Structure & Design ISSUE 30

ISSUE 30 | 2020

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ZIMBABWE’S LEADING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE

Main Profile on Page 10: A New Proplastics Factory

Dolphin Coast (BBO 616)

Uses Weatherproof and protect exterior wall surfaces Suitable for application to suitably primed cement plaster, concrete, brickwork, fibre-cement, breeze blocks, PVC gutters and downpipes

Product features HERO INGREDIENT: Weathertough™ UV resistant - resists even the most severe sunlight conditions.

Protects exterior surfaces against breakdown caused by harsh climatic conditions Prevents dampness on interior walls caused by rain Long lasting protection, durability and toughness Effectively fills and bridges hairline cracks on cement plastered walls Resists cracking No added lead 12 year quality guarantee

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450 x 900 220 x 895

Msasa Branch: 196 Mutare Road (Old Jaggers) Tel: +263 24 2446667/8/9

Email: sales@union.co.zw / unionmsasa@union.co.zw

Burnley Branch: 8 Burnley Road, Workington, Tel: +263 24 2754880/1, 773248/9

ISSUE 30

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Have you ever thought about it?

Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.

A well curated office leaves a tangible lasting impression on your clients.

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

THIRTIETH ISSUE

CONTENT PUBLISHER Structure And Design Media MARKETING Clive Mapfumo Newton Musara Tatenda Nyagura +263 779 141 137 +263 772 233 086 +263 8644 224 569/70 DESIGN & LAYOUT

MAIN PROFILE 10 | Proplastics Continues To Expand

RESIDENTIAL PROFILE 34 | A Contemporary Renovation With Serious

Green Credentials

COMMERCIAL PROFILE 53 | Veldemeers Designed For Delight

SPACE OF THE MONTH 59 | Eastgate Market Buzzes With Activity

Tami Zizhou CONTRIBUTORS

MATERIAL FOCUS 68 | Viking Hardware Distributors

Michael Nott PHOTOGRAPHY Structure & Design SUBSCRIPTIONS +263 8644 224 570 EMAIL adverts.structureanddesign@gmail.com adverts@structureanddesign.co.zw WEBSITE www.structureanddesign.co.zw FIND US AT 31 Alexander Rd, Highlands, Harare

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its content, neither editor nor publisher can be held responsible for any an y omissions or errors: or for an y misfortune, injury , or damages which may may arise there-from.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2019 Structure and Design M agazine: No Part Part of this magazine may may be reproduced or transmitted in any any form or by by any any means electric or mechanical, including phot ph otocop ocopying ying or recording.

VISIT: issuu.com/structuredesign for the digital editions of every issue

ISSUE 21 | 2019 ZIMBABWE’S LEADING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE

ARCHITECTS’

YEARBOOK 2018

MAIN PROFILE on Page 8: Building The New American Embassy in Harare.

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

S&D PARTNERS

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ELCOME TO OUR 30TH EDITION!!! Join us as we continue to celebrate local infrastructural development and hope that our featured articles are detailed with local practical solutions that you can use as you build great structures.

As we get in touch with engineering in our industrial profile: PRO PLASTICS HAS A NEW FACTORY IN ARDBENNIE. Since 2015 Proplastics has continued to grow and develop the best quality piping and related products to the region that are accredited to international and regional standards. Proplastics is still the leading manufacturer PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) pipes and fittings for a wide variety of applications including water and sewerage reticulation, irrigation, mining, electrical ducting, telecommunications and construction. PAGE 10 Our residential profile has serious green credentials. There is a huge water harvesting system, which collects rain water from the

gutters and the driveway, then runs into a sump which feeds into two underground tanks and is then pumped in a series of massive steel reservoirs which can hold around 1 million litres of water. Zimdam provided the lining for the huge galvanised steel reservoirs. In conjunction with their borehole there’s more than enough water for the garden, the house and the various outbuildings. The owners have also installed a massive 20Kva solar system which is more than enough for their needs. The solar system was installed by Nick Hundermark, so the home now has their own independent water and electricity supplies making it both modern and seriously green. The overall success of the renovation is a tribute to the vision of both the owners and to Rowlands and his team, including Martyn Roberts as the main technical detailer. PAGE 34 At around 12,000 square metres of prime retail space the Eastgate Market is the biggest one stop market for smes in sub-Saharan Africa making it a unique and exciting experiment in inner city

development. It’s estimated that SMEs contribute around 50 per cent of the gross domestic product and provide employment for around 60 per cent of the working population. Our space of the month feature PAGE 59.

Viking Hardware only deals in the best brands so you can be assured of top quality products and great service. All their brands are backed up with full warrantees and where applicable spares and servicing are available. All of their main brands they have exclusive distribution rights in Zimbabwe making Viking Hardware an essential part of the hardware retail business small to medium scale retailers. Material focus: PAGE 68 Do not hesitate to contact our listed advertisers or consultants mentioned in all our publications as we are a showcase of their great work.

All Structure & Design content, and much more is available online at... issuu.com/structuredesign or SDMagzim

Structure & Design Team publisher@structureanddesign.co.zw

S&D PARTNERS

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

PRODUCTS: Proflo Pvc Pressure Pipes & Fittings Hdpe Pressure Pipes & Fittings Ldpe Pipes & Related Fittings Prodrain Sewer Pipes & Fittings Swv Soil Vent & Waste Pipes & Fittings Borehole Casings Electrical Conduits & Cable Ducting Gutter (Rain Water) System

For more information contact

Head Office & Works No. 5 Spurn Rd, Ardbennie, Harare, Zimbabwe T: +263 242 621651-5, 0773 888 923/ 0773 894 561 Harare Show Grounds Shop T: +263 8644219155, 242 751 735 Bulawayo Branch Millitary Rd off Khami Rd, Raylton T: +263 29 68396, 62059 Gweru Branch 1041 Coventry Rd, Light Industrial Site, Gweru T: +263 542 222277 E: sales@proplastics.co.zw W: www.proplastics.co.zw ISSUE 30

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main profile

Proplastics

Continues To Expand

text: Michael Nott photos: Structure & Design

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Engineers: J. Mungoshi Consulting Engineers Project Managers: D. Gutu And Associates Main Contractor: Masimba Construction Zimbabwe Quantity Surveyor: D. Gutu And Associates

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main profile

T

HE somewhat complex history of Proplastics Ltd. dates back 55 years to 1965. The company was originally incorporated on 11th November, 1965 as Promat (Private) Limited and it was the first plastic extrusion factory in what was then Rhodesia. The company was jointly owned by Tramat of Italy and Prodorite (Private) Limited of Rhodesia. Prodorite in turn was owned by Roberts Construction. The first batch of extrusion machines came from Bausano of Italy and Promat soon set up their factory extruding high quality PVC piping. The incorporation of Promat coincided with Rhodesia’s Declaration of Independence and the subsequent international sanctions, so the production of piping infrastructure for the construction industry became vitally important for development of the economy. Promat continued to thrive over the years providing top quality plastic piping for water and sewer reticulation in Zimbabwe and the region. In 1994 Promat changed its name to its current name to Proplastics and demerged from Prodorite, and became a subsidiary of Roberts Construction. Roberts Construction (by now called Murray and Roberts Zimbabwe) rebranded in 2012 to become Masimba Holdings Limited. In 2015 Proplastics was unbundled from Masimba Holdings through a dividend in specie and became a completely separate entity.

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

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NR

National Roofing Solutions Roofing Excellence And Precision Redefined

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Suite 5 Murandy Square Newlands, Harare Cell: +263 713 385 746, +263 772 385 746 Tel: +263 8677180816 Email: richardj@nationalroofing.co.zw

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

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main profile The rationale for the separating the two entity was as follows: •

•

•

•

•

•

to establish a strong manufacturing business unit with a clear operational focus capable of pursuing its own independent business strategies to attract focused capital into Proplastics to recapitalize the business whenever necessary to enable Proplastics to enter into mergers and acquisitions, as may strategically be necessary, with businesses which are either complimentary or in the same sphere of business to create a platform for the Company to report independently and transparently to its stakeholders so that it can be valued appropriately; to strengthen and enhance the visibility of the Proplastics brand in the local market to unlock shareholder value

Since 2015 Proplastics has continued to grow and develop and to provide the best quality piping and related products to the region that are accredited to international and regional standards – ISO (International Organization for Standards), SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) and SAZ (Standard Association of Zimbabwe). Proplastics is also a member of SAPPMA (Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association). Membership of SAPPMA ensures that all Proplastics products meet the highest standards. SAPPMA’s very purpose is to “create absolute consumer confidence within the SADC Plastic Pipe Industry and to ensure the long term health and sustainability of high quality plastic pipes and pipe systems”.

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Proplastics is still the leading manufacturer PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) pipes and fittings for a wide variety of applications including water and sewerage reticulation, irrigation, mining, electrical ducting, telecommunications and construction.

Since its inception Proplastics has always been committed to a philosophy of growth and development, constantly investing in research and development, and improving production methods and efficiency in order to provide world class plastic piping products to the region at competitive prices. In line with this philosophy Proplastics is about to complete their new state of the art factory at their premises at 5 Spurn Road in Ardbennie, Harare.

The new factory, opened this year, provides around 5,300 square metres of modern,

STRUCTURE & DESIGN

efficient working space, while the original factory is now used as warehousing and storage for raw materials. The old factory was quite dark and gloomy and as Proplastics grew over the years it no longer suited their needs. In contrast the new factory is bright and light and custom designed to accommodate their new machinery. In addition, it’s been planned to improve the process flow from the start through all the different production stages right up to the end product. The more logical layout of the process flow has improved efficiency and productivity. In addition, the Material Handling is a closed system so workers are not exposed to plastic dust making a marked improvement in health and safety.

The structural design of the new factory was carried out by Engineer J. Mungoshi of JM Consulting Engineers, with factory layout and processes input from Proplastics.

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main profile D. Gutu and Associates were selected as independent Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers. Because of their close ties and the quality of construction expertise, both historically and in the present, it was logical to select Masimba as the main contractors. Njabulo Mhlaba headed up the Proplastics team as Special Projects Manager. Other notable contributions were made by Willowvale Rigging who assisted with the installation of the new machinery - in particular the Penta Piovan Material Handling System imported from Italy. Penta sent out their own technicians to advise on the installation as well as to train local staff in the running and maintenance of this advanced, fully automated system.

Proplastics’ substantial investment in new plant and equipment underlines their commitment to continuously improving and developing their output and the quality of their products in line with the latest international standards.

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PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH

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main profile

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Most of the materials for the factory were sourced locally with some of the main suppliers including Africa Steel, City Glass and Lafarge.

The old factory was a brick structure with several internal divisions and few windows, making the interior a bit gloomy and the process flow awkward. In contrast the new factory is a bright white structure filled with natural light from the many windows and with a high roof to accommodate an overhead gantry for cranes, making moving

around materials so much quicker and easier. The high roof also helps to control the internal temperature helping to keep both the machinery and the staff cool.

Construction work on the project started in 2018. Progress was partly delayed by foreign currency policy and constraints but the factory construction has since been completed. The new factory is expected to dramatically improve production capacity from the current 9000 tonnes per annum to

32000 tonnes, enabling Proplastics to meet current demand in Zimbabwe, as well as to export to the SADC region and the DRC. The factory is basically a steel frame structure set on a concrete slab and clad with IBR Chromadec sheeting. Offices and admin are accommodated on a mezzanine floor so most of the internal space is open and unencumbered. Big loading doors at the front make deliveries and loading more convenient.

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MAKING BUILDING MORE THAN JUST STRUCTURES OUR SERVICES

LV and HV Transmissions CCTV & PIR Detection Systems Fire Detection & Protection Services Computer Aided Drawings Power Factor Correction & Audits Air Conditioning Systems Electrical & Mechanical Design and Installations

SPEARTEC

electrical & mechanical design & installations

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Telephone: +263 242 334961 / 336484 / 308254 E-mails: reception@speartecelectrical.co.zw admin@ speartecelectrical.co.zw Website: www.speartec.co.zw

As the factory runs 24/7 it’s vital to have uninterrupted electricity and water supplies. If production is unexpectedly halted for any reason the plastic being processed becomes brittle and snaps leading to significant wastage and loss of production time and it’s a major problem to restart the process. The factory does however have the capacity to recycle inferior or sub-standard product. The factory has two dedicated 1600 KV transformers connected to the national grid and in addition they have a 1100 KV generator which automatically kicks in within 10 seconds should the power supply be interrupted. Water is supplied by the council mains but the factory also has an underground reservoir of around 100 cubic metres for emergencies.

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Crittall Hope is one of the largest manufacturers of building and furniture products, namely window frames, door frames, steel doors, roller shutter doors, garage doors, sliding doors, burglar bars, and flyscreens, school and office furniture, steel office and cabinets, fitted kitchens, aluminium products and roller shutter doors

CRITTALL HOPE LTD, Canberra Road, Workington, Harare P.O.Box 2301 Harare +263 772 937 307/ 772 625 699 +263 773 293 262 crittallhopezim@gmail.com crittallhope.co.zw

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Proplastics currently employs around 250 people including staff at the new factory and at their distribution centres in Bulawayo and Gweru, making them a major employer in the industrial sector. In addition, their exports help to contribute to foreign currency earnings for Zimbabwe. We look forward to Proplastics’ continued growth and development while maintaining their remarkably high standards and competitive pricing.

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Seflex Trading (Pvt) Ltd Is proud to be associated with developments at Proplastic new plant

Roofing & Flooring Contractors specializing in Waterproof Decks, Balconies & Floors WE SPECIALISE IN • WATERPROOFING DECKS, PARAPET , BALCONIES • CONCRETE REPAIRS • JOINT SEALING • SAW JOINTS • GENERAL CONSTRUCTION • SILICONES • EPOXY FLOORING • EPOXY SCREED • EPOXY COATINGS SUPPLIERS OF: • INDEX 4MM OR 3MM TORCH ROLLS • DURAREP FR • ABE DRAIN G • WATER STOPS • EPOXY COATINGS • EPOXY GROUT

3D Centre Suite no. 17, Strathaven Shopping Centre Avondale, Harare Contacts: 0772 714 037 / 0712 801 596 0772 924 557/ 0242302403 Email: seflext@yahoo.com

PROPLASTICS LIST Africa Steel City Glass Lafarge Crane for hire Safeguard Homestyle bricks National Roofing Solutions RSC Steel Force Pastel Painters Maxidor Seflex Trading Halsteds Builders PPC Zimbabwe Beta Bricks Crittall Hope Chubb Locks Tile and Carpeting Centre Locum Security Alpha Sands Acsend Concrete Davis Granite Country Bolts and nuts

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sofawarehousezim@gmail.com www.sofawarehouse.co.zw +263 773 795 193 / +263 734 162 515 / 0242 309110

THE HOM E OF E X PE RT DE CO

AFRICAN W ENGE

K I TC H EN S B ATH R O O M S B EDR O O M S KITCHEN DECOR SPECIALISTS 36 Fereday Drive, Eastlea, Harare 34 George Avenue, Msasa, Harare Tel: +263 242 779 757 Mobile: 0772750941 / 0774461353

residential profile

A Contemporary Renovation‌ With Serious Green Credentials. text: Michael Nott photos: Michele Fortmann plans: Architexture Spatial design

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residential profile

W

HEN the current owners first bought the house it was a Spanish style dwelling, probably built in the early 50s and slightly dated, of brick under a red tiled roof. The roof was a bit of a jumble of different heights and awkward angles and worst of all it leaked!

The exterior was not especially attractive – the main entrance was through a solid wooden door hidden under a fairly dark portico, most of the windows were quite small and there was curved wall to the right of the entrance with a row of little windows looking into an enclosed courtyard. The interior layout was not ideal, in particular a low concrete beam blocked views of the pool and the garden at the back of the house.

The owners knew that the house wasn’t working well for them so they approached Bruce Rowlands from the well-known local architectural firm Architexture Spatial Design. The owners had worked successfully with Rowlands on other renovation projects and liked his particular style and aesthetic. Rowlands’ signature style includes Chromadek roofs with glass gable ends, high ceilings with exposed roof trusses, verandahs that open up the interior of the structure, lots of natural light from generous windows and doors and a simple, functional, open plan layout.

Although the footprint of the house has remained mostly the same the layout of the rooms has been changed to make it more open plan and the old domestic quarters and the garage have been incorporated into the main interior space. New domestic quarters and additional covered parking have been built on another part of the property. What was originally the garage is now a large, modern, bright kitchen and the domestic quarters have been transformed in to a utility room and gym, with an adjacent self-contained cottage overlooking the pool. The old kitchen has now become the new family lounge integrated into the foyer.

This makes up the first phase of the renovations while the bedroom wing will be renovated in the second phase in the future.

The existing roof was removed and a completely new roof fitted to allow for higher ceilings inside, and the previously disjointed sections of roofing were rationalised. Joining up the roofs 36

STRUCTURE & DESIGN

of the different sections of the new structure, and ensuring a sense of continuity for the ceiling heights, was quite a complex process. The roof section that runs through the main structure from the entrance portico to the back verandah is at right angles to roof over the lounge and the kitchen and in addition the roof required two slightly lower hip joints at each end of the central section to link up the different parts.

The main entrance has been shifted to the centre of the front façade with generous windows either side. The entrance is now through wide glass and aluminium doors under a glass gable end and the low concrete beam has been demolished so that there’s an uninterrupted view right through the house to the pool and the lush garden at the back. The A-frame trusses seen at the front gable are repeated through the entrance foyer and continue out to the new verandah at the back.

The new structure required a series of pillars to support the new roof, the new ring beam and the new raised lintel. There are four internal pillars (two on either side of the entrance foyer) which are continued out to the back verandah up to the edge of the pool. The pillars made it possible to create a high ceiling in the foyer with Rowlands’ signature exposed trusses, creating a more contemporary feel of modernity, light and space – something which was missing in the old building.

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We provide adequately sized, professionally designed installations of photovoltaic electric systems in Zimbabwe.

Contact Nicktronics Telephone: +263 772 376 916 +263 784 518 108 Email: nhundermark@gmail.com

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pool

2

workers room

300 1 300

5815

ex. pool pump

workers room

5 297

7.28 m² FFL -0.700m conc. screed

13.86 m² FFl -0.155m porcelain tile 3

80.58 m² FFL -0.630m porcelain tile

new beam over

3400

3050

3400

new beam over

wc

W03

VERANDAH 1

300

2650

2746

TERRACE

demolish wall

BIC

workers room

D07

bathroom

W02

5535 new beam over

BIC

VERANDAH 1

prep bowl

KITCHEN 35.92 m² FFL 0.000m porcelain tile

demolish wall

ex. bar

demolish wall

4880

HALL 26.52 m² FFL 0.000m porcelain tile

29.49 m² FFL 0.000m porcelain tile

demolish wall

230

-170

VERANDAH 2

W06 W07

new beam over

21.0°

TIMBER SCREENS

7 281

VERANDAH 4 11.49 m² FFL -0.170m porcelain tile

:60 in. 1 tm in a way dra soil soaka PVC k and m n ia m d ptic ta 0m Ø11 to ex. se fall 2 625

230

D01 new beam over

G

3001

demolish wall

D02

W05

27.13 m² FFL 0.000m porcelain tile w. oak inlay

demolish wall ex. lounge

D08

demolish wall

DINING

260

demolish wall

TV LOUNGE

W04

sink

new beam over 230

new beam over 9955

230

2 160

2705

06 54666

demolish wall

245

oak floor inlay

260

305

230

BIC

D05

demolish wall

5115

230

260

7 597

D06

D04

kitchen

BIC

BIC F. RE

new beam over

new beam over

230

80.58 m² FFL -0.630m porcelain tile

W01

0 594

4034

new beam over

200

3

RE -

0 936

---

11.11 m² FFL -0.170m porcelain tile

4675

5815

2995

ex. Study 200

11.65 m² FFL 0.000m ex. floor finish

1

1

100 Ground Floor Plan 1 : 50

new beam over

1374

1724

NEW WORKS 4

new beam over

VERANDAH 3 9.58 m² FFL -0.170m porcelain tile

350

300

BUILDING

4 200

36.23m²

VERANDAHS

5310

Revision

50.24m²

Description

Date

Revisions

archi s

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registered architects . 18 boscobel drive west . harare . 0772404303 . brucerowlandsarchitect@gmail.com

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Notes : all work to be carried out in accordance with municipal regulations. do not scale off drawings. builder check all details and dimensions before commencing work. design is property of architexture spatial design.

STRUCTURE & DESIGN

MacKenzie

Nigels Lane, Borrowdale, Harare

Ground Floor Plan

Project Code :

000

Scale :

1 : 50

Drawn by :

MR

Drawing number :

Size :

A1

Date :

07-02-2018

Revision :

100

roof line over roof line over

rafters by roof manufacturer

conc beam to eng. spec

3 301

conc beam to eng. spec

conc beam to eng. spec lean to rafters by roof manufacturer

RAFTERS AND TRUSSES BY MANUFACTURER. SPACING TO BE AT 1200mm.

1 301

rafters by roof manufacturer

timber beam timber beam timber column timber beam

2 301

kingpost trusses by roof manufacturer

roof line over

timber beam

lean to rafters by roof manufacturer

CCA treated timber pergola by roof manufacturer

lean to rafters by roof manufacturer

pergola and lean to roof to be at 5° pitch roof line over kingpost trusses by roof manufacturer roof line over

kingpost trusses by roof manufacturer

REF.

kingpost trusses by roof manufacturer

roof line over

roof line over

G 300 1

W07 W06 RE

Ø110mm diam PVC soil drain at min. 1:60 fall to ex. septic tank and soakaway

6258

1

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registered architects . 25 shortheath lane . chisipiti . harare . 0772404303 . brucerowlandsarchitect@gmail.com

Roof Truss Layout

Revision

Description

1 : 50 Notes : all work to be carried out in accordance with municipal regulations. do not scale off drawings. builder check all details and dimensions before commencing work. design is property of architexture spatial design.

Date

Revisions

MacKenzie

RAFTERS AND TRUSSES BY MANUFACTURER. SPACING TO BE AT 1200mm.

Nigels Lane, Borrowdale, Harare

Project Code : Scale :

1723

Size :

1 : 50

Date :

Designed by : BR

Roof Truss Layout - Phase 2

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Drawing number :

41

Drawn by : MR

A1

half scale on A3 sheet

06-12-2018 Revision :

101

312 Hillside Road, Msasa, Harare 312 Hillside Road, Msasa, Harare Email: admin@trellidor.co.zw Email: admin@trellidor.co.zw Tel: (024) 22447713 Tel: (04) 2447713

ALL YOUR ALUMINIUM SOLUTIONS IN PREMIUM QUALITY ALL YOUR ALUMINIUM SOLUTIONS IN PREMIUM QUALITY

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

To the left of the foyer is a relaxed family lounge while the dining room and kitchen are off to the right creating a single open plan space. As opposed to the foyer where the ceiling follows the A-shaped roof, the lounge as well as the dining room and kitchen have high, flat, tongue and groove ceilings which help to demarcate the spaces from the foyer. New solid teak floors (supplied by Pride of Africa) link the lounge, foyer and dining room, giving

the space a luxurious feel, while the kitchen has a white ceramic tiled floor. The dark floors also help to anchor the spaces which are so light and bright. Folding glass and aluminium doors lead out from the foyer and the lounge to the verandah, so when they’re fully open it becomes one big indoor/outdoor space. All the old windows on both the front and back of the house have been replaced with bigger aluminium framed windows or doors allowing

much more light into the heart of the home. The lounge has a huge fixed pane window at the front which frames views of the garden – it’s the biggest single pane size available locally!

Because of the open plan layout the kitchen is now an integral part of the living space, rather than being tucked away in a separate room. Particular attention has been paid to make sure the kitchen is both functional and

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0773 052 804 fusionhome@gmx.com @fusionflooringzw

Suppliers and Installers of Hardwood Flooring, Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Flooring, Engineered Oak Flooring and Cladding, Interlocking Rubber Tiles, Residential and Commercial Carpets.

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

also looks great. It was designed and installed

by Kim Amira from Amira Designs, with white Caesarstone counter tops and dark grey cabinets.

Pops of red in the stools and accessories tie in with the orange and red throws and scatter cushions in the lounge.

There’s a big squarish centre island that doubles as an informal dining space, with four industrial lights suspended above.

Aluminium and glass doors and windows open the kitchen out to the verandah and the garden and provide convenient access for outdoor entertaining. Beyond the kitchen is a generous space for a scullery, laundry and utility room in what was once part of the old domestic quarters.

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residential profile Next to the kitchen is a well-equipped home gym which was also originally part of the domestic quarters. Beyond the gym, overlooking the pool, is a small self-contained suite of bedroom and en suite bathroom, which is currently used by the owners’ son.

Beyond the open plan lounge is a second more intimate family lounge with a fireplace. It’s much more cosy and great for watching TV on chilly winter nights. It leads onto a small foyer which creates a second entrance to the home along a little brick paved pathway. The foyer was originally a small office but a new door, in what was previously a solid wall, created another access point. The roof above the lounge and the small foyer was also raised to allow for the high ceiling to follow the A-frame shape.

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STRUCTURE & DESIGN

BESPOKE INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Kim Amira 077 2233 999 kimamiradesigns@gmail.com

The extensive demolitions and renovations took just three months. The owners moved out on 18th September last year and were back in their home on 19th December in time for their son’s birthday party. The main contractor for the project was Geoff van der Ruit from Skilfish Enterprises. The owner, being a very much hands-on kind of guy, was also very involved in the construction process from start to finish, assisting with his own crew for lighting and painting. Between van

der Ruit and the owner they also installed a huge water harvesting system. Rain water from the gutters and the driveway runs into a sump which feeds into two underground tanks and is then pumped in a series of massive steel reservoirs which can hold around 1 million litres of water. Zimdam provided the lining for the huge galvanised steel reservoirs. In conjunction with their borehole there’s more than enough water for the garden, the house and the various

outbuildings. The owners have also installed a massive 20Kva solar system which is more than enough for their needs. The solar system was installed by Nick Hundermark, so the home now has their own independent water and electricity supplies making it both modern and seriously green. The overall success of the renovation is a tribute to the vision of both the owners and to Rowlands and his team, including Martyn Roberts as the main technical detailer.

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We supply and install galvanized steel water tanks and rainwater capture systems as well as pond liners and earth dam installations. info@zimdam.co.zw facebook.com/Lastrace.Zimdam www.zimdam.co.zw

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residential profile

ALISTAIR AND TRACEY’S HOUSE Architexture Spatial design Nicktroincs Amira Designs Pride of Africa Union Hardware Flint Tada Gryfox Halsteds Classecon Zimdam Fusion Flooring

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@michelefortmannfashion @michelefortmannweddings 51 ISSUE 30

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Designed For Delight T

HE delicious story of Veldemeers Chocolates goes back to 1997 when Hans van Hooreweghe set up a small business in Harare specialising in exclusive handmade Belgian chocolates.

Hans was born and grew up in a small town in Belgium but as a young man he was working on a tea estate in the eastern part of what was then Zaire – now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Hans had been in Zaire for around 10 years when the political instability in the region began to take its toll.

In 1995 he visited Zimbabwe and was impressed with what he saw.

He decided that he wanted to move to Zimbabwe and the best way to do that would be to set up a business that would provide a unique product that was not available locally – exclusive Belgian chocolates. He went back to Belgium and spent an intensive year studying every aspect of designing and making chocolates,

text: Michael Nott photos: Michele Fortmann and in 1997 he set up his business here and became a permanent resident.

The business was originally called Chocolart and then became Cocoa Tree and finally in 2006 the trade name Veldemeers was officially registered. The name Veldemeers comes from the name of Veldemeers Lane in the small town were Hans grew up.

The chocolate factory was set up at Doon Estate in Msasa, where it still operates from today. It’s a remarkably small factory to produce such a large range and such generous quantities of exceptional products. It’s largely unmechanised, apart from the tempering wheels where molten streams of milk, dark and white chocolate pour into vats.

It’s a bit reminiscent of the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

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commercial profile > serving delicious home-made pastries, fresh baked baguettes and croissants and light meals, although it’s not nearly as busy now as it was during the heydays of the 90s and the early 2000s.

Veldemeers Chocolates proved to be so popular that there are now three other chocolate shops – one in Arundel which opened in 2011, one at Sam Levy’s village which opened in 2014 and the newest branch at Village Walk which opened in 2017. The three shops are just that – little bijou retail outlets without a coffee shop attached.

(Veldemeers Café at Arundel is a separate business which Hans is involved in together with Ros Byrne, well known from Kudhinda Fabrics and Wavell House. Wavell House was featured in Structure and Design issue 29.)

Each shop has been individually designed to be a unique feast for the senses – there’s the visual delight of the exquisite range of little jewel-like chocolates beautifully displayed, the wonderful smell of chocolate, and of course, the best part – the taste. The Arundel shop has a warm, cosy, comforting appeal, like sitting around a glowing fire on a cold winter’s night. Sam Levy’s has a beautiful curved counter and here Veldemeers shares the space with Kudhinda. Kudhinda’s bright fabrics and textures make the shop an intriguing visual feast. The Village Walk outlet has gorgeous, tempting window displays to catch the eye of every passer-by and lure them in to the decadent chocolate banquet on offer inside.

Hans has designed every aspect of the chocolates from the look and the taste to the packaging and the presentation. They have a range of more than 50 handmade chocolates including little individual gems, bars and a fairly new range of chocolate slabs. The chocolates are designed with milk, dark or white chocolate – or in decadent combinations. All the decorative touches on the chocolates are handmade, including painted leaves, swirls and patterns. They even have a range of chocolates with Kudhinda inspired designs. Many of the designs have evolved over the years as new ranges are added.

They have a small range of novelty chocolates like golf balls and little elephants.

Veldemeers can also do unique corporate ranges for hotels and lodges and have produced exclusive ranges for Meikles Hotel, Victoria Falls Hotel, British Airways and Air Zimbabwe.

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commercial profile

They have sugar free, nut free and alcohol free ranges too. Veldemeers produces special ranges for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter. The Easter range will be in the shops towards the end of March, so keep a look out for them! Easter chocolates will include hand painted eggs in a variety of sizes and flavours, and of course Easter bunnies and even an Easter rooster.

Veldemeers chocolates are a unique blend of Zimbabwean and Belgian ingredients. Some ingredients are sourced locally while the main ingredient – blocks of raw chocolate, are imported directly from the best sources in Belgium. This chocolate only contains cocoa butter and no other vegetable fats or additives. Marzipan is made locally but most of the nut butters, natural flavourings and special liqueurs are imported.

From a small staff of just three, Veldemeers Chocolates has continued to grow and develop. However, the chocolates are still individually handmade and packaged by Hans’s skilled team, some of whom have been with the company for over 20 years.

If you’re looking for a truly decadent indulgence for yourself or a loved one Veldemeers is where you’ll find it.

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EASTGATE MARKET BUZZES WITH ACTIVITY Text: Michael Nott Photos: Structure & Design

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S

tructure and Design has been following the development of the exciting new Eastgate Market for some time. The Eastgate Market was first featured in issue 6 in an article entitled “Re-imagining the way Harare works”. At this time the building was still in the early stages of construction but it was evident that the Market would be a game changer for the CBD. The Eastgate Market was designed by the renowned local firm Pearce, McComish, Tarabuku Architects on behalf of their clients Old Mutual Zimbabwe. The Eastgate Market was a bold and visionary move on the part of Old Mutual to help resuscitate the inner city and participate in the rebooting of the national economy. There are an estimated 2,000 vendors spread across Harare often selling their goods in unhygienic conditions and contributing to the general chaos in the City. In addition the vendors face harsh conditions and are continuously harassed by the authorities attempting to restore order to the streets.

The section of Robert Mugabe Road between Second Street and Fourth Street, where the Market is now situated, was particularly congested and disorderly. All of that has now dramatically improved thanks to Old Mutual’s ground breaking development. Some semblance of order has been restored to the area around the Eastgate Mall and the Eastgate Market making for a much better environment for the public, vendors and shop owners.

The Eastgate Market is one of the biggest one 60

stop shop markets for SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa making it a unique and exciting feature in inner city development. It’s estimated that SMEs contribute around 50 per cent of the gross domestic product and provide employment for around 60 per cent of the working population.

Local company Masimba Holdings was the main contractor for the construction of the Eastgate Market, probably the biggest project in the City in recent years. The project is a confirmation of Old Mutual commitment towards providing decent affordable trading space for SMEs. This massive project started towards the end of 2016 and was completed early 2019.

Eastgate Market was once again featured in Structure and Design issue 17, just before the trade opening.

Now that Eastgate Market has been up and running for around a year Structure and Design returned to the site to find out how the project is operating. This vibrant new market is made up of ample retail space, including 31 street facing shops, 270 individual stalls in the main market area, shops, offices and 24 units on the first floor, 6 kitchens for food outlets, 64 stalls for fresh fruit and vegetable sellers as well as a spacious cold room and refrigeration facility for fresh produce. (It’s estimated that around 50 per cent of fresh produce at other markets like Mbare Musika goes to waste due to inadequate storage facilities.)

STRUCTURE & DESIGN

In addition, there’s Foodworld Supermarket, a section devoted to office furniture and parking for tenants’ cars. The mixed use nature of the market complex means it’s always bustling with energy and activity.

It is open seven days a week and tenants can choose their opening hours with most starting trading around 8 am and some staying open till 8 in the evening. Many of the vendors said that they’re busiest after 5 pm as shoppers drop in on their way home after work. Security is good with guards constantly patrolling and CCTV cameras to monitor the area. There are ablution facilities for both tenants and shoppers making the area much more hygienic than trading on the streets. Thus Old Mutual has not just invested in bricks and mortar – they’ve addressed the dual issues of providing convenient premises and access to markets for the SME sector as well as providing a safe, convenient and unique shopping experience for the public.

Tenants can also be assured that their goods can be safely stored overnight so they don’t have to pack up every evening and then set up their stalls every day. Shops facing directly onto the street have roller shutter doors to lock up at night while the stalls in the main market section have roll down awnings in front which can be locked when their stalls are closed.

We spoke to a random selection of tenants in the various sections of the market.

SHOPS FACING ONTO ROBERT MUGABE ROAD The shops facing onto the street are a sort of combination of conventional shops and open vending stalls. Booties Pharmacy and Aurex Jewellery, for instance, have elected to have conventional glass store frontage. Old Mutual has been flexible enough to allow some tenants to install their own custom made frontage while others have chosen to keep the open set up. Old Mutual have also established an office at the market for their microfinance business known as Old Mutual Finance.

LA LOOK was one of the first shops to set up in the complex. They have elected a half shop, half vending stall set up that they say helps to draw in passing trade from the street. They reported that business was generally good with December of 2019 being particularly busy.

Bondex Hardware stocks a wide range of hardware for both homeowners and contractors. They’ve chosen a more open look with no glass frontage and just a sales counter to separate the shop from the street. They reported that their customers had commented on the convenience of a street front shop.

Lochi Installation was one of the first businesses to set up here when the market first opened. They specialise in DStv installations, solar, gas and related energy products. Their shop is completely open to the street which they say encourages walk in trade. They have installed their own partition wall at the back to create a small storage area. They have another branch in town but reported that the Eastgate branch is busier. They’re open from 8 am to 7 pm and said that business is good after 5 pm when customers are on their way home after work.

Mosha Bridal specialises in bridal attire and event management. They’re open for normal trading hours from 8 am to 5 pm.

They’ve chosen to install their own glass and wood frontage with their logo prominently displayed. They’ve also made up a small changing room for customers to try on their outfits, so tenants are free to customise their premises. Their one negative comment was that customers sometimes complain a lack of convenient parking spaces in the area.

Carpet City has a very attractive and colourful stall that’s open to the street. Bright colours and shiny décor items make it very tempting for passing trade to look in. They’ve been in their premises for around a year and reported that business is generally good.

They’re open from 8.30 am to around 6 pm and also said that they’re busiest after hours.

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space of the month FIRST FLOOR UNITS These units were designed as residential units for traders coming in to town from outside the city, although some are now used as shops and offices. They have doors and windows opening onto the balcony which runs along Robert Mugabe Road. They have a generous living space, a kitchenette with built-in cupboards and a shower room.

Katoya’s Beauty Spa operates from one of the residential units. They reported that security is good but the upstairs section has less passing trade, so most of her customers are regulars or come from her own advertising. They said that some people are not aware of the fact that there are shops and offices on the first floor.

They’ve installed their own curtains and rails to demarcate the massage bed for privacy.

They’re open from 9 am to 5 or 6 pm.

Other tenants on the first floor include an optician, a photographic studio and DHL offices while some of the units appear to have more permanent residents.

STALLS IN THE MAIN OPEN MARKET SPACE The first tenant we spoke to in the main market area is so new that they don’t even have a company name yet! They’ve only been trading at the market for around two weeks and specialise in baby food and other baby products. The stall holder reported that it’s her first formal business venture as she used to just sell from home. Old Mutual supplied the shelving and display units for her, and they also supply glass counters for every stall. She reported that business was fairly good with lots of passing trade and that she’d already made friends with a few of the other stall holders, so it seems the market encourages a kind of community spirit among the tenants.

Africa Nation and Skipper Tees have had their stall for around three months and reported that business is good. They have a separate factory manufacturing and screen printing tee-shirts mostly for corporate orders, so this provides an opportunity for access to a bigger general market. Old Mutual supplied their counter and shelving units and they’ve customized their stall with striking black cladding on one wall. They’re open from 9 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday and intend to open on Sunday mornings in the future. They also commented on the community spirit among the stallholders and said there’s even a WhatsApp group for the tenants.

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Wonpick Apparel and General Dealers have a corner stall selling ladies, gents and children’s clothing and accessories. They’ve been in their stall since November 2019 so they’re still fairly new, but said that business was growing. Old Mutual supplied their display boards and shelving with lockable drawers for storage. The stall holder reported that she was happy with the security and was particularly re-assured by knowing that area is covered by CCTV security.

Betolex Electronics said that they’d been there from the very beginning and that they found sales were gradually improving.

They’ve put their own strip lights into the display counter supplied by Old Mutual and they’ve installed prominent branding and logos to give their stall a unique identity.

They have another branch in the city along Nelson Mandela Avenue and said that sales at both outlets are roughly the same. They do pack up their laptops in the evening, even when their security awning is down, just as an extra precaution. Although security is generally very good they’re the only stall holder we spoke to who reported that they’d had a cell phone stolen. They’re open from 8 am to 6 pm seven days a week.

Alima Online Shop 18 specialises in exclusive ladies ware. As the name suggests they were previously only trading online so this is their first retail outlet. They’ve had their stall since the beginning of December 2019 and reported that business is steadily improving. They’re open from 8 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday and also said that business is good after 5 pm. The tenant reported that security is good and they are happy to have secure parking for their car during the day.

FOOD OUTLETS Although there are 6 kitchens for food outlets Kapoto are the first restaurant operating here so far.

They specialise in traditional foods and although they’ve only been operating for three weeks they’ve reported that business is improving daily. They were certainly busy when we visited. They’re open for lunch from around 11.30 am and remain open until 8 pm. They provide convenience for shoppers and office workers to have a meal during the day and for people to have dinner after work. They also have plans to extend their business to open a separate tea and coffee shop.

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space of the month FRESH FOOD AND VEGETABLES. Although it hasn’t reached full occupancy yet the fresh food and vegetable section is getting progressively busier. We spoke to one stall holder who’s only been there for about 10 days, so the stall doesn’t even have a trading name yet. The stall holder sells lots of dried foods like beans and nuts as well as traditional foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. She reported that having access to the cold rooms was very convenient, especially for storing perishable food overnight.

Shaded Garden Projects has been trading here for about a month. The proprietor is a trained agronomist and previously had a restaurant in Kariba so he’s knowledgeable about most aspects of fresh foods. They grow a limited amount of the fresh produce on sale and also outsource. The stall holder said sales had been encouraging and were continuing to improve as more people became more aware of the fresh produce section. While most of his customers were walk in trade he’s started establishing a group of regulars. He’s open from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm and sometimes on Sunday. Although he’s in competition with the street vendors he likes the convenience of having access to the cold room as well as more hygienic conditions, which he feels gives him a big advantage. He also praised Old Mutual for their promotions which he feels help to boost the market’s popularity – radio programmes, and occasional events at the market with MCs and DJs.

FURNITURE AND HARDWARE SECTION. On the side of the market opposite Robert Mugabe Road, facing on to Robson Manyika, is a section devoted to office furniture, hardware and sanitary ware. Big roller shutter doors open up to the street although the stalls are about a metre above street level on the raised concrete slab.

This section is mostly open plan. Teckom Electrical deals in sound systems and other electrical equipment. They’ve been open for around three weeks and reported that business was good. They’re open from 8 am to 8 pm seven days a week. Closer to Wynne Street is an office section and beyond that a section selling tiles, sinks, bathtubs and other sanitary ware.

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As the first of its kind in Zimbabwe Eastgate Market was something of an experiment, however it’s been so successful that other cities and towns in the country, and even in the region, have expressed interest

in developing similar projects. Old Mutual has always been the leader in property development and this project shows that they are the leaders in finding new and workable solutions tailored to our own unique needs.

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Viking Hardware Distributors text: Michael Nott | photos: Viking

V

iking Hardware Distributors was started up around 12 years ago

by Mr Shlomo Lepar when he saw a gap in the market for a reliable, efficient and affordable local distribution network that spans Zimbabwe, incorporating the manufacturing industry, mining, tools and hardware for the construction industry, as well as building and decorative products for the homeowner or DIY enthusiast.

They’re situated at 15 Grantham Street in Belmont, Bulawayo, in 5,000 square metres of warehouse and admin space, where they have about 18 months’ worth of stock based on current market forecasts. Viking owns the premises which they have adapted and expanded over the years to accommodate their growing needs.

Their distribution network covers the whole country from Kariba to Beitbridge. They have a huge distribution network incorporating third party logistics but whenever necessary they have their own fleet of vehicles to ensure that orders can reach any part of the country within 24 hours. In addition their quoted prices are the delivered price – there’s no additional freight charges!

Viking Hardware only deals in the best brands so you can be assured of top quality products and great service. All their brands are backed up with full warrantees and where applicable spares and servicing are available.

All of their main brands they have exclusive distribution rights in Zimbabwe making Viking Hardware an essential part of the hardware retail business. Viking distributes to a number of major hardware chains such as Electrosales, Steel Warehouse, BHC,

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N. Richards, Gain Cash and Carry, etc, but they also support and encourage smaller outlets helping to boost the national economy for small to medium scale retailers.

Viking helps to develop smaller businesses and makes it fairly easy for smaller players to become distributors. Smaller outlets need only to have some experience in the retail business and display their ability to sell products and to pay for supplies.

While Viking supplies wholesale goods to most sectors of the retail hardware business they deal directly with the mining industry, thus cutting out the middleman, avoiding mark-ups, and keeping prices of plant and machinery very reasonable. Viking prides themselves on thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative solutions for customers’ requirements.

Part of Viking’s strategy is to continually work on the marketing, promotion and visibility of their products and to this end they often create a ‘store within a store’ presentation to display their products. In this way they have created massive brand awareness of their exclusive range of Ingco tools making Ingco a leader in the field for professionals, contractors and DIYers. Ingco’s range includes power tools and accessories, air tools, hand tools, safety and measuring tools, pumps and garden tools, as well as construction tools, welding machines and generators.

Viking has also helped to make Dezzi equipment the leading name in machinery and equipment for the mining industry. Dezzi supply dump trucks, back hoes, front end

STRUCTURE & DESIGN

loaders, excavators, tractors and trailers and other related machinery, all backed up by Viking’s warrantees and spares services.

Other brands in their portfolio include the ATS 2000 range of pneumatic tools, the Sando range of tools, Badger ladders and scaffolding, Jenfit compression fittings and saddles, FEHE mining supplies and Motorelli electric motors.

Other brands include Q20 and DAS - Dynamic Artistic Solutions, who supply injection moulded decorative cornices.

Viking are the exclusive agents for the distribution of the well-known product Q20 which is used in just about every business and household as a lubricant and rust preventer.

In a similar line Viking distribute Glue Devil adhesives, tapes and aerosols for industry and home owners. Other products related to home and décor uses includes Pro Quartz for counter tops and other applications, Novolam for boards and timber products, and the range of Stevensons Paint and Tjhoko Chalk and Paints, which are right on trend at the moment for interior design and crafting.

Viking Hardware also gives back to the community supporting various charitable organisations including the association for miners with disabilities and King George VI Centre for children with disabilities, amongst others.

Viking’s future plans include setting up a new large distribution centre in Harare as well as adding new names to their basket of exclusive brands, so that they supply 80% of the stock for retail hardware outlets.

029 22 72912 / 69558 enquiries@viking.co.zw

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