Buyers – Beware of digital fraud: the onus is on you p38
Embracing AI in architecture: Collaboration and innovation p22
DIY GARDENING Spring garden inspiration
SWIMMING POOL leak problems explained
Smart Airconditioning Solutions
Active AI Pressure Control*
Active AI Refrigerant Analysis
Active AI Defrost
On-Device Inverter Check TM
Active AI Pressure Control*
Maintaining optimal refrigerant condensing pressure is crucial for stable cooling and heating. The Samsung DVM S2 utilises Active AI Pressure Control* to dynamically adjust pressure based on pipe length, elevation, and environmental conditions. By learning user patterns, it optimises condensing pressure by up to 32%, enhancing efficiency and saving up to 15%* energy when pressure is lowered by 12%.
(Cumulative energy consumption over 4 hours)
Refrigerant shortages can hinder cooling and heating performance, impacting energy efficiency, and leaks can cause system malfunctions and environmental harm. The DVM S2’s Active AI Refrigerant Analysis, powered by Deep Learning technology*, continuously gathers and analyses operational data in real time. It promptly alerts installers or service engineers to low refrigerant levels. This proactive monitoring ensures timely maintenance, optimal refrigerant levels, and system reliability, effectively addressing these challenges and enhancing overall system performance.
Shortage of refrigerant hinders the outdoor unit’s cooling and heating performance as well as its energy efficiency. And, if refrigerant leaks out, due to any error in installation, operation or maintenance, it also impacts global warming and may even cause the system to stop working. Using Deep Learning technology*, the Active AI Refrigerant Analysis of the DVM S2 collects and analyzes various operational data in real time, and proactively alerts you with an error message if the amount of refrigerant is too low. So, an installer or
service engineer can maintain the optimal level of refrigerant.
The heating operation generally causes ice to build up on outdoor units, which may interfere with the heat exchange process. To remove any ice, air conditioning systems normally pause the heating and run a defrost operation, so the indoor environment feels less comfortable. Samsung’s Active AI Defrost technology analyzes various operating data, including the system’s air resistance, operating frequency and cycle, so it defrosts more precisely. As a result, it reduces wasted energy and increases the continuous heating time by up to 40%*.
Keeps
The DVM S2 Active AI Defrost technology analyses operational data like air resistance and operating cycles to defrost outdoor units efficiently, reducing energy waste and extending heating time by up to 40%*, enhancing indoor comfort and system efficiency.
When the air conditioning system consists of multiple Samsung DVM S2 outdoor units, its refrigerant regulating control technology ensures that you can continue working using only one compressor in an emergency. So, if every unit except one is not working or getting serviced and any compressor on the remaining one is working properly, it will keep cooling or heating for up to 8 hours. It ensures that you can maintain a comfortable indoor environment until the whole system is functioning properly again.
DVM S2 features an Inverter PBA (Printed Board Assembly) with a one-touch button accessible through a small opening in the Display Window, allowing easy error checking without removing the entire front cover, thereby reducing service time, effort, and the need for extra tools, simplifying the service process.
Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za
In our June edition, we put the spotlight on the collapse of the George apartment building, where it appears that unsound professional advice led to the largest loss of lives on a SA construction site in many years. Since then, a renewed focus on employee safety in the construction community was precipitated, and rightly so. It is a matter of serious concern however, that within the smaller construction businesses, unregistered contractors and their employees, we see workers daily accessing rooftops and wobbly scaffolds, often in high wind, without as much as a hard hat. The league of solar/PV panel installers have much to answer for in this regard, as are the roof 'fixers', the so–called bakkie brigade.
This is why it is gratifying when an organisation such as the Western Cape-based Building Industry Bargaining Council (BIBC) comments that ‘decent work’ can only be realised when there are meaningful benefits for employees. As Luyanda Mgqamqo,labour spokesperson for the BIBC says: “This has advantages for both employer and employees in that labour turnover is limited while labour is also migrated from informal to formal employment. This in turn increases productivity and creates a safer building industry”.
But it is not only contractors of different shapes and sizes that bear the brunt of unsafe building practices. What about the DIY people at home? A new study in the UK has revealed that falls are the most common cause of DIY-related accidents, totalling 2 103.50 injuries per 100 000 people. Then staircase accidents come in second, with an injury rate of 825.50. Do we even have an inkling of the statistics for this in SA?
DIY safety at home is totally uncharted territory for many homeowners, with seemingly large numbers of accidents occurring daily in the home. Enough to affect national productivity. Sometimes, I wonder whether the tool manufacturers should perhaps play a higher profile role in educating their market.
It is simply not enough to include usage safety tips in the fine print. One such example of a tool where I have personally had bitter experience is the folding ladder. I wonder how many users have had disastrous experiences of this in addition to this writer?
Sombre thoughts aside, our Spring edition is packed with interesting project case studies and décor content - and of course, AI. Welcome and enjoy it!
KITCHENS
The contemporary kitchen – an outstanding example 52 When is the right time for a kitchen revamp? BATHROOMS
38 Buyers - beware of digital fraud: the onus is on
40 Liquid applied roofing AUTOMATION
42 Coffee brewing and lighting set the mood – automatically SECURITY 44 Audit your home or office
Decorate your bathroom - like a pro
58 Managing coastal challenges with high performance eaves system
60 Comfort redefined: The Nautica Shopping Centre project with Fourways Group
• Available in R513a or R1234ze (Ultra Low GWP)
• Partial heat recovery
• Mitsubishi Electric single screw compressor
• Complete Mitsubishi Electric solution
OUTDOOR COATINGS
64 Look after the garden braai or outdoor area
COATINGS AND PAINT
66 A colourful spring 2024 - indoors and outdoors
ADVERTORIAL
72 Another successful Insultrak® demonstration day
INSULATION
74 Ready and excited for new insulation fire standard
76 Fire safety standards – an important update for insulation
REPURPOSED TIMBER
80 Cape Town destination boosts the circular economy
OUTDOOR FEATURE
84 Choosing and caring for patio furniture
LANDSCAPING
88 Inner city reforestation: pocket forests
108
92
DECKING & CLADDING
90 Durable design trends in contemporary construction
DIY GARDENING
92 Spring garden inspiration
SWIMMING POOLS
96 Swimming pool leak problems – explained
RENEWABLE ENERGY
98 Solar power mitigates grid tariff hikes
ENERGY STORAGE
100 Relaxed about no load shedding? Think again
GREEN DEVELOPMENTS
104 Green and clean development – South Coast style
SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT
108 Solar PV on pergolas - Melrose Arch
To Build
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Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za
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Wadoeda Adams artwork@mediaxpose.co.za
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Arthur Goldstuck
Bryan Hack
Des Schnetler
John Raptakis
Lance Dickerson
Luyanda Mgqamqo
Stephanie Forbes
Ulrich Pieterse
Wesley Soule
DESIGN & LAYOUT
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The prestigious @Sandton Hotel celebrates a remarkable milestone - two years of leadership marked by innovation, resilience, and exceptional hospitality. In the wake of the global pandemic, General Manager, Anthony Batistich, spearheaded the hotel’s journey, steering it towards great success in the heart of Sandton.
What was once an old Telkom parking lot, @Sandton Hotel in Benmore Gardens has flourished, along with a mixed use component that includes the large @ Sandton-Apartments Development - all on the same site (www.acsiopolis.co.za).
TO BUILD has previously covered the @ Sandton-Apartments ambitious wastemanagement programme, which aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, in order to make it possible to “preserve natural resources, protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.”
The hotel itself has achieved an impressive 87% year-onyear revenue increase and consistently ranks among the top 5 hotels in the Sandton area on platforms such as TripAdvisor and Booking.com. The hotel has expanded its offerings to include tailored concierge services, curated dining experiences, and wellness options, all aimed at elevating the guest experience, says Batistich.
In its August newsletter, the Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA) reminds developers, property owners, facilities managers and green building practitioners of the migration from the EDGE v.2 rating system to EDGE v3.
The EDGE App Version 2 is set to retire in December 2025. Projects already registered (or Preliminary Certified) under Version 2 have until December 2025 to achieve their EDGE Final Certificate (post construction). EDGE Final certification must be achieved by December 2025 for projects registered under V2.
This is of particular importance to projects that have not yet achieved preliminary certification.
The EDGE Preliminary Certificates expire 3 years after being issued or 12 months
after the project achieves practical completion, whichever comes first. It is anticipated that most projects are able to achieve their EDGE Final Certificate in this time. Kindly note that it is a Client/ Client Representative responsibility to manage the timeline of their projects and certificate expiry.
Extensions cannot be granted after the expiry date of the EDGE App Version under which the project is registered.
This means that if the EDGE App Version 2 expires in December 2025, then an
extension for a Preliminary Certificate issued under Version 2 cannot exceed December 2025 – in other words, GBCSA cannot grant extension of preliminary certifications certified under V2 past December 2025.
Footnote: The Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification is a green building design tool, a certification system and a global standard developed by the International Finance Corporation. EDGE-certified projects reduce carbon emissions, save water, and lower living costs for occupants.
Plastics SA and the KwaZulu-Natal Marine Network utilised the NETWORK for NETWORKS seminar hosted recently by the SA Association for Marine Biological Research at uShaka Sea World to launch the highly anticipated Clean-Up And Recycle SA 2024 campaign. The event also honoured several local environmental champions with Plastics SA’s the prestigious Caroline Reid Eco-Warrior Award which is awarded annually to individuals or groups who display an unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s rivers and waterways.
A highlight of the seminar was Chris Whyte, a renowned environmentalist and founder of numerous organisations such as USE-IT, Sustainable Tech, Pyrolysis Group SDG Africa, ImagineIF, and Africa Circular Economy, receiving a special award from Plastics SA. Whyte, a dedicated member and chairman of the National Recycling Forum and the KZN Marine Waste Network, was recognised for his unwavering passion and vision in protecting the environment and promoting a circular economy.
Other distinguished award recipients of the Caroline Reid Award in KZN included the Clean Surf Project, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Wild Oceans and the Inkwazi Isu River Catchment Project, North Durban Honorary Officers, KZN Beach Clean-up, Cleansing and Solid Waste Services (CSM) SAAMBR and Sustainable Seas Trust (SST). The recipients based in other provinces will receive their awards in weeks to come.
This year’s Clean-Up And Recycle SA week will take place from 16 – 21 September 2024 and includes several key dates aimed at mobilising communities nationwide:
• Cleanup and Recycle Week SA: 16 – 21 September
• National River Clean-up Day: 18 September
• National Recycling Day: 20 September
• National Clean-up Day: 21 September
• World Clean-up Day: 21 September
• International Coastal Clean-up: 21 September
Roche Bobois, a distinguished name in luxury furniture and interior design has established itself as a leader in the industry with over 260 showrooms worldwide. Originating in Paris in the 1960s, Roche Bobois has persistently redefined contemporary living spaces by harmonising artistic creativity with practical design. The brand’s expansion into South Africa, with showrooms in Johannesburg and Cape Town, exemplifies its blend of French elegance and global design influences, attracting both homeowners and design enthusiasts.
Roche Bobois is renowned for its customisable furniture and home decor items, which include sofas, chairs, tables, beds and carpets. These pieces are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans such as Raphael Navot, Bruno Moinard, Sacha Lakic and Christophe Delcourt. These collaborations emphasise Roche Bobois’ commitment to internationalisation and innovation. Partnerships with renowned fashion houses like Jean Paul Gaultier, Missoni Home and Christian Lacroix Maison allow the brand to offer personalised and sophisticated design solutions to its clients.
The brand recently launched the exclusive Pack Prime Campaign in South Africa targeting designers, builders, architects and home furniture professionals. This initiative offers unparalleled access to Roche Bobois’ premium collections and bespoke services. The Pack Prime Campaign features a special furniture pack priced at R199,000 (VAT included, available only in South Africa), which includes:
1 Blogger Sofa in Horizon fabric, designed by Roberto Tapinassi & Maurizio Manzoni
1 Whisper Rug in viscose, designed in-house by Studio Roche Bobois
1 OVNI Coffee Table designed by Vincenzo Maiolino
1 APEX Ottoman designed by Sacha Lakic
1 Jane Wood Dining Table designed by Christophe Delcourt
6 AVA Relife Chairs designed by Song Wen Zhong
1 No Limit Vase designed by Vanessa Mitrani
This curated selection combines elegance with affordability, offering a redefined sense of style for any home.
Roche Bobois’ commitment to craftsmanship and innovation ensures that every piece of furniture is more than just a functional item but a cornerstone of sophisticated living. By continuing to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship, Roche Bobois remains a symbol of luxury and innovation in the world of interior design, inspiring homeowners and industry professionals alike to create unique and refined living environments.
For more information, please contact the nearest Showroom to you or visit our website: ROCHE BOBOIS official website French Art de Vivre: www.roche-bobois.com
For the past ten years, Stephan Benadé has successfully managed a full-service architectural practice, Benadé Architects. The firm specialises in the design and documentation of various projects covering commercial, institutional, medical, residential as well as abattoirs/meat processing plants and holiday/ vacation resorts. Recently, Benadé partnered in a venture with American-based firm Core 1 Design LLC to form Core 1 Design SA and its expansion into Africa and USA-based projects.
Benadé Architects/ Memory Lane Photography
The firm has participated in and led several big-budget projects and has a proven track record of delivering projects within defined budgets and schedule constraints. The company is able to run projects independently, and its expertise extends to construction management, ensuring that sub-contractors comply with contractual terms and conditions, standards, procedures, regulations, and specifications.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills drives and motivates the team effort to meet set organisational goals. Principal Architect Stephan Benadé discusses the firm's approach to rendering bespoke architectural solutions to clients.
Good design solutions
"Benadé Architects, is determined to find the best solution for every design. We aim for the highest levels of artistry and craftsmanship to ensure complete client satisfaction. Our passion and commitment are evident in every project we complete, turning conceptual dreams into building realities to satisfy the client’s needs.
"Our design solutions are achieved by a balance between theoretical knowledge and practice, which is then merged with the latest technological advances in materials and sustainability to guarantee the best solutions for our clients. We believe that a good design is site-specific, that is, factoring in the slope, ground formation, viewpoints, orientation of the building, and wind, whether it is urban, suburban, or rural. Form follows function, but it needs to work with the site conditions and the neighbouring buildings. The end result is a combination of a homogenous balance and presence in a uniquely designed building. "
The devil is in the detail
"We are detail-oriented: we aim to understand better the overall building detailing and how this will determine the outcome of the design and construction. A small missed detail can significantly impact a design’s overall aesthetic and presence, so as architects or designers, we must observe and monitor all the time. Our thoroughness is married to good material knowledge and construction methods which dramatically impact the design philosophy and style of a design or project. "
We believe that all design must reflect the time, the people, the site, the heritage, the future and current happenings.
"A further concept embraced by the firm is that of taking ordinary, everyday items and elevating them to the extraordinary, achieving a higher level of presence in the design and space. We combine readily available building material with precise and beautiful detailing to create a new aesthetic that anyone can relate to characterised by a high level of design.
"We believe that all design must reflect the time, the people, the site, the heritage, the future and current happenings. All design is like an art gallery; therefore, we create a gallery for life to play off in, like a grand stage. This philosophy is embedded in everything we design, from the exterior handling of the building or house to the interior. The symbiosis of natural elements like material and light with luxurious or ordinary hand-crafted elements is a signature of our work, as well as understanding the client’s brief and interpreting their need of the space."
Sustainability is key "Sustainable architecture is important to us in any design, and passive sustainable design methodology is always incorporated into the designs. We plan the form or shape, allowing natural light and ventilation, courtyards and water elements to cool the air and allow the design to breathe, orientation and site conditions, roof overhangs or shading elements, cavity walls, insulation of the building envelope, glazing. If designed correctly, this negates the reliance on costly utility bills for air conditioners for summer cooling and space heating during winter. "
Sustainable architecture is important to us in any design, and passive sustainable design methodology is always incorporated into the designs.
Achieving a green design standard, in harmony with the site and nature, will reduce operational costs for the client and provide a more comfortable environment for their everyday life.
The repurposing of the former pumphouse utility building right next to Cape Town’s Liesbeek River, on the premises of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), was a remarkable heritage architectural achievement on many levels. TO BUILD celebrates this heritage achievement, this being the month of September and National Heritage Day.
Gareth Griffiths
This was fundamentally a remarkable repurposing and restoration of a bygone-era utility building on an extremely tight budget. The building dates back to Victorian times in the Cape. On another level, the property owners and the architects of record, SALT Architects, faced a number of building site geotechnical and structural challenges in the process. Significantly, however, this is an outstanding example of how South Africa’s colourful heritage can be recorded and preserved across multiple disciplines.
Robyn Walker, JD van der Walt, Betta Steyn and Gareth Griffiths
Typical of TO BUILD’s interrogative style, we unpacked some of the unique features of the project, including its materiality, design, and memorable details.
According to the architects of record, SALT Architects (www.saltarchitects.co.za), the existing building on the site earmarked for renovation was a Victorian pump house, initially used for pumping water from the
weir in the Liesbeek River for irrigation purposes. Over the decades, the building underwent various renovations and transformations, serving as a workshop and an educational centre, among other things. The old mechanical workshop and the science educational resources centre had fallen into disuse. There was also the problem of the occasional winter flooding of the Liesbeek Canal.
TO BUILD unpacks some of the unique features of the project, including its materiality, design, and memorable details.
The client’s brief requested proposals for transforming the existing Victorianera pump house into the new Visitors Centre for the SAAO. Challenges included the provision of modern ablution facilities, a reception area, varying exhibition spaces, and a dedicated room for housing an observation instrument known as a heliostat. In addition to modern ablutions within the visitors centre, an old outside toilet block located on a level above the pumphouse was given a substantial renovation, including a new sloping “skillion-style” roof fashioned from aluminium-zinc clip-fix roofing material as well as renovated exposed clay brick.
The brief also required general building maintenance, which, along with the renovation, had to be executed within a limited budget. The budget was “subsequently increased by 2.5 times”, says Principal Architect JD van der Walt, but was still “inadequate to cover the actual scope of work that needed to be done”.
However, Van der Walt and his team took on the challenge: “We saw the required transformation of the Victorian-era pumphouse into a Visitors’ Centre as an opportunity to uncover and showcase the site’s layered meanings”.
The former Royal Observatory Cape of Good Hope was founded on October 20, 1820 and is the oldest scientific institution in the country (source: www.saao.ac.za). After 1971, a decision was taken to amalgamate the significant facilities for optical astronomical research in SA into one body, which became known as the South African Astronomical Observatory.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) officially declared the SAAO a National Heritage Site on December 21, 2018. As a consequence of this, the pumphouse structure was categorised as a Grade 3C Heritage Building.
Apart from the adaptive reuse of the heritage building as an architectural challenge, the project also provided opportunities to recognise the diverse and rich cultural landscape that astronomy has engendered in South Africa. This is notably encapsulated in two breathtaking works of art and the preservation of the Victorian-era pump as a prominent piece in the new reception area.
Van der Walt notes that the oldest and more significant portions of the building were approached delicately, yet with enough targeted intervention to ensure the long-term use of the building.
At the site walkabout, courtesy of Dr Daniel Cunnama, Project Manager and Science Engagement Astronomer from the SAAO, my attention was drawn to an imposing and sculptured high-tech work of art, above which is the second artwork, a brilliantly back-illuminated ceiling piece which represents the night sky as seen by the Kora people, a nomadic group of the Khoikhoi.
These two signal works of art in the visitors’ reception area of the repurposed building are by South African artist Betta Steyn. They are explained by the exhibition board on site, interpreted and written by Dr Kerry Jones of African Tongue. Her professional linguistic consultancy commissioned the artwork. Both of these honour the original people of the region, the Khoikhoi.
Jones interprets these: “One of southern Africa’s first tricksters and creators is known as |Kaggen in the |Xam language. |Xam is an extinct Tuu or !Ui-Taa language of South Africa, and is the same language you find on our coat of arms.”
“The ceiling is adorned by a striking sculptured figure, named |Kaggen, which was commissioned by African Tongue and created by me and my son Siemon,” says Steyn.
the project also provided opportunities to recognise the diverse and rich cultural landscape
As a linguist, Jones extracted and interpreted the Kora constellations in 2021 to highlight the historical and cultural importance of the Kora data as documented by Lucy Lloyd, a linguist in Mowbray during the 1870's along with her brother-in-law. Using the additional notes found in Lloyd’s notebooks, Jones collaborated with astronomer Daniel Cunnama. Together, they identified which stars were likely to have been described during those summer evenings in 1874 by |Xam storytellers Kāsing and Dīa!kwã in, and Lloyd herself. This was a remarkable feat.
Steyn then collaborated with Khomani artists in the Kalahari to gather their input, which was given by way of traditional
“beenbrandwerk” or “bone burning work.” Subsequently, Steyn was able to create the artistic representations of the constellations as seen below.
The ceiling was crafted from perforated aluminium, the pinpricks of light representing the constellations seen during that era. Visitors move through the exhibition space to a dark room that houses a heliostat on a new concrete roof. This observation instrument tracks the sun’s movement and reflects its rays onto an interactive central table. The eastern wing acts as another space to host rotating exhibits.
Due to its proximity to the river, managing the water table proved challenging and continues to be so. Heavy rainfall in July 2024 exacerbated matters.
“Our budget was very limited, restricting our efforts. To address drainage issues, we created hard landscaping on the higher northeastern side of the building, which sloped away into a new concrete channel. Beneath this channel, a sub-soil drain was installed, but this was insufficient during recent rains,” says Van der Walt.
The original walls of that era had no damp courses, creating problems.
The original walls of that era had no damp courses, creating problems. One example is the Heliostat room (an instrument that tracks the sun) with a new concrete roof.
“We left the Heliostat room untouched. We should have lowered the existing soil below the surface bed level. However, the existing foundation is flush with the surface bed, making it impractical to lower the ground level without expensive underpinning and re-casting of foundations,” he explains, adding that this was a consequence of a tight budget. “Rising damp has been an issue in certain areas, though it is not a significant concern. Alternative methods, such as negative or positive waterproofing, could have compromised the integrity of the old bricks by trapping moisture on either side of the wall. Given that these are old, non-cavity walls, we decided it was better to manage the humidity rather than attempt a complete mitigation. Hence, we chose a breathable wall solution to address this problem, allowing moisture to pass through the paint barrier. Paint manufacturer, Dulux, was consulted for their expertise on this approach.”
Professional team
Owner/project manager: SAAO
Architects: SALT Architects
Structural Engineers: AVCON Structural Engineers
Building Contractor: Boshard Construction & Benchmark
Builders - JV
Heritage interpretation & concept: African Tongue/Dr Kerry Jones
Artwork: Betta and Siemon Steyn
“Architecturally, our goal was to create a more expansive entrance area. We aimed to honour the original walls by exposing their cut surfaces, which we smoothed through grinding and sealed with Sikagard®-905 W.
“The new roof structure, featuring spruce beams, and the integrated oriented strand board ceiling, sealed with Rubio Monocoat, allowed us to introduce new architectural elements that complement, yet distinctly contrast with, the existing fabric of the building”, Van der Walt explains.
The old corrugated iron roof required considerable renovation and reimagination. Gables on the east-west axis of the former garage were removed and replaced with a low-pitch concealed fixed steel roof with a flat concrete slab roof replacing the slanted corrugated roof for the Heliostat room. The remaining pitch roof received a makeover of corrugated AZ150 pre-painted steel roofing, formed by Safintra, in matt colour, which closely matches that of the original roof and fits in with the heritage character.
Interior demolition was targeted at non-original portions of the building to enhance the spatial experience, emphasise the original structure and establish a more open plan for programmatic requirements. The former demolished items are hinted at and can be noticed in the building with expressions of the old positions of walls in the floor and wall detailing.
Contemporary interventions to the exterior approach of the building include three new windows for natural light. Two of these are inserted where a garage door used to be. These windows are similar in proportion to the original openings in the building but are expressed in a contemporary manner with deep but thin steel frames that form internal seating in the waiting area.
Can we shift the paradigm in design thinking away from seeing artificial intelligence as a threat into a technology that could be adopted and moulded for productive use in the studio without threatening human professional staff? Ulrich Pieterse, a regular thoughtpiece contributor on our pages, shares his view with us.
Ulrich Pieterse, PrArch
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement and apprehension across various industries. In architecture, this duality is especially pronounced. While some fear that AI might render architects and designers obsolete, a more progressive perspective suggests that AI can be an invaluable tool, complementing and enhancing human creativity and expertise. AI represents the next step in the evolution of automation, which is already deeply embedded in architecture. For example, when architects design using traditional software such as ArchiCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, these programs automatically generate construction documents. This is automation in action, taking over tasks that architects traditionally performed by hand. While AI can perform complex tasks and learn from data, it lacks human intelligence’s natural, organic development, consciousness, and intrinsic motivations. Unlike the Terminator, who might insist “I’ll be back with world domination plans”, today’s AI is more likely to say ‘I’ll be back with a better recommendation for your floor plan layout”. So, let’s dive into why AI is more interested in optimising your floor plans than in world domination.
A primary advantage of integrating AI into architecture is its potential to amplify human creativity. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and generate design options that might not be immediately apparent to architects and designers. This capability allows architects to explore a broader range of possibilities, pushing the boundaries of conventional design. By leveraging AI tools such as Finch1 and Maket2, architects can experiment with innovative concepts and materials, leading to more groundbreaking and sustainable architectural designs.
That said, architects bring a unique blend of creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence to their work, which AI cannot replicate. Understanding and interpreting clients’ nuanced needs and desires and translating them into inspiring designs remains a distinctly human capability. While
AI can help generate and optimise designs, architects are better at tailoring solutions to clients’ preferences and needs. Personalised design requires empathy and a deep understanding of individual tastes, which are areas where humans excel.
AI can significantly streamline various aspects of the architectural workflow, from concept design to project management. Tools such as Forma3, Parafin4 and Cove. tool5 as powered by AI can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as drafting, rendering, and cost estimation. This automation frees up valuable time for architects to focus on more complex and creative projects. Moreover, AI-driven design tools can optimise sustainability, resource allocation, and risk assessment, ensuring that projects are completed more efficiently and within budget.
Rather than replacing architects, technologists and designers, AI is a powerful tool to enhance their capabilities. Automating repetitive tasks, providing datadriven insights, and optimizing designs allow architects to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work.
Precision is paramount in architecture, where even minor errors can lead to costly revisions or structural issues. AI can potentially help enhance the accuracy of architectural designs by performing detailed analyses and simulations. These capabilities can help architects identify potential flaws and optimise structural integrity before construction begins. By reducing the likelihood of errors, AI will improve the final product’s quality and minimise waste and environmental impact.
However, architecture is inherently a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders, including clients, engineers, contractors, and urban planners. Architects excel in communication, negotiation, and collaboration, skills that are essential for coordinating diverse teams and managing complex projects. Architects have a responsibility to uphold safety, sustainability and ethical standards. Human professionals are accountable for their decisions and actions, a level of commitment and ethical consideration that AI systems cannot assume.
The integration of AI in architecture does not necessitate the replacement of architects. On the contrary, it fosters a collaborative environment where AI and human expertise complement each other. AI can handle data-intensive tasks and generate insights, while architects bring intuition, creativity, and contextual understanding. This synergy can lead to more innovative and human-centred designs that resonate deeply with users.
Architectural design often involves making ethical decisions and considering cultural contexts. Architects can understand and respect cultural heritage, social dynamics, and moral implications in ways AI cannot fully grasp or replicate.
The motivation for embracing AI in architecture stems from the need to stay competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. Firms that adopt AI will be better positioned to meet the growing demands for sustainability, efficiency, and personalisation in architectural design. The shift towards integrating AI in architectural thinking represents an exciting opportunity to enhance human creativity, streamline workflows, and create more precise, personalised, and adaptive designs.
By viewing AI as a collaborative partner rather than a threat, architecture and design firms can harness its potential to drive innovation and create more value for their clients, navigating the future with confidence and ensuring that the profession continues to thrive and evolve without compromising the invaluable contributions of architects and designers.
However, it’s the responsibility of employers to make ethical decisions when introducing AI into their firms by strategically implementing AI in ways that enhance the capabilities of designers rather than replacing them, ensuring that they remain a vital part of the architectural process. Through training, mentorship, and a focus on creative and strategic tasks, firms can create an environment where AI and human talent work together harmoniously.
So, while AI in architecture won’t declare “Hasta la vista, baby” to human users anytime soon, it’s certainly here to assist, enhance, and entertain. Remember, if your office smart fridge ever says, “Come with me if you want to live,” it’s probably just reminding you to buy more milk!
Contact Ulrich Pieterse at UpStudio on +27 82 511 8702. Or find him at www.uparchitects.co.za
References
1. Finch - www.finch3d.com/
2. Makit - www.maket.ai/
3. Forma - www.autodesk.com/products/ forma/free-trial
4. Parafin - https://parafin.ai/
5. Cove - https://cove.tools/products/ analysis-tool
Leading AI researcher comments TO BUILD approached Arthur Goldstuck, Founder of World Wide Worx, Editor-in-Chief of Gadget.co.za and author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI, to share his opinion on the contribution that AI can make to architecture and the design professions. Here is his response:
In researching my book, the Hitchhiker's Guide to AI, I found that the area where artificial intelligence has the greatest potential is in the so-called professions.
These are jobs and roles that require practitioners to have the highest qualifications requiring the longest qualification timetypically 4 to 6 years. There is an argument that the longer it takes to qualify for a particular profession, the less likely it is to be replaced by AI. While that is a fairly onedimensional argument, there is truth in it.
That truth is the fact that most of these professions are regulated or subject to the oversight of regulatory bodies. Doctors and lawyers in particular will find AI of immense value in assisting and supporting them in their work, but can be confident that it will never be allowed to replace them, given regulatory concerns around accountability. This applies to a slightly lesser extent in the likes of the engineering and architectural professions where the consequences of poor design or structural flaws can be immense.
On the other hand the use of AI as a support has the potential to increase the creativity, efficiency and effectiveness of engineers and architects immeasurably. Imagine for example, a design of a structure for a client who is not sure what they want. Typically an architect may come up with 2 or 3 alternative designs in the hope that the Goldilocks effect will kick in, i.e. this one is too hot, this one is too cold but this one is just right. That is still hit-andmiss. Now imagine, with the assistance of AI, the architect can feed the initial designs into the system and ask it to come up with a dozen alternatives, taking into account the same parameters within which the project must be implemented. And then tweak those to their style, intention and taste. Suddenly the architect is dramatically more efficient, creative, cost-effective and flexible.
AI augments your capacity, rather than replacing it.
TO BUILD encourages architects from all provinces to submit their latest house projects for consideration as a project review on our pages. We do this to promote a culture of sharing and learning within the profession. This September’s project comes from Lamlani Maliwa, who is based in the Buffalo City Metro of the Eastern Cape.
Rethinking, reusing and a modern heterogeneous facade
Kwamhlanga is a residence in Mdantsane, East London, a South African suburban township situated 15km from East London and 37km from Qonce in the Eastern Cape. It was initially a four-roomed township house comprising a lounge, kitchen, and two bedrooms sharing a bathroom.
This residence redefines its spatial boundaries on a corner property by minimising its physical and visual access from outside in while maximising its visual appeal and security. From the outside, it presents a modern heterogeneous facade composed of three magical volumes featuring different materials, colours, and textures. Internally, it embraces a biophilic design approach enhanced by free-flowing air, remarkable visual connections between interior and exterior, and a complete transformation of its previous form. This residence provides an astonishing theatrical vision, changing how passersby perceive the residence and the township.
Contrary to the trend of most educated people and professionals moving to suburbs when they achieve better opportunities, the owner decided to build and stay here. This conscious decision was driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprint by minimising car usage, thereby preserving time and health. This residence allows living and working from within, providing a better opportunity to achieve personal goals without the pressures of external influences such as paying office rent and travel expenses.
The new design was influenced by the four R’s:
• reducing waste;
• rethinking and maximising space usage;
• reusing old items; and
• recycling certain products for new purposes instead of discarding them.
The spaces are arranged into three independent levels, influenced by the natural slope, and divided into three areas defined as public, semi-public, and private spaces. The floor plan includes essential areas such as the double garage with a storeroom, an open-plan living and kitchen, two bedrooms with ensuites, and an entrance lobby with a guest toilet and kitchenette/laundry nearby. It also includes a studio that is sometimes used for dining.
The north-facing courtyard links the double garage and studio/dining area
with a visual connection to the kitchen. The centrally positioned open-plan living and kitchen receive natural light through the roof skylight. The original bathroom has been divided into two ensuites for each bedroom, seamlessly connecting to the backyard deck and swimming pool area. This design contrasts sharply with the historical township house design, with cramped living conditions, as it fosters a special relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a more harmonious living
environment. It emphasises secure living and aims to enhance the quality of life, providing a sense of dignity and freedom previously denied.
This experience is enriched by the thoughtful interplay of concrete, wood, glass, steel and aluminium materials to create a meticulous aesthetic. This residence is a unique sanctuary where physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs are harmoniously met.
Lamlani Maliwa, a principal at Umsi Ka Mhlanga Design Workshop, is a well-rounded, dynamic and vibrant licensed professional who is showing through his architectural work (primarily commercial, industrial and residential) that he has what it takes to transform the profession and the way we think about architecture and design.
EGGER presents a new, rolling collection concept for distributors, architects and fabricators.
Inspiring new introductions, established decors, sustainable products for a healthy home, a wide range of digital services and innovative decor advice are the cornerstones of the new Decorative Collection 24+ that the wood-based material specialist has launched on the market in February 2024.
With the Decorative Collection for distributors, architects and fabricators, the EGGER Group has been on the road to success for years. With the Decorative Collection 24 + launch, the global wood-based material manufacturer is adding a new chapter to this success story. “We are living through challenging times. The past four years have been marked by change and uncertainty. Special market requirements, a dynamic competitive environment and fast-moving trends have made us rethink our Decorative Collection concept and build on our EGGER strengths,” says Hubert Höglauer, Head of Product Management and Marketing Furniture and Interior Design.
With the Decorative Collection 24+, EGGER presents a rolling collection for the first time. This means it will be updated every two years, but there will not be a complete new edition. “This rolling concept allows us to react faster to new trends, new influences and new product innovations. Despite shorter update cycles, we guarantee that all new introductions remain in the range for at least four years. This provides planning certainty for our customers’ projects," Hubert Höglauer summarises the concept of the Decorative Collection. EGGER’s distribution partners, architects, and fabricators, thus receive a globally uniform decor and product portfolio that is always up to date with the times.
manufacturer with more than 11,000 employees and 22 production plants worldwide. EGGER is a full-range supplier for furniture and interior design, for wood construction and for wood-based flooring, making it a reliable partner for the furniture industry, wood and flooring trades and DIY stores. In the 2022/2023 financial year, the EGGER Group generated a turnover of EUR 4.45 billion.
With the new decorative collection, EGGER is also establishing a new type of decor advice and combination recommendation that aligns with the spirit of the times: the EGGER Capsule Concept. “Derived from the 'Capsule Wardrobe', in which a few valuable items of clothing can be combined in a variety of ways, we use the capsule concept for the presentation of decors and thus provide recommendations for a wide range of applications, trend themes and combination options," explains Klaus Monhoff, Head of Design and Décor Management. As part of the capsules, new introductions and existing and established decors are included in the recommendations. The strength of the EGGER Capsule Concept is the high degree of design freedom and flexibility. The innovative EGGER Capsule Concept has already been honoured with the “Winner" award in the “Excellent Communication Design - Online Publications” category at the German Design Awards 2024.
Always inspiring. Always up to date. Discover our new collection, featuring a unique variety of tried and tested on-trend decors, easy to access on our website or app. Our innovative rolling collection concept ensures all the latest in design and digital, and our inspirational trend capsules trigger new ideas and opportunities.
» Discover the new collection: to.egger.link/decorative-collection
Being a sustainable business is always at the centre of EGGER's activities: 65 % of the wood used already comes from recycling or by-products. At the end of their long service life, EGGER products are in turn recyclable to a great extent and can be reintroduced into the cycle. With this and many other measures, the family company is constantly working towards its goal of "creating more from the valuable resource wood" and thus enabling sustainable living and working.
Discover the new Decorative Collection 24+: www.egger.com
ST20 Metal Brushed
Impressively real: a metallic look with a brushed surface brings an industrial finish to a piece of furniture. Eurodekor Faced Chipboard is made using 76 % wood from the circular economy.
» Discover the new collection: to.egger.link/decorative-collection
"In Flanders fields, the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row…" reads the famous wartime poem by John McCrae. But Flanders holds so much more than memories of that great war - as the prosperous northern region of Belgium, known for its impressive heritage and the progressive craftsmanship of its master painters and their descendants. A feature of the area is the architecture, where South African-founded firm SAOTA excelled with its design of a distinctive contemporary architectural dwelling on a large wooded lot.
Adam Letch
This stunning project allowed SAOTA to design a distinctive contemporary architectural object in the landscape that would simultaneously serve as a warm, outward-looking living environment and engage meaningfully with its surroundings. With a total site area of 17 393 m2, SAOTA’s design team proposed a development with a project area of 2000 m2
Philip Olmesdahl, Principal at SAOTA says: “Given the expansive site and its rich landscape, our design approach was about integrating the building as an object within its environment. Early in the process, we decided on the main house and a separate pavilion housing the pool and gym. The relationship between these buildings and the surrounding space defines the unique character of the site arrangement."
The standout components of the master plan include a main house above a basement parking garage and a separate pool pavilion with a home office. The house and pavilion are linked via landscaped courtyards, a structured system of koi ponds and a swimming pool.
The exterior design comprises solid cubes and interconnecting glazed voids, unified with a slender canopy that wraps around three sides to form outdoor terraces. Clustered vertical columns double as sculptural screens. The facade design is an expression of the interior layout. The client’s preference for traditional, defined rooms rather than an open-plan arrangement led to cellular interior spaces that open outwards onto the terraces and inwards towards a double-volume central atrium with skylights.
The house responds to the local climate by fostering an indoor-outdoor lifestyle in summer and an introverted, cosy environment centring on the atrium in winter. The cellular character of the rooms fragments or erodes as they open to the terraces and atrium, which makes for fluid transitions and invites glimpses of the garden deep into the interiors.
The exterior facades feature a restrained palette of materials - slabs of Giallo D’Istria marble cladding on the walls, sandstone floors, and panelled Alucabond aluminium sheets along the fireplace broken up by large glass panels. The contrast between the precision of the architectural detailing and the organic textures of the materials amplifies their inherent beauty.
The simplicity and formal clarity of this home’s design, both as an architectural object and a tranquil living environment, aims to facilitate an authentic, connected relationship with its natural setting.
SAOTA’s scope ended at the IDD stage. After that, APART Architects of Belgium managed the entire process, from tenders and approvals to site works. Beginning with the design response phase in April 2018, SAOTA’s team in South Africa received progress photos “every other month” ending in March 2023.
Project Name: Flanders House
Project Location: Belgium
Lead Designers: SAOTA
SAOTA Project Team: Philip Olmesdahl, Joe Schutzer-Weissmann, Nasreen Larney, Bobby Labrou & Valerie Lehabe
Architect of Record: Apart Architects
Project Manager: Hadewijch Geuskens
Interior Designer: Pieter Laureys
Furnished by: TKI Interiors
Contractor: Van Mourik Bouw
Electrical Engineer: High End Electro
Landscaping: Wirtz International
Lighting Design: Cone Lighting Photographer: Adam Letch
Fibertex is a leading supplier of Geocomposite drainage products for cost effective and sustainable management of water in environmental, structural, earthworks and roof drainage applications.
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The presentation of a 6-Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts plaque by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) in June to Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate (www.newinbosch.co.za) marks a significant milestone in the South African property industry. This award makes the estate the highest-rated sustainable precinct in Africa, illustrating the commitment of its developers to eco-friendly living and sustainable development.
A development by Similan, Newinbosch is situated among Stellenbosch’s lush vineyards, which the developer says, “redefines the concept of a South African ‘neighbourhood’. It promotes a premodernist urban living model where community life thrives in shared public spaces – harking back to a time when the richness of life happened in the spaces between people’s homes.” Newinbosch aims to create a neighbourhood in the traditional sense that is safe, accessible, and inclusive. Additionally, being sustainable is at the core of the development vision.
Net Zero certification is all about our landscaping game...
As part of its aim to create a cohesive neighbourhood feel and a positive connection to the outside world, the development will include a number of unique features:
• A soft, inviting public edge: ground floor retail and office facilities with apartments above create a public edge at the entrance to Newinbosch, which connects to pedestrian routes and the Newinbosch Square shopping centre across the road, a school, and the Cedars church.
• Security without exclusion: safety is critical at Newinbosch, but entrance is open to non-residents who wish to explore the public amenities and participate in events. Access control powered by state-of-theart technology will ensure safe and seamless access for residents while ensuring visitors are still made to feel welcome.
• Public, community-oriented facilities: Newinbosch includes public and community facilities accessible to visitors from outside. These social and communal assets stimulate cohesion, a reason people visit and stay. Public facilities include The Grappa Shed – a multipurpose venue for community events, a restaurant, a gym, and a creche. Events such as swimming lessons, water polo and underwater hockey tournaments at the 25-metre swimming pool, pickleball courts, a skate park, and seasonal shows at the amphitheatre, will also be open to the public.
• Walkability: the precinct is designed
with extensive pedestrian and micromobility routes. It’s designed around a “five-minute neighbourhood”, meaning it takes five minutes for residents to connect to amenities within the precinct.
• Family-friendly environment: Newinbosch offers amenities that cater to families and children while nurturing a safe public realm and encouraging play.
“We've envisioned Newinbosch as a place for everyone—a community of people that is down to earth, welcoming, and honest,” says Harold Spies, managing director at Similan. “Our focus is on creating a neighbourhood with the right mix of ingredients and liveability without the poshness that alienates. We do not think of it as an ‘estate’, which is a subtle but very important difference, in our way of thinking.”
Green ambitions and achievements
The development will target five sustainable certifications in total, with two already achieved:
• The 6-Star Green Star Sustainable Precincts rates the sustainability of the planning, design, and construction of a whole precinct and signifies world leadership in this realm.
• An EDGE Advanced (Level 2) Certification recognises homes at least 40% more energy-efficient and 20% more water- and materialefficient than conventional buildings.
Q (To Build): we asked Spies to provide further information about the indigenous landscaping project and the land’s usage and condition before the project’s inception and implementation.
“The land was a mono-culture vineyard farm with degraded soil. Hence, the 6-Star Sustainable Precinct and Net Zero Ecology rating aims to substantially enhance the biostructure and health of the soil, increase the biomass 100 fold and plant roughly 50 000-70 000 trees.
“Net Zero certification is all about our landscaping game and to show that we made a significant improvement to its before-and-after ecological contribution during the construction of Newinbosch. We’ll do this by planting locally indigenous plants (Swartland Shale Renosterveld species) in public landscaping spots, creating biodiversity corridors along non-motorised pathways, and giving homeowners tips on what to plant. We will only receive this once the neighbourhood is completed, proving that we’ve really put our green thumbs to work!” he explains.
Q (To Build): Is grey and even black water processing and recycling part of the programme going forward?
“We will not be processing any black water; however, recycling grey water is a central pillar of the neighbourhood’s water requirement. There will be around 650 apartments. All the grey water, bath, shower and basin water will be cleaned, pumped to the irrigation/ attenuation dam, further flushed with rain water and water from the Theewaterskloof scheme and used for irrigation,” he explains.
Newinbosch features some innovative green building initiatives such as:
• a solar- and battery-powered microgrid on-site in partnership with Broadreach and Lesedi;
• cost-saving energy efficiencies informing all design considerations (EDGE certified);
• water-efficient technologies using rainwater and grey water for irrigation;
• new-generation waste management to reduce waste to landfill;
• indigenous landscaping, including restoration of local renosterveld and the creation of pocket forests (see sidebar); and
• a not-for-profit urban farm.
Newinbosch’s Sustainable Precincts certification is significant because it’s the first 6-star rating of its kind on the African continent.
The bottom line
Newinbosch’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond eco-friendly practices. Residents can expect substantial economic benefits from making their homes within the development. Purchasers of EDGE-certified properties currently qualify for a 0,25% interest rate concession from participating banks. The developer has further information on this (www.similan.co.za).
In addition, water and energy costs will be considerably lower, and the solar grid will buffer homeowners from potential loadshedding.
From a quality of life perspective, Spies describes the development as “a substantially and measurably different type to most others.” He adds: “We know that the liveability of Newinbosch will surpass most
other neighbourhoods and in time, result in higher sales prices, which will definitely benefit our buyers.”
Georgina Smit, GBCSA head of technical, affirms: “Newinbosch’s Sustainable Precincts certification is significant because it’s the first 6-star rating of its kind on the African continent. Furthermore, this project is greening at the scale we need to really drive transformation within the built environment. If we are serious about transitioning our carbon trajectory and enhancing ecological value, we need more neighbourhoods designed like this to create systemic change. Their holistic approach serves as a model for future developments in South Africa and beyond and GBCSA commend the entire project team for their commitment and, importantly, their action in entrenching sustainable thinking into the development roll-out.”
water and energy costs will be considerably lower, and the solar grid will buffer homeowners from potential loadshedding.
Developer: Cloetesdal Developments
Project and development managers: Similan Consult
Urban designers and architects: Osmond Lange
Landscape architects: CNDV Landscape Architects
Town planners: TV3
Sustainability consultants: Ecolution
Visual impact consultant: David Gibbs
Civil engineer: Bart Senekal Inc.
Structural engineers: De Villiers Consult
Civil and structural: KCE Consulting
Electrical engineers: Raubicon
Main contractor: Raubex Building
Civils contractor: EMPA Structures
Transport and civil engineers: UDS Africa
References
1. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/09/tiny-urban-forests-miyawakibiodiversity-carbon-capture
2. https://urban-forests.com/miyawaki-method
These miniature forests are a vibrant ecosystem where tall trees form a canopy, providing shade and shelter. At the same time, a diverse shrub layer below creates a habitat for birds, insects, and other creatures. Pocket forests are not just a feast for the eyes; they play a vital role in the ecosystem. (See also the detailed article by Wesley Soule in this edition).
Spies says: “They act as natural air purifiers and provide sanctuary for many species. Inspired by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawake’s Tiny Forests, we’ve planted these Pocket Forests along Newinbosch Boulevard and are extending them to other landscaped areas. This unique approach brings a slice of nature to our doorstep, turning our urban area into a vibrant habitat.” Spies encourages To Build readers to “join in the fun”: “Plant your own mini-forest, especially in your front garden, and let’s turn our neighbourhood into a lush, green paradise together.”
Recent statistics from Pam Golding show that 68.8% of home buyers are prepared to pay a premium for homes with green features, which is good news for developers considering this approach.
Anyone can fall victim to a cyber-attack of sorts. An article published in a conveyancing attorney’s newsletter brought to our attention phishing attacks where the property buyer is expected to take responsibility for protecting themselves against known cyberspace/digital risks. We asked our legal expert, Adv. Bryan Hack to comment.
Bryan Hack
Some years back, I had a very distressed client, an estate agent, now known as a property practitioner, who had received a summons to pay a sum of money due by the buyer to the seller arising from the sale of immovable property.
When asking the buyer why the payment was not made, the response was that it had been paid, and proof of payment had been provided. According to the buyer, the evidence showed that payment had been made to the account of the transferring attorney. They, of course, were the next port of call to explain why the money had not been reflected in the statement of account to the seller. They had no record of the payment.
Further investigation revealed what had happened. The buyer had received an email from the property practitioner informing him that there had been a change of account and that he had to make further payments into this new bank account. He duly made the payment into this new bank account. This email was fraudulent, did not originate from the property practitioner, and the bank account was not that of the property practitioner. Immediately after the payment had been made into that account, it was again withdrawn, and no trace could be found as to who had ultimately received the money.
The seller then alleged that the payment liability rested on the property practitioner.
My advice at the time was that they could not be held liable in the absence of any negligence on the property practitioners’ part.
At the time, the question of who could be liable was novel; in other words, it had not yet been considered and ruled upon in a court of law. Such a ruling has now been made in the Supreme Court of Appeal in the judgment of Edward Nathan Sonnenberg Inc v Hawarden, an unreported case but one that can be read on the internet service known as Saffli1.
The circumstances in the above case are very similar to my client’s. What is different is that the plaintiff held the conveyancing attorney liable as the fraudulent emails
purportedly came from that firm and not from the property practitioner. Regardless of the identity of the parties, the legal principles applied by the court are the same. The court identified the question to be decided as to whether or not the plaintiff had established the wrongfulness for a delictual claim arising out of any omission causing pure economic loss.
The case came to the Supreme Court of Appeal after the lower court (the High Court) found that the attorney was liable to compensate the buyer for the loss. The Supreme Court of Appeal rejected the lower court’s finding and upheld the appeal. It found that the conveyancing attorney was not liable. In addressing the different views it had with the lower court, the Supreme Court of Appeal said the following: “The effect of the judgment of the high court is to require creditors to protect their debtors against the risk of interception of their payments. The high court should have declined to extend liability in this case because of the real danger of indeterminate liability.”
Lessons learned
The court’s decision, however, again emphasises the need to be alert, cautious and consistently aware of the rise of cybercrime when effecting electronic transactions.
The court said that the issue of wrongfulness had to be decided on various considerations. First, the buyer was not the attorney’s client, and they had no contractual relationship. The loss occurred when there was no attorney-client relationship between them. The buyer suffered a loss not because of any failure in the attorney systems but because hackers had infiltrated the buyer’s email account and fraudulently diverted her payment, which was meant for the attorney, into their own account.
The interference that caused the loss resulted from the buyer’s email account being compromised. When the buyer made the payment, she failed to verify the account. The court said it would have been relatively easy for the buyer to have avoided the risk by verifying the account details with the attorney’s office. In its judgment, the court was influenced by the fact that the buyer could not explain why the account was not verified and concluded that the buyer had ample means to protect herself.
The court said that the lower court’s finding that the attorney’s failure to warn the buyer
Phishing is a form of social engineering and a scam where attackers deceive people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware such as viruses, worms, adware, or ransomware (source: Wikipedia)
As a safeguard against a phishing attack, we asked an expert for some plain advice: in such a quickly moving world, it can be hard to stay on top of all the emerging technologies and the security risks that come with them. However, we should be aware of the vulnerabilities within our daily cyberspaces. Phishing is probably one of the most common methods of tricking victims. The reputation of a trusted firm or friend is leveraged to entice a user to perform compromising actions or provide valuable information.
Be sure to authenticate the sender, follow up with a phone call, and if you send any links, do not download any files you are not 100% confident come from a reputable source. The cons may be crafty, but if you are vigilant, you may save yourself a massive headache!
attracts liability has profound implications for the attorneys’ profession and all creditors who send their bank details by email to their debtors. The court said that the ratio of the high court judgment that all creditors in the position of the conveyancing attorney owe a legal duty to their debtors to protect them from the possibility of their accounts being hacked is untenable.
The lesson to be learnt is that the person making the payment must always verify the account details because they cannot recover any loss suffered by having paid to the wrong account.
Bryan Hack can be contacted at his advocates chambers on +27 21 423 5441 or email him at hack@capebar.co.za
Pro Tip: the con artist has another trick up their sleeve: spoofing. One way to see if a link has been spoofed is to hover over the link and view the full weblink in the bottom left corner. If the link is different from the official website, do not click it!
- a high-profile project using Sikalastic®-560. 40 spring 2024 | www.tobuild.co.za
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Our home-themed automation contribution comes from John Raptakis, the Offer Marketing CFD, COS, CWD Home & Distribution Division at Schneider Electric, especially for our Spring edition.
There’s a lot to love about technology, particularly the parts that make our lives easier. Very few would say no to a Tony Stark mansion, the epitome of smart home automation. From an alarm clock sequence where Jarvis elegantly wakes you to swift, automated opening of the blinds and a weather report, it’s smart home automation at its finest.
The good news is you don’t need to be a member of Marvel’s Avengers to enjoy all the benefits of home automation advances. They are available right now to you. Imagine
driving to your home, and your gate and garage doors open automatically as your car approaches. It’s the latest in home automation technology. These systems utilise Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to detect your arrival and respond instantly, providing both convenience and, most importantly, safety.
Furthermore, control over these features extends beyond proximity-based automation. Through a dedicated app, homeowners can remotely open gates and garage doors today, controlling access points at the office or on a business trip abroad.
If you think home automation looks good on the outside, wait until you step inside. It’s all about the small things they say, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee just as you wake up certainly qualifies. (Or arrive home-Ed.)
With a programmable system, your coffee machine can be set to start brewing at a specific time, ensuring your morning begins smoothly. It’s just one less thing you must worry about as you start your day.
Lighting control is taken to a new aesthetic level when integrated into home automation systems. Dimming modules, for example, effortlessly control the intensity and timing of your lights.
Programmable scenes allow you to choose a specific “theme,” making the most of the available lighting, creating an environment customised to your mood and preferred ambience. Furthermore, the system can readily adapt to your needs, providing convenience and energy efficiency.
In countries and regions with daylight saving time, a home automation system can automatically adjust to these changes, ensuring your programmed schedules remain accurate without manual intervention. Similarly, the system can adapt to local requirements in countries like South Africa, where daylight saving isn’t observed.
Security is a significant concern for many homeowners, and modern automation systems offer solutions such as integrated cameras and alarm systems that can be monitored and controlled remotely. Whether at work, on holiday, or overseas, you can check live feeds from your home’s cameras via your smartphone or tablet.
If the alarm system is triggered, you’ll immediately receive instant notifications, allowing you to assess the situation. This capability distinguishes between false alarms - like animal thoroughfare triggering a motion sensor - and security threats.
While the initial investment can raise a few eyebrows, particularly for high-end installations, home automation systems undoubtedly offer strong ROI like convenience, security, and quality of life.
Testament to home automation’s uptake, Schneider Electric’s C-Bus systems, for example, continue to enjoy significant demand, particularly in high-end residential areas and estates in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and the Eastern Cape.
The Schneider Electric C-Bus and Wiser systems offer functionality and comfort for both commercial and residential buildings.
• Flexible: It offers flexibility in automation, allowing users to tailor the system to meet specific needs and preferences.
• Scalable: It can manage a small home or a large commercial building, and the system can scale to accommodate your requirements.
• Control: It provides comprehensive control over lighting and other electrical systems, making management straightforward and efficient.
• Comfort: Occupants can enjoy enhanced comfort thanks to the system’s ability to automate and regulate environmental conditions.
• Efficiency: The system can contribute to significant energy savings by automating tasks and optimising energy usage.
• Ease of use: The system is user-friendly, making it easy for occupants to use and interact.
• Integration: It can integrate with third-party systems, offering a customised solution that controls multiple devices for a brilliant environment.
• User-friendly interface.
Accounting audits can be an intimidating process with everything falling under scrutiny. It serves an especially important purpose, though, and helps keep a business on the right track to achieve success.
Jacqui/Pressportal
“Doing an audit of your home and business security systems during the year could also play a very important role. By asking the right questions you can quickly find out what parts of the security system you installed are still working and what aspects might need to be repaired or even replaced,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity Services Group.
She explains what you should look at and what questions to ask when doing an audit of the security measures installed at your place of work and at your residence.
“In both cases, it helps to look at the exercise through the eyes of a criminal. How easy would it be for you to break into your own home or even your office? What are the immediate security flaws you see that could give an unwanted visitor easy access,” asks Hattingh.
Auditing the business’ premises security
Some of the security audit questions to ask for your residence
• Do all the alarm sensors still work properly and detect when a door or window is opened and closed?
• Can you see any of the alarm system’s wires that might be frayed or broken?
• If you experienced recent heavy rains or extreme weather, have you checked that all external elements (like passive sensors in your garden) are still in good working condition?
• When last did you replace the alarm system’s battery backup? Batteries have a finite lifespan and offer an important buffer when there is electricity disruption.
• Does your wall or security fence still effectively prevent anyone from gaining access to your property?
• Does your armed response company still have your latest contact details? And have you assessed whether their monitoring centre still receives any panic alarms or other emergency communication from your system?
“When it comes to the security of the place of work, ask exactly the same questions as with a home, but add some other considerations, depending on the size of your company and the type of industry you work in,” advises Hattingh. These could include the following.
Have you consulted a legal expert to confirm that all security measures that are legislated for your industry, are in place? Have you done an induction course or even a refresher session with your staff to show them how they can help protect the company? Do they remember where the panic alarm buttons are, and do they remember what behaviours you expect of them when they are on duty?
Are all your CCTV cameras still working and effectively recording movement at the office? How often do you and your fellow business owners in your suburb meet to discuss security and safety concerns for the area?
“If you are not sure where to start or what to look for, please contact your armed response company today. They can send a technician or a consultant to give you advice on what to do and what to fix,” says Hattingh.
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Its design is based on a neutral palette, which sets the tone for a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
The contemporary The contemporary
– an outstanding example
TO BUILD is pleased to feature the work of Totem Designs, a Gauteng-based member of the Kitchen Specialists Association, who clearly make a statement in their area of expertise (www.totemdesigns.co.za).
Totem Designs
House Laskarides, in the Neighbourhood, Linksfield, aims to be an outstanding example of a contemporary kitchen. Its design is based on a neutral palette, which sets the tone for a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
In this contemporary kitchen, finished in a smooth matte taupe and a striking duco white, the cabinetry lines the walls with seamless handle integration for a sleek look. Countertops of Eezi Quartz in Whisper provide a durable and understated surface, complementing the cabinetry without overwhelming the space.
Large format porcelain tiles in a light beige tone cover the floor, offering both practicality and warmth underfoot. Pendant lights with clear glass shades hang above the central island, their soft glow adding ambience without detracting from the overall simplicity of the design.
Stainless steel appliances blend seamlessly into the neutral backdrop, their polished surfaces reflecting the natural light flowing through expansive windows. A subway tile backsplash in shades of turquoise adds a subtle yet intricate detail, tying together the various elements of the kitchen.
The result is a contemporary kitchen emphasising clean lines, functionality, and a serene atmosphere, making it a welcoming space for cooking and gathering.
The homeowners were thrilled with the results of the kitchen installation. They expressed delight at how the contemporary design, with its neutral palette, transformed their space into a stylish and functional area for cooking and entertaining. The sleek cabinetry and countertops enhanced the kitchen’s aesthetic appeal and provided ample storage and workspace. The choice of materials, from quartz to porcelain tiles, contributed to the kitchen’s practicality and ease of maintenance, which was a big plus for the family. Overall, the homeowners were pleased with how the design met their expectations for a modern, welcoming kitchen that perfectly suited their lifestyle.
Key project professionals and suppliers
Project: House Laskarides
Developer/Contractor: Zotos Construction
Interior architect: Roy Pappas (Drigianakis)
Materials: PG Bison Supamatt Congo / Duco White and Sonae Arauco Melamine Terra Nova
Hardware: Blum
Worktops: Eezi Quartz Whisper and Solid White Oak in Jax Oleam / White
LED Strip Lighting / Accent Lights: (inside the cabinetry) – Hafele
011 465 2088
info@totemdesigns.co.za
www.totemdesigns.co.za
Heavy Commercial Rooftop Inverter Range
When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting indoor or outdoor living space, a fireplace and / or braai is a must-have. However, not all fireplaces and braais are created equal. At Thermo Fires, we pride ourselves on our exceptional quality and workmanship. Our fireplaces and braais are built to last, using only the best available materials and construction methods. So confident are we in our quality, that we are the only company to give a 20-year warranty on our fireboxes.
Design and Versatility:
From design concept to the final product, we do everything in-house. Thermo’s innovative designs cater to various tastes and décors. From modern and sleek to traditional and rustic, our fireplaces blend seamlessly into any home. With freestanding units that can double as room dividers, to wall-standing and corner units, we also have multiple ranges of built-in fireplaces and insert options. Homeowners can choose the perfect fit for their space.
At Thermo, we understand that it's the little things that make a big difference. That's why we pay close attention to every detail, from the design to the precise engineering of our fireplaces and braais. Our products are designed to be both functional and beautiful. Our team of skilled craftsmen and machinists are dedicated to their craft, taking pride in every product that leaves our factory.
Wood-burning fireplaces have been shown to have health benefits, such as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The warmth and ambiance created by the fire can also help alleviate symptoms of winter-blues.
Thermo Fires wood-burning fireplaces are a popular choice, available in a range of designs and sizes to suit various spaces and styles. They can be installed into existing fireplaces or as a standalone unit, offering flexibility and convenience. The built-in convection channels and glass door/s on our units result in more heat output and less waste, saving you money and making our units an environmentally friendly option.
Our most popular and cost-effective freestanding units are our Slimline and Corner ranges. Whilst the Slimline range is wall-standing, the Corner unit - unique to Thermo Fires - was designed to tuck neatly into an unused corner of your room. It radiates the heat at 90 degrees, with a view of the flames from all angles. We also offer 4 and 8-sided units with glass on all sides, perfect to utilize as a room divider, as well as various designs of wall-standing and corner units.
Our built-in and insert fireplaces are also manufactured with convection channels and a damper unit, and is also available with a door with adjustable air-intake. This gives you total control over the amount of oxygen allowed into your fireplace, that in turn controls how hot or fast the fire burns and how much heat is radiated into the room.
Benefits of a Thermo Braai
Thermo Fires offers you one of the most extensive ranges of indoor and outdoor braais. From our unique grid design to our grade 304 stainless steel braai grids, it will earn you the envy of your friends.
Our hottest seller currently is our Professional range of Built-in braais. This range has been designed with modern clean lines. When closed, the single door makes a statement, no matter your design aestethic, whether mildsteel (black) or brushed stainless steel. When opened but not needed, the door slides neatly out-of-the-way underneath the ashpan, but is easily pulled out to be utilized as a workspace.
This range also includes Spit braais, Combination braais and Freestanding braais.
Thermo Fires’ uniquely extensive range of combination braais – a single braai divided into a wood-burning and a gas BBQ sectiongives you the freedom to choose whether to braai on wood or gas, when you have a bit of time to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, or if you just want to get dinner on the table. Available in nineteen sizes and options, from 1200 mm to 2250 mm wide.
Do not want the mess of building? Our freestanding braais are available on a choice of a pedestal or cabinet, standard with 2.4 m flues, turbo cowl and ceiling plate. Thermo was the first company to manufacture a freestanding braai with double-skinned sides to keep the outside cooler to the touch.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a high-quality fireplace or braai that will provide years of enjoyment and warmth, look no further than Thermo Fires. Our commitment to quality and workmanship ensures that our products will exceed your expectations. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards creating your dream indoor or outdoor living space.
Continuing our spring theme, Stephanie Forbes of the Kitchen Specialists Association (www.ksa.co.za) shares some hot advice with readers getting ready for the holiday season - and why they should get onto it sooner rather than later!
KSA Stephanie Forbes
As we head towards warmer weather, the need to spring clean hits us hard – a fresh lick of paint, a good clean out of the cupboards, and a kitchen revamp if you can afford it. But is the best time to embark on a kitchen revamp in the last quarter of the year? There is never a perfect time to tackle a project like this. It is always going to be messy, and it will always be stressful. Even in the best of times, being without a kitchen for four weeks and having tradespeople in your home at the last minute is inconvenient.
That being said, kitchen renovations planned for the end of the year, in our experience, expose the owner to far more potential issues and stress than at other times of the year. Most of us take some time planning a renovation, and because year-end is the time for bonuses and holidays, there is a trend to try and squeeze the renovation into the last quarter of the year. September through December is the busiest time of year for the kitchen industry. As a rule, the related building industry closes around 15th December. This means that should your project experience delays on the building side, the chances of a completed kitchen before the industry shuts down are slim.
Suppliers to the kitchen industry project their stock holding for the last quarter on sales trends of earlier months and the previous history of the final quarter. This ensures they are not left holding excessive stock over the holiday period, a standard and sensible business practice.
Bear in mind also that, with many of the goods used in a kitchen being imported, the supply of materials, hardware, and accessories may be limited come year-end if there has been a higher-than-anticipated volume of kitchen orders. When it comes to imported goods, the international supply chain can be erratic, particularly near the holiday season, and control of overseas deliveries from suppliers is out of a kitchen manufacturer’s control.
This could lead to your kitchen company only being able to complete the job in the New Year when stock is once again readily available.
the supply of materials, hardware, and accessories may be limited come year-end if there has been a higherthan-anticipated volume of kitchen orders.
The likes of door manufacturers and other suppliers close their order books sometimes as early as October, depending on demand. It is not always possible for a kitchen company to order your goods as soon as they get your deposit. Not all companies can store raw materials or pre-manufactured goods for long periods or multiple jobs. Unfortunately, this can mean that when they come to order for your job, their supplier’s books may already be closed for the year.
Stone fabricators also have a massive influx of work during the last quarter of the year, and their order books fill up quickly. You could face a situation where your kitchen is complete, but the tops cannot be fabricated or installed.
Our industry also battles with staff turnover the closer we get to the holidays, with absenteeism being a common issue. This puts added pressure on the kitchen company and makes it harder for them to complete the work on the timelines and schedules.
No one likes to turn down work, and although a kitchen company may have the capacity to assist you close to year-end, there is no guarantee that their suppliers will be able to do the same. So, if you opt to have your renovation done towards the end of the year, be aware of the potential pitfalls; do your homework and plan meticulously. It may well be advisable to postpone your renovation to the beginning of the new year when the supply chain is more consistent and when the kitchen companies are under less pressure and their staff fresh and rested after the holidays.
You could face a situation where your kitchen is complete, but the tops cannot be fabricated or installed.
Bathrooms can get overlooked when it comes to decorating. While the focus is often on living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, the bathroom tends to take second place, muses our contributor, Vinette Nicholls, the founder of DIYgirls (www.diygirls.co.za), who dedicate themselves to helping the householder to design a beautifully curated home.
“Transforming the bathroom doesn't require a fortune or being trendy. It's about creating a comfortable place, meeting your needs, and reflecting your personality. And the best part? You don't need a degree in interior design or a hefty budget to do so”, Nicholls advises.
Even with zero design experience, TO BUILD’s readers can follow these simple steps to give the bathroom a luxurious look and feel. Start with a vision
Before you grab a paintbrush and splash some colour on the walls, take some time to define your vision. Browse magazines and Pinterest, and check out websites such as ours. There's a whole world of bathroom inspiration out there, from sleek and modern to rustic and charming. Instead of trying to copy a specific look, focus on elements you love—a particular colour palette, a unique tile pattern, or a statement mirror. Think about the feeling you want to create. Do you crave a serene escape or an invigorating morning boost? Let this guide your design choices.
Talking hues: Selecting the right colours will set the tone for your bathroom. While there are no right or wrong answers, we recommend starting with a neutral base of whites, beiges, or greys. These colours create a calm and timeless backdrop that can easily be refreshed with accessories. To add depth and character, incorporate accent colours like navy, emerald, or terracotta.
Don't overlook the transformative power of wallpaper. With a vast array of patterns and textures available, wallpaper can instantly elevate your bathroom, adding interest and personality. You can use it throughout the bathroom or create an accent wall. From bold botanicals to subtle geometric patterns, wallpaper can infuse your bathroom with character, making it a stylish showstopper with minimal effort.
Mirrors and glass are your secret weapons for making your bathroom appear larger. Can't afford a whole remodel? Swapping your shower cubicle for a frameless glass enclosure can create a sleek, modern look and make your bathroom feel more open. A large mirror can also visually expand the space, making it feel bigger, brighter, and airier, while statement mirrors add a touch of glam.
Texture creates visual interest and is your bathroom’s best friend! Ditch the thin towels and spoil yourself with high-quality, thick towels and bathrobes. Not only do they add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, but they also feel divine after a shower or bath. Opt for textures and fabrics that contribute to the overall aesthetic and make you go “ahhh” every time you touch them.
Don't underestimate the power of small details. Use chic soap dispensers to add sophistication to your sink area and store essentials in stylish baskets or trays to keep the space organized and welcoming.
Bring the outside In House plants like ferns, pothos, or peace lilies thrive in the humid environment of a bathroom, adding a pop of colour and helping purify the air. Hang a eucalyptus bundle from your shower head for a spa-like scent and a touch of freshness. It enhances the atmosphere and creates a relaxing, aromatic experience during showers.
A pleasant aroma can take your bathroom experience to the next level. High-quality scented candles or diffusers can create a welcoming fragrance and enhance the ambience, complementing your chosen theme and turning your bathroom into a multisensory experience.
Make your bathroom uniquely yours with personal flair. Hang framed art or photos that reflect your style. A well-chosen piece of art can add a calming element and create a serene atmosphere while reflecting your distinct style.
A cluttered bathroom is the enemy of luxury. To keep things tidy and organised, invest in a vanity with plenty of drawers and compartments to stash away toiletries and other essentials. Keeping surfaces clear and avoiding unnecessary items can enhance your bathroom’s sense of serenity and make it feel more spacious. A clutter-free bathroom looks and feels more luxe.
There are no hard and fast rules in bathroom decorating. It's all about creating a space that makes you feel good, bearing in mind tip number 10. Give Vinette’s team a call on +27 10 109 8770.
In a landscape where design trends come and go, flush plastered ceilings remain a perennial favorite, and for good reason. Here’s why they continue to reign supreme:
1. Timeless Elegance: Flush plastered ceilings transcend fleeting trends, embodying a timeless elegance that never goes out of style.
2. Versatility: Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist aesthetic or a luxurious ambiance, flush plastered ceilings seamlessly adapt to your vision, enhancing the overall appeal of any space.
3. Visual Impact: The seamless finish of flush plastered ceilings creates a visually striking impression, adding depth and sophistication to interiors.
4. Durability: With Gyproc’s high-quality products, flush plastered ceilings boast exceptional durability, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
Nestled in the prestigious suburb of Fresnaye, Ocean View Drive is home to some of Cape Town's most luxurious properties. With panoramic vistas stretching over the iconic beaches of Clifton and Bantry Bay, and extending to the majestic Lion's Head and Table Mountain, it's a locale that demands architectural excellence. This project by Gyproc (www.gyproc.co.za) epitomises this excellence, showcasing cuttingedge design and construction for a private client.
The project was spearheaded by the renowned architectural firm ARRCC, with Brian Bernhardt leading the design. The project management was expertly handled by JNA Projects. The brief was to demolish an existing structure and create a dream home that not only maximised the breathtaking views but also met the unique challenges posed by the coastal environment.
Building in such a prime location comes with its own set of challenges. The client required a design that managed the intense light reflecting off the ocean and the glare from the sandy beaches. Compliance with fenestration requirements under SANS 10400-XA was a necessity, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort. Additionally, the outdoor exposed features demanded a smooth, durable solution for the eaves of the home. Technical support was crucial for implementing a relatively new system to meet these demands.
To address these challenges, the Glasroc® X Eaves System from Saint-Gobain Gyproc was chosen. This high-performance building board is specially developed for local conditions, featuring a gypsum core with additives for moisture and mould resistance. Reinforced with glass mat on both surfaces, Glasroc® X excels in harsh and humid environments, making it ideal for external applications.
The board's unique additive provides exceptional resistance to mould and water penetration, along with a UV-resistant surface for long-term protection. This ensures the eaves remain durable and aesthetically pleasing, with no visible joints apart from necessary expansion details. The result is a smooth finish that complements the sleek design of the home, while offering robust protection against the elements.
Saint-Gobain's commitment to sustainability and performance is evident in this project. The design principles align with the company's market mission: "We care about building better for people and the planet by offering solutions that deliver sustainability and performance to drive the transformation of the construction market." The careful control of light reflection and glare, combined with the advanced properties of Glasroc® X, ensures a comfortable living environment that is both beautiful and durable.
The Ocean View Drive Residence is a testament to innovative design and construction. With the expertise of ARRCC, JNA Projects, and the advanced solutions provided by Gyproc, this home stands as an ideal of modern coastal living. It not only meets the high expectations of its location but also sets a new standard for residential projects in similar environments.
Situated in the heart of the beautiful coastal town of Langebaan, the Nautica Shopping Centre is evidence of the beauty of modern convenience set against the backdrop of the peaceful and beautiful West Coast. Langebaan’s picturesque lagoon and the bustling life of the West Coast National Park provide a natural spectacle. They are complemented by a comprehensive retail complex, with Nautica Shopping Centre a pivotal part of this offering.
In July 2023, Fourways Group partnered with visionary minds to embark on a transformative journey at the Nautica Shopping Centre. We were thrilled to be part of a project that shared our vision of redefining comfort through innovative air conditioning solutions. Recognising the pivotal role of indoor climate control in shaping customer experiences, we embraced the opportunity to contribute our expertise toward realising this ambitious vision. Nautica Shopping Centre was the perfect canvas for creating a welcoming, comfortable, and sustainable environment.
Fourways, accredited distributor of leading air conditioners Samsung and Alliance, played a crucial role in providing the cutting-
edge units that formed the backbone of the Nautica Shopping Centre’s climate control system. With a reputation for excellence, Fourways Group’s involvement underscored a commitment to delivering top-of-theline solutions, prioritising performance, reliability, and sustainability.
The state-of-the-art Alliance Rooftop and Air curtain units and Samsung ducted and windfree cassette units were central to the Nautica Shopping Centre’s climate control strategy. Chosen meticulously to optimise efficiency, comfort, and sustainability, they were strategically positioned to create a welcoming environment conducive to prolonged stays.
Alliance Air Curtain Units, renowned for maintaining temperature control and energy efficiency, do exactly as the name implies and create an invisible barrier or curtain of high-velocity air, preventing the exchange of air between different environments. These units prevent the exchange of air between indoor and outdoor environments, which is particularly useful in spaces like shopping centres, restaurants, and warehouses, where doors are frequently opened. In winter, they keep warm air inside and cold air outside and conversely in summer prevent hot air from entering and keep the cool, conditioned air inside. This means not only contributing to cost efficiencies but also improving air quality. The Alliance air curtains feature remote-controlled operation and advanced airflow management, which seamlessly integrate into retail spaces, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience for patrons while reducing operational costs for businesses.
The Alliance Rooftop Non-Inverter unit complements these units – a technological marvel designed to meet the diverse heating, cooling, and air treatment needs of large-scale commercial spaces up to 2,467 m2 in moderate climate areas. Its centralised approach to climate control ensures uniform temperature distribution and enhances indoor air quality, creating an environment that promotes well-being and productivity. Engineered for versatility, they can be installed on rooftops or outdoor grounds, ideally suited for expansive sites such as the Nautica Shopping Centre. Their distinguishing feature lies in their ability to obviate the need for additional cooling infrastructure, such as cooling towers,
cooling water pumps, chilled water pipes, and chilled water pumps. This characteristic renders them particularly advantageous for water-stressed areas, which the Western Cape is known for.
The Samsung units designed to meet various cooling requirements include the Samsung DVM S unit, renowned for its versatility in large commercial and industrial environments, system combinations, and control options, along with ducted units, which deliver efficient and discreet cooling solutions; the Mini and 4-Way windfree Cassettes are all engineered to cool rapidly without direct wind, ensuring comfort while minimising energy consumption. Finally, the Samsung AR4500 Inverter Midwalls boast advanced features such as Digital Inverter technology for up to 70% energy savings, a Hidden Temperature Display for seamless integration, and functionalities like Auto Mode, Timer Function, and Fast Cooling mode, providing tailored and efficient cooling and heating solutions for shoppers.
As we celebrate the successful completion of the Nautica Shopping Centre project, Fourways extends our sincere appreciation to the key contributors. ESB Construction & Building’s unwavering commitment paved the way for this transformative initiative, while Airvent Airconditioning &
Ventilation Cape’s technical proficiency ensured seamless installation and optimal performance of all the HVAC units. Riccardo Scarpiline, the Building Owner, demonstrated outstanding leadership, bringing our shared vision to life and setting new standards for comfort and sustainability. Smith Architects’ innovative designs blended form and function, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional space for its patrons. Each partner brought unique expertise, creating a synergy essential to the project’s success.
Together with our esteemed partners, we have realised a shared vision and continue to strive to set benchmarks for excellence in retail design. Fourways remains committed to pushing what is possible in air conditioning technology. Our goal is to continue developing solutions that enhance comfort and efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable future. The success of the Nautica Shopping Centre project is a powerful reminder of the impact that innovative technology and strong partnerships can have, and we are excited to build on this momentum in all our HVAC projects. Fourways is proud to have played a part in this transformation, and we look forward to continuing our mission of redefining comfort through cutting-edge air conditioning solutions.
TO BUILD asked Prominent Paints spokesperson Herman Rabe, Technical Training Manager, for advice on choosing outdoor coatings this summer and how to apply them.
1When renovating an outdoor braai area, which paints would you use for a rusty steel braai?
When painting a braai, rusted or not, you should use a paint coating suitable to the conditions it’s exposed to. You need to factor in heat from when you light the braai, as well as UV rays, rain, condensation, and other aspects that will directly influence the substrate and paint coating overall. Before applying any product, the surface should be sanded well, and you can use Prominent Paints Multi Surface Etch Cleaner diluted 1:5 with water, using a scouring pad to remove the surface rust, dirt and grime from the braai. Rinse
the surface well after the preparation and allow it to dry before applying two coats of a suitable heat-resistant paint, following the product data-sheet information. Note that constant exposure to the elements and very frequent use will affect the braai, and maintenance from time to time will be required.
The same factors apply to the outdoor walls and other features or substrate around the braai, as the conditions will dictate the most suitable type of paint to use. Oiliness, basting splatters, and regular cleaning will all affect the surface. You will need a stain-resistant paint coating that is highly washable and flexible enough to withstand these conditions. Always wash the surface using Prominent General Purpose Cleaner diluted 1:10 with water, using a scouring pad to remove any of the fatty stains currently on the walls. Then rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry before applying two Prominent Premium Satin Silk coats for the most durable paint option.
Which paint will give the best results for outdoor furniture made of metal and timber?
Our harsh South African climate will directly influence the surface and corrosion that will occur on your outdoor furniture. It is, however, possible to extend the lifespan and reduce outdoor furniture maintenance. When preparing a metal surface, remove the surface rust by using Prominent Paints Multi Surface Etch Cleaner diluted 1:5 with water, using a scouring pad to sand the metal, then rinse with clean water and allow it to dry. After this, the primer should be applied on the same day to prevent surface rust formation. (Remember that with steel, the maximum exposure time before applying primer is four hours.) Apply two coats of Prominent Rust Primer and two coats of Prominent Premium Roof & Paving Paint for the best results, and allow four hours of drying time between coats. These waterbased acrylic paints are easy to clean with no foul odour and have low VOC (volatile organic compound).
Varnished wooden furniture must be properly sanded and the varnish removed completely, otherwise the residue will flake and peel. Once the surface has been stripped of varnish, wipe it down with a damp rag to remove the surface
dust after sanding, and allow it to dry. Apply three coats of Prominent Wood Preservative, allowing three days between coats, with light sanding using a scouring pad between coats; wipe clean before applying the subsequent coating. The Prominent Wood Preservative is a wood oil that penetrates the surface to seal it, does not form a film that will flake and peel, and is available in different stains.
For a patio area, what do you suggest for the exterior walls of the house within that patio area, and how should the surface be prepared?
These areas are normally high-traffic and can be dusty. Always sand the walls first using P100 grit sandpaper and then wash the walls using Prominent General Purpose Cleaner diluted 1:10 with water, rinse with clean water and allow to dry. Use Prominent Paints Satin Silk or Select Sheen in the colour of your choice. Remember to use the appropriate paint roller based on the surface texture and finish, as this will ensure the best cover and spreading rate of the paint coating. If you have defects on the walls and are unsure how to treat the problem, please get in touch with Prominent Paints Customer Care for specific information.
Where the outdoor area is semi-enclosed under a roof overhang, what outdoor-proof paint is recommended?
Not all surfaces are the same, and not all paint coatings are the same. You must remember to use the correct primer based on the type of surface and its condition. With a new ceiling, apply one full coat of Prominent Select Plaster Primer and allow 16 hours of drying time before applying two Prominent Select Wall & Ceiling Paint coats. If the ceiling has a yellow stain on the surface caused by a water leak, fix the leak first and when the ceiling is dry, first apply Prominent Select Universal Under Coat to hide the stain, then two coats of Prominent Select Wall & Ceiling paint on the surface. An important tip when painting ceilings is to do it early in the morning before the surface temperature increases; painting on a cool surface prevents you getting roller lines due to rapid drying of the paint coating.
What are the recommended colours for indoors and outdoor entertainment areas?
Colour is always interesting because of the effect and ambience it will create in the room or area. When choosing paint colours, always paint a sample of the chosen colour first before buying the bulk of the paint. This is because different lighting, flooring, furnishings, and other elements will affect the appearance of the colour once applied. The colour choice in this environment should suit the surroundings and the light the particular room is exposed to. If you have much natural light, opt for paint colours that make the room more serene or cooler, especially if it is north-facing, and darker if it is in a cooler part of the house, like on the south-facing side. It is also important to consult everyone in the house before choosing the paint colour as everybody should enjoy the space together. Neutral colours can be a perfect option, but it all depends on the furniture, and the lighting will, at the end of the day, be the deciding factor.
Rabe can be contacted on 073 164 9799 or +2711 389 4726 for advice.
Spring has (mostly) sprung, and it’s time to think about that home outdoor living routine again. Walk out to the garden. What do you see? Peeling paint, moss, damp walls and sad-looking outdoor furniture? Never mind, as always, our intrepid outdoor coatings advisors are here to help the property owner. This advice comes courtesy of the Plascon advisory team.
Colour Lemon Tang can add a cheerful touch to patios, decks, or porches.
What are the colours for summer 2024?
For a summer and Christmas outdoor entertaining space that seamlessly flows from indoors, consider these colour palettes:
Natural and earthy tones
Think muted greens, browns, and creams. These colours evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, perfect for outdoor living. Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan to complement these tones.
Vibrant and tropical For a livelier atmosphere, opt for bold hues like turquoise, coral, and yellow. These colours capture the essence of summer and create a cheerful ambience.
Classic and elegant For a timeless look, stick to classic colours such as white, black, and grey. These provide a clean and sophisticated backdrop for any decor style.
Use these tips and tricks for preparing outdoor surfaces
• Remove dirt, grime, and any existing paint or coatings flaking or peeling off.
• Prime surfaces ensure better adhesion and colour coverage. Plascon has a wide range of primers for every surface; visit www.plascon.com for more information.
• Opt for paints specifically designed for outdoor use to withstand harsh weather conditions. Home decorators in the know often favour Plascon Micatex.
Walls: clean withSugar Soap Solution to remove dirt and algae. Make sure you apply high-quality exterior paint.
Braai Area: use heat-resistant paint on surfaces exposed to direct heat. Consider using a non-slip coating on the floor for safety.
Food Preparation Areas: choose paint with antibacterial properties to maintain hygiene, like Plascon Double Velvet Pure, which is also easy to clean.
Around the Swimming Pool: use non-slip paint on pool surrounds to prevent accidents. Choose a paint that can withstand chlorine and other pool chemicals.
Highlight Walls: create a focal point with a bold colour or accent wall.Consider using textured paint for added interest.
Front Entrance: make a solid first impression with a welcoming colour. Use durable paint that can withstand foot traffic and weather.
• Ensure a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Choose colours that complement your local climate and weather conditions.
• Add pops of colour and texture with outdoor cushions, rugs, and umbrellas.
• Plants and flowers can transform your outdoor space and enhance the overall aesthetic.
By following these tips and choosing the right colours, you can create an outdoor entertaining area that is both stylish and functional.
• The Plascon Succulent Palette offers eight colours that can be used indoors and outdoors. Ranging from soft neutrals to bold accents, they allow various design styles. Many colours evoke natural elements like earth, sky, and foliage, making them perfect for bringing the outdoors in.
• Cedarburg (O4-A1-1) and Wind Drift (O1-B2-2) can create a calm and serene atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. Lemon Tang (Y6-A1-3) can add a cheerful touch to patios, decks, or porches.
As much as some products come with standard colours that can be used, the different colours from this palettes can also be tinted into most types of paint. Whether one goes with a standard colour or a tint is a matter of choice and desired outcome.
Colours, Cedarburg and Wind Drift create a calm and serene atmosphere.
The average hardware store or warehouse boasts a confusing range of different chemistry paints. What should I use and where? And what are the reasons for making that choice?
Plascon offers various exterior paints to withstand South Africa’s harsh climate.
For general exterior surfaces:
• Plascon Wall & All: this is a popular choice for its durability and versatility. It can be applied to various surfaces like plaster, concrete, wood, and metal.
• Plascon Micatex: renowned for its strength and toughness, Micatex offers excellent protection against the elements. It’s a popular choice for exterior walls.
For specific surfaces:
• Plascon water-based Velvaglo: a premium water-based enamel paint ideal for doors, windows, and metal surfaces. It has an available low sheen finish and is heat, steam chip, and stain resistant, making it a durable product to use; plus, its water-based, so you only need water to wash your brushes clean afterwards, which is good for the environment.
• Plascon Nuroof Cool: specifically formulated for roofs, this paint helps to reduce heat absorption and can lower indoor temperatures.
Surface type: different paints suit wood, metal, or concrete surfaces.
Climate: the climate in your area will influence the paint’s durability and performance.
Desired finish: choose matte, satin, or gloss finishes based on your preference.
Always remember: proper preparation of the surface is crucial for achieving a long-lasting finish. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Everflex Liquid Rubber Coating is designed for roofs and cold rooms where a high degree of water resistance, elongation and elasticity is required.
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In July another demonstration day was held and hosted by the Insultrak founders and management with representatives from industry again in attendance. These included members from TIPSASA (Thermal Insulation Products & Systems Association of Southern Africa) including board members, SAMCRA (South African Metal Cladding & Roofing Association), technical representatives of the bulk faced fibre roof insulation manufacturers in South Africa, technical representatives of secret-fix clip roof sheeting manufacturer in South Africa, representative of the roof fixing screw manufacturer and various other attendees.
The 135mm thick White-faced fibre roof insulation was already fitted on the test rig as per the product’s specified installation method ready for the fitment and application of the Insultrak® packer, roof sheeting clips and the roof sheets. The 135mm thick roof insulation was used as this is the thickest-faced fibre product manufactured in South Africa and would thereby provide the worst-case scenario with regard to loft of the insulation, stability of the Insultrak®packer thereon, and maximum backward pressure on the roof clip system.
As has been demonstrated before, the Insultrak® packer performed perfectly as required, and this is due to various factors:
• its extremely high strength characteristics under major pressure;
• the ease and speed of fixing through the Insultrak® packer;
• being a hollow-tube, so the roof screw is visible and aligned correctly;
• being lightweight and easy to handle during installation; and
• its square form, giving it excellent dimensional stability.
Insultrak® as the market leader has evolved and developed over the years to become the first choice of roof insulation packer/spacer for specifying professionals and design engineers applying the required energy standards of SANS 10400-XA.
Carla Fitti, the Marketing Manager for Green Fibre Insulation, the manufacturers of two popular cellulose fibre insulation brands, says that her company wholeheartedly welcomes the change of test standards and classifications for compliance with SANS10400-T:2024-5, Fire Protection.
These new fire tests and classifications become effective in the country from 01 January 2025. They are compulsory changes that apply to the testing and classification of thermal insulation products and will ensure future compliance with SANS10400XA:2021 of the Energy Efficiency chapter of SA’s National Building Regulations. These changes are the result of modifications in different international tests and methods governing the behaviour of insulation materials under fire in the building.
“Both our major brands, EcoInsulation and Thermguard, are currently certified to comply with SANS 428 (fire performance classification of thermally insulated building envelope systems) and we are also well on the way to full compliance with SANS 53501-1, the new test and rating standard.”
In a recent address to members of different chapters of the South African Institute of Architectural Technologists (SAIAT), Fitti emphasised the existing degrees of fire compliances:
cellulose fibre insulation is currently rated B/B1/H under SANS428, a common compliance rating for combustible materials that do not propagate (spread) fire in the roof or elsewhere; cellulose fibre insulation is flame-retarded, meaning that in the presence of hot flames, the product will smoulder and not burst into flames; cellulose fibre insulation has the capacity to absorb a large amount of heat, and its density means dramatically lower oxygen availability for fire; and it contains no flammable additives or binders, which means no toxic gas emission or explosive burning under fire.
Empirical tests conducted in the company’s workshop in Gauteng illustrate the product’s prowess in resisting fire. Fitti herself demonstrated her confidence in the material by presenting a handful of cellulose fibre insulation to an extremely hot gas torch burning at approximately 1500 deg C.
“This test, although purely empirical and not part of an accredited test method, nevertheless serves to graphically demonstrate the brand’s performance under hot flame. An added bonus was that my hand remained unburned, my jewellery and nail polish were intact”, she added, in a moment of levity.
Thermguard and Eco-Insulation are certified to SANS1381-6 by Conformity International (CI), a SANAS-accredited certification body.
Contact Carla Fitti on: +27 65 849 4852
References for professional articles: www.linkedin.com/company/thermguard-south-africa/ • www.linkedin.com/company/eco-insulation-south-africa/
Designed to improve the energy efficiency, safety and thermal comfort of a building.
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The new fire tests and classifications become effective in South Africa from the 1st of January 2025. This has happened as a result of the revision of SANS 10400-T: 2024 Edition 5 - Fire Protection, which contains mandatory changes governing the testing and classification of thermal insulation products in order to comply with South Africa’s National Building Regulations.
Gareth Griffiths interviews Des Schnetler, TIPSASA
TO BUILD asked Des Schnetler, Executive Director of industry body, the Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association SA to answer readers’ questions and inform the market about the changes expected and their influence on the building rules.
4
Specifiers, suppliers and contractors (the full value chain). South African insulation products will migrate from SANS 428 Fire performance classification of thermally insulated building envelope systems to SANS 53501-1 Fire classification of construction products and building elements – Part 1: Classification using data from reaction to fire tests. Although the title refers to construction products, it will initially only be applicable to thermal insulation products.
The change is in line with European standards to facilitate the free movement of trade in building products, by removing trade barriers due to differences in test methods and classification systems. As a member of the World Trade Association, SA is obliged to comply.
3
What does this mean?
In South Africa there have been only two fire classifications, non-combustible(A) and combustible(B). Most locally manufactured products achieve a B/B1/2/H&V fire classification, with very little differentiation when classified according to SANS 428.
The physical properties of the insulation products will now be measured including smoke and droplets. This allows for transparency of the reaction to fire of the insulation products.
It is a harmonised classification system; each country still has its own building regulations/ codes. Once tested, thermal insulation manufactured in South Africa will now be on par with the “Euro-standard”, enabling trade across Europe.
Importantly, existing classifications and approvals will subsist. The National Building Regulations are not retrospective, therefore existing approvals in buildings will not be affected.
5
What is the timing of this new process?
The publication of the revision of SANS 10400T Fire protection, was at the end of February 2024. The official changeover will be on the 31st of December 2024. If a project was already in progress before this date or starting before August 2024 (6 months), a letter to the local authority advising them that SANS 428 was applied needs to be submitted. This should be noted by the local authority and similarly approved. Any new work after August 2024 must comply with the new requirements i.e. specifications must be in line with the new testing and classification of SANS 53501-1.
TIPSASA is well respected for its Product Compliance Certificates issued to Association Members, whose test results, approvals and compliances are audited annually prior to the PCC being renewed. Will this process change?
Currently TIPSASA members are in the process of retesting their products. In January 2025 TIPSASA will be replacing the current dual fire register currently available on the website with the new classifications applicable to SANS 53501-1. Similarly, all previous Product Compliance Certificates (PCC’s) will be invalidated and be replaced with a new PCC (based on the new standard).
6 Any final words for insulation manufacturers and installers and clients?
Complacency is our worst enemy.
Assumptions have already been made by manufacturers that the new reaction to fire classifications will be “similar” to the existing SANS 428 classifications. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The SANS 53501-1 test methods and classifications are vastly different to the existing SANS 428. Contractors who change specifications for something “similar or cheaper”, which is illegal, need to watch out because the classifications are now “equal or better”. The fire rating of “similar” products might not be the same anymore. In fact, it has already been proven through the testing that there are differences to the reaction to fire performance.
For more information contact TIPSASA on (012) 663 1480 or 082 305 8559 alternatively visit our website www.tipsasa.co.za or e-mail info@tipsasa.co.za.
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Stamping its authority as the green hub of South Africa, Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront has once again blazed the sustainability trail this year, employing an innovative combination of ultra-modern renewable energy provision with a lively demonstration of how the circular economy can be manifested in the reuse of structural timber.
Robin Schultz, Gareth Griffiths and Luvside
Five test wind turbines were installed within the V&A Waterfront district during the first half of the year.
“In the past few months our operational team oversaw the installation of 4 x 1kW wind turbines in the Silo District, and a 3kW unit installation near the Breakwater Parking. These small-scale vertical wind turbines are not only aesthetically pleasing, but their ability to capture wind from any direction and their compact size offer the opportunity to string multiple units, like streetlights, making it ideal for the urban environment. The units will run for a year, during which time we will test feasibility to ascertain if there is potential to scale up this technology and possibly incorporate it into our larger sustainability strategy”, says Petro Myburg, senior manager for sustainability at the V&A Waterfront.
The larger 3kW unit was installed close to the iconic “Cape Wheel” on the Granger Bay side of the precinct. The small wind turbines installed in the V&A Waterfront were erected as part of a pilot project of the Renewable Energy Solutions Programme (RES Programme) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action’s German Energy Solutions Initiative. LuvSide GmbH and Energy South Africa founded LuvSide South Africa Ltd, and the wind turbines are fronting the German company’s attempt to establish technically mature wind power solutions on the southern tip of the African continent. The innovative company promises to redefine the South African business world in the field of small wind turbines, bring new perspectives to the Cape, and create qualified jobs.
The installation of the turbines in the V&A Waterfront shows how visually pleasing wind power machinery of this scale can be for urban areas. This serves as a fine example of how wind power can help support the local power supply, especially in the windy (mainly coastal) regions of South Africa. There is, however, another benefit of this project and similar ones that support the circular economy.
The old maxim that you are only as steady as the ground you are standing on holds true, and to this end, the developers ensured that the small turbines were securely anchored into the quay to cope with the sometimes powerful wind sweeping through the Waterfront. Then, to make sure that things looked good and were functional, the developers installed attractive and functional decking around each wind turbine.
What makes this project exciting from a sustainable architecture perspective is that specialised contractor, Contour Decks of Cape Town (www.contourdecks.co.za), was asked to use recycled timber decking planks taken from other building sites in the Waterfront property, where existing decking was being replaced.
Robin Schultz of Contour Decks says each piece of recycled timber selected was cleaned, sanded down, and reused on-site. This is a talent that Schultz says his team has on the ground, where they have recently been involved in several projects using sustainably sourced timber.
With its reputation as a “windy city," Cape Town is a natural choice for such a solution and presents an example for other cities to follow in making small wind turbines acceptable in urban areas. After all, in the field of renewable energies, small wind turbines also generate reliable electricity at ground level - in addition to solar systems.
Further information is available at: https://bit.ly/4dfydFf, or use your smart device to access the QR Code below:
• Hardboard
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• Treated industrial
• Untreated industrial
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• Laminated pine shelving
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• Fascias
• Bargeboards
• Bending plywood
• Marine Ply
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• North & South American
• Asian
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When it comes to outdoor patio furniture, ensuring its longevity and maintaining its aesthetic appeal requires proper care and attention. Outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to various elements such as sunlight, rain, humidity, and temperature changes, which can accelerate wear and tear if not properly managed. Hence, selecting the right materials for outdoor furniture and then their correct maintenance is crucial in determining its durability under strenuous outdoor conditions, such as the South African weather.
You want a fashionable look to enhance your outdoor living, but you also want to make an investment in furniture that will go the distance and be timeless. Therefore, do your homework first and then make an informed choice based on the materials that the units are made from. Let’s look at some options:
Teak and popular hardwoods: teak, engineered bamboo, and saligna wood mahogany are all popular choices for outdoor furniture in South Africa, due to their natural oil content. This makes the finished unit that more resistant to water, decay, and insects. These woods age beautifully, turning into an elegant silver-grey patina over time. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling can help maintain its original honey-brown colour if desired.
Aluminium: lightweight and rust-resistant, aluminium furniture is a practical choice for outdoor settings. It requires minimal maintenance and can withstand various weather conditions. Powder-coated aluminium finishes offer added protection against corrosion and fading.
Wicker: synthetic wicker, often made from resin materials, is a durable and weatherresistant option for outdoor furniture. It mimics the look of natural wicker but is more resistant to fading, staining, and cracking. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water helps prolong its lifespan.
Plastic: high-quality, UV-resistant plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, is a budget-friendly and low-maintenance option for outdoor furniture. It is lightweight, easy to clean, and resistant to fading and moisture damage. Note, however, that many plastics do not offer the weight support characteristics of natural materials and metals.
Stainless Steel: while stainless steel can be prone to fingerprints and water spots, it is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor furniture. Regular cleaning and occasional stainless steel cleaner application can help maintain its appearance.
You will find that online stores are a good starting place to get an idea of what is available in the market, so start with some desktop shopping. Then do the walkabout in the malls or visit the more exclusive stores.
Regular cleaning
Dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris can accumulate on outdoor furniture surfaces, leading to discolouration and deterioration. At the coast, sea spray laden with salt can cause very rapid material degradation. Regularly clean your furniture with a mild soap solution and a soft brush or cloth to remove buildup.
These go off quickly. If your outdoor furniture uses cushions, choose high-quality, weather-resistant fabrics that dry quickly and are easy to clean. Store cushions indoors or in a dry, ventilated area when not in use to prevent mould and mildew growth.
Protective covers
Consider investing in protective covers for your outdoor furniture when not in use, especially during inclement weather or winter months. Covers help shield furniture from direct exposure to harsh elements and reduce the need for frequent cleaning. Do remember to choose covers carefully, based on the durability of the material they are made from.
Seasonal maintenance
Inspect your outdoor furniture regularly for any signs of wear, loose screws, or other damage. Address minor issues promptly to prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of your furniture.
Remember to tailor a maintenance routine based on the specific materials your furniture is made from to ensure optimal performance and aesthetic appeal.
LOW MAINTENANCE
WEATHER RESISTANT
WATER REPELLANT
HIGHLY DURABLE
UV STABLE
LOCALLY MANUFACTURED LONGEVITY IN DESIGN
If you describe the environment in opposite terms to a city CBD, one might imagine a tall and densely crowded forest, but that is not entirely true. While the urban versus rural juxtaposition still exists, there are some similarities between these two environments. At the heart of it, both environments support the life that inhabits them. Whether that is human or animal life depends on the environment.
Reforestation of inner cities, including South Africa, is underway across the world. Here is what these innovative projects seek to achieve.
Urban forests and the Miyawaki method
Pioneered in Japan, the method of Miyawaki reforestation was created by Professor Akira Miyawaki, who focused on mimicking nature. Wild forests naturally form a densely populated canopy of indigenous species supported by the ecosystem that develops below. Living soils support the trees and create habitats for a wide variety of animals, which, in turn, contribute to the soil. The key to these reforestation projects is to follow the natural design, which Miyawaki understood well.
By understanding the native tree species, the forest project is designed to their preferences. The soil is the key to supporting the young sapling; it is prepared by innoculating it with the correct soil microorganisms. These microbes ensure everything underground is ready for the arrival of the saplings that are densely planted to mimic nature. The soil is covered with organic materials, just like the forest floor is covered with old leaves, fallen trees and other food sources for the soil microorganisms. Dense planting results in the trees rushing to compete for canopy space, but selection of a variety of species gives a rapidly developing multilayered canopy.
The term “Pocket Forests” often describes miniature forests that seem to pop up overnight. As the push towards adding green spaces back into the concrete jungle begins to take root, more and more pocket forests have been established. Cape Town’s Indigenous Reforestation projects have taken place across five sites in the city using this method. Mzanzi Organics has spearheaded these inner city projects while long-time advocate Greenpop hosts annual Reforestation Festivals outside the city. People and organisations are working on bringing reforestation to South Africa, so readers can learn about them and get involved!
Interest in these projects has spread into the agricultural hub of Franschhoek, with a new development preparing planting for over 11 hectares of indigenous forest. This farm works directly with SoilScopes to produce over 120,000 cubic tonnes of compost to achieve this forest’s successful development. While building these Pocket Forests is not always such a monumental undertaking, this farm made the forest on land with its topsoil mined away. They did this to rebuild the ecosystem that the previous owners had exploited for profit. Restoration projects require a functional soil system; rebuilding soil health before planting is crucial to success. This is why this farm has undertaken to produce so much compost, to restore what was damaged. The aim is to open this forest to public visits when the time is right, allowing everyone to learn what happened to make this possible.
These programmes aim to rebuild the natural systems that the march of urban
development has disrupted. They are creating these green spaces for both animals and humans to enjoy.
In addition, urban forests offer an intelligent solution to the problem of Urban Heat Islands in cities. See also our article on the Newinbosch Project in this edition - Ed.
The key to these reforestation projects is to follow the natural design, which Miyawaki understood well.
About the writer
Wesley Soule is the founder of SoilScopes, If you want to build your pocket forest, reach out directly to him for advice and consult with the relevant organisations on how to achieve our goal of Inner City Reforestation.
Correct composting practices and management of these sites is something that SoilScopes works and consults on. Contact Wesley Soule at +27 74 616 0451- see also https://linktr.ee/soilscopes
Reference 1. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-05-27-green-shoots-five-new-forests-spring-up-in-cape-town/
Our built environment reflects and shapes society, providing a functional framework for fashionable structures that convey contemporary trends and materials. As an art, it mirrors the prevailing preferences, problems, and cultural norms of the time.
Today, addressing climate change and protecting the natural environment are the most pressing issues driving decisions in modern construction. This mega-trend influences structural design, material manufacturing, and building performance through 2024 and beyond.
Eva-Last, leaders in advanced composite building materials explore how this impacts current building trends and architecture.
Green building and sustainability as a mega-trend Green building and sustainability now dominate the built environment. The construction industry aims to serve an urbanising population while reducing environmental impact. Statistics show that the construction sector contributes significantly to global carbon emissions. Government policies and building regulations are pushing for compliance
to achieve ambitious carbon reduction targets. Consequently, every segment of the construction sector—from materials manufacturers to developers—seeks ways to enhance the built environment without harming the natural one. With energyefficient ratings becoming the norm, manufacturers like Eva-Last are engineering resource-efficient, eco-friendly building components contributing to a net zero carbon site.
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimising pollution emphasises energy efficiency and passive design. This includes lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and indoor air quality energy. Building orientation and natural environment considerations improve energy efficiency using natural light and airflow. Like Eva-Last’s bamboo composites, materials with thermal regulation properties outperform concrete or steel.
Responsibly sourced renewable and eco-friendly building materials are being specified with their carbon footprint in mind. Modern buildings incorporate solar systems, rainwater harvesting, low-flow taps, and drought-resistant landscaping. Eva-Last’s bamboo composites combine fast-growing bamboo with recycled plastic, offering products that look like timber without contributing to deforestation. Their recycled plastic content enhances durability and eliminates plastic waste.
Biophilic design integrates nature into architecture to enhance well-being and sustainability, fostering a sense of calm and connection to the environment and improving productivity and health.
Eva-Last’s Pioneer composite decking uses digital print technology to recreate natural wood tones and textures.
Choosing durable, eco-friendly materials is essential as architecture and building shape our future. Eva-Last’s bamboo composite products offer a sustainable solution, providing long-lasting performance and ensuring that our built and natural environments endure for generations.
Some ideas for breathing new life into a garden coming out of winter come to you via a popular garden tool and implements supplier.
As the warmth of spring breathes new life into nature, it’s time to transform your garden into a vibrant sanctuary bursting with colour and vitality. From bright blooms to innovative gardening solutions, there’s no shortage of inspiration for those looking to add something new to their garden this season. Let’s “spring” into it!
This season, there’s no better way to infuse charm and character into your garden than with colourful and stylish pots. Pots provide great creative expression for those with limited outdoor space, as they are easier to manage and change. From sleek modern designs to rustic terracotta classics, a planter suits every taste and space, offering endless creative possibilities.
To ensure your potted plants thrive and bloom beautifully, it is essential to keep them well-hydrated as their watering needs change from winter to spring. Popular supplier Gardena recommends something similar to their Micro-drip System for efficient and precise watering. The drip system can be easily tailored to meet the specific needs of your potted plants by irrigating to the root of the plant with pinpoint accuracy, promoting healthy blooms throughout the season.
Now is also a great time to give your potted plants some TLC. Repot the plants that have outgrown their pots into bigger pots with fresh soil. You can also wipe down the leaves of your plants to keep them clean and healthy. A recommendation is the AquaBloom solar-powered drip irrigation system that will take care of water even when you are not around. It is perfect for individuals with busy schedules or watering when you are on holiday.
rise of “edimental”
Plants that are ornamental and edible: embrace the trend of edimental gardening by enjoying the best of both worlds. Consider planting foliage like artichokes and rhubarb and shrublike perennial herbs like pineapple sage and rosemary. Edible flowers such as rose, hibiscus, nasturtium and marigold are also a great choice as they make for stunning garnishes.
A great way to display edimentals is using a vertical planter. Gardena says it's NatureUp! Basic Set Vertical planter should be placed on the floor or securely hung on a wall. A drainage system in each planter prevents waterlogging. Excess water collects in a drip pan, keeping your walls and floors clean.
Once your edimental garden grows and takes shape, consider getting specialised cutting tools. These novel and highly effective tools allow you to make the most precise cuts from herbs and flowers for easy harvest without damaging the plants.
Are you looking forward to a bright garden after the dullness of winter? Go big and bold by planting indigenous favourites such as Strelitzia, Lion’s Ear, African Lily, Clivia and Pink Trumpet Vine. Remember to actively cut any drying or dead flowers to encourage healthy growth in your bold blooms for spring.
Not only are these species beautifully colourful, but they are also eco-smart as they attract bees, butterflies and ladybugs, contributing to a healthy spring-growing season. Cutiecrawlies will feel right at home in their ClickUp! InsectHotel, says the supplier. This device provides a safe habitat (in a stylish, modern design) where various insects can nest, hibernate and feed. Many species of insects face challenges in their natural habitats due to human pressure, and this is one way you can make a difference in conserving our indigenous diversity of little wildlife.
The perennial trend, also called New Wave Planting or Naturalistic Planting, is about creating a soft, dreamy aesthetic characterised by a natural look that is neither groomed nor overgrown. This gardening style is popular because it is low maintenance and provides artistic freedom. Consider planting Broom Grass, African Daisies, Wild Cineraria and Weeping Anthericum to create a varied display of natural beauty.
Dividing larger overgrown perennials into smaller sections is good practice in preparation for spring. Many plants, primarily tall grasses and strelitzias, can overgrow to become
so dense that the outer growth blocks the inner growth from sunlight and airflow, causing it to wilt. Separating dense bushes into smaller individual plants will restore the plants’ health, shape and aesthetic.
Supplier Gardena says its NatureLine Spading Fork should lift and separate plants without damaging the roots, digging holes for new plants and forking over newly planted areas. The ergonomic design takes the back-breaking strain out of big springtime tasks such as loosening large soil areas, preparing beds, digging holes and moving plants.
While you’re flexing your trendy green thumb, adding a bit of spring prep to your garden is essential to ensure it’s ready for the gardening season. This includes:
• Tidying up trees by cutting overgrown, dead or frost-damaged branches to make way for new growth.
• Pruning and shaping shrubs and climbers by removing any damaged sections.
• Removing weeds and covering plant beds with compost creates nutrientrich soil for planting in the spring.
• Feeding spring flowering bulbs with bulb food to encourage healthy growth.
• Aerating the lawn allows water, air, and fertiliser to penetrate easily. Once complete, fertilise and water to nourish the soil to promote spring growth.
Follow these creative ideas and tips to make spring blooming beautiful and breathe new life and vibrant energy into your garden.
It has been said that nature never makes an aesthetic mistake. As spring casts its magic spell, many garden enthusiasts enjoy recreating natural South African landscapes. Take your cue from the region where you live: plant grasses and ornamental thorn trees for a savannah look. Combine aloes, grasses and rocks for a highveld scene. Or create your own little floral kingdom with our much-loved fynbos from a licensed nursery. Many indigenous South African plant species have been cultivated for garden use and are celebrated worldwide. We are truly spoilt for choice!
Planting in this way creates a blend of texture and form that just works. Moreover, plants from the same region have similar water and sunlight requirements, making them perfect companions. Planting from and for your region also makes it more likely that your garden will thrive with less maintenance and lower cost.
You have been dreaming about jumping into your pool for a nice relaxing swim all winter long. The good news is that the wait is almost over. Geronimo. Bombs away!
The bad news is that your pool is not 100%. The water level is too low, even though you recently filled it when getting it ready for the season. Evaporation from the summer sun is normal in SA, and users - especially kids- splash water around, but the water loss is exceptional and can’t be explained.
According to local pool experts, regular evaporation should average a loss of under 1cm of water daily, or 5cm of water on a weekly basis when the weather is hot. Although many pool owners simply add water, it takes an expert leak detection and repair expert to determine whether there is a larger problem to address. So, what is causing your pool to leak? The following tell-tale signs will help answer that question. The most obvious sign that your pool is leaking and needs to be repaired is the lower than normal water levels.
If your pool is losing water faster than the 0.8 cm per day, or 5cm per week rate, the chances are there is a leak. Another tell-tale sign of a leak is when cracks begin to appear within the pool and/or tiles start to fall off. In essence, the ground surrounding your pool has become unsettled because of the excessive amount of water in the area that the leak is causing. This in turn causes cracks within the pool itself. The pool tiles will begin to fall off as well. Gaps and or cracks in the bond beam may very well occur as your pool settles into the softer ground.
Wet spots in the garden in the absence of rain is another sign that your pool is leaking. For example, uneven grass, and mushy soft spots around the pool area are a clear indication that your pool is suffering from a plumbing leak. In addition, you may begin to notice that the landscaping is eroding due to underground water movement that causes it to shift.
Another sign of a pool leak is when your water bill is higher than normal.
You may not even notice the water level dropping if you have an automatic fill device that hides the leak by keeping the pool filled with water. So, if auto-fill is constantly running, it is time to reach out to an expert leak detection and repair specialist.
Finally, if you notice an excessive amount of algae growth, it could very well mean your pool is leaking. When you constantly add untreated water to your leaking pool, especially rain water off the roof, it can easily throw the chemical balance out, leading to the growth of algae. Black algae in particular, can be the worst nuisance to get rid of.
Now is a good time to call in a service provider to find and repair the leak. Remember to dose to get rid of the black algae and adjust pH very promptly.
Note from editor: diverting rain water into the pool can lead to all kinds of problems. Speak to a chemist about adjusting pH and alkalinity!
Steep electricity tariff hikes mean that South African consumers are still battling electricity woes, making the switch to solar more sensible than ever, argues a local operator.
In the view of Ross Mains-Sheard, the CoFounder and CEO of Versofy SOLAR, South Africans are feeling the pinch of the 12.7% electricity tariff increase since 1 July, the latest in a raft of double-digit hikes in recent years. In addition, City of Johannesburg residents who use prepaid meters now have to contend with a new R230 incl. fee for network and service charges, irrespective of the units purchased.
Although the recent absence of load shedding has given consumers some relief, high electricity prices are likely to continue for some time. Many expect tariffs to double over the next five years. Localised outages are still a fairly common occurrence, and until Eskom’s long-term issues are fully resolved, intermittent load-shedding remains a possibility.
Switching to solar energy is a sensible decision to make now. A good starting point is understanding how solar technology contributes to overall energy efficiency in residential homes. For most South African consumers, the reduction in electricity bills is their first concern. According to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Eskom’s electricity tariffs have increased by around 450% since 2008, far in excess of inflation. Solar energy reduces the need for electricity from the grid, leading to significant savings on energy bills. Solar power also boosts a home’s energy independence by enabling homeowners to produce their own electricity as a safeguard against inevitable future tariff hikes. Residential solar power also supports the much broader goal of decreasing the
country’s dependence on fossil fuels, a major contributor of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change.
The news that solar panels will now incur a 10% import tax, in an effort to prioritise supporting the local market demand, may have raised concern as to the overall affordability of installing solar.
As a local business, Mains-Sheard says that his company has long championed local manufacturers. However, until local companies can compete with international manufacturers on a cost, quantity and quality perspective, it may be some time before the 10% import tariff achieves the desired effect. However, he says they remain committed to using the most trusted components and verified installers. The good news is, the cost of solar PV panels decreases by more than 10% each year. In contrast, Eskom prices increase at a similar rate.
One of the major challenges to the mass adoption of rooftop solar power is the initial capital cost of equipment and installation, which excludes many South African households from benefiting from solar power and its associated cost savings. This is where rent-to-own and solar as a (rented) service assists households to avoid the high upfront costs of solar equipment. Instead of purchasing a solar system outright, consumers have the option to pay a fixed monthly amount for the solar energy system to operate on their property, where everything, from installation to support,
is covered in a monthly fee – making solar energy much more affordable and accessible for more people.
“Beyond the immediate cost savings, we are quickly reaching the point where homes equipped with solar solutions are more economically viable than those without” says Mains-Sheard. Solar power on the roof also adds to a property’s resale and rental value. While the exact resale value of a property depends on a number of factors, enhancing a property’s sustainability credentials both reduces running costs and increases its market appeal over the long term.
Ultimately, switching to solar energy is the most practical response to escalating electricity tariffs, with the significant added benefit of being an investment in a more sustainable, independent, and cost-effective future.
Lance Dickerson
During the most recent Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) debate, Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reported positively about the radically reduced load shedding. Indeed, there has been no load shedding for over 100 days at the time of writing. While this is the norm elsewhere, the fact we’ve gone four months without rotating national power cuts is remarkable, opines our contributor, Lance Dickerson, the cofounder and MD of Revov (www.revov.co.za). The answer: innovative recycling and repurposing of what we have at our disposal - electric vehicle second life batteries.
However, tell that to some communities in Johannesburg who face daily load reduction at best, and who, at worst, go without power for days on end, over and over again. There are communities nationwide at their wits’ end through incessant and prolonged power cuts. The more things change, the more they stay the same, is the prevailing view.
While the country’s electricity utility Eskom is managing to meet demand – mainly by tapping into other-side-of-the-meter solar installations – local infrastructure is so decayed that some areas are plunged into darkness again within 1-2 days. Cynically,
even this reduces demand, keeping national load shedding at bay.
This is how the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) defines load reduction: “Emergency load reduction may take the form of load shedding (time-based interruption of supply to customers on a rotational basis), mandatory load curtailment (self-reduction by customers in response to an instruction given by the system operator), load limiting (a limit placed on the current or power consumed by a customer, typically enabled by intelligent meter technology), or customer load switching (remote switching
of customer circuits to specific appliances, typically enabled by smart meter technology or ripple control technology).
Eskom clarifies the “why” when it states on its website: “Load reduction is a longestablished process that Eskom uses in specific areas when there is sufficient electricity available, but a transformer’s integrity is at risk due to overloading, whereas load shedding is used when the national grid is constrained and there is not sufficient capacity to generate electricity to meet demand. It is also a proactive measure that Eskom uses to protect human
life, equipment worth millions of rands and people’s livelihoods. Overloading of the transformers is recorded mainly during peak hours around 05:00 and 07:00 in the morning and 17:00 to 19:00 in the evening.” In other words, load reduction is protective. Against this backdrop, the City of Johannesburg recently announced it would implement rotational load reduction to prevent its grid from collapsing. Acknowledging the obvious is prudent: the distribution network in Johannesburg is frighteningly close to collapse, with technicians running around full-time trying to reconnect communities. While other parts of the country may be worse off than Johannesburg, it is essential to remember that this is the country’s economic hub.
At the time of writing, the City of Johannesburg’s load reduction schedule reveals that 88 suburbs are affected today in two-hour blocks reminiscent of stage 2 load shedding. There are obvious patterns in the areas, and one can colour a map showing where the infrastructure is on the verge of collapse.
Not included in that list are suburbs in the west of the City, which suffer repeated and extensive power cuts with reasons varying from cable faults to substation failures. Some leafy suburbs have large power cables running from mini substations, along trees and across street lights (held up by wire), and fed directly into people’s homes.
The above is a neutral observation of the status quo. It can be fixed with the proper political will and public-private cooperation. The point is that we must keep applying pressure. We have cautioned that energy generation was only one-half of the problem for as long as we have been working on energy backup in the country.
Households and businesses have no choice but to try to guarantee their power continuity until all the problems mentioned have been addressed. They should still invest in uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems, be these bespoke or the retail plugand-play solutions. They should still invest wherever possible in solar installations and demand that they are built with sufficient backup capacity.
Businesses, from small retailers to large operations in the manufacturing, mining,
construction, education and property management industries, find it difficult to listen to parliamentary speeches and feel secure that they’ll have the power they need to run their businesses uninterrupted. Low- and high-voltage battery backup systems are still, in 2024, the only sure way businesses can secure their power supply to keep the lights on and drive industry and the economy, which has suffered immensely due to the electricity crisis.
Importantly, all users need to understand that not all batteries are built equally. Lithium iron phosphate batteries, especially those built with electric vehicle (EV) battery cells, which we refer to as “2nd LiFe”, have proven they have the right chemistry and safety profile and are robust enough to handle harsh operating conditions and the charge and discharge rates synonymous with our South African landscape.
Footnote: Second life batteries are brand new, but their cells are recycled from and repurposed from their original function and design, which was to power plug-in (EV’s.
It’s refreshing to hear of brick-and-mortar developments designed to benefit both people and the environment, providing a virtual win-win green alternative and supporting sustainable outcomes. Therefore, this story of a booming south coast KZN coastal estate is heartening, as is anything that sustainably uplifts regional economies.
Before 2022, certain areas on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal were in a spiral of neglect and disrepair, presenting a grim spectacle to visitors. Consequently, tourism, which had long been the lifeblood of the South Coast, plummeted as families avoided the area due to safety concerns.
In response to this decline, residents reportedly took matters into their own hands. They launched the Tidy Towns initiative across different towns along the South Coast to restore the area to its former glory. Since then, the South Coast has experienced a boost in property values and a significant uptick in tourism, say the local businesses.
Stephen Herbst, a member of the Tidy Towns Shelley Beach to Margate team and owner of Comfort Cool Air Conditioning, explains that the knock-on effect of the uplifting campaign is that over the subsequent two years, upmarket developments were being built within the area, similar to those situated on the North Coast.
“That includes a R200mil mall in Port Shepstone by Top Dog Construction. Apart from the growing interest from property developers, property values have also increased.”
The largest of the impressive new residential estates developing through the region is the multi-billion-rand Bahari Bay eco-estate in Shelly Beach (www.baharibay. co.za), consisting of 100 hectares focusing on wildlife and conservation within the estate, and with great lifestyle and fitness offerings like mountain biking and running trails. According to the developers, the new estate is “making it an extremely attractive option for investors and families looking to call the South Coast their home”.
walking trails, hiking trails, and a specially curated mountain biking trail.”
Additionally, Bahari Bay features seven picturesque catch-and-release dams, enhancing its appeal as a sanctuary for nature lovers, while also offering direct private beach access - making it an idyllic retreat for residents seeking tranquility surrounded by nature.
With great lifestyle and fitness offerings like mountain biking and running trails.
The development is aimed at individuals, families and investors who want a home that offers premium security in a familyorientated environment at the seaside. Surrounded by natural features such as rolling hills and beautiful greenscapes, the homes are designed for those who want to live a life of comfort and convenience while embracing their commitment to the environment. According to the developers, Bahari Bay presents itself as the perfect place for those who wish to adopt an ecofriendly and sustainable lifestyle.
Leading an exclusive development within the estate called “The Executive” is Vinodh Bridglall, a distinguished architect and project manager with over three decades of experience. Founder of VHB Associates, renowned for their innovative designs, he set his sights on Bahari Bay. This remarkable development offers contemporary homes that embrace green principles, selfsustainability, and the luxuries of coastal lifestyle.
Captivated by the ambience and natural beauty of Bahari Bay during his first visit, Bridglall was inspired to build his own home here, in addition to designing “The Executive”. “The first time I visited Bahari Bay, I was amazed. I was transported to a place outside of Port Shepstone surrounded by animals, indigenous trees, and exquisite fauna. The estate is also secure, and you must follow specific design and development guidelines to ensure that the look and feel of units remain the same throughout.”
Gawie Venter, Developer of Bahari Bay, explains the masterplan: “The estate encompasses over 50 hectares of untouched nature within its sprawling 100-hectare grounds, offering residents an array of outdoor pursuits, including scenic
South Africa is one of the recognised mountain bike hotspots in the world and a great sports occupation to put alongside our legendary running, hiking, surfing and numerous other eco-sports. Given our multiple open lands and potential “green lung” space, what better and more unique selling point can there be for a property developer?
Hylton Turvey is the visionary behind Bahari Bay’s acclaimed onsite Mountain Biking Trail. With over two decades of trail-building experience, he has arguably revolutionised the local mountain biking scene with his innovative and artistic approach, creating a destination that attracts riders from near and far.
Turvey’s passion for the outdoors was ignited during his childhood in the Karkloof mountains, where his parents instilled in him a love of exploration and adventure. He recalls, “I got my first BMX when I was about 3 or 4 years old. Growing up on a farm provided ample space for creativity, and I, along with my friends, transformed our backyard into a biking playground, building ramps and jumps that fuelled my early fascination with trail creation.”
With over two decades dedicated to trail building, Turvey is considered an artist in shaping landscapes that offer both challenge and exhilaration. From pioneering projects in the Karkloof and Jonkershoek to developing trail networks across Gauteng and Mpumalanga, each endeavour has been an opportunity to craft trails that blend with their natural surroundings.
“The Bahari Bay Mountain Biking Trail represents a culmination of my experience and passion for trail construction,” Turvey explains. Nestled amid tropical forests and offering sweeping ocean views, the trail is designed to cater to riders of all levels. Its flow and integration with the surrounding environment create a unique experience, adapting to the rider’s style and promising an adventure that is both thrilling and accessible.
Building the Bahari Bay trail presented challenges, from navigating sandy coastal soils to sculpting paths through dense forests and weathering unpredictable storms. “The soil on the coast is very sandy with no clay, so shaping was difficult. Scouting any trail is always a big challenge. Figuring out what can work due to many environmental factors plays a huge part in designing the trail as well. I put a lot of effort into that to make sure the trail is low-impact on the environment,” Turvey notes. However, these obstacles fuelled his creativity, leading to innovative solutions such as wooden bridges and rock armouring that enhance the trail’s durability and the safety of its riders.
I was transported to a place outside of Port Shepstone surrounded by animals, indigenous trees, and exquisite fauna.
A local solar energy solutions company has completed an innovative solar installation at the Marriott Melrose Arch and African Pride Hotels within the Melrose Arch precinct.
Faced with the challenge of limited available roof space for panel installation, SolarSaver (www. solar-saver.net), a rental solar systems supplier which runs one of the largest fleets of self-financed commercial and industrial solar installations in Southern Africa, collaborated with Melrose Arch developer, the Amdec Group, to find a solution. Robust pergola structures designed to carry the load and accommodate the specific size parameters of the panels were built above the roof structure of each hotel.
Commissioned in October 2023, this project shows flexibility and creativity in renewable energy application for urban developments, demonstrating SolarSaver's capability to deliver customised solar energy solutions in complex environments. Lance Green of the company says, "We're committed to delivering bespoke solar solutions that cater to our clients' unique needs. By using the purpose-built pergola structures built by Melrose Arch, we've found a practical way to overcome space constraints while retaining the aesthetic appeal of the hotel's outdoor spaces."
With 1 231.80 kWp, the systems installed on the African Pride and Marriot buildings are expected to significantly reduce the operational costs of the hotels by lowering electricity bills and minimising their carbon footprint.
Built on sustainable principles and ecofriendly innovation, including refuse recycling, energy-efficient appliances, water-saving devices, a centralised district cooling facility and advanced building management systems, Melrose Arch’s innovation in sustainability has been widely recognised. Maximising alternative energy forms a critical part of the development’s sustainability plans.
The installation at the Marriott Hotel forms part of the supplier’s impressive portfolio of 16 systems totalling over 3 281.80 kWp within Melrose Arch. These installations are managed through a distinctive 'rent-to-own'
model, where SolarSaver retains ownership and responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the solar PV systems. Clients like Melrose Arch benefit from this arrangement through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA), paying only for the green energy produced.
“The successful completion of this project at Melrose Arch is a testament to our innovative approach to overcoming obstacles related
to space and aesthetics, further establishing the company as a leader in the renewable energy sector in Southern Africa. We are proud to contribute to the precinct’s renowned sustainability initiatives, further cementing our role in promoting renewable energy adoption across South Africa," says Green.
With grid power prices increasing and load shedding causing major disruption, forwardthinking commercial property developers, landlords and retailers are increasingly turning to solar energy. SolarSaver remains at the forefront of the business shift to solar in Southern Africa, providing innovative, cost-effective, managed energy solutions for over 700 operations to date. Customers include companies in the commercial property, retail, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing and petroleum sectors.
“Growing energy demand, a lack of grid reliability and spiralling costs make energy efficiency and a consistent power supply a real priority as a critical component of overall business profitability,” says Green, who adds that: “With all our available sunshine, South African businesses can easily be on par with the greenest, most energy efficient buildings around the world.”
