architectural design that redefines the boundaries of warehousing.” Thus says the citation by the design team in its submission of the project for the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Awards for Innovative Excellence 2021. Safal Steel, Grant Duncan-Smith and Gareth Griffiths

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ROOFING

This remarkable project is a credit to Cape Town-based SLT Architects (SLTA), the engineers and the entire professional team involved. Not only was the building a clear winner in the SAPOA Awards for 2021 in the ‘Industrial Developments’ category. It had also gained prior recognition, when the dry goods warehouse building inside the complex won two categories in the South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) Steel Awards of 2018. To put the 76 319m2 size of the dry goods distribution warehouse into perspective, it could theoretically hangar nine giant Airbus A380 aircraft were it not for the supporting columns.

The warehouses’ curved roofs are their most striking feature and presented not only a challenge to great architectural and structural design, but some unique opportunities. “The client did not want its new distribution centre to be an eyesore, so aesthetics was a core part of our brief,” says Niel Marx of SLTA, principal architect on the project. Curved lines were introduced for the roofs, mimicking the surrounding rolling hills, and effectively pulling the sides of the building down to a more accessible scale. "The dominance of the ugly saw-tooth industrial roof designs is over”.

The roof is also practical: “While reducing the perceived height of the buildings the shapes offer structural and rainwater runoff benefits,” Marx explains. According to Sebastian Dockter of WSP Group Africa, structural engineer on the project, the buildings (in the complex) are stabilised by large cantilevering concrete tiltup columns that were constructed during the fabrication period of the steel. The largest of these columns (in the dry goods warehouse) is 24.3m tall, weighing more than 44tons. “Starting off with a stable structure greatly reduced the risk during the erection of the long-span structural steel girders and trusses,” he adds.

Crowning glory — the curved roof

Top Coat Corrosion inhibitive primer Pre-treatment ZincAL Pre-treatment

However, the crowning glory of any building is, arguably, its roof. As the largest building inside the distribution centre, the curved roof of the dry good warehouse certainly supports this statement. To ensure a compliant roof and cladding sheeting tender, all roofing system tenderers were required to submit test compliance

Backing coat - cool grey

Erected by Scheltema, safe erection of the roofing sheeting took place, working closely with both GRS and Safal Steel.

The cold storage warehouse and Freshmark office under construction.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ROOFING

Inside the refrigerated goods warehouse. Note the cladding and roof.

data derived using the methods of the draft cladding code, SANS1023, under development by the South African Metal Cladding and Roofing Association. The cladding used Safal Steel Colorplus® in Cape Grey Matt and Mountain Grey Matt, rolled into the GRS KLIPTITE profile. The use of a matte material not only enhanced the building aesthetics by blending the building into the landscape, but also provided an extremely hard wearing surface against the tempestuous Cape marine climate. Colorplus® Matt features a hard-wearing polyester coating which, in this instance, was factory-applied to Safal Steel’s AZ150 Zincal® base to provide tested and proven durability against corrosion within 1km of the sea.

Architect Niel Marx on site. Note the striking curved roof on the dry goods warehouse.

Zincal® coated steel uses a world-renowned alloy coating often referred to as 55%AlZn. The coating alloy of 55% aluminium, 43.5% zinc and 1.5% silicon has an established record of endurance way beyond that of standard zinc-coated (so-called ‘galvanised’) steel material. It is manufactured by Safal Steel in KZN, and is fully supported locally with warranties and technical know-how. “Safal Steel Colorplus® brings modern innovation to pre-painted steel roofing – not to mention a range of colours that are as visually appealing as they are durable. Colorplus® Matt allows architects and designers to use all the visual nuances of texture, light, shadow and colour play in innovative ways to make their mark,” comments Safal Steel Marketing Officer, Sinethemba Gqibitole.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

The dry goods warehouse seen from the construction site of Freshmark HQ, both roofed and clad with Safal Steel Colorplus.

Energy|MC

The first choice of many property developers. Meet the requirements of SANS 10400 XA by specifying Eco-Insulation as thermal and acoustic insulation of choice above the ceiling, or pumped in under a flat roof. SABS Approved.

www.eco-insulation.co.za

Made in SOUTH AFRICA

INSULATION

If you do it, do it right! While climate mitigation efforts, especially a reduction in carbon-based power production, have garnered much attention worldwide, South Africa is still sadly lagging behind, argues Des Schnetler, Chairperson, Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association SA (www.tipsasa.co.za ) or simply, TIPSASA. TIPSASA and CSIR

Des Schnetler, TIPSASA

The National Energy Efficiency Strategy published by the Department of Energy (Government Gazette, 23 December 2016), identifies the need to establish 15-year trajectories for the successive tightening of the energy performance component of building standards for the public, commercial and residential buildings. The revision of SANS 10400XA: 2011 Edition 1 and further revisions to SANS 10400-XA will be guided by the following of the trajectory. The long awaited revision of the 2011 edition is now out for public comment. The 2021 revision of SANS 10400-XA is considered to be more stringent than the 2011 edition and aims to improve the requirements by introducing more sensible and practical measures that would save energy when new buildings are designed and built accordingly.

Energy zones The purpose of changes brought in with the SANS 10400-XA 2021 standard is to establish the minimum energy efficiency requirements of buildings when designed and constructed in accordance with the building envelope requirements of SANS 10400-XA. Most importantly, the climatic zone map in the revision of SANS 10400-XA has been replaced with the Energy Zone Map developed by the CSIR. The map graphically indicates the areas and boundaries of the seven new energy zones throughout South Africa. There is also an additional Zone 5H that identifies a high humidity zone. The energy zones were determined by the amount of heating and cooling energy required to bring the internal temperatures of buildings into thermal comfort levels.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

INSULATION

Mandatory requirements The SANS 10400-XA: 2021 Edition 2 Standard has certain mandatory provisions that apply to building insulation. These include: • Floors: New thermal performance requirements for suspended or exposed concrete flooring. • Walls: Higher thermal performance requirements for masonry walling; the introduction of cavity walls. • Roofs: Minimum performance requirements for roof assemblies: Thermal resistance (R-value) according to energy zones, now increased. • All tiled roofs must have a tile underlay or radiant barrier installed.

“If you do it, do it right!” Unfortunately the benefits of installing building insulation have still not been realised in South Africa. The perception by developers and contractors that one ‘saves’ on not installing insulation or reducing the minimum level of insulation required is a misconception. It is compulsory to install building insulation. Don’t ‘save’ on the insulation when it comes to thermal protection measures. This principle is taken very seriously in Passive House Designs – quality insulation is a very affordable way of saving energy. The method of installation is equally important. Insulation must be installed strictly

in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation specifications. Not following installation instructions from the manufacturer will affect the efficacy of the performance of the material and warranty. It is also important to ensure that the insulation material specified is suitable for the type of application and that its reaction to fire has been determined by method of fire testing standards. The fire performance classification, i.e. combustible or non-

combustible insulation materials; must be used according to the classification and designation occupancies of Regulation A20 and in accordance with the requirements of SANS 10400 Part T Fire protection.

Energy Performance Certificates for Buildings (EPC’s) The Mandatory Display and Submission of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) for Buildings under section 19 (1) (b) of the National Energy Act, was published in the Government Gazette No.43972 on 8 December 2020. An Energy Performance Certificate is a certificate issued by an accredited body in respect of a building in accordance with the South African National Standard SANS 1544: 2014 Energy performance certificates for buildings, published by the South African Bureau of Standards in terms of the Standards Act 8 of 2008 that indicates the energy performance of that building. EPC’s are used extensively around the world as a mechanism:

• To focus on energy efficiency; • To benchmark the energy performance of a building against industry benchmarks or national norms; and • For establishing a register of information on energy performance of buildings, which can be used to support policy development by the government and/or to support retro-fitting programs by building owners and operators. The EPC is based on the energy performance of buildings based on measured energy consumption. The energy performance is the net energy consumed in kilowatt per hours per square metre per year (kWh/m2/a) to meet the different

needs associated with the use of the building for a period of two years or longer. The regulations will be applicable to state owned buildings over 1 000m² and private owned buildings over 2 000m² in the following building occupancy classes: • A1 - Entertainment and Public Assembly, • A2 - Theatrical and indoor sport, • A3 - Places of Instruction and • G1 - Offices The effective date of implementation is 8 December 2022 and it will be valid for five years. It is envisaged that the EPC will play an essential role in the property market.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

PROPERTY

Looking for ways to

‘go green’ at home? As from 1 July, the NERSA-approved average price increases for electricity as supplied by Eskom kicked in. Electricity supplied by Eskom for municipal distribution was increased by 17.8%. While the buck actually stops at the country's various municipalities for setting their prices for households, it is clear that huge price increases have been implemented right across our megacities and other municipalities. For example, Johannesburg’s City Power announced an average increase of 14.59% from 1 July and in Cape Town the increase was 13.5% Arjun Khoosal, by Kandua.com

When it comes to what-to-do scenarios, more South Africans are looking for solutions that will reduce energy and water consumption, to save money and reduce their reliance on utility providers. “It’s no longer unusual to see solar panels or rainwater harvesting tanks; smart home systems are emerging as a way to make homes more sustainable and less reliant on the grid,” according to Arjun Khoosal, Chief

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Kandua.com, South Africa’s largest online marketplace for home services. A smart home involves the connection of appliances, devices and systems to the internet, enabling the automation and remote control of things like lighting, temperature or security. However, Khoosal advises consumers to take it one step at a time.

PROPERTY

Rainwater harvesting at Garden Cities.

Smart lighting solutions Major energy savings are obtained by replacing incandescent lighting with LED bulbs. Smart lighting solutions can take this to the next level. “These systems allow you to adjust the brightness, turn lights off and on based on time or motion sensors, and even change the colour of your lights. You can control everything from your phone or laptop, or have things manage themselves by selecting an automated setting,” says Khoosal.

Automation for temperature control When it comes to keeping your home cosy in winter and cool in summer, combine traditional solutions with new technology to reduce your reliance on expensive heaters or air conditioners,” suggests Khoosal. “For example, you can install automated window shutters or outdoor pergolas that respond to weather conditions to take advantage of the warming power of the sun, and then also seal all the gaps around windows and door frames to make sure you keep the heat in.”

Slay the energy vampires “Some appliances and devices continue to draw power even when they are turned off. This can add up to as much as 10% of your total household power consumption, with absolutely no benefit to you. Common culprits are gaming consoles, laptops, TVs,

Miele energy-saving dishwashers.

coffee machines and microwaves. An easy way to deal with these so-called energy vampires, is to use a smart power strip that can offer surge protection, remote monitoring and control and best of all, cut off supply to a specific device when it goes into standby mode,” adds Khoosal.

Water savings If you have an irrigation system, it’s easy to install a timing switch so it automatically goes on and off at set times, giving your garden only as much water as it needs.

Get professional help If you want to make changes to your home to make it more sustainable, Khoosal’s number one tip is to leave it to the pros. “Whether you’re embracing the latest smart technology and automating all the lights in your home, or you are just making smart design choices and installing a skylight in a dark hallway, find a pro with a proven track record. This is where Kandua comes in: we can connect you to a trusted, experienced home service professional near you at the click of a button,” he concludes.

“Adding a rain sensor means that your system will not go on when Mother Nature waters the garden,” says Khoosal. Inside the home, the key is to keep washing machines and dishwashers clean and well maintained, or to upgrade to newer, more efficient models.

Don’t forget your network… “A good, reliable internet connection is the backbone of any smart home,” advises Khoosal. Especially for larger homes, this means not just plugging in the wifi router that your internet service provider supplied. You may want to get a pro to set up the network properly, so all your devices work – and you can watch shows in bed and avoid the costs of heating and lighting the living room at night.

Arjun Khoosal Kandua co-founder and CTO

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

PROPERTY

POPIA &

Community Property Schemes CDH

Christoff Pienaar, Lee Shacksnovis and Jonathan Sive

At the beginning of July, 2021, the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 finally became active for all South African persons and juristic bodies. TO BUILD asked an expert legal team from well-known law firm Cliff Dekker Hofmeyr to share their view on the impact of this Act on the property industry, especially body corporates, property owners, tenants, visitors, and service providers

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

In a community scheme, the body corporate plays a significant role in regulating the affairs of the property owners. Amongst other things, a body corporate establishes a set of rules to which all property owners (and tenants) must adhere, regulates finances and administers and manages the common property for the benefit of the property owners. In exercising its powers and duties, a body corporate processes the personal information of property owners, tenants, visitors, and service providers (also known as ‘data subjects’) and in light of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) it is pertinent that

body corporates be aware of their legal obligations under POPIA. POPIA is a South African data protection and privacy law which aims to promote the protection of personal information being processed by a public or private body. In the context of a typical community scheme, the body corporate is the ‘responsible party’ of the personal information it collects and processes from data subjects. As a responsible party the body corporate is, amongst other things, obliged to comply with the 8 conditions for lawful processing as set out in POPIA.

PROPERTY

Has your driver's licence or car licence ever been scanned when entering a community scheme? Are community schemes allowed, in terms of POPIA, to do this? We shall explore some of these answers. Part of a body corporate's duty is to administer and manage the common property for the benefit of property owners. This duty may include implementing appropriate security safeguards such as perimeter fencing, electrified gates, access controls and employing security personnel. When a community scheme scans your licence for the purpose of managing access control and security, it is collecting and processing your personal information. Personal information contained on one's driver's licence and/or vehicle licence may include a person's name, photograph, identity number, sex, signature and fingerprint. As a responsible party, the community scheme must take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that a data subject is aware of its data processing activities including: • what personal information it processes; • the purpose for processing; • whether the supply of such personal information is voluntary or mandatory; • the consequences in failing to provide such information; • any law authorising or requiring the collection of personal information; • whether it intends to transfer personal information to a third country; and • what a data subject’s rights are and more. This notification is typically provided in the form of a privacy policy or privacy statement and made available to applicable data subjects.

About the contributors

Christoff Pienaar, Director and Practice Head of Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice - www.cliffedekkerhofmeyr.com/ en/people/christoff-pienaar.html

Lee Shacksnovis, Associate www.cliffedekkerhofmeyr.com/ en/people/lee-shacksnovis.html

In addition to the above, the community scheme must include the 'lawful basis' on which it is relying to process the personal information in question. The appropriate choice of lawful basis depends on the nature of the information being processed and purpose for processing. In the context of a community scheme processing personal information from driver's license or car licences for the purpose of managing access and security for the community scheme, the lawful basis of consent or legitimate interests of the community scheme may be appropriate. This must be communicated to data subjects in the appropriate manner and form. In many cases, the security services of a property will be outsourced to a specialist service provider. In such a context, the body corporate remains the ‘responsible party’ and the service provider becomes an ‘operator’ under POPIA. An operator, by processing personal information for a responsible party in terms of a contract or mandate, attracts obligations under POPIA. Furthermore, there must be a written contract between the body corporate (as the responsible party) and the service provider (as operator) and such an agreement must, amongst other things, ensure that the operator only processes personal information with the knowledge or authorisation of the responsible party; treat such information as confidential; and abide by the prescribed security measures aimed at protecting personal information. Another important obligation imposed on responsible parties is that all the personal information in its possession or under its control must be kept confidential and secured. The responsible party must accordingly take appropriate, reasonable, technical and organisational measures to prevent the loss of damage to or unauthorised destruction of personal information and the unlawful access to or processing of personal information. This may require a body corporate to consider where it is currently storing and filing personal information to ensure it is kept safe.

Jonathan Sive, Candidate Attorney - www.apply4law.africa/ why-cdh/candidate-attorneys/ jonathan-sive.html

POPIA has far reaching applications and community schemes should carefully consider what is required of them in light of this.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

LIGHTING

Unusual design

chandeliers gain traction With so many other distractions, it is heartening to know that some decorative lighting designers have been keeping the SA flag flying high. Willowlamp Murano glass chandeliers imported from Italy have long been the lighting design of choice for upscale residences in Kuwait. But a desire to illuminate an interior with an original pendant piece that breaks away from the market norm, has led a Kuwaiti homeowner to look further than the traditional chandeliers available locally. The solution was to import a custommade willowlamp from South Africa that in itself is a piece of art. Taking inspiration from nature, willowlamp’s organic aesthetic provides a refreshing contrast to more classic chandeliers and thus paves the way for a new contemporary style of lighting in Kuwait.

The original Geometric Mandala

“To suit the space and create the dramatic effect desired, the original Liwa Suites Hotel design in Abu Dhabi, at the request of the client, Cape Town manufacturer, Willowlamp, adapted a ceiling-mounted piece into a suspended pendant and then elongated it. At a total height of 4.5 metres with a 1.2 metre diameter and made in silver, brass and copper, the beautiful result transcends from lighting into the realms of art and collectible design.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

“Meditating on the design reveals a multitude of perceptions; an iceberg, a glass shard or an arabesque neomodern structure. Suspended in the centre of the home, it creates a magnificent and striking focal point,” says the creator, Adam Hoets.

LOW MAINTENANCE WEATHER RESISTANT WATER REPELLANT HIGHLY DURABLE UV STABLE LOCALLY MANUFACTURED LONGEVITY IN DESIGN

PROJECT FEATURE

Rustenburg Mall —

unique sensory experiences

After almost seven years of planning, Rustenburg Mall opened its doors in April 2021. Designed by MDS Architecture, the development is a collaboration between Moolman Group, Twin City Development and JB Holdings. Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic and lockdowns, Rustenburg Mall opened within a month of its original opening target.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

PROJECT FEATURE

Pierre Lahaye, partner at MDS Architecture, says, “The design of the 40 000 m2 Rustenburg Mall is rooted in the context of its surroundings. The renowned Rustenburg Kloof features dramatic rock formations and iconic Acacia trees. The broader area has several agricultural businesses, and the site is located within 1km of the largest public transport hub in South Africa, which serves both taxi and bus commuters.”

covered pedestrian walkway – one of the largest in the country – creates a convenient connection from the city centre and transport hub.

Construction started in October 2019, but the project faced delays due to the six-week Covid-19 lockdown during construction. Despite these challenges, Rustenburg Mall opened within a month of its original opening target.

The roof design is inspired by Acacia trees and their symbols as expansive shelters for get-togethers. Exterior tactile materials like timber and steel are softened by vertical gardens which blend into the very fabric of the building. The shopping centre’s logo is a clean and contemporary take on the revered Acacia tree.

New link roads connect the Rustenburg community with major arterial roads. A

Inviting gatherings Rustenburg Mall has three entrances, which evoke tree-like canopies and each feature large sculptural signs made up of individual 2m-high lettering structures.

Internally, Rustenburg Mall’s design offsets timber and crisp white features for a contemporary, organic experience. The ceiling features custom designed ribbonlike lighting to guide shoppers through the building as well as feature mobiles and abundant natural light. The building celebrates artistic creativity. Dark bulkheads integrate with the shopfronts and serve to further highlight the artworks at the end of the mall. “A curator was contracted to ensure diverse artistic representation, so we created galleries throughout the malls for unique graffiti and artwork installations by renowned South African artists. The artwork is placed high up in the distance, creating an interesting urban art element,” explains Lahaye.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

PROJECT FEATURE

The building features provide a sense of being inside the skeleton of the structure, which is emphasized by rib-like timber features overhead. Angular shapes and distinctive stonecoloured flooring designs echo the renowned rock formations of the Rustenburg area. The ablution facilities feature warm timber and stones, while black tiles provide added texture. In the lounge area, patterned high-gloss metropole tiles provide a tactile and comfortable space to rest.

The Marketplace – a multifunctional central entertainment area

bringing together bespoke, craft-like offerings with more mainstream food offerings.

Several full-sized Acacia trees take pride of place in the vibrant area to form a physical indoor tree canopy. A massive LED TV screen adds to the offering which includes pop-up stores, a giant chess board, two different children’s play areas and communal dining area to serve the nearby eateries.

A service spine was created throughout The Marketplace for drainage, as well as for water and electrical connections. The design includes ribs located every 5 metres to connect into this spine.

Flexibility in The Marketplace was achieved by incorporating kiosks and tuk-tuks,

A glimpse into the future of retail Lahaye says that several emerging trends in retail design are showcased at Rustenburg Mall. Online shopping has increased with the emergence of Covid-19, so greater storage areas have been incorporated in the design for retailers. “Function and fun both have a role in the retail design of the future. But making them work together requires flexibility; the more flexible the design is, the more easily you can adapt to what happens in the world. Outdoor lifestyle offerings are increasingly important to facilitate social interaction, and accessibility is key,” he says. In addition to great shopping variety, easy access and a unique sensory experience, it seems shoppers at Rustenburg Mall are also getting glimpses of the future of retail.

Rustenburg Mall in numbers • Size: 40 000m2 which is about the size of eight soccer fields • Bricks: 18km of bricks laid end-to-end. At the height of construction, 80 000 bricks were laid per day • Concrete used: enough to fill four large swimming pools • Steel used: equivalent to the weight of 180 elephants • Tiles: over 94 000 tiles laid

Professional team Owners: Moolman Group, Twin City Development, JB Holdings Developers: Moolman Group Main Contractor: Beckers Building Architect: MDS Architecture Quantity Surveyor: Matla Structural & Civil Engineer: DG Consulting Electrical engineer: Watson Mattheus Mechanical Engineer: ING Plan Fire Consultants: ING Plan Wet Services Consultants: Watsol Landscape Architects: Danie Rebel Landscape Architects Health and Safety: Cairnmead

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

BLUE WATER TEC-VISION / LIMPOPO CEILINGS & PARTITIONS The Complete Solution - Light Gauge Steel Frame Building

The Process of Steel Frame Building: • • • • • • •

Standard foundation as is the case with a brick structure Frames are manufactured and assembled and erected. Outside skin is cladded with a variety of products like Saint –Gobain Glasroc X Board, single skin bricks or Vermont planks to name a few. All services are introduced into the wall cavity before closing up the wall. All inner frames are covered with a 15mm Firestop Plaster board and flush plastered to thickness of 3-6 mm. Roof cladding, ceilings, flooring, paint, windows / doors and wall tiles are done according to client specifications. Building time is between 12-16 weeks for the complete finished product of about 200m²

Polokwane - Head Office 015 295 2018 info@limpopoceilings.co.za

Ceilings, Partitions, Shopfront / Bulkhead (Lattice Supports) and High Rise Drywalling: • •

•

We specialize in the installation of Ceilings, Partitioning, Bulkheads, Lattice supports and high rise Drywall, Firewall and Meta Firewalls. Lattice beams are manufactured from light steel and the design is structural durable and load bearing. Lattice Beams are installed as a supplementary support to heavy steel which is more cost-effective and time saving for shopfronts, ceilings and bulkheads. Our High Rise Drywall framing system is an alternative to the traditional drywall frame system, wall heights of 10m can easily be achieved without the additional cost of extra supports or double framing. All Lattice beams and High Rise Drywall Frames are manufactured on site to ensure a purpose made fit.

Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Free State Melissa Jonker l 082 785 7973 l melissa@limpopoceilings.co.za Gert Engelbrecht l 083 759 5014 l gert@limpopoceilings.co.za

www. limpopoceilings.co.za BlueWaterTec-Vision-LimpopoCeilings

CEMENT & CONCRETE

Admixtures

to reduce contractors’ carbon footprint A new range of admixtures are available to support South African contractors in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. CHRYSO A key feature of this admixture range is that it allows better use of mixes that incorporate high volumes of pozzolans such as fly ash. It is able to achieve this while still ensuring superior levels of technical performance. Among other important benefits are an improved quality of concrete – due to a lower watercement ratio for a given workability – and increased early and ultimate compressive and flexural strengths.

Named EnviroMix, available from Chryso, these special admixtures are able to offer the following unique benefits to the contractor: • Tailor-made admixtures allow for reduced environmental impact from concrete mix designs. • EnviroMix delivers a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 50% and EnviroMix ULC (Ultra Low-Carbon) can achieve reductions of even more than 50% in the carbon footprint of concrete. • The products also provide superior finishability, while improving surface quality and reducing cracking potential. Hence, admixtures provide better workability and pumpability of concrete, as well as ease of placement and consolidation.

Monitoring of performance The supplier provides customers with dedicated services such as EnviroMix® Impact. This allows the environmental impact of a concrete mix design to be calculated, so that formulation strategy can be set up for the customer to meet their specific carbon-reduction targets. There is also a digital solution for real-time monitoring of CHRYSO® Maturix concretes, which provides on-site concrete temperature, strength and maturity, humidity and climate monitoring.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

ALS

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

THE THEBACTERIOSTATIC, BACTERIOSTATIC, SPORT SPORT WOODEN WOODEN FLOORING FLOORING SPORT SPORT PARQUET PARQUET

WOODEN WOODEN FLOORING FLOORING CERAMICA CERAMICA E MATERIALI E MATERIALI LAPIDEI LAPIDEI RESIN RESIN FLOORING FLOORING PARQUET PARQUET RESINA RESINA CERAMIC CERAMIC ANDAND STONE STONE MATERIAL MATERIAL CERAMICA CERAMICA E MATERIALI E MATERIALI LAPIDEI LAPIDEI

HIGH-PERFORMANCE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, 520 520 528 528

530 530 520 520 531531

531 531 521 521 532532 528528

MULTIFUNCTIONAL, MULTIFUNCTIONAL,

RESIN RESIN FLOORING FLOORING RESILIENTI, RESILIENTI, LVT, LVT, TESSILI TESSILI ACOUSTIC ACOUSTIC INSULATION INSULATION RESINA RESINA ISOLAMENTO ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO ACUSTICO RESILIENT, RESILIENT, LVT,LVT, TEXTILE TEXTILE MATERIALS MATERIALS RESILIENTI, RESILIENTI, LVT,LVT, TESSILI TESSILI

521529 521532522 529 532522 533533 529529

ACOUSTIC ACOUSTIC INSULATION INSULATION SPORT SPORT ACUSTICO BUILDING BUILDING ISOLAMENTO ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO EDILIZIA EDILIZIA SPORT SPORT SPORT SPORT

522 522 530 530 533533 523523 534534 530530

THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST WATER

EASY-TO-USE EASY-TO-USEEPOXY EPOXYGROUT. GROUT.

NG RA

Concrete Concrete Repair Repair

Tile Tile Adhesives Adhesives && Grouts Grouts

Products Products for for Resilient, Resilient, LVT LVT && Textile Textile Materials 527527Materials

CERAMIC CERAMIC AND AND STONE STONE MATERIAL MATERIAL RESILIENT, RESILIENT, LVT,LVT, TEXTILE TEXTILE MATERIALS MATERIALS ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL PAVING PAVING ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL STONE STONE PAVING PAVING STRUCTURAL STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING STRENGTHENING MASONRY MASONRY RESTORATION RESTORATION THERMAL THERMAL INSULATION INSULATION SPORT SPORT CERAMIC CERAMIC AND AND STONE STONE MATERIAL MATERIAL CERAMICA RESILIENT, RESILIENT, LVT, LVT, TEXTILE TEXTILE MATERIALS MATERIALS CERAMICA E MATERIALI E MATERIALI LAPIDEI LAPIDEI RESILIENTI, RESILIENTI, LVT, LVT, TESSILI TESSILI PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI ARC. ARC. IN PIETRA IN PIETRA MASONRY MASONRY RESTORATION RESTORATION THERMAL THERMAL INSULATION INSULATION WALL WALL PROTECTIVE PROTECTIVE RINFORZO RINFORZO STRUTTURALE STRUTTURALE RISANAMENTO RISANAMENTO EDIFICI EDIFICI ISOLAMENTO ISOLAMENTO TERMICO TERMICO SPORT SPORT CERAMICA CERAMICA EEDIFICI MATERIALI EEDIFICI MATERIALI LAPIDEI LAPIDEI ISOLAMENTO RESILIENTI, RESILIENTI, LVT, LVT, TESSILI TESSILI ARCHITETTONICHE ARCHITETTONICHE RISANAMENTO RISANAMENTO ISOLAMENTO TERMICO TERMICO AND AND DECORATIVE DECORATIVE COATINGS COATINGS ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL PAVING PAVING ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL STONE STONE PAVING PAVING IN MURATURA IN MURATURA PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI IN PIETRA IN PIETRA IN MURATURA IN MURATURA FINITURE FINITURE COLORATE COLORATE E ARC. PROTETTIVE E ARC. PROTETTIVE ARCHITETTONICHE ARCHITETTONICHE

525525

526526

525525 538 538 524 524 539539528528

528 528 536 536 526 526 539 539 525 525 529529 536536

es s / /Linee Lineedidiprodotto prodotto ACOUSTIC ACOUSTIC INSULATION INSULATION ISOLAMENTO ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO ACUSTICO

BUILDING BUILDING EDILIZIA EDILIZIA

529 529 537 537 527 527 526526 530530 537537

SPORT SPORT STRUCTURAL STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING STRENGTHENING WALL WALL PROTECTIVE PROTECTIVE WOODEN WOODEN FLOORING FLOOR SPORT SPORT RINFORZO RINFORZO STRUTTURALE STRUTTURALE WATERPROOFING WATERPROOFING AND AND DECORATIVE DECORATIVE COATINGS COATING PARQUET PARQUET IMPERMEABILIZZANTI IMPERMEABILIZZANTI STRUCTURAL STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING STRENGTHENING FINITURE FINITURE COLORATE COLORATE E PROTETTIV E PROTE RINFORZO RINFORZO STRUTTURALE STRUTTURALE

Waterproofing Waterproofing

530 530527527 538 538 531531 538538

ADMIXTURES ADMIXTURES FOR FOR CONCRETE CONCRETE ADDITIVI ADDITIVI PERPER CALCESTRUZZO CALCESTRUZZO

Admixtures Admixtures for for Sealants Sealants HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS Resin Resin Concrete Concrete

Cement Cement Additives Additives

STRUCTURAL STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING STRENGTHENING ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL PAVING PAVING ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL STONE STONE PAVING PAVING SEALANTS SEALANTS AND AND ADHESIVES ADHESIVES MARINE MARINE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY CEMENT CEMENT ADDITIVES ADDITIVES ACOUSTIC ACOUSTIC INSULATION INSULATION BUILDING BUILDING ADMIXTURES ADMIXTURES FOR FOR CONCRETE CONCRETE RESIN RESIN FLOORING FLOORING ACOUSTIC ACOUSTIC INSULATION INSULATION BUILDING BUILDING ADMIXTURES ADMIXTURES FOR FOR CONCRE CONC CEMENT CEMENT ADDITIVES ADDITIVES ASPHALT ASPHALT PAVEMENTS PAVEMENTS RINFORZO RINFORZO STRUTTURALE STRUTTURALE PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI ARC. ARC. IN PIETRA INSTRENGTHENING PIETRA SIGILLANTI EARCHITECTURAL ADESIVI E ADESIVI ELASTICI ELASTICI INDUSTRIA INDUSTRIA NAVALE NAVALE C-ADD C-ADD ASPHALT ASPHALT PAVEMENTS PAVEMENTS ISOLAMENTO ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO ACUSTICO EDILIZIA EDILIZIA ADDITIVI ADDITIVI PER PER CALCESTRUZZO CALCESTRUZZO SEALANTS SEALANTS AND AND ADHESIVES ADHESIVES MARINE MARINE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY CEMENT CEMENT ADDITIVES ADDITIVES STRUCTURAL STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL PAVING PAVING SIGILLANTI ARCHITECTURAL STONE STONE PAVING PAVINGPAVIMENTAZIONI MASONRY MASONRY RESTORATI RESTOR RESINA RESINA ISOLAMENTO ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO ACUSTICO EDILIZIA EDILIZIA ADDITIVI ADDITIVI PER PER CALCESTRUZZ CALCESTR C-ADD C-ADD PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI BITUMINOSE BITUMINOSE ARCHITETTONICHE ARCHITETTONICHE PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI BITUMINOSE BITUMINOSE SIGILLANTI SIGILLANTI E ADESIVI E ADESIVI ELASTICI ELASTICI INDUSTRIA INDUSTRIA NAVALE NAVALE C-ADD C-ADD RINFORZO RINFORZO STRUTTURALE STRUTTURALE PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI ARC. ARC. IN PIETRA IN PIETRA RISANAMENTO RISANAMENTO EDIFIC ED ARCHITETTONICHE ARCHITETTONICHE IN MURATURA IN MURATURA

Flooring FORFlooring INSTALLING LVT FLOORING 534534

533533

521521

522522

533533 532532 536536

523523

WATERPROOFING WATERPROOFING IMPERMEABILIZZANTI IMPERMEABILIZZANTI

SIGILLANTI SIGILLANTI E ADESIVI E ADESIVI ELASTICI ELASTICI

529 529

INDUSTRIA INDUSTRIA NAVALE NAVALE

530 530

524 524

537 537 535 535 534534 538538

538538535535 539539

Mapelastic AquaDefense is a ready-to-use, fast-drying, flexible UNDERGROUND UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION Products Products for for liquid membrane COSTRUZIONI COSTRUZIONI IN SOTTERRANEO IN SOTTERRANEO for internal WOODEN WOODEN FLOORING FLOORING RESIN RESIN FLOORING FLOORING Underground Underground PARQUET PARQUET RESINA RESINA and external under-tile MARINE MARINE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY CEMENT CEMENT ADDITIVES ADDITIVES UNDERGROUND UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION WATERPROOFING WATERPROOFING UNDERGROUND UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTIO CONSTRU INDUSTRIA INDUSTRIA C-ADD C-ADDIN SOTTERRANE Construction Construction COSTRUZIONI COSTRUZIONI INNAVALE SOTTERRANEO INNAVALE SOTTERRANEO IMPERMEABILIZZANTI IMPERMEABILIZZANTI IN SOTTERR waterproofing applicationsCOSTRUZIONI . COSTRUZIONI CEMENT CEMENT ADDITIVES ADDITIVES ASPHALT ASPHALT PAVEMENT PAVEME

Sports Sports SPORT SPORT Flooring Flooring SPORT SPORT 3 SEALANTS SEALANTS AND AND ADHESIVES ADHESIVES WALL WALL PROTECTIVE PROTECTIVE WATERPROOFING WATERPROOFING THERMAL THERMAL INSULATION INSULATION WALL WALL PROTECTIVE PROTECTIVE SIGILLANTI SIGILLANTI E ADESIVI E ADESIVI ELASTICI ELASTICI AND AND DECORATIVE DECORATIVE COATINGS COATINGS IMPERMEABILIZZANTI IMPERMEABILIZZANTI ISOLAMENTO ISOLAMENTO TERMICO TERMICO AND AND DECORATIVE DECORATIVE COATINGS COATINGS Solutions Solutions SEALANTS SEALANTS AND AND ADHESIVES ADHESIVES MARINE MARINE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY FINITURE FINITURE COLORATE COLORATE E PROTETTIVE E PROTETTIVE FINITURE FINITURE COLORATE COLORATE E PROTETTIVE E PROTETTIVE WALL WALL PROTECTIVE PROTECTIVE

AND AND DECORATIVE COATINGS COATINGS RESILIENT, RESILIENT, LVT,DECORATIVE LVT, TEXTILE TEXTILE MATERIALS MATERIALS FINITURE FINITURE COLORATE COLORATE E PROTETTIVE E PROTETTIVE RESILIENTI, RESILIENTI, LVT,LVT, TESSILI TESSILI

N I

536 536 534 534 533533 537537

535535

531531

C-ADD C-ADD

PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI BITUMI BITU

Recommended Applications:

532532

● Balconies & terraces ● Bathrooms & shower cubicles * Concrete with high levels of residual moisture requires MAPEI MAPEI is a is trusted a trusted manufacturer manufacturer and and supplier supplier of of the the highest highest quality quality building building materials materials to to ● Laundry rooms a moisture barrier. ● Saunas & damp environments the the construction construction sector. sector. The The MAPEI MAPEI Group Group consists consists of of 9090 subsidiaries subsidiaries with with 8383 plants plants in in five five

continents. Primer G 1continents. Primer

Ultraplan Eco 20 Flexcolor 4 LVT Ultrabond Eco 4 LVT Self-levelling Screed Grout Adhesive Our Our team team isa is toanti-acid, to providing providing pre-sales pre-sales advice, advice, technical technical on-site on-site support support and and training training KERAPOXY KERAPOXY CQ CQ is iscommitted easy-to-use, acommitted easy-to-use, anti-acid, easy-to-clean, easy-to-clean, two-component two-component epoxy epoxy filler filler with with STRUCTURAL STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING STRENGTHENING ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL STONE STONE PAVING PAVING MASONRY MASONRY RESTORATION RESTORATION THERMAL THERMAL INSULATION INSULAT and and after-sales after-sales support support from from the the conception conception of of your your project project to to the the completion. completion. RINFORZO RINFORZO STRUTTURALE STRUTTURALE PAVIMENTAZIONI ARC. ARC. IN PIETRA IN PIETRA RISANAMENTO RISANAMENTO EDIFICI EDIFICI ISOLAMENTO ISOLAMENTO TERMICO TERM NOSE EPAVIMENTAZIONI BioBlock® BioBlock® technology technology for grouting grouting the the joints of of ceramic ceramic tiles tiles and and mosaics. mosaics. BioBlock® BioBlock® technology technology MAPEI South Africafor has developed a joints comprehensive range INof MURATURA INversatile, MURATURAreliable and innovative products for80 use the application of resilient, LVTand (Luxury Tiles) and textile flooring. prevents prevents the the growth growth ofin of unwanted unwanted micro-organisms micro-organisms and mould mould on on the the joints joints surface. surface. With With over over 80 years years in in the the construction construction industry, industry, MAPEI MAPEI isVinyl the is the worldwide worldwide partner partner in in

construction construction offering offering solutions solutions from from the the foundation foundation to to the the roof! roof! LVT and alternative flooring solutions have recently seen an uptake in popularity within the KERAPOXY KERAPOXY CQ CQ is ideal is ideal forfor grouting grouting joints joints where where a high a high levels levels ofof hygiene hygiene are are required required such such asas 537537 538 538 539 539and technology within this market, local market. MAPEI stays up to date with growing trends industrial industrial &, &, commercial kitchens, kitchens, residential residential environments, environments, swimming pools, pools, worktops, worktops, etc. etc. making itcommercial an ideal application partner. Solutions offered rangeswimming from substrate preparation and priming, crack repair and filling, adhesives as well as waterproofing and sealing for any resilient, LVT or textile installation.

REBUILDING REBUILDINGSOUTHERN SOUTHERNAFRICA AFRICAWITH WITHMAPEI. MAPEI.

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

CEMENT CEMENT ADDITIVES ADDITIVES

ASPHALT ASPHALT PAVEMENTS PAVEMENTS

Twinstar Precast Quality is the custom Twinstar Precast in Olifantsfontein boldly goes where others fear to tread by manufacturing all types of custom-designed and cast products for civil engineering contractors.

hile these one-off jobs are usually avoided by typical precasters due to their complexity, size and resource intensive requirements, Twinstar Precast is specially geared to undertake this type of work and has been doing so for more than seven years. Not surprisingly, owner-operator, Annemerie Coetzee, is also known to be one of the most innovative individuals in the industry having (jointly) received the 2012 CMA Award for Excellence in innovation for her contribution in the design and development of a bomb proof ATM enclosure.

GroWinG relationshiPs Her ability to solve problems on behalf of clients has also made Twinstar Precast a favourite of the mainstream precast manufacturing companies who regularly send referrals and make use of her services to manufacture speciality products on behalf of their clients. According to Annemerie the company’s success is due to strong relationships within the industry which range from civil engineering contractors, which are direct customers, to architects and specifying engineers who conceptualise requirements, as well as precasters and the broader construction industry. “With 26 Years of experience in the Precast Industry, I realised that there is a gap in the precast concrete market for custom-made products and once-off items. In the Concrete Pipe and Manhole market for example, the emphasis is on high volumes, and the effort and time required to design and build once-off moulds for non–standard products disrupts any normal well-oiled production line, and in addition requires additional skills and supervision.

ConCrete solutions and memorable ChallenGes “Not all building contractors have the necessary expertise, manpower and facilities to manufacture such products on site and as a result it has become our express aim to assist specifying civil engineers and civil engineering contractors with complicated sites and situations where currently available Precast Concrete Products just won’t work. “We strive to be a problem solver and solution driven in all aspects of precast concrete able to manufacture products ranging in weight from 2Kg up to 6-tons quickly and affordably. As a result of the complexity of this type of work we remain the only company in South Africa specializing exclusively in custom-made and one-off precast concrete products. “We only keep a few fast-moving products in stock which are standard spec in tenders and drawings. Companies who previously made them have either stopped or have closed down. This has largely given rise to the unique relationship with the mainstream precast concrete companies who make use of certain non-standard products,” says Annemerie. Twinstar do manufacture square concrete manholes and manhole slabs, as well as polymer manhole Covers, stormwater channels and grids, kerb inlet slabs, v drains and chute channels. A recent development has seen Twinstar manufacturing polymer products with no steel or cost iron elements,

reducing risk of theft, replacement costs and replacement costs. “We offer both medium- and heavy-duty solutions with our polymer products, in line with the SANS 1882:2003 specification, and these components can be bought as loose items or cast into the required precast concrete slabs. The unusual dynamics in the market over the last two years has seen Twinstar filling the gaps left behind by the numerous company closures in the concrete precast market. “We now supply Randwater with their custom manhole covers,” explains Coetzee, “and have become as comfortable manufacturing standard products as we are with non-standard products.” One of Coetzee’s more recent favourite projects was stepping in to manufacture bicycle stands for the Ekurhuleni municipality’s recreational park in Springs. “It is a very complex product, and certainly one of our most challenging”, explains Coetzee. “We got a 3D drawing from an architect, and basically worked by trial and error.” The complexities of creating a mold that would allow for correct tapering of a design into which bicycles wheels must fit without breaking the concrete product was a challenge fit for Twinstar, and the skills and production management expertise it has perfected.

real solutions and heartfelt values While the company’s manufacturing facility are situated in the heart of Gauteng, deliveries are made across the country wherever custom precast concrete products are required. The company also offers a service where the crane mounted trucks can assist with placing of slabs during installation. Twinstar Precast is equipped and able to provide installation services on site, in the most challenging of environments. “My all-time most memorable project was the work we did on closing the Grootvlei mineshafts. The contractor was employed by the Department of Mineral Resources to ensure the safety of the communities around the defunct shafts,” explains Coetzee. Whilst the shafts had been closed by other means on numerous occasions, but simply could not withstand vandalism and led to the continuation of illegal mining activities. “Some of the shafts were very deep, and posed great safety risks to the township. Mothers were especially welcoming and supportive of the work we did there, as was the whole community. The slabs we manufactured to seal the shafts needed lots of reinforcement and had to be designed to be impenetrable. It was totally satisfying to deliver something so life-enhancing to this community.” Since the installation of mineshaft slabs manufactured by Twinstar Precast, the shafts remain closed and are still completely intact. The design and manufacture of Polymer products is another success that dissuades criminals from stealing covers for their steel content.

KeePinG the riGht ComPany The values that make Twinstar such an exceptional business become evident when Coetzee reflects on her loyalty to her staff, and the human impact of the projects she holds most dear”

Coetzee points out that the skills and commitment of her staff is central to the exceptional standards Twinstar is known for. “Sixty five percent of our guys have been with us for five years or longer. They are true artisans with an understanding of the subtleties that go into our production processes. They know precisely how to work with our cement supplier, and how to use the additives to adjust the mix for the outcomes we expect.” Coetzee has purposefully kept Twinstar to a size that enables the precision changes required for the short lead times committed to, without compromise. “We work in very specific ways, and there is no such thing as a missed deadline. We deliver according to contract, no compromise.” Coetzee also points that there is a certain aesthetic commitment to Twinstar’s products that results from her hands-on approach to everything manufactured. “One of the reasons Twinstar will not create other branches or franchises is because I insist on signing things off; I will not let something leave our doors without being perfect and aesthetically pleasing.” Twinstar has expanded however, having tripled the size of its factory since 2015. The environment we build around us increasingly depends on precast concrete elements. Whether stand-alone products, or hybrid construction elements, precast concrete has undeniable advantages. The sky is the limit when it comes to realising new ideas; all it takes is a feasible idea, a sketchbook and conversation with Twinstar Precast. n

FIREPLACES

Design insights:

Fireplaces, heating and cooking Kim Williams and GC Fires/Northern Flame

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Kim Williams

FIREPLACES

Having the right fireplace in your home can bring an elemental warmth that not only heats your home but comforts the soul. Choosing which fireplace will work best for your needs will depend on aesthetics, the ambience you want to create, the fuel that you want to burn, the size of the space you need to heat and in some cases, whether you want to cook on your fire or not. Kim Williams (www.kimwilliams.co.za) is no stranger to readers of TO BUILD. Here she shares some tips on getting organised with a cosy fire option - and outdoor cooking with it. Today, the choices of fireplaces big and small mean that there are very few places where you cannot find a heating solution adapted just for you.

Aesthetics and ambiance Fire brings such energy into a space because it represents passion, zeal and motivation and brings literal and physical warmth into the home. With so many options from gas-oil hybrids, to ergonomic pellet fireplaces, and classic stone hearths, there is sure to be one that fits your ideal aesthetic. Considering the style and ambience you want to create will determine which option will work best for you. My personal favorite is cast iron wood burning stoves, not only are they super-efficient but also have a beautiful vintage charm.

Go high quality

Follow the sun

The final fireplace you choose should fit with your lifestyle requirements and be realistic for you to run in terms of fuel and effort. If you want to simply flip a switch after a long day and relax with a glass of wine, a gas option is probably better for you than wood because it eliminates the labour of carrying wood inside. The longevity of your design choice is also paramount for both essential materials such as fire bricks and in terms of style. I always recommend clients go for what they truly love, not just what is on-trend, because fireplaces are expensive to repair or replace.

The sun is often overlooked when home builders collaborate with architects, and yet light is the most fundamental factor to how a house feels, lives and changes with the day and seasons. Having a sunny space will make an enormous difference to how much energy you are putting into heating your space because of the solar gain that will naturally build up as the sun filters in during the day. If you are buying a home that doesn’t get a lot of sun, before installing heating systems, try to open it up with windows or skylights. The sun will always be the most efficient way to heat a home because after all, it is free.

A fireplace creates a warm social hub and the perfect ambience ...

Size up your space The most successfully heated spaces are where the heating source is proportional to the room to ensure it is kept warm but does not use unnecessary fuel and therefore cost more. There are many experts whose main focus is understanding the science behind space and airflow, and how sunlight and energy interact in a space. When I design a space, I collaborate to ensure that the end result matches both the heating and lifestyle requirements so that my clients end up with a functional and beautiful space.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

FIREPLACES

Keep it connected

From an indoor or outdoor perspective, cooking on fire is a wonderful thing to do.

If a home is cold we tend to retreat to the warm embrace of our duvets rather than gathering in a communal area. A fireplace creates a warm social hub and the perfect ambience to bond as a family, relax as a couple or cook and eat together. When building your fireplace, consider how space will be used and use furniture that makes it easy to gather safely around the fire and facilitates being together.

Remember all the elements in the room Making a space warm is also psychological. By considering elements such as the floors, wall coverings, lighting, colour and textures you can make even the darkest room feel cosy. To find balance among all these elements I often look to nature and incorporate earth, air, water and fire. Vibrant plants in open spaces infuse a home with life and cool ocean blues make the perfect inky backdrop for warm colours and earthy tones. Lush rugs and dim candles as well as rich wallpaper also help to add psychological warmth and insulation.

Make it multifunctional Fireplaces are amazing spaces to display paintings and hang mirrors, and a mantle has always been a fantastic place to hang Christmas stockings and display family photographs. Nowadays, it is easy to make space for recessed TV’s above fireplaces, or make the fireplace central and move the TV to the side. Wood storage can also be magnificent if built floor to ceiling or using large decorative baskets.

Take the fun outside Using your outdoor space with the kind of weather we have in South Africa is also very much an option. We are seeing a huge resurgence of the fire pit. I personally love them and adore how versatile they can be; from a simple cost-effective metal pit to grand sunken landscaped arenas, there really is something for every budget. If a fire is not your preference, or perhaps you have a smaller courtyard garden, outdoor heaters are a lovely alternative.

Spring is here - get cooking! The whole trend towards cooking outdoors is exploding at the moment with the pandemic. Particularly fire pits and cooking on fire pits; it has ignited a whole new industry of specialist grids and grills as opposed to the standard Weber. I think, as we try and create a new more diverse range of experiences in our outdoor areas, be it braaing or picnics, there will be more innovation around the elements that we use to create and change these spaces. Companies like Iron Banister are proof of how elegant and innovative metalwork can be. From an indoor or outdoor perspective, cooking on fire is a wonderful thing to do. In homes that I design, I love the fact that if you consider the fireplace carefully it can be used for both a fireplace and a braai. It is particularly popular in the Western Cape because of our unbelievable wind in summer and storms in winter. It is, however, very important to make sure that your ventilation is good so that you can protect your home from smoke smells in the space. Building a fireplace is so much more than a heating solution; it is a way to draw us together to find comfort in the bonds we share with family and help us revive our souls after the haste and confusion of a busy day.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

www.faitsch.com 021 853 5101 | info@faitsch-products.com | www.faitsch.com

DIY: TOOLS

DIY tips circular saw: Blade selection & best practice Make sure you buy the right circular saw and fit it with the correct blade, says an expert woodworking tool supplier. Vermont Sales Diggers DIY A company such as Kreg does not market circular saws, but they certainly know their way around working with wood with their huge range of woodworking special tools. Their experts certainly know their way around circular saws; which are the best brands and what would be best, corded or cordless. When you’re buying a circular saw, you may be overwhelmed by just how many different saws there are. There’s no single answer for which circular saw is right for you, but there are a few things to know that will help you decide.

Corded or cordless? Lots of DIYers rely on cordless tools these days, so you may be surprised to know that corded circular saws still remain quite popular among DIYers, especially professionals. Both types have pros and cons to consider. “Today both corded and cordless top brands offer the same features, power and torque and will do the job,” says Greg De Villiers, Vermont Sales tool guru. “In South Africa, as a regular user, I would certainly go for the cordless option considering loadshedding and other numerous power problems we experience here. The same applies to working on site or anywhere outdoors. As all the top brands, like our Festool brand, come with two long lasting batteries and can do the same job as any corded saw,” he adds. Today there are not many huge advantages between the two; corded does have consistent power without fading, but does require direct access to an electrical outlet, are not that mobile, and the cord can get in the way.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

With cordless, you will have power decreases as the battery drains, but many top models have long lasting batteries, a spare unit and the latest quick chargers. The batteries can also be interchanged with other tools. TIP: Check costs and also what is best suited and meets your needs. If you’re buying your first circular saw, the corded option is probably the best way to go. In general, you’ll get more cutting power and capacity for less money. A cordless circular saw may make sense as your first saw, though, if you can find a great deal on a multi-tool combo pack, or if you already own cordless tools from the same manufacturer. You may even be able to buy the saw without a battery. That way, you can reduce the purchase cost and use the batteries you already have.

Features and controls A circular saw isn’t a super complicated tool — once you understand the parts, the controls, and what they do. Get familiar with them and you’ll be able to easily set up your saw correctly, use it safely and confidently, and get better cutting results. Whatever type of circular saw you buy, and whether it’s corded or cordless, the basic features and controls will be essentially the same. They might look slightly different on your saw but will perform the same functions.

DIY: TOOLS

Features of a circular saw • Main handle • Hold this handle to push the saw as you cut Trigger switch • Squeeze the trigger to turn the saw on and off Motor housing • Contains the motor and electrical components Auxiliary handle • Hold this secondary handle to help control the saw Bevel adjustment • Use this to tilt the blade (usually up to 45°) for bevel cuts

Base plate (shoe) • Rests on the workpiece as you cut to hold saw and blade in correct position • Lower blade guard • Covers blade when not cutting, spring loaded • Lower guard lever • Use this, when necessary, to manually activate the lower blade guard Upper blade guard • Covers the upper portion of the blade so it does not move Blade • Cuts the material, available in multiple sizes and types Cutting depth adjustment • Adjust this to set the blade’s cutting depth to match your material’s thickness Blade clamping bolt • Holds blade in place on the saw’s arbor (shaft)

About the blades Do I need different saw blades for different cuts? One of the biggest frustrations people have with a circular saw is getting rough cutting results. It’s not the saw’s fault, though, nor is it yours. It’s usually the blade. Circular saws come with blades that are made for making fast cuts in framing lumber, and special blades for smooth cuts in project boards and plywood. You can fix this easily, though, by just swapping out the blade with a ‘fine cut’ blade. This type of blade has many more teeth with sharp carbide tips that will produce a smooth, clean cut.

Getting straight cuts, useful advice from a blue-chip supplier How do I make straight cuts with a circular saw? Some people think that it’s really difficult to get a straight, smooth and accurate cut with a circular saw. You can get great results, though, once you know a few tips and tricks.

Cutting bridge Step 1: Know how to set up your saw easily, as well as how to align and control the saw as you cut. Go to the Kreg website and view their videos as they will give you all the info you need, plus a few cutting guides that will get you the straightest, most-accurate, and bestquality cuts.

Step 2: Support the pieces you are cutting so they won’t move around or fall as you work. Kreg has a free plan for an easy-to-build cutting support that bridges between two work supports to hold your pieces while you work. • Tork Craft makes a series of professional series diamond blades - check those out. • Kreg is a major international brand from Vermont Sales and is available at leading outlets countrywide.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

PAINT & COATINGS

An alternative to tiled or painted walls; murals are a bright way to uplift both interiors and exteriors

Paint is versatile! Murals have been applied to human dwellings since the Upper Paleolithic times. The earliest paintings on cave walls date back to 30 000 BC. The ancient Egyptians, Pompeiians and Minoans all understood their massive power to communicate, decorate and lift the spirits. So successful is this art form that murals persist even today – contemporary culture is enriched by thriving public art initiatives and private properties continue to embolden their facades and interiors with statement-making, large-scale paintings. SJ Artists & Clinton Redman

This is very much the case in South Africa today. Take popular Durban artist, Kev Seven, for example, who has seized the moment with an edgy new mural that pays homage to Afro-futurism, fashion, the evolution of African identity and its relationship to the modern world. The new mural forms part of an initiative - set to bring colour to public spaces - supported by coatings brand, Plascon. Seven, also known as Kevin Ngwenya, is a graffiti and mural artist born in Umlazi township south of Durban. His work focuses on the symbiotic relationship between public art and design and its impact on modern pop-culture. He has worked on projects with various themes that include women empowerment through fashion and the promotion of local arts and culture through tourism. “I am a conceptual artist formally trained in Fine Art, Graphic Design and Cultural Studies. For me design drives ideas, conversations, and messaging in public and private spaces,” he says.

100

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

PAINT & COATINGS

Seven’s fresh new public art work can be found at Noble Park in Berea, Durban and is there for all to enjoy. The upbeat mural greets viewers with a racy typographical treatment of the word ‘Heita’ - a cheery, slang form of ‘Hello’ - and depicts a portrait of a young woman wearing lime-tinted shades as its focal point.

h Fresh paint for a smoot PVA Plascon True Colour ylic acr g idin ster, h-h pla hig new the Seven opted for d on suitably prepared is an exterior coating use sh Fre an our for Col tch e ma Tru t n fec finish. Plasco lding boards and a per and various types of bui ork kw bric ous por te, concre h as this. outdoor mural project suc lled with at Plascon: “We are thri of Decorative Marketing ad He ey, azing odl am Mo this asin for According to Suv involved in the project, thank the artist, and all to ent like iftm uld upl wo e itiv and e pos the outcom e to contribute to the talent. It’s great to be abl n ow egr hom of n sio expres ape.” of Durban’s urban landsc ies of by Plascon to bring a ser o has been commissioned wh , ists Art ndard, SJ sta by the ed Seven is manag ies is an exciting twist on second mural in this ser The . Goldin life n to illia rals xim mu Ma lic three pub illustrator, Tonton - aka nian designer, artist, and s.co. eto itie dC Cap nte ral. me mu d Aug oun of p wall-b h its viewers with the hel wit ts rac inte t up tha ce nal information will pop - has created a new pie l animate it and additio wil e hon artp sm a h wit Scanning the mural on screen. volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

101

PAINT & COATINGS

around play, nature Tonton’s work is centred igns are distinctively and imagination. His des - a perfect fit for the colourful and expressive inspire through to three-part project’s aim ral has been mu The ity. colour and creativ colourful paints painted in a spectrum of can be seen on Cape provided by Plascon and promenade. nt Town’s popular Sea Poi titled Seaside Circus, “The idea of this mural, relevant piece of was to create a playful and ment and brings iron env art which enriches the ng and old, who see smiles to all people, you g on the prom or the artwork while strollin artist explains. driving by in their car,” the e, fondly known as The Sea Point Promenad ed open-air space “the prom”, is a much-lov across the city that is used by people from ent years it has rec In . life and from all walks of expression and stic arti of ce pla also become a exhibition. city authorities, the With permission from the menade restroom Pro nt Poi Sea exterior of the d and amplified by has had its exterior uplifte exterior mural ful Tonton’s work. The colour and depicts 1 202 e was completed in Jun ge. Anyone with gua lan al visu Tonton’s unique nce this interactive, a smart device can experie mural-making into es augmented piece that tak series will be the in ral mu the future. The last 1. 202 of f hal er latt the completed in

102

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Murals: Do this yourself Kev Seven’s mural Seven opted for the durable and low odour acrylic PVA, Plascon True Colour Brilliant Sheen, to bring his vision to life. Specially formulated for strength and durability on both interiors and exteriors, with a stain resistant and easy to clean sheen finish, The product’s tint bases provide an abundance of colour tinting options for long lasting, rich colours, making it the perfect choice for an outdoor mural project such as this.

Tonton’s Cape Town mural This mural was painted in a spectrum of colourful paints provided by Plascon based on a superior water-based quality acrylic emulsion, Plascon Super Acrylic Polvin to bring Tonton’s vision to life. Specially formulated for strength and durability on both interiors and exteriors, with a stain resistant and easy to clean smooth matt finish, Plascon Super Acrylic Polvin tint bases provide an abundance of colour tinting options for long lasting, rich colours, making it the perfect choice for an outdoor mural project such as this.

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 A Global Green Tag certified product Wide colour range with over 70 colours to choose from Good stock levels and quick turn around time

Low VOC’s Competitively priced quality product backed by great service Jax Oleum works successfully with other over coat brands Proudly made in South Africa

Jax Oleum is incredibly effective and highly durable. It enhances the grain and transforms the look of any natural wood. www.jaxoleum.co.za +27 11 444 7221 info@jaxoleum.co.za DISTRIBUTORS

WESTERN CAPE

NATIONWIDE

Connect with us

KWAZULU-NATAL

NAMIBIA

KITCHENS

Kitchen Specialists Association: Update As the industry association it was devastating to see members directly affected by the recent looting and vandalism in Gauteng and KZN, as well as with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but it was also inspiring to see the support shown between members. KSA

Stephanie Forbes, National Manager

The cumulative effects of the unrest and the rise in COVID-19 figures has had a knock-on effect on our members in the supply of stock and materials, particularly those transported via the KZN harbour and inter provincially by road. In addition, the rise in positive COVID-19 cases has also affected people’s ability to come to work and for businesses to stay on track with their timelines and deliverables, particularly in manufacturing and installation. We appeal to consumers, industry professionals, developers and builders for their understanding and compassion with regard to the pandemic, particularly if the company is contracted via a JBCC contract. Flexibility over materials and timelines will be vital for the survival of many players, especially SMME/sub-contractors in the kitchen industry. However, we have been overwhelmed by the resilience of our members in KZN and Gauteng as they have faced the terrible impact of the recent unrest. The outpouring of goodwill, offers of assistance and reaching out of members to each other has proved that the KSA truly is a family made up of fantastic individuals and companies. July also saw the KSA hold our second online AGM, which had a fantastic attendance, and we were pleased to be able to confirm our regional and national executive committees:

104

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Also at the AGM • The opportunity to share with members an outlook on the KSA’s financial stability and fiduciary compliance. • Facilitated a review of consumer complaints and mediations so that the industry can learn from issues faced over the year. • An opportunity to celebrate the successful industry showcase events in Gauteng and Cape Town as well as the success of our sales skills workshops, and have an overview of potential events for the rest of the year, COVID permitting. • The success of our work with the South Africa Furniture Initiative (SAFI) and the Institute of Interior Design Professionals (IID) was another key focus. • The KSA and its members have had key involvement in various task teams linked to the Furniture Industry Master Plan and the setting up of the new SAFI chambers for kitchens and raw materials. Stephanie Forbes as national manager of KSA, was elected chair of the SAFI kitchen chamber. • The KSA’s kitchen design project with the IID and its various tertiary institutions is well underway with our having completed introductory sessions with all the tertiaries,

KSA members are keen to have networking opportunities during the second half of the year and we will be looking to facilitate what we can, but putting caution and safety first. Stay in touch.

Stephanie Forbes, National Manager

KITCHENS

National Executive Committee:

Flexibility over materials and timelines will be vital for the survival of many players, especially SMME/subcontractors in the kitchen industry.

Pictured here, Clinton Soutter, Chairman (Franke SA), will serve alongside Justin Berry – Vice chair (PG Bison), Marina Veiga – Gauteng chair (Sariga Kitchens), Dane Maharaj – Transformation portfolio (Kitchen Studio), Charisse Gray – KZN/EC chair (Blum SA), Christo Krause – CT chair (Kitchen & Cupboard Studio), and Garth Prost – stone and surfacing portfolio (Prostone)

Gauteng Executive Committee:

KZN / EC Executive Committee:

Western Cape Executive Committee:

Pictured here, Marina Veiga, Chairperson (Sariga Kitchens), who will serve alongside Alecia Aronson (Maxima Software), Neil Coetzee (Proquartz), Phillip Kleinhans (Grass), Gordon Scott (Sonae Arauco), and Dane Maharaj (Kitchen Studio).

Pictured here, Charisse Gray, Chairperson (Blum SA), who will serve alongside Graeme Christison – Vice Chair (Proquartz), Rodger Part (Cupboard Value), Sagie Govender (Expert Kitchens), Eric Cousins (National Edging), Sam Pienaar (The Kitchen Depot), JeanPierre Du Preez (Franke SA - EC), and Ashley Howarth (Blum SA- EC)

Pictured here, Christo Krause, chairperson (Kitchen & Cupboard Studio), who will serve alongside Wesley Wild (Blum SA), Deon Vermaak (ELK Paarl), Brent Owen (Sangengalo Marble and Granite), Nico Claase (Franke SA), Laura Da Silva (Sonae Arauco)

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

105

FLOORS

Focused on floor solutions A well-known global construction chemicals company with a presence in South Africa, shares with readers its complete focus on creating solutions that are reliable, efficient and long lasting. Continued research and development ensure that its products are world-class, environmentally aware and deliver the highest quality and reliability. MAPEI

As a worldwide manufacturer of flooring solutions, the company has established itself in the local flooring market through its range of innovative quality system solutions and technical service provided to the market. Their ISO 9001 accreditation means that they both adhere to the strictest local quality standards within the products themselves,as well as the best practice in service delivery and customer support. According to a company spokesperson, the company’s local technical expertise is backed up by the latest in international research and development and production standards resulting in international standard products ideally catered for the local market.

Various flooring lines include the following:

106

Surface preparation and underlayments From residential to commercial applications, Mapei supplies the most suitable self-levelling screeds for various types of applications to correct substrate imperfections. These underlayments are fast-setting and have low levels of VOC which are suitable for interior and exterior applications for both new flooring installations and renovations.

Tile adhesives and grouts With Mapei’s wide range of products, you are sure to find the adhesive or grout you require for ceramic, porcelain and stone materials. This range includes polymer modified cementitious adhesives, deformable cementitious adhesives as well as reactive resin polyurethane and epoxy adhesives. An aesthetic finish can be achieved with Mapei’s water repellent cementitious grouts and water-based epoxy grouts which are available in a variety of colours.

Products for the installation of resilient, LVT and textile floorings This line of products includes a wide range of adhesives for installing vinyl, PVC, linoleum, cork, rubber and carpet floor coverings. These adhesives are complemented by the necessary primers, moisture barriers and grouts for LVT to ensure a top-quality and durable installation.

Industrial flooring solutions Mapei has a series of systems for epoxy, polyurethane and cementitious floors which are resistant to abrasion, impact loads, cracking and aggressive chemical agents. These floors are widely used in numerous sectors including open offices, the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing warehouses as well as in contemporary surroundings.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

HVAC

The ideal HVAC

for a flagship store Creating the ideal retail environment is about more than creating the perfect design, it is about creating the perfect retail experience. This includes presenting a calm, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, say the designers of an upmarket retail store near Cape Town’s fashionable V&A Waterfront. Fourways Air conditioning is no longer a luxury to ensure an inviting space for shoppers, and an enjoyable environment for staff to carry out their duties. Designed by SVA Architects, the new iStore opened their flagship store in June 2020 within the city’s spirited new mixed-use district, Dock Road Junction, at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront. The air conditioning project was completed by HVAC installer Southern Air Conditioning (Pty) Ltd and SVA Architects, all with the assistance of Fourways Group, Cape Town.

Rising to the ‘airccasion’ This new iStore looks impressive, boasting wide open spaces, training facilities, separate training rooms and an on-site Apple certified repair workshop. There are also product experience lounges, dedicated areas to showcase the whole range of Apple products and accessories and technical support and setup desks. As the second largest iStore in South Africa at 380m2, every single design element was taken into consideration by the designers. It was important for the store to keep some original features like ceiling beams thought to be from ancient ships, and original raw brick walls from hundreds of years ago, meaning the choice of aircon units was even more important to ensure their fit with the magnificent architecture of the building. Southern Air Conditioning, expertly advised by Fourways, rose to the occasion by selecting and installing the precise Samsung units for the store, paying close attention to the clean air fight as COVID-19 continues.

108

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

HVAC

Samsung 360 Cassette i: Samsung 360° Cassette blending in with original ceiling beams.

State-of-the-art air conditioning The contractor installed Samsung DVM S Eco units (Heat Pump and Heat Recovery models) to ensure sufficient heating and cooling for the size of the building. The Samsung DVM Apple store exterior: iStore Queens Hotel V&A store entrance. S Eco is a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) outdoor unit which is connected to multiple compatible indoor units. The installation includes numerous Samsung’s units: 360° Cassettes; The 4-Way WindFree Inverter Cassette a 4-Way WindFree™ Inverter Cassette as well as an MSP Duct producing a total cooling & assists with energy saving and less noise heating capacity of 100kW. Using advanced design systems, Fourways strived to offer SVA disturbance, among other innovative the design flexibility to create customised comfort in the building with less restrictions. features such as optional motion detect sensors which are an additional add on. The 17 Samsung 360° Cassettes have a circular design that harmoniously blends with the Once reaching the chosen temperature the exposed ceiling beams while circulating air so that every corner has the same desired unit automatically switches to WindFree temperature. Its bladeless design allows for air to gently disperse and descend across the mode. When in this mode the outdoor unit room so that customers feel comfortable without the sensation of any direct draft. lowers its electricity consumption by 55%. Large and wide open spaces favour the addition of the Samsung MSP Duct to deliver much more air over distance. Flexible design and compact size allow for simple and costeffective installation and maintenance, such as easy removal of the filter to ensure it is sufficiently cleaned to ensure continuous clean air entering the building. Now more than ever, air quality is crucial to businesses and the public. Hence, this HVAC system was chosen by Southern Air to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Interior apple store with Black 360 Cassette: The interior of iStore V&A showcasing original ceiling beams thought to be from ancient ships, and original raw brick walls from hundreds of years ago.

“Fourways is proud to have partnered up with Southern Air and SVA Architects to provide the iStore Queens Hotel V&A with an innovative and beautiful solution to ultimately create an extraordinary retail experience for their customers,” says a company spokesperson.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

109

HEATING & COOLING

Efficient water heating technology eases energy crisis A recent heat pump installation at a multi-residential development near Boksburg, demonstrates the easy installation service and the ability of the supplier to complement the design of the building, say the accredited installers. Fourways Airconditioning The key to a sustainable future lies in re-thinking practices and using available resources more responsibly and consciously. In line with this, the focus is on energy efficiency, both from a commercial perspective and a household perspective. In this regard, domestic households consume huge amounts of electricity for operating various appliances. However, the biggest usage of electricity in households comes from water heating.

Developers and contractors now compelled to introduce alternative energy sources On average, 45-50% of electricity is consumed by the geyser elements over the peak periods. In addressing this, SANS 10400XA legislates the use of alternative energy sources other than resistance energy (electrical elements) to ensure a 50% reduction in electricity usage for water heating. As part of the building regulations, this now applies to any new building constructed where there is hot water used. Developers and contractors are now compelled to introduce such alternatives for new construction projects.

At the same time, new energy-saving technologies have become the way for households to reduce consumption and save on electricity costs. A heat pump allows for up to a two-thirds saving in electricity using refrigeration technology and optimizing available heat from the surrounding environment by extracting it from the atmosphere and transferring it to water. It resembles a small air-conditioning outdoor unit that is attached to the exterior wall or building, integrating with an existing or new geyser. The unit electricity usage is on average one-third of that of a geyser element.

The perfect fit Recently, Fourways Airconditioning secured the multi-residential Ravenswood development located in Boksburg, Johannesburg, in conjunction with accredited installer Mighty Plumbers. The brief was to install energy-saving technologies which would match the design of the building. The installer’s solution was to install 219 Alliance (3.2kW) heat pumps. These are the perfect fit for

The unit electricity usage is on average one-third of that of a geyser element.

110

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

an average household size 150-litre geyser. Fourways has been supplying Alliance equipment for the past 11 years to installers, household consumers, plumbing outlets, building contractors and developers. Apart from saving electricity, the Alliance units are compact, easy to install and operate on eco-friendly R410A gas. Ravenswood residential occupants can enjoy using a wired control which allows them to heat water at pre-set times, including during off-peak times, allowing for decreased energy costs, and set the desired hot water temperature to between 40ºC and 60ºC.

A close up of the Alliance 3.2kW neatly installed by Mighty Plumbers in one of the apartments.

Alliance Direct Heating Heat Pumps

Unlimited hot water. Minimal energy cost. Models from 11.2kW to 8kW deliver water up to 60ºC with volumes up to 1.7m3/hr. COPs of 4 keep your clients in hot water with ultra-low energy costs. Sold and supported by Fourways Airconditioning, with branches nationwide.

w w w. a l l i a n c e a i r. co . z a

JHB & Central: (011) 704-6320 · KZN: (031) 579-1895 · Bloemfontein: 083 381 0074 Pretoria: (012) 643-0445 · Port Elizabeth: (041) 484-6413 · Cape Town: (021) 556-8292 George: 082 380 0708 · East London: (043) 722-0671

BRICKS & LIME

Restoring Wu pperthal Wupperthal is a small town located in the northern Cederberg region of the Western Cape, founded in 1830 by German missionaries. Cape Lime Most of the town was destroyed on 30 December 2018 by wildfire that caused extensive loss of peoples’ homes and livelihoods. Of the 113 recorded homes in the town, some 53 were razed. Other buildings damaged or destroyed included the vicarage, community hall, hostels for the primary school students, a shop, a butcher shop, a bakery, a restaurant and guesthouses.

Restoration and reconstruction Wuppertal’s buildings are of heritage value and in line with the principles of heritage architecture, the philosophy was to restore the town as it was built originally, with the same compatible building materials. Building materials consisting mostly of clay bricks, were salvaged from the burned-down buildings wherever possible, and re-used with a mixture of lime and sand as the only binder.

As main contractors appointed, Boland Bouers approached Cape Lime to assist with mix designs on lime-based plasters and mortars. Established in 1946, the company has been a full subsidiary of Afrimat Ltd since 2016.

The role of lime in the restoration project Known as a versatile chemical, lime has been used in building and industry for many years. It is widely used in a variety of fields, from building, agriculture, paper making, steel manufacture, waste management, poultry farming, food storage and water treatment through to glass production. Specified by the builders, the supplier’s building lime called CLC, has a very unique chemical composition. The CLC lime has excellent advantages as a construction chemical, while being less favoured for the other traditional applications of lime in markets such as paper, water, industrial and other high value applications. These advantages include: • Natural impurities that actually assist with its set. • The fact that it is pressure hydrated gives assurance that all component oxides are hydrated. • The supplier’s product, CLC, is the only pressure hydrated SABS 523 building lime, in South Africa.

112

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

BRICKS & LIME

The Wuppertal story proves that lime offers much more than just an additive to assist cement-based plasters and mortars with workability.

Technical background Building lime as a binder in plasters and mortars in place of cement used to be a common practice amongst artisans. But this knowledge and the necessary skill required to build with lime has been slowly fading away over the last few decades, with the dominance of cement as a binder in the construction industry. Some historians and restoration contractors in Europe and in South Africa, still believe that lime needs to be hydrated on site, and there are many with different opinions of how long lime must ‘cure’ or hydrate to act as a suitable binder in heritage restoration work. The main reason why some believe that the longer lime hydrates for, the better the quality becomes, is that this is merely a function of the certainty that all particles will be hydrated over a longer time. Before hydration techniques existed, calcined limestone (oxide) was hydrated in containers, such as an oil drum, or anything that could be used to hold water and burned lime. The lime would then be hydrated to calcium hydroxide, which is what we know today as builders’ lime. To ensure that maximum hydration took place, builders would keep the oxide suspended in water for as long as possible. This method is still used today as mentioned above, and some believe that this approach provides better quality binders than manufactured lime binders.

The great advantage of a manufactured SABS 523 lime, such as the supplier’s, is that the calcination and hydration of CLC lime occurs in a controlled environment, argue the manufacturers. “This ensures the highest quality control measures, giving confidence to the end-user that every single particle of product in a bag of CLC is hydrated and will react to carbonate. In comparison with this method, a site-based hydration process of lime presents numerous quality challenges. Thus, the difference in

opinion amongst builders on how long site hydration must take place. “The renovation and rebuilding of Wuppertal was an eye opener for many builders and artisans on this project, who found that they could build and plaster with confidence using a cement free lime-based material like CLC. This case study proves that lime is much more than an additive to assist cement-based plasters and mortars with workability” says a spokesperson for the manufacturers.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

113

FURNITURE

Evolving

beautiful ideas Designer furniture is a constantly evolving phenomenon. Sometimes concepts reverberate, says a local designer company. OKA

Reverb is the persistence of sound after a sound is produced. An echo or ripple or reverberation.

Reverb is an evolution of the Repose sofa narrative; it continues the exploration of organic form, of fluid seating landscapes and of sculptural dialogue. The focus and essence of the sofa is its nuanced echo of left and right forms, not a mirror image but a reverberation of one form creating a similar other, hence Reverb. Viewed from all angles, Reverb appears as a free-flowing stream of consciousness simultaneously intuitive and predestined. The form is subtly asymmetric; the seat depth also varies as the form of the sofa unfolds. The arching back rest emerges from a central plateau and spans out from a vacant space and curves gracefully to create elegantly banking arms and backrests both left and right. “Reverb is created when a sound, signal or frequency is reflected off of a surface causing numerous sound reflections to build up. The seating configuration and gentle apex form of the sofa encourage engagement between sitters; it is a design which provokes, stimulates and inspires interaction,” says Adam Court of OKHA.

114

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

WALLS & WALLPAPER

Fresh decorative

concepts for your walls Hot off the press from the UK comes a series of concepts for your interior walls. Alex Whitecroft (www.iwantwallpaper. co.uk) is an expert on all things wallpaper, and is able to draw on years of experience in interior design to offer insights and tips backed by a wealth of industry knowledge. iwantwallpaper.co.uk “Brick walls have always been popular in interior design, but they’re experiencing something of a renaissance in 2021,” says Whitecroft. “In fact, searches for brick-effect wallpaper jumped by 190% in July alone, a trend that is looking to continue as we head into August. Whether you’re looking to bring an industrial feel or a farmhouse style to your home, exposed brick work can add texture, warmth and endless charm to your home. “While exposed brick might be popular, it’s not an easy look to achieve. On the one hand, stripping walls to their bare bones can be a monumental task, and on the other, most modern builds use drywall for their interiors. But what about people who rent who can’t change interior elements? How can they achieve that rich industrial or calming farmhouse look without losing their deposit by altering the interiors?” The answer, says Whitecroft, lies in some wallpaper. Here are some hot concepts from across the ocean.

116

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

EXPANSION EXPANSION EXPANSION JOINTS JOINTS JOINTS

NO NO NO DRILL? DRILL? DRILL?

Expansion joint sealant Expansion joint sealant Expansion joint sealant

Universal adhesive Universal adhesive Universal adhesive

Cornice & crack sealant Cornice & crack sealant Cornice & crack sealant

Instant Instant grip grip Instant grip Bonds to many Bonds to many surfaces Bonds to many surfaces surfaces Durable Durable Durable For inside use inside For use and outside use inside andFor outside and outside

Elastic Elastic seal seal Elastic seal Paintable Paintable Paintable Fill gaps & cracks Fill gaps & cracks Fill gaps & cracks 3 colours 3 colours 3 colours

PROBLEM PROBLEMSOLVED! SOLVED! PROBLEM SOLVED!

resistance HighHigh resistance to ageing to ageing and and High resistance weathering weathering to ageing and weathering Interior Interior and and exterior use exterior useand Interior 4 colours 4 colours exterior use 4 colours

Den Braven difference! thethe Den Braven difference! the Den Braven difference!

gap filler FoamFoam gap filler Foam gap filler

strength density HighHigh strength density High strength density Paintable Paintable Paintable Good insulation Good insulation Good insulation gloves FreeFree gloves Free gloves

Available from hardware Contact for further product and technical assistance. Available from hardware stores.stores. Contact us for us further product and technical assistance.

Tel:792 0113830 792stores. 3830 • DBN: 031 579 2375 •021552 CT:and 021552 Tel: from 011 • DBN: 031 579 • CT: 9674 9674 Available hardware Contact us for2375 further product technical assistance. • sales@denbraven.co.za • www.denbraven.com/en-sa •sales@denbraven.co.za • www.denbraven.com/en-sa Tel: 011 792 3830 • DBN: 031 579 2375 • CT: 021552 9674

the To How To video’s and application tips on FaceBook our FaceBook or website WatchWatch the How and application tips on our or website •video’s sales@denbraven.co.za • www.denbraven.com/en-sa

Coolead 18678 Coolead 18678

DIY: ADHESIVES & SEALANTS

Filling gaps using foam filler Polyurethane foam fillers are used to fill large cracks between walls, ceilings and floors, as well as gaps around pipes, roofs, windows and door frames. A good example is filling the gap between a garage door and wall to prevent wind and wind borne matter from getting inside . Den Braven

Application notes:

e use of cus on th ote, we fo n e g hich is sa u In this product w R Foam, a U P n ense e v d , ra g Den B its stron ed due to rd al a g rm e re th ly high und and , good so ith re w u ly ct si ru a st e cell xtrudes e m a fo e . Th insulation . ed nozzle li p p su the arns rviewed w cturer inte fa u n ution a ca m h e it Th R foam w U P y a u b rket have readers to on the ma rs e ll fi m not all foa ructure. nse cell st strong de

1 118

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Clean the surfaces. Adhesion and curing speed are improved if mist-sprayed with water to pre-moistened substrates.

DIY: ADHESIVES & SEALANTS

Attach the nozzle and shake the canister well, turn the canister upside down, spray the foam to fill about one-third of the area. The foam expands as it cures.

Spray the fresh foam again immediately after application.

Cut away excess foam once cured.

6 Cover the foam with plaster or a product such as Acryl -W (Den Braven Acrylic sealant). This may be painted once cured.

Allow to fully expand and cure.

finish A handy ‘How To’ application video can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6VsnGpgvC4

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

119

GREEN BUILDING

Residential energy utilisation:

The reality

A ground-breaking study delves into the reality of SA’s residential power use, spearheaded by governmental establishments and academia. Miele Amid ongoing electricity supply concerns in South Africa the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), together with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the University of Cape Town (UCT), has completed a study to assess the impact of energy efficient appliances on electrical energy consumption in the residential sector in South Africa, while looking at possible future energy impacts for the sector. Teslim Yusuf, Data and Knowledge Management Project Manager at SANEDI, explains: “The global residential sector consumes one fifth of the world’s energy, according to the International Energy Agency. During peak periods in South Africa, the residential sector can account for up to 35% of national electricity demand. With this in mind, by improving energy efficiency in the residential sector, we can contribute to reducing that evening peak demand.” The study found that South Africa’s Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme has been effective in achieving meaningful savings in appliance energy consumption between 2015 and 2020. The highest energy savings were seen in refrigeration by a hefty margin, especially in low- and middle-income homes.

120

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

Highest energy savings were seen in refrigeration “From the research sample, 98.1% of households reported owning at least one fridge, and 24% of households reported owning more than one. It stands to reason that massive energy savings can be gained from these appliances,” comments Yusuf. In high-income homes, savings in water heating were dominant but were closely followed by refrigeration. Overall, the programme saw a reduction in energy intensity of 4.1% in 2020. “The S&L Programme provides shoppers with information about the energy efficiency of an appliance with an easy-to-read label displayed on the front of the appliance. The initiative will continue to provide energy savings into the future as appliances reach their end of life, and consumers purchase newer, more modern and energy efficient appliances,” says Yusuf.

GREEN BUILDING

Very few households used LEDs With regards to lighting efficiency, the study highlights that very few households used LEDs in 2020. LEDs are more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). “This indicates a large potential for improving the energy efficiency of lighting. The VC9109 draft lighting regulation, once

adopted, aims to remove less efficient lamps from the market,” explains Yusuf. However, in the short term, and in order to change lamp purchasing behaviour towards LEDs, the study has recommended that along with power, luminous efficacy becomes a primary performance indicator on lamp packaging. This should be supported by long-term, in-store information campaigns.

Consumer education is a clear priority. “Once again, consumer education is a clear priority. There is no doubt that energy efficiency must be considered at the individual level, if we are to achieve our country’s energy efficiency targets,” Yusuf comments. In line with this, the study recommends that a few, simple, quantifiable behavioural changes can reduce energy use just as much as technical interventions. The study states: “A sound long-term strategy for improving residential energy efficiency in a sustainable manner will likely involve a blend of technical and behavioural interventions.”

The study results also address the use of some much-debated household appliances. For example, the findings warn: • While dishwashers are likely to be more energy efficient than hand washing, this is only true for a fully loaded dishwasher. For most households, the dishwasher is likely to be part-loaded most of the time. • Induction stoves are growing in popularity, but these often consume large amounts of standby power and ultimately may consume more energy than an equivalent thermal plate. Induction plates also typically have a poor power factor. • A washing machine’s energy efficiency is typically measured based on energy used during its longer cycles, which is very rarely used in practice. The more popular shorter and convenient cycle times tend to be hotter and less energy efficient. “This report has improved our understanding of residential electricity use and the savings possible and is a strong starting point from which to reassess our consumption,” concludes Yusuf. See the full report online at www.sanedi.org. za/Announcements.html

The official view According to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, in order to protect consumers from purchasing inefficient fridges and freezers, Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) have been set for fridges and freezers. Currently, only fridges with an Energy Efficiency Rating of Class B or better can be sold. With regards to freezers, those with an Energy Efficiency Rating of Class C or better can be sold. In terms of fridge-freezer combinations those with a Energy Efficiency Rating of Class B or better can be sold. A key consideration for consumers when buying a fridge or freezer is size. The larger the fridge or freezer, the more electricity the appliance will use. Consumers should carefully consider the amount of fridge or freezer space required in their households and purchase an appliance with a capacity appropriate to their household’s needs. Furthermore, fridges and freezers being sold must be labelled with a South African Energy Efficiency Label to help consumers understand the relative energy efficiency of different fridges and freezers. The image below shows a sample of a label for a fridge-freezer with an explanation of the key elements of the label.

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

121

BUILT ENVIRONMENT GRADUATE NEWS

Construction management

post-graduate competes in a tight market A recent BSc (Hons) postgraduate from the Nelson Mandela University, 24-year-old James Beal, has already achieved the level of Project Engineer at ABInBev (the local subsidiary of SAB), based in Sandton. James Beal Alerted to a potential Global Management Programme with ABInBev via LinkedIn, he applied and was one of only nine South African graduates finally selected from 60 000 applicants worldwide. The brewers’ Global Programme is an intense 10-month programme that cycles through the business and provides exposure to the entire organisation. ”I worked on some amazing projects throughout the programme, across various functions including sales, marketing, supply, logistics and solutions,” he tells TO BUILD. “When I finished the programme, I was very tempted to move into the marketing and commercial space, which has really cool things going on, but I decided to rather follow my background and managed to get in with the CAPEX and engineering teams.”

122

volume 11 | issue 3 www.tobuild.co.za

A typical work day as a project manager “I’m currently working on the Ibhayi Brewery Expansion project (Eastern Cape). We are busy with front-end planning and preparing groundwork for the project onsite. I’m leading the project from an execution point at the brewery itself. We are increasing capacity from a utilities perspective to allow for the expansion project. My role is to act as the link between our headquarters in Sandton and the brewery, ensuring that all work is executed to the designed scope, within budget, on time and to the correct quality,” James explains.

James’ secret to success: The outside world cares less about your marks “Throughout my university career I focused on my academic performance and it paid off, getting both the Dean’s and Councilor awards for the best marks in the faculty,” says James. However, it turns out that what happened after his academic career was what counted. James describes his huge effort and endurance in trying to find work as a young post-grad. “The degree is merely a tick-the-box exercise. I very quickly learnt that companies did not care (much) how you performed at ‘varsity. I applied for hundreds of jobs across South Africa and abroad and 99% of them did not even get back to me. The outside world cares more about your experience and who you are as a person,” he comments. James’ advice to other students is: “Focus on getting experience, build networks and most importantly, focus on developing yourself. Build your character, focus on your personality and be the best person you can be.”

Members of the CDAA

Electrical

Plumbing

Plumbing Among the hundreds of wonderful things copper is used for in and around our homes, it is probably recognised first as a plumbing material. For hundreds of years, copper tubing has been the most reliable and cost-effective option for distributing water to and through our homes for various applications.

Renewable energy Copper plays an important role in renewable energy systems. By using copper instead of other lower electrical energy-efficient metal conductors, less electricity needs to be generated to satisfy a given power demand. Copper is valuable in photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems. CDAA shares the European Copper Institute’s vision for a low-carbon economy and will pursue it with all of the resources at its disposal. We urge policymakers to support a reasoned balance between the energy needed to manufacture the building blocks of that new economy and the overarching goals for reduced energy demand and carbon emissions.

Tel: 071 147 1486

info@copper.co.za

www.copper.co.za

DEVELOPERS | BUILDERS |ARCHITECTS Sure, the building looks modern and keeps harsh elements out, but piped natural gas is what makes a house a home. A healthy and balanced lifestyle includes how you cook, relax and entertain. Egoli Gas’s energy supply oﬀers exactly that. Heat that‘s consistent, controlled, instant, safe and available in abundance to meet all your requirements 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Add a piped natural gas generator into your planning and enjoy premium power with lower maintenance and noise pollution. It’s no wonder more people are connecting to the cleanest burning energy source that Johannesburg has to oﬀer.

WHY ARE YOU NOT CONNECTED YET?

LiteSpan - Insulated roof panel solution ®

Benefits

LiteSpan® is a composite panel comprising of top and bottom pre-painted galvanized steel sheets, with a sandwiched Polystyrene or Rockwool core. The Polystyrene insulation core is from an approved SANS 10177-11 Fire Retarded Expanded Polystyrene Grade. The panel offers a durable, highly insulated, extremely air-tight, and aesthetically pleasing roof or wall solution.

High strength to weight ratio Thermally efficient Ease of installation Shorten construction time Eliminates roof trusses to increase living space Estimating costs is simple and more accurate

Colours

The panel offers benefits at

Frost White

all levels of building design

Dove Grey

and construction for architects, designers,

Sandstone Beige

builders, and end-user.

Signal Brown Quartz Grey Anthracite Grey

R-value table

Panel thickness (mm)

Installed R-value (W.m2/K)

75 100 125 150

2.3 3.0 3.7 4.4

www.technopol.co.za

info@technopol.co.za

(011) 363-2780/1/2

WANT TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT EDITION?

Sprayed Intumescent Coatings

Penetration Seals

Active Fire has been built over the last 30 years on integrity, innovation and performance. We are dedicated to improve and advance the Passive Fire Protection industry. We have extensive experience in Passive fire seals and Structural steel coating systems and we will custom value engineer any project in the Southern African region to ensure the overall success of the project.

Unit 36, Bridgeway Office Park, Tunney Ridge T: 073 963 2566 l E: oswald@activefireprojects.com www.activefireprojects.com

Volume 11 Issue 3 September 2021

Efficient water

atgyineasegs henolo

lf elf rse urs ou yo it-y o--itDo D tips tips ance ntenanc ainten mai m

tech

o ays tto way or w ing ffor king ook L Loo

ront he ffron ance tthe nhanc Enh E home your hom of you of ts l plan p with ants with

n’ ‘go gratatee e? hom home? s: Design insight

s, es, lace plac irep Fire F nd and ting a heating hea g n i k king o o c coo September 2021

R45.00 Incl. VAT

energy crisis

Hansgrohe writes

y bathroom histor

21003

ul ideas Evolving beautif

storm take interiors by | Japandi colours

9 772219 724008

Rene van Heerden - 021 424 3625 l 082 504 3944 rene@mediaxpose.co.za l www.mediaxpose.co.za

You’re going to need these. Y o u ’re g oi ng t o need thes e.

LASHER. LEADING MANUFACTURER OF TOUGH, RELIABLE TOOLS. GUARANTEED.

CMY

A delivery System 2nd to none, Piped natural gas Aoffers delivery System storage 2nd to none, Piped natural gas minimal requirements adding offers minimal and storage requirements adding safety benefits cost effective solutions on safety benefits and cost effective solutions on energy. Lower noise pollution on gas generators energy. Lower noise pollution on gas generators creates comfort, consistent heat when cooking creates heatdriven whenboilers cooking and hot comfort, water on consistent demand. PNG & and hot enjoy water lower on demand. PNG driven boilers & geysers insurance premiums owning geysers enjoy lower insurance premiums owning to the installation method and maintenance to the installation requirements. It’s nomethod wonder and moremaintenance people are requirements. It’scleanest no wonder more people are connecting to the burning energy source. connecting to the cleanest burning energy source. Why are you not connected yet? Why are you not connected yet?

With our tools lasting up to 45x longer than their nearest competitor, every person on our 600+ strong Lasher team are a master of their craft. At Lasher, we are committed to constant improvement, and use the highest quality materials to produce the tools we all know and love. With a variety of over 1000 hand tools, locally manufactured, we've stood the test of time.

| |

LASHER.CO.ZA

DIVERSE RANGE, UNDENIABLE QUALITY!

BECAUSE YOUR JOBSITE, DESERVES THE BEST. All products and services on www.wackerneuson.co.za