Timber iQ June / July 2014 | Issue: 14

Design & Construction June - July 2014 // Issue: 14 // Price: R40,00 incl.

ISSN 2305-9648

Homes | Roof Rooms | Loft Conversions | Attic Conversions since 1979

WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES: New timber homes From one bedroom to complete top floors Loft rooms Parental suites Penthouses on apartment building roofs Granny flats Studios and offices Export containerised homes in kit form

Timbercraft have built free-standing homes in all sizes, ranging from granny flats to multi-storey luxury homes.

We work throughout the Cape Peninsula and although we specialise in roof room (second storey) conversions, we pride ourselves in building structure too.

CONTACT: Jim Bunyan Cell: +27 83 252 2268 Denvin Lucas Cell: +27 76 074 0763

OFFICE: Tel: +27 21 988 2268 Fax: +27 86 699 4647 Email: jim@timbercraft.co.za

www.timbercraft.co.za

George Campus

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (George Campus) focuses on becoming a world-class knowledge catalyst for the green economy and a more sustainable future and plans to realise this through cutting edge research and engagement, quality teaching and learning; as well as competitive innovation and entrepreneurship.

With the Faculties of Science; Business & Economic Sciences; and Education represented here, the campus is well positioned to develop students’ insights, skills and practical know-how, which can help them make a real difference in the agriculture, forestry, conservation, business, accounting, tourism and education fields.

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The George Campus is a firm favourite as it is well-known for its natural setting; as well as its close collaboration with the respective industries. Practical excursions and assignments in the beautiful surroundings are prominent features of the programme offerings that ensure the best possible exposure to the various industries and its practices.

Plus further study options for degree studies after completing a Diploma programme

Programme & Qualification Mix Higher Certificate  Veldfire Management

Postgraduate Certificate  Education – PGCE FET (Accounting; Agricultural Management Practices; Agricultural Science; Business Studies; Economics; Mathematics; Mathematical Literacy)

Diplomas  Agricultural Management  Forestry

For an application form or more information: • Tel: 044 801 5111 • Fax: 044 801 5031 • E-mail: george-info@nmmu.ac.za

Game Ranch Management Management Marketing Nature Conservation Tourism Management Wood Technology

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BCom degrees  BCom Accounting for Chartered Accountants  BCom General (Accounting, Business Management or Economics)

ecampus

.ac.za/georg

www.nmmu

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 30

8

ED'S NOTE

10

CONTRIBUTORS

13

INDUSTRY UPDATE - FORESTRY EXIT POLICY

14

COVER STORY - A SAMOAN ODYSSEY

23

ITFB - ITFB AWARDS 2013

56

INDUSTRY INSIGHT - A HELPING HAND

60

ADVERTORIAL - DECK JIGTM

64

SAUNAS & DECKING - SAUNA & DECKS FOR AFRICA

66

NEWS - CMC GROUP

69

EDUCATION & TRAINING - SUSTAINABLE FUTURES CONTINUED ON PAGE: 7

46 // JUNE / JULY 2014

5

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EasyDECK Cleaner is ideal for commercial decks such as lodges and restaurants, as well as for private decks, outdoor furniture and timber screens. You can enjoy your timber deck immediately after cleaning.

Apart from cleaning and sterilizing wooden surfaces, EasyDECK Cleaner also provides broad-spectrum protection against mould fungi, algae and bacteria whilst replenishing water repellent properties of wood coatings and finishes.

www.easyclipdeck.com | info@easyclip.co.za | +27 71 364 6335

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72

72

INDUSTRY INSIGHT - TIMBER DEGRADATION

76

WINDOWS & DOORS - DRY ROT

80

ARCHITECTURE - LA PEREDA HOUSE

86

BRANDERING - SALIGNA BRANDERING

88

NEWS - LONZA COMPETITION

// JUNE / JULY 2014

We bring you a wide range of spruce construction materials: Sawmill timber, Finger Join Beams, Glue laminated beams, Oriented solid board, Ceiling and flooring

7

HWZ International SA (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town Email: capetown@hwzinternational.com

www.hwzinternational.com

ED'S NOTE

You're there We all leave things behind. And in the words of Ray Bradbury in his Fahrenheit 451, "Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you're there."

T

he ITFB Awards this year not only rewarded excellence in timber frame building design and construction, but honoured past presidents and members, all of whom have played a pivotal role in making the Institute what it is today.

People are the driving force behind Institutes like the ITFB, and so too are they the impetus for building a beautiful timber frame home. It is true that little bits and pieces of the self become bound up with the things we love to do.

This type of passion is evident in the beautiful awardwinning projects we have the privilege of featuring in this issue. From decks and boardwalks, all the way through to structures larger than 220m2, these winning timber structures proved yet again that local talent is not only exceptional, but that it is improving year after year. You are, indeed, there.

These days mark the last period that the ITFB will operate as an Institute on its own, as it will soon be integrated into the workings of the ITC-SA.

We wish the ITFB and its members all the best with this integration, and look forward to partnering with you all under the auspices of the ITC-SA. On a different note, the article published on deck maintenance in our April/May issue yielded lively feedback.

While there is definite appreciation for the maintenance aspect involved in timber decking, some readers felt that it pointed to only worst-case scenarios. Timber iQ has become the publication it is through you, the reader, whose comments help us shape and improve every issue as we remain committed to promoting the use of timber in all aspects of design and construction. This case is no exception. While this issue is a definite feast for the eyes, we look forward to revisiting decking in some detail in upcoming editions.

Enjoy the read. And remember – your feedback is always welcome.

Jen

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SPAX for decking and facade With fixing thread and small head in STAINLESS STEEL

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*SPAX reference images – with the kind permission of MetsäWood

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CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS

THE TEAM

DANIEL CONRADIE Daniel is a Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist and freelance writer based in Cape Town. He is passionate about the design process and how the technology and materials employed are composed to express it. Jason Bakery lattés, sci-fi novels and Cape Town summers assist him in retaining his sanity and fervour.

EDITOR: Jennifer Rees 0861 727 663 076 119 8819 editor@trademax.co.za

PUBLISHER: Billy Perrin billy@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

LY NDSAY COTTON Lyndsay entered the construction industry in 1989 and has many years’ experience in both the civil and commercial spheres of this industry. He is well versed in residential construction and especially roofing, as he erected many of the roof structures in over 300 luxury houses and upmarket units in residential clusters he constructed. Holding a BSc (QS) degree, and a Diploma in Project Management, Lyndsay is the General Manager of a leading Gauteng-based fabricator, and is the current Chairman on the board of the ITC-SA. Although work always takes a priority, his passion is exploring the back roads of Africa on a KTM990 Adventure motorcycle.

FRED WAGENAAR Fred is the Executive Officer of the ITC-SA and has been involved in the construction industry for the past 34 years.

He is passionate about the built environment and is committed to promoting excellence in design, workmanship and material in the roofing industry. Fred is a proponent of drinking red wine, is unable to resist the calling of the open road, and loves chasing the sunset on his Harley.

ADVERTISING: Angeline Martin angie@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

LAYOUT & DESIGN: Craig Patterson craig@trademax.co.za

SUBSCRIPTIONS & DATA: Celeste Perrin celeste@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

TRADEMAX PUBLICATIONS Tel: 0861 727 663 Cell: 082 266 6976 Fax: 0866 991 346 www.trademax.co.za Postnet Suite 241 Private Bag X103 N1 City 7463

DISCLAIMER

GET IN TOUCH Follow us @Timber_iQ

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Visit us www.trademax.co.za

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 Timber iQ magazine will be held liable for any views expressed or information disseminated in this issue.

UPCOMING EVENTS UIA 'ARCHITECTURE OTHERWHERE' 3-7 AUGUST DURBAN ICC, DURBAN

CAPE CONSTRUCTION EXPO 13-14 AUGUST CTICC, CAPE TOWN

INTERBUILD AFRICA 2014 20-23 AUGUST EXPO CENTRE, NASREC, JHB

www.uia2014durban.org

www.cape-construction.co.za

www.interbuild.co.za

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LOGO HOMES Tel: +27 21 845 4606 Fax: +27 21 845 4413 Email: logo@icon.co.za Web: www.logohomes.co.za

adhesion 004/14/e

www.swartland.co.za

All our wood is ethically sourced.

Anything less goes against the grain.

The timber we use for our new, pre-sealed, pre-glazed Ready-2-Fit range is sourced from ethical loggers. Unlike metals, wood is a renewable resource, making this range of windows and doors the most energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly material out there. To find out more about the benefits of wood visit www.swartland.co.za or call 086 11 2425 for more.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Forestry Exit Policy Timber iQ follows up

C

oncerned Grabouw residents recently handed over a memorandum on their concerns should the forestry exit policy not be reversed, and in time. According to fin24, “The document was compiled by the Grabouw Deforestation Crisis Campaign, supported by the Grabouw Development Forum (GDF) and the local ratepayers association.”

Timber iQ asked the Theewaterskloof Municipality for comment on this important matter, and received the following response: “Theewaterskloof Municipality and the Grabouw community is concerned that the alleged deforestation of the Grabouw area can adversely affect the local economy, tourism, employment and the environment.

To obtain clarity about matters, meetings were held between concerned local residents, the Mayor of Theewaterskloof municipality, Alderman Chris Punt, Cape Pine, and the Department of Forestry.

The Municipal manager of Theewaterskloof municipality, Mr Stan Wallace, raised the issue at the recent Indaba Meeting between the municipality and sector departments. The heads of departments of Economic Affairs and Environmental Affairs and Planning offered to assist with dealing with the matter on a national level.

A meeting was held between national and provincial departments and the municipality and matters discussed, amongst others, included the establishment of facts, the historical background of the current situation, implications of the current situation, options and a way forward.

Key issues are the alleged deforestation of the Grabouw area, the deforestation process and the expiry of the contract with Cape Pine.

Replanting cannot start unless new contracts are issued by the Department of Forestry.

The chief directors of forestry, the provincial departments of Environmental Affairs and Economic Development and the municipality will meet as soon as possible to obtain a commitment to expedite the advertising of the tender and contract.

Theewaterskloof Municipality will use all avenues to consult with the relevant authorities to address the issue.”

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was also contacted by Timber iQ for comment, but had not responded at the time of print.

REFERENCE: www.fin24.com

handles • cabinet hardware • knobs • ironmongery • bathroom accessories • metal signage • locks • hinges

CT. 021 422 2322 • JHB. 011 325 2555 • KZN. 031 584 6649 • Somerset West. 021 850 0047 • www.handlesinc.co.za

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

A Samoan Odyssey Having recently completed the Aga Reef Resort in Lalomanu, Samoa, T&B Log Homes quite literally go to the ends of the earth for their clients.

COVER STORY

T

&B Log Homes, word leaders in heavy solid log homes and buildings, based in Knysna, South Africa, have been designing, supplying and constructing solid log structures for 30 years. From humble beginnings and a limited product range, this company has evolved to offer complete turnkey solutions, and operate worldwide. T&B Log Homes offer various products and options to market, using a variety of building methodologies, including solid log structures, timber frame, SIP panels, concrete, stone, brick and mortar, and a combination of same, where required.

David Simpson, CEO of T&B Log Homes says, “Our clientele still want the warm natural feel of timber, but they also want the option of a more modern ‘look and feel,’ both inside and outside. In order to accommodate this, we have had to adapt to changes in market trends, styles and demands, along with the multitude of new finishes and ‘mod-cons’ available on the market.” He adds, “We are still happy to design and construct a traditional log home, but the secret to our longevity and success is that we have embraced the changes in demand, which has made us more flexible and adaptable to every possible situation.”

T&B Log Homes are still actively involved in the residential market; however, by virtue of their flexibility and logistical skill set, the better part of the last 10 years have been spent

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working in the hotel and resort market on various projects across the globe. One such project is the Aga Reef Resort in Lalomanu, Samoa.

EARLY BEGINNINGS T&B Log Homes receive numerous enquiries for projects of various sizes, shapes, and locations on a daily basis and were quite surprised to receive an enquiry from Samoa, considering their proximity to New Zealand, a country that offers a fairly extensive range of good quality timber solutions.

However, in keeping with T&B Log Homes’ culture, every enquiry, no matter how big or small, receives maximum attention and effort. This was the beginning of a very rewarding and exciting adventure, and the creation of the Aga Reef Resort.

PLANNING, PRELIMINARY DESIGNS & CONTEXT Initial discussions and the preliminary design brief were handled via email correspondence, and once initial scope and budgets were established, T&B Log Homes undertook the very long ‘trek’ to meet the client and view the site.

COVER STORY

The secret to our longevity and success is that we have embraced the changes in demand, which has made us more flexible and adaptable to every possible situation.

The site is located on the sea edge on the main island of Samoa on the opposite side of the island to Apia, their capital city and main sea port. It initially had entry level structures for ‘backpacker’ type accommodation, but was totally destroyed by the last tsunami that struck Samoa.

Samoa has a strong interest in and opportunity for tourism, mainly from the Australasian market, but there is a vast shortage of hotel beds with only three medium-sized hotels and a few boutique guest housetype establishments on the main island.

Simpson says, “Our site was comprised of a fairly large and relatively flat section along the sea edge, as well as a man-made island just off shore accessed by, at the time, a very rickety timber pedestrian bridge on concrete piles. The island section included a rock sea wall forming a tidal swimming pool, as well as a natural ‘turtle pond,’ all of which augured well for some real ingenuity to make maximum use of all areas.”

“Samoa and its people are a very traditional, warm, accommodating, and family-orientated, with strong cultural influences, and the project owner, and client, was no different; he understood the complexities of the challenge that lay ahead and contributed a strong supporting role through all aspects of the project.”

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COVER STORY DESIGN BRIEF & DEVELOPMENT The client wanted to create something unique that was an attraction in itself; upmarket, but with some Samoan culture and influence, and basically gave the T&B Log Homes team carte blanche with design concepts and themes, as the interior design team had not yet been appointed. “This resulted in some serious ‘head scratching’ from our side,” says David, “but once we knuckled down, it all started to come together fairly swiftly.”

Samoa does not have much in terms of natural resources for construction materials and just about everything is imported for this purpose.

It was for this reason that T&B Log Homes’ scope of supply was for a complete supply, including all joinery fittings, plumbing, sanitaryware, electrical equipment, appliances, light fittings, etc., except interior décor, which was ultimately handled by the client in conjunction with a New Zealand-based design company.

By virtue of its South Pacific location, Samoa has a fairly long rainy season with very heavy rainfall, making working conditions over this period almost impossible, and a set completion date was given to ensure opening at the beginning of their tourist season in October, so the allotted construction period was very short.

SCOPE INCLUDED: • Minimum of 30 rooms in a combination of luxury standalone villas and hotel block-style rooms, including some family suites • 1 VIP suite with private plunge pool • Reception, restaurant, lounge and bar area • Swimming pool and sun deck • Small spa • Entrance portal and gate house • Service area and stores • Island bar and sun deck around turtle pond • Reconstruction of island access walkway • Back-of-house structures on island and mainland • Design of bulk services including: • Rainwater harvesting, treatment and delivery • Sewer reticulation, treatment and management • Electrical reticulation, power supply and standby power system

CONSTRUCTION DESIGN & MANUFACTURING “A true ‘kit supply’ is another rhetorical issue not too dissimilar to the old rate/m2,” says Simpson, “but we believe with our experience and evolution over the years, we have near perfected this art to the point that we strive to ensure that on-site construction is an assembly of processed and finished components and not a construction of loose materials supplied. This meant that the global T&B Log Homes system was the perfect application for the project at hand.”

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The Port of Apia in Samoa is slightly off the grid in terms of regular shipping routes from South Africa, rendering shipping costs a 'tearjerking' affair to say the least, so it was imperative that each container achieved optimal mass and volume.

For all T&B Log Homes’ projects, the design department develops a complete set of drawings, including architectural, manufacturing, and detailed assembly drawings. All components are referenced on the drawings and labeled accordingly in the factory, so that on-site assembly is easy and ‘getting it wrong’ is hard to do. This approach cuts a substantial chunk out of the construction time on site, and is ultimately to the client’s benefit, especially when it comes to the hotel/resort situation, where quickly completed projects mean that revenue streams are effected sooner than would be expected using conventional means of construction.

COVER STORY

We have proven to ourselves that we are, in fact, prepared to go to the ends of the earth to satisfy our clients.

Cognizance was taken of climatic conditions in Samoa and its possible effect on the timber. However, Radiata Pine is historically stable and therefore not a major issue, but moisture content was as low as possible, so as not to compromise on permissible container weights.

Existing soil conditions provided good founding, and all structures were constructed on typical elevated timber floor structures on timber piles and base pads, allowing for total concealment of service reticulations and installations below each building.

The primary external wall structure used was the T&B Log wall system, using the ‘flat log’ profile. Windows were slightly problematic, as most windows in Samoa are oldstyle louvre-type windows with an integrated external fly screen and the client insisted that this be maintained, so all windows had to be custom-made and the team ended up wiser for their efforts.

The rehabilitation of the island access bridge and ‘turtle pond’ sun deck provided some additional challenges, considering that the existing structures comprise a series of concrete beams and columns, all of which are at different levels, spacings and angles.

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These areas were carefully surveyed on the first site visit and through some ingenuity and pre-manufacturing allowing for some flexibility, the final installation was relatively simple with an aesthetically interesting and pleasing end result.

DESIGN THEME In terms of design theme, the Samoan tradition is to have the majority of exposed structural elements carved with local markings, which is usually done prior to installation along with ornate rope wrappings at connections and junctions, which presented a challenge, because these skills are not readily available in South Africa.

Traditional roofs are palm thatched similar to the ‘Makuti’ roofs used in Mozambique, which, theoretically, was not a problem, as this could be locally sourced, but does require regular maintenance and replacement periodically. After much discussion with the client and the New Zealand interior design team, it was decided that the Samoan influence on the structures would be toned down, and rather to allow it to come through in the project décor.

COVER STORY

The entire experience for the T&B Log Homes staff involved, irrespective of contractual dictation and obligation, was a re-education in respect, being pro-active in finding solutions, and taking action for the greater good of the project, ending in the smooth execution and completion of Aga Reef Resort.

The final decision was to limit the influence to key elements in a slightly modernized fashion, including exposed pole scissor trusses with grass matt vaulted ceilings and rope wrappings on connection points. Harvey Thatch tiles were used as the roof covering, and offered an attractive, modern take on the traditional grass roof covering.

Detailing and specifying finishes is time consuming and challenging when done via email with images and descriptions, because so much can be lost in translation.

This was especially challenging, because materials and elements all have varying terminology and product names in different countries. However, the T&B Log Homes team persevered as far as possible, and it was then decided that the best course of action would be to construct a partial show house in their factory, covering all of the key elements with alternative options on hand, and have the client come over for an inspection and make final selections.

“The show house was a great success and within three days from the client’s arrival, we managed to review all aspects of the project, make final decisions, relevant price adjustments, and prepare and sign the final contract documents,” says Simpson.

LOGISTICS Shipping materials to Samoa is a very costly affair, so to ensure that the budget was adhered to, T&B Log Homes concentrated aggressively on pre-manufacturing as much as possible, and aside from the usual pre-cut and labeled floor and external wall system, along with pre-hung doors, etc., the team went as far as pre-cutting to exact size, including pre-drilling fixing points for internal wall frames and custom pole roof trusses. This turned out to be a very effective and time-saving exercise on site.

After all ‘take-offs’ of materials was completed, detailed packing lists, including calculated mass and volume for each item, were prepared, providing the basis for good logistical planning. The Port of Apia in Samoa is slightly off the grid in terms of regular shipping routes from South Africa, rendering shipping costs a ‘tear-jerking’ affair to say the

least, so it was imperative that each container achieved optimal mass and volume.

The predicament with exporting timber is that generally maximum permissible mass is achieved prior to volume, especially when using 12m containers, and in larger scale projects, this can be the cost difference between securing a project or not. With good planning, T&B Log Homes managed to squeeze just over 400 tons of timber and product into a combination of eighteen 12m and 6m containers.

Goods were loaded and shipped in smaller batches of containers to make it more manageable for on-site handling and off-loading, but required some serious planning, considering projected transit time was around 55 days ex Durban via Singapore and Tauranga in New Zealand, including vessel transhipment at each port. This area was effectively handled with very few hitches, and containers were delivered timeously and in sequential construction order.

IMPLEMENTATION & OPERATIONS Initial budgets provided for a complete supervision and labour force from T&B Log Homes to construct the project, which was logistically a large portion of the budget, and with the global economic downturn at the time and exchange rate fluctuation, the client started looking for budget cuts. A subsequent trip to Samoa resulted in a partnership with a local contractor to provide the bulk of the work force, which wasn’t first prize in terms of the program and associated responsibilities, but T&B Log Homes’ pre-manufactured methodology is simple and geared for this application.

The Samoan workforce are not lacking in skill and were friendly and accommodating, with plenty of enthusiasm, but it was imperative that they understood the building methodology as quickly as possible. Once they realized how simple the assembly was going to be, they fell into a good rhythm, and the project was successfully completed and the hotel opened on time.

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COVER STORY

CONCLUSION The entire experience for the T&B Log Homes staff involved, irrespective of contractual dictation and obligation, was a re-education in respect, being pro-active in finding solutions, and taking action for the greater good of the project, ending in the smooth execution and completion of Aga Reef Resort.

The hotel is in successful operation and receiving only really good reviews. T&B Log Homes are currently in discussion to supply and install an additional 20 hotel rooms in various forms, expecting to start shipping later this year to start construction start early in 2015.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dave Simpson (t) 044 302 4500 (e) dave@tbloghomes.co.za (w) www.timberloghomes.co.za

NEWS T&B Log Homes have experienced a massive evolution over the past decade, including vast improvements to our existing product range and the addition of new products and services. We are currently busy with a total rebranding of the T&B Group to showcase our product offering in more detail. We are particularly excited about the launch of our new Revo post, rail and panel system, which we have been developing over the past two years. The Revo system carries the same quality and care mark as all other T&B products, and caters for the entry-level home building and DIY markets and has multiple use functionality, ranging from projects as small as a home office or store, to hotel and resort.

Look out for our big launch in a future issue of Timber iQ!

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

ITFB Awards 2013

2013 ITFB AWARDS

A legacy built ITFB rewards top-class local timber frame building and honours past presidents with its 2013 awards evening.

Past presidents of the ITFB. From left to right: Stuart Meiklejohn, Mike Allum, Keith Rudd, Jim Bunyan, and Ben Paine.

H

osted in Cape Town’s Durbanville wine country, this particular event was set to mark the end of an era for the ITFB, to pay homage to its founding fathers and loyal supporters, celebrate great design and construction, and to toast to a bright future.

Jenni de Waal, ITFB secretary, and Werner Slabbert, President of the ITFB played host to the evening, and wove the story of the ITFB from its very roots that took hold over three decades ago, to the Institute as it stands today.

Shaped by industry players and a growing local demand for quality timber construction, the ITFB’s very beginnings were in Gypsum Industries Limited’s (GIL) timber frame building system, whose early licensees took it upon themselves to initiate a regulatory system to help monitor and control the quality of timber frame builds – from which the ITFB, or the Timber Frame Builders Association (TFBA), as it was known at the time, was borne.

TFBA/ITFB PAST PRESIDENTS: Tony Kelly Mike Vancus Mike Allum Peter Grobbelaar Keith Rudd Ben Paine Ian Michelson Stuart Meiklejohn Werner Slabbert (Current President)

Paul McCarthy of Sauna & Decks for Africa receives the Silver Award for the construction of Deck Pillay in the ‘Decks & Boardwalks’ category.

THE ITFB STORY: GROWTH & SUPPORT Communication with decision-makers, financiers and clients was supported by a single-page newsletter, which developed into a successful mini, full-colour magazine. With membership growth, the Association’s constitution was written up and office bearers were elected, and after a time, the TFBA had become a national entity.

Early contributions to the Association were from Everite, Airton Timbers, Federated Timbers, GIL, architects and various suppliers. The South African Lumber Millers Association (SALMA) was invited on a reciprocal, and supportive basis, as their focus, in part, was similar to that of the TFBA. Early days were spent meeting various municipal and financial institution members to lobby support and pave the way for formal industry recognition. Support, in the form of mediation and advice, was offered to builder and client alike, and professionals in the construction and legal industries often sought out the advice of the TFBA.

BUILDING AWARDS In 1995 the TFBA instituted its annual building awards, where builders of winning structures were recognised for excellent craftsmanship and awarded either a gold, silver, or bronze certificate.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS Taken from Rosemary Rudd's 'A Craft Revived,' Keith Rudd extrapolates, "The founder member found it necessary to form a united front to go to the financial institutions and municipalities and prove timber frame's case, and to spend as much time as possible educating the consumer on the multitude of benefits of this incredible building system."

Members that have given up so much of their time to make the awards run so well over the years are long-serving Mike Allum, Graham Retief, Graham Butler, John Mortimer, Barry Wood, Rosemary Rudd, and, more recently, Eljo Balaam, Jacques Cronje and Fred Wagenaar.

Charles de Jongh of Deckscapes is awarded the Bronze Award in the ‘Decks & Boardwalks’ category for the construction of Deck Le Chasseur. Handing over the award is current president of the ITFB, Werner Slabbert, assisted by Charissa-Lynne James of UFCC, a main sponsor of the event.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS The past few years in the history of the ITFB have been eventful and have included the showcase of the ‘Interbuild House,’ which gave timber framed homes unprecedented exposure to the local trade, the launch of The Wood Foundation, the TFBA’s name change to the ITFB, as well as changes in associated branding.

To quote Leon Bekker, who joined the TFBA in 1995, and who has served as treasurer ever since: “One of the certainties of life is change, and in June 2009 the TFBA entered into negotiations with the ITC, exploring the options of amalgamating with them and becoming one true timber construction industry in South Africa.”

These negotiations have now reached their conclusion and it has been agreed that the ITFB will be integrated into the workings of the ITC-SA for a stronger, more streamlined effort in the regulation of the timber construction industry. Further advantages of this integration were highlighted by Fred Wagenaar, Executive Officer of the ITC-SA.

Jaco Bosman of Knysna Timber Homes receives the Gold Award for House Malan in the ‘Alterations & Additions’ category.

Knysna Timber Homes also took home the Bronze Award for the design and construction of House Baard and the Silver Award in the ‘Structures larger than 220m2’ for the design and construction of House Under the Milkwoods.

Past presidents of the Institute later took to the stage to share some of their experiences during their serving terms, offering insight into the workings of the Institute and the industry’s climate at the time. Not without a humorous undertone, these anecdotes attested to the character and wit shared by past presidents.

With a tribute to past presidents, an overview of the accomplishments of the ITFB, and a look ahead to the future of timber construction in South Africa, it was fitting, then, to pay homage to the great design and execution that goes into top-class timber frame structures – with the 2013 ITFB awards.

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Ben Paine of Logo Homes wins the Silver Award for work on House Corner in the ‘Alterations & Additions’ category. Logo Homes also took the Gold Award for House McClelland in the ‘Structures larger than 120m2’ category and won the 2014 Timber iQ Media Award. Both projects were designed by Alan Paine Designs. This is the 17th year Logo Homes have been entered into the ITFB Awards.

2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY 1: DECKS & BOARDWALKS

CATEGORY 4: STRUCTURES LARGER THAN 120M2

SILVER AWARD

GOLD AWARD

PROJECT NAME: Deck Pillay DESIGN: Haley Richard Perfect CONSTRUCTION: Sauna & Decks for Africa

PROJECT NAME: House McClelland DESIGN: Alan Paine Designs CONSTRUCTION: Logo Homes

SILVER AWARD

MERIT AWARD

PROJECT NAME: Deck at Granger Bay DESIGN: Bruce Cameron CONSTRUCTION: Town & Country Projects

PROJECT NAME: Monzi Safari Lodge DESIGN: Southbroom Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Southbroom Timber Homes

BRONZE AWARD PROJECT NAME: Deck Le Chasseur DESIGN: Stephen Hetherington CONSTRUCTION: Deckscapes

CATEGORY 2: ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS

GOLD AWARD

CATEGORY 5: STRUCTURES LARGER THAN 220M2

GOLD AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Teixeira DESIGN: Max Ianigro Maestro Architects CONSTRUCTION: Eco Log Homes

SILVER AWARD

PROJECT NAME: House Malan DESIGN: Knysna Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Knysna Timber Homes

PROJECT NAME: House Under the Milkwoods DESIGN: Kynsna Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Kynsna Timber Homes

SILVER AWARD

SILVER AWARD

PROJECT NAME: House Corner DESIGN: Alan Paine Designs CONSTRUCTION: Logo Homes

PROJECT NAME: House Carstens DESIGN: Jacques Cronje Timber Design CONSTRUCTION: Henton Homes

BRONZE AWARD

BRONZE AWARD

PROJECT NAME: House Dunbar Riser DESIGN: Southbroom Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Southbroom Timber Homes

PROJECT NAME: House Baard DESIGN: Knysna Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Knysna Timber Homes

MERIT AWARD CATEGORY 3: STRUCTURES SMALLER THAN 120M2

AWARDED TO: Eco Log Homes FOR: Outstanding portfolio presentation

BRONZE AWARD PROJECT NAME: Sauna Serous DESIGN: Huw Jones CONSTRUCTION: Sauna & Decks for Africa

MERIT AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Umdoni DESIGN: Southbroom Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Southbroom Timber Homes

MERIT AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Felixton DESIGN: Southbroom Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Southbroom Timber Homes

Leon Bekker of UFCC hands over the Gold Award for the ‘Structures larger than 220m2' category to Werner Slabbert of Eco Log Homes for the construction of House Teixeira, designed by Max Ianigro Maestro Architects. Slabbert also took home a special merit award for ‘Outstanding portfolio presentation.’

// JUNE / JULY 2014

27

2013 ITFB AWARDS

Leon Bekker, ITFB treasurer, is awarded the ‘Long Service Award.’

The ITFB represents the timber frame building in South Africa, and with its ‘Seal of Controlled Quality,’ synonymous with high-end craftsmanship and unquestionable ethics, the Institute promotes a high standard of timber frame building locally.

Johnny Rampisili of Town & Country Projects and architect, Bruce Cameron, are awarded the Silver Award for the construction and design of the deck at Granger Bay in the ‘Decks & Boardwalks’ category.

ITFB members may enter as many of their projects as they wish. An entry entails the submission of a portfolio that details each project from start to completion, a copy of the plans, and a summary of the site environment, construction time frame, as well as challenges associated with the project.

The portfolios are required to report on elements relating to the structure, interior and exterior of the project.

JUDGES: Graham Retief, Graham Butler, Jacques Cronje, Mike Allum and Eljo Balaam.

SPONSORS: The ITFB would like to thank Lonza Wood Protection, United Fibre Cement Company (UFCC), and Timber iQ for their sponsorship.

Horton Hunter of Henton Homes and Jacques Cronje of Jacques Cronje Timber Design are awarded for the construction and design of House Carstens. The project won a Silver Award in the ‘Structures larger than 220m2’ category.

2014 TIMBER IQ MEDIA AWARD: As part of an ongoing campaign to promote the timber in design and construction, Timber iQ continues to support the ITFB as its media partner. In an effort to highlight even more beautiful award-winning timber frame building projects, add a new dimension to the annual ITFB awards, and to reward excellent craftsmanship, Timber iQ initiated its Media Award in 2013.

The winner of the Timber iQ media award is selected from Gold and Silver ITFB award winners, and is awarded to the project portfolio whose visual and textual presentation is most reflective of the quality of projects regularly featured in Timber iQ.

Huw Jones of Sauna & Decks for Africa is awarded the Bronze Award for the construction of Sauna Serous in the category, ‘Structures smaller than 120m2.’

The 2014 Timber iQ Media Award went to Alan Paine Designs and Logo Homes for the design and construction of House McClelland.

The Timber iQ Media Award includes an extensive fivepage project feature in a future issue of Timber iQ to the approximate value of R60 000.

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Stuart Meiklejohn, past president of the ITFB, is awarded the ‘Honorary Membership Award.’

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: DECKS AND BOARDWALKS SILVER AWARD PROJECT NAME: Deck Pillay DESIGN: Haley Richard Perfect CONSTRUCTION: Sauna & Decks for Africa LOCATION: Constantia, Cape Town

PROJECT DETAILS: The client wanted a seamless integration of natural timber to blend in with the wooded surrounds of their home, exacting straight lines to complement the existing concrete structures, and for natural light to flow through the deck.

Novel skylights inserted into the deck design not only enhance the exterior, but are integral to a functional interior space. This is coupled with access points via a walkway and bridge access to the pool and koi pond area, which finish off the overall landscape design of the garden living area.

The Sauna & Decks for Africa team accommodated the architect’s request for the inclusion of hatches (12 of which were installed) for the pool pumps and pool cover motor, as well as the fitment of clear glass skylights into the deck to allow light into the cellar.

The sub-structure was built by sinking treated gum poles into concrete footings and the sub-frame was secured to these with bolts. The deck was levelled with supports before planking was applied, and joists were set at 300mm intervals and chamfered to fit the pool edge.

The deck was constructed using stainless steel screws, along with the Kreg Jig system, which hides all screw heads. Two coats of ProNature wood preserve, containing no toxic chemicals, was used to seal all exterior deck surfaces. Butt joints were used to eliminate any shrinkage.

Site neatness and safety were practiced and adhered to at all times.

SUPPLIERS: Balau Timber: Allan’s Trading; Sundry: Pennypinchers.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: DECKS AND BOARDWALKS SILVER AWARD PROJECT NAME: Deck at Granger Bay DESIGN: Bruce Cameron CONSTRUCTION: Town & Country Projects LOCATION: V&A Waterfront

PROJECT DETAILS: Town & Country Projects were briefed to create a freeflowing structure at Granger Bay to allow public access to the shops of the V&A Waterfront, and safe movement along the bus terminal. The brief required the project’s protection from the Cape’s winter sea storms, without compromising on views over the breakwater walls.

Environmental considerations were of paramount importance to the client, and the structure has been classified as temporary, underlining its low impact on its surrounds during construction, and its ability to be dismantled, relocated, and reconstructed again.

Platforms were built and positioned first, and then bridged between with the solid Cladocalyx stairs. The sub-structure is of treated SA Pine, and is supported by 150mm diameter gum poles treated to H6.

The project was completed using two different types of Eucalyptus from apple orchards in the Elgin area.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

Before the boardwalk was constructed, there was no safe access down this road, which shows the intrinsic versatility of timber in solving access problems in a ways that are cost-effective, and that tread lightly on the environment.

Having won the Silver Award in the same category in the 2012 ITFB awards, the continuation of the project is yet another award-winning configuration.

SUPPLIERS:

Once the client saw how effective the boardwalk was, Town & Country Projects were asked to extend it by 10m on either side to bridge over drainage areas.

Fixings: S and C Agencies; Timber: Universal Timbers; Steel Rods: Stewarts & Lloyds.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: DECKS AND BOARDWALKS BRONZE AWARD PROJECT NAME: Deck Le Chasseur DESIGN: Stephen Hetherington CONSTRUCTION: Deckscapes LOCATION: Durbanville, Cape Town

PROJECT DETAILS: This beautiful deck came about as a landscaping solution to rejuvenate an existing communal pool area for the residents of a Durbanville complex, called Le Chasseur. The body corporate approached a landscaping company, called Green Zone, whose representative, Stephen Hetherington, decided to incorporate timber decking as a part of the design solution. The deck adds enormous aesthetic appeal to the area, and also enhances the residents’ poolside experience, by offering more space to sunbathe – and in style.

The structure of Deck Le Chasseur is of CCAtreated structural SA Pine in various dimensions and Massaranduba was employed for the decking surface. Flush-mounted stainless steel screws were used to fix the deck, and coach screws fixed the structure to the sides of the walls. Gabion baskets added an aesthetic dimension to the build.

The project took just over a month to complete and offered up a few challenges. Because it was for a residential complex community, governed by a body corporate, communication and feedback would often come from more than one source, which took time.

The project was also completed in summer, a time when residents most want to make use of the pool area. This meant that the Deckscapes team could only work for a limited period during the day, and had to be extra-cautious about delineating noentry areas, especially because electricity was used on site, and also had to clear away materials that would otherwise remain until the end of the build, on a daily basis.

Le Chasseur residents are most pleased with their new pool area, which will serve the community for many years to come.

SUPPLIERS: Pine: Pryde Trusses; Screws & Fastenings: Bolt Engineering Supplies; Massaranduba: Saplings Timber Trading.

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OUR CORE VALUES TEAMWORK COMMITMENT RESPECT

At Cape Pine we believe that our inherent desire to build a great business goes hand in hand with an innate passion for our ecosystem and core values that are entrenched within our organisation. We have a rich heritage in South Africa with George Sawmill in the heart of Outeniqua and the Longmore Sawmill in the Tsitsikamma. In the Boland, we have the Stellenbosch Sawmill as well as the re-working and distribution facility in Wemmershoek, near Franschhoek.

INNOVATION INTEGRITY COMMUNICATION EMPOWERMENT

Servicing the building, remanufacturing, furniture and packaging industry throughout South Africa and Namibia

www.capepine.co.za

WEMMERSHOEK (021) 867 0149 / GEORGE (044) 871 1016 / JONKERSHOEK (021) 866 1512 LONGMORE SAWMILL (042) 286 0641 / STELLENBOSCH (021) 808 7440

2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS GOLD AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Malan DESIGN: Knysna Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Knysna Timber Homes LOCATION: Buffalo Bay

PROJECT DETAILS: With predominantly east-facing views, House Malan, a Cape Cod-style home with a local twist, overlooks the main beach on the Buffalo Bay coastline on the Garden Route.

Construction began in May of 2013 and was completed by the end of August of the same year. The team was tasked with creating a harmonious flow between the stylistically different old and new structures.

Having been in the family for many years, the owners wanted to have their home completely rebuilt. Knysna Timber Homes removed almost 90% of the existing brick house structure and rebuilt the new house around the remaining features the owners wanted to keep.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

The house covers 448m2 and the decking area boasts an extensive 180m2.

House Malan is comprised of two levels, with the ground floor opening to an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen. The ground floor also houses the double garage, store room, laundry, scullery, and a large TV room.

The first floor consists of four en-suite bedrooms with a shower and bath in each, as well as an informal lounge extending out onto a covered deck.

Nutec handy plank covers the exterior, decking is of Massaranduba, pergolas are of Balau, and roof sheeting used is white Colorbond Ultra. As advised by the appointed engineer, the team had to incorporate a large steel grid to support the large open plan spaces on both floors.

Interior cladding on the ground floor is of smooth plasterboard to match the existing plastered brick walls, while the first floor cladding is all whitewashed tongueand-groove pine, providing a ‘beachy’ feel. The ground floor ceilings in the open-plan living area are skimmed plasterboard and the remaining ceilings throughout are tongue-and-groove knotted pine. Flooring throughout the house is of engineered oak of 190mm wide and all doors and windows are of white aluminium.

Envirosafe Low E glass was used in the windows and doors, complying with the new SANS regulations. The front door is of solid Meranti timber.

A heat pump, with a 6500ℓ underground storage tank, was installed for warm water. The white, seamless gutters and downpipes were constructed to flow into the tank and this water is used for the garden, the design of which is simple and elegant, incorporating the natural flora surrounding the house.

SUPPLIERS: Roof sheeting: Knysna Roofing; Exterior Cladding & Engineered Oak Floor Finishes: Saplings Timber Trading; Windows & Doors: Aluminium Factory; Safety Glass: Coastal Windows & Doors; Internal Doors, Handles & Hardware: Tradirrs Knysna; Garage Doors: CX Garage Doors; Timber Doors: C&C Joiners; Built-in Cupboards: Willow Cupboards; Sanitaryware & Accessories: TTS Plett; Heat Pump: Garden Route Cooling; Electrical Wiring: Mitchells Electrical; Light Fittings: Finishing Touch Lighting; Tiles: Carpet Discount House; Gutters & Downpipes: Watertite Guttering; Brick Paving: Cobble Paving.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS SILVER AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Corner DESIGN: Alan Paine Designs CONSTRUCTION: Logo Homes LOCATION: Oranjezicht, Cape Town

PROJECT DETAILS: The alterations and additions to House Corner, home to a well-known photographer and his wife, was the most dramatic and challenging ever faced by Logo Homes. The large house in Oranjezicht occupied a beautiful setting and was bounded on two sides by the mountain reserve.

The property to the east accommodated an outbuilding consisting of garages, domestic quarters, a laundry, and storage. The couple had the idea of sub-dividing the property so that the outbuildings would occupy one half, and after several years, this was approved. It was at this time that they decided to proceed with their plans to modify the outbuildings so as to create a workplace downstairs, and living quarters upstairs, and room to sell the original house.

The old outbuildings, however, were in no way designed to take another floor and were in poor condition, so they immediately thought of timber frame as the best option to the address this problem. After a great deal of planning, the idea came together and the end result has been amazing.

The outside walls have remained and the garage space was left as it was. The balance has been converted into a hallway, kitchenette, stairwell and bathroom. A timber framed extension to the south creates a space that doubles as a bedroom and study, and a large room with stacking doors to the garage, which will be used as a photographic studio.

Upstairs, over the old section, is an open-plan living room and kitchen, which occupies the bay window, which extends outward to create a carport below. The kitchen has been beautifully fitted and boasts stunning views of Devil’s Peak.

The living room has large stacking doors that open out onto a wrap-around veranda, facing north and east. This not only provides a great place to sit and enjoy the view, but makes it possible for the house to comply with energy efficiency regulations.

The building is surrounded by trees, and the client was determined not to remove any, so Logo Homes allowed for the deck to go around the tree trunks, evoking the wonderful feel of being in a tree house.

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Upstairs is the main bedroom with another bay window, a landing, and another full bathroom.

Another Balau deck was added below the one upstairs, which creates another pleasant space with direct access to the garden.

The use of exposed trusses with little dormers to allow for extra light and a glimpse of Table Mountain all add great character to this little house, which is all built with very low maintenance material.

The Corners just love their house just as much as Logo Homes enjoyed creating it for them.

2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: STRUCTURES SMALLER THAN 120M2 BRONZE AWARD PROJECT NAME: Sauna Serous DESIGN: Huw Jones CONSTRUCTION: Sauna & Decks for Africa LOCATION: Constantia, Cape Town

PROJECT DETAILS: The client’s brief was to build an outside sauna that matched the architectural style of his house with the best possible view of Groot Constantia Wine Estate. The project was on, and accessed by, the second floor balcony.

Sauna & Decks for Africa decided to clad the outside in Nutec board painted the same colour of the house, and to use the same profile roof sheeting to match the existing roofs.

Although the roof pitch was not the same as the existing roof, the angle was reduced so that it matched the house roof style. The initial size of the roof was also reduced after looking at it in its early stages.

The sauna was completely built in the workshop and then cut up into panels and transported to site 25km away. It was then rebuilt on the second floor.

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Due to size, the panels could not be brought through the house. There was no space to erect scaffolding, so the carpenters had to work on ladders, and balance on the balcony walls. Safety harnesses were used to prevent falling.

The sauna was built on a boxed frame with 300mm joists and underlined with rubber to protect the bituminized balcony roof. On the inside, the panels were clad in Norwegian spruce, which is untreated to prevent the release of any toxic fumes while the sauna is in use.

Untreated Bass wood was used for the seating, and corners were mitre jointed and supports screwed without glue, also to prevent the escape of toxic fumes.

Norwegian spruce and Bass wood are FSC certified and have a special coating to fumigate the wood. All screws are stainless steel and galvanized, and all timbers are cut to a butt joint to accommodate expansion and contraction.

The sauna has been fitted precisely in the area that was outlined by the client and the drainage of the upstairs deck was not affected. All joins were sealed with silicone and the roof waterproofed to prevent wind blowing rain up through the eaves, and the glass was silicone-sealed to the wood framework.

The sauna was finished with 12mm glass windows, wooden sauna bucket and ladle, temperature gauge and humidity metre, digital control panel, wireless surround sound system and stainless steel hinged glass walls and door.

Rounded seat edges, star pattern seating, LED down lights, glass frontage and an Italian designed heater set in the middle, all enhance the conviviality of the sauna, which is also fitted with Isotherm thermal insulation and 12mm toughened glass used to prevent heat loss.

The project was completed on time and on budget.

SUPPLIERS: Sauna Heaters: Helo, Finland; Nutec board, roof sheets, and sundry: Pennypinchers; Norwegian Spruce: Sable Marketing & ITM; Insulation: Isotherm.

// JUNE / JULY 2014

41

2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: STRUCTURES LARGER THAN 120M2 GOLD AWARD PROJECT NAME: House McClelland DESIGN: Alan Paine Designs CONSTRUCTION: Logo Homes LOCATION: Grotto Bay

PROJECT DETAILS: This charming little beach cottage was designed and built in Grotto bay for Robert and Gina McClelland to provide overflow accommodation, storage, and laundry facilities for their much bigger house next door, and also to provide them with a weekend retreat when their bigger house is let out.

The cottage has an open-plan living area and kitchen with beams and stacking doors leading out onto a wrap-around deck and braai area.

There is a large double garage used not only for vehicles, but as a laundry and games room. For this reason, there are three garage doors with the one facing the sea, which can be opened when the space is being used for recreation.

The beautiful deck is of Balau, fixed with the plastic clip method that gives a neat finish and the walkways through the fynbos to the other house are of treated pine.

Upstairs are two bedrooms and two bathrooms with exposed rafters and dormer windows. There is also a guest cloakroom downstairs tucked under the staircase.

The whole cottage has been built with great care to comply with the new energy efficiency regulations and also to keep maintenance to an absolute minimum. This includes fibre cement cladding, corners, window surrounds, fascias and bargeboards, aluminium nails, stainless steel screws, aluminium gutters and downpipes, screeded floor, a Zincalume roof and Logo Homes’ own method of painting external timber that involves their secret mix of paint and deep penetrating sealer.

The clients are thrilled with the cottage, and in some ways prefer it to their other, much bigger, house.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: STRUCTURES LARGER THAN 220M2 GOLD AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Teixeira DESIGN: Max Ianigro Maestro Architects CONSTRUCTION: Eco Log Homes LOCATION: Miravaal, Vanderbijlpark

PROJECT DETAILS: House Teixeira proved to be a very interesting project, as the client required a double-storey, double-volume structure including elements of a single-storey structure.

A balloon frame structure was decided upon for the doublestorey, double-volume sections of the home. All the singlestorey structures were beam and rafter roof structures with interesting interlocking rafter structures.

There are many elements in this balloon frame structure which are not normally incorporated in a platform construction. The elements included are: • One single solid piece of timber for the studs being used from bottom to top, i.e. stud lengths of 6m • Second floor structure resting on ledgers notched into the studs • Fire stops between ground floor and first floor • Service ducts between ground floor and second floor • Inclusion of steel structure in the framing (architect’s specifications) • Raft foundations • Concrete posts • Heavy duty metal I-beams used for bearers The property was situated next to a river and 90% of the property was below the flood line. One of the municipal requirements for plan approval was to build the house above the 100 year water level, even though it was below the 100 year water line.

The soil condition on this site is that of extreme clay ground and the engineer insisted on raft foundations. We decided to use reinforced fibre cement pipes filled with concrete and capped with a steel top plate. The foundations were dug two metres deep, filled with dump rock to one metre and compacted. A one metre-deep concrete raft foundation was poured with steel reinforcing to the engineer’s specifications. Because of the concrete columns and the long, open spaces that the client requested between columns/posts, metal I-beams were used. Getting the columns to line up and all on the same level was quite an onerous task.

This site proved to be most difficult to work on because of the clay ground that stuck to the boots in wet conditions.

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PROMOTING THE USE OF PRESERVATIVE TREATED TIMBER

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY ASPECT RELATED TO TREATED TIMBER PRODUCTS AND THE CORRECT USE OF TREATED TIMBER, OR WHERE TO CONTACT SAWPA MEMBERS, PLEASE CONTACT: Tel: 011 974 1061 sawpa@global.co.za www.sawpa.org.za

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: STRUCTURES LARGER THAN 220M2 SILVER AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Under the Milkwoods DESIGN: Knysna Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Knysna Timber Homes LOCATION: Nature’s Valley, Garden Route

PROJECT DETAILS: Situated in Nature’s Valley, just 60m from the Groot River Lagoon, House Under the Milkwoods is surrounded by unspoiled indigenous forests overlooking the Tsitsikamma mountains on the horizon.

The property has been in the family for over 20 years, but the decision was made to demolish the existing structure and build a holiday home better suited to the family’s current lifestyle needs.

THE HOUSE WAS DESIGNED IN THREE LEVELS: LEVEL A: Leading up to the double-volume stairwell, Level A opens onto the open-plan living room, dining room and kitchen with scullery/pantry. A Morso fireplace installed between the living and dining room areas warms this level. The open decks that lead out onto the braai and entertainment area provide for breathtaking views of the lagoon.

LEVEL B: With a main entrance lobby leading into the TV room, this level consists of a laundry, guest toilet, and two work stations, as well as three en-suite bedrooms. Two of these bedrooms each have a shower and toilet, while the third has a bath and toilet.

All three rooms lead out onto the deck with a Garapa screen between each room, providing privacy.

LEVEL C: The final level consists of two en-suite bedrooms. Bedroom four has a bath and toilet, while bedroom five has a shower and toilet.

A sizeable double garage, and carport that houses an outside shower and wash bay, complete the house.

The exterior is clad with 120x62 tongue-and-groove half logs, treated with TBTN and varnished in a Rystix oak finish, while the decks and screens throughout each level are of Garapa timber with charcoal Colorbond Ultra roof sheeting. As advised by the appointed engineer, the building team incorporated a large steel grid to provide a support structure for Level A in order to create a large volume of space in the Level B TV room.

The Milkwood tree was incorporated into the design, due to its size and age, which proved challenging for the construction team.

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DESIGNERS AND BUILDERS OF AWARD WINNING TIMBER HOMES

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

The interior wall finish on Level A was horizontally placed and painted, but both Level B and C’s internal walls are of vertical tongue-andgroove pine panels. The ceilings throughout the house are finished in tongue-and-groove knotted pine, and all doors and windows are of brown aluminium. The seamless gutters and downpipes are brown to complement the window and door colour, and the glass for the doors and windows was manufactured to low E, so as to comply with the new SANS regulations. The front door was designed in a solid Meranti timber.

Construction on this project began in July 2013, and was completed in November 2013.

SUPPLIERS: Roof Sheeting: Knysna Roofing; Exterior Cladding: Timbaclad; Windows, Doors & Glass Balustrading: Aluminium Factory; Safety Glass: Coastal Windows & Doors; Internal Doors, Handles & Hardware: Tradirrs Knysna; Garage Doors: CX Garage Doors; Timber Doors: C&C Joiners; Built-in Cupboards: Conti Kitchens, George; Sanitaryware & Accessories: TTS Plett; Heat Pump: Garden Route Cooling; Electrical Wiring: Mitchells Electrical; Light Fittings: Classic Lighting, Cape Town; Tiles: The Tile House & TTS Plett; Retaining: Sholin Walls; Gutters & Downpipes: Watertite Guttering; Floor Finishes: Knysna Timber Homes & Knysna Leisure Industries; Fireplace: Metelerkamp’s Appliances; Outside Braai: Classic Fires; Brick Paving: RA Vermaak; Interior Decorator: Anna Carst Interiors.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: STRUCTURES LARGER THAN 220M2 SILVER AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Carstens DESIGN: Jacques Cronje Timber Design CONSTRUCTION: Henton Homes LOCATION: Suiderstrand, Blue Bay

PROJECT DETAILS: The site for House Carstens, built in Suiderstrand, 16km from Cape Agulhas, slopes up steeply to the south east corner, with a fairly level portion towards the road to the north. There are landscape views to the north, but the best views are over the bay and sea to the south west and south.

For maximum solar exposure, and to maximize views to the south, House Carstens is situated on an elongated eastwest axis along the higher southernmost side of the site.

Access is from the road to the north across the site to a garage at the south west.

The main living/entertainment areas are upstairs, with the entrance below, so the entrance needed to be connected to the top floor space. This was accommodated with a wide entrance area, with an open-type stairwell, with views straight through onto the vegetation on the dune. This double-volume area flows into the open-plan living area above.

The bedrooms have been positioned for exposure to direct sunlight in winter, and in summer they are shaded by the deck above.

The first floor is comprised of the main bedroom to the west, the living/dining/kitchen open-plan area and an open double-volume stairwell connecting the space to below.

The main bedroom boasts a bath with sea views to the south, with a more formal shower room and toilet in the en-suite bathroom.

A small pantry/scullery connects the kitchen to the outside via a small deck with a path down the dune for direct access to the kitchen.

An indoor brick braai opens onto the deck and covers either side of the living area provide living/entertainment options, depending on the season and weather.

House Carstens fits snugly into the site topography, so as to minimise excavation, the number of retaining walls required, and to comply with height restrictions.

// JUNE / JULY 2014

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

Getting materials to site proved challenging with unforgiving dirtroad access to site, and because trucks were not permitted to enter the site, some of the materials had to be carried in by hand for the last 2km.

The weather impacted greatly on the project, and the area received the most rainfall in 25 years. The road to Suiderstrand also flooded no fewer than three times during the project.

Building on House Carstens commenced on the 24th of July 2013 and was completed on the 15th of December 2013.

SUPPLIERS: Timber & fixings: Pennypinchers, Montague Gardens; Roof Trusses, Sheets & Fixings: Plett Roofing; Aluminium Windows & Doors: 2 Oceans Aluminium Windows & Doors; Seamless Gutters: Coastline Gutters; Built-in Cupboards: Jaco Ingeboude Kaste; Meranti Front Door: Prestige Cabinets & Doors.

TM

2013 ITFB AWARDS

CATEGORY: STRUCTURES LARGER THAN 220M2 BRONZE AWARD PROJECT NAME: House Baard DESIGN: Knysna Timber Homes CONSTRUCTION: Knysna Timber Homes LOCATION: Knysna

PROJECT DETAILS:

The house is comprised of two levels with the ground floor opening with an open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen with a scullery/laundry, as well as two en-suite bedrooms. The master bedroom has a bath and shower, and the second bedroom as a shower and toilet. Both bedrooms open onto a deck. The lounge opens eastwards onto a covered deck overlooking the swimming pool, and westwards onto a braai and entertainment area, allowing access to the studio. The basement level consists of a third en-suite bedroom with shower and toilet, and a spacious double garage. The third bedroom opens onto its own private deck overlooking the garden.

Construction of House Baard, a modern home situated on the Garden Route, overlooking the Knysna Estuary, commenced in August 2013 and was completed by midDecember 2013.

The design team was tasked to create a modern home, whilst adhering to a simple set of principles and guidelines.

The architectural manual defined the scale, height, and use of materials, and encouraged the extensive use of verandas and pergolas to minimise the visual impact of the structure.

The finishes of the overall product were also specified to minimise the visual effect of the structure on the environment.

The house covers 259.7m2 and the covered and open decks cover 77.5m2.

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2013 ITFB AWARDS

SUPPLIERS:

The basement floor exterior walls are finished in plaster and the ground floor exterior walls in Nutec handy plank, with Garapa decking and Balau balustrades.

Roof Sheeting: Knysna Roofing; Exterior Cladding: Saplings Timber Trading & Nutec; Windows & Doors: Aluminium Factory; Safety Glass: Coastal Windows & Doors; Interior Doors, Handles & Hardware: Tradirrs Knysna; Garage Doors: CX Garage Doors; Built-in Cupboards: Conti Kitchens, George; Sanitaryware & Accessories: Home Finishing Services, TTS Plett & CTM, George; Electrical Wiring: Mitchells Electrical; Light Fittings: Finishing Touch Lighting; Tiles: The Tile House; Excavation & Retaining: Sholin Walls; Gutters & Downpipes: Watertite Guttering; Floor Finishes: Saplings Timber Trading; Fireplace: Metelerkamp’s Appliances; Brick Paving: Cobble Paving; Swimming Pool: Island Pools.

The roof structure was constructed using specialistdesigned timber trusses and charcoal Colorbond Ultra corrugated roof sheets.

The basement floor interior walls were plastered and painted white, and the ground floor interior wall finishes are of vertical pine cladding, also painted white.

The ceilings have a tongue-and-groove finish and are painted white. These panels are laid diagonally over the exposed rafters and the house features timber skirting and cornices throughout. A strand-woven bamboo flooring finish was use throughout, and all windows and doors are of light grey aluminium. The front door is of solid Balau timber.

TIMBER • BUILDING • PAINTING • GARDENING Wood specialists and the biggest single stockists of CCA treated poles in South Africa.

In the timber and building supply business since 1992, Noag’s Market has expanded its client base through service excellence to become South Africa’s leading stockists in treated and untreated timber poles

OUR COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF TIMBER INCLUDES: Tel: (+27) 11 396 2300/1/2/3 Fax: (+27) 11 396 1047 Email: admin@noags.co.za Web: www.noags.co.za TIMBER DECKING IN PINE AND SALIGNA

TIMBER CLADDING USED IN LOG HOMES

PINE AND SALIGNA FLOORING

POST AND RAIL FENCING

TREATED AND UNTREATED STRUCTURAL SAP

THATCHING USED FOR THATCH ROOFS

WOODEN WINDOWS AND DOORS

ALL HARDWARE AND BUILDING MATERIAL

Visit us at our premises: 19 Pomona Road, Kempton Park.

INSTITUTE FOR TIMBER CONSTRUCTION (ITC-SA) A SAFE AND LEGAL ROOF FROM DESIGN TO CERTIFICATION

DON’T BE TEMPTED!

SITE-MADE ROOF TRUSSES

VS.

PRE-FABRICATED ROOF TRUSSES

To ensure a safe and legal roof, employ only ITC-SA’s audited fabricators and erectors and ensure that you appoint an ITC-SA accredited professional engineer to inspect and sign off your roof structure.

ITC-SA CERTIFICATIONS

HEAD OFFICE SAFCA Building | 6 Hulley Road | PO Box 686, Isando, 1600 Tel: +27 (0) 11 974 1061 | Fax: +27 (0) 11 392 6155 | Email: enquiries@itc-sa.org BRANCHES South Eastern Cape | KwaZulu-Natal | Western Cape BRANCH COMMITTEES Gauteng | Polokwane | Mpumalanga | Free State | Northern Cape | KwaZulu-Natal South/Eastern Cape | Port Elizabeth | East London | Western Cape

www.itc-sa.org

SAQA ACCREDITED

THE ITFB WISHES TO CONGRATULATE ALL OF THE WINNERS OF THE 2013 ITFB AWARDS!

A TIMBER HOME THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE!

BRACKEN TIMBERS Growers and Sawmillers of Quality Pine Timber TEL: 074 136 6666 FAX: 033-4131355 / 086 602 6795 CELL: 076 413 5900 E-MAIL: milladmin@brackentimbers.co.za

timber home architectural design tel: 021 702 2968 | www.timberdesign.co.za

CALL 0861 727 663 TO BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED ADVERT

Main Dundee Road, Greytown, 3250 P O Box 141, Greytown, 3250

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

An experienced and well-stocked merchant can offer helpful options to reduce your costs.

A helping hand How the SA buyer can manage availability and pricing challenges in a difficult global hardwoods market

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here is no doubt that times are not easy for those of us that promote and work with the beauty and majesty of hardwoods.

NORTH AMERICAN HARDWOOD LUMBER EXPORT PRICE INDEX 1500

1430

1450

Prolonged consumer austerity, a weak rand and soaring global commodity prices have made life difficult for all of us, and South African users of hardwoods – be they furniture manufacturers, joiners, shopfitters, or the humble home hobbyist – are right in the thick of it.

1400

If you are a local buyer, there is no doubt that you will have felt the impact in recent months, either of:

1100

1350 1300 1250 1200 1150

1104

1050 1000

Source: Hardwood Review Global Mar-13

Apr-13

May-13

Jun-13

Jul-13

Aug-13

Sep-13

Oct-13

Nov-13

Dec-13

Jan-14

Feb-14

Mar-14

• Soaring prices for some species, particularly core US exports, including White Oak and Ash, or;

The weak rand and record price increases for US hardwoods are hitting SA buyers hard.

• Availability challenges for a number of species, particularly those emanating from West and Sub-Saharan Africa and, to a certain extent, South America.

Clearly the weak rand has an enormous part to play, but is it the whole story? The short answer is ‘No.’ In fact, there are a number of influences at work and there is no clear let-up in sight.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

We know as well as anyone that business is tricky for those who believe in the beauty, majesty and durability of hardwood timber as the ultimate material for building, decorating and furnishing our daily lives.

As importers and stockists of over 150 species of hardwoods from across the globe, we at Rare Woods are seeing a number of factors, both global and local in nature, that are contributing to the challenging environment.

From a global perspective, three major influences besides currency fluctuations seem to be at play: • Firstly, unprecedented demand from China, Vietnam and other developing markets, in part, to feed mass furniture production. This spike in demand has driven a 30% increase in the North American Hardwood Lumber Export Price Index in the last 12 months1 – and that is before any currency impact.

• Secondly, the changing political landscape surrounding the timber trade in a number of major producing countries. Recent examples include the introduction of the EU Timber Regulations, which place stringent (and much needed) constraints on the major European brokers and producers who oversee much of the legal exporting of timber from West Africa, and Zambia, where all forestry licenses were frozen after repeated abuse by Chinese loggers in particular. The resultant shortage of legally harvested logs has significantly impacted production for legitimate buyers, whilst illegal logging remains an enormous problem in need of urgent attention.

• Thirdly, there are widespread infrastructural challenges, due, in developed markets, to recessiondriven reductions in production and processing capacity, and in developing markets, to chronic underinvestment. These challenges limit producers’ ability to rapidly step-up production to meet strong shortterm demand.

Unfortunately, these conditions are unlikely to abate significantly in the short term. In the longer term, we desperately hope to see further improvement in the maturity of timber management regimes in major producing markets, reducing unscrupulous depletion of resources and leveling the playing field for responsible parties with sustainable practices.

In the meantime, difficult trading conditions are driving further developments locally in South Africa that are further exacerbating supply and pricing challenges.

For example: • A number of South African timber merchant operations are finding it increasingly difficult to finance extensive stockholdings, resulting in lower availability of less common species, and increasing their reliance on sourcing from on-shore agents, rather than directly from producers or major foreign brokers.

• Local agency businesses are also finding the profitability of the hardwood business to be increasingly marginal, driving them to diversify into other lines, for example, an increasing focus on board and/or manufactured components. As these strategies take effect, expect to see a further squeeze on availability of certain species.

• Related changes in the veneer industry have seen price and availability challenges there, as well as high profile business failure. As struggling veneer operations look to shore up their financial results, expect to see further price rises and the relative competitiveness of veneer to reduce in certain areas versus solid timber.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

SO, IS THERE ANY GOOD NEWS FOR HARDWOOD BUYERS AND USERS STRUGGLING AGAINST THIS MAELSTROM? Well, here is some: We have come up with eight helpful tips which may just help you navigate supply challenges and save some money in the process: 1. Firstly, look for lesser known species, or ask your merchant to advise of suitable substitutes. There is often great value to be had. As skilled marketers, you may well be able to make a feature of an unusual alternative to a well-known staple.

2. Consider whether you can use ‘shorts’ (planks typically shorter than 1.8m) and/or ‘narrows’ for your application. There are often discounts of 25%+ to be had for shorts, for instance, with no reduction in quality. Species of which we at Rare Woods have a ready supply of shorts include White Oak Comsells, Beech, African Mahogany, Kiaat and many others.

8. Finally, collaborate with your timber merchant to ensure continuous supply. Like any business, merchants find it difficult to forecast when ordering their stocks.

With lead times that are typically 3-4 months for bulk orders, but can run as long as 18 months for more obscure lines, your merchant will benefit enormously from any forward visibility you can give him. The chances are that he will also offer you a healthy discount for any upfront commitment you make to any future shipments he is expecting.

3. You can also look at lower grades of timber. These will typically have more knots, checks and cracks, but that can either be made a feature of, or often easily worked around, depending on the nature of your production.

4. A sk your merchant to point out any slow moving stock that they would like to offload. We always have a range of clearance items that we will happily sell at knockdown prices. Depending on your application, these could be brilliant options for you.

5. Remember, veneer isn’t always cheaper. With recent trends in veneer pricing, you may find solid timber to be more competitive than you think.

6. Look for a merchant with an extensive stockholding and take the time to walk around their facilities periodically. Besides sparking your creativity and increasing your awareness of other species, this will give you an indication of whether they are sourcing directly from producers or relying on multiple levels of intermediaries to source their stock. The former will typically offer great benefits in terms of continuity and often price. With over 8 000m3 of quality hardwoods in stock, Rare Woods has always held stock continuity as a central tenet of our value proposition to our customers.

7. Once you’ve found a reliable merchant with extensive stocks, consider whether you should be buying piecemeal or in bulk. You will often find that the savings to be had from being able to source very specific sizes as and when needed – in terms of both wastage and working capital – will outweigh any savings on offer from buying in bulk and holding your own stock of raw timber.

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In summary, we know as well as anyone that business is tricky for those who believe in the beauty, majesty and durability of hardwood timber as the ultimate material for building, decorating and furnishing our daily lives.

However, by adding a few sourcing tips to your arsenal and by working closely with a dedicated merchant like Rare Woods, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to weather these stormy seas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (t) 021 535 2004 (e) info@rarewoods.co.za (w) www.rarewoods.co.za

NOTES: 1

Source: Hardwood Review, April 2014

WE’RE HERE TO MEET YOUR TIMBER NEEDS TEL: 021 949 5555

D

EC

N KI

info@timbacore.co.za

www.timbacore.co.za

WE INSTALL

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Maintenance Free Hard Wood Decking - Garapa, Massaranduba, Balau, etc. (DIY Customers Welcome)

SPECIAL! GARAPA DECKING 0.9 TO 1.5M

R 25.96 P/M EXCL. VAT

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For hotels, chalet developments, game lodges, individual homes, roof rooms, sundecks, boardwalks, and patented kit homes for export.

Work carried out in South Africa, Africa, Indian Ocean Islands and Europe.

Approved members of the NHBRC & Institute of Timber Frame Builders

For more information, contact: Tel: +27 31 826 1818 Cell: +27 83 630 4813 E-mail: wood@cottageconcepts.co.za Web: www.cottageconcepts.co.za

ADVERTORIAL

Deck Jig

TM

Whether you're building a new deck or refinishing an old one, you want to do the job right. With the Kreg Deck JigTM - and a few simple tools you already own - you can create a beautiful and functional deck surface, completely free of exposed fasteners and painful splinters!

T

raditional concealed-decking systems may utilize awkward steel fasteners or thin plastic clips to hold your deck boards in place. The Kreg Deck Jig™ utilizes a more straightforward approach, creating an incredibly strong wood-to-wood bond through preciselyplaced self-tapping screws.

STANDARD DECK VS. KREG DECK Get the deck you want, without any unsightly exposed nails or screws. The Deck Jig’s specialized self-tapping screws are driven into the edge of your deck boards at a precise angle, so they stay hidden from view. Where seasonal changes may force traditional fasteners out of place over time, Kreg screws stay protected below the surface for a longer lasting deck.

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By coupling the Kreg Deck Jig™ with composite decking, you’ll get a deck free of cracks, splinters, and ‘pop-out’ fasteners.

DRILL. DRIVE. DONE! Securing a deck board with the Kreg Deck Jig™ takes only three simple steps. First, you drill holes into the edge of your deck board using the specialized stepped bit, guided by the jig’s hardened steel drill guides. Next, you drive the specialized self-tapping deck screws through the same drill guides and into the joist, as the depth collar precisely controls the depth. That’s it, you’re done! You’ve just created an incredibly strong and sturdy joint with no visible fastener.

ADVERTORIAL

DECK SCREWS Kreg Deck Screws were designed specifically for use with the Kreg Deck Jig™, although they can also be used as simple face-screws for a variety of outdoor projects. All Kreg Deck screws feature a KTX #1 Square Drive to reduce cam-out, a flat-bottom head which resists splitting, and a self-tapping tip, which drills its own hole as it’s driven.

Deck Screws are available in two weather resistant finishes; Protec-Kote™ and Stainless. Protec-Kote™ screws feature three anti-corrosion layers that protect against rusting in a wide variety of decking applications, including ACQ treated lumber. For even more protection, choose Stainless. Kreg Stainless screws provide the best protection against corrosion in the long term.

FEATURES • Easy-grip handle gives you a secure hold and complete control over each and every joint.

• Hardened steel drill guides keep your specialized stepped bit and driver bit at the precise, optimal angle.

• Handy spacer rings ensure accurate deck board spacing for proper drainage and longer deck life.

• Three separate drill guides let you install deck boards in a variety of hard-to-reach areas.

KIT INCLUDES: • Deck Jig™ • Instructional DVD • 100 Protec-Kote™ Deck Screws • 6” Deck Jig™ Drill Bit • 6” KTX Square Driver Bit • (3) 5/16” Spacer Rings • (3) 1/4” Spacer Rings • (2) Stop Collars • (1) Allen Wrench • Durable Carrying Case

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

WORKS WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF DECKING MATERIALS For the best results, we recommend composite deck boards which prevent shrinking, swelling, or splitting. Select a solid composite material with no machined grooves. Also works great with native softwoods, such as Redwood, Cedar, pressure treated Pine, and ACQ, along with certain Tropical Hardwoods like Ipé, Red Balau, and Ironwood.

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(t) 011 314 7711 (e) ryanhunt@vermontsales.co.za (w) www.vermontsales.co.za

SOUTH AFRICA'S #1 SUPPLIER of power tool accessories

While stocks last & before ROE increase...

CORNER ROUNDING EDGE BANDER R600,000+VAT

ECONO PANEL SAW R55,000+VAT

3.2M PANEL SAW R89,000+VAT

RADIAL ARM SAW R26,000+VAT

O/H ROUTERS From R20,000+VAT

EDGE BANDER R159,000+VAT

SINGLE END TENONER R50,000+VAT

MULTI-BORERS R50,000+VAT

SPINDLES From R37,000+VAT

BAND SAWS From R16,000+VAT

THICKNESSER R35,000+VAT

SAUNAS & DECKING

Sauna & Decks for Africa reaping Africa's rewards Sauna & Decks for Africa's strategic decision to focus on Africa has paid off. The company has focused on marketing to the region as a whole and has appointed agents and installers on the subcontinent.

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he result has been the installation of saunas and steam rooms in two hotels in Rwanda, a spa area in the new Nigerian airport, and potential contracts in Mozambique and Mauritius. The company’s representation in the Gauteng area has allowed it to offer its services to residential and commercial facilities, and as a result, operations have increased exponentially.

The revamp of seven Virgin Active saunas and a new health spa in Regent Square, Cape Town, has kept us very busy over the past month, and a new general manager and an operations/administration manager have been appointed in order to cope with the increased demand.

Steam rooms are becoming more popular at a domestic level, as homeowners seek to develop home-based recreational zones to support health and relaxation. Sauna & Decks for Africa are working on developing a modular unit which is a steam room/ shower combination, which can be installed in conjunction with an existing shower. The company’s association with Helo Saunas – the world’s largest sauna and steam heater supplier – allows it to keep up with European trends and to bring the latest design and equipment to the market at the best price.

Pre-fabricated sauna units under construction bound for hotels in Rwanda.

The decking, pergola and wood screen market is buoyant, but close connections with designers and architects have generated plenty of business throughout the region. The design of a retractable deck that covers a Jacuzzi (spa bath) operated by a garage remote is a great solution for the home owner with limited space.

The company works with 8mm and 12mm toughened glass for its products, which led to the extension of its business into aluminium and glass windows and doors for new houses. Sauna & Decks for Africa have an in-house manufacturing team that has years of experience in this area and they are competitively priced to take on new projects.

Steam room in a home gym.

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SAUNAS & DECKING

Project management is now more and more part of our game and clients are relying on us to manage construction projects where we are involved with the decking, glass, electrical and plumbing related installations.

We continue to work with designers and architects in fulfilling their clients’ expectations using wood, stainless steel, glass and add value with our 15 years of experience in the technical aspects of steam generators, sauna heaters, complicated joinery and holistic design input.

We welcome enquiries from owners and companies wishing to implement great design ideas for home and commercial applications.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (t) 021 557 5532 (f) 021 557 5668 (e) info@capesauna.co.za Huw Jones : 082 306 9134 Richard Jones: 083 277 0527 Donald Hawthorne: 082 303 9166

Bespoke remote-controlled automated deck opens over Jacuzzi.

NEWS

CMC Group invests in new Cape Town showroom Local machine supplier, the CMC Group, reports that it has invested in new premises in the busy central business area of Montague Gardens in Cape Town.

T

he company reports that a market evaluation showed that easy access and superior road frontage is vital in attracting a steady flow of clients into the group’s spectacular showroom. It is this reasoning that motivated the company to relocate to new premises.

CMC Group CEO, Pieter Olivier, says the group caters for all variations of machinery relating to the woodworking and aluminium industries, and adds that the company aims to introduce clientele to more durable and cost-effective solutions available in the market. This new showroom will bring the group’s products closer to its clients.

CMC Cape Town showroom in Montague Gardens.

CMC Group sales director, Cecil Schickerling, and Cape Town branch head, Clifford Art, were tasked with finding the most suitable premises available in the Milnerton area.

“Within the first two weeks of opening the doors of the new showroom, we realised that additional staff would be required, as the steady flow of traffic and the new exposure proved to attract not only existing, but also new, clients from all over the Cape Town area,” notes Schickerling.

Schickerling says Montague Gardens provides a one-stop shop for all clients and it is known in Cape Town as a superior industrial area.

Art added that all CMC Group clients they had spoken to favoured the move and were really impressed with the service, practical layout and displays on offer at the new location.

Cape Town branch head, Clifford Art.

Furthermore, in the next few months the CMC Group will be on a full marketing drive in the Western Cape region to promote its new showroom and latest products.

“We want clients to feel comfortable that they will receive the best possible technical and sales assistance available in the market. Also noted in the past year was the increase in market confidence in the country’s economy steadily returning. This was a great motivation to proceed with the new investment in the region,” explains Schickerling.

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Clifford setting up the front showroom of CMC’s new Cape Town branch.

NEWS

He adds that the Nimac range of beam saws for high production panel processing proved to find its way into the high-end market at the best pricing available from Europe.

CMC’s stock showroom.

The Nimac beam saw range offers clients the option to tailor-make their production, by adding options and customizing each machine to suit their factory requirements. Nimac products also focus on the handling of materials to and from the actual machine, so from boardlifting systems to automated conveyor tables, anything is possible at realistic pricing structures.

Schickerling adds that modernisation and specialised machinery in the woodworking and aluminium markets is only now becoming market standard equipment.

“We have seen how medium sized businesses have, in the last year or so, catapulted themselves into competitive high production entities in a very small space of time,” notes Schickerling.

Cecil Schickerling, CMC Group sales director (left), and Pieter Olivier, CEO of the CMC Group (right).

As a sound alternative to exhibiting their machinery only at industrial shows, which may not always yield immediate returns on a considerable investment, Olivier has embarked on an innovative marketing strategy whereby every day is a show day at CMC Group branches. Unlike intermittently hosted expos, the CMC product offering is now on permanent display and always ready for demonstrations.

Olivier added that he intends to see money returned to clients by offering them better prices and service. This idea will be realised when the group announces its in-house and showroom launch with spectacular product specials on all machinery in stock.

PRE-OWNED MACHINERY In addition, Olivier says that clients should take note of the group’s pre-owned range of machinery. “Many of our clients choose to purchase quality reconditioned machinery with the warranties in place at very competitive pricing structures,” he explains.

NEW PRODUCTS FROM EUROPE Meanwhile, the latest new products and machinery from Europe, which have not been shown in South Africa yet, will be on display at the launch in the new Cape Town showroom.

Schickerling explains that the introduction of the AES CNC machining centre’s ranges and nesting applications revolutionised the shopfitting and office furniture industry.

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TRADITIONAL TRUSTED MACHINES FROM CMC GROUP The CMC Group will also display some of its known brands, such as the Robland range of machinery, as well as the Leadermac moulding machines.

“We assure our clients that we will be able to run live demonstrations on these machines in our Cape Town showroom. Clients will receive the best advice and will be able see all the variations of machines in action to determine if it is the correct product to serve their required application,” says Schickerling.

He says that with the Scm Group from Italy backing up the CMC Group of companies on the African continent, the new products from Casadei Busselato will certainly bring a new edge to this recognised brand of machinery.

The superior edging technology from the Flexa range of edgebanders from Casadei is already adapted to the new range of board products currently in the South African market, and their new features have already proven themselves in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng regions.

In conclusion, Olivier would like to encourage clients to visit the new premises in Montague Gardens to see the products on display.

“We assure all clients that they will receive a high level of customer service from the CMC Group. Our close relationships over the years with all our clients will continue to grow the CMC brand into the future and we are all very proud of the new location and sure all our clients will agree with the new concept after visiting the showroom,” concludes Olivier.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Sustainable futures

NMMU in the business of sustainability and the sustainability of business Situated in the picturesque Garden Route, Southern Cape, the historical and traditional timber centre of South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's George Campus, one of six NMMU campuses, is firmly focused on becoming a world-class knowledge catalyst for the green economy and a more sustainable future.

T

The campus itself is surrounded by commercial forests, as well as indigenous forests and fynbos, which creates a perfect background for integrating academic training and practical experience, enabling students to enjoy optimal exposure to the industry and its practices.

The George Campus remains a firm favourite among students wishing to specialise in Forestry or Wood Technology, because of its beautiful setting, natural surroundings and rich forestry history.

The George Campus of NMMU prides itself in the fact that its academic programmes pre-eminently equip its students to satisfy the needs of the Forestry and Wood Technology industry – worldwide. This is borne out by the high employment rate amongst NMMU graduates in this field of expertise.

his campus, which houses the NMMU Science Faculty’s School of Natural Resource Management, amongst others, offers both world-class and costeffective qualifications in Forestry, Wood Technology, Agricultural Management, Nature Conservation, Game Ranch Management and Veldfire Management.

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EDUCATION & TRAINING

FORESTRY NMMU George offers a three-year National Diploma programme in Forestry that consists of four academic semesters at the campus and two practical, in-field semesters at an approved forestry estate in southern Africa or elsewhere.

The BTech Degree (full-time: one year, or part-time: two years) is perfect for foresters wishing to specialise in specific disciplines, such as forest engineering, silviculture and forestry management.

Postgraduate study opportunities in Forestry include a research-based MTech Degree programme.

The integration of sound management and technological skills at NMMU’s George Campus provides students with a solid grounding for an existing career in the forest product industry.

WOOD TECHNOLOGY A three-year National Diploma programme in Wood Technology, as well as a BTech Degree (part-time on a block release basis over two years) in the same discipline is also offered at the George Campus.

The programme’s modules cover the entire spectrum related to the working industrial environment and is packed with new and relevant information which will equip students for a meaningful career in the forest and forest products industry. Class time is also interspersed with visits to primary and secondary wood processing plants to expose students to working environments and new technology.

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EDUCATION & TRAINING

FIRE MANAGEMENT - A SCARCE SKILL In an exciting new development, the university has expanded its focused programme offerings in natural resource management with the introduction of a Higher Certificate programme in Veldfire Management (one year full-time, or two years part-time) at the NMMU George Campus.

The decision to offer this programme and the design thereof is a reflection of the university’s close connection with industry and drive to comply with industry needs.

Fire management is a scarce skill and individuals who complete this programme successfully will have a very marketable qualification throughout all the natural resource management disciplines, as well as within organisations involved in fire management. Those who have completed the certificate will be proficient to work as veldfire managers in government, municipalities, fire associations and the forestry and conservation sectors.

The curriculum and modules are aimed at the management and protection of our rich biodiversity. It provides a firm foundation for the management of veld, forest and mountain fires in South Africa. The focus is on the technical, strategic and tactical aspects of veldfire management.

The programme already enjoys broad appeal, as the first group of students can confirm. Both first-time students interested in the management of natural resources, or persons who may already be employed in this sphere, but who would like to equip themselves with a more scientific foundation in their field of expertise, will find the programme to be an attractive option.

2014 NMMU/SAIF FIRE MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM The dates for the 10th NMMU/Southern African Institute of Forestry (SAIF) Fire Management Symposium have been set for 9 and 10 September 2014. The event will be presented at the NMMU George Campus this year.

Interested parties can contact Ms Sonia Roets for more information at 044 801 5091 or Sonia.Roets@nmmu.ac.za.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (t) 044 801 5111 (e) george-info@nmmu.ac.za (w) www.nmmu.ac.za/georgecampus

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Even after prolonged exposure to inclement weather, and despite the fact that teeth of this nail plate have broken off after being forcibly removed, the joint itself is still in excellent condition.

The degradation of timber (structures) caused by prolonged exposure to rain "Heavy rains cause countrywide havoc - news24 - 11 March 2014"

By Lyndsay Cotton, General Manager of LCP Roofing and Chairman of the ITC-SA.

T

he South African Weather Service reported that the Gauteng Province had received the heaviest rainfall in 14 years and, furthermore, that it was deemed to be very unusual. Elsewhere over the corresponding period, various news agencies reported heavy rainfall in other parts of the country with the resultant damage to property and loss of life. This causal effect of global warming cannot be ignored.

Many truss fabricators and timber framers, during prolonged periods of inclement weather are continually posed with the question of whether structures under construction are being potentially compromised when exposed to rainy and flooding conditions.

Firstly, we need to look at the basic moisture properties of air or kiln dried timber and the South African climate in which these structures are erected.

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After drying and grading, the moisture content of structural timber will be less than 15%. Timber is naturally hygroscopic, which means that it will tend to try to reach a state of equilibrium and balance with the moisture content of the environment in which it exists.

Research by Prof. Tim Rypstra (now retired), of the Department of Forest and Wood Science of Stellenbosch University, concludes that over 90% of South Africa's climate is made up of a timber equilibrium moisture content of 8%. Furthermore, research also indicated that most modern heating and cooling systems will maintain an average timber moisture content of 8% in buildings. From this, it can be accepted that a timber structure, be it a completely timber framed building, or only the roof trusses, once ‘settled’ into its environment, will migrate to an average moisture content in the region of approximately 8%.

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

The fibre saturation point of timber is at approximately 28% (but can vary depending on the species), the point at which wood decaying fungi will develop. This condition will have to exist for more than a week for it to develop and survive.

The degradation of timber is caused by repeated wetting and drying, which causes the timber to swell and shrink, and can be broadly defined within two categories: • Weathering: Repeated and irregular movement of moisture into and out of timber, which will cause various deformations, such as swelling, raised grain, warping, cupping and splintering.

• Biological attack: This occurs both on the surface and/ or inside the timber element. The excess of moisture is the primary cause of attack by mould, algae and fungi.

Attack by wood borers and termites would also fall within this definition.

A well-designed and constructed building will not be conducive to conditions which support mould growth or fungal attack, as it will stay dry enough to prevent mould spores from becoming active.

Mould, which comes from a variety of sources, feeds off the starches and sugars on the surface of timber, and is a result of prolonged high moisture, but does not cause rotting. Mould growth is a superficial occurrence and will not influence the structural durability of timber.

It is rather the effect of bad design and poor construction techniques, such as high levels of condensation due to inadequate ventilation and poor circulation, leaking pipes, gaps in flashings, leaking roofs and porous concrete elements which will lead to the growth and long-term establishment of mould.

For mould growth to occur on timber, the moisture content will have to be above 19% for a period of a week or more and will survive when, by weight, the moisture content of the structural timber is between 20% to 28%.

The fibre saturation point of timber is at approximately 28% (but can vary depending on the species).

This is the point at which wood decaying fungi will develop and this condition will have to exist for more than a week for it to develop and survive.

THE FOLLOWING FOUR CONDITIONS MUST BE SATISFIED IN ORDER TO PROMOTE FUNGAL GROWTH: • Oxygen: This condition will not occur when timber is below the water table.

• The optimum temperature for fungal activity is between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. Fungal activity is dormant at 0 degrees Celsius and diminishes beyond 30 degrees Celsius.

• Fungi require a food supply in order to survive, which is derived from the wood cells. The application of a fungicide will cut off this source of the food supply.

• The moisture content must exceed 20% Active mould growth would be indicative of a continuing moisture problem and must be investigated.

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INDUSTRY INSIGHT

Evidence that once the timber is allowed to dry out, there is still perfect adhesion of the plate to the timber, even after forcibly removing the nail plate.

Should the need exist, and really only for aesthetic reasons, the visual effects of mould growth can be removed by applying a weak solution of standard household bleach. The purpose is not to ‘kill’ the mould, but to remove as much as possible in order to restore the visual effect of the timber.

Timber ages, and with aging and weathering, it releases its colour which is contained in the tannins, resins and waxes which are close to the surface of the timber. Although the sealing and preservation of timber is always preferable, the release of these tannins, resins and waxes, especially in timber where these levels are high, could cause a sealant coat to delaminate. The high temperature levels generally prevalent in roof voids could have the same effect, although this effect would be greatly reduced with the majority of the types of structural timber used in South Africa.

The sealing of timbers in roof voids and framed structures is therefore generally unnecessary unless the incidence of wood borer and termite infestation cannot be excluded, whereupon the preservation of the timbers would be mandatory.

TECHNICALITIES ASIDE, WHAT DOES THE AFOREMENTIONED MEAN TO THE FABRICATOR, FRAMER, BUILDER AND HOMEOWNER? • Structural timber in South Africa is under strict third party surveillance through certification by an accredited certification body such as the South African Technical Auditing Services (Pty) Ltd (SATAS).

• Roof truss and framing design and quality are controlled by internal or independent third party audits initiated by the Institute for Timber Construction.

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• Trusses or frames delivered to the building site should preferably be covered by the contractor, but it should be specifically noted that the timber should be stacked off the ground and adequate ventilation must be provided. Completely enclosing with heavy tarpaulin is to be avoided.

• Surface fungi and discolouration will not have any negative effect on the strength of structural timber, provided the timber is allowed to dry to below 15% as soon as possible.

• The prolonged exposure of timber trusses to a rainy period not exceeding four or five weeks will not have any negative structural effect, especially if the structure is erected and braced according to the design intent.

• The structure should be covered as soon as possible, weather permitting.

• Free airflow should be allowed for as long as possible or until the moisture content is below 15%, whereupon ceilings or internal cladding can be installed.

• Untreated timber structures should not be exposed to repeated wetting and drying over a period of many months or even years.

• The homeowner is to ensure that all flashings and waterproofing systems are annually maintained, as most manufacturer and applicator guarantees will only be valid should an annual maintenance plan be in place and executed.

• Fabricators and framers must ensure that all documentation and quality control procedures are in place and are available for inspection should it be required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (c) 082 441 5026 | 0861 LCPROOF (e) admin@lcproofing.co.za (w) www.lcproofing.co.za

WINDOWS & DOORS

Don't let the rot set in...

Dry rot can be lethal to any wooden product, including wooden windows and doors. We speak to Dylan Miller from leading wooden window and door manufacturer, Swartland, about the harmful effects of dry rot and why prevention is always better than cure.

D

ry rot is a weakening of wood caused by one of several species of fungus. The fungus digests the parts of the wood that give the wood strength and stiffness.

Weakened wood is typically somewhat dry, hence the name, ‘dry rot.’ Ironically, dry rot usually results from the wood being in contact with too much moisture.

The dry rot fungus has the unusual ability to transport water from wet areas to dry areas, allowing the fungus to grow even in relatively dry wood. If not stopped, dry rot is potentially disastrous to any wooden product, as it will eventually weaken the wood so much that it will ultimately disintegrate.

The best cure for dry rot is prevention, says Dylan Miller from leading wooden window and door manufacturer, Swartland: “Your best defense against dry rot is to ensure that your wooden products never get infected with it in the first place. And the best way to do this is to properly seal your wooden windows and doors with a good quality sealant, and ensure that they are maintained on a regular basis. At Swartland, we have gone to great lengths to make regular timber maintenance as easy as possible by introducing our range of top quality Maxicare water-based sealing products and the Maxicare Wash and Wipe Miantenance kit.”

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WINDOWS & DOORS

DRY ROT EXPLAINED “It’s distressing to discover that your beautiful wooden doors or windows are becoming ruined – especially if it is due to fungal timber decay, such as the dreaded dry rot,” says Dylan, who goes on to add, “If you notice any timber decay in your home, it is important that you identify whether it has been caused by dry rot or another wood-destroying fungus, such as one of the wet rots, so that you can successfully treat the problem as soon as possible.” If you’re certain that it is, in fact, dry rot, then it must be swiftly dealt with. He says, “It’s crucial to move fast, as dry rot has the ability to travel through wood and other building materials, causing outbreaks that can potentially spread throughout an entire building.”

TYPICAL INDICATIONS OF DRY ROT INCLUDE: • The wood will shrink, darken and crack.

• A silky grey to mushroom-coloured skin, which is frequently tinged with patches of lilac and yellow, often develops under less humid conditions. This ‘skin’ can be peeled like a mushroom.

• White, fluffy mycelia, with a cotton wool-type appearance, develop under humid conditions, and ‘teardrops’ may also develop.

• Strands arise that are brittle when dry, and crack when bent.

• Fruiting bodies appear as a soft, fleshy pancake-type formation, with an orange-ochre surface with wide pores.

• Rust-red coloured spore dust is often seen.

• Active decay will produce an unmistakable musty and damp odour.

“Dry rot is often mistaken as termite damage. It is important to properly identify the problem, so that you can deal with it in the proper manner. If you’re unsure as to whether your timber is affected by dry rot or not, then it is highly advisable to commission a professional timber treatment company to carry out a survey to find out for sure,” suggests Dylan.

WHAT CAUSES DRY ROT? “Dry rot affects timber that is damp. Wood with a moisture content of 20% or above is particularly under threat,” explains Dylan. Common causes of timber dampness include leaking water pipes, washing machines, over-exposure to outdoor irrigation, or general condensation in the home in rooms like the bathroom or kitchen, for example. Dampness can also often come from leaking roofs, rising damp or damp penetrating through the walls. “Identifying the cause of the damp is an imperative part of any dry rot solution,” says Dylan.

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WINDOWS & DOORS

PREVENT DRY ROT Dry rot can cause widespread structural damage, which is very costly to treat, explains Dylan: “In most cases, you need to completely remove the infected timber and replace it with healthy timber. This can be a timeconsuming job, which is more often than not, really heavy on the pocket. To avoid this from ever happening, treat and maintain your wood as best you can. Swartland recommends that you treat your wood just before the rainy season and again before the sunny season.”

If the dry rot has passed through the masonry, it should be entirely isolated using physical containment and/or masonry sterilisation. Any affected timber has to be removed and replaced with pre-treated timber. To make life easier, Swartland recently launched its Ready-2-Fit range of wooden windows and doors, which come preglazed and pre-sealed with Maxicare water-based sealant to ensure that the wood is protected from dry rot and other damage before it even leaves the factory.

Dylan notes that water-based coatings are a great option on the market for sealing wood – they are easy to maintain and apply, and they boast a wide range of other benefits too. Essentially, a water-based sealant refers to a sealer that uses water as its carrier. This means that the pigments, hardener (resin) and other additives are mixed into the water. When the sealer dries, the water evaporates, and the resin, pigment and some additives stay behind to form a strong protective layer on the wood.

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WINDOWS & DOORS

Dylan notes that one of the major benefits of the Maxicare water-based sealant is that it protects the wood against fungus and dry rot, as it contains powerful anti-fungal agents. However, he says that there are a number of other useful benefits to Maxicare’s water-based sealant, which include: • Formulated to withstand our harsh climate: Designed with the South African weather conditions in mind, Maxicare water-based sealant is UV-resistant and provides superior protection from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, cold, rain and sunlight.

• It can withstand temperature fluctuations: It is highly elastic, which enables it to expand and contract with the wood during temperature changes.

• Enhances the longevity of the wood it protects: An advanced deep-penetrating wood sealant, Maxicare water-based sealant has been developed to protect interior and exterior wood surfaces so that it extends the overall life of the wood.

• Prevents future damage: It is stain-resistant, waterrepellent and long-lasting, which means it will keep water away from the wood and prevent any damage.

• Very Low Maintenance: By using Maxicare water-based sealant, you can maintain your wood using the newly launched Wash & Wipe wood maintenance kit, which is exceptionally easy and quick to apply and doesn’t require any sanding.

• It is heat-reflective: In darker colours, like Teak and Imbuia, Maxicare water-based sealant boasts a unique heat-reflective pigment. This pigment keeps the wood cooler in hot climates, thereby reducing moisture movement and protecting glue lines.

• It dries quickly: It takes a fraction of the time to dry compared to what it would take for an oil-based sealant to dry. It is touch-dry in about an hour, and it can be recoated within approximately three hours.

• It is environmentally friendly: Boasting low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, Maxicare water-based sealant is VOC compliant (maximum of < 130g/l VOC) and Environmental Management System ISO 14001 Certified, making it a greener choice.

Aside from emitting fewer VOC emissions, it is also nonflammable and lead-free.

• Easy application: It requires normal tap water for cleaning. The slightly gel-like texture of Maxicare waterbased sealant helps to prevent the sealer from dripping and also prevents the settling of the colour pigments.

• It is a durable product: Water-based sealant is exceptionally hard-wearing and durable.

• Excellent aesthetics: Offering a matt finish, Maxicare water-based sealant boasts stable colour properties that won’t yellow or darken over time.

Khulani Timber Industries Pty (Ltd) Pressure Treated Pole Products Creosote and Tanalith

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Contact: (t) 015 309 9525 or 015 309 9202/3/4 (c) 082 896 1520 or 082 896 1531 (e) adele@khulani.co.za (e) sales@khulani.co.za (w) www.khulani.co.za

www.tanapole.co.za

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ARCHITECTURE

"Consult the genius of the place in all." - Alexander Pope La Pereda House by zwei studio team La Pereda, a hamlet surrounded by lush fields along the river Caudal in the north of Spain, does not offer much in terms of architectural playfulness. Its built fabric consists primarily of a visually congruous collection of structures that are formally rather simple and squeezed tightly along the town's single main road.

Words: Daniel Conradie Photographs: Javier Granda | zwei, SC

I

n recent years La Pereda has become an attractive area for large industrial activity, and as a result, a large number of imposing industrial buildings have been erected, most of which make no attempt to address the vernacular condition of the area.

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zwei Estudio Creativo, a Spanish architectural practice run

by Andrea and Talia Fernรกndez, was challenged by the client to design a home within this area. They managed to conceive and realise a design that ambitiously attempts to address both of these vernacular and industrial architectural conditions.

ARCHITECTURE

The design adopts elements from both the older and more contemporary buildings in the area, and manages to establish a middle ground in which the new building neither tries to emulate one particular condition, nor contrasts both completely.

Unlike the surrounding vernacular built fabric that has steadily evolved around the main transport artery running through the town, the house was treated as a liberated object and placed towards the middle of its verdant site. This gesture permits the viewer to approach and move around the structure freely, and appreciate it from multiple perspectives, unlike the local condition, where the street-facing elevation is of primary concern.

This build renders architectural spaces in clearly articulated geometric volumes, a reflection of the pattern in which existing homes have treated their extensions. Rectilinear in appearance, the volumes also record the formal expression of the industrial warehouses in the surrounding area, but then employ a material palette that is more in line with the town's original built fabric â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with generous swabs of natural stone and timber cladding, and corners and joints crisply detailed in obvious contrast with its more organic setting.

A sunken garage marks the entrance to the house, its volume is tucked neatly underneath the main building's footprint.

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ARCHITECTURE

The approach succeeds in keeping the overall house footprint to a minimum and ensures the habitable spaces are read as the primary one. A courtyard that is carved into the site flanks the rear of the garage with large glazed panels to permit the ingress of natural sunlight and ventilation. Although the courtyard's utility could be questioned, it does make for an interesting and unexpected feature upon approach.

Abutting the garage, a staircase leads to the ground floor, where a large glazed window offers more light. The ground floor plan is organized along a linear spine with spaces branching off from it, leading to the public and more private spaces.

To visually distinguish the public and private realms, the architects have used two different surface materials for each; the public spaces are clad with locally sourced timber, while the bedroom pods are clad with natural stone. The warm and polished timber contrasts beautifully with its cooler and more rugged counterpart.

The living, dining and kitchen areas are grouped into one open-plan space with west-facing glazed doors leading out onto an expansive timber deck. An odd orientation for the living spaces (in the northern hemisphere a southerly orientation is preferred), the architects introduced sliding shutters to block the harsh afternoon sun coming from the west.

A stone-clad screen wall to the south blocks unfavourable views and defines the extent of an outdoor living space

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that is visually connected to the main house with an overhead timber pergola.

The bedrooms are tailored to be read as an additive component to the rest of the composition. An ephemeral quality is given to these three distinct pods by suspending them ever so slightly above the ground â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an interesting contrast to the inherent qualities of the material selected.

Each bedroom is afforded a framed easterly view of the valley, and again, shutters had to be incorporated in order to shield the bedrooms from the morning sun.

In its entirety, the design proves to be an excellent precedent for the intimate introduction of a contemporary piece of architecture into a very vernacular setting. It manages to reflect the delicate nuances as well as dramatic gestures present in the area and succeeds in carving its own seat.

To visually distinguish the public and private realms, the architects have used two different surface materials for each; the public spaces are clad with locally sourced timber, while the bedroom pods are clad with natural stone.

ABOUT ZWEI The zwei team consists of Andrea and Talía Fernández, who are both architects trained in the School of Architecture of La Coruña.

The team’s training process within the field of design began with obtaining Architecture degrees specialising in Town Planning, but this was just the beginning. The team’s interest in architecture at all its levels and forms has taken them from projects such as the Research Project for the Rehabilitation and Revitalization of ‘El Barrio de las Flores,’ within the Department of Architectural Design and Urbanism in the School of Architecture of La Coruña, to obtaining a Diploma of Advanced Studies and Research Proficiency within the PhD Program, ‘Pathology and Architectural Restoration’ of the Department of Architectural Technology, also in the School of Architecture of La Coruña.

Andrea and Talía are currently developing their respective PhD theses, whose keywords are sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental impact.

“Our training as professionals starts before leaving the School of Architecture. We have been collaborating with architectural firms since before presenting our final projects on architects, José Ramón Garitaonaindía de Vera, Arturo Franco Taboada and Freire y Vincent architects, who have provided us with the foundations and tools that complement our academic training.”

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ARCHITECTURE

“To zwei, architecture is not confined to a space, but it is a discipline that requires design in absolutely everything that surrounds it. And everything around us can be designed. That is why at zwei we have never been able to detach ourselves from design in any of its formats and we are open to the most diverse proposals within this field.”

TECHNICAL DATA: PROJECT: July 2009 - April 2010 CONSTRUCTION: August 2010 - December 2011 LOCATION: La Vega de La Pereda, Mieres (Asturias) DEVELOPER/CLIENT: Private ARCHITECTS: Talía and Andrea Fernández (zwei studio team) TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER: Talía and Andrea Fernández (zwei studio team) DIRECTOR OF WORKS: Daniel Izquierdo García, technical architect GEOTECHNICAL STUDY: Geotecnia Alperi, SL GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AND UNDER FLOOR HEATING: Asturcántabro instalaciones TOTAL BUILT AREA: 522.36m2 CONSTRUCTION COST: 214 855.20 euros

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The one and only construction show for the Western Cape

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Contact: Eugene Nourse, Sales Portfolio Manager eugene.nourse@hypenica.com

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Conference and exhibition As part of the African construction event series

13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14 August 2014 Cape Town International Convention Centre Cape Town, South Africa

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www.cape-construction.co.za

BRANDERING

The use of Saligna brandering for ceilings Both the Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) and the South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) have recently received requests to clarify the use of Saligna brandering in ceiling installation.

T

his may be due to some contractors who believe that access to the material will provide them with a pricing benefit in a very competitive market.

The best way to define the requirements applicable when considering the use of Saligna brandering is by direct reference to the applicable South African Norms and Standards (SANS) material and treatment specification that will need to be considered prior to procurement and use.

In SANS 10400 Part A, the requirements for the use of preservative treated timber to be used in the erection of a building are specified. Firstly, the material must be deemed suitable for the application, and secondly all timber used in the erection of a building shall be treated against termite and wood borer attack and fungal decay in accordance with the requirements of SANS 10005. Lastly, the products shall bear the product certification mark of a South African National Assessment Services (SANAS) accredited body (SABS or SATAS) to confirm compliance.

This requirement is repeated in SANS 10400 Part L, which is specific to roofs. In the case of Saligna, specific reference is made to SANS 1707 Parts 1 and 2, which deal with Eucalyptus and refer, inter alia, to this being applied in brandering and battens. Both SANS 10400 (A13 (b)) and SANS 1707 refer to SANS 10005, which is the National Standard (code of practice) for the preservative treatment of timber.

In conclusion, Saligna may be used in the installation of a ceiling, but only if and where compliance with the above can be confirmed.

MARKING OF EUCALYPTUS BRANDERING AND BATTENS: SANS 1707 Part 2 specifies that eucalyptus brandering and battens shall be marked as follows:

XYZ S .

XYZ - Manufacturer S - Stress graded

- Certification mark (SATAS or SABS) H2 - Treated hazard class 2 (Protected under roof)

FJ FJ - Finger jointed (When applicable)

15 JAN 14 Date of manufacturing

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Bruce Breedt (t) 011 974 1061 (e) vbb@global.co.za (w) www.sawpa.org.za

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H2

Fred Wagenaar (t) 011 974-1061 (e) fred@itc-sa.org (w) www.itc-sa.org

NEWS

Lonza announces overall winner of the 'Keep the Tanapole Flying High ' competition TM

Lonza Wood Protection has announced the selection of Dunstone Timber & Game Farm as the overall winner of their innovative marketing campaign, 'Keep the Tanapole Flying HighTM'.

T

he competition was run last year and received a diverse range of entries that showcased a multitude of innovative applications of Tanalised™ preservative treated wood.

“We were most impressed with the entries, which were all exemplary in the maintenance of the beauty of wood in its natural form through the use of Tanapole™ wood preservation products. These ranged from Africa’s longest drop suspension bridge, log cabins, chapels and thatched lapas, to perimeter fencing on prominent game farms in South Africa.”

“On behalf of Lonza, I would like to congratulate Dunstone Timber & Game Farm on their selection as overall winner, and to also thank each entrant for their submission and for their support of Tanapole™ products,” said Doug Sayce, General Manager of Lonza Wood Protection.

Dunstone Timber & Game Farm owner, Jamie Stedman and his wife Cheryl chose the grand prize of a Mauritius holiday for two and their vacation reservations have been confirmed for the end of May. Clive Stedman of Pietermaritzburg won the Galaxy Note Tablet prize in the Voter Lucky Draw competition, which was drawn by an independent third party – Attorney Nolan James – at the offices of Barry Botha Breytenbach Inc. in Port Shepstone.

Jamie Stedman: Lonza Sales Manager, Darren Marillier (right) with Jamie Stedman, his wife Cheryl and their family at the handover of their prize trip to Mauritius.

Clive Stedman: Clive and Colleen Stedman, winners of the Galaxy Note tablet.

New company registrations Company amendments Director & Shareholder changes Annual Returns submissions Restorations for de-registered companies B-BBEE (SANAS accredited) SARS Tax clearance certificates SARS company tax registrations

Internet domain registrations & hosting

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WISA products have all relevant construction and environmental certificates making them a reliable choice to satisfy various demands. Panels are available in many sizes and thicknesses.

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