SA Affordable Housing January - February 2015 | Issue: 50

COMMUNITIES | INFRASTRUCTURE | DEVELOPMENT January - February 2015 // Issue: 50

R216 per annum incl.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

ISSUE: 50

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Trademax Publications SA Affordable Housing Communities | Infrastructure | Development

Tel: 0861 727 663 Fax: 0866 991 346 www.trademax.co.za Postnet Suite 241 Private Bag X103 N1 City 7463

CONTENTS 4

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PUBLISHER: Billy Perrin billy@trademax.co.za 082 266 6976

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

4

NEWS

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NEWS

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

ADVERTISING SALES:

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BRICKS & PAVING

kylin@trademax.co.za

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BRICKS & PAVING

LAYOUT & DESIGN:

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NEWS

Craig Patterson

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NEWS

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WATER & SANITATION

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

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BRICKS & PAVING

belinda@trademax.co.za

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ADVERTORIAL

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

30

CEMENT & CONCRETE

32

NEWS

34

EVENTS

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

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NEWS

EDITOR: Jennifer Rees editor@trademax.co.za

Kylin Perrin

craig@trademax.co.za

Belinda Thwesha

DISCLAIMER The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Trademax Publications. Although we have done our best to ensure the accuracy of our content, neither Trademax Publications nor SA Affordable Housing magazine will be held liable for any views expressed or information disseminated, in editorial content or advertisements, in this issue.

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ED’S NOTE

Opportunity knocks It is with great pride that we present to you, our loyal advertisers and readers, our special 50th issue of the SA Affordable Housing magazine.

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his issue could not be better timed, as we report back on two high profile housing-related events with a focus on creating opportunities.

The Southern African Housing Foundation (SAHF) International Conference & Exhibition highlighted affordable housing opportunities for Southern Africa, where speakers from around the world shared their ideas on various aspects of delivery in this sector.

The ongoing theme, carried over from the previous year’s conference, throughout was the need for more publicprivate partnerships and a collaborative approach to addressing the ever-increasing housing backlog. The quality of construction, as well as the thought and consideration that should go into planning developments were emphasized. A number of innovative products and construction techniques showcased bore testament to how these could help contribute to the construction of quality affordable homes.

The overarching notions of sustainability, holistic delivery of housing, and business ethics were also touched on at the event, once again underpinning the role of thoughtful planning and quality materials that go into creating decent, long-term housing solutions.

Furthermore, the National Human Settlements Indaba and Exhibition which took place in October saw the commitment of both government and stakeholders in the affordable housing market to delivering 1.5 million

housing opportunities in the next five years. According to the Indaba, “Over five years, the sector will invest over R250 billion in affordable housing, rental accommodation, Government subsidy and community infrastructure development.” Read more on page 4.

2015 seems set to be a challenging year for all industries and households with regular power cuts already being implemented and set to continue. There is also uncertainty around whether or not we will see a repeat of the 2014 postal strike in 2015, and since an essential part of what we do is to deliver your hard copy of SA Affordable Housing to you, we have sourced an alternative delivery option for distribution going forward. We are making every effort to convert our database to include street as well as postal addresses and we encourage you, our readers, to communicate your street address to us via phone or email so that we can ensure uninterrupted delivery of your copy of SA Affordable Housing.

We wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015! May this be your year for not only taking, but creating opportunities in your industry.

Welcome to the 50th issue of the SA Affordable Housing magazine. Thank you for supporting this important title.

You are the driving force behind its ongoing success.

Here’s to 50 more!

Enjoy the read!

Jen

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At Nedbank Corporate Property Finance we believe that home ownership and affordable housing are critical drivers of growth and transformation in society and the economy. That’s why we are committed to providing dynamic funding for key affordable housing developers. In this way we can enable the construction of affordable, quality housing for as many South Africans as possible.

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NEWS

Sisulu and Human Settlements stakeholders commit to the delivery of 1.5 million housing opportunities by 2019 Government and human settlement stakeholders have committed to deliver 1.5 million housing opportunities by 2019.

The commitment by banks, developers, mining companies and big employers officially declares South Africa the biggest construction site in Africa and the developing world.

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ousing experts at the National Settlement Indaba estimated the partnership to be worth over R250 billion over five years in affordable bonded housing investments by banks, rental accommodation developments by private sector and agencies, Government subsidies, housing investments by big employers and mining companies, bulk services development for townships and human settlements, upgrading of current informal settlements infrastructure and community infrastructure like schools, churches, business sites and other amenities.

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

The commitment is detailed in the Social Contract for the Development of Sustainable Human Settlements signed at the end of the two-day National Human Settlements Indaba and Exhibition held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 16 to 17 October 2014. The Indaba was attended by Government led by Ministers of Human Settlements and Cooperative and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Minister Sisulu and Pravin Gordhan, SALGA, mining companies, government parastatals, property developers and owners, engineers, banks, mines, NGOs and big employers.

NEWS

"As Government we have listened to you. I will work with Minister Gordhan and SALGA to resolve the issues you have raised that are blocking fast tracked delivery and also leading small companies to closure and loss of jobs. We have agreed that the Department of Human Settlements will establish The Ombudsman Office for the Housing Sector by November 14, 2014 to monitor the implementation of all policies and the resolution of this Indaba, we commit to address your challenges," Sisulu said.

The Indaba also called for the review of eviction laws as they hinder urban renewal and at times contribute to urban slums. "Government has to balance the right to own a property, the demand for decent shelter by poor urban dwellers, but the law must make it difficult to hijack buildings, the owners of the properties must also do more to protect their buildings and land,” the Indaba noted.

The Indaba, held under the theme ‘building partnerships for the delivery of 1.5 million housing opportunities’, sought to mobilise and recommit different stakeholders in the private sector to support government in its quest to provide shelter for all South Africans.

The signatories to the Social Contract committed themselves to achieve the following over the next five years: • Delivery of 1.5 million housing opportunities, including 111 000 affordable housing opportunities for the gap market, 70 000 affordable rental opportunities in integrated sustainable communities close to places of work and play.

• Build 50 catalytic projects and install basic services in all developing towns including revitalizing mining towns.

• Install basic infrastructure in 2000 informal settlements, while laying a foundation that will allow communities to save and build for themselves.

• Eradicate the backlog of title deeds for pre and post 1994 housing stock.

Big employers and housing experts called on Government to urgently make serviced sites to employees who do not qualify for Government subsidy programmes to assist them to build their houses. "Many teachers, police, soldiers and those who earn between R3500 and R10 000 will not qualify for government subsidy, but also find it difficult to afford a house in the market. By making serviced sites available Government will be extending a subsidy for them, employers can then guarantee deductions from salaries for them to build the top structure. This will allow them to own property," the Indaba said.

The Indaba also resolved that Government must prioritise the pensioners, orphans and military veterans in provision of housing but intensify the implementation of other creative programmes to support young people in urban areas. "Noting the rapid urbanization of all cities across the country, the Indaba called on Government to prioritise pensioners and military veterans, and build rental and community accommodation for young people who must be encouraged to find work and build their own homes with Government subsidy and some level of assistance.”

Government recommitted itself to spending 30 percent of its five year budget supporting women-owned construction companies and called on young South Africans to identify opportunities in the property and construction sector. "The Human Settlement sector is embarking on the biggest construction project on the continent and developing world. Over five years the sector will invest over R250 billion in affordable housing, rental accommodation, Government subsidy and community infrastructure development," the Indaba noted.

• Government committed to cut the red tape of processing applications to establish townships, approval of building plans and pay contractors in the shortest time possible.

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NEWS

Affordable housing developers to help Minister Sisulu escalate housing delivery Johannesburg housing developers have come together in a single body under SAARDA to partner with Minister Lindiwe Sisulu in delivering 1.5 million housing opportunities in sustainable human settlements over the next five years.

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he South African Affordable Residential Developers Association (SAARDA) signed the second social contract on Human Settlements at the Human Settlements Indaba held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

In the opening session of the Indaba, Minister Pravin Gordhan said that the co-ordination of various sectors must be reflected in the Integrated Development Plans of municipalities. This must ensure that there is sufficient infrastructure planned for housing projects. He called for housing developments to have greater densities and be done closer to city centres.

The Deputy Executive Director for UN-Habitat and former Mayor of Kigali, Dr Aisa Kacyira, emphasized the urgent need to respond to rapid urbanization.

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She congratulated South Africa on the progress made with providing decent shelter as witnessed by various integrated housing projects that she personally visited prior to the Indaba. She said that it is important to still focus on quantity, but it must be accompanied by quality and respond to what people need.

There were a number of representative organizations from across the social spectrum that pledged their support for improving the quantity and quality of housing in South Africa. These included the Chamber of Mines, the Banking Association of South Africa, SAPOA, Slum Dwellers International (SDI), various professional bodies, such as South African Planning Institute (SAPI), South African Institute of Architects, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), as well as the Master Builders Association and various other contractor and housing bodies.

NEWS

SAARDA is the only recognized affordable housing developer body that participated in the Indaba as part of its responsibility to provide a representative platform for engagement with government on matters impacting the affordable housing sector.

Minister Sisulu said that there is a Master Spatial Plan that will guide where housing investment in mega catalytic projects will go. This is being managed by the Housing Development Agency (HDA) and it is critical that developers have their projects registered with the HDA .

SAARDA has already facilitated the submission from its members of projects covering well over 100 000 housing units which are at an initial or early implementation stage.

SAARDA spokesperson, Yusuf Patel, told Minister Sisulu that developers are committed to meeting the housing needs of South Africans in a sustainable way. He said that mega projects should be defined both as individual projects containing a large number of units as well as a collection of smaller projects within particular areas that together make up a large number. These projects must be within integrated mixed-use settings and contain mixed housing typologies with access to basic services and economic opportunities. They would also include a combination of rental, ownership, social housing, inner city conversions, and informal settlement upgrade.

SAARDA proposed a realistic approach to prioritise areas across the country where there is greatest need and demand, and to establish a programme of delivery that will include registering all the projects that will contribute to the target and according to project stage (Conception – Design – Feasibility – Approval – Construction – Urban Management). Each of these projects should have a signed off plan and must at least be started within the five year (2014-2019) period.

In its pledge to the Minister, SAARDA committed to make an immediate contribution of at least 100 000 housing opportunities in the GAP and below R600 000 market, and to make available human resources and expertise to assist in improving policy, funding, implementation and monitoring in the human settlements sector.

SAARDA will work with the Department of Human Settlements and HDA to establish a project tracking system and undertake quarterly progress review with the Minister to unblock challenges and fast-track delivery.

SAARDA will be an industry level platform for the Minister to engage with affordable housing developers on critical issues such as improving public-private collaboration, policy and delivery matters, challenges facing developers such as bulk infrastructure availability and cost, promoting enterprise development (emerging developers, contractors especially women and youth), technology and Innovation, etc.

SAARDA had a follow up meeting with Minister Sisulu on 21 October in Durban to discuss the pledge and how developers will work with the Human Settlements department to remove bottlenecks so that the second social contract commitments can be accomplished. The key matters that were raised included the urgent need for regulatory reform that will introduce a special fast-track approval system for priority affordable housing development, and urgent attention to bulk infrastructure planning and cost, as well as adherence to prescribed standards.

SAARDA is dedicated to providing affordable housing for the people of South Africa and to improve and assist in the delivery of affordable housing in the residential sector for all its members and to promote the common interest of affordable residential developers in South Africa.

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

CDP uses Echo slabs to build high-density retirement and rental accommodation The Echo Group has supplied precast concrete hollow-core slabs for the construction of upper-level flooring in multi-storey apartment blocks at two Gauteng retirement villages, Featherbrooke Hills Retirement Village and Olivedale Retirement Village. The villages have been brought to the market by the Central Developments Property Group and were built by its in-house building contractor, Central Development Projects (CDP).

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entral Developments has completed six retirement villages during the past five years and another four are currently under construction, including Olivedale, which although largely completed by the end of 2014, is due for final completion in the first quarter of 2015.

CDP operational manager, Wouter Brouwer, says hollow-core slabs have been used in all CDP retirement village projects.

“We’ve been working together with Echo Group projects director, Danie Esterhuizen, for the past 10 years and use hollow-core slab technology whenever we can, as it shortens the overall construction time on our projects by up to 12% and saves approximately 20% in costs. Besides the retirement villages, we also use slabs on our other multi-storey developments such as high-rise rental blocks in security complexes.”

“All our retirement villages comprise a combination of low-density free-standing housing and high-density multi-storey apartment blocks,” said Brouwer.

Both Featherbrooke Hills and Olivedale comprise six high-density blocks, one of which is a combined apartment block and service centre, the latter comprising frailcare units, dining and lounge areas, shops, doctors’ consulting rooms and a multipurpose hall.

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

One of the apartment blocks at Featherbrooke Hills Retirement Village.

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

Featherbrooke Hills has 222 one- and twobedroom apartments and Olivedale 225. Floor areas on both projects vary between 40 to 45m² for the one-bedroom units and 61 to 70m² for the two-bedroom units. The size of the apartments made them ideal for slab utilisation and Echo supplied reinforced hollow-core precast in different sizes.

Brouwer said reinforced precast slabs were the preferred option as they were more economical than the prestressed alternative for this type of short-span application.

The combined service centre and apartment block at Featherbrooke Hills Retirement Village.

“Another plus for reinforced precast slabs is that they are available ex-stock which makes it easy to incorporate last-minute design changes.”

“To facilitate the use of reinforced slabs at Olivedale, the engineer, Wim van Straaten of Pro North Consultants, designed the internal walls of the ground floor apartments with foundations. This meant they were load bearing and could support the weight of the upper slabs and internal walls.”

One of the apartment blocks at Olivedale Retirement Village showing the slabs used to create balconies.

CDP contracts manager, Johan Badenhorst, said that what he particularly liked about Echo’s slabs was their superb finishes.

“We were able to paint them without any skimming. Moreover, Echo also cut out small sections on some of the slabs to accommodate our service ducting in the passage areas. We also liked the fact that the top sides of the slabs were cast with rough finishes which made for good bonding surfaces for our screeds.”

Danie Esterhuizen manages CDP’s portfolio.

He says that Echo prefers to get involved with hollow-core slab projects at the design and pre-planning stages as it enables the company to offer a total slab-design installation solution.

A close-up of a reinforced slab installation at Olivedale Retirement Village.

Echo Group marketing director, Melinda Esterhuizen, advises that the success of any slab project essentially rests on pre-planning and Echo’s involvement in the early stages often yields savings for the developers.

“Moreover, engineers appreciate our suggestions on matters such as the introduction of columns and beams and where to construct them.”

For more information, contact Melinda at 011 589 8800.

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

A frail-care unit at Olivedale Retirement Village which shows the smooth soffit finish of Echo reinforced hollow-core slabs which could be painted without skimming.

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BRICKS & PAVING

Communicare’s Bothasig Gardens is a social housing development creating a new standard for integrated human settlements.

Photograph courtesy of Corobrik.

Clay brick A proven track record A walk through any of South Africa’s older suburbs provides a visible track record for the durability, beauty and practicality of clay brick.

Many cities boast schools, hospitals and houses over 200 years old that are structurally sound and in daily use. Due to its extended lifespan, clay brick is the most economical building material available today and uniquely suited to our climate and lifestyle.

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lthough South Africans think of their weather as mild in comparison to countries in the northern hemisphere, in reality our macroclimate has its own unique complications when it comes to construction.

Here in South Africa, winter temperatures in the Highveld approach zero at night, but the following day can easily reach 25°C. In summer, nights are hot but days are truly blistering with temperatures as high as 40°C at midday.

Buildings in Europe focus on dealing with extreme cold – most energy costs are used in keeping warm – so double glazing, insulation and tight sealing of windows and doors are all critical.

We cannot design and build our homes and offices to keep heat inside, because for at least six months of the year, our biggest issue is keeping the heat out!

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

BRICKS & PAVING

In many countries, wall thermal resistance (R-Value) is the sole determinant of energy efficiency. The R-Value is a theoretical figure that measures a material's resistance to conductive heat transfer, but it does not factor in the time taken for heat to traverse a layer of high mass. To account for both factors we need to measure the thermal diffusivity or CR-value (Thermal Mass).

Clay brick is not only an extremely dense material, but is usually built as a double layer. Therefore a clay brick shell ensures that a brick house remains warm in winter, and in summer it stays cool and comfortable for longer – mitigating the need for expensive heating or air-conditioning. Thermal performance can be further improved by adding a cavity with insulation. Clay brick outperforms the majority of other walling systems in terms of thermal comfort.

It can be seen that R-Value on its own has minimal impact on energy usage, until thermal mass (the density of the material) is also taken into consideration.

Thermal Modelling by Structatherm March 2009, using Visual DOE & DME/CSIR approved 132m² house with insulation to SANS 204 Part 2 DTS levels.

Sustainable buildings meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Property developers and architects must consider not only the short-term costs of construction, but the long-term costs in terms of impact on the environment, energy efficiency, maintenance, operation and the lifespan of the building itself.

For more information, visit www.claybrick.org.za.

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One of the state subsidised 42m2 houses that have been built from Coro Maxi 140 face bricks. These homes will offer residents proper maintenance-free houses.

The use of clay face masonry is on the march in Northern KZN In early 2013, following an assessment of the lifecycle performance of low-cost housing projects in Bergville, Glencoe and Ladysmith built of Corobrik's Coro Maxi 140 face bricks some 20 years ago, the Endumeni Municipality (Dundee), supported by the NHBRC, endorsed the use of Coro Maxi 140 face construction for state-provided subsidy houses in Northern KZN.

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his led to Corobrik securing the specification for 500 state-subsidised 42m² houses to be built in Sithembile, Glencoe. Adding value to the project, Corobrik provided training for 13 bricklayers from the local community to be used by the main contractors for the construction of the houses. To date, some 320 houses have been completed.

During this period, discussions with Stanley Ngobese from the Department of Human Settlements resulted in the specification of Coro Maxi 140 face for 1 400 subsidy houses at Osizweni in Newcastle. This project, being undertaken by Lekwa Consulting, has progressed with 140 houses now complete. The occupants of the houses have expressed their satisfaction with the end product and voiced their pride at being able to live in a ‘face brick’ house.

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Based on community endorsement, the Department of Human Settlements allocated a further 250 Coro Maxi 140 face houses to be constructed by Moteko Construction and to date, 45 houses have been completed.

Inspired by the success of these three major subsidy housing projects, existing home owners in Osizweni (Newcastle), are moving to upgrade their homes with face brick exteriors and face brick is finding wide application in perimeter walls. The growing demand for clay face brick in this housing sector re-emphasises the material’s unique capacity to uplift built environments and satisfy the desire of South Africans to live in proper houses.

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NEWS

New transport nodes accelerating delivery of affordable housing in South Africa The establishment of transport nodes across South Africa has resulted in a wave of new affordable housing developments being built in close proximity.

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his is according to Manie Annandale, Head: Nedbank Corporate Property Finance’s Affordable Housing Development Unit, who says developers have recognised the growing demand for affordable housing developments that are located close to newly developed roads or transport systems, such as the Gautrain and the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system in Gauteng and the MyCiti bus service in the Western Cape.

“The provision of transport is crucial in shaping purchasing and renting decisions. Affordable housing is driven by the availability of suitable land and as this cost increases, so too does the building of higher density developments that can best optimise these transport nodes.”

He adds that with forecasts suggesting that 70% of South Africa’s population will be urbanised by 2030, there is an increased focus on how best to accelerate the development of public transport infrastructure to reach other areas in major cities. One such example is the south of Johannesburg, which still has tracts of under-developed land that can be made available for affordable housing developments.

Annandale says there has also been a notable trend towards the lower income bracket renting rather than buying affordable housing property in recent years.

“When the Nedbank affordable housing book was established six years ago, these developments sold out pretty quickly. This has changed significantly over the last few years, with rentals now dominating and more than 60% of units being rented in developments that we are currently funding.”

“The issue is that it can be difficult to prove affordability for many buyers. Often up to 30% of their disposable monthly income can be absorbed by transport costs, so to factor in rates and taxes, as well as a bond payment, means potential buyers may not qualify for financing.”

Annandale says that he expects the delivery of affordable housing developments to accelerate going forward, as Government continues to release public-owned land.

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Manie Annandale, Head: Nedbank Corporate Property Finance’s Affordable Housing Development Unit According to recent announcements by Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu, the aim is to build 50 Mega Projects – developments of between 2 000 and 4 000 new homes – over the next five years as part of Government’s Social Contract with the private sector across all spheres of business.

“One of the mechanisms through which this delivery will be accelerated is via Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) between government, developers and the banks.

Government subsequently works closely with large developers to unlock tracts of land, with the bank providing the funding.”

“There is an urgent need in South Africa to deliver more affordable housing to meet the socio-economic demands of the country and we are confident that with all stakeholders successfully working together in a collaborative manner, we will continue to meet this pressing requirement,” concludes Annandale.

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NEWS

City’s R16.5 million investment in Dunoon is unlocking opportunities A City of Cape Town initiative to create a quality urban public space for the burgeoning community of Dunoon is progressing well. The City’s contractors are redeveloping a formal sports field and creating an inclusive recreational space. This forms part of the City’s commitment to increase investment in previously disadvantaged areas.

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he construction of a clubhouse, which is part of the redesign of this urban space situated in the northern sports precinct of Dunoon, is at an advanced stage.

The development of a spray park is also under way.

It is expected that this phase of the project will be completed before the end of the current financial year. The City will then look at ways to connect the northern sports facility with the community hall through a more direct route. A feasibility study for the development of an innovation and learning hub as part of this development is currently under way.

Dunoon’s location, characterised by a main transport route and access to job opportunities, makes it a popular area.

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It is close to Killarney Business Park, the adjacent farms, Parklands and Montague Gardens, which offer job opportunities. It is also situated on a main transport route and serviced by the MyCiTi feeder and trunk buses which connect this bustling area with the central city and the nearby towns.

This urban space project is a collaborative effort between the City’s Spatial Planning and Urban Design; Sport, Recreation and Amenities; and Parks departments and is linked to the Local Area Planning Initiative which has been designated as a World Design Capital 2014 project because it is changing lives through design.

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NEWS

The main components of the upgrade include drainage to the sports fields, a skateable forecourt, a climbing wall and a slide, the construction of a detention pond, spectator seating, hard and soft landscaping, an informal basketball or netball tree, mixed-use hard courts, a mixed-use synthetic surface court, a spray park and a changing room, office facility and clubhouse.

“The planning and design phase for the northern sport facility started in 2011 and the first phase of construction began in 2012. This project has shown that progress is possible when design and community collaboration come together. Various political parties, private firms and the community have partnered with the City to ensure that a holistic and inclusive approach has been taken with the design and construction of this space,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Councillor Johan van der Merwe, adding, “By creating inclusive spaces, we are unlocking opportunities for our vulnerable communities and enabling redress through increased investment, heightened awareness, and committed collaboration.”

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“The rejuvenation of public community spaces is critical to the upliftment of any area. Recreational spaces encourage our residents to meet and engage with one another, to build communities, and to enjoy active leisure time together. The public spaces in Dunoon have been designed to reflect the local character of the area and promise to be welcoming and attractive spaces that will encourage people to utilise and enjoy the space,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects, Alderman Belinda Walker.

“Sadly, some of the upgraded features have already been vandalised. I urge our communities to take ownership of these spaces. The City cannot do it alone. We have worked with the community every step of the way and will continue to do so, especially as we embark on the design phase of the next proposed development of the southern recreation precinct,” said Councillor Van der Merwe.

WATER & SANITATION

Rolling towards better health & hygiene The Hippo Water Roller Project seeks to help rural and impoverished communities by improving their access to water using this appropriate technology.

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omen and children are the primary collectors of water and are forced to carry heavy buckets of water on their heads for long distances, causing much pain and suffering.

The Hippo Water Roller Project aims to alleviate this daily struggle by making it easier to transport much more water, much more easily and in less time from water points that are often located far from their homes.

The Hippo Water Roller is a 90 litre drum with a clip-on steel handle which enables women, children and the elderly to easily roll five times more water, while saving a considerable amount of time.

Designed in Africa for Africa (and other developing nations), the Hippo Water Roller has proven to help undeveloped communities to collect and carry water to their homes far more efficiently than traditional methods.

Two South Africans, Pettie Petzer and Johan Jonker, invented it in 1991, first calling it the ‘Aqua Roller.’ To give it an African characteristic and considering the shape, size, thick skin and watery environment of the African hippopotamus, its name was later changed accordingly.

EFFICIENT & APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY • The Hippo Water Roller carries 90 litres (24 gallons) of water inside a rolling wheel.

• The weight of water – 90 litre (kg) is borne on the ground, making it far easier to move than a 20 litre (kg) bucket carried on the head.

• Five times the amount of water is rolled in the same time it takes to collect one bucket of water.

• A steel clip-on handle allows the drum to be rolled by either pushing or pulling, depending on gradients, and the design allows two people to pull the roller up very steep gradients.

• The large opening allows for easy filling and cleaning of the interior. The sealed lid ensures hygienic storage of water.

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These images were taken at the handover of sponsored Hippo Water Rollers to the Kgautswane community located in the Limpopo province of northern South Africa.

WATER & SANITATION

DIMENSIONS: • 90 litre Drum: 50 x 50 x 65 cm • Handle: 100 x 70 x 3cm • Weight: 8kg* • Opening: 135mm diameter * Effective weight is only 10 kilograms (22 pounds) on level ground when filled with 90 litres of water.

FLEXIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Funding to purchase these Hippo rollers was raised through Hippo Water Roller’s 2014 ‘Mandela Day’ online campaign, which funded the supply of water rollers to 51 families. Subsequently, the company’s suppliers and manufacturers joined the campaign, doubling this number to 102 water rollers.

Affordable housing solutions require innovative technologies. The cost of installing and maintaining piped water to homesteads is very high. Combining Hippo Water Roller technology with cost-effective and strategically located water points provides a number of benefits: • The 'last mile' cost of water delivery is significantly reduced • Regulation of water is improved as homesteads will only collect what they need • Multiple water points can be more easily accessed in the event of water point breakdowns The Hippo Water Roller has an established and successful track record developed over the past 20 years of implementation. It has been proven in the field with an increased end-user demand and has impacted positively on the community as well as achieving global recognition and respect.

The durable containers are maintenance-free and designed to last many years in tough rural conditions.

For more information, please visit www.hipporoller.org.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

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BRICKS & PAVING

Designing safe retaining walls with Terrasafe Last year saw a productive and successful year for Terraforce, with very exciting growth on both local and international fronts. Another highlight has been the fantastic interest shown in our design service, Terrasafe, with more and more professionals making use of the specialist input of our trusted and experienced engineer.

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errasafe provides first-class engineering, management, and specialist technical service to users of any Terraforce products, aiming to set industry standards and make a significant contribution to safe retaining wall design throughout South Africa and the world. To illustrate the scope of this service, we highlight some of the projects utilising Terrasafe, currently under construction:

THE NEW INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE AND FIVE STAR RESORT, EZULWINI, SWAZILAND: At this prominent R500 million project in Swaziland, the Terraforce walls were designed as terraces, with the first level being 2m, followed by 4m steps up to a total height of 18m. The first terrace is being constructed with reinforced concrete infill at 85째 and the 4m steps thereafter at 80째 with reinforced concrete infill.

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Double skin walls are also utilised at specific places, for additional strength. Geogrid reinforcing to the backfill is specified at intervals.

The concrete infill contains seedling bags with compost to allow for plant growth to take hold and soften the retaining walls once completed. The blocks contain red oxide that will allow them to blend into the surrounding landscape, an effect that will be enhanced with plant cover and other influences that occur over time.

Phase 1 will see construction of the north walls up to 18m in height and 160m long at the Five Star Hotel to be completed in January 2015, while the southeast walls will reach up to 9m in height and 300m in length at the International Convention Centre, to be completed in March 2015.

BRICKS & PAVING

SASOL GARAGE COMPLEX, MTHATHA, EASTERN CAPE: This particular site had a relatively new gabion wall installed that had collapsed and damaged the concrete columns supporting the building overhanging a steep embankment. The client requested an alternative design and out of a few options, settled for the Terraforce system. The Terraforce walls were designed at 80° for better slope stability and to simplify construction due to the limited head space under the structure. About two thirds of the wall is constructed with a double skin of blocks, partially filled with reinforced concrete and tied into the back-fill at regular intervals with geo-grid for extra reinforcement.

THABA MOSHATE HOTEL AND CASINO, BURGERSFORT, MPUMALANGA: The Thaba Moshate Hotel Casino and Convention Resort is located within the Greater Tubatse Municipality and will boast an impressive 6 295m² entertainment complex worth a committed R324 Million investment for the Limpopo Province. Facilities include an 80 room hotel, 148-seater restaurant and 130-seater venue for conference style functions. Thaba Moshate is also set to host 150 slot machines and 8 gaming tables, a show and service bar, child care facilities, landscaped gardens and impressive pool and Boma amenities.

Terraforce rock-face walls are in the process of being installed around the swimming pool area and along embankments on the property. Two rows of cheaper grey blocks are used below ground level, followed by a row of smooth, flat face blocks (to facilitate a neat finish where paving meets this level) and then continued with rock-face blocks in Kalahari colour.

Find a supplier www.terraforce.com

Tel: 021 465 1907 JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

Trumod

Suppliers of light steel frame structures to the building industry

Platinum Village, Rustenburg

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rumod is a design and manufacturing enterprise that has been supplying light steel structures, over the past eight years.

As a member of Clyde Steel we have direct access to significant stock holding of slit steel, which allows us to react to demand fluctuations and puts us in an ideal position to offer our clients a speedy and consistent supply of trusses and other rolled sections.

SHORT SPAN ROOF TRUSSES Trumod has acquired the ‘U’ truss machinery and technology from Vela Building Systems. The trusses are very well suited for the shorter span roof structures such as required in affordable and RDP housing projects. Truss assembly is simple, as all members have been pre-cut and punched. No jigs are required and members can be bolted together using local labour.

We have the capacity to manufacture in excess of 2 500 roofs per month and are presently supplying roof trusses to a number of RDP and affordable housing projects country wide. As this is a very cost effective truss system, our market has grown exponentially over the past 6 months.

LONG SPAN ROOF TRUSSES The Scottsdale machine rolls a steel section that is well suited for the larger roof spans. Our optimised truss design offers cost-effective support for any type of roof cover.

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Delmas RDP housing

We have designed and provided trusses with a clear span of 30m. This length of truss would be very costly to transport, which is why we offer the service of rolling the trusses on site. Trusses are then assembled for lifting and fixing to the support structure. As with the ‘U’ truss, all members have been pre-cut and punched. No jigs are required and members can be bolted together using local labour.

Trumod is most probably the only manufacturer worldwide that has three manufacturing systems. We have found that a singular manufacturing system does not offer us the capability to effectively serve the full light steel frame market. These advanced technologies each have characteristics that are well suited to a specific market sector.

ADVERTORIAL

Vlakfontein RDP housing

WALL FRAMING Here we make extensive use of Framemaster/FrameCAD. The system offers software that is ideal for wall and floor frame designs. Our wall frames have been used in a variety of innovative building projects and the company’s expertise in this regard ranges from the erection of simple structures for relief housing, to multi-storey buildings and large warehouses. We offer singular designs for student accommodation, residential houses, school buildings, etc.

The frames, as with trusses, can be flat-packed for cost effective and easy transport.

Trumod also works with an architectural design team that provides the client with 3D modelling of the proposed structure. This tool provides significant insight in the outlay of the building.

With these advanced steel manufacturing systems at our disposal, we match the most effective product to the client’s needs.

As members of SASFA, the controlling body for light steel framing, we ensure that all designs comply with SANS 517.

Trumod is one of very few manufacturers that have the design capabilities and manufacturing capacity to meet your demands. We pride ourselves in supplying cost effective, quality structures to satisfied customers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Gauteng: (t) 011 363 1960 Sales Manager: Deon Naidoo (c) 083 295 0534 Technical enquiries: Mulder Kruger (c) 082 320 1959 Western Cape: Tony Da Silva at 071 896 7089 (w) www.trumod.co.za

Student accommodation – Stellenbosch University

Mulder Kruger Call: 082 320 1959 mulder@trumod.co.za

Professional design, manufacture and erection of light steel frame buildings and structures

www.trumod.co.za

CEMENT & CONCRETE

Elematic SA doubles its capacity thanks to ongoing demand Elematic South Africa (ESA) is doubling its output capacity with the construction of a second manufacturing plant.

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he operation, which currently has eight 120m-long extruder beds in its existing factory, will add another eight with the construction of the new factory, bringing the total to 16 extruder beds. The new plant is expected to be ready for production early in 2015.

According to Craig Webber, director at ESA, the expansion is due to high demand for the company’s products.

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“Property developers and building contractors have seen the benefits of using precast concrete floor slabs over the years and demand has been surging,” he says. “The product is becoming more widely used as it is well known to save time and money during the construction process.

On top of that, we have always aimed to provide a good and reliable service to our customers.” This has not only secured the company word of mouth business, but many repeat clients as well.

CEMENT & CONCRETE

Slabs are available in thicknesses of 120mm, 150mm, 200mm and 250mm. In order to ensure that its expanded production line will have minimal delays, it is important to have as reliable a supply of raw materials as possible. To ensure a long-term reliable supply of aggregate, Elematic’s holding company acquired Atoll Mining, a dolomite quarry situated about 500 metres from the company’s main factory.

ESA has been manufacturing precast hollow-core concrete slabs at its manufacturing plant on Gauteng’s East Rand since 2007, using internationally respected precast technology. “The extrusion methods we use are well known in the industry to produce the best quality hollow core slabs,” Webber adds. Elematic itself is a wellestablished international brand. It was established in Finland in 1959 and currently has a presence in over 100 countries on six continents worldwide. Added to this is the fact that Elematic South Africa’s production facility is ISO 9001 certified and all its products carry the SABS mark of quality.

It is a testament to ESA’s high quality products and superior service that the company has continued to grow despite difficult economic circumstances. Recession struck South Africa just a year after the company started operating. Nevertheless, it has managed to grow its market share steadily and demand is at an all-time high. “Our intention from the outset was always to grow the market and we certainly believe we’ve done that. It is always healthy to have competition in the market,” Webber comments.

ESA now supplies slabs to customers throughout South Africa and beyond its borders.

Apart from ensuring a reliable aggregate supply, additional benefits are the high quality and consistency of the aggregates supplied by Atoll. “The quality of the ‘classified sand’ produced by Atoll using air separation technology from the USA is of particular importance for Elematic in the manufacturing process. The classified sand has a very defined and controlled ‘cut point’ due to the sand being classified in a dry process. The use of this dry classified sand dramatically reduces the water demand in the batching plant and produces a very constant high strength concrete,” explains Webber.

Hollow core concrete slabs continue to grow in popularity as construction timelines are pressurised and contractors require reliable solutions. Customers can be assured that all ESA’s products are manufactured in a controlled environment, to the highest standards and finishes. The products also have a degree of environmental friendliness – their acoustic and thermal properties are better than those of a solid slab, and conform to the new, more stringent requirements in the building regulations for these properties. The slabs can also be recycled.

ESA has built up a solid reputation and a large customer base over the years. The company has a long track record of successfully completed projects, some of the most prestigious of which include the Gautrain Station parkade at Rosebank, the parkade for the new registration hall at the UNISA campus in Pretoria, and the 50 000m2 Stella Park shopping centre in the south of Johannesburg.

For more information, visit www.elematic.co.za.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

The company operates seven readymix plants and six quarries in Durban, the Natal Midlands and Northern KZN.

AfriSam commissions two new readymix plants to cement its presence in KwaZulu-Natal AfriSam is cementing its presence in the key province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) with the commissioning of new readymix plants at Pietermaritzburg and Umlaas Road.

"The plants were commissioned in late 2013 and were in response to increased demand in the Durban/ Pietermaritzburg corridor development, as well as to give AfriSam a readymix presence in areas where we already had quarries established," Pieter Uys, sales manager at AfriSam in Durban, says.

“As we use AfriSam cement in readymix production in KZN, it also gave us an opportunity to pull through additional volumes of cement,” Uys adds. The construction materials group currently operates seven readymix plants and six quarries in Durban, the Natal Midlands and Northern KZN. It also operates a fleet of 50 readymix trucks and two sophisticated boom pump vehicles.

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“KZN is a strategically important market for a construction materials company, hence the plan to expand the footprint of AfriSam in the province.”

AfriSam focuses on a range of market segments in KZN, from building (residential and non-residential), to civil, retail, national and local government, municipalities, asphalters, readymix, concrete product manufacturers and cash customers. “Although we had a presence in terms of cement at retailers for many years, we started marketing cement to other market segments through our KZN sales team from 2012,” Uys explains.

CEMENT & CONCRETE

In KZN, AfriSam has already supplied product to flagship projects such as the Galleria Shopping Centre in Amanzimtoti, the widening of the harbour mouth at the Port of Durban and the Spring Grove dam on the Mooi River at Rosetta. Major growth opportunities at present include the dug-out port that Transnet proposes to construct on the site of the old Durban International Airport (DIA) at Isipingo.

Another major opportunity for AfriSam to bolster its presence in the province is the 20-year, multi-billion Rand Cornubia mixed-use development in Umhlanga, the eThekwini Municipality’s first Cabinet Lekgotla priority project. “Additional provincial flagship projects at present include development plans at Richards Bay Harbour, the Durban to Pietermaritzburg Corridor Development and mass housing throughout the province,” Uys says.

Looking at particular initiatives launched by AfriSam in KZN, Uys says it offers various services to its customers, “including mix optimisation using our high performing cement as well as providing on-site training on aggregate and concrete sampling and concrete cube making procedures.” Uys adds, “All our operations comply with environmental regulations and are audited by external parties on a periodic basis. We also use AfriSam’s C-Tech cement to produce our concrete mixes, which assists in reducing the carbon footprint of our concrete products.”

AfriSam operates a fleet of 50 readymix trucks and two sophisticated boom pump vehicles in KZN.

The KZN Provincial Development Plan aims to make the province the ‘gateway to Africa and the world’ by 2030. It is a major contributor to the South African economy, behind Gauteng but ahead of the Western Cape. Of the nine provinces, KZN has created the most jobs, with 128 000 employment opportunities generated from October 2012 to December 2013. The 2014/15 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework for KZN has earmarked R32 billion for infrastructure projects in the province. This represents a significant injection of funds into the economy and will act as a major stimulus to growth and development.

“Major provincial projects such as these not only require large quantities of concrete, but will also prompt the development of ancillary infrastructure to support these projects, which in turn will generate additional demand. Our strategy in KZN is not only to grow in order to meet this increased demand, but also to ensure we are able to offer our customers a total solution for their specific requirements,” Uys concludes.

AfriSam uses its C-Tech cement to produce its concrete mixes, which assists in reducing the carbon footprint of its concrete products.

AfriSam has supplied flagship projects in KZN such as the Galleria Shopping Centre, widening of the harbour mouth at the Port of Durban and the Spring Grove Dam (pictured).

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

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NEWS

The new face of affordable housing "Affordable housing need not look cheap." This is the philosophy behind the new community being established outside Springs, where 1 500 new two- and three-bedroomed houses and a unique ‘exploration park’ will soon provide secure living and a healthy lifestyle for homeowners in all income groups.

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eyond playing a role in addressing the country’s accommodation shortfall, the developers of this new stage of Selcourt Estate have challenged the norm of entry-level housing that has become prevalent during the past ten years. Rather than building as many houses as possible in as little space as is economically feasible, they have focused on aspects such as efficient energy usage, quality finishes, and creating surroundings that are not merely functional, but conducive to healthy community development and leisure activities.

Similan Consult, the development agency responsible for the newly released stage of Selcourt Estate, has set out to prove that affordable needn’t equate to sub-standard.

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It is the same design approach that has recently earned Similan the SAHF Housing Project of the Year Award for their Karino Lifestyle Estate outside Nelspruit. Like that development, Selcourt Estate is funded by Old Mutual’s MPSS fund, part of the Housing Impact Fund for South Africa, which aims to help fill the gap in the market between those who benefit from government-provided housing and those who have access to bank finance with which to purchase their own homes.

NEWS

Unlike conventional affordable housing developments, the homes at Selcourt Estate are constructed in various designs and sizes, offering different exterior finishes, such as multiple roof types and roof tile colours, a choice of wall colours, and quality fittings.

Particular attention has been paid to the layout of the estate. The streetscape is visually different. Instead of being placed in typical linear rows, the homes in Selcourt have been positioned to take maximum advantage of the natural features of the site. The homes are also oriented for optimal energy efficiency and comply 100% with the latest energy specifications of SANS 10400-X. The layout features circular streets and cul-de-sacs, creating pockets of communities within the larger community of the estate.

Similan’s Harold Spies explains the idea behind the park: “The concept is to offer residents and their friends a safe haven where they can meet and mingle, play sport, or simply chill. I’ve gone to great lengths to develop something that is not just stock-standard, and which would help build a healthy, happy community. The park has a theme, which is ‘Explore!’, and everyone, from preschoolers to adults will be kept entertained here. There are mazes, tunnels, specially designed jungle gyms and equipment that will help improve children’s hand-eye coordination and develop their motor skills. Hoop and tennis courts and mini soccer fields complete the picture.”

With prices starting at R359 500 (including transfer and legal costs) the homes provide a way for first-time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder while at the same time investing in a quality lifestyle for as little as R3 469 per month.

What makes Selcourt Estate especially attractive to families is the exploration park – a leafy landscaped park of over one hectare conceived in co-operation with an internationally acclaimed designer to be a peaceful place of relaxation, interaction, play, and best of all, exploration for people of all ages.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

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EVENTS

Housing excellence rewarded Achievements in the housing industry were acknowledged at the 2014 Southern African Housing Foundation Awards Ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, 30 September, at moyo, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town.

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Special Merit Award was awarded to the City of Cape Town and Power Construction for the Pelican Park Integrated Housing Development, in recognition of the developer working in successful partnerships with all stakeholders for the benefit of the community. The project encompassed all housing categories, namely BNG, FLISP, GAP, and the Affordable Housing Market.

In recognition for providing an innovative approach to high density, well-located and designed sectional title housing units for the affordable housing market, Cape Town Community Housing Company (CTCHC) received a Special Merit Award for the Mountan View Villas Project and were commended on the standard of finishes and building materials used.

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Housing Project of the Year - Under R125 000 per unit was awarded to Overstrand Municipality for the Pearly Beach Eluxilweni Housing Project, in recognition for providing well-designed, good quality subsidy housing for low income families. The development has empowered the local community with capacity building and employment opportunities.

EVENTS

The Housing Project of the Year over R125 000 - R500 000 per unit was awarded to Similan Properties for the Karino Lifestyle Estate Project in Nelspruit, in recognition of providing an innovative approach to funding, welldesigned good quality, value for money, low maintenance affordable housing. Similan Properties was commended for developing a convenient, well-located, attractive and secure Housing Estate for first-time home buyers, within easy reach of all amenities and excellent educational facilities.

The Community Development Project of the Year was awarded to the City of Cape Town in recognition of the outstanding achievement in providing 7 700 CRUs at scale within a refurbishment project. As part of the Community Development Programme the City of Cape Town has contributed to a meaningful network of public-private partnerships with the transfer of skills and community empowerment.

The Community Residential Unit (CRU) Project of the Year was awarded to Rustenberg Local Municipality for the Boitekong Extension 12 CRU Development in recognition for providing well-designed, good quality, low maintenance Community Residential Units, which are located close to employment opportunities, business, transport and social amenities.

The success of the project is due to community facilitation and resident involvement through meaningful consultation.

Housing Person of the Year was awarded to Lance Del Monte in recognition of his vision, leadership, passion and professional approach to the implementation of six subsidised housing projects in the Eastern Cape, offering a range of options, integration, densification and affordability. By piloting innovation he has made a positive contribution to sustainable housing development and the National Housing Policy.

Social Housing Project of the Year was awarded to the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) for the City Deep Social Housing Project, in recognition of a significant contribution towards providing the community with clean, safe and well-designed apartments at an affordable rental. Great success had been achieved by working in partnership with Local Government, Professionals, Contractors and the broader community.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

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CEMENT & CONCRETE

Critical factors that affect concrete quality for housing The role that the various mix constituents play to produce quality concrete for housing is often not fully understood, Bryan Perrie, managing director of The Concrete Institute, has cautioned.

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errie says using the correct mix proportions and ensuring good site practice affects the strength, durability and economy of the finished concrete.

“First of all, the quality of the cement is crucial. Building contractors should note that all producers and importers of cement must have a Letter of Authority (LoA) from the National Regulator for Compulsory Standards (NRCS) for each different cement type sold in South Africa. The NRCS issues an LoA only if the cement standard complies with SANS 50197-1 or SANS 50413-1,” he explains.

Perrie says five errors in particular tend to occur when producing concrete for housing: • The ratio between the water and the cement in a mix determines the strength of the concrete. When site batching for small quantities of concrete, contractors tend to use a builder’s wheelbarrow as a unit of measurement. Unfortunately this practice often produces inconsistent concrete mix proportions. “The contractor should ensure that the wheelbarrow is always levelled off at the top when measuring materials for mixing, to ensure that the correct, consistent mix proportion is achieved throughout. Note: two bags of 50kg cement is the equivalent to one builder’s wheelbarrow,” Perrie states.

• Another common mistake on site is the addition of extra water to improve the workability of the concrete after an extended period of time. This practice significantly reduces the strength of the concrete.

• Often concrete is not cured using the proper technique and/or is not cured long enough. “Newly cast concrete must be cured to ensure that hydration continues until the full potential strength of the hardened concrete is achieved and to minimize the tendency to crack. The concrete should be kept damp and not allowed to freeze during this time. The concrete should be cured for at least five days after placing it and longer in cold weather,” he advises.

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The role that the various mix constituents play to produce quality concrete for housing is often not fully understood, says The Concrete Institute. For example, the ratio between water and cement in a mix determines the strength of the concrete.

• There is often confusion between client, specifier and contractor when it comes to finishing a concrete floor, specifically relating to the application of a cement screed to the finished concrete floor. In general, a sandcement screed should not be applied as the final wearing surface. The appropriate application of sandcement screeds and concrete toppings is described in detail in the The Concrete Institute publication: ‘Sandcement screeds and concrete toppings for floors’ which is available free of charge from the Institute.

• Cracks in plaster and floors are a very common problem on most sites – a problem that can be avoided or reduced through the correct use of expansion joints to allow for movement of the structure at appropriate intervals. “Care should also be taken to allow for movement joints between different material types, such as clay bricks and concrete blocks,” Perrie adds.

More detailed information on this subject is available from The Concrete Institute’s publication ‘Concrete basics for building’. This publication, as well as several other specialised information leaflets on these issues can also be obtained directly from the Institute. The Concrete Institute also presents a variety of educational courses on concrete for all levels of experience.

• CEMENT • CONCRETE • CONSTRUCTION • ROADS • HOUSING

Cement, readymix and precast concrete producers, specifiers, specialist contractors, engineers, architects - if you manufacture, sell, specify or work with cement and concrete in any capacity then this is your show!

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Maurice Akech Chairman, National Construction Authority, Kenya

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Milton J. Nyerere Chairman, Association of Citizen Contractors Tanzania, Tanzania

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12 – 14 May 2015 - Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa CONSTRUCTION WEEK: 11—15 MAY 2015

www.construction-week.com

www.totallyconcrete.co.za

CEMENT & CONCRETE

CMA initiates precast concrete standards review The Concrete Manufacturers Association’s NPC (CMA) technical committee under the chairmanship of technical director, Taco Voogt, has formed a working group to revise four precast concrete standards.

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hese include SANS 1058 (concrete paving blocks) SANS 1215 (concrete masonry units) SANS 677 (interlocking concrete pipes) and SANS 542 (concrete roof tiles). SANS 1215 needs major revision, whereas the other three require only minor changes. Once completed and agreed to by various interested parties, the revised standards will be published by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

SANS 1215 was first introduced in 1984 and there have been six subsequent amendments. The last two were drafted in 2013 and are currently being circulated for comment. The masonry standard includes testing procedures for dimensions, squareness, compressive strength, drying shrinkage, expansion, rewetting and soundness/consistency.

The CMA’s SANS 1215 working group is faced with two options, the first being to revise and update the existing standard which was historically based on the British masonry standard, (which no longer applies in the UK) or to adopt the European standard BS EN 771-3, which is a supporting standard for Eurocode 6 – Design of Masonry Structures. At this stage it appears likely the European standard will be adopted under the auspices of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) with a South African annex to reflect local requirements. This is not only a simpler option which saves time and money, but the South African masonry fraternity can draw on the experience and research of its European counterparts.

“There is a complication, however, and that is the revision of the National Building Regulations through the addition of SANS 10400XA, which deals with energy efficiency and sustainability. Its introduction means that concrete masonry manufacturers must now comply with stringent energy requirements and right now there is no concrete masonry manufacturer which meets the standard especially in single-skin walls. The proposed regulations will make South African buildings among the most thermally efficient in the world, but at what cost? New buildings, especially in the affordable and low-cost housing sectors will become anything but affordable and double-skin cavity walls will become the norm,” says Voogt.

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CMA technical director, Taco Voogt.

South Africa’s paving standard SANS 1058 was extensively revised in 2010 when a test based on compressive strength was replaced with tensile splitting, abrasion resistance and water absorption. Many CMA paving manufacturers found the standard unnecessarily high and it was revised in 2012 when the criteria for tensile splitting and abrasion testing were lowered, albeit marginally, and the water absorption test was placed on a voluntary footing. The current initiative seeks to remove all reference to compressive strength as it is deemed irrelevant to paver performance and to place the water absorption requirement into an annex.

Some concrete pipe manufacturers have requested an annex on jacked pipes to be inserted in SANS 677 and a working group has been convened by Rocla’s Gerhard Rossouw for that purpose.

No changes are proposed for the roof tile standard, SANS 542, apart from rectifying a minor omission for on-site testing which simply entails the insertion of a missing zero on one of the test schedules.

The CMA is monitoring the effect that the revision of the National Building Regulations through SANS 10400L-Roofs may have on the application of concrete roof tiles.

NEWS

Building sector now has new hope for the future Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) has welcomed the unexpectedly high levels of building industry confidence reflected in the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index for the final quarter of 2014, and says it augurs well for a much improved 2015 for the beleaguered building sector.

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he FNB/BER Building Confidence Index released 1 December showed the highest level of confidence among building industry players since the beginning of 2008 and, according to the Index, confirmed that the building sector was now in the midst of a revival. The Index jumped up 15 points during the past quarter with main contractors’ confidence 13 index points higher, and sub-contractors’ confidence up by three index points.

Tumi Dlamini, Executive Director of MBSA , says the confident outlook of contractors approached for the final quarter of 2015 Index showed that, although the industry still faced formidable challenges, the small reprieve experienced in the third quarter of the Index was gaining momentum. “There is now certainly potential for a much improved 2015. With this indication of higher hopes for the future, we expect that 2015 could be a turnaround year for the industry with an increase in building activities around the country. MBSA is also further encouraged by the fact that renewed confidence is now permeating across the rest of the building value chain, with the subcontractors’ confidence also having risen. Retailers have also benefitted from this recovery.”

Dlamini said for an industry that had traded under extremely difficult conditions in 2014, with low margins and significantly decreased building activities throughout the country, the Index’s findings came at an opportune time just before the industry’s end-of-year shutdown.

“Based on the urgency that we have seen from government to deliver the long-awaited infrastructural projects from its budget allocation of R847 billion, MBSA fervently hopes that 2015 will be the year in which this growth momentum for the industry is carried through. A re-energized and focused commitment by government to deliver on these vital infrastructure projects will augment the gains now reported in this Index.

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Tumi Dlamini, Executive Director of MBSA “MBSA believes that the recovery is sustainable and that the building and construction industry will in 2015 realise its potential to create and maintain increased levels of employment, and continue to play a significant role in the economy of the country,” Dlamini added.

Tel +27 11 875 7400 Fax +27 11 875 7401 • info@isca.co.za • www.isca.co.za

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