Construction Review Africa

Since 1989

July-August 2019, Vol 30 No.4 Africa's leading construction journal

THE LEONARDO: RESHAPING SOUTH AFRICA’S SKYLINE Importance of Modern Architectural Glass Sustainable Water Treatment System Getting the Best Modern Plumbing

MANAGING EDITOR Robert Barnes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Francis Makari EDITOR - in - CHIEF Dennis Ayemba COUNTRY EDITORS Uganda Uganda -- Betty Betty Nabakooza Nabakooza Nigeria Nigeria -- Boladale Boladale Ademiju Ademiju South Africa Jimmy South Africa - Jimmy Swira Swira WRITERS WRITERS Yvonne Yvonne Andiva, Andiva, Dorcas Dorcas Kang'ereha, Kang'ereha, Pascal Musungu, Pascal Musungu, Anita Anita Anyango Anyango WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN Chepkemoi Faith Chepkemoi Faith Sales and Marketing Manager Sales and Marketing Ken Okore Manager Ken Okore

CON Since 1989

Current Issue

July-August 2019, Vol 30 No.4 Africa's leading construction journal

The Leonardo: The tallest building in South Africa.

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING Kenya: William Mutama, Lilian Khavosa, Kenya: William Mutama, Lilian Khavosa, Fredrick Otieno Fredrick Otieno South Africa: Thuli Nkosi, Winnie SentSouth Africa: Thuli Nkosi, Winnie Sentabire, abire, Angeline Angeline Ntobeng, Ntobeng, Uganda: Uganda: Nobert Nobert Turiyo, Turiyo, Selina Selina Salumah Salumah Namuli Namuli Botswana: Botswana: Dickson Dickson Manyudza, Manyudza, Gerald Gerald Mazikana Mazikana Ethiopia: Haimanot Haimanot Tesfaye, Tesfaye, Ruth Ruth Girma Girma Ethiopia: Tanzania: Tom Tom Kiage Kiage Tanzania: Malawi: Anderson Anderson Fumulani Fumulani Malawi: Ghana: Ghana: Samuel Samuel Hinneh, Hinneh, Caleb Caleb Donne Donne Hadjah Zambia: Susan Kandeke

REGULARS Editor's Comment 3 Corporate News 4

Zimbabwe: Chiedza Chimombe Rwanda: Collison Lore Nigeria: Seni Bello China:Weng Jie

The editor accepts letters and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world.

Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may request your name to be withheld from publication. We reserve the right to edit any material submitted .

Send your letters to: info@constructionreviewonline.com Construction Review is published six times a year and is circulated to members of relevant associations, governmental bodies and other personnel in the building and construction industry as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services in Africa, the Middle and Far East. The editor welcomes articles and photographs for consideration. Material may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in the journal. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Š All rights reserved.

Events 5 Opinion 6

cover story: The Leonardo: Carlton Centre's successor in South Africa's skyline Ensuite Bathrooms: Adding,Renovating and Decorating your Ensuite Bathroom Glass: Importance of Modern Architectural Glass

8 12 16 20

Published by Group Africa Publishing Ltd Head Office and for all enquiries: Consolidated Bank House, 4th floor, Koinange Street, Nairobi 00100 Kenya, Tel: +254 722525326, +254-20-8000307 Email: info@groupafricapublishing.com Uganda Agent Projects Unusual Uganda Ltd. Jemba Plaza, Luwum St. Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 776 883181 bettykatongole@yahoo.com Botswana Agent Cadline (Pty) Ltd. P/Bag 494 Gaborone, Botswana.

Tel: +267 318 7101, Fax: +267 318 102 E-mail: botswana@constructionreviewonline.com South Africa Agent College Publishers CC 1st Floor, 267 Oak Avenue, Oakfields, Randburg, Johannesburg Tel: +27 11 781 4253, Fax: +27 11 781 4287 Email: info@collegepublishers.co.za Ethiopia Agent Haymi Advertising Services 22 Mazoria, Genet Bldg 4th Flr Email: ethiopia@constructionreviewonline.com

TENT

Editor's Comment

Importance of modern architectural glass

Smart Planning is essential to spur urbanization in African cities

The modern glass can be used in the

Sub-Saharan Africa’s cities are receiving welldeserved attention. Propelled by rapid population growth, they are beginning to represent the best and worst of urbanization.

construction of both external and internal architecture like facades.

Well executed urban growth in Africa can unlock knowledge spillover, lower transaction costs, and cheaper provision of public goods.

16

Such benefits incentivize investors to build their investment strategies around cities. Yet in cities across the continent, sprawling informal settlements simultaneously remove people from economic opportunity.

The need for sustainable water treatment systems in Africa From an infrastructure perspective, modern innovative wastewater treatment solutions need to be more energy efficient, more cost-effective, with smaller footprints and be easy to deploy.

These settlements, containing both low- and middleincome households, are now home to over 60% of Africa’s urban residents.

Strong urban planning is essential for cities across sub-Saharan Africa to remain attractive to investors and achieve inclusive economic growth.

26

MODERN PLUMBING: Getting the Best Modern Plumbing 24 Waste Water Management: The Need for Sustainable Water Treatment Systems in Africa 26 Project: Nairobi Mega:A Fresh Shopping Experience 30 Project: Paragon's Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane,Eswatini 33 Project: Movenpick Hotels & Resorts Expansion in Sub-Sahara Africa Gathers Pace With New Development in Ethiopia 35

Ghana Agent Image Consortium 1st Floor, The Ecobank Building, Tesano.

Email: ghana@constructionreviewonline.com Kenya Agent Northwest Ventures Ltd P.O. Box 16414 - 00100 G.P.O Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2679808 Email: kenya@groupafricapublishing.com info@northwest.or.ke

July - August 2019 Volume 30 No. 4

Therefore, where local public sector enforcement of smart urban planning is missing, new interventions are needed to align private investment and development with urban plans that enable walkability, affordability, resilience, and equitable access to the promise of the city.

Robert Barnes

Nigeria Agent Rahma Associates B23/24, Aishetu Emoewa Plaza, 196, Iju Water Works Road, Ifako Ijaye Lga,Agege, Lagos.

Email: nigeria@constructionreviewonline.com Rwanda Agent Kolline & Hemed Inc., B.P. 3328, Kigali, Rwanda E-mail: rwanda@constructionreviewonline.com

Zambia Agent Dayflex Limited, 4th.

Floor Tazara House Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka, Zambia.

Email: Zambia@constructionreviewonline. com Tanzania Agent: Group Africa Publishing Ltd tz@constructionreviewonline.com Dar-es-salaam

CORPORATE NEWS

Sandvik is the only supplier in the world that can offer hyper duplex strip steel.

The world’s lightest and strongest structure relies on Sandvik steel Say hello to the world’s lightest and strongest construction ever.

The Isotropic Lightweight Structure (ILS) relies on Sandvik’s hyper duplex material and presents endless possibilities wherever there is a need for strength, lightness and anti-corrosive properties.

Stronger, lighter, more environmentally friendly and energy efficient – development in material technology is moving quickly. The materials industry has come so far in fact, the Eiffel Tower in Paris today would require just 25 percent of the material that was used when construction began in 1887.

One of the exciting new patented materials coming from Sandvik is Sandvik SAF™ 3207 HD (hyper duplex) strip steel. Sandvik is the only supplier in the world that can offer this grade of steel.

It is extremely strong, durable, recyclable and highly corrosion resistant, making it ideal particularly for marine environments.

Due to its high strength, far less material is required, making all applications lighter.

Hempel launches new coating solution for heavy duty equipment and truck OEMs

Flowcrete South Africa provides world class flooring for Bell Equipment Global

Worldwide coatings manufacturer Hempel has launched a new epoxy primer for heavy duty equipment and trucks – Hempaprime Shield 700 HS.

Bell Equipment Global worked with Flowcrete South Africa to find a durable and wear resistant floor coating for the first phase of an extensive refurbishment at its Richards Bay facility.

This new coating is specifically designed to improve productivity and quality for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by reducing production times and maximising service life.

Hempaprime Shield 700 HS is specifically designed to optimise production. A two-component high solids epoxy primer with exceptional adhesion to ferrous metals and substrates that delivers long term corrosion resistance in the harshest environments.

It is fast drying and has short minimum overcoat intervals without compromising the high-volume solids content.

This robust coating provides improved crack and wrinkle resistance even at a high dry film thickness (DFT) and dries to a smooth finish without the need for sanding.

With over 60 year’s experience in the manufacturing, distribution and support of material handling equipment to a broad spectrum of industries, Bell Equipment Global produce world-class machinery, and wanted its facility to look world-class as well.

The flooring was not only important from a health and safety view point, but it also needed to be aesthetically pleasing so that clients could be shown around the plant on a regular basis.

Therefore, the choice of flooring supplier was carefully considered, with Flowcrete South Africa coming out on top.

Although originally requesting a self-levelling epoxy, Bell Equipment Global was convinced to use Peran PTS for phase one.

Two Kenyan firms feted at the International Property Awards Two Kenyan based property development firms, Innovative Planning & Design Consultants (IPDC) together with Hayer One Group, were honoured at the International Property Awards, held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square Hotel.

The awards were handed to Jatinder Thethy, Founder and Principal Architect at IPDC and Chetan Hayer, the CEO of Hayer One Group for the development of the Best Commercial High Rise Architecture (The Address) and the Best Residential High Rise Architecture (The Marquis).

The two buildings, the address and the Marquis, were competing against other projects of the same caliber from Dubai, Africa and Arabia.

The Address Located along Waiyaki Way in Westlands, the Address was designed by IPDC for the developer, Hayer One Group.

Jatinder Thethy (left), Founder and Principal Architect at Innovative Planning and Design Consultants (IPDC) and Chetan Hayer (right) of Hayer One Group.

4

The development features a two-level show area that faces the adjacent motor way, creating a gallery that draws pedestrians

CR | July - August 2019

and road bound on-lookers in, through its 10 mm laminated, acoustic glass-clad facade.

It stands tall among its peers along the busy thoroughfare. Its high quality fit out, top range business amenities such as high speed elevators, ultra-modern security and ample parking, make the building a future forward location, while staking its presence and claim as the Waiyaki Way landmark and Kenya’s quintessential business address.

The Marquis The Marquis is a distinctive 2, 3 and 4 Bedroom twin tower apartment, set atop a multi-level parking garage in Kileleshwa.

Acknowledging each other through their side by side assemblage, the towers form a “V” shape, at the bottom of which, is a luxurious deck and infinity swimming pool. www.constructionreviewonline.com

EVENTS

22nd Buildexpo Tanzania 2019

AFRICAPPP Infrastructure Investment Partnerships

Over the past few years, Tanzania has emerged as a major regional trade centre.

This is mainly due to the very friendly and businesslike atmosphere it offers to foreign investors and products. Duties are considerably low and re-exports to neighboring countries are either very low or exempted.

AFRICAPPP, is the established platform for reducing the infrastructure gap by using a collaborative approach between the public and private sector effectively, and efficiently; and economically implementing infrastructure projects.

Over the years, Buildexpo has grown to cater to the demands of not just the Tanzanian market, but of the whole region of East Africa. This mega expo is the ideal forum for international players to showcase their products and services to the huge market in Africa.

With international pavilion participation from Italy, China, Turkey, UAE and Germany. Buildexpo is East Africa’s biggest trade platform for the industry.

New project announcements in renewable, transport, bulk water, waste to energy and port sectors have dominated the beginning of the year 2019.

Governments around the African continent have spent the last 10 years developing their PPP units, revising and reworking PPP frameworks.

Event date: 22nd – 24th October 2019.

Event location: The Westin Cape Town, South Africa.

The exhibition attracts exhibitors from more than 30 countries and visitors from all over East & Central Africa.

4th Africa Road Infrastructure & Investment Congress 2019 The 4th Africa Road Infrastructure and Investment Congress 2019 (ARIIC 2019) is the continent’s most prominent event which brings together the key financiers, investors, multilateral investment institutions,Government ministries, regulators, public and private sector stakeholders to discuss how these various elements fit together and how to successfully fund and execute infrastructure projects on time and within budget.

The Congress will analyse new public-private partnership projects (PPPs), new infrastructure projects that promote regional integration and competitiveness of countries, new technologies and financing challenges in the road and highway industry across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The event will take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 10-11 September 2019.

Duration: 12th – 14th September 2019.

Venue: Diamond Jubilee Expo Center, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Kenya

- Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors

- Architectural Association of Kenya

- Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers

- Association of Consulting Engineers of - Kenya - Association of Professional Societies of East Africa APSEA) - Kenya Property developers Association

- Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia

Nigeria

Zimbabwe

- Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria - Association of Professional Women

- Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors

- Association of Construction Managers of Kenya

Association Partners

and Quantity Surveyors (AQSRB)

- Association of Ethiopian Architects

- Institute of Engineers of Kenya

- Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers

(ACMK)

South Africa - ASAQS

- Tanzania’s Registration Board of Architects

Ethiopia

- Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya

- The Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (Cifoz)

- SAICE

- South African Council for the Quantity

- Construction Regulation Board (CRB)

Surveying Profession

Ghana - Ghana Institute of Engineers

Engineers Of Nigeria

- Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria - The Nigerian Institute of Architects - American Association of Petroleum Geologists Africa Region

- Khuthaza ( Women for Housing)

- Architects Registration Council

- Concrete Manufacturers Association

- Ghana Institute of Surveyors

- Green Building council of SA

- Ghana Green Builders Association

- Nigeria Institute of Architects

- South African Property Owners Association

- Ghana Institute of Planners

- Master Builders South Africa

- Association of Building and Civil Engineering

- Building and Construction Skilled Artisans

Uganda

Contractors of Ghana

- Nigeria Society of Engineers

Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN)

Institute of Surveyors of Uganda

Namibia

Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) &

Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors

Uganda society of Architects

Association of Consulting Engineers of Namibia

- Association of Building and Civil Engineering

Botswana

Tanzania

- Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors

Contractors (ABCEC).

www.constructionreviewonline.com

Zambia - Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA)

July- August 2019 | CR

5

OPINION

Why cybercriminals are eyeing smart buildings Smart buildings use technology to control a wide range of variables within their respective environments with the aim of providing more comfort. The risk of a security incident taking place in an intelligent building is linked to the motivations of cyber criminals.

Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO at ESET South Africa.

I

n countries like the United States, the growth of smart buildings is estimated to reach 16.6% by 2020 compared to 2014, although this expansion is not limited to the US but rather is taking place on a global scale.

This growth is largely due to the fact we live in a world increasingly permeated by technology, in which process automation and the search for energy efficiency contribute not only to sustainability, but also to cost reduction – a goal pursued in all industries, public and private alike.

Naturally, the construction industry is no exception, says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO at ESET South Africa.

Smart buildings use technology to control a wide range of variables within their respective environments with the aim of providing more comfort and contributing to the health and productivity of the people inside them. To do so, they use so-called Building Automation Systems (BAS).

The low cost of IoT devices for buildings and the advances of technology for building automation systems is leading to changes with an impact on security.

6

With the arrival of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart buildings have redefined themselves. With the information they obtain from smart sensors, their technological equipment is used to analyse, predict, diagnose and maintain the various environments within them, as well as to automate processes and monitor numerous operational variables in real time.

Ambient temperature, lighting, security cameras, elevators, parking and water management are just some of the automatable services currently supported by the

CR | July - August 2019

technology.At first glance, we may not see any security risk in these smart buildings.

It is likely, however, that at some point the entire smart network is connected to a single database, and that is where the risk is.

Particularly if we consider that many IoT devices are manufactured by different suppliers, who may not have paid due attention to security considerations during their design and manufacturing process.

Possibility of a smart building being attacked The risk of a security incident taking place in an intelligent building is linked to the motivations of cyber criminals, who mainly seek to achieve economic gain through their actions, as well as to impact and spread fear.

There are already some tools such as Shodan that allow anybody to discover vulnerable and/or unsecured IoT devices connected publicly to the internet.

If you run a search using the tool, you can find thousands of building automation systems in its lists, complete with information that could be used by an attacker to compromise a device.

In February 2019, around 35,000 building automation systems worldwide appeared in Shodan within public reach via the internet.

This means that someone could take control of a BAS after finding it through a search.

If, for example, a criminal used Shodan for building automation systems to attack, they will find IP addresses.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

If they copy those IP addresses into the address bar of a web browser, in many cases this will bring up an interface for gaining access, where they need to enter a username and password.

If the password is a default password of if it can be cracked easily through a brute force attack, the attacker will gain access to the system monitoring panel, which contains information similar to the companies located in the smart building.

Once the attackers have access to this public information and can monitor, for example, how the air conditioning works, they could make a phone call pretending to be from the maintenance company and say they are going to send a technician.

At the same time, the attackers could request remote access, which would give them access to the server and allow them to control the building.

adjust the way any of the other automated systems operate and then demand payment of a ransom in using a system that allow them to remain anonymous, such as cryptocurrency, in exchange for not shutting the building down.

Siegeware: a very real threat Cybercriminals are already carrying out such attacks when they have the opportunity. This kind of attack is siegeware, or “the codeenabled ability to make a credible extortion demand based on digitally impaired building functionality” In conclusion, the low cost of IoT devices for buildings and the advances of technology for building automation systems is leading to changes with an impact on security.

This drive toward automation and the use of smart devices to gather data – in order to give a building’s users more comfort and to make more efficient use of resources such as energy – is also leading to increased security risks.

Once they have control, they could alter the building’s heating or air conditioning or

www.constructionreviewonline.com

As a result, the possibility of a cybercriminal launching a ransomware attack on a smart building is already a reality.

Considerations to keep in mind There are a number of security considerations and requirements to keep in mind: • Review the devices’ security specifications and work on the basis of the ‘security by design’ concept.

• Set a suitable budget for security.

• Choose partners that have knowledge of security issues.

• Install software for managing vulnerabilities.

• Ensure cooperation between the different areas and/or departments.

For operational issues: • Update the devices regularly.

• Implement a replacement plan for when devices’ support life cycles end.

• Exercise a precaution in respect of connected devices.

• Monitor connected devices.

July- August 2019 | CR

7

COVER STORY

The Leonardo: Carlton Centre’s Successor in South Africa’s skyline

B

efore the end of this year, the US $210m Leonardo, in Sandton South Africa is set to become South Africa’s tallest building, replacing the Carlton Centre, a 50-storey building approximately 223 meters tall, in downtown Johannesburg.

The Leonardo, is a 55 floor mixed-use property development which stands at a height of 234 meters (768 ft.) on a 3 200 m2 piece of land, located in 75 Maude Street, approximately 100 meters from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton, South Africa.

8

CR | July - August 2019

Its architectural Design is a brainchild of South Africa’s Co-Arc International Architects and the building is developed by Nedbank Property Partners in collaboration with Legacy Group and JSE-listed Aveng Grinaker-LTA as the contractor.

In January this year, the Leonardo was declared by a US-based news corporation as ‘one of the most anticipated buildings in the world in 2019 alongside other exclusive projects like the world’s largest underwater restaurant in Norway dubbed Under and Beijing’s new Daxing airport.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

Features of the Leonardo The development includes two levels of public areas off the street linked by an escalator to an interactive lobby space which will be home to the reception area for the 230 apartments that rise up to the 41st level; penthouse suites with their own gardens and 7 500 Msq of sectional title offices.

The building will also feature a landscaped garden, restaurants, a bar, a crèche, a gym and a spa which will be linked by shuttle lifts directly into the parking garage.

Legacy development have bought 10 floors in the building where they plan to establish a luxury hotel in the future. Above the development floors there are eight penthouses and the Leonardo suite, reaching from the 49th to the 55th levels. In addition the building will also feature 1900 Msq under-roof living space and 1300 Msq of outdoor patios and gardens, with a 20 meter lap pool and gym area.

Verticalization of Africa’s urban cities Verticalization of the urban landscape is an answer to demographic growth and pressure to limited and decreasing available space for residential and other social and economic purposes. This is especially true in developing countries, witnessing rapid urban growth.

Verticalization as a matter of fact, is also an architectural and esthetic choice. It is an economic footprint of globalization in urban contexts, but also a planning tool to upgrade urban cities.

Currently, there is a plethora of upcoming construction projects expected to add the dazzle in Africa’s major cities skylines. In Kenya, there is the Pinnacle Tower in Upper Hill, Nairobi. The 300 meters (1000 feet) development consists of two adjacent towers. The shorter tower, at 46 floors will house the 257-room, five-star Upper Hill Hilton Hotel, the third Hilton franchise in Nairobi and the 50th on the African continent.

The taller tower, with 70 floors, will feature eleven floors of commercial office space, nine floors of upscale rental retail space, and 46 floors with 210 upscale 1, 2 and 3-bedroom, serviced residential apartments.

Elsewhere in Morocco, the Al Noor Tower in Casablanca is set to take up the mantle of tallest building in Africa. Designed to represent the 54 countries of Africa by measuring exactly 540 meters (1,800 feet), the proposed building will be another masterpiece to behold in Africa’s skyline.

South Africa has nine out of 20 of the continent’s tallest buildings, amounting to 1,277 meters in total and 5,000 steps up a staircase. While most of these buildings were erected in the 1900s and early 2000s, records have stayed the same. The Leonardo was initially set out to be a mixed-use building with 33 floors but has since escalated to dominating the South African skyscraper inventory.

The development will not only provide investment opportunities for South Africa, but it will celebrate African authenticity. Set to be completed in the year of Leonardo Da Vinci’s 500th death anniversary, African art will be the center-piece of the tower.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

9

ADVERTORIAL

INSPIRING CUSTOMERS with innovative SOLUTIONS

Blum’s brand promise of “moving ideas” puts customers’ needs at the centre of its thinking. How are needs incorporated in product development? How can the Austrian manufacturer of fittings deliver solutions that move the market? And how will the company enable customers’ ideas?

Customers can implement inspiring solutions with ease - with Blum products.

10

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

K

nowledge shared is knowledge multiplied! In line with this policy, Blum is keen to provide ideas and share its experiences and insights with customers from the furniture industry.

If you are interested in innovative furniture solutions, check out Blum’s new platform at www.blum-inspirations.com.

To this end, the company offers a wide range of suitable fittings solutions - for conventional and extraordinary furniture concepts.

In addition, the company supports manufacturers with services throughout the entire production process and value added chain, i.e. from selling, planning, designing, ordering, manufacturing and assembly to adjustment and setting.

Ideas for living spaces of today and tomorrow The manufacturer of fittings carries out market research and uses its findings to develop innovative applications.

Kitchen surveys are conducted all over the world to find out how people use their furniture and what demands are made of furniture and fittings.

Through ongoing dialogue with customers and cabinet makers, distributors and industrial partners, the needs of target groups are used to shape the development of new products and services.

It is very important to Blum to share its insights and inspiring furniture ideas with its customers and enable new solutions.

Blum uses new online platform, Blum Inspirations to present creative ideas

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

11

BATHROOMS

Adding, renovating and decorating your ensuite bathroom

W

hether they are purchasing a new home or just renting it, more and more people are insisting on having an ensuite bathroom connected to their master bedroom.

The level of practicality and luxury this small space offers cannot be matched by anything else, so an ensuite has become a must in this day and age.

Moreover, even people who are not moving are realizing how important it really is, and are looking for ways of implementing it into their homes as we speak.

In the end, people who already have an ensuite are always looking for ideas to make

12

it more spacious than ever, and are therefore exploring new decorating and renovating ideas that will make their private bathroom nicer and better than ever. So, whichever category you fall into, you surely deserve a proper ensuite yourself, so here is what you need to know about designing and building it.

Building an ensuite If you do not have an ensuite in your home at the moment, you should think about adding it as soon as possible.

Luckily, building one is neither too hard, too expensive or too time-consuming, and all you have to do is follow a few simple steps.

CR | July - August 2019

Building an ensuite bathroom is neither too hard nor too expensive as you may think.

Think about how much space you need and where you can find it – most people take space from their bedroom and turn it into an ensuite, create an entirely new layout in their home, or convert a spare bedroom into an ensuite bathroom – and then start building walls and implementing heating and plumbing.

Ultimately, think about what you need in your ensuite and what sort of fixtures and fittings you’ll have to purchase.

Equipping an ensuite The biggest portion of your ensuite should be dedicated to a bath – after all, this is where you will be able to relax after a long day, recuperate, regain your strength and prepare for the day ahead .

Of course, if you are not a fan of freestanding baths, you can always opt for a shower that is a less spacious and less expensive option, but it can still give you all the luxury you are looking

www.constructionreviewonline.com

for. In the end, add a toilet, a basin and a cabinet that is not too big but will still give you all the storage space you are going to need.

Maintaining an ensuite Just like any other room in your home, your new ensuite bathroom is going to require a certain dose of care as well.Maintaining it on your own is always a good option that will save you a considerable amount of money in the long run, but sometimes you are going to have to rely on a professional’s help instead.

It is high recommended to have a professional on speed dial though so that in case something happens, they can react and solve every problem in your ensuite in an efficient and professional way.

Incorporating unusual ideas Since most ensuite bathrooms present rather unusual spaces – especially if they were built a long time ago and without paying too much attention to practicality and functionality – there should be no problem applying a couple of more unusual ideas to them as well.

At the end of the day, this is a space only you are going to use, so you can turn it into anything you want.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

13

Some of the most unusual ideas you should explore include adding a ton of gray color into the mix, relying on luxurious and polished materials, choosing a sunken bath over a freestanding one, completely connecting ensuite to your bedroom, and adding two vanities and two sinks into it so that you and your partner can use the space at the same time.

These ideas will take your new ensuite bathroom to a whole new level, so do not be afraid to look into them as soon as possible.

As you can see, building and designing an ensuite bathroom is not as hard as it seems at first.

The only thing you need to do is make sure it is as peaceful and relaxing as it can be, and you will give yourself a space you can enjoy on a daily basis and make your life a lot better and less stressful.

The bold look of KOHLER®, designed to be designed!

S

ince inventing the bathtub in 1883, Kohler has spent more than 140 years perfecting the bathroom and bathing experience.

In that time, they have led the way in technology, engineering and design in one of the most important areas of the home—the bathroom.

With each innovation, Kohler has revolutionized gracious living with intuitive products and forward-thinking design solutions that inspire beauty. Kohler seeks to deliver the best in both design and experience in every product it develops, which is why people have trusted the Kohler name for more than a century.

14

The KOHLER® Bathroom Design Service was created to provide customers the best in bathing technology, interior trends and fixtures, with the helpful guidance of industry-leading interior design experts.

When you work with a Kohler Designer, your needs come first.

Each virtual appointment is made around your schedule, and each design is crafted around your budget.

Their designers strive to remove the stress and worry of remodeling your home, and make the process fun and interactive. With Kohler, each project is inspired completely by you.

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

15

GLASS

Importance of modern architectural glass

“We now have self-cleaning glass and smart glass as one of the newest trends,” she affirms.

The modern glass can be used in the construction of both external and internal architecture like facades, display windows’ skylights, skywalks, entrances, revolving doors, canopies, staircases and elevated walkways. These many options can be attributed to the fact that, glass makes a building quite elegant and eye-catching.

I

n the past, people only associated

Thanks to innovative technologies, the

glass with windows when they were

misconception that glass is a fragile product

discussing the construction of a

that cannot be used as an architectural

building; but that has since changed.

material has since been disapproved.

According to Ms. Brenda Katila the Head

Nowadays glass and glass products are quite

of Sales and Marketing at Aluglass Glass,

popular in architectural facades.

a glass processor in Kenya, glass is in a

The Benefits Additionally, due to its translucent nature, glass generates a pleasant and roomy spatial atmosphere which allows for both an outward view as well as an inward view to create a sense of space.

constant metamorphosis.

16

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

Thanks to innovative technologies, the misconception that glass is a fragile product that cannot be used as an architectural material has since been disapproved.

According to Phoebe Bochaberi the Marketing Services Coordinator

Abrasion resistance

at Impala Glass Industries, an Importer and processor of Aluminium

Glass is excellent abrasion resistant material, which means it will resist

and glass in Kenya, toughened and laminated glass are referred to as

surface wear caused by flat rubbing and direct contact with another

safety glass as does not break easily and when it does it breaks into

material. The technical, energy and aesthetic properties of glass make

small harmless pieces; while laminated glass still holds together for a

its scope of applications practically unlimited: from external glazing to

while after breaking which gives someone time to replace the glass.

interior decoration and industrial uses.

A glass material is also more resistant and dimensionally stable,

With the availability of a wide of ranges, architects and interior

odor-neutral, hygienic and easy to maintain. That is why it is used

designers will work with a material that gives shape to their creative

in windows, on facades and as roofs. The following are some of the

inspiration, while assuring comfort for the building occupants and at the

advantages of using glass in architecture:

same time actively protecting the environment.

Visible transmittance Glass absorbs, refracts or transmits light. It can be made translucent or transparent depending on the building design, so it adds extraordinary beauty to the building. It transmits up to 80% of available natural daylight in both directions without any yellowing, clouding or weathering.

Nevertheless, when the door or window is closed, it still allows light to flow in hence saving energy which in turn reduces electricity bills.

It brightens up the room and enhances the beauty of the space. Most importantly, it boosts the mood of occupants by making it easy to enjoy the view from any point.

Colour availability Glass can be manufactured in a wide range of colours. Even when we combine the glass sheet in laminated or insulated units, it can change in colour and appearance.

Weather and rust resistant Glass is fully weather resistant so it can withstand the effects of the wind, rain, or the sun and can retain its appearance and integrity.

Additionally, glass does not rust hence it cannot be gradually degraded by chemicals and the surrounding environment.

Dustproof and waterproof Apart from glass being waterproof, it has a smooth glossy surface, so it is dustproof and can be cleaned efficiently. www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

17

ADVERTORIAL

CURVED GLASS IS THE MODERN DAY CHOICE

By Phoebe Bochaberi, Marketing Services Coordinator, Impala Glass Industries

C

ontemporary architectural design espouses structures that are dynamic and full of life. Materials and designs that appealed yesterday are no longer in vogue today. And there is not a sector that has felt this change more than the glass industry.

Impala Glass Industries Limited supply curved glass in EAST AFRICA providing quality their glass products along with functional decorative aspects. With more than 60 years experience, there is no better partner for your glass project than Impala.

Traditional flat glass is slowly getting shelved. To give a more natural yet modern feel to architectural structures today, architects are increasingly using curved glass.

We produce toughened monolithic and laminated curved glasses for a variety of applications. For architectural use, we have tempered glass, laminated glass, curve tempered glass, fire resistant glass, estillo, mirrors, double glazing units (DGU) and bullet resistant glass. For the automotive industry, we supply sidelites, windscreens and door glasses among others.

Architectural curved glass is a highly versatile building material that holds almost limitless possibilities for architects and interior designers.

As an extremely durable, safe and easy-to-maintain component, it offers an exciting range of uses in buildings.

Facades have become essential in corporate buildings and using bent glass, different types of facades can be built. Buildings that deploy curved glass, be they commercial or residential, usually stand out among the rest due to enhanced aesthetics. Glass-domes, revolving-door handles, elevators and display cases are among some of the other areas where curved glass can be used.

The curved nature of this glass makes it not only ideal for the building industry but also other sectors such as automotive where it can be used on windshields.

Besides durability, safety and aesthetics, curved glass is also inherently transparent and therefore provides architects with a creative way to enrich their structures with natural light.

Our customers include architects, developers, contractors, homeowners and automotive workshops. Over the years, we have developed an understanding of our clients’ need and are therefore able to provide them with tailor-made solutions. From humble beginnings in Kenya in 1958, you will now find our products all over eastern Africa and beyond.

We currently export to Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda,Burundi, Somali, Zimbabwe and Zambia. In future, we plan to cover more countries on the continent.

Our signature projects in Kenya include Britam Tower, Two Rivers Mall, Le Mac, Safaricom Residency and The Waterfront, among many others.

For more information about curved glass and other products, visit http://www.impalaglass.com.

To incorporate curved glass into your design, it is critical to engage your glass supplier from the onset so that you are fully appraised of the material’s strengths and take stock of any limitations in order to come up with a safe, economical and aesthetically appealing design.

You will also be able to discuss the finishes required such as tints, double glazing, etc.

18

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

19

ADVERTORIAL

ALUGLASS AFRICA IS YOUR IDEAL PARTNER IN ALUMINIUM AND GLASS PROJECTS

A

LUGLASS AFRICA LIMITED is a subsidiary of the Laxmanbhai Group of Companies, which consists of Laxmanbhai Construction, Laxcon Hardware and Raghvani Developments. The group has been at the core of the Kenyan construction industry for the past 65 years.

As an established player in the construction industry, the Group experienced low quality products, poor delivery and generally substandard services in the aluminium and glass sector leading to the birth of Aluglass.

Aluglass has since become a significant player in the sector. We are a reputable aluminium fabricator and glass processor. We also provide turnkey solutions in glazing. Our main clients are commercial developers and general home owners. We strive to serve not only Kenyan customers but also those in neighbouring countries. Eventually, we hope to extend our services to the entire African continent. We endeavour to supply the best of quality, keeping Africa on the radar of the international standards.

Since inception, we have worked on numerous projects. Among office blocks and commercial spaces that Aluglass has delivered are: • Upper Hill Chambers.

• Bank of Baroda.

• I&M Bank Limuru.

• Kikuyu Commercial Development.

• Westgate.

• Sarit Centre.

• Ole Sereni Hotel.

• Sai Pharmaceuticals.

• Shoprite Garden City Mall.

On the residential front, we have worked on the following among others: • The Curve.

• Green Wood.

• Prime Apartments.

• Purples Haze apartments.

• Palm Valley Apartments.

• The Habitat.

• Belmont.

By Brenda Katila, Head of Sales & Marketing

20

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

ADVERTORIAL

Woodoc - The transparent wood care range that covers it all.

Wood protection/wood maintenance /wood refurbishing / wood decorating.

F

rom the earliest times, man has used wood as a building material, from houses to furniture, door and windows to decorative items, wood is a part of our lives. And wood is versatile and strong and can look good if well finished. However in Africa and across the world, wood is under threat with massive forest degradation. Bans on timber harvesting have been instated in Kenya and parts of Africa.

Yet wood remains a coveted commodity especially within the construction industry.

Wood is a living material and needs protection to preserve its natural beauty and from the effects of the elements and time. The wood in living trees is protected by bark and nourished by natural sap. If this is taken away the wood will dry and rot. And this is why Woodoc Sealants were created.

The original Woodoc Sealers were formulated by a craftsman to protect and beautify his fine furniture. He designed them to do two things:

22

•

To deep penetrate and nourish the wood, thus enhancing its texture and beauty.

•

To protect it - indoors, against water- and alcohol staining, heat- and cold marking, and daily wear and tear, and outdoors, against the damaging effects of rain and sun's UV-rays.

Woodoc Solvent-Based Sealers were formulated to protect and enhance the natural beauty of wood. Tough, durable, wear- and water-resistant, they are easy to apply and easy to maintain. Their highly attractive surface finishes are long lasting tints. New tints provide stains of your preference finishes. Lead-free and non-toxic when dry.

Woodoc Water-Borne Sealers are modern, high-performing, transparent wood sealers, backed by the long tradition of Woodoc Sealers.

Developed and tested in South Africa using the most advanced International Technology.

CR | July - August 2019

These provide quick drying intermittent times.

Tough, durable, wear- and water-resistant, they are easy to apply and easy to maintain.

Their highly attractive surface finishes are long lasting.

NMP-free and non-toxic when dry. These sealers will not alter the colour of wood, will not yellow and are virtually odourless.

Woodoc - a range of sealers that are truly FOOD for WOOD. All Woodoc products are Toy certified, Heat and Cold resistant, Scratch and Mark resistant, Water and Alcohol resistance and come in Ultra Matt, Matt, and gloss finishes.

Formulated in Africa to withstand the African Weather.

We can provide fundi trainings and consultancies.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

23

MODERN PLUMBING

Other factors that have an impact financially include plumbing maintenance and the cost of medical treatment and medicines, potentially up to 10% of household incomes in African countries.

Exceptionable plumbing Getting the best plumbing will ensure that you do not get any embarrassing disasters when you least expect them.

A properly designed system will deliver water to the various faucets, fixtures, and water-using appliances efficiently and carry away waste water without clogs.

Getting the best modern plumbing

O

ne of the problems of every civilization in which the population has been centralized in cities and towns has been the development of adequate, reliable plumbing systems.

Plumbing issues come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from the relatively minor and inexpensive, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet, all the way to a sewer system backup or a major pipe leak capable of causing severe damage to walls, floors, and personal property.

24

The Impact of bad plumbing Fresh water is one our most important resources.

When our water is polluted it not only affects our environment but also our health. Good plumbing is essential for all households to ensure the population remains healthy.

Overlooking the importance of good plumbing within the household can have an impact on day to day life. For instance, loss of earnings due to taking days off work to have leaks repaired or sickness due to contaminated water.

CR | July - August 2019

Good plumbing can only be guaranteed by reputable contractors.

A good plumbing contractor will tell you more about what they can do for you rather than what their competitors cannot do for you.

The following are some of the factors to look for in a good plumbing contractor: The staff should be well trained and licensed Only trained and licensed plumbers should be working at your site.

Not only does it ensure faster and more reliable operation, but it also minimizes any clutter or a mess.

Non-professional workers can end up drilling a lot of unnecessary holes in your walls or on the floors.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

Everyone needs fresh water to drink, brought by a good plumbing system. We also need a way to dispose of waste without compromising the quality of our water.

Over time there is no doubt that plumbing has evolved, becoming healthier and also more complex. There is clearly a need for better and more efficient plumbing.

Getting the best plumbing will ensure that you do not get any embarrassing disasters when you least expect them.

Trained professionals know what to look for and where to look in case of any problem.

Willing to put everything in writing A professional company that strives to provide customers with quality should have no qualms about making a guarantee of their work. Not only that, but their guarantees should also be made in terms that you can easily understand.

Business longevity Reliable contractors and plumbing service providers will have been in business a long time.

Chances are that these companies and contractors will supply you with superior products, services and customer service.

That doesn’t mean that you should automatically overlook newly opened companies, but the longer a company or contractor has been in business, the better chance that you’ll have a good experience.

The firm should have referrals It is always a good idea to choose a contractor that has referrals and plenty of them.

Not only should they have referrals, they should also welcome you to contact those referrals so that you can get firsthand knowledge about the type of contractor that you’ll be working with as well as the type of results that you can expect from them.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

25

WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT

The need for sustainable water treatment systems in Africa

W

astewater management has become one of the major challenges that most countries face due to the scarcity of water resources.

However, the few countries that manage to deal with this issue give priority to urban centers leaving the smaller communities to look for other ways in which they can get clean water.

According to Isaac Karani CEO and Founder of Elikham Systems, a company which equips buildings with water recycling systems, that treats wastewater at the point of production and make it safe for reuse by a click of a button; the global market for wastewater recycling and reuse reached nearly US $12.2bn in 2016 and is estimated to reach US $22.3bn by 2021.

26

This market expansion is in response to growing demand from cities and industry for water against a backdrop of increased urbanization, population growth, and climate variability, the result of which is greater water scarcity at a time of increasing global demand.

Effective wastewater treatment Waste water treatment can only be effective if the key processes are taken into consideration. These involve a primary waste water treatment process where screening is done to remove any object that is present in the water.

This can be the small particles or large objects.

Each of the process requires special equipment such as generators, different types of water pumps, water neutralizing and oxidizing filters, separators in case there is oil in the water and sludge treatment equipment.

Sustainable wastewater treatment systems Most practices for water and wastewater treatment across Africa are typically insufficient to ensure safe water and basic sanitation. The available structures do not assist in the integration of technological solutions and social impact management efforts to enhance the water education of the citizens of municipalities and private sector clients

The next level to undertake is the secondary treatment where activated sludge, filters and lagoons are used.

Activated sludge contain bacteria which will help in the breaking down of organic substances while filters will be very effective when it comes to separation of the substances that remain in the water.

CR | July - August 2019

From an infrastructure perspective, modern innovative wastewater treatment solutions need to be more energy efficient and more cost-effective.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

within Africa . According to Patricia, the General Manager at CESP, specialists in packaged wastewater and water treatment; this can be attributed to the lack of knowledge among construction professionals on how to handle wastewater as a resource.

From an infrastructure perspective, modern innovative wastewater treatment solutions need to be more energy efficient, more costeffective, with smaller footprints and be easy to deploy. A starting point when planning wastewater treatment is the principle of Best Available Technology (BAT).

It states that the best available technology that is reasonable from an economical and practical viewpoint should be used.The primary objective of wastewater treatment is the protection of human health and the environment. For this objective to be fulfilled in the long term, practical aspects have to be considered. These aspects include: Reliability A basic requirement is that the system is technically reliable. This means that it is well tested and robust, and that the treatment objectives can be fulfilled all year around and for varying loads.

Flexibility A flexible system can easily be adapted to changes in circumstances, such as changes in loads. Other flexibility aspects may be that the treatment system should be possible to construct for both single households and groups of houses, or that it could be built on various different sites.

User aspects Wastewater treatment systems’ installations should fulfil basic requirements from the residents regarding comfort, user friendliness and maintenance. It should be possible to understand how the system works without an instruction. Installations should suit old people as well as children, handicapped and middle aged. Irrespective of technical solution, it is essential that the residents use the system correctly. Therefore, information about the system is crucial.

Users should be able to feel confident that the treatment system will function as promised and that stated objectives are fulfilled. It is not sufficient to have a reliable system if the user perceives it as unreliable, unhygienic or deficient in any other way.

There’s a huge space for improvement in the market. Mr. Edwin Ouko Otieno, the Manager at Ecosave Africa Limited, a company that offers onsite wastewater management services which include construction of septic tanks which allows for 100% recycling of effluent; mentions that, slowly developers and other industry players are adjusting their systems and thinking to accommodate recycling.

However a worrying trend is that people do not pay so much attention to the fact that wastewater systems are as important as the superstructure.

“People invest a fortune in the superstructure but are not willing to adequately invest in sustainable wastewater systems that are long lasting with minimal maintenance,” he adds.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

27

ADVERTORIAL

ECOSAVE AFRICA LTD: SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR ALL YOUR WASTE WATER REQUIREMENTS

E

COSAVE AFRICA LIMITED is a company registered in Kenya specializing in waste water management, environment and related disciplines.

Over the last 10 years, we have gradually evolved from a Kenyan-based company with a narrow scope to a dynamic global on-site waste water management solution leader with a range of specialties in environmental management including: Environmental Impact Assessment and Audits, Environmental Evaluation and Compliance and Environmental policy and standards.

WHAT WE DO Being a multi-disciplinary consulting firm, Ecosave offers a wide range of services which include: On-site Waste Management Sustainable and cost effective waste water management system is one of the biggest challenges to property developers in the region. Ecosave Africa prides in the fact that we are the front runners in providing the best solutions in this field. As a company, we offer solutions to both existing and operational systems that have failed as well as develop customized solutions for developers. For new projects, we design systems that take into account the capacity, space available and client budget to ensure we deliver a win-win result for the environment and development. This includes a chambered septic tank with no mechanization that is able to allow for 100%recycling of effluent for use to flush toilets, do water features and gardening.

To existing systems we redesign the system to increase efficiency and where applicable re-introduce the concept of effluent recycling in places where there were none. Our niche is on the fact that we not only focus on the design of the system but also the character of effluent we treat. For this reason we are able to adjust to any other system previously done by other service providers to give the developer a cost effective, sustainable and environmentally sound solution. Where our footprints are, one need not to exhaust.

Environmental Management Environmental Evaluation and Compliance We advise our clients on current best practice and ensure their environmental performance complies with existing regulatory requirements.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) At Ecosave, we have a team of licensed EIA experts with vast experience and ability to conclusively carry out Environmental Impact Assessment studies for projects of any scale.

Environmental Auditing We also offer consultancy for Environmental Auditing both as an internal monitoring process and statutory requirement for projects that are running within various jurisdictions.

Environmental Policy Guided by the ISO 14001: Environmental Management System,

we help our clients develop internal environmental policies which ensures compliance and continuous monitoring in their operations.

OUR PRODUCTS Ecotreat Waste Digester Ecotreat Waste Digester is a micro-organism-based product which assists in breaking down of organic waste including fats, grease, carbohydrates and proteins to a by-product that is predominantly water and nutrients. The water is then absorbed into the soil thus eliminating the need to exhaust.

This product can be used in septic tanks and pit latrines in schools, residential and commercial estates, slaughterhouses, lagoons, municipal wastewater treatment works, oxidation ponds, bio-filters, agricultural farms, grease traps leading to a cleaner, odour free environment in the most costeffective way.

Odourex Urinal Balls Due to the effect of mothballs, we as environmental managers specializing in organic waste management, focusing our services on non-chemical treatment of waste, developed a new product ODOUREX as an alternative to mothballs in urinal pit and in waste water pathway to reduce smell. Unlike mothballs which consist of naphthalene that increase greenhouse gas causing global warming and health effects on man and his environs, Odourex does not sublime thus making it non-pollutant.

ECOTREATÂŽ WASTE DIGESTER TOUGHEST WASTE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION

WHY USE ECOTREAT? Breaks Down Organic Waste On Site No Exhausting Reduces Odour No Chemicals Cost Effective Environment Friendly

Manufactured and distributed by: Trade Centre, Namanga Road, Kitengela P.O Box 18187 -00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel : (254), 0726536565, 0721279688.

Email: dwanjuki@yahoo.com, ecosavec@gmail.com Website: www.ecosavetech.co.ke 28

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

PROJECT

Nairobi Mega: A Fresh Shopping Experience

M

ost users of Mombasa Road especially the segment

Lead architect Kimethu Charles Kyalungu says the client’s brief

between Nairobi City Centre and Nyayo National

was simple: “Create a shopping experience to cater for the booming

Stadium will have noticed a blue and red structure that

market while at the same time make it stand out from the crowd (other

has recently been completed where a former popular supermarket

shopping malls)”.

used to be located.

“The mega store already existed as a shopping space before but with This is Nairobi Mega, an ultra-modern shopping mall that is certainly

the growing demand for value and better space, there was need to

set to excite customers who used to patronize the former premises.

relook at the whole facility and come up with a well-designed space

It has taken at least seven months to carry out extensive renovation

that creates the ultimate shopping experience for the users”, says Arch

works and bring out the immaculate building that is now attracting

Kimethu.

attention both on the Uhuru Highway (front) and Baricho Road (rear) sides.

The architect notes that that a lot of work went into the project because the existing building had not been designed as a 21st century

Tectura International, a Nairobi-based international architectural

shopping space.

studio and one of the best known names in the industry, has been leading a team of consultants and contractors to execute the project.

Therefore, the team decided to carry out extensive changes internally and externally to produce an aesthetically appealing and functional building. Among the changes Tectura came up with was a fresh, striking façade.

30

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

The mega store already existed as a shopping space before but with the growing demand for value and better space, there was need to relook at the whole facility and come up with a well-designed space.

The entrance was also modified to be both elaborate and inviting. Other modifications included the creation of space that would cater for smaller line shops and meet their demands; creation of adequate space for the incoming anchor tenant as well designing for safety (firefighting and security). According to Arch Kimethu, renovation or refurbishment works such as the Nairobi Mega project always present a bigger challenge than new structures.

“Firstly, you have limited options as to what you can do since a structure already exists; secondly, you never know the exact site conditions of the structure until you start demolitions and excavations.”

“Our main challenge was designing a new structure within the old one while still maintaining the integrity of the building. But with the team of various consultants, we managed to achieve that and make the whole building very different from what was initially there.”

Arch Kimethu acknowledges that time was a constraint given the new discoveries the team was making when the contractor was already on site. “We had to work around the clock”.

The budget was a major issue with all the variations arising from new discoveries while demolishing and excavating. “But we did our best and managed to deliver the best outcome to the client within his budget.”

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

31

Tectura is however not new to renovation

“All projects were different but one thing we

“As for the contractor and subcontractors, we

works and therefore was not surprised by

have learnt is new discoveries will always be

had a good working relationship and the entire

the various issues that arose. According to

made once you start works and you should

team was quite innovative and was able to

Arch Kimethu, they have previously worked

be ready and willing to make variation to the

address any challenge that arose.

on buildings such as New Rehema House

design and be innovative”, says the architect.

in Westlands, Rehema House in the Central

Works at Nairobi Mega began on 22nd

Business District, Dandora Holy Cross Church

He lauds the excellent teamwork displayed

December 2018 and the project was handed

as well as well as residential apartments in

by the consultants saying they were highly

over on 16th July 2019.

South C.

motivated.

32

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

PROJECT

Paragon’s Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, Eswatini

H

ilton Garden Inn in Mbabane Eswatini is one of Paragon Group’s first projects for an international hotel chain which won Best International Project at the SAPOA Awards.

Group on behalf of the Eswatini Public Service Pensions Fund (SPSPF). The main contractor was a joint venture between Aveng Grinaker-LTA with Du-Van Developments and Roots Construction in Joint Venture, known as the ADR JV.

The 124-room, eight-storey development in the heart of the capital has been designed specifically as an iconic building for Hilton’s entry into the Eswatini market.

The project The main spaces of the hotel have been designed to create vertical separation and privacy between public and private or guest amenities.

Situated up against a hill to the south of the city centre, the building and its landscape deck provide unobstructed views across the valley towards the city. This prominent location, combined with the unique design of the building, gives the hotel a presence unique in the urban context of Mbabane.

The project, which was completed in April this year, has been carried out in conjunction with Steve Hall Development Consultants, for the Buna

The iconic tower portion of the building, with its swooping and undulating feature façade, is architecturally differentiated from the base of the building, and is solely dedicated to hotel guestrooms and hotel facilities.

The entrance.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

Public areas on the ground floor include a reception, restaurant, bar, lounge, and conferencing facilities comprising four meeting rooms of varying sizes, with two of the larger rooms separated by sliding-folding doors with the flexibility July- August 2019 | CR

33

to become a single large conference room. Reception and the main hotel entrance are located adjacent to the on-grade, on-site guest parking, where guests are greeted with a generous porte-cochere entry.

The main guest parking is located to the rear of the site, while additional parking is provided in an existing parkade close by.

The entrance to the building is reinforced by a full-height internal atrium that forms the central and primary focus space of the building, overlooked by all the guest-room corridors.

34

The central atrium, which houses the restaurant, bar, lounge, and conference break-out facilities, also features skylights. These spaces also link to the ground-floor landscaping and deck spaces via two large sliding folding doors.

The guestrooms are all accessed via full-height glass scenic lifts leading from the ground-floor lobby. Guest amenities are housed at the first floor, and include a guest laundry and fitness centre that looks out onto the landscaped pool deck, a dedicated guest amenity with a lap pool, lowlevel children’s swim area and garden.

CR | July - August 2019

www.constructionreviewonline.com

PROJECT

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa gathers pace with new development in Ethiopia

M

ovenpick Hotel Addis Ababa is, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in Ethiopia. Located in the city’s exclusive Bole district, it will be just 2.5 km from the international airport, and will feature 252 keys, an expansive ballroom and state-of-the-art well-being facilities befitting a landmark new hotel that overlooks the country’s national stadium and Elite Sports Centre.

Just a short stroll from Bob Marley Square, the hotel will boast worldclass dining and leisure facilities including an all-day dining restaurant and an Asian restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool on the first floor terrace overlooking the Ethiopian Elite Sports Centre, a sports bar, an 800-sqm fitness centre and a spa.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

35

The 2,300-sqm banqueting and meeting space with a 1,200-seat capacity will include a ballroom for up to 460 people and 600-sqm meeting rooms and interconnecting pre-function spaces.

Slated to open in Q4 2019, the development is a clear indication on Movenpick’s intentions for Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We’re delighted to sign our first property in Ethiopia, and excited to secure a presence in the heart of Addis Ababa – a dynamic and thriving capital city which we believe has fantastic potential for continued growth and development,” said Alan O’Dea, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Senior Vice President Africa.

“Addis Ababa is set to enjoy strong economic growth and continued infrastructure improvements in the years ahead, and we are looking forward to bringing our signature upscale hotel experience to a new generation of corporate and leisure visitors to the city,” he affirmed.

36

With growth averaging 10.8% since 2005 and projected to remain at seven to eight per cent until 2020, Ethiopia is one of the world’s fastestgrowing economies.

Construction and real estate are booming on the back of sustained infrastructure investment, and Addis Ababa has bold plans to capitalise on its position at the heart of this flourishing economy and establish itself as a major manufacturing and energy hub for the region.

“Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has an excellent reputation and a proven track record of setting new standards for hospitality in some of the world’s more exciting destinations,” said the hotel’s owner, Berhane Gidey, Founder and President, Yobek Electrical Enterprise.

“We are very confident that we have found the perfect partner to establish this property as the new benchmark for quality hospitality in Ethiopia,” he added.

CR | July - August 2019

The development in Ethiopia represents another step forward for Movenpick’s strategic expansion plans for Africa, following hot on the heels of last year’s opening of Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech and the signing of new projects in Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire.

Following a momentous year in 2016, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has continued its rapid expansion this year, with the Addis Ababa signing taking the total development pipeline to 35 hotels worldwide.

The Switzerland-based global hospitality firm already operates 83 hotels worldwide, and is on track to surpassing 100 operational hotels by 2020.

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts currently operates 25 properties in Africa alone, with five more in active development.

www.constructionreviewonline.com

Advertisers Index Kalekim........................................................................... IFC

Ryce................................................................................ 23

Michigan ........................................................................ 1

Fit.tight Ltd .................................................................... 23

Davis and Shirtlift........................................................... 7

Water Equipment and Systems Ltd................................. 25

Jessop and Associates(PTY)Ltd...................................... 9

Elikham Systems............................................................. 27

Blum................................................................................ 11

Bosch East Africa............................................................ 27

Security Systems Ltd...................................................... 17

Ecosave Africa................................................................ 28

Kohler............................................................................. 15

Ritmo.............................................................................. 29

Smart Glass..................................................................... 17

Metrix Intergrated Consultancy...................................... 31

Impala Glass.................................................................... 19

Konark Engineering and Services Ltd............................ 32

Aluglass Africa Ltd......................................................... 20

Solitaire Construction Ltd............................................... 32

Franki.............................................................................. 21

Kens Metal Industries..................................................... 34

Woodoc Kenya................................................................ 22

Zedex Ltd........................................................................34

Waterways Africa............................................................ 22

The Big 5 Construction Nigeria......................................36

Measurement Systems Ltd.............................................. 23

Doshi............................................................................... OBC

To advertise with us: Send Email to info@groupafricapublishing.com

Receive an annual subscription to Construction Review Africa directly in your inbox for FREE!

and also get weekly bulletins on the major happenings in Africa’s construction industry.

Click online and get this offer now! https://constructionreviewonline.com/register/

www.constructionreviewonline.com

July- August 2019 | CR

37