To Build - Volume 11 l Issue 1 - March to May 2021

Volume 11 Issue 1 March 2021

Country Chic Stylish and

Hot

Sustainable

Appliance Trends

for

2021

GREEN your bathroom to

create mood & relaxation

Ahead of

the curve

– all about trends March 2021 R45.00 Incl. VAT

21001

Sonae Arauco:

Success

A Profile of

Key ‘People in Construction’ Issues Future of home design post-pandemic

9 772219 724008

ED’S NOTE

WELCOME

to Issue 1 of our 11th Volume.

TO BUILD turned 10 years old last year and we emerged from that decade stronger than ever.

Among the numerous matters mentioned by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation address, came some good news of Government’s recommitment to develop the first South African post-Apartheid fully fledged city in Lanseria. The Lanseria Smart City aims to provide a home to 350 000-500 000 people by year 2030. According to President Ramaphosa, the draft masterplan was completed in November last year and is at the stage of public comment.

Such initiatives offer a bright hope for the future by presenting a break from the spatial planning of the past and an opportunity for sustainable development. TO BUILD will track this mega project in the years ahead. And may it be a low carbon one.

Monitoring the impact of the pandemic over this past year has been alarming, as business after business - both big and small - has been forced to close doors on the wave of the lockdowns. Fortunately, this has not completely wrecked the construction and development infrastructure as yet, despite having a major impact.

The realisation dawns that the entire built environment value chain is tightly interlinked, up to and including industry mouthpieces such as TO BUILD as well as the PR industry. A lack of advertising has caused many fine publications to close.

Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za To Build Publication @To_Build @to_build_publication

Publishers ask for advertising support and can’t just run press releases all the time, because paper and ink is a real expense. Advertising revenue is needed to remain viable. The publicity industry is not a bottomless pit and surely it should follow that we are all part of the same value chain. Let’s not get to the stage where all we have left is social media through which to send important marketing messages. Publishers have a right to survive, please support us.

Finally, in the midst of the doom and gloom, an inspiring ‘My Yellow Room’ blog entry by Cape Town designer, Kim Williams, caught my eye. It reads: “So out of this horrible virus, life has reminded me of a few things once again. The fragility of our bodies, the importance of small things, of love, of friends, of clients. The ability to work.

To have work. To appreciate the small gestures, the big gestures. The connections. The magic we make. The falls. The hand to pick us up. That we are able to do what we do because of the people around us. That we are all a part of each other’s successes and disappointments. We are connected to everything and everyone. Everything you do matters.

Let’s pick each other up and let’s make it count, people!

Gareth 2

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

tayloredwright_TB12175_E

EXPERIENCE CONCRETE-CUTTING INNOVATION ƒ STIHL’s TS range provides innovative cutting technology for professional users. These cut-off saws are available in petrol and cordless models of various sizes, and quickly cut through concrete, steel and asphalt. The range is complemented by the STIHL GS 461 concrete cutter, which offers impressive manoeuvrability and handles like a chainsaw, making it ideal for plunge cutting, working in tight spots or up against a 90° corner. These machines all use water to significantly limit dust volume and silica exposure while in action. Cut anything, anywhere, with STIHL. Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior after-sales service.

facebook.com/stihlsa

www.stihl.co.za

instagram.com/stihlsa

CONTENTS 4

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

30

EDITOR 9

DESIGN

00

50

32 ENGINEERING: Engineering project provides traffic flow relief

2 EDITOR’S NOTE

8-10 EDITOR’S CHOICE

12

36 ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY: Tech can boost infrastructure recovery

LEGAL

50 In the spotlight

COATINGS & PAINT

54 Ahead of the curve — all about trends

LEAD STORY: Country chic — stylish and sustainable

40

58

18

Unlawful occupation of property and the stay of eviction proceedings

Take good care of your paint

COVER STORY: Sonae Arauco: A profile of success

22 INTERNATIONAL OPINION: Future of home design postpandemic

PROPERTY

42

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS

60 Case file: 117 On Strand Street

Office space: a view of the future

PROFESSIONS

24 ARCHITECTURE: OPINION: An architect’s view

28 CONSTRUCTION: Container village provides a safe haven for impoverished kids

30 CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & SAFETY: Key ‘people in construction’ issues

46 Tax incentive helps inner city development

DÉCOR

48 Pantone Institute launches two new seasonal colours — designers respond

DIY – GARDENS

62 Tree choice can make or break gardens — literally

CONCRETE

66 Concrete cracking under dry conditions

ROOFING

KITCHENS 68

GREEN BUILDING

80

WALLS & CLADDING 96

104

Hot appliance trends for 2021

82 A word from the Kitchen Specialist Association

84 Work surfaces — an international case study

DIY – TOOLS

68

86

Cool surface technology

Sharpening the saw

ADHESIVES

INSULATION

72

90

Adhesives & sealants: All you need to know

Celluose fibre thermal insulation: a strong case

BATHROOMS

TIMBER

76

93

‘Green’ your bathroom to create mood & relaxation

New GM at ITC-SA raises the bar

6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 | Tel: 021 424 3625 l Fax: 086 270 9693 Email: info@tobuild.co.za | Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za To Build Publication

@To_Build

@to_build_publication

Picture Credit: Sonae Arauco | 123rf.com | pixabay.com | pexels.com | Unsplash.com

Distribution:

Printed by:

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

6

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

96 Indoor environmental and air quality — a living breathing building

HVAC

100 Opinion: Indoor air quality under the spotlight

RENEWABLE ENERGY

102 Additional solar power plant onstream

104 Wall panels that collect moisture

NEWS FROM THE MARKET PLACE

106 Saluting the frontline in bold colours

108 South African developers — take a bow

110 Building industry forms umbrella body

Publishing Director Elroy van Heerden elroy@tobuild.co.za

Designer Anja Bramley artwork1@mediaxpose.co.za

Editor Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za

Advertising Sales Manager Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za

Sub-Editor Tessa O'Hara tessa.ohara@gmail.com

Advertising Sales Jacqui Marsh jacqui@tobuild.co.za

Content Manager Wadoeda Adams artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

Distribution & Subscriptions Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za

Editorial Contributors Advocate Bryan Hack Professor Fidelis A Emuze Professor John Smallwood Professor Eugene Moll (images) Ar. Dikshu C Kukreja Ashvin Manga Digger's DIY Erina Botha Fran Coole Gareth Griffiths Imaging Lauren Shantall Steve Bartels Wynand Tromp

Chief Financial Officer Shaun Mays accounts@mediaxpose.co.za Social Media Coordinator Kyla van Heerden social@mediaxpose.co.za Receptionist Daniëla Daniels receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za

True beauty beauty doesn’t doesn’t fade fade with with time. time.

True

Hydroaluminium aluminiumgarage garagedoors doorsare arelightweight, lightweight,corrosion-resistant corrosion-resistantand and Hydro extremely durable, durable, which which makes makes them them perfect perfect for for coastal coastal areas. areas. They’re They’re extremely alsoeasy easyto toclean cleanand andmaintain. maintain.Available Availableas assingle singleor ordouble doubledoors doorsin infour four also attractivecolours, colours,Hydro Hydroaluminium aluminiumdoors doorswill willenhance enhancethe thekerb kerbappeal appealof of attractive anyhome. home.For Formore moreinfo, info,visit visithydrodoors.co.za hydrodoors.co.zaor orcall call086 086110 1102425.

2425. any

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Anaerobic lock range for bearings, nuts, studs, bolts screws & sleeves The Tork Craft Anaerobic Lock range of adhesives can be used in all engineering, automotive repair, rebuild, workshops, fitment centres and most industries, as well as DIY. Tork Craft

The Tork Craft Anaerobic Lock range of adhesives can also be used on steel, zinc and brass, and have a specific product for the various categories: bearings, nuts, studs, bolts screws and sleeves. Used in all industries to lock the various types of steel, brass and zinc, this new liquid anaerobic adhesive is applied to the item and reaches its full secure locking strength within 120 minutes.

The various products come in low, medium, and high strengths, depending on what they are applied to. They are easily identified by their product names and coloured packs. This proven and tested Tork Craft Lock range makes the perfect maintenance repair and rebuilder kit for most industries, covering all their needs in the workplace. The product comes in a handy bottle with a strong nozzle for fine application.

Available to the trade via Vermont Sales and to the public in fine hardware stores. www.torkcraft.com

Resin anchors for superior fixing The latest technology for superior professional fixings in all types of industry can be found in a popular international brand, which the manufacturer says is synonymous with innovation, reliability and safety in the development and manufacture of construction anchors and fixing products.

Rawlplug Rawlplug resin anchors can be split into two main groups: capsule systems and injections systems.

The capsule and injection mortar systems consist of two chambers, one filled with a polymer resin and the other with a hardener.

Various resin types are available in each system, from polyester to vinylester and epoxy. Bonded anchors are used for fixing threaded rod, internally threaded sockets and rebar to many types of structures’ substrates.

For technical information on Rawlplug’s RAW R-KEM-II-300, RAW R-KF2-300 and RAW R-KER-II-400– MOQ 10, contact Vermont Sales.

8

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Huge porcelain tiles for astonishing hotel Marvel Pro XL Calacatta Lappato porcelain tiles

Marvel Pro XL Calacatta Lappato porcelain tiles by Italian tile masters, Atlas Concorde, were recently chosen for the new Hotel Sky, at 153 West Street, Sandton.

Italtile These 1 200 x 2 400mm porcelain tiles offer luxury on an unprecedented scale, and are an Italtile Commercial exclusive import.

The range was designed and manufactured to create outstanding visual impact with a phenomenally authentic marbled finish. The size, texture, full bodied print and flawless finish of Marvel Pro are testament to Atlas Concorde’s sustainable, cutting edge technology. These full bodied giants are rectified to create near seamless floorscapes and walls on a spectacular scale, with fewer, thinner grout lines. Contact Italtile for further information.

A wide selection of affordable hand tools with a lifetime guarantee Fixman is a leading brand in the hand tools marketplace and is ubiquitous in leading retail stores. With over 20 years in the automotive, industrial and construction business, they offer a unique range of specialist quality hand tools, replacement tools such as spanners and sockets, a huge range of tool sets, and in a class of its own, tough toolboxes, roller cabinets, screw drivers, hammers, wrenches, benches and cutting tools.

Fixman These are precision Chinese-made quality tools (www. fixmanhardwares.com) available with backup in South Africa via a major local distributor.

If it’s time to replace, upgrade or add some really useful new innovative specialist tools to your collection, check out the Fixman range available at your nearest hardware retail chain store.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

9

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Making the viewer think The Editor’s choice in this edition for the communication and marketing service category goes to South African retail and wholesale chain, Builders Warehouse and associated companies for their eye-catching consumer campaign on YouTube and on TV, which makes the viewer think twice about the art of building.

You-Tube

“Because people are spending more time at home, they are interested in doing things themselves, whether it’s cooking or baking, home workouts or general home maintenance. This also means that new hobbies and habits are born, and that is why we want to support these passion points,” says Andre Steyn, Vice President at Builders.

Steyn took over the helm in February 2020, first joining the retailer as a sales associate , then on to Marketing and Innovations Director and finally appointed as Vice President.

There is no denying that the coronavirus pandemic took the world by surprise, with people having to quickly adapt to the new normal. This came with an introduction of a work-from-home culture amongst other changes, which meant that people had time to take a step back and re-evaluate their lives and living spaces. Being home has unearthed little flaws in people's living spaces with many wanting to make tangible changes to reimagine their living spaces, thus spiking an interest in DIY and general home care solutions. With this new brand platform, the aim is to inspire and support customers and so stimulate the inner builder in everyone.

Recline, rest and reflect

on this beauty

The Curator is certainly one of the more provocative chaise longues to be launched in the design world and has been described

by Adam Court, OKHA’s Creative Director as “an abstract landscape honed into seating design”.

OKHA Originally designed by OKHA for a private art collector and tribal arts dealer, the Curator was conceived as a singularly sculpted form on which to recline, rest and reflect upon the art works of his collection and hence the name Curator.

The Curator itself seamlessly merges with the collection with its honed and chiselled form which alters from every viewing angle, resulting in an unlikely balance from seemingly random but intuitive asymmetry. It’s smoothed rock-like shape can be tailored in a range of premium and bespoke fabrics or leathers. Contact OKHA for details.

10

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

MODERN DESIGN. MADE THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY. At Swartland, we only know one way to make doors and windows, and that’s to last. Our Kenzo range is built from strong, lightweight aluminium-alloy frames allowing for expansive walls of light, space and seamless integration with nature. Kenzo windows and doors require very little maintenance and never need to be painted – the perfect combination of durability and affordability. All products are SANS 613 certified and compliant.

Call us on 086 110 2425 or visit kenzoaluminium.co.za for more info.

LEAD STORY — DECOR

Country chic –

stylish and sustainable Our much loved South African country areas do not have to stand back for the city places when it comes to decor and refurbishment. Proof of this comes by way of an amazing refurbishment done at the Sanddrif holiday resort and working farm. Situated in the central Cederberg area of the Western Cape, the farm is a comfortable 4 hours’ drive from Cape Town, during which time you climb to 1 036 metres above sea level.

Gareth Griffiths

Gareth Griffiths

A geologically and culturally-rich area, the Cederberg is a favourite to many rock climbers, mountain bikers, hikers, adventure-seekers, even weekend ‘couch potatoes’ - and wine aficionados. Many overseas tourists return year after year to enjoy the crisp clean air, the environmental offerings and the produce of the farm.

Located within the heart of the Cederberg, the Cederberg Private Wine Estate and boutique brewery, homed on Dwarsriver Farm, is also the tourist centre and reception for guests staying at Sanddrif, under the deep red and orange-hued Wolfberg Cracks.

The resort and winery has much more than a South African outdoor-oriented following.

12

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

It attracts hundreds of international guests each year, who repeat their visits year after year, a tribute to the warm welcome they receive from farm management and farm workers alike. Cederberg is an environmentally and culturally-sensitive area and is home, for example, to the Cape Leopard, of which a number of individuals roam the high crags and mountains, as well as the indigenous Clanwilliam Ceder Tree, Widdringtonia cedarbergensis.

Farm owners, David and Cisca Nieuwoudt along with David’s father, Ernst and family, speak with pride about their working farm, which also happens to offer 4 Star graded Cederberg hospitality. The Nieuwoudt’s are the fifth generation to operate

the farm and are the most fabulous and welcoming hosts available to tourists.

David is an extremely well-known and famous South African winemaker and has expanded his horizons around the world, being principal winemaker in regions as far apart as Chile (Maule region) and Cape Agulhas (Elim) The Cederberg Vineyard is the highest altitude vineyard in SA. Well known wine brands made in the Cederberg Private Cellar • Cederberg • Ghost Corner • Longavi • Driehoek • David Nieuwoudt

LEAD STORY — DECOR

Considerable re-use was made of recycled building materials and objects that were found long-forgotten ...

A low-lying bridge links the newer 'Protea Heights' and ‘Planets’ cottages with the legacy cottages on the ‘Old Sanddrif’, the original working farm.

One of the premium 'Planets' cottages called Mars, during renovation and landscaping.

Overall master planning Over the past decade, David has explored and affirmed the family heritage on the farm, which goes back five generations.

Advised by a London firm of architects called Instinct, owned by Leszek Dobrovolsky and Caroline Sohie, who are themselves regular visitors to the farm, the heritage and built environment upgrades to the working farm and tourist facilities have been remarkable.

This includes a significant consolidation of cellar operations under one roof from a number of previously standalone functional buildings, with an eye on both efficiency and sustainability. The tourist side of the farm has also received attention with road upgrades, new signage conveying a single uniform brand, and of course an exclusive artisanal brewery.

The latter is thanks to the extremely pure mountain stream water which services the farm.

The old water mill on the farm was renovated and appears in the list of top 10 heritage mills in the province.

Extensive use was made of repainted recycled wooden furniture.

The family also has a unique relationship with the Waitrose group in the UK, who not only stock the legendary Cederberg wines in their stores but have actively become involved in social development on the farm via the Waitrose Foundation.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

13

LEAD STORY — DECOR

Accommodation makeover and decor

Brickwork has been left unplastered indoors to add an earthy effect.

The farm and winery were as adversely affected as any other South African enterprise by the never-ending lockdowns in 2020, but instead of bemoaning their fate, David and Cisca decided on a bold revamp of legacy-stock accommodation units on the guest farm, some of which date back to the 1800s. In the true philosophy of the Cederberg mountains, ‘the tough survive’ and they soon realised that one silver lining to the global pandemic was the opportunity to accept the temporary closure of the busy accommodation facility and focus on the upgrade they had been talking about for years.

“Our investment of R7 million was invested in the accommodation and road infrastructure upgrades, creating work opportunities for labourers, a building contractor and plumbing contractor from neighbouring communities,” says David.

The Cederberg is well-known for its sustainability thinking. Hence, considerable re-use was made of recycled building materials and objects that were found long-forgotten in the various barns and sheds on the farm, as well as in the attic of the main farmhouse.

David confirms that only limited new building materials were brought onto the farm to be

Stylish bathrooms.

used in the project. Meanwhile, Cisca, assisted by her friend, a Cape-based artist and decorator, Tia Gerber, painstakingly curated all kinds of found items from the farm and Tia scoured various flea markets for the balance of the collectibles. The main purpose of all the objects, however, is to tell the story of the farm’s centuries-old heritage.

Tia picks up the story: “Cisca spent hours sourcing beautiful vintage furniture to add to the decor. It brings character and it is sustainable to reuse these, when compared with new furniture.

“For the main bedrooms, we had headboards made up in deep colours to pull the planet theme through. The bedrooms are calm and subtle. We framed vintage botanical prints for the second bedrooms and painted the furniture. Paint makes a big difference and is a cost effective way to having a new look.

Collectibles from fleamarkets, framed art from family archives.

14

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

LEAD STORY — DECOR

Vintage style lamps and cushions in colours of the veld flowers add a classy feel.

“My objective was to create small surprises that add to a positive stay in the cottages.

We discovered old metal trunks on the farm, that we repurposed into coffee tables and side tables. Using what we had to create the feeling that the cottage has always been there.

“It was my idea to add recycled roadsigns for some fun!”.

“We looked for a Mind the Baboons roadsign, but you can’t get those”, laughs Cisca (baboon are regular and sometimes unwelcome visitors to the tourist accommodation section of the farm).

Commissioned artwork “Cisca and I decided to keep the artwork subtle - no 'real' pictures. By keeping it calm and abstract, it should just enhance what is already there. My paintings are acrylic on canvas. I use a modeling paste to create loads of texture. I intricately layer the paint to create a colourful and vibrant piece. I strive to portray a balance of realism combined with loose abstraction, causing one to compliment the other.

“My goal is for the viewer to feel a connection with my paintings in a

This room in “Die Stal” cottage has its own built-in rock – ideal for sharpening a biltong knife – comments the Ed.

meaningful and unique way. For much of my work, refer to my Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/TiaGerberArt ”, she says.

Colour themes, materials and heritage

Cisca explains that the inspiration for the indoor colour scheme comes from images of the solar system taken at the Cederberg Observatory located on the farm and also the seasonal green and pink flowers that thrive in the veld in spring.

Guests in the cottages will also notice a distinct colour theme that has been followed.

Brickwork has been left unplastered indoors to add an earthy effect.

“The idea was not to create ‘Coricraft cottages’ (with reference to SA’s fabulous and stylish furnishings and decor chain)

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

15

LEAD STORY — DECOR

but we wanted our guests to experience a Cederberg journey while at the same time having some of the luxury items of modern living, including a dishwasher, styled bathrooms with freestanding tubs and a heated floor for the very cold winter nights.”

“Because most visitors are short-term guests on the farm, Tia (Gerber) pushed me to be a bit brighter and daring indoors. So we tried to use the blues reflected in pictures of the solar system that we see and also in some colours of the veld,” says Cisca.

Each cottage has a generous balcony with access to a built-in braai, and the indoor living areas also enjoy a built-in braai and fireplace combo.

The blues of the heavenly bodies on a dark night.

Essentially, the cottages most recently refurbished are the ‘Planets’ - so-named after the solar system was ‘visited’

by Halley’s Comet in 1986 with the Cederberg becoming the most famous viewing site in the country for comet watchers. In addition, legacy cottages on the ‘Old Sanddrif’, the original working farm dating back to C Louis Leipoldt’s parents and prior, were upgraded. The results are eclectic, including a large boulder built into one of the bedrooms.

Flea markets provided road signs and vintage objects.

“We could not take it out and we could not go around it, so we welcomed it inside,” says David, with a laugh. These really old buildings are the typical farm buildings built hundreds of years ago, with thick solid walls, Waboom timber roof beams and walls built of solid rock.

Vines have been planted to cover the trellises and remind the guest of the extensive vineyard practices on the main farm.

Whilst there are many remarkable things to do and explore while on the farm, the attention to environmental sustainability matters has been remarkable. These include sustainable vineyards, avoidance of pesticides and a massive PV system which under optimum conditions provides power to a substantial portion of the winery and farming operations.

A later article will explore these rural interventions further. Further information on the accommodation options can be obtained at www.sanddrif.com

View from the top - looking down from the base of the Wolfberg Cracks onto the wine farm and resort.

16

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

ALL INFORMATION ALL INFORMATION IN ONE HAND. MeasureOn. Upgrade your efficiency.

IN ONE HAND. With one app plus laser range finder,your you haveefficiency. every project in your hand MeasureOn. Upgrade and under control. Sketch floor plans with your finger, add photos and insert andyou benefit more features.

Withnotes, one app plusmeasurements laser range finder, havefrom everymany project in your hand Quick documentation and fast data transmission toadd Bluetooth® and under control. Sketch floor plans with yourthanks finger, photos connectivity and Bosch MeasureOn App. and notes, insert measurements and benefit from many more features.

Quick documentation and fast data transmission thanks to Bluetooth® connectivity and Bosch MeasureOn App. www.bosch-professional.com/measureon www.bosch-professional.com/measureon

TM of Google LLC TM of Google LLC

MeasureOn

TM of Apple Inc.

MeasureOn

TM of Apple Inc.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

It’s in your hands. Bosch Professional.

reOn: Measu now nloraedOn: Dow Mefaosrufreen.ow oad Downl ree. for f

August 2021

August 2021

August 2021

August 2021

GLM 50-27 CG Professional

GLM 50-27 C Professional

GLM 120 C Professional

GLM 50 C Professional

GLM 50-27 CG Professional

GLM 50-27 C Professional

GLM 120 C Professional

GLM 50 C Professional

COVER STORY

Sonae Arauco:

A profile of success TO BUILD magazine is proud to feature Sonae Arauco on its cover. This international company has shown great confidence in the South African building scene via a recent major investment in Mpumalanga.

Sonae Arauco

The history of Sonae Arauco Sonae Arauco was established in 2016 through an alliance between two of the industry’s international top brands – Sonae Indústria and Arauco. Sonae Arauco is a partnership created with the sole objective of becoming the number one international supplier of sustainable wood-based panels, offering customers the best in industrial knowledge, functionality, quality, design and price.

Sonae Indústria was founded in 1959 in Maia, north of Portugal, and quickly became acclaimed as a producer of high-quality decorative wood-based panels which were specially developed for use in the furniture, building and decoration industries. As a producer of wood-based decorative panels, Sonae Indústria insisted on using its natural resource, wood, in a sustainable way to minimise its impact on the environment.

18

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Sonae Indústria continued to expand throughout Portugal, becoming a leader in the particleboard sector, and eventually expanding internationally by acquiring a particleboard company in the UK. Arauco, a producer and manager of renewable forestry resources, was founded in Chile in 1970. It has increased and enhanced its forestry plantations through research and applying the best practices in terms of sustainability and the conservation of trees, soil and biodiversity.

Today, Arauco has set a benchmark in terms of forestry and industrial plants, efficiency, production standards, innovation, environmental responsibility and social commitment.

In 2016, when Sonae Indústria and Arauco formed their strategic partnership

of Sonae Arauco, Arauco was one of the largest forestry product suppliers in the world. Today, Sonae Indústria, in addition to this partnership, owns the largest particle board industrial plant in North America, as well as plants for highpressure laminates in both Portugal and Germany.

Today, Sonae Arauco is proud to say that it is one of the largest decorative woodbased panel producers in the world and has distinguished itself as a benchmark brand, with over 20 industrial and commercial units in nine countries and on two continents, including its brand new factory in White River, South Africa. While its wood-based decorative panels are already sold in over 75 countries around the world, Sonae Arauco still continue to expand its reach and take wood further.

COVER STORY

Timber and forestry Sonae Arauco’s Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and particleboard form the basis of its range of woodbased decorative panels.

To give you a better idea of where and how Sonae Arauco source its timber, Gavin Burnhams, Sonae Arauco‘s timber specialist, responds to questions on the acquisition process.

What is the background of the timber that Sonae Arauco uses to make its boards?

Sonae Arauco SA (Pty) Ltd is a niche consumer of raw material timber in that we have the flexibility to use formal forest products such as pulp logs as well as a diverse range of secondary processing by-products in the form of wood chips, sawdust and offcuts. About half of our intake is in the form of roundwood with the balance being a mix of residual sawmill products in various ratios, depending on availability.

Where does Sonae Arauco source its timber?

Sonae South Africa does not own any of its own plantations and is therefore fully reliant on the primary and secondary processing industries for all of our raw material timber supply.

Geographically, timber is sourced about 300km north and 300km south of our production facility in White River. Currently about 25 sawmills supply various residual products to Sonae Arauco.

What species of trees are used for timber?

The bulk of our timber species intake is a range of commercial eucalyptus species with the lesser portion being Pinus species.

How does Sonae Arauco contribute to the local timber industry?

We have the added advantage of being able to assist growers when disaster strikes in the form of fire, insects or disease in that our process allows for a fair level of raw material flexibility as we are well positioned to use timber that is conventionally not suited to other formal processes.

How do you transport your timber?

Sonae Arauco makes use of a variety of independent haulers as we do not own our own fleet.

Are there any silvicultural requirements for your particle and fibre boards, e.g. tree breeding and hybrids, age of logs and log dimensions?

Gavin Burnhams

Essentially, we have a very tolerant production process which largely eliminates most of the biophysical timber properties through conversion to a precision engineered wood product. Our specifications allow for logs from 5cm to 55cm in diameter – the biggest challenge is to present a consistent log density profile to the production process. This entails a calculated mix of juvenile, intermediate and mature timber profiles.

As a global entity we are fully aware of climate impacts and have positioned ourselves as fully compliant to all environmental legislative requirements as well as being fully FSC compliant with the primary objective of only purchasing timber from sustainable renewable resources.

We are also ISO 9001 / 14001 / 18001 compliant with valid certification.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

19

COVER STORY

The White River Factory Just over a year ago Sonae Arauco completed the upgrade to its stateof-the-art factory in White River, Mpumalanga, which included the installation of a world-class Dieffenbacher melamine press to expedite production and produce boards of an exceptionally high quality to meet growing demands.

29 November 2019 was a proud day for Sonae Arauco when it unveiled its R220 million upgraded factory in White River, accompanied by much fanfare with distinguished guests from South Africa

and overseas in attendance. The opening was featured at the Investment Conference November 2020.

The MEC for Finance and Economic Development and Tourism, The Honourable Pat Ngomane, graced Sonae Arauco with his presence and endorsement to grow local development and acknowledged the growth and impact that this investment will have on the local economy.

Environmental practices and accreditations As a global entity, Sonae Arauco will remain

deeply committed to maintaining its high standards of sustainable projects and environmental practices: • By continually endorsing the standards of permitted formaldehyde emissions in its products to maintain its E1 Certification. (Sonae Arauco continue with its mission to find ways of reducing formaldehyde emissions even further or by eliminating it completely).

• By acquiring its wood from suppliers who practise forestry in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial way and who are certified through two of the largest forest management and responsibility chain certification systems: the PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes) and the FSC® (Forestry Stewardship Council®).

Health & safety commitment Sonae Arauco consider the safety and well-being of its employees as a priority as they form the backbone of the company and help take it further every day. In order to support its employees and their goals, Sonae Arauco place huge focus on creating a comfortable environment that facilitates their professional and personal development. To ensure the continued well-being of all of its employees, Sonae Arauco have taken the following steps to improve their experience: • An increased focus on risk reduction in order to ensure that Sonae Arauco prevent accidents, injuries and occupational diseases.

• Ensuring the safety of our employees in its factories and workplaces, especially when handling equipment.

• Offering employee training and encouraging their participation in academic programmes.

• Committing to strive continuously to improve all of these processes.

Sonae Arauco South Africa (Pty) Ltd T +27 (0)11 236 1400 E info.southafrica@sonaearauco.com

20

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

INTERNATIONAL OPINION

Future of home design

post-pandemic

We present an opinion by the principal architect of an established New-Delhi firm of architects, which points to the direction that residential design could take post-pandemic.

C P Kukreja Architects At the turn of a new decade, the possibility of a pandemic outbreak was least expected, yet one shook the world order with tremendous force. As economies struggle to resolve the crisis at hand, one thing is for certain – the way of working after the pandemic is not going to be the same.

History bears witness to the drastic and profound aftermath of pandemics such as the Broad Street Cholera outbreak in England in mid-19th Century, and the deadly Spanish Flu affecting almost 30% of the total world population in the early 20th Century, which scarred and forced different stakeholders to reinvent the norm of architectural design.

With the Coronavirus having already affected millions across the world and still

Ar. Dikshu C Kukreja counting, one can expect built environment elements such as residences, schools, public infrastructure, and offices, to name a few, to imbibe a redefined design language. Going forward, it is necessary to acknowledge the deep impact of the pandemic on not just one’s psyche but also lifestyle.

There are two significant approaches that one could take into consideration. The first involves short-term or quick fix solutions where one can tweak plans, interiors or materials to accommodate the required changes. The second seeks a much more comprehensive long-term plan which involves remodelling the current spaces keeping in mind that today, in 2021; we have been fast-forwarded ten years to what would have been the norm in 2030. With

a crystal gaze, one would need to bring awareness to accept this new paradigm of living.

As architects our responsibilities extend from building edifices to creating a habitable environment, as well as healing the existing ecosystem. Our aim should be to focus on and suggest long-term improvements which would benefit our generations to come. A befitting example is the work from home culture which has taken on strong momentum.

My firm, CPKA, has been working closely with experts from an array of backgrounds such as government organisations, healthcare, technology, real estate and others to understand how we can best resolve the current situation. Presently, anticipating whether there is a V-shaped recovery in the economy in the coming few months wherein we all resume our lives back to how it was or a future with frequent lockdowns and a complete change in social lifestyle.

Technology will also establish a stronghold in the functioning of economies and different verticals of development to equip us with better preparedness for future outbreaks.

Provence Estate, Gurugram (India), awarded the 'Luxury Project of the Year 2019, Residential' by ET NOW Real Estate Awards

22

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

COVID-19’s impact has been such that a new normal has emerged, making it our duty to construct the necessary changes and tweaks to our ecosystem and successfully emerge to create a safe habitat for our present and future generations.

INTERNATIONAL OPINION

The Forest, Noida (India), lauded for its trend setting approach to luxury living.

With residential designs, especially, we have to ensure that we design for social distance and not social isolation. Each visitor should be subjected to temperature screening or even some form of UV disinfecting and selfcleaning at the entrance. Sanitation booths (if the space allows) or wall-mounted and portable sanitation stands can be installed at the entryway. Communities can also strive towards complete elimination of the traditional waiting area by creating alternative 'waiting nooks' scattered around the building and relying on RIFD technology to track and alert patients in the vicinity.

One should also carefully rethink material selection not only for outdoors but indoors as well. Surfaces contaminated with infected droplets can transmit disease. Reports suggest that on materials with non-porous surfaces (e.g. stainless steel, plastic, composites), COVID-19 has been shown to live the longest. Special care should be taken to routinely clean these surfaces or completely avoid their use, if possible.

Surprisingly, however, porous materials like wood, cardboard, fibres, cotton, and leather seem to be a less stable material for the COVID-19 virus, which lasts only 24 hours on these surfaces. New guidelines have to be implemented unlike those determined by previous diseases, in the face of new realities. Antibacterial fabrics and finishes, including those that already exist, like

copper, and those that will inevitably be developed must be used.

COVID has escalated the use and development of efficient touchless technology. Automatic doors, voiceactivated elevators, cell phone-controlled entry, and hands-free light switches should be installed. Since washrooms are some of the most frequented and commonly used areas, sanitary fixtures should preferably be automatic and sensory (taps, showers, etc.).

Even though this pandemic has placed us in a grim space, there’s a silver lining for people who are getting to spend more time with their families, and less traffic movement resulting in cleaner and greener

environments. It becomes imperative for us to use this time in creating and reforming our spaces to serve for a safe and hopeful future.

Reminding ourselves about how the aftermath of 9/11, an event which occurred in one global city, New York, in the United States, led to the reformulation of security norms for individuals as well as countries, one can be certain that life after COVID will not be the same. Rather than immersing ourselves in the unforgiving circumstances, we should look at this as a cue to create liveable and meaningful spaces that harmoniously include advanced features of technology in designs to improve the quality of human life.

Ar. Dikshu C Kukreja is the Managing Principal of C P Kukreja Architects in New Delhi, India. He received his M. Arch.

(Urban Design) from Harvard University, USA. Kukreja’s firm is ranked amongst the top 100 architectural firms in the world. He writes for us in his personal capacity. volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

23

ARCHITECTURE: OPINION

An architect’s view According to historians, New Year’s Day has been celebrated for over four millennia. But this time, we had to dig really deep to find the good that came from 2020. On the other hand, we could talk for hours about what went wrong. However, to have this conversation is senseless; because it is clear that nobody was left unaffected by the absolute devastation that 2020 brought to this planet. Like a tsunami, the COVID-19 virus hit every shore, on every continent, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.

Wynand Tromp & Rendering by Tromp Studio

24

Wynand Tromp

Surely, most of us were cynical about what 2021 has to offer. Everyone knows that the tsunami has not passed yet. The new year is already getting off to a rough start.

Perhaps this is still just the aftermath of the destruction. Perhaps this is an indication of what 2021 is going to bring. No one knows, unfortunately.

property market. The weak Rand also presents foreign property investors, from leading economies, opportunities to buy into the local market, with returns not easily achievable in developed economies.

In the construction industry, this uncertainty is most visible. There are very few individuals willing to embark on risky construction projects, not knowing what the future holds.

Very few individuals will at this stage risk putting shovel to soil by investing money in projects that might ruin them financially.

“Will I get tenants should we start construction of this office building now?”

However, it could be expected that many local and foreign investors, including property developers and big corporates, should be considering their options and analyzing opportunities in the South African

Uncertainty is everywhere. We need to bury COVID-19 once and for all before anyone will start spreading their wings in an attempt to fly again. Strategic thinking is required.

Everyone should be asking themselves,

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

“Can we afford to move into a new office space?”

“I know it’s a buyers’ market now, but if I develop this residential block, will I even be making a profit from the sales of the units?”

Strategic thinking is required

“Where do I want to be in three years, and what do I have to do now to achieve this goal?”

Peter Drucker famously said that the greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday's logic.

However, something noteworthy has been happening over the past couple of months.

With the lowered interest rate and the weakened Rand, investment has increased significantly. Is this perhaps the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel that we have all been praying for?

They say that when you’re at your lowest, the only way you can go is up. This seems to be the current state of affairs in South Africa, and all things considered, this is good news for everyone in the construction sector, but also for our economy. Interest rates are at

ARCHITECTURE: OPINION

sellers to ensure that they price their homes correctly to avoid unnecessary price reductions as a result of a property becoming stale on the market.

“Our area is particularly popular as a result of the wonderful coastline, mountain views and fantastic schools and amenities. Properties vary from entry level apartments to family houses and luxury properties. The growth and affordability are particularly appealing for buyers. In the property industry those who are re-inventing themselves will survive.

Those who look to transformation within their own business instead of waiting for the industry to transform will lead,” says Klopper.

House Manley

the lowest they’ve been in years. It is without a doubt a buyer’s market. Anyone willing to take a risk and think strategically at this point is likely to strike gold. To explain this concept further, let’s sketch a scenario…

A foreign investor searches for property in Cape Town to develop – regardless of the risks involved. He comes across a dilapidated apartment building in Woodstock, and purchases the property at a steal as the seller has become increasingly desperate to shed some of his financial weight. Foreign lending rates are at an all-time low of around 1% in developed economies. This places the foreign investor in a perfect position to invest in the South African property market.

The low interest rate in South Africa on the other hand, also creates a favorable investment climate for local investors. This gives the investor the cash flow and the time to commission an architect to finalize the design and to get the required planning permissions.

Construction can realistically only commence about two to four years from the date of purchase. At the lower interest rate, and the duration of the planning permission, the property is bound to be worth more than what was paid for it, even before construction has commenced. After two years of construction, the property market will in all probability have recovered, so unit prices will have increased dramatically. The investor could be looking at great financial gains over an approximate five to seven-year period.

This is one of many scenarios, relating to the high-density residential market. There

are many more in all other sectors in the construction industry. The commercial and industrial sectors are just as affected by the current economic climate in South Africa.

Record residential property sales and rentals With regards to residential property sales and rentals, Daphney Klopper, franchisee with Rawson Parklands, Table View and Atlantis in Cape Town says: “Rawson has had record sales since lockdown restrictions were lifted. The reasons are many and varied - the low interest rates and built up lockdown demand. In addition, many are moving to Cape Town from Gauteng, KZN and other provinces. Others are looking at amalgamating households and are thus looking for accommodation with attached flatlets and flexible layouts.

She did express some concern with regard the shortage of affordable housing in South Africa. She says that we have to, over the coming years, construct and sell living units that are needed, and not merely wanted.

“If we do not place focus on affordable housing, we will merely contribute to the economy, as opposed to assisting in the building of our country”.

The year is 2021. We may be left on our knees by the destruction wrought by 2020. We now have nowhere else to go, but up. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not this month... but soon.

Regardless of what happened last year, 2021 will be better.

I hope the new year has started well for all readers.

"Then there are those looking at smaller, more manageable premises. Interestingly, these folk are not always looking for a property of less value than what they are selling for. Many are looking at smaller but better homes, with less maintenance requirements."

Klopper says that although there has been an economic impact as a result of COVID-19, they have not seen many distressed sales. Marketing prices have not decreased, depending of course, on price bands. Higher priced properties are correcting what were previously inflated prices. Entry level properties are still showing price growth. According to Klopper, this year will see more properties on the market as a result of financial implications; however, she encourages

Wynand Tromp volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

25

ceiling and partitioning specialist suppliers… from warehousing to logistics our team is ready to support you in creating beautiful spaces...

Branches in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Northriding & Centurion or shop online at www.pelican.co.za...

Pelican Systems is a supplier and distributor of commercial and residential interior system solutions including exposed and flush plastered ceilings, insulation, cornices, bulkheads, plasters, drywalling, firewalls, toilet partitions, timber, fire and aluminium doors and access flooring.

Head Office / Durban Branch | 765 / 793 Chris Hani Road, Durban, Redhill | 031 563 7307 Pietermaritzburg Branch | Unit 4 Eddels Building, 444 Greyling Street | 033 345 3701 Northriding Branch | 21 Riverbend Road, Hoogland, Randburg, Gauteng | 087 352 729 6/7/8/9 Centurion Branch | 15 Venturi Crescent, Hennopspark, Centurion, Gauteng | 087 352 726 6/8/9 Find us online at www.pelican.co.za or any of these social media sites

CONSTRUCTION

Container village provides

a safe haven for impoverished kids The Jabulani Feeding Scheme, in Parkwood Estate, Cape Town, sits in an official Zone of Poverty declared by the Department of Social Development. The centre is built on reclaimed land that used to be a dumpsite, so any structure erected must be removable.

Get Published

Set in a fort-like fashion and stacked two levels high, the containers form an enclosed courtyard haven within their boundaries with one, easy to monitor, small gate for entry and exit.

28

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

CONSTRUCTION

Previous container building projects have been reported and while the shipping container office is no stranger to a building site, but here is an innovative way in which the poor have been helped by means of an entire container 'village'.

Set in a fort-like fashion and stacked twolevels high, the containers form an enclosed courtyard haven within their boundaries with one, easy to monitor, small gate for entry and exit. The fortified metal walls of the containers are pivotal, as Parkwood Estate is heavily burdened by gang violence, and the metal containers create a barrier for the children inside and aid in getting them out of the potential crossfire of stray bullets.

“Lack of access to basic human rights is wreaking havoc for the children of Parkwood Estate. With the help of CIT and the Jabulani Feeding Scheme, these recycled containers are being used to provide these children with a safe haven, food and access to basic education to ultimately break the cycle of poverty," says Abrahams.

“Poverty can only be broken by education, which is why having a space of their own to provide safe afterschool care and assist children with their homework is absolutely essential to Jabulani’s mission. Jabulani is

also planning on starting a home-schooling programme for the many children who don’t have birth certificates and cannot enrol in formal government schooling," she adds.

Over and above their security role, the containers serve as storage for perishable food and equipment, kitchen facilities and as space for children to do their homework after school. The amazing resilience of the human spirit is evident in the effort that has gone into making the containers feel homely.

Yasmine Abrahams, the founder of the feeding scheme, has made it her life’s mission to feed, protect and be a mother to the children of this community. Her centre provides for over 500 impoverished children every day. In her mission to keep the children safe, containers are essential, and much thought was put into the materials used and layout of the centre. This was especially important during the COVID lockdown.

Many children were left without masks or ways to sanitise and protect themselves against the virus. However, ingenuity always overcomes obstacles and Jabulani is able to provide sanitising stations and masks to those who don’t have.

Containers essential in enabling Jabulani's sustainable and secure environment Over the past few years, Container Intermodal Trading (CIT), a top container brokerage company, has donated 40 high cube containers, and has played an essential role in enabling Jabulani to set up a sustainable and secure environment.

Kashief Schroeder, the owner and cofounder of CIT, offers Jabulani cost price rates (for further container purchases) and gives his professional advice on their purchase on a pro bona basis. With the additional containers from CIT, Jabulani was able to schedule all children for their meals in groups, while making allowance for the social distancing protocols - up to 500+ beneficiaries.

Want to help?

This facility cooks food and looks after marginalised children. The organisers will gratefully accept your offers of help, cooking equipment and fresh food.

Mention that you read about it in TO BUILD.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

29

CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & SAFETY

Key ‘people in construction’

issues

The Conseil International du Bâtiment (CIB), which is known as the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction, is a worldwide network of more than 3 000 experts from 300 member organisations focused on all aspects of research and innovation in building and construction.

CIB members are institutes, companies, and other types of organisations involved in research, or in the transfer or application of research results. Member organisations appoint experts to participate in CIB working commissions (WCs) and task groups (TGs).

Pixabay & supplied Prof John Smallwood, Professor of Construction Management, Nelson Mandela University, and Prof Fidelis Emuze, Professor in Built Environment and Head of Department, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Central University of Technology The then TG59, now the W123 ‘People in Construction’ commission was established to address ‘people in construction’ (PiC) issues, and focuses on built environment professionals, ‘boots on the ground’ managers, and workers. The commission aims to involve representatives of employers, workers, and governments, and researchers, in both developed and developing countries, to foster dialogue and collaboration to improve the quality of life of the people involved in construction.

30

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

The focus of the research activities is aging workers, competencies, disability, diversity including gender issues, employment relationships, health, safety, and well-being, work and life conditions, respect for people, skills supply socio-economic issues, stress, and work and labour conditions.

The development of a research roadmap The CIB established an agenda to develop research roadmaps for each of its WCs and

TGs, the objectives being to identify the key issues, research priorities, and research gaps to evolve a ‘global’ research roadmap for each of the WCs and TGs. In the case of W123, the focus is on ‘PiC’ issues.

The exploratory study entailed the circulation of self-administered questionnaires to delegates attending the CIB W099 (Safety, Health and Well-being in Construction) and TG59 Conference in Salvador, Brazil, in August 2018. A total of

CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & SAFETY

21 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis of the data. The respondents represented 10 countries, both developed and developing, and the continents, Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, and South America. Academics constituted 75% of respondents, and researchers 10%.

90.5% of respondents responded ‘yes’ to the question, "Does your country face ‘PiC’ issues?" 90.5% responded to ‘If yes, please record the top five ‘PiC’ issues". 95.2% responded to ‘Please indicate the top five ‘PiC’ research priorities in your country", and 95.2% responded to "Please indicate any ‘PiC’ research gaps in your country". 53 issues were identified relative to the three questions - 33 relative to the top five, 29 relative to research priorities, and 28 relative to research gaps.

The top five (seven due to joint rankings) ‘PiC’ issues are: workforce well-being (1=); H&S (1=); mental health (3=); workforce engagement (3=); under-skilled workforce (3=); productivity (3=), and employment practices (3=).

workforce engagement, H&S, and productivity, predominate, which indicates that there are priority issues.

construction, and that the industry needs transforming globally.

Mental health and wellbeing have become the predominating H&S issues even though wellbeing and H&S are ranked joint first in terms of the top five issues. This is notable as in recent years W099 ‘Safety and Health in Construction’, a joint venture partner of W123, was amended to ‘Safety, Health and Wellbeing in Construction’.

The predominating ‘PiC’ issues across the three categories should be further interrogated to identify the sub-issues, and all sectors of the industry, globally, should be made aware of the predominating issues.

Tertiary built environment education in general, which includes all disciplines, should be reviewed to determine the extent to which PiC issues are addressed in the respective programmes. Furthermore, accreditation panels should interrogate the extent to which PiC issues are addressed in these programmes.

Key PiC issues - 2018 CIB W099 • mental health • workforce well-being • workforce engagement • health and safety • productivity

Given the respondents’ rating of their construction industry relative to ‘empowerment’ and ‘respect for people’, it can be concluded that there are PiC issues in

Recommendations

Built environment statutory councils, professional and employer associations, and employers should focus on PiC issues in terms of their attempts to improve industry standards and the quality of life of the people concerned, especially mental health, wellbeing, and workforce engagement issues.

The top five (six due to joint rankings) research priorities are: mental health (1); workforce engagement (2=); H&S (2=); workforce well-being (4); productivity (5=), and motivation & leadership (5=).

The top five (seven due to joint rankings) research gaps are: mental health (1); workforce engagement (2=); workforce wellbeing (2=); human rights (4); management failures (5=); women in construction (5=), and technology / new technology (5=).

Overall, the top five issues based on the mean of the percentage responses to the top five issues, research priorities, and research gaps, are mental health, workforce well-being, workforce engagement, H&S, and productivity.

Respondents’ rated their construction industry poor to average and average in terms of ‘empowerment’ and ‘respect for people’.

There is a myriad of PiC issues, however, mental health, workforce wellbeing,

Prof Fidelis Emuze

Prof John Smallwood

Contact the authors Professor Fidelis A Emuze (CUT): femuze@cut.ac.za Professor John Smallwood (NMU): John.Smallwood@mandela.ac.za volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

31

ENGINEERING

Engineering project provides traffic flow relief Finally handed back to the City of Cape Town by the contractors mid-last year, the Kommetjie Road upgrade in the city’s far southern suburbs took four years to complete.

City of Cape Town, Gareth Griffiths, Chand Environmental Consulting Gareth Griffiths Speaking on behalf of the City, Alderman Felicity Purchase, the Mayoral Committee Member for Transport advised that the project was one of the City’s congestion management interventions.

“The investment in this project amounts to approximately R256 million and will assist with congestion relief for road users in the far South,” she said.

In summary, the Kommetjie Road Project entailed roadworks covering a distance of approximately 3.5km. It included, among others: • the upgrade of Kommetjie Road (M65) to a four-lane dual-carriageway between Capri Drive and Corsair Way and the rehabilitation of the existing roadway; • the upgrade of Ou Kaapse Weg (M6) to a four-lane dual-carriageway between Noordhoek Main Road and Kommetjie Road and the rehabilitation of the existing roadway; • the upgrade of the intersection at Ou Kaapse Weg and Silvermine Road to improve the sight distance for road users; and • the upgrade of the four signalised intersections with additional turning lanes to improve the capacity and flow of traffic at Kommetjie Road and Capri Drive, Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg, Ou Kaapse Weg and Buller Louw Boulevard, and at Ou Kaapse Weg and Noordhoek Main Road.

32

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

The main bugbear fixed - the Kommetjie Rd/Ou Kaapse Weg four-way intersection. The photo shows the road to Kommetjie.

“Normally, existing bulk road infrastructure is upgraded to mitigate the impact of additional traffic as a condition of approval of a new development and the associated development contribution is either pooled (for small developments) for the area or spent on bulk infrastructure to improve the transport network capacity in the vicinity of the development,” says Mark Pinder, the Head: Conceptual Design & Project Planning for the City of Cape Town.

“Unfortunately, the development contributions pooled in the corridor over time were piecemeal and insufficient to undertake a major project of this nature.

A highlight was the community liaison meetings held every two months. As the project progressed, it was inspiring to witness the relationships that were built between the various attending parties ....

ENGINEERING

Further, as a result of existing congestion along the corridor, new development applications were not being supported until the road infrastructure capacity was improved. The City’s Congestion Relief Programme provided the opportunity and the funding to undertake the necessary capacity improvements in the corridor to allow new developments to proceed,” he explained.

However, the upgrade did not come without its challenges. To keep the already congested traffic flowing the contractor had to construct temporary bypasses within the existing road reserve while still creating enough working space to construct the final road pavement layers.

shrubby trees; 5 000 indigenous shrubs; 50 000 indigenous ground cover plants; and sour fig cuttings,” says Alderman Purchase.

Attention to non-motorised transport and urban mobility elements The project was envisaged with an eye to sustainability into the future, one in which other forms of transport would become more prominent.

Pinder says that the baseload pedestrian and cycle volumes are significant in the

Sadia Chand, Environmental Consultant

“This was an on-going challenge and often congestion during construction led to lengthy delays at peak times. After being completed last year, the residents should by now have perceived the significant improvement in level of service,” he added.

Another technical challenge to the engineers was the accommodation, relocation and renewal of existing services - this proved to be particularly problematic during the early stages of the project.

Hardscaping and greening New landscaping was undertaken, and the area restored after the works.

Mark Pinder onsite on the Noordhoek Main Road, Ou Kaapse Weg intersection - one of the aspects of the project.

Extensive greening and landscaping throughout the area included the provision of dedicated areas for informal traders within a layby off Ou Kaapse Weg. Great attention was paid to rehabilitation, landscaping and greening, using approved species of trees and plants.

“Red flowering gum trees, Corymbia (Eucalyptus) ficifolia were planted to replace the gum trees that were removed to make way for the wider roads. The species is suited to the climate and will provide shade and wind protection; it is not a listed alien invasive tree and can withstand the harsh growing environment.

Also, some of the plants road users will notice along the roads and at the islands are 100 exotic non-invasive gum trees, 650 indigenous trees, and 500 indigenous

Ald. Felicity Purchase with a red flowering gum tree tree planted.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

33

ENGINEERING

Project Team Project owner: City of Cape Town Lead consultant: HHO Africa Civils: Martin & East Landscaping: Planning Partners Environmental and community liaison: Chand Environmental

affected portion of the road network, so these users were accommodated in the design, including on-road cycle lanes for experienced commuters, sports and recreational cyclists.

of the construction as a tool to facilitate communication between the contractor, engineer and the City and the residents of the greater area”, says Sadia Chand, the CEO of Chand Environmental Consultants.

To improve safety and motorists' awareness of the presence of cyclists, the cycle lane was marked with green (non-skid) lane markings at potential cyclist and motorist conflict points, namely those between trafficked lanes and at stop streets. For the slower cyclists and pedestrians, a wide shared sidewalk was provided along both Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg.

“It was recognized that a construction upgrade of this magnitude would bring inevitable disruption and delays to road users, leading to frustration. While elements of this disruption and frustration are clearly unavoidable simply due to the nature of construction activities, keeping the community informed about what to expect, about progress or delays, specific works that needed road closures, and emergencies arising assisted in keeping the community cooperative and calm in most instances,” he says

Having recently completed a new taxi rank at Masiphumelele and with plans ahead to provide a feeder service to operators on the Fish Hoek direction, a queue-jump bus lane was also provided at the Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg intersection to give public transport a travel time advantage through this busy intersection during congested periods.

Community relations Community liaison is an essential ingredient in any public infrastructure upgrade project. The communities of Noordhoek, Kommetjie and the other neighbouring suburbs are known to be outspoken and environmentally aware.

“My company was appointed to the community liaison function (via due process) and the liaison function started at the outset 34

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

“A highlight was the community liaison meetings held every two months. As the project progressed, it was inspiring to witness the relationships that were built between the various attending parties which included community organizations, and the project team.

“These meetings served to create a space of healthy debate, co-operation and support. Understanding the communities needs and ‘real time’ experience assisted the technical team in responding to dynamic circumstances. Sadly, the COVID protocols prevented a final meeting which would have been a thank you to the community and a celebration of the journey of ‘ups and downs’ that was undertaken together,” Chand added

Lessons for contractors and government According to environmental consultant Sadia Chand, lessons learned from the community meetings which spanned a four year project included: • Deal with new meeting participants raising old comments by creating FAQs for interested and affected parties to refer to prior to the meeting.

• Competing needs - a wide diversity of communities with vastly differing needs were impacted by the construction works and this led to our having to adopt the approach that there was not always going to be agreement, and that the needs of the ‘greater good’ and technical safety needed to prevail.

• Inputs from low-income and township communities, Masiphumelele and Ocean View - whilst representatives of these communities participated in the design phase, sustained engagement was challenging during the construction despite invitations to meetings.

• Future projects of this nature should consider a dedicated communication channel for the low income or township communities.

w w w. a m a g ro u p.co. za 131 12th AVENUE, RIVONIA, JHB 011 807 7505 | OFFICE +27 83 378 2891 @ A M AA R C H I T E CTS _ ZA @ A M AA R C H I T E CTS ZA

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Opinion:

Tech can boost infrastructure recovery As COVID-19 and financial constraints hinder South Africa’s plans for infrastructure development, there is likely to be greater reliance on applying innovative technologies. TO BUILD invited Consulting Partner and Principal Engineering Technologist for SRK, Steve Bartels, to share his views.

SRK Consulting

Steve Bartels Bartels argues that the country’s infrastructure recovery could make valuable use of a growing range of datagathering, analysis, communication and data-sharing technologies: “While most of these technologies were available before – such as virtual private networks to facilitate the sharing of documents and information – not everyone was using them effectively.

Now they will become vital for continued efficiency,” he says.

A drone takes several photos from different angles and elevations.

An excavator induces a rock to fall down the face of the open pit and a drone takes photos from different angles of the rock face.

36

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Bartels noted that high-definition photography and photogrammetry, as well as the technologies such as drones and remote sensing to deploy these tools, will become particularly useful. Technology related to geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) will continue to grow in their applications, helping to accurately geolocate data points for various scientific and engineering applications.

“For instance, drones today come in all shapes and sizes – some so tiny they can almost fit in your pocket while others are the size of a small aeroplane,” he says.

“Multicopters or fixed-wing craft for aerial applications require either a launching system and landing strip, while the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require only a very small area to take off and land.”

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY An excavator induces a rock to fall down the face of the open Pit and a drone takes photos from different angles of the rock face. Then the software that is used stitches together the geo-referenced photos and generates a 3D image used to generate a point cloud within millimetre accuracy. From this rockfall can be modelled to design rockfall protection measures.

The software that is used stitches together the geo-referenced photos and generates a 3D image used to generate a point cloud within millimetre accuracy.

There are also terrestrial drones used for applications like internal pipe inspections, or for accessing dangerous areas in mine shafts which are unsafe for human entry; watercraft are used for underwater bathometric surveys.

These drones can be controlled remotely by a human operator, or by software in conjunction with GPS and sensor technology – to traverse a predetermined path.

“The versatility of drones allows them to be fitted with different payloads, depending on the application,” Bartels says. “This could range from live feed video for remote inspections to high-end aerial mapping cameras that deliver high image resolutions for better accuracy and more reliable map reconstruction.”

These aerial mapping cameras serve a range of needs from 3D mapping along mixed elevations and ultra-precise survey-grade maps for resource and cadastral studies, to multispectral mapping and thermal imaging.

“Even lidar (light detection and ranging) equipment can be drone mounted, for 3D laser scanning using reflected pulses with a sensor to measure the distance between features,” he says. “With trigonometry, millions of points of reflection can be recorded, and distances calculated very accurately, reconstructing a point-based model of the terrain.”

He highlights that drones can fly lower than conventional aircraft, giving the lidar better accuracy from more points of reflection.

Global trends suggest that surveying and mapping are among the fastest growing areas for drone technology. What once required either on-foot expeditions or manned aircraft can now be achieved with unmanned drones.

“The compact size of drones makes for easy handling, while cameras have become lighter and more sophisticated,” Bartels explains.

“Modern batteries give longer endurance to drones for greater coverage, and today’s software makes processing of data quick and efficient.”

Drones have made traditionally complex and expensive tasks much quicker and cheaper, and their application has extended into the aerial inspection of infrastructure and utilities, as well as engineering and construction works. They are used in sectors including mining, security, wildlife conservation, surveys, agriculture, the military, and humanitarian aid.

“At SRK, we recently used lidar surveys – conducted by means of drones on some of our sites – to produce terrain models,” Bartels says. “Using the latest meteorological data and predictions of Cyclone Eloise, we

SRK Consulting Partner and Principal Engineering Technologist, Steve Bartels. could determine flood lines, freeboards and impacts of potential flooding and wind. This enabled us to predict areas at risk, and to identify measures to limit the impacts of the cyclone.”

Other applications include the calibration of rockfall analyses in open pit mines, using georeferenced modelling of as-built pit profiles; using actual boulder profiles and volumes, as well as actual rockfall traces, experts can calibrate rockfall mitigation measures.

“All this can be done photogrammetrically, modelled from multiple camera locations that are accurately scaled in the XYZ orientations – with a mesh created of the actual geometry for modelled simulation,” he adds.

Bartels emphasises that South Africa’s future demands that full use be made of scientific and engineering expertise, to focus development efforts and achieve more with the fewer resources at the country’s disposal.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that science-based decision-making is the only way out of the various crises we currently face,” he comments. “Consulting engineers and scientists are important sources of the skills and experience required to build infrastructure and re-ignite the economy.” volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

37

® ®

(PTY) LTD Reg.No. 98/23505/07

Engineering Access Control

Vehicle Access Control Equipment

GENIUS RAPID BARRIER

GENIUS ACCESS BARRIER

SCORPION SPIKE BARRIER

• • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

24V DC - Battery back-up (optional) Industrial & commercial use 100% duty rated Available 3m-6m

12V - Battery back-up 220V AC Industrial & commercial use 100% duty rated Available 3m-7m

LOW COST MANUAL BARRIER

MASTER MANUAL BARRIER

• • • • •

• • • • •

Best value for money Adjustable counterweight Lockable open/close position Industrial & commercial use Available 3m-9m

WARRIOR HYDRAULIC BOLLARD • 220V - Moving bollard 219mm x 600mm • Industrial & anti-terror • Robust design • Ultra reliable

Counter balance spring system Lockable open/close position Rubber coated double handle Industrial & commercial use Available 3m-6m

GOOSENECKS & CAMERA POLES • Standard and customised • Mild steel and stainless steel, galvanised • Camera poles 3m-9m, collapsible & straight

220V & 12V/24V - Battery back-up Flush mount & surface mount Industrial & commercial use 100% duty rated Available 3m-6m

WARRIOR ROAD BLOCKER • 220V - Industrial & anti-terror • Robust design • Ultra-reliable • Available 2m-5m x 600mm

BOLLARDS • Static & removable • Industrial & commercial use • Mild steel, stainless steel 304, rubber • Custom designs • High security lock

JOHANNESBURG BRANCH Tel: +27 11 674 4441 • Fax: +27 11 674 4450 Email: boomgate@global.co.za • 18 Minerva Avenue, Leaglen, Florida, Roodepoort, JHB CAPE TOWN BRANCH Tel: +27 21 551 0849 • Fax: +27 21 551 8627 Email: salesct2@boomgatesystems.co.za • Unit 2 Crest Park, 12B Longclaw Drive, Montague Gardens, CT

www.boomgatesystems.co.za

Pedestrian Access Control Equipment HALF HEIGHT

FULL HEIGHT

FULL HEIGHT

TORNADO FULL HEIGHT & HALF HEIGHT TURNSTILE • 4-arm/3-arm configurations • Single/double • Mild steel, stainless steel 304, galvanised • Standard with battery back-up

HURRICANE MANTRAP FULL HEIGHT TURNSTILE • 4-arm configuration, single only • Ideal for high security perimeter access • Mild steel, stainless steel 304, galvanised • Single biometric reader application

TWISTER EURO WAIST HEIGHT TURNSTILE • 3-arm configuration • Single/double • Mild steel, stainless steel 304 • Standard with battery back-up

PRO WING SPEEDSTILE • 180° degree swing - waist/full height • Retractable - waist/full height • High speed, high volume access control • Narrow lane - 600mm/Wide lane - 900mm

TWISTER SLIMLINE WAIST HEIGHT TURNSTILE • 3-arm configuration • Single/double • Mild steel, stainless steel 304 • Standard with battery back-up

CYCLONE GLASS FULL HEIGHT TURNSTILE • 3-arm configurations • Single/double • Mild steel, stainless steel 304 • Standard with battery back-up

CYCLONE GLASS HALF HEIGHT TURNSTILE • 3-arm configurations • Single/double • Mild steel, stainless steel 304 • Standard with battery back-up

GENIUS DROP ARM PEDESTRIAN BARRIER • 12 V & 24V battery back-up - 220V • Mild steel, stainless steel 304 • Euro or square design • 100% duty cycle. Hands-free access control

SECURITY MANTRAP BOOTHS • Commercial & industrial use • Single/double • Custom design, bullet proof glass • LED indicators • Aluminium mild steel & stainless steel

LEGAL

Unlawful occupation

of property and the stay of eviction proceedings Implications for property owners and developers: the unlawful occupation of property.

Bryan Hack

Bryan C. Hack, Advocate of the High Court, Member of the Cape Bar

The occupation of buildings or land without the consent of the owner is a subject of contentious debate in not only South Africa but across the world. In South Africa there is a broader historic perspective recently set out again in the Constitutional Court judgement of Economic Freedom Fighters and Another v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Another1 where Constitutional Court Justice Majiedt, while

40

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

pending the minority judgement, made these pertinent comments, at paragraph [155]: "The devastation wreaked by the repressive colonial and apartheid regimes’ deprivation of land undeniably requires proper redress.

Land deprivation occurred right from the time the Dutch settlers first set foot on the southern tip of our country and encountered

its first peoples, the Khoisan. It continued unabated in brutal fashion and was formalised in the abominable Native Land Act. 179 The forced removals and evictions that followed left an indelible scar. Land deprivation goes to the very heart of penury and the loss of human dignity, equality and justice. Malcolm X famously said that “land is the basis of all independence. Land is the basis of freedom, justice and equality.

LEGAL

"Robust public debate, heated political discourse and even fiery rhetoric about the land question must be afforded its deserved space in our vibrant, nascent democracy.

Society must be exposed to and be tolerant of different views, and unpopular or controversial views must never be silenced.

"We must heed the exhortation that: 'Ours is a constitutional democracy that is designed to ensure that the voiceless are heard, and that even those of us who would, given a choice, have preferred not to entertain the views of the marginalised or the powerless minorities, listen'.” [References and authorities have been omitted] I would respectfully add my very less erudite views. The protagonist in the debate over the occupation of land without the consent of the owner asks two questions. The owner asks, if the constitution guarantees the rights of ownership of immovable property, why do the courts not immediately grant eviction orders? In addition, why is there currently a stay on the granting or the execution of such orders? The occupiers asks where is the housing which is equally guarantee as a right in the Constitution.

The institutions of the state argue that the number of people without housing is greater than the resources to provide adequate housing, notwithstanding the constitutional obligations on them. Regardless of the reasons, the truth is that there is substantial backlog in providing affordable housing for those who have some income, or emergency housing to those who are entirely vulnerable and unable to afford housing.

In addition, we have now experienced the new devastation of so many households losing their income as a result of COVID-19 and the resultant state of disaster. The regulations have placed significant limitations on courts to grant or allow for the execution of eviction orders2.

Nevertheless, in applying the principles laid down in the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act3 our courts continue to try and balance the interests of the owner and the occupier. Even while under the state of disaster regulations,

the courts have found in cases that it will be just and equitable to grant an eviction order where the occupiers were not acting in good faith and or merely exploiting the legal provisions4.

The overriding consideration, however, is that South Africa is a democratic society in which the norms of fairness and equity must be applied with empathy and care for the most vulnerable. The courts are enjoined and they must and will protect the vulnerable even at the cost of financial hardship, for a period of time, to the landowner.

This is the price that must be paid to protect the vulnerable members of our society. No one is immune to potentially finding themselves in the shoes of the homeless. Surely therefore the approach to the circumstances of the homeless should be based on human empathy?.

Adv BH Hack

(CCT201/19) [2020] ZACC 25; 2021 (2) BCLR 118 (CC) (27 November 2020) Regulations under the Disaster Management Act. Regulation 53(1) provides that a person may not be evicted from his or her land or home for the duration of the national state of disaster unless a competent court has granted an order authorizing the eviction. Regulation 53(2) provides that such order of eviction ‘may’ be suspended or stayed until after the lapse of the termination of the national state of disaster, unless the court is of the opinion that it is not just or equitable to stay the order. Regulation 53(3) (a) to (h) sets out the factors which must be taken into consideration into not suspending or staying the order. See paragraph [37 in the judgment in Philander v Makiet cited below 3 Act 19 of 1998 4 Philander v Makiet and Others (A61/2020) [2020] ZAWCHC 106 (18 September 2020) 1 2

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

41

PROPERTY

Office space:

a view of the future TO BUILD asked partners of a large South African architectural firm what their views were on the future of office space and whether the concept of dedicated office parks could survive in the next decade, especially in a post-pandemic world. dhk. Renderings by dhk.

Gareth Griffiths

42

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

PROPERTY

Offices are fundamentally social spaces — we come together as social teams to jointly accomplish communal endeavours.

Guy Briggs, the Head of Urban Design, a director and partner at dhk says that trends in office park design and development have been changing worldwide since the start of the 21st Century and that the advent of mixed-use precincts or parks has come of age.

“We need firstly to understand that the office park concept suggests a standalone office development, usually on the urban fringes, accessible only by car. The concept has its origins in the zonal land use planning of the twentieth century. Via this outdated concept, developers segregated out different uses from one another, with access provided between them by car. This approach to city making was born ironically of concerns for the health of people living in overcrowded residential city quarters right next to noxiously polluting factories – but has limited relevance to the requirements of the 21st Century city,” he says.

Key to this development paradigm was the concept that the employee or business owner ‘travelled to work’. A situation which we all know only too well, having spent up to two hours in traffic each day. But this is notoriously unproductive, creating pollution and adding to the greenhouse gas problem.

But in the past decade at least, significant trends have placed the office worker/ business owner and his staff in a centrally located area with access to the residential opportunities, office, shops, schools and even to the factory.

“One cannot comment on the latest trends in office park design without considering trends in office and workplace design in general – and currently the most apparent trend is to occupy office space as little as possible!” says Briggs.

“While this surreal condition, thanks to the pandemic, is hopefully a temporary one, the last 10 months have not only revealed how much we can do remotely, but also the limitations of working from home. Apart from the logistical difficulties of carving out a space from one’s living room, or how to avoid the cat walking across your keyboard in the midst of a client presentation on Zoom; key challenges to working from home include a growing sense of isolation, limits to opportunities for meaningful collaboration, and loss of team effectiveness. In fact, the hundreds of incidental exchanges that happen every day in the office simply cannot be replicated in the digital environment.

“What the COVID pandemic has taught us most is that humans are social creatures – this is our greatest weakness when faced with the current virus, but it is also our greatest strength. Offices are fundamentally social spaces – we come together as social teams to jointly accomplish communal endeavours.

Office spaces need to create increased emphasis on opportunities for engagement and interaction (notwithstanding the need to limit this right now), and to reduce the focus on dedicated individual workspace if concentrated individual work can be better accomplished at home.”

Given this, and the migration towards mixeduse developments, what does this mean for the office park? Briggs suggests that the ‘office park’ needs to be reconfigured as an ‘office precinct’. This means something that is located centrally rather than peripherally and integrated into the surrounding urban environment inclusive of other uses, hence creating a ‘mixed use’ environment. Such a precinct also needs to provide a diversity of workspace accommodation, including different office types for different business types and maturities. volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

43

PROPERTY

And residential accommodation and amenities is key to this also. The precinct or park needs to include access to services and amenities such as shopping, bars and restaurants, places of worship, and parks and public spaces.

“In short – the design of an office precinct needs to reject the sterility of twentieth century spatial planning and embrace the complexity of the city,” Briggs adds.

Derick Henstra, partner and executive chairman of dhk agrees that offices will be very much a part of our lives going forward, contrary to what the industry may believe.

Although more and more people will be working from home, a business cannot be in this way (in the long term).

He believes that if the architectural industry is to survive, it needs to learn new tricks and to reinvent itself. An awareness of how the economy works, how clients tick and what clients need is vital to enduring the recession.

“Our projects need to be commercially viable and we need to design more responsibly. The previous trend in South Africa was always to be as spatially efficient as possible and to cram as many people in as possible, per square meter. I think this is definitely going to change,” adds Henstra.

cognisant of compartmentalizing and not having vast tracts of open office space,” he says.

Henstra adds that the upgrading of our heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) will be the greatest cost and it needs to be carefully thought out.

“How we ventilate our buildings going forward is important” he adds. “We will be thinking more about natural ventilation.

There will be greater care and specifications on air conditioning, and I believe this industry is going to undergo quite a change.

Natural movement and the passaging of air is going to be important”.

At TO BUILD, we believe this is right on the button. In line with the old maxim “never waste a good crisis”, we can just hope that designers, developers and their clients can take advantage of the learning from current times and plan accordingly - literally.

As serious urban designers, dhk believes that outdoor elements (such as fresh air and movement) will be the new ‘norm’.

“Europe is reclaiming its streets. There is a huge movement in the world where streets are being shared more with people, cyclists and cars with the closure of streets and pavements.

“While we may reduce our office requirements, the need for office space will stay the same. With COVID-19 likely to be with us for the next two to three years, we are going to have to be less dense and we will need to start formulating certain partitions against this pandemic. Architects need to be 44

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Derick Henstra, Chairman, dhk.

Guy Briggs, Partner and Head of Urban Design

Quality Qualityisisremembered rememberedlong longafter afterthe theprice priceisisforgotten. forgotten.

Swartland Swartlandhas hasbeen beensupplying supplyingthe thebuilding buildingtrade tradewith withquality qualityproducts productssince since1951.

1951.Our Ourworld-renowned world-renowned production excellence is applied to our vast range of products: wooden windows and doors, production excellence is applied to our vast range of products: wooden windows and doors,aluminium aluminium windows, windows,doors doorsand andshowers, showers,garage garagedoors doorsand andautomation, automation,XPS XPSinsulation insulationboard, board,cornices, cornices,awnings awnings and andmanufactured manufacturedproducts. products.‘Experience ‘ExperienceQuality’ Quality’isisnot notjust justaaslogan. slogan.It’s It’sour ourcommitment commitmenttotoholding holding ourselves ourselvestotothe thehighest higheststandards standardsand andtotoensuring ensuringthat thatevery everyexperience experiencewith withususisisaaquality qualityone. one.

Call Callususon on086 086110 1102425 2425ororvisit visitswartland.co.za swartland.co.zatotoview viewour ourranges. ranges.

PROPERTY

Tax incentive helps inner city development

According to the developers of a new Cape Town apartment and mixed-use property development called The Harri (www.theharri.co.za), the scheme is selling off the last of its 48 studios and lofts to South Africans wanting to invest in a Section 12J tax investment scheme.

Sepia & Silk The development’s Section 12J Flyt Select Fund allows local buyers at the highest marginal tax rate of 45% to deduct from their tax liability the full amount of a new unit in the Harrington Street development in Cape Town’s East City Precinct. Only 12 of the 48 units remain unsold.

“Government’s intention of stimulating economic activity and creating jobs by designing the Section 12J mechanism has been a win-win not only for local buyers, but also for us as developers,” says Jeffrey Kleu of property-development company Sepia and Silk.

The development, which is optimally located in the heart of Cape Town’s design district, offers a blend of apartment living with open-plan, tastefully furnished coliving and co-working space, and includes fireplace lounges, a TV room with a large smart TV and access to Netflix, three dedicated Zoom video-chat rooms, a rooftop terrace with a gas braai and minibar area, and hotel-grade amenities like Wi-Fi, a concierge, a housekeeping service and 24-hour security.

Section 12J investments were first introduced in 2009 by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on instruction from National Treasury. Further amendments to Section 12J of the Income Tax Act 1962 were made in 2015, sparking increased interest. The tax incentive allows property 46

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

buyers to write off their investment amount against their tax liabilities in the year in which they buy, provided that the investment is with a qualifying small-to-medium sized enterprise (SMME). SMMEs are considered crucial for economic growth and job creation.

Qualifying SMME sectors include hospitality, renewable energy and manufacturing.

“We’ve set aside a pool of units at The Harri to form a part of our new apartment hotel offering, which will start operating from the moment we launch in May this year,” says

Kleu. Such a facility combines the best of five-star hotel amenities with luxurious selfcontained apartment living. An apartment hotel thus qualifies as a 12J investment as it meets three criteria: it’s furnished, it has a food offering (in its restaurant), and it’s let out to short-term renting guests.

A buyer’s apartment is rented out to short-term staying guests, and the income generated is put towards servicing the buyer’s bond. The buyer covers any shortfalls or retains any surplus.

www.solent.co.za www.solent.co.za

DECOR

Cerulean and Marigold nuances, it is argued by designers, are strongly related to nature, floral tones that evoke gardens and spring bouquets.

48

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

DECOR

Pantone Institute launches two new seasonal colours — designers respond The Pantone Colour Institute's Spring/Summer 2021 colour palette (northern hemisphere season) consists of several different colours that will inspire the fashion, decor and furniture worlds.

Bencore, Glass Design Italy, Bronzetto, Marioni and MP spa Within the distinct chromatic shades proposed, Cerulean blue and Marigold orange have been favoured by European manufacturers or bespoke decor items.

to nature, floral tones that evoke gardens and spring bouquets – a trendy colour pair, refined in their individuality but touching when combined.

“Not only capable of infusing serenity and optimism, these colours also seem perfect for characterizing furniture items ideally suitable for fitting with a discreet elegance into multiple living contexts," says a press release from a syndicate of Italian decor item manufacturers.

These auspicious colours are surely marked by a strong and desired renaissance after this long and dark period of COVID-19 pandemic.

Pantone plates CERULEAN

The photos tell a colourful design story.

Cerulean and Marigold nuances, it is argued by designers, are strongly related

Pantone 15-4020 MARIGOLD Pantone 14-1050 TCX

About the Pantone Institute More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone products and services to help define, communicate and control colour from inspiration to realization – leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve colour consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical colour specification and workflow tools. The Pantone Color Institute™ provides customized colour standards, brand identity and product color consulting as well as trend forecasting inclusive of Pantone Colour of the Year, Fashion Runway Colour Trend Reports, colour psychology and more - Ref: www.pantone.com/about-pantone

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

49

DESIGN

In the

spotlight

In this edition, TO BUILD features in its 'strut your stuff' pages a design project from the Spotlight Joinery, a member of the Kitchen Specialists’ Association in Cape Town.

Spotlight Joinery

A soft, off-white colour was specified for the majority of the kitchen, as well as the scullery.

50

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

DESIGN

This company provides creative solutions for all interior fitted joinery from kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms to studies, wine cellars, wall panelling and custom created items. This involves crafting architectural pieces from sustainable materials, according to its website, www.spotlightjoinery.co.za

House Norton Located in the lovely, lush estate of De Zalze, Stellenbosch, the House Norton kitchen project started with massive aspirations which included freestanding classic pieces and the potential of a pizza oven.

Soon the design was pared down to the essential items and the theme of a contemporary kitchen was chosen. However, the design still included freestanding and hanging elements as talking points.

Reeded glass was also selected for certain areas to give a bit more eclectic feeling.

“A two-tone colour finish was one of the main features that the client never wavered from, so naturally neither did we,” shares Yolanda le Roux, the client experience consultant at Spotlight.

Aged brass handles and a dark green colour for the island

A two-tone colour finish was one of the main features that the client never wavered from.

Freestanding and hanging elements

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

51

DESIGN

The gin bar

Wine bar - dark charcoal and oak veneer

A soft, off-white colour was specified for the majority of the kitchen, as well as the scullery, and a rich, dark green for the island. This was accentuated by three solid oak legs to the three open corners of the island.

Aged brass handles were selected for the whole project and brass elements were added as accents.

The island sets itself apart by featuring a marblelook worktop as opposed to the simple white counters throughout the rest of the kitchen.

Wine bar The wine bar is finished in a dark charcoal and showcases oak veneer shelving with LEDs to illuminate the interior of the cupboards. Keeping with the natural touch, an Oak countertop was selected to ensure it remains a warm inviting space.

Simple white counters and brass handles

52

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

“The gin bar, however, is quite simple but showcases a beautiful bone coloured onyx as the countertop as well as wall cladding. The other elements are the brass shelving and charcoal joinery,” adds Yolanda.

COATINGS AND PAINT

Ahead of the curve – all about trends

Trends are a barometer of our collective mood. They are often seen as being fairly superficial, but in actuality they refer to the shifts in what people value at a point in time. When you’re creating spaces that set the scene for work and life, it’s important to know what the broader social sentiment is. So, understanding what’s driving people at the moment through considered trend tracking is key.

Plascon Lauren Shantall

Golden Syrup

54

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

COATINGS AND PAINT

Trends say something about the things we’re interested in, the way we want to live, and our relationship to the world around us.

When the future is uncertain, for example, we focus on grounding ourselves in the here and now. In turn, we seek spaces that are closed off and protective. When things are optimistic, on the other hand, we are drawn to spaces that are open and connected.

Trends are more than simply a way of describing what is in or out. They’re a lens to make sure that what you’re putting out into the world is relevant and resonant.

These shifts operate on what’s called a trend curve. This is the path an idea takes as it progresses through a market. It starts with a few innovators and early adopters upfront.

These are the people that conceptualise whole new trends and then share them. In the middle you have the mainstream, where most of us sit. This is where a trend moves from being a fringe idea to something that we all identify with. Finally, the curve dips down again and only the non-trend aware engage with it. At this end are the people who actively resist trends and newness.

Understanding where your target market is on this progression is important. It’s how you’re able to introduce new perspectives and ideas when people are most receptive to them.

Trends don’t all move through the curve at the same speed, however. Different industries have different trend cycles, and a lot of it has to do with how much of a monetary and emotional investment is required to buy into them. Areas like

Lemon Tang

beauty trends move quickly, for example, because they’re space in which people seek novelty, and there’s a low barrier to entry to experiment. At the other end, moving slowest, are major architectural trends.

Buildings are meant to last for decades, so styles take a long time to evolve, and in-between major movements the changes tend to be fairly incremental.

Trends in interior and exterior decorative styles lie somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. The built form itself may change quite slowly, but the aesthetic style that skins it inside and out is fairly quick to shift.

This is particularly true of something like paint and wall treatments. The colours we choose to surround ourselves with are tied to the global mood, which is why we tend to reassess colour trends on an annual basis. There’s a lot to be said about colour psychology, and the way different hues make us feel too. Warm colours are energising, cool colours are calming, earthy colours are grounding – we know all of this intuitively. So, it makes sense that we gravitate to certain colours depending on how we see the world around us.

So what are the colours that are trending right now?

An expert from Plascon explains and shares their exciting ‘now’ palate with us.

Warm colours are energising, cool colours are calming, earthy colours are grounding...

“Our Summer Colour Palette is called City to Surf and has been inspired by natural colours and festive celebrations. After a particularly trying year, we appreciate colours that lift our spirits and add a little positivity to our lives. There’s also a global sense of being confined after various levels of lockdown – at the height of the first wave of the pandemic over half of the global population was under some form of ‘stay at home’ order. volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

55

COATINGS AND PAINT

“The reaction is therefore to find a sense of freedom, and that’s captured in carefree colours inspired by happier times spent outdoors. The palette sits in the mid-tones to balance energy and usability. Even though they make a statement, hyper-brights are too intense for our mindset right now. On the other hand, faded pastels are very soft and don’t quite give us the boost we need.

These types of mid-tone colours are a happy medium, giving us a boost while taking into account usability and longevity”, she says.

On top of the trend picks, Plascon also makes a choice from their palette that typifies the kind of colour we’re all responding strongly to. This year, their favourite hue is an optimistic yellow named Golden Syrup. As a natureinspired yellow, it sits in an interesting space in colour theory. It’s both energising and grounded in natural tones.

We see so much warm yellow in the world

Cognac Cream, Sporty Blue and Lemon Tang in Double Velvet

Pristine Blue - Beach Cabin in Micatex

that it both connects us to our surroundings and enhances our mood.

Golden Syrup has subtly earthy undertones which makes it a hue you can really use in a space without it clashing with what’s around it. When you consider the social trends at the moment, Golden Syrup is a natural choice for an archetypical colour for 2020. People are currently looking for a sense of safety in residential and commercial spaces, and so a colour like this helps to subconsciously ground and calm us. At the same time, we’re in need of a little boost after a year that’s stretched as all pretty thin, so a warm undertone is definitely in order.

Golden Syrup - the favoured hue trending in the kitchen.

Golden Syrup

56

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

We’re all looking to the future with a fair amount of trepidation, but hopefully some hope too. As we head into the end of the year to recharge and reassess things a little, Plascon’s Summer Colour Palette and favourite hue at least set us up with the ability to create spaces that put us in the best mindset to tackle the rest of 2021 head on.

After a year we’ve been through so far, a bit of dopamine décor goes a long way.

COATINGS & PAINT

Take good care of your paint Following a recent report from ACTi Chem SA (a leading multinational manufacturer and distributor of biocides, flame retardants, personal care ingredients and other speciality chemicals) regarding good paint hygiene, Dekro Paints shares some tips with readers some key points regarding good paint hygiene practices.

Free-Photos Products that contain a large amount of water have the potential to become contaminated or spoiled by microorganisms. For paint, chemical preservatives are used to prevent spoilage in the wet form whilst the paint is in the container.

Presently, only safe, biodegradable preservatives are used. Many years ago, harmful chemicals (like lead) that were not easily degradable were used, and as a result, they lasted for quite some time in the end products. Unfortunately, modern preservatives are not designed to last as long in the products that they are protecting. They also cannot cope with excessive microorganisms, which come from various sources like the air, water, mixing instruments or packaging; 58

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

therefore, we must take steps to keep paints as 'clean' or microbe-free as possible.

As a direct example, milk goes sour if not refrigerated after opening. So it’s not a practical option to put paint in the fridge, but certain steps can be taken to prevent spoilage that can result in a bad odour and discolouration.

• Keep brushes clean. After use, rinse thoroughly and dry. Do not leave them in water for days at a time.

• Avoid partially using paint and resealing container – try to judge the correct quantity needed for the job and purchase accordingly.

• Avoid using wood to stir paint. If no alternative, clean implement with detergent before use.

• Do not use paint that has a foul odour,

discolouration or major separation. A thin layer of water on top of the paint is normal, but something is wrong if more than half the paint is water.

• Use clean water to dilute. If unsure, boil the water first and allow to cool before use, e.g. in the case of borehole, river or rainwater.

• Rather responsibly discard small quantities of paint left in the container than re-use.

• Use only cleaned, dry containers to decant, and decant only enough paint for the project. Avoid pouring paint back into the original container.

• Ensure original containers are tightly sealed before storage.

Other factors can also contribute to spoilt paint, so be sure always consult with your paint supplier.

www.derbigum.co.za www.derbigum.co.za www.derbigum.co.za www.waterproofingcentre.co.za www.waterproofingcentre.co.za www.waterproofingcentre.co.za 140 140West WestStreet Street 140 West Street Sandton Sandton Sandton Johannesburg Johannesburg Johannesburg

Derbigum DerbigumManufacturing Manufacturingproudly proudly Derbigum Manufacturing proudly celebrates celebrates40 40years yearsof oflocal localmanufacturing manufacturing celebrates 40 years of local manufacturing reinforced waterproofing membranes reinforcedwaterproofing waterproofingmembranes membranesand and reinforced and the thesupply supplyof ofallied alliedproducts. products. the supply of allied products.

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS

Case file:

117 On Strand Street Situated in the heart of Cape Town, just minutes away from the V & A Waterfront, sits 117 On Strand Street. It is a multi-purpose building that recently underwent further development with the addition of new apartments and office blocks. The building houses a Virgin Active Gym, three floors of premium grade office blocks, two floors of retail stores and 117 luxurious apartments. All of these have ample parking included, regarded as a luxury in Cape Town!

Sika

The 117 Strand Street building was left with a beautiful meticulous finish

Working in unison with Compass Glass and Mazor Engineering, Group 5 Construction were appointed as the primary contractors.

These well-known companies sought only the best products to provide durability, innovation, practicality and relevance to the task. And so they turned to an established supplier in the form of Sika.

According to the Sika spokesperson, the insulated glass units were bonded to each other in the Compass Glass factory using Sikasil® IG-25. Thereafter the insulated glass panelling was bonded to the powder coated metal frame using Sikasil® SG- 500 and Sika® Aktivator-205 in the Mazor factory. The Sikasil® IG-25 and Sikasil® SG- 500, are twopart silicone sealants. Sikasil® IG-25 is ideal as a secondary edge seal for insulating glass in structural glazing applications. It is used in 60

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

combination with Sikasil® SG-500, which is a two-component structural glazing silicone.

Thereafter, the glass was fitted on site at 117 Strand Street and finished off with a final seal using Sikahyflex®- 305 AP as a weather sealant. This is a onecomponent neutral moisture curing weather sealant, designed for weatherproofing where durability under severe conditions is required. It has excellent resistance to water and is UV stable. For the test of time, Sika® Aktivator-205, an adhesion promoter on various substrates i.e. aluminium and steel, was applied prior to the Sikasil® SG- 500, for that extra special bond.

Using the products described, this seemingly impossible task was made possible. The project was successfully completed on schedule in November 2019. The 117 On Strand building was left with a beautiful meticulous finish. The perfect architecture, and strategically placed glass windows and panels all around, provides awesome views over the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain as well as the Mother City.

The primary challenge for this project was to have it completed in just 18 months.

Sika T: +27 (0)31 792 6500

Sika SikaCAN CANSUPPORT SUPPORTYOU! YOU! OurOur teams teams areare made made upup of of highly highly experienced experienced technical technical experts experts who who areare able able to to support support youyou with with your your design design needs, needs, construction construction challenges, challenges, and and willwill help help ensure ensure youyou pick pick thethe very very best best solution solution forfor your your request. request.

Whether Whether youyou areare building, building, protecting, protecting, finishing, finishing, or or repairing, repairing, Sika Sika is there is there to to support support you. you.

■■ Specification Specification support support ■■ Site Site surveys surveys ■■ Recommended Recommended applicators applicators ■■ Integrated Integrated systems systems innovation innovation ■■ Technically Technically advanced advanced products products

CallCall us us forfor more more info: info: 010010 823 823 8688 8688 www.sika.co.za www.sika.co.za

DIY — GARDENS

Tree choice can make or break gardens – literally

Trees are focal points in gardens and should be selected and placed with particular care. They’re not only decorative but provide much needed shade against the harsh African summer sun – for people and other plants. However, the wrong choice could result in structural damage to walls and paving. It could also unintentionally shade out an entire garden –yours or your neighbour’s.

Apart from the eventual size, it is important to consider whether a tree is deciduous or evergreen, the nature of its root system and the size and shape of its canopy.

With over 1 500 species of tree in SA alone, we are spoiled for variety. They’re better adapted to local conditions and generally far more waterwise than aliens from water-rich regions of the world. But it is also important to select from regionally indigenous trees as there are such vast climate differences between different areas of our country.

Locally indigenous trees achieve the best results as they are suited to the climate in that area.

With more than 1 500 species of indigenous trees, we have an exceptionally wide choice of trees in South Africa – one that needs to be exercised with care as most gardens are small to medium in size.

Erina Botha and Prof. Eugene Moll

How to plant

Buddleja visited by an Amata Kuhlweini moth - by Erina Botha

Erina Botha

62

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

A pipe inserted down to the roots when planting a tree is essential in our water-poor country – it takes the water right to where it’s needed and prevents loss of moisture through evaporation. Dig the hole at least two spades width deeper and wider than the bag the tree is bought in. Then fill the hole with plant mulch or coarse plant material compost. Measure the height of the tree in the bag from the soil and make sure that you fill the bottom of the hole, so that when placing the tree in it, it is a couple of centimetres lower than the top of the hole.

That way rainwater will gather better around the tree and seep in underground to the roots – in addition to pouring water down the black pipe to the root area.

These are a few favourite indigenous trees with relatively small, non-bulging root systems ideal for enhancing medium to small gardens.

Halleria lucida is also known as Tree Fuchsia because of the fan-shape and drooping nature of its branches and its multitude of bright orange lantern-shaped flowers from

DIY — GARDENS

Makhaya bella tree

May until January. It’s a bird magnet and the dense foliage and the fanlike spread of its branches make it ideal as a barrier. It is found in coastal and karroid scrub, forest margins, forested ravines, rocky mountain slopes, and on riverbanks in the Cape peninsula and in the Eastern Cape.* In gardens it reaches a height of 2-5m.

Nuxia floribunda (forest elder) is a neat tree, usually 3m to a maximum of 8m in gardens, with a lovely dense and rounded crown and roughly textured, fissured and flaking bark. It doesn’t drop a lot of leaves, so is suitable for planting near a pool for shade.

Its abundance of fine, aromatic creamy white flowers from May to September attracts bees and numerous insects, followed by insectivorous birds.

Rhus lancea

Natural distribution: Western and Eastern Cape coastal and mountainous regions, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga.

Cassia abbreviata pods

Dombeya rontandi folia

Apodytes dimidiata (white pear) is another coastal forest gem suitable to both large and confined gardens as it reaches only 4-5m. It’s a bushy tree ideal for providing shade, with a smooth pale grey-green bark and glossy

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

63

DIY — GARDENS

dark green leaves with dull green undersides.

It flowers profusely with showy clusters of fine fragrant white flowers and the black and red fruit attracts insects and fruit-eating birds. The fruit is not fleshy, so it doesn’t make a mess if it is planted near pools. In nature it’s found on Table Mountain and along the Cape coastal region, including the Eastern Cape.* It likes full sun.

Erythrina lysistemon (dwarf coral tree) is an ideal tree or shrub for the small garden, especially for people who love the scarlet flowers of the common coral tree but don't have the space for a large tree. Its small dimensions make it ideally suited to high density housing complexes where garden space is limited. Best planted in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Searsia lancea (red Karee) is wide-spread in the Free State but also occurs throughout the country except KwaZulu-Natal. It is usually a single-stemmed, low-branching tree with a soft, round canopy. The Karee has a coarsetextured bark. On young specimens, branches are a reddish-brown colour, while older specimens become darker grey or brown in colour, but still with some reddish branches. * Two other excellent Free State garden trees are Olea cuspidate, and Euclea crispa.

Diospyros lycioides (bluebush) is a slow to fast-growing plant, depending on the climate.

It is a deciduous to evergreen medium tree up to 3m tall with an open crown and drooping branches. It has blue-green leaves arranged spirally at the ends of the branches.

The bark is dark grey to brown and smooth on older branches and stems but covered with long hairs on young branches. It bears tiny creamy yellow bell-shaped flowers, sweetly fragrant especially at night. The flowers attract lots of insects, especially bees, and also insectivorous bird.

Both female and male plants need to be planted to produce the attractive deep-red marble-sized berries which are eaten by various birds, dassies, monkeys and humans.

The fruit has a pleasant sweetish taste, with jelly-like flesh when ripe. The bluebush grows all over southern Africa apart from the winter-

64

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Bolusanthus

rainfall areas of the Cape, parts of Botswana and eastern Namibia.

Buddleya saligna (false olive) has long, narrow leaves similar to the olive tree, but more textured. It bears dense sprays of tiny, creamy white flowers with a sweet fragrance from spring to summer.

The false olive is widespread in southern Africa, from the Cape through to Zimbabwe, extending inland from the coast to the central part of the country and the Kalahari thornveld in the northwest. It is found in varied habitats from dry hillsides to wooded valleys, forest margins, along streams and in coastal bush. This fast growing tree is an excellent, quick screen plant. It also makes a very good, clipped hedge. It is evergreen, frost hardy and drought resistant and the masses of flowers make a lovely spring and summer show. It doesn’t have an aggressive root system. The flowers attract insects to gardens (especially moths) and hence insect feeding bird.

The species listed here are just some of many hundreds of suitable small to medium-

rooted tree species in southern Africa to choose from for your garden. Read more about them on the SANBI site at www.pza.sanbi.org • Loxostylis alata • Cassia abreviata • Dombeya rotundifolia • Bolusanthus • Olea cuspidate • Celtis Africana • Searsia lanceolata • Euclea crispa TO BUILD is fortunate to have Erina Botha write for us on the regular basis.

Erina Botha owns and operates a landscaping business called DreamScapes. Erina is well known in gardening/lansdscaping circles, including academia. She specialses in gardens that can become havens for birds, bees and buuterflies. Contact her on 082 920 6559 or visit her website www.dreamscapes-ct.co.za A word of thanks is also due to Prof.

Eugene Moll for curating the images for TO BUILD.

Rooftop gardens -

landscape innovation Rooftop gardens and green roofs have been around for many decades, especially in highly populated urban areas such as cities and towns. Initially, rooftop gardens were used mainly to provide insulation in cold northern hemisphere climates. These days, with limited ‘green’ space, rooftops gardens are used to reduce the heat island effect in cities, reduce stormwater run-off and flash-floods, create small safe havens for insects and birds, and beautify the environment. In essence, this is a creative and functional way of reducing reliance on municipal water, saving water, and preventing pollution.

Rooftop gardens can be as simple as a few container plants artfully arranged in an open space, or as complex as a fully waterproofed and vegetated roof surface. In a rapidly growing urban environment with limited space, many people are choosing to live in flats, apartments, and townhouses. A rooftop garden or landscape is ideal for those living in homes without gardens.

They make use of unused or underused space and are great for plants and veggies that require full sun. Veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, peas and beans, tall corn and rambling squashes, carrots, radishes, beets, kohlrabi, fennel, potatoes, and onions are ideal for rooftop food gardens (but may require some protection from the wind in some areas). If you are looking more at an aesthetic landscape, consider hardy, sun-loving, locally endemic plants such as indigenous Highveld grasses, succulents or fynbos (all appropriately hydrozoned).

Remember that there are a number of factors to consider when implementing a rooftop garden or landscape: • Make sure your structure/building/roof can support the load of a rooftop garden (Engineering requirements will apply). Using lightweight planting materials such as vermiculite, perlite, and sphagnum moss alleviates the problem of weight, and absorb and hold water well.

• Rooftop environmental conditions such as full sun and strong wind can be tough on plants. If necessary, provide shading for more delicate plants, and buffers (for users and plants) to prevent excessively windy conditions.

• Speak to an expert if you are interested in implementing a fully planted green roof. You may need to consult with a structural engineer or architect to conduct a structural analysis of your building.

• A simpler, more cost-effective solution is to use containers and raised plant beds. Lightweight containers are ideal as they are portable, flexible in use, and affordable. You can really get creative and can easily change the design as required!

Rooftop gardens are environmentally-friendly, water–saving, creative, innovative, space-saving solutions to a limit in garden and landscape space.

www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATER WISE, PLEASE CONTACT US ON: 0860 10 10 60

CONCRETE

Concrete cracking under dry conditions — a solution proposed One of the dangers of working in low humidity conditions – even inside heated buildings during cold weather – is the rapid evaporation of surface moisture from the concrete. This can cause map cracking and plastic shrinkage, where cracks can penetrate to the full depth of a concrete slab.

Chryso

An example of concrete cracking in hot and windy conditions.

According to the American Concrete Institute (ACI), plastic shrinkage cracking of concrete is likely to occur whenever the evaporation rate is more than 1kg per square metre per hour. The ACI highlights that this rate of evaporation can be readily caused by many combinations of air temperature, relative humidity, concrete temperature and wind velocity.

Plastic shrinkage cracks get their name because they form while the concrete is still plastic, not having set yet. Rapid drying of the surface of the plastic concrete causes it to shrink and crack. This drying can take place from the top surface via bleeding, where evaporation causes rapid drying, or from the base of the concrete, where water at the base can be absorbed (leeched) into the subgrade or ground below the concrete element.

66

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Significantly, these cracks may form in a random manner or be roughly parallel to each other. Most frequently, they are almost straight and can range in length from 2.5cm to 2m. Most commonly they fall in the range of 30 to 60cm long.

Map cracking occurs randomly, with cracks resembling a fine map that intersect, described by some as an ‘alligator pattern’.

The cracks can’t always be seen during finishing operations and may not be discovered until the next day, an unwelcome surprise awaiting the contracting team.

In South Africa, hot and windy conditions can lead to plastic shrinkage cracking on fresh concrete.

Evaporation reducer We asked an international manufacturer with a network in South Africa how this problem could be addressed. According to a spokesperson from Chryso, there is a product available to solve this problem without the addition of extra water to the concrete mix. In a water-scarce climate, this is a significant bonus.

As an evaporation reducer, Chryso’s ProFilm 19 prevents this cracking by protecting fresh concrete from the effects of excessive moisture loss in rapid drying conditions.

Furthermore, it can achieve this result without increasing the bleed. By spraying this evaporation-reducing product onto fresh concrete surfaces, the user creates a continuous mono-molecular film over the concrete, which inhibits the rapid loss of bleed water.

CONCRETE

Rapid evaporation of surface moisture from concrete can cause map cracking and plastic shrinkage.

Protection for fresh concrete.

The film lasts as long as the concrete remains plastic, even where floating and trowelling operations must be conducted to create the required surface finish. Chryso® ProFilm 19 is a water based product which is compliant with guidelines on volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The effectiveness of the mono-molecular film means that there is no need for water spraying on the surface of the concrete to slow the evaporation process. It can be used on a range of horizontal concrete pours where the evaporation rate may exceed the bleeding rate of concrete. These applications include industrial floors, roads, bridge decks, slabs, patios, driveways and sidewalks.

This is ideal in concrete applications that produce little or no bleed water, such as mixes with low water content.

The film is active while the concrete remains plastic.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

67

ROOFING

Blue Route Mall - cool roof in White Clean Colorbond.

Cool surface

technology The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) recently issued a reminder of its efforts towards a zero harm minerals and energy sector, by partnering with the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) for a month-long health and safety campaign. The campaign helped to create awareness, promote health and safety, and communicate safety tips. It has also created a platform for all stakeholders, government, business, labour and the public to engage on health and safety issues that will assist the minerals and energy sector to achieve the slogan of ‘Zero Harm’.

SANEDI, Bluescope & Gareth Griffiths As an agency of the DMRE, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) has taken this chance to explain one of its initiatives works towards this Zero Harm goal.

“In a country as warm as South Africa, heat is often a prominent safety threat. Add to that our emphasis on mining, where South Africa’s mining industry is the fifth largest globally in terms of GDP, and it can be said that we offer tough working conditions for

68

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

many of our mining-based communities,” says Denise Lundall, Project Officer Energy Efficiency Cool at SANEDI.

temperature greatly decreases. This is especially helpful for those living in metal corrugated structures,” she says.

Lundall explains that one way to improve the lives and the safety of these communities is through cool surfaces.

While Lundall refers to this as ‘technology’, it is in fact the absence of electrical technology that makes this initiative so impactful. The substrate reflects heat and mitigates the need for fans or airconditioners, making living conditions more comfortable while remaining energy-passive.

“SANEDI has been actively rolling out cool surface ‘technology’ to help passively cool our communities. By painting a special substrate onto roofs and walls, the indoor

ROOFING

“Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common in the peak of our summer months.

When you consider that miners may also be working underground in extremely hot conditions, coming home to a significantly cooler home must be a massive relief.

Additionally, heat can cause headaches, impair concentration and can be especially harmful to infants and the elderly. With a cool coating, all members of the household benefit,” she adds.

Fire retardation properties Another prominent threat in informal settlements is fire – a year-round problem as community members cook frequently on open flames.

“As an added benefit, cool coatings have excellent fire retardation properties to prevent and mitigate the spread of fires,” says Lundall. In Makhado Local Municipality in Limpopo, an area dominated by the coal

mining industry, SANEDI is rolling out 9 500m2 of cool roofing.

(https://zaf.sika.com/en/construction/roofing/ cool-roofs.html).

“We are glad to have gained momentum on our cool roofing roll outs this year, and look forward to continuing in 2021,” concludes Lundall.

According to Sika South Africa, cool roofs offer many long-term benefits to a project, including: • reducing the need for mechanical air conditioning and saving energy costs; • reducing urban heat island effect in cities and suburbs, minimizing thermal impact on the microclimate and on the local environment; • minimizing heat gain inside buildings, and improving occupant comfort; and • enhancing the durability and the appearance of roofs by significantly lowering material temperatures and extending the roof life

Cool roofs Meanwhile, in the arena of established housing and the commercial building sector, the concept of the cool roof is being addressed by a few companies operating in that sector.

According to the website of top construction chemicals and systems company, Sika, a high-albedo roof or white roof is a ‘cool roof’ that has the ability to reflect over 65% of the sun’s rays, compared to conventional roofs which repel less than 15%. Cool roofs are able to repel heat because the outermost layer contains special reflective material.

Products available from this supplier to support cool roofs include mechanically fastened membrane systems, adhered membrane systems and liquid applied membrane/coating systems, which also impart waterproofing qualities to the roof.

Pre-painted steel roofing South African manufacturer of aluminium-zinc coated steel roofing products that have been factory pre-painted, SAFAL Steel, says that its Colorplus® product is available in a variety of vibrant colours. Adding colour not only offers aesthetic appeal, but also increases solar reflection. Tests have proven that based on the colour spectrum, light colours offer a higher reflectance compared to dark colours.

High SRI roof in dark colour - Clean Colorbond.

Another premium steel roofing material supplier, BlueScope Steel, provides a custom manufactured pre-painted aluminium/zinc coated steel product called Clean COLORBOND®. The company is a multinational with an established presence in the African region.

The company advises that the solar reflectance index (SRI) of a roofing material is a numerical value used to represent that surface’s ability to reflect solar heat. The SRI for standard black is 0 and a standard white is 100. Higher SRI values indicate a roof whose surface temperature is lower (cooler).

SANEDI cool roofing intervention at the SANDF.

Its Clean Colorbond roofing material contains a patented solar reflectance technology called Thermatech®, which is able to reflect the solar heat off a roof that has been built using formed volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

69

N NNee ew ww! ! !

AvA Avava aiilaibla la lebl bl e e MM Mar ar archch ch 2 2 2002012 21 1

HARVEY EcoTile HARVEYEcoTile EcoTile HARVEY

® ®®

A DIVISION OF A DIVISION A DIVISION OFOF

The green roof tile Thefor green roof tile The green roof tile all the right reasons forall allthe theright rightreasons reasons for

– Mineral Polymer Composite Roof Tiles – MineralPolymer PolymerComposite CompositeRoof RoofTiles Tiles– – – –Mineral

Welcome to the future of roofing. Introducing a technological Harvey Roofianga Welcome tobreakthrough the future of from roofi Introducing Welcome to the future of roofi ng.ng.

Introducing ® . Harvey Products: the breakthrough Harvey EcoTile technological breakthrough from Harvey Roofi technological from Roofi ng ng ® ® Products: Harvey EcoTile Products: thethe Harvey EcoTile . .

Harvey EcoTile® is a proudly South African, ® ® revolutionary breakthrough in roof tiles.

By utilising Harvey EcoTile a proudly South African, Harvey EcoTile is aisproudly South African, ® 98% waste material, Harvey EcoTile is 100% revolutionary breakthrough in roof tiles.

By utilising revolutionary breakthrough in roof tiles.

By utilising ® ® benefits to recyclable yet provides superior functional 98% waste material, Harvey EcoTile is 100% 98% waste material, Harvey EcoTile is 100% concrete oryet clay roof tiles. recyclable yet provides superior functional benefi ts to recyclable provides superior functional benefi ts to concrete or clay tiles. concrete or clay roofroof tiles.

Harvey EcoTile’s® technological design advantage ® ® ensures anEcoTile’s interlocking, lightweight tile that is low on Harvey technological design advantage Harvey EcoTile’s technological design advantage maintenance, weatherproof and virtually unbreakable ensures interlocking, lightweight that is low ensures an an interlocking, lightweight tiletile that is low on on in normal use.weatherproof maintenance, weatherproof virtually unbreakable maintenance, andand virtually unbreakable in normal use. in normal use.

Your building’s roof is one of its most important elements in function, surface area and Your building’s is one of its most important Your building’s roofroof is aesthetics, one of its most important investment.

Increase its aesthetics, functional performance elements in function, surface area elements in function, aesthetics, surface area andand and green credentials one innovative product – investment.

Increase its functional performance investment.

Increase itswith functional performance ® Harvey EcoTile and green credentials with innovative product and green credentials with oneone innovative product – – ® ® Harvey EcoTile Harvey EcoTile

Advanced engineering Advancedprovides Advanced interlocking system engineering provides engineering provides forinterlocking weather proofi ng system interlocking system and superior strength. for weather proofi for weather proofi ng ng superior strength. andand superior strength.

70% mineral content.

70% mineral content.

70% mineral content.

A DIVISION OF A DIVISION A DIVISION OF OF

Precision-fit accessories Precision-fi Precision-fi t t provide accessories accessories weatherproof, provide provide maintenance-free weatherproof, weatherproof, seal. maintenance-free maintenance-free seal. seal.

Tel: +27 11 741 5600 Tel: +27 741 5600 Tel: +27 1111 741 5600

Solar compatible: Fixing brackets available.

Solar compatible: Fixing brackets available.

Lightweight Lightweight

Low Maintenance Low on on Maintenance

Strong & Durable Strong & Durable

Weatherproof Weatherproof

• 70% lighter • 70% lighter thanthan comparable concrete comparable concrete tilestiles

• stability UV stability • UV

4x stronger • 4x• stronger thanthan standard concrete standard concrete tilestiles

• Precision engineered • Precision engineered interlocking design interlocking design

• Virtually unbreakable • Virtually unbreakable in in normal normal use use

• Gaps eliminated • Gaps are are eliminated

• Save on roof-structure • Save on roof-structure timber costs timber costs

• Ridge assembly • Ridge Tile Tile assembly does require does not not require unsightly cement unsightly cement andand debris debris

• Shatterproof • Shatterproof

• Wind proof beyond • Wind proof beyond galegale force force

• need No need to repaint • No to repaint

• Walkable once installed • Walkable once installed

• 100% proof • 100% HailHail proof

• Easy offload • Easy offload andand handling on-site handling on-site

• Will • Will not not shiftshift duedue to to fixing methodology fixing methodology andand interlocking design interlocking design

• Enhanced security • Enhanced security

• Water leakproof • Water andand leakproof

Attractive design Attractive design

Easy installation Easy installation

Paintable Paintable

SANS 10400-T Tested SANS 10400-T Tested

• Classic Double Roman • Classic Double Roman design design

5 Location points • 5 •Location points for for of placement easeease of placement

• Standard matte black • Standard matte black coloured coloured tile tile

• Consistent matte black • Consistent matte black textured surface textured surface

• Fixing screw ensures • Fixing screw ensures quick fastening quick fastening andand suit-suitfor high areas ableable for high windwind areas

• need No need to paint • No to paint

• Harvey • Harvey EcoEco Tile Tile is is tested in Accordance tested in Accordance to SANS -10177 – 123 to SANS -10177 – 123 conforms to SANS andand conforms to SANS 10400-T regards 10400-T withwith regards to safety distance to safety distance

• Transport 3 times more • Transport 3 times more roofroof tilestiles withwith oneone loadload

• Creates a precise • Creates a precise uniform complete andand uniform complete structure structure

• On-site speed • On-site speed duedue to to weight lightlight weight • “Cuts butter” • “Cuts like like butter” withwith no no unlike concrete dustdust unlike concrete tilestiles

www.harveyroofi ngproducts.co.za www.harveyroofi ngproducts.co.za

• Minimised ingress • Minimised dustdust ingress

• Paintable • Paintable withwith Harvey Products Harvey Products approved paint in any approved paint in any colour desired colour desired postpost construction construction

• Agrement certifi cation • Agrement certifi cation in process in process

A DIVISION OF A DIVISION OF

ADHESIVES

Adhesives & sealants:

All you need to know Natural adhesives were used over 3 300 years ago by the Egyptians; with continual innovations taking adhesives through medieval times, to the development of synthetic adhesives in the 20th Century.

Den Braven

Fran Coole

Place adhesive in vertical strips approx. 100mm apart to the back of a mirror.

Den Braven sealant products for the built environment come with industry-recognized validations and norms. Products show unsurpassed adhesion, water resistance and flexibility - to mention but a few.

72

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Mirrorfix-MS is a powerful mirror adhesive.

Adhesive

Much research and time has been spent on developing high performance materials over the years. New advanced chemical technologies and formulations have evolved in the adhesives and sealants environment. As an example, the Den Braven sealants range of various specialist adhesive and sealants are manufactured throughout its dedicated factories in Europe. Technologies and innovations are jointly developed through its Centre of Excellence and Research and Development departments. These respond to the highest standards and customer requirements in the construction and DIY market, and the need for durability, reliability, sustainability and exceptional results; with challenges posed by weather, moisture, joint movement or dissimilar materials.

ADHESIVES

When using sealant, tool of the excess from the join using the back of the cartridge.

The difference between adhesives and sealants

Sealant used with backing cord for a three sided seal and filling of gaps in brickwork.

It is important to know the difference between adhesives and sealants.

Selecting the correct sealant is as critical as the preparation and application process for the success of the job on hand.

A sealant is a substance that is used to seal holes, cracks, gaps and joints. Sealants need to have sufficient adhesion to the substrates and resistance to environmental conditions to remain bonded over the required life of the assembly.

• Silicone sealants are flexible, weather well and are good for sealing.

• Acrylic sealants are water-based.

• Structural sealants have a load carrying capability and are durable and weather resistant.

• Elastic sealants have excellent filling and joining capabilities.

• Polyurethane sealants are highly resistant to weathering, have excellent adhesion and are extremely durable.

Sealants are made from flexible material (silicone, polyurethane and acrylic) making them ideal for areas where expansion and contraction is of concern.

When sealants are used between substrates or surfaces with different thermal coefficients of expansion or differing elongation under stress, they need to have adequate flexibility and elongation (movement capability). Sealants generally contain inert filler material and are usually formulated with an elastomeric substance to give the required flexibility and elongation.

Sealants also have a paste consistency to allow filling of gaps between substrates, forming a durable and tough rubbery seal.

Low shrinkage is often required along with durability, good weather resistance as well as UV and ozone resistance.

Adhesives are primarily used to bond materials together, not to seal the space in between the objects.

• Contact adhesives are fast drying and especially useful for nonporous materials (usually applied to both surfaces).

• Spray adhesives are sprayed from a pressurized canister in mist form, giving a consistent coating, which takes only a few seconds to dry.

• Super glue – cyanoacrylate – is fast bonding and has high strength.

Fran Coole is a spokesperson for Den Braven SA. The company supplies professional support and advice on their products by means of both, on site, and in-house training and applications on their ranges of products volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

73

The The Den Den Braven Braven difference difference -- superior superior sealants sealants and and adhesive adhesive solutions solutions Acryl-W - 2 in 1 gap filler and cornice adhesive Acryl-W - 2 in 1 gap filler and cornice adhesive

Acryl-W is an acrylic sealant for interior and exterior use with good adhesion to many materials. Paintable Acryl-W is anpaints, acrylic freeze sealantresistant for interior with good adhesion to many materials.

Paintable with emulsion andand not exterior corrosiveuse towards metals.

Conforms to the SNJF-standard. with emulsion paints, resistant not quality corrosive towardspaint. metals. to the SNJF-standard.

Exterior application to freeze be painted with and a good synthetic AfterConforms curing Acryl-W is weather and rain Exterior application resistant.

Low VOC. to be painted with a good quality synthetic paint. After curing Acryl-W is weather and rain resistant. Low VOC. Colours: White, grey and beech • Cartridges of 280ml and 4kg bucket.

Colours: White, grey and beech • Cartridges of 280ml and 4kg bucket.

Application: For sealing cracks and joints where moderate amounts of movement can occur Application: For sealing for cracks joints moderate amounts of movement can occur (max.12,5%).

Not suitable jointsand exposed to where continuous water immersion. (max.12,5%). Not suitable for joints exposed to continuous water immersion.

High-Tack - Instant high grip permanent adhesive High-Tack - Instant high grip permanent adhesive High Tack is a high quality, strong one component adhesive, with very high initial grip and tack High is Polymer. a high quality, strong component adhesive, with very high initial grip and tack basedTack on MS Will not stainone natural stone products. based on MS Polymer. Will not stain natural stone products.

Cartridges of 290ml Cartridges of 290ml Application Application Instant tack and gluing of panels, skirting boards,windowsills, natural stone, thresholds, mirrors Instant tack and gluing of skirting naturalGluing stone,inthresholds, and isolating materials.

In panels, coach-work andboards,windowsills, metal connecting joints. shipbuildingmirrors industry and materials.else.

In coach-work and metal connecting joints. Gluing in shipbuilding industry and isolating almost everything and almost else.up to 20kg vertically - without mechanical support Instant gripeverything of weights Instant grip of weights up to 20kg vertically - without mechanical support

Hybriflex-540 Hybriflex-540 Hybriflex-540, a convenient one-component, non bubbling, moisture curing, low modulus Hybriflex-540, a convenient one-component, non bubbling, moistureExcellent curing, low modulus sealant and adhesive.

Free from isocyanates, silicones and solvents. adhesion to sealant and adhesive. from isocyanates, and solvents.

Excellent adhesion to most substrates.

HighlyFree resistant to ageing andsilicones weathering.

Hybriflex-540 is environmentally most substrates. resistant friendly, low VOC Highly and easy to use.to ageing and weathering. Hybriflex-540 is environmentally friendly, low VOC and easy to use.

Colours: White, beige, grey, black • Cartridges of 300ml and 600ml Colours: White, beige, grey, black • Cartridges of 300ml and 600ml Application: As a specific sealant for expansion joints between building structures, Application: As awindow specific sealant expansion jointsand between structures, and around uPVC frames.

For for sealing joints (inside outside) building in concrete, natural stone, and aroundwood, uPVCenamelled window frames.

Forsteel sealing (inside For anduse outside) in concrete, natural asbestos, surfaces, andjoints aluminium. with Polyethylene Backingstone, Cord. asbestos, wood, enamelled surfaces, steel and aluminium. For use with Polyethylene Backing Cord.

PU Foam PU Foam

Construction PU Foam is a one component fast curing construction foam based on moisture curing Construction is a one component fast curing on moisture curing polyurethane. ItPU hasFoam a strong dense cell structure withconstruction excellent gapfoam fillingbased capability. polyurethane.

It has a strong dense cell structure with excellent gap filling capability.

Precise application with the NBS applicator option.

Precise application the NBSthat applicator option.

PU Foam Cleaner with is a cleaner dissolves uncured PU Foam and is required for cleaning out the PU Foam Cleaner is a cleaner that dissolves uncured PU Foam and is required for cleaning out the NBS applicator.

NBS applicator.

Application: PU-Foam can be used in joints between separation walls, ceilings and floors. Perimeter Application: PU-Foamand candoor be used in joints separation walls, ceilings and floors.

Perimeter joints around window frames.

Fillingbetween cavities carrying pipes, cables or transits in walls and joints around window and door frames.

Filling cavities carrying pipes, cables or transits in walls and with ceilings. FP PU Foam offers fire resistance up to 4 hours combined with other FP products. For use ceilings.

FP PU Foam offers fire resistance up to 4 hours combined with other FP products.

For use with Polyethylene Backing Cord.

Polyethylene Backing Cord.

Silicone-1001U Professional Silicone-1001U Professional

Silicone-1001U Professional is a high quality, low VOC, ready-to-use elastic sealant, based on acid Silicone-1001U Professional is many a highsurfaces. quality, low VOC, ready-to-use elastic sealant, based on acid curing with very good adhesion to Excellent UV and weather resistance. curing with very good adhesion to many surfaces. Excellent UV and weather resistance.

Colours: Clear, white, grey, black, bronze, aluminium • Cartridges of 300ml Colours: Clear, white, grey, black, bronze, aluminium • Cartridges of 300ml Application: Sealing joints around buildings, industrial and fenestration applications.

Application: Sealing joints around buildings, industrial and fenestration applications.

Silicone-NO Silicone-NO Silicone-NO MF/T is a high quality, low VOC, neutral curing fungal resistant, durable and elastic sealant with Silicone-NO MF/Ton is many a highsurfaces quality, low VOC, primer). neutral curing fungal durable and elastic sealant complies with excellent adhesion (without Has good UV resistant, and weather resistance.

Silicone-NO with excellent adhesion on many surfaces (without primer).

Has good UV and weather resistance.

Silicone-NO complies with international standards. international standards.

Colour: Black, white, grey,bronze,light bronze and clear as well as MT - matt transparent • Cartridges of 300ml Colour: Black, white, grey,bronze,light bronze and clear as well as MT - matt transparent • Cartridges of 300ml Application: For sealing joints where mildew is undesirable. Suitable as a perimeter and Application: ForFor sealing mildew is undesirable. a perimeterindustry. and weather sealant. sealingjoints jointswhere in glazing systems, buildings andSuitable general as construction weather sealant.

For sealing joints in glazing systems, buildings and general construction industry.

Not suitable for use on mirrors or natural stone.

Not suitable for use on mirrors or natural stone.

Sili-Kill - Removes old sealant Sili-Kill - Removes old sealant

Den Braven FireProtect®® Den Braven FireProtect

Den Braven FireProtect® is a complete, fully certified and approved range of passive fire protection products Den Braven FireProtect® is a complete, certified approved range ofbetween passive fire fire compartments. protection products applied in expansion and connection joints, fully openings andand surface penetrations Passive applied in expansion and connection joints, openings andconstruction surface penetrations between compartments. fire protections are the primary materials included in the of a building, whichfire limit the spread of Passive flames, fire protections thesignificantly primary materials in the construction building, which limit the flames, heat and smoke,are and increaseincluded fire safety.

They contribute of to athe structural stability of aspread buildingofand heat andtime smoke, and significantly fire safety. They contribute to the structural stability of a building and provide to safely evacuate or increase clear a building. provide time to safely evacuate or clear a building.

The range consists but is not limited to: Den Braven FireProtect® FP Acrylic Sealant, FP Hybrid Sealant, FP Silicone The range but is not limited to:our Denwebsite BravenorFireProtect® FP Acrylic Sealant, FP Hybrid Silicone Sealant andconsists FP PU Foam.

Please visit call us for further technical details on thisSealant, range – FP such as the Sealant and FPand PU nationally Foam. Please visit certifications our website orand callstandards. us for further technical details on this range – such as the internationally regulated internationally and nationally regulated certifications and standards.

The The Den Den Braven Braven difference! difference!

Johannesburg - tel: 011 792 3830 fax: 011 793 4266 • Durban - tel: 031 579 2375 fax: 031 579 4070 Johannesburg tel: 011 fax: 011 • Durban - tel: 031 579 2375 fax: 031 579 4070 Cape Town - tel:- 021 552 792 96743830 fax: 021 552 793 96784266 • sales@denbraven.co.za • www.denbraven.com/en-sa Cape Town - tel: 021 552 9674 fax: 021 552 9678 • sales@denbraven.co.za • www.denbraven.com/en-sa

The products and applications featured are a guideline. We recommend you contact us or visit our website to confirm the technicalfeatured specifications of our products for the application required.

The products and applications are a guideline.

We recommend you contact us or visit our website to confirm the technical specifications of our products for the application required.

BATHROOMS

'Green' your bathroom to create mood & relaxation Introducing greenery around the home is certainly gaining popularity, with experts all around the world noting that houseplant sales have increased, fuelled by many exciting images doing the rounds on social media - notably Pinterest.

Vortex Sanitaryware/BlueTide, Curology, DarthZuzanka, Jaclou-DL, Pexels & Unsplashed Gareth Griffiths 76

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

BATHROOMS

At the same time, there are eco bathrooms, with water-saving and energy-saving features and these are becoming increasingly used as we try to move to a low water usage society. In addition to the environmental aspects, experts say you can further enhance a home’s decor with a green trend through your wall coverings, furniture and in particular the bathroom suite.

A popular marketer of upmarket bathroom hardware in the UK, Victorian Plumbing, comments that the coronavirus pandemic has also led to renewed interest in house plants, “as many of us sought to brighten up our homes during lockdown.”

As a colour that is naturally enhanced by foliage, green is very calming. It helps to focus thoughts and is also the colour of rejuvenation. Hence, for the bathroom as a place that many readers retire to at the start and end of the day, green makes a great choice if you want to unwind and refresh.

As a former official Pantone Institute colour of the year, green in the home ranges from emerald to sage.

Green foliage can enhance bathroom colour schemes, meaning you can add or accentuate this colour without extensive redecorating.

Using green Green is an incredibly versatile and flexible colour, perfect for modern or classic bathrooms. You can splash a coat of paint on your vanity sets, or do a total tile revamp; there is plenty of inspiration to be had if you are wanting to go green.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to use green in your bathroom is simply by repainting the walls with a rich, glorious shade. Green paint comes in a wide variety of shades.

Then there are tiles – big, small, mosaic or massive – you name it.

but maybe a fun tropical island theme can fit into a bathroom you are designing or redecorating – be daring!

Foliage concept It actually makes perfect sense. Most plants like moisture; most bathrooms have moisture to spare. Most bathrooms with a window will provide enough light; otherwise consider some appropriate permanent lighting. What about a 'growlight'?

Ferns are quite commonplace and may have become cliché, but they remain popular due to their versatile and amazing looks they offer incredible options also!

And then there are the ‘kanniedood’ plants such as the ZZ plant, standing for Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

Orchids, snake plant, spider plant, lucky bamboo and dragon plants are all great options for green bathrooms.

Why Plants are right for your bathroom They love the humidity.

After a hot shower, the conditions ate almost the same as a tropical rainforest.

They help purity the air.

By breathing in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen, they help contribute to a fresher environment with or without ventilation.

What is more luxurious than a soaking tub? A dark green soaking bathtub.

Try pairing green bathroom elements, including foliage, with pink. This is a throwback to the white and black concept,

They provide other health benefits.

Certain varieties such as aloe vera, have medicinal qualities that may take the place of some item in your medicine cabinet.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

77

086 166 7242 www.douglasjones.co.za VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS CAPE TOWN B1 Prime Park, Mocke Road, Diep River 021 706 7251 JOHANNESBURG 1SIXTY Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank 011 447 4199

Crescents Cladding

KITCHENS

Hot appliance

trends for 2021

Concealed extraction

We are seeing lots of innovative and interesting trends shaping the world of kitchen appliances, according to leading a kitchen appliance manufacturer. Some examples from this industry leader suggest to readers where the future of cooking is heading.

Miele According to Liam Gawne from Miele, these are some of the hottest trends shaping the world of kitchen appliances:

Smart appliances Smart appliances help to maximise energy efficiency, and they are easier and more convenient to use – essentially saving the user time and ensuring perfect results time and again.

“Customers no longer regard ‘smart home’ devices as toys, but increasingly expect intelligent solutions that offer real added value,“ says Gawne.

As an industry-leader, Miele, is dedicated to not only developing and manufacturing outstanding appliances, but to also create inspiration for their users, saving time and being truly helpful.

“To this end, the focus is not on creating clever gadgets, but rather, it is squarely placed on providing customer benefits with simple application being the ultimate goal. The company leads the market with a innovative technology spectrum, examples of which include CookAssist and TasteControl, which ensures that food doesn’t dry out or become overcooked. With 80

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

WifiConn@ct technology, the hob communicates with the cooker hood and allows it to automatically adjust accordingly. Investing in an Amazon Echo and Alexa Voice Service will now allow you to quickly and conveniently control your kitchen appliances, such as Miele@mobile appliances for example, orally,” he adds.

Induction - entire appliance is a cooking area

Induction hobs

when it comes to cooking and is highly regarded, Gawne points out.

Induction hobs function by creating a magnetic field between the induction element and the base of the cookware.

This way, they heat the pan or pot directly, rather than wasting energy heating the cooking surface first, which only then heats the cookware and the food. Induction hobs are incredibly popular due to their many benefits: they heat up really quickly, they are extremely energy efficient, they allow you to accurately control the temperature, their surface makes for a sleek, flush-mounted finish, and they produce very little residual heat for safer operation.

“Up to six pots, pans and even casserole dishes can be positioned anywhere on Miele’s Generation 7000 range of induction hob units. Gone are the days of predefined cooking zones – with some of the models in our new generation of full-surface induction hobs, the entire appliance is a large cooking area that is unmatched in terms of flexibility.

Your cooking will have no boundaries – pots and pans can be placed and used on the entire hob surface. What’s more, induction cooks fast, uses little electricity and the ceramic glass screen is really easy to clean.”

Miele’s Generation 7000 range of full-surface induction hobs represents untold freedom

Cooking with steam is fast becoming a mainstream choice for home chefs – it is

Convection steam ovens

KITCHENS

quick, easy, tasty and really healthy! Add convection to the mix, and you really have the best of both worlds – moist, speedy, healthy and delicious food preparation, along with the browning and crisping abilities traditionally associated with baking and roasting.

Touch screens

‘No handles’ design

Increasingly more home appliances are offering the ability to control and operate your appliances the same way you would operate your smart phone or tablet – via a touchscreen. To this end, the company has launched the M Touch technology

“For flexibility for best baking and roasting results, our combination ovens combine humidity and dry heat as you wish. They are also really versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications from defrosting to blanching and drying. You can also proof dough in the oven, which is great for pizza or bread making” says Gawne.

“With the innovative touch display you can quickly achieve your goal – ours is simple to operate and self-explanatory.

The appliance can be operated quickly and intuitively by touching or swiping the clear text touch screen. Many functions can be chosen at the touch of a fingertip.

The central display with white text and symbols on a black background ensures you can see the information perfectly. Where user prompts are required, information is presented in colour.”

Speaking of the increasing popularity of open-plan living spaces, kitchen cabinets without handles have been pinned as one of the biggest kitchen trends for 2021 – offering a more streamlined, pared-back look. Which is why, integrated kitchen appliances have become a musthave in any kitchen worth its salt. These appliances can blend seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry.

“Take our Artline range of appliances, for example, which dispenses with handles entirely to blend in seamlessly with flush furniture fronts. The range interprets the concept of full appliance integration in a whole new way - the function of the handle on a conventional model has been replaced by a sensor that is integrated into the fascia, which if you gently touch opens the motor-assisted door. It’s all about simplicity and diverting the visual focus to cabinetry details instead.”

Colour Gone are the days when appliances were only available in white or stainless steel – when it comes to colours, there are two contenders: Black and Grey.

Combine humidity and dry heat Smart technology

Gawne explains: “With integration practically becoming a standard thing in kitchen appliances and the rise in popularity of openplan living spaces, the aesthetics of kitchen appliances has become important. Today’s kitchen appliance isn’t expected to only offer high-end functionality and stateof-the-art technology, but also to look good and complement the kitchen’s interior design as well. For example, the gorgeous Generation 7000 range of appliances - available in Brilliant White, Clean Steel, as well as Graphite Grey and Obsidian Black.”

Single-level islands and ‘secret’ cooker hoods Single-level islands can truly open a space up – increasing the flow of light and the working space, as well as creating unhindered communication with guests during cooking and meal prep. What’s even better is a kitchen island, without the need for a bulky cooker hood overhead – keeping the lines of vision unhindered, thereby making the space seem bigger and airier. Seeing that most kitchen islands are bang in the middle of the kitchen, this has not always been possible – but now, with vented hobs, bulky overhead cooker hoods are no longer necessary.

Gawne elaborates: “A vented hob, such as our TwoInOne for example, is a wonderful addition to any kitchen design.

It offers super-efficient and fast-operating induction cooking, together with down draught extraction that pulls the steam and fat directly from the source. It is a compact and functional solution that is ideal for small kitchens, or for installation in a kitchen island, where a cooker hood would ruin the open-plan feel of the space. Also, their compact design allows for more countertop space to be allocated for cooking and prep, and elements such as under-counter drawers and units.” volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

81

KITCHENS

A word from the

Kitchen Specialists Association The KSA recently launched a new initiative that is going to be important to the quality of service received by South African consumers.

KSA

Stephanie Forbes

“There is no qualification in South Africa to become a kitchen design specialist.

Most people working as designers in the industry are either self-taught, taught by their employers or have an interior design background,” explains KSA National Manager, Stephanie Forbes.

“For many years we have had kitchen design specialists approach us asking how they can have their experience and knowledge verified and acknowledged.

Kitchen design is a niche part of the design world with very specific rules and skills. It requires a vast knowledge of materials and hardware and in many cases the designer also has to manage the sale of the kitchen and site management too,” she adds.

In line with this, the KSA Registered Kitchen Designer Programme was launched late last year. This programme will offer a platform for designers working in the kitchen industry full-time, with three or more years’ experience, to register themselves with the KSA. Designers can download the application form from the downloads page of the KSA website and read more about the programme under the members tab on the KSA web site -

82

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

www.ksa.co.za/members/registered-kitchendesigners.

will then be able to confirm or deny their registration, experience and good-standing.

Registration will be annual with designers having to re-register and update their personal and working contacts each year.

Re-registration of each registered member will also depend on upskilling by their attending prerequisite kitchen industry events throughout the year.

“Designers will, upon successful registration, receive a letter confirming registration for that year and a lifetime specific unique registration number. They will also be sent the KSA’s Registered Kitchen designer badge that they may use in their email signature and correspondence” she concludes.

The registration fee is being kept low because of the financial pressure that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on the industry.

“The programme is not limited to KSA members. We want to use the opportunity to put a comprehensive database of skilled kitchen designers together. This will allow us to ensure we are in tune with the needs of the designers and can work to assist them, support them and strengthen the industry,” explains Forbes.

“The database will be kept by the KSA under strict POPI protocols and not published.

However, members of the pubic and the industry will be able to contact the KSA to confirm an individual’s registration. The KSA

Stephanie Forbes

Ronda IN FRAGRANITE

T H E R O N DA H A S A R R I V E D !

Meet Franke’s brand new range of coloured prep bowls, introduced to complement the current Fragranite range and give you more options to find the perfect sink to blend in beautifully with your kitchen.

0 3 1 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 | e n q u i r y. f s a @ f r a n ke . c o m | w w w . f r a n ke . c o . z a

KITCHENS

Work surfaces

— an international case study Nestled in the foothills of North Tustin, California, is the beautiful home of a well known interior designer, Hilary Hale. Amongst the well-appointed and stylish rooms, the kitchen received a visually striking counter-island to serve as the centrepiece.

Neolith

Hilary’s overarching vision for the kitchen’s design was to open up the space to take advantage of her French doors and windows which open onto stunning westward sunset views.

A lover of ‘old world’ design elements, she knew she wanted to achieve a cosy, lived-in look in the kitchen. She uses a timeless palette, a design trend which will likely continue to be popular in 2021. However, she also wanted to add a touch of modern elegance and a twist of contemporary chic, leading to her choice of Calacatta Luxe by well-known manufacturer, Neolith, in a polished finish for the room’s countertops and splashbacks.

The colour takes white marble to the next level with its navy and amber veining, creating a more vintage, traditional look while remaining current and fresh.

A kitchen with character Further inspired by the French and English countryside, the designer set out to create a smart yet welcoming room. Her first inclination was to install a vintage or repurposed island, but found this wasn’t an option due to the kitchen’s layout. To work around this, she knew she had to carefully curate the lighting and use exceptional countertop materials to give the kitchen character.

As a sought-after interior designer in Orange County, Hale had used the suppliers product in previous projects. What really drew her to the brand was its wide range of patterns, particularly those which bear a striking resemblance to genuine marble, as well as the enhanced durability and ultra-hygienic properties of the material.

Hilary in her kitchen.

84

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Working to a tight schedule of just six weeks, she had to make all of her decisions for the

KITCHENS

new kitchen. Her primary focus was to specify this essential statement material for the island and splashbacks to make the kitchen pop.

Having explored a few options and colourways, Hilary says, “My husband actually pushed for Calacatta Luxe and I’m so glad he did! It really drove the rest of my choices. I could use all the Earth tones and accent the space with beautiful brass hardware and light fixtures. From there, the rest of my choices were fairly simple.”

She opted for a complementing soft beige hue for the cabinetry, which gave just enough subtle contrast to distinguish it from the surrounding white tones without looking too dark. She also selected some channel-panelled doors on the island to add some texture.

Calacatta Luxe is used on the kitchen island.

Overcoming challenges While the kitchen was a breeze to design from an aesthetic perspective, there were some logistical challenges. The main one was the asymmetry of the available space. It required a careful layout to ensure all the walkways had enough clearance and the island would line up well with the range, while also maintaining overall visual balance.

The kitchen island and splashback in the background.

The Neolith Calacatta Luxe used on the kitchen island and splashback is made from sintered stone, a 100% natural material based on granite minerals, glass minerals and natural oxides.

Hale also faced an installation challenge with the cabinetry on the west-facing exterior wall as the plumbing could not be buried any further into the cavity. She was able to resolve this issue by moving out the cabinets just enough to accommodate the pipework, which she described as a 'hold your breath' moment.

A sustainable and stylish result “I think people now are looking for low maintenance, sustainable options, which use renewable resources,” says Hale. In this instance, the product is made from sintered stone, a 100% natural material based on granite minerals, glass minerals and natural oxides.

"Notably, designers and architects are realising these requirements don’t mean sacrificing style. We can achieve the ‘look’ we want by using more responsibly sourced materials, which can withstand daily life in a busy household like mine. Ultimately, we need materials like this to deliver both durability and beauty for longterm value,” she adds.

The final result is an eye-catching kitchen that combines neutral tones with bold features.

“The selection of neutral cabinetry allows the countertop surface to be the star” she concludes.

Neolith is available in South Africa. volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

85

DIY — TOOLS

Sharpening

the saw

As human beings, we regularly need to keep our bodies and minds sharp and up to date, says a well-known writer; but this also applies to the tools we use.

Gareth Griffiths

Gareth Griffiths

We must never become too busy sawing to take time to sharpen the saw.

The teeth of your chainsaw become blunt and it will not cut correctly or efficiently.

You might be annoyed by the trouble it is taking to cut through a tree branch or log but be aware the situation can also be dangerous to your safety due to a blunt chainsaw kicking back towards the operator. So be warned: contrary to conventional wisdom, a sharp chain is often safer than a dull one and so regular maintenance of the chain is essential for various reasons 86

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

- Steven Covey, 1990

When to sharpen?

A chainsaw needs to be sharpened if the shavings cut from the chainsaw become very fine, and almost dust like, or if the saw does not cut straight, or starts to pull you in the direction of the object you are cutting. A blunt chain may also slip off track, cutting in the wrong direction, or even slip off the bar with a potentially bad ending.

A sharp saw should produce a pile of shavings and not just dust. Another surefire signal is if the wood starts to get hot and smoulders from the effort.

DIY — TOOLS

How to do it Most hardware stores will sell sharpening kits, otherwise speak to the merchant and obtain a fine round file best suited to the task.

Place the chainsaw bar with the chain attached in a vice or other secure device that provides a grip and tighten it. Be sure that the chain itself is still able to rotate freely around the bar when moved by hand - hint: protect your hands and where a pair of leather gloves.

Take a circular file and hold it perpendicular to the bar. Align the file parallel, using the specially supplied plate if you have a sharpening kit, otherwise mimic the alignment marks on one of the chain links. It is crucial that you hold the file parallel to the run of the cutting edge in order to sharpen correctly and uniformly. All the cutting surfaces on the links of the chain need to have the same angle - this is important.

Place the circular file in the notch and apply a slight amount of pressure in the direction of the cutting edge and canted towards the top of the tooth. This pressure must be applied on both the back of the tooth and towards the top of the tooth - that is because this blade section lies there and makes cutting contact with the wood.

Slowly run the file from the inside of the tooth to the outside of the tooth. Keep a constant pressure and speed on the file while keeping the file parallel to the line that is on each tooth. Repeat this process two or three times per tooth.

Once you have finished filing this link, skip the following link with the cutting surface running in the opposite direction and go on to the next. Move the chain as necessary to keep the links facing upwards. It will help if you mark the first link you have serviced with a dab of paint

or some chalk so you will know when you have run full circle.

Once you’ve done all the links with teeth facing in the first direction, change your filing position and go back through and sharpen the teeth facing the other direction. Ensure that the same sharpening orientation is used on each tooth.

Finally, check each tooth to make sure it is sharp, and that every tooth has been sharpened. Then give it a try. It should cut like new until the next time around! volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

87

e by you insert.indd 2

e by you insert.indd 2

EasyAquatak 120

EasyAquatak 100 - Long Lance • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

Motor power : 1.200 W Max. pressure : 100 bar Max. flow rate : 300 l/h Max. flow temperature : 40 °C Self priming capability : 0.5 m Motor type: Series Pump type: 3 cylinder Cable length: 5 m Hose length: 3 m (PVC)

Technical specifications Motor power : 1.500 W Max. pressure : 120 bar Max. flow rate : 350 l/h Max. flow temperature : 40 °C Self priming capability : 0.5 m Detergent system : High pressure foam Motor type : Series Pump type : 3 cylinder Pump material : all metal

EasyAquatak 125 • • • • • • • • • •

Motor power : 1.500 W Max. pressure : 125 bar Max. flow rate : 360 l/h Inlet water temperature : 40 °C Self priming capability : 0.5 m Detergent system: High pressure foam Motor type: Series Pump type: 3 cylinder Pump material: all metal Cable length: 5 m

Universal GardenTidy • • • • •

Glass Vac – Window cleaner

EasyAquatak 130

• •

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

Runtime: 30 mins Cleaning performance per battery charge : Approx. 105 = 35 windows m² Battery voltage : 3,6 V Battery capacity : 2,0 Ah Charging time : 130 min Dirty water tank capacity : 100 ml Machine weight: 0,70 kg Machine height : 222 mm

BoschDIYSouthernAfrica

l

www.bosch-diy.com/za/en

• • • • •

Motor power, max. : 1.800 W Motor power : 1,800 W Variable airflow speed : 165 - 285 km/h Volume flow rate : 160 l/s Weight (leaf blower) : 3,4 kg

Motor power : 1.700 W Max. pressure : 130 bar Max. flow rate : 380 l/h Inlet water temperature : 40 °C Self priming capability : 0.5 m Detergent system : High pressure foam Motor type : Series Pump type : 3 cylinder Pump material : all metal Cable length : 5 m Hose length : 6 m

ARM 34 – Lawn Mower • • • • • • • • •

AHS 45-16 - Hedgecutter

2017/10/26 1

Motor power : 1.300 W Torque: 15 Nm Width of cut : 34 cm Cutting system : Rotary blade Weight : 11,0 kg Grass box capacity : 40 l Height of cut : 20 – 70 mm Height-of-cut settings : 5, central Handle type : “Ergoflex-System”

• • • • •

Motor power : 420 W Blade length : 45 cm Tooth opening : 16 mm No-load stroke rate : 3.400 spm Weight : 2,6 kg

AHM 30- Hand Mower • • • • •

Rotak 32 LI – Cordless Lawn Mower • • • • • • • • • • • •

2017/10/26 1

•

Battery type : Lithium-ion Battery voltage : 36 V Battery charge time : 70 min Battery quick-charge time : 80% charged in 56 mins Recommended lawn area : up to 150 m² Width of cut : 32 cm Cutting system :Rotary blade Weight : 10,4 kg Grass box capacity: 31 l Height of cut : 30 – 60 mm Height-of-cut settings: 3, central Handle type : “Ergoflex-System”

Garden Pump • • • • • • • • •

Battery voltage :18 V Battery capacity: 2.5 Ah Charging time, max. : 120 min Run time, max. : 30 min Flow rate, max. 2000 l/h Connecting hose length : 2.5 m Weight : 2.2 kg Tool dimensions (L x W x H): 125 x 115 x 195 mm

Width of cut : 30 cm Cutting system : Cylinder blades (4 blades) Weight : 6,4 kg Height of cut : 12 – 40 mm Height-of-cut settings : Continuously variable Lower blade setting : Click lock

EasyPrune - Cordless secateur • • • • • • • • •

Battery type : Lithium-ion Battery voltage : 3.6 V Cutting capacity up to : 25 mm Cuts per battery charge up to : 450 Cutting system : Bypass Battery charge time : 3.5 h Weight : 490 g Tool dimensions (L x W x H): 250 x 31 x 85 mm

INSULATION

Cellulose fibre insulation being pumped into the roof of a GAP housing unit in Cape Town.

Celluose fibre thermal insulation: a strong case The introduction of SANS 10400-XA regulations relating to the energy usage in buildings, as part of the wider code of practice, gives substance to South Africa’s National Building Regulations as far as energy efficiency within a building is concerned.

Thermguard and Gareth Griffiths | Graphic by Tipsasa Improved energy efficiency means less use of energy-consuming heating and cooling devices, which means less coal burned or fuel combusted to provide power, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas production, an objective of the regulations.

Over the past years, South Africa has also seen an immense increase in the cost of all forms of energy - electricity, coal, fuel oil and gas - all providing a huge financial incentive for building owners to move to greater energy efficiency in all buildings, including domestic dwellings.

90

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

This short article looks at the usage of cellulose fibre insulation as a convenient, efficient and cost-effective way of complying with the National Building Regulations, while also reducing a home or other buildings’ reliance on active (energy consuming) climate and temperature control measures.

The SANS10400-XA standards require various thermal resistance values (R-Values) to be achieved inside the roof of a building and these depend on the climatic zone where the building is located.

The effect of this standard has been far-reaching, even with the developer of low-cost housing and a homeowner or contractor renovating an existing building having to comply.

Climate zones - TIPSASA Cellulose insulation, typified by well-known brands Thermguard and Eco-Insulation, both industry leading brands, represents a very quick and efficient way of getting a roof’s R-Value up to the national standard.

These brands are installed by established and approved subcontractors, who enjoy

INSULATION

distributor rights from the manufacturer in both the new build and retrofit situations.

Professionally manufactured cellulose thermal and acoustic insulation is fire retardant and is SABS and industryassociation certified as causing ‘no spread of fire’ while its manufacture is ISO 9001 certified.

Retrofitting typically occurs where a homeowner (or office property owner) becomes concerned about a rising energy bill, or a complete loss of energy caused by power blackouts (load shedding) meaning no climate control indoors; or by the ongoing discomfort of the occupants of a building caused by temperature extremes, summer or winter. Discomfort inside a building causes a loss in worker productivity, sick building syndrome or unhealthy living conditions if at home.

A retrofit of cellulose insulation offers a viable solution to the problem, if blown (pneumatically pumped) into the roof on top of the ceiling in compliance with standards laid down by SANS 10400-XA. Meanwhile, cellulose insulation is proving to be increasingly popular with property developers who are in the housing complex or housing estate business.

The products offer a neat way of complying with the R-Value requirements that are mandatory in all new property developments or refurbishments, nationwide.

The environment Apart from the problem of greenhouse gas emission caused by the burning of fossil fuel, the green building movement and the environmentally aware public have over the past decades increasingly questioned the nature and source of the materials used to make common building materials, including insulation. Questions are asked about the amount of energy trapped inside of them - the so-called embodied energy concept which defines the lifecycle of a product from ‘cradle to grave’. With the move to Net Zero buildings, this becomes a highly important issue.

Cellulose roof insulation is made from recycled newspaper waste, milled to consistent density and treated with inorganic nontoxic fire-retardant salts. Hence, recycled paper which could otherwise have gone to landfill is used and upcycled into a new role one which lasts the lifetime of the building as insulation. Significantly, the material is ‘Made in South Africa’ in all sense of the word and not an import, thereby boosting the local economy.

The recycling of existing and waste materials into new usable products is an important way of reducing the embodied energy (and carbon) of a building material, by allowing it a close-to-zero ‘recycled content’ embodied energy entry point to its new life as an upcycled building material.

For example, the use of cellulose insulation in a building carries with it a very low embodied energy content, created only by a low energy method of manufacture in the factory.

Human safety In addition to the positive energy balance, the incorporation of

hazardous ingredients, such as those emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has increasingly been daylighted by various specifying authorities, the environmental movement and consumer organisations.

Cellulose insulation emits no VOCs, such as formaldehyde, in stark contrast with many known building and insulation products used in the roof, in the walls or under the floor. No colourants, dyes, binders or adhesives are used in manufacturer or installation.

Ease of application and convenience An application of Thermguard or Eco-Insulation is simple, fast and onspecification. A typical house can be insulated in three hours, depending on the size of the ceiling.

Further efficiencies in the pipeline The past year, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of lockdowns on the construction industry, has been devastating. Whilst many construction businesses and subcontractors have closed, the major cellulose thermal insulation brands, Eco-Insulation and Thermguard have jointly explored ways of rationalising production costs in the interests of financial sustainability going forward, and so ensuring this valuable insulation type remains an option for the South African building industry and homeowners in general.

Hence, production is currently being rationalised into a single manufacturing facility in Gauteng and distributors of both brands will receive top notch quality cellulose thermal insulation through a single source, the Thermguard factory. The product continues to be SABS -approved and ISO 9001 certified. It is additionally certified by means of a Certificate of Compliance from the recognised industry body, the Thermal Insulation Products & Systems Association of SA (TIPSASA).

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

91

CEILING INSULATION YOUR LOW CARBON INSULATION OPTION • Excellent insulation qualities • Non-toxic and non-irritant • Insect and rodent repellent • Environment friendly – made from 80-85% recycled newsprint • Fire retardant: SANS 428 B/B1/2 • 100% ceiling coverage • Low energy manufacturing process • No heat / water used during manufacture • 100% Biodegradable at end of life

AS GREEN AS IT GETS

Thermguard is used in buildings to conserve energy, which ultimately slows the burning of fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases. Newsprint that would often be discard on landfill sites where it would decompose and emit greenhouse gases is recycled to create our eco-friendly insulation. This dual reduction in air pollution amounts to

“Double Green Effect”

YOUR guarantee of quality Thermguard has insulated buildings for over 35 years and is the only manufacturer that produces cellulose fibre insulation under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standard

MEMBER ORGANISATION

011 018 7800

|

info@thermguard.co.za

|

wwww.thermguard.co.za

TIMBER

New GM at ITC-SA raises the bar Erik Söderlund, the newly appointed General Manager of the Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA), says the institute's objective for 2021 is to reduce the incidence of noncompliant site-made roof trusses.

ITC-SA The ITC-SA's mandate is to create and maintain the engineered timber roof construction industry's highest standards.

The membership includes the software suppliers, fabricators, erectors, inspectors, designers, and engineers involved in every roof truss production and installation aspect.

The institute and its members have a long history of promoting and self-regulating the prefabricated timber roof truss sector

in South Africa. They achieve this by monitoring roof truss manufacturers' legal compliance and working with local authorities and the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) to improve the standards continuously.

The organisation also promotes and markets the use of engineered timber roof structures and oversees its members' professional development. The members have earned their professional status because the ITC-SA is an accredited professional body that self-regulates the engineered timber roof structure industry.

In 2020, the directors began the process of recruiting a new executive officer to lead the institute although COVID-19 interrupted operations. However, the organisation used the time to continue reviewing its strategic direction and appoint Söderlund to the general manager position.

Boitumelo Shoro, Administrator, with Erik Söderlund, General Manager.

Newly appointed GM, Söderlund, has much to offer the industry Over the past 27 years,

he has assimilated his early studies in wood science, accounting and economics with a wealth of hands-on operational and management experience in the forest products value chain.

He embarked on his career in 1993 at Thesen & Co in Knysna in the southern Cape, where he worked in quality assurance in the company's plywood plant, pole yard and sawmill. In 2005 he moved to Stellenbosch to take up the position of general manager of Cape Sawmill/MTO and its forests. In 2013 Söderlund moved to KwaZulu-Natal to manage the forests for Masonite Africa. Unfortunately, Masonite went into business rescue in 2015, and Söderlund accepted a position at World Hardwood.

Over the year's Söderlund's technical knowledge and leadership abilities served the sector well in various positions on several industry board committees including: • Non-executive director of Sawmilling South Africa (SSA) • On the General and the Executive Committee of Forestry South Africa (FSA) • Board of Control member of the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR) • Chairperson and executive member of the Umbrella Fire Protection Association of Kwa-Zulu Natal. www.itc-sa.org volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

93

ADVERTORIAL: SAWPA

Preservative

treated timber The natural durability of South Africa’s commercially grown species like Pinus and Eucalyptus, is low, rendering it susceptible to insect and fungal attack. It is important to treat the timber with a wood preservative.

There are two types of wood preservation; primary (industrial) and secondary (DIY). The main type, primary timber preservation, is where wood is impregnated (pressure treated) with an H CLASSES

PRESERVATIVE TYPES

approved industrial chemical wood preservative e.g. CCA, creosote, etc. This process increases the long-term durability and resistance to fungi and insect attack.

Primary preservation is prescribed in TYPICAL END-USES

South African National Standards (SANS), NRCS Compulsory Specifications and Building Regulations, and the treated timber must comply when placed on the market.

PROTECTION AGAINST

H2 – Dry interior above ground

• CCA, CuAz, ACQ or Boron (waterborne) • TBTN-P or ZP (LOSP – solvent based)

• roof trusses • frame wall construction • interior doors and joinery

Insect attack and low decay risk

H3 – Exterior above ground

• CCA, CuAz & ACQ • Creosote

• decking, cladding • exposed structural

Fungal attack and insects

H4 – Exterior in ground

• CCA, CuAz& ACQ • Creosote

• timber used in ground • poles used in light structures, fencing, landscaping and garden features

H5 – Fresh water & heavy wet soil contact

• CCA, CuAz & ACQ • Creosote

• jetties, walkways • poles/posts used as foundation supports in permanent timber structures

• CCA plus Creosote

• jetties, quays, marine walkways, retaining walls and barriers

H6 – Marine

When specifying pressure treated timber, be sure to choose the correct H class for your intended application and apply remedial preservative to all cross-cut and exposed areas (except for crosscut ends exposed in ground, fresh water or marine applications).

Apply a suitable penetrating wood sealer and regularly maintain it if a natural non-weathered look of the exterior timber is desired.

Fungal decay and insect attack

Secondary preservation is for DYI noncommercial purposes. It is a surface application intended for supplemental (preventative) or remedial (corrective) purposes e.g., the end-user treating previously untreated timber or exposed ends of machined pressure treated timber.

Protective wood sealers or varnishes are not regarded as a preservative unless they contain active ingredients (biocide).

Without active ingredients, such finishes only give surface protection against weathering i.e. moisture and UV rays, and not fungal or insect attack.

Primary preservation of timber is categorised into different hazard or ‘H’ classes for different end-use applications.

How to plant a pole or post

When planting a pole or post, do not plant them inside an encapsulated concrete base. Instead, use a ‘collar’ or compacted stone and soil with or without a solid (cured) concrete base.

As a safety precaution, when machining CCA treated wood, wear a dust mask, gloves and safety glasses to protect your eyes. Do not make baby toys, furniture, food utensils or store food or water in containers made from CCA treated wood. CCA treated wood should also not be used in beehives.

Treated wood waste is not regarded as hazardous waste material unless used incorrectly and should either be re-purposed for applications where treated wood was intended or be disposed of at a registered disposal or landfill site. Do not burn treated wood offcuts and do not use it for firewood or for food preparation. Do not use treated wood shavings and sawdust as mulch in gardens, or for animal litter or bedding, or where it may become a component of animal feed. www.sawpa.co.za.

94

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

PROMOTING TREATED TIMBER AND THE USE OF TREATED TIMBER PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY SAWPA MEMBERS CHOOSE THE CORRECT HAZARD (H) CLASS: H2 H3 H4 H5 H6

Low Hazard: Inside above ground Moderate Hazard: Outside above ground High Hazard: Outside in ground High Hazard: Outside in contact with heavy wet soil or in fresh water High Hazard: Prolonged immersion in sea water H2

H3

H4

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAWPA MEMBERS AND HOW TO CONTACT THEM. CONTACT:

H5

H6

GREEN BUILDING

Indoor environmental and air quality — a living breathing building The Ridge, an 8 500m2 sustainable building in the Portswood District of the V&A Waterfront purpose-built for international consulting firm, Deloitte, as the tenant, was recently awarded a 6 Green Star Office Design rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

The rating is considered by the awarding body as demonstrating 'world leadership'. In fact, the building exceeded the 6-Star threshold entry level by five points, gaining a total number of 80 points.

Gareth Griffiths & Info graphic© by Arup

One of the most significant aspects of this new 6 Green Star building is its ventilation strategy, which helped achieve no less than ten special category innovation points which include innovative strategies and technologies in indoor environmental control, plus other environmental design initiatives. This is in addition to multiple points awarded on the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) category, an existing evaluation category which includes air quality, thermal comfort and other aspects such as noise, glare control, lighting, views to the outside and more.

According to Vusi Nondo, Executive Head of Development at the V&A Waterfront, there is also much more to the Ridge than some environmental firsts:

The chilled soffit provides radiant cooling to the space.

How a thermally activated building system works – Source: Arup

96

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

GREEN BUILDING

“The V&A Waterfront’s ethical development approach defines our master planning which focuses on sustainability and care for the people who will use the building. This approach is ‘our normal’; a vision to set the tone for sustainable green building, guiding our planning and development strategies."

This approach has given the Ridge its reference as a 'living breathing buildingorganism' – so-dubbed by the design team, thanks in large to its intensive passive design measures.

Passive design features include: • A 'central street' from an air circulation perspective – meaning, a large atrium beginning at ground level, which allows for upward air circulation out through special windows in the roof.

• A thermally activated building system (TABS) which uses water pipes embedded into concrete soffits (above where people work) to create large thermal ‘sinks’ that regulate temperatures inside the office spaces.

• Natural ventilation, as allowed by opening windows in the timber façade.

• Underfloor displacement ventilation, which allows the circulation of temperature-regulated air into the offices when the building is forced to use air conditioning (HVAC).

Inside the 'street' or atrium just prior to PC date.

According to project architect, Sean Mahoney of Studio MAS, the building's outstanding feature, its eye-catching crosslaminated timber façade, plays a major role in the indoor environmental comfort of all building occupants – functionally and in the choice of a natural material.

Special ‘robots’ advise building occupants when it is in order to open the window – the green light – situation normal. The red light means that windows should be closed due to adverse external enviromental conditions and that the buildings HVAC system is starting up. Designers calculate that the robot should stay green for 80% of the year.

"Using timber was about using something really sustainable – locally sourced, locally grown, plantation based with no VOC emissions. You can't get better. And it's quick to construct and work with. What you see outside and inside is the final finish."

Opening windows Fresh air is the talking point at the moment in sustainability circles. A contributor to this edition of TO BUILD, post-graduate student Ashvin Manga, writes: “The challenge with managing indoor air quality (IAQ) is that most of the factors that reduce IAQ are odourless, which means in many cases there is nothing to alert you to the problem. Your only alert is when it is already too late and you are already experiencing an asthma flare up, sleepiness or fatigue”. In the commercial office space, this is called 'sick building syndrome'.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

97

GREEN BUILDING

The Ridge addressed this issue with its ground-breaking systems, introducing fresh air.

“We estimate having open windows for up to 80% of the year, with the building operating on a dual or hybrid mode. I call this system the (Toyota) Prius of the built environment – another hybrid,” says Mahoney.

houses have been restored during the time that the Ridge was being built. These form part of the new district which will also place significant focus on non-motorised mobility. While the district is a commercial node, we envisage public spaces consisting of public footpaths and a bicycle route through the area. The area will offer shady

retreats, a coffee outlet made from recycled glass bottles designed by a well-known community architect, a vegetable garden and the security of being within the Waterfront. It will be possible to walk all the way to and from Green Point and further areas of Cape Town via Portswood Road. A truly green space”, he finishes.

Tessa Brunette, the lead project engineer from Arup agrees: “Together with the buildings’ intrinsic thermal mass, the façade is the most important ‘machine’ (controlling the indoor environment) in the building. Our design response started from first principles and used advanced computer modelling methods to test various scenarios. From this stage, we were able to refine the façade design which together with the low energy comfort based design, results in much less energy being required to keep people comfortable indoors."

"Modelling showed that the zigzag (pleated) façade we designed for building levels 2 and 3 performs as well as a (alternative) conventional straight, deeply shaded façade.

It also allows for more glazing than with external shading devices. External shading devices over the windows can obstruct views to the outdoors and reduce incoming natural light. We avoided this. The design also reduces the amount of direct sunlight streaming indoors, meaning that the internal spaces can rely more on natural ventilation.

This, together with the TABS system means less (energy-consuming) air conditioning to remain at a comfortable temperature.”

Georgina Smit, the Technical Director for the Green Building Council of SA, hands over the GBCSA 6 Green Star Office Design award plaque to David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront. According to Smit, the Ridge is one of few buildings in South Africa to achieve this status.

The V&A Waterfront's Development Director, Mark Noble, adds that the Ridge is part of a broader redevelopment vision for the Portswood District of the Waterfront as an eco-district.

“For us, this is the latest leg of our journey towards developing world-leading commercial office buildings and our drive towards carbon neutrality. The journey includes the development of Silo No.1 and No.5 in our Silo District, which was also rated 6 Stars under the Green Star system," he says.

“Our work continues in the Portswood District. A number of existing heritage 98

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

The Ridge’s timber facade is key to its IAQ strategy.

For more information please contact Fourways Airconditioning: • JHB & Central: (011) 704-6320 • Kwa-Zulu Natal: (031) 579-1895 • Bloemfontein: 083 381 0074 • Pretoria: (012) 643-0445 • Port Elizabeth: (041) 484-6413 • Cape Town: (021) 556-8292 • George: 082 380 0708 • East London: (043) 722-0671

HVAC

Opinion:

Indoor air quality under the spotlight On average, a human being takes 24 000 breaths each day. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, research had indicated that we as a species are spending 90% of our time indoors. If you stop and think about it, the majority of our modern lives takes place indoors and even more so with an active pandemic on our hands. Which means most of the air you breathe is indoor air.

Ashvin Manga, Infographics by NMU At the very least, most of us sleep for a healthy and recommended eight hours.

If we assume sleep is taking place in a bedroom, making sure the air quality in your bedroom is not making you sick becomes important for a happy and healthy life. This article aims to shed some light on the invisible world of indoor air quality (IAQ). This opinion examines IAQ from two perspectives: the homeowner, and the owner/developer.

The homeowner One thing is for sure, we are spending more time at home. As you may be enjoying the work-from-home lifestyle, research has indicated a decline in air quality from increased time spent at home. Furthermore, the environmental protection agency in the USA conducted research that revealed that on average indoor air quality is two to five

Ashvin Manga, BSc Hons (Construction Management - NMU)

times more polluted than outside air. The challenge with managing IAQ is that most of the factors that reduce IAQ are odourless, which means in many cases there is nothing to alert you to the problem. Your only alert is when it is already too late and you are already experiencing an asthma flare up, sleepiness or fatigue.

Start with the overnight bedroom air quality.

The bedroom is a common location for CO2 accumulation, which can cause restlessness, headaches, fatigue, and reduced sleep quality. The CO2 in bedrooms is usually because of closed doors and windows, so always keep a window open and ideally have some sort of cross ventilation.

IAQ measurement

Next, you can tackle bathrooms and the kitchen. Bathrooms in SA are typically not equipped with extractor fans. This can cause high humidity levels, causing mould and serving as a haven for bacterial growth.

Kitchens need to be well ventilated during cooking, the use of an overhead extractor is a good but there is no substitution for good ventilation, so make sure you open your windows when cooking and try and achieve a cross breeze if possible.

The best first step any homeowner can take is to invest in an indoor air quality monitor.

A Google search of ‘indoor air quality monitors’ should bring up the latest and best monitors for sale as well as reviews to assist with your purchase. Most indoor air quality monitors are used in conjunction with an App which allows you to view your IAQ data. Once you have purchased your air quality monitor, you can begin to identify any problem areas in your home.

Lastly, we need to mention VOC’s or volatile organic compounds. Indoor volatile organic compounds are carbon-containing organic chemicals present in indoor air. They originate from a large number of indoor sources, including building materials, furnishings, consumer products, tobacco smoke and day-to-day indoor activities. VOC detection has become a common feature in most good indoor air quality monitors, so make sure you purchase the best monitor for your requirements.

100

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

HVAC

The owner/developer Commercial spaces have been underutilised because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, a vaccine is on the cards, which means herd immunity is a possibility and with that a return to normal. From a developer’s standpoint, questions should be asked about design, for example, are we moving away from open-plan offices back to cubicles or will offices be a place of collaboration and thus boardrooms will become the new office layout?

There is data to suggest both outcomes. One thing is certain, whatever new developments take place, they will need to be futureproofed and certainly be able to withstand a COVID-19 type pandemic. The design goal during a pandemic should be that the properties we own are a safe haven for our tenants. The owners of existing buildings are faced with, one could argue, a greater challenge than designing for the future.

What do we do with our existing commercial building stock? There is more than COVID-19 to think about when retrofitting an existing building for future needs. Climate change reform is soon to be policy and deep energy retrofits will most likely be in demand as owners scramble to comply with new regulations.

Research As part of the BSc Honours Construction Management programme at Nelson Mandela University, research was conducted that captured the change in indoor air quality before and after a mechanically ventilated office building was retrofitted with openable windows.

The increased ventilation significantly improved the carbon dioxide levels, which was captured by a medical grade air quality device. The improvement experienced by employees was measured through a pre- and post-sick building syndrome survey. The top three symptoms troubling employees were tiredness, poor concentration, and nasal congestion, all symptoms of an inadequately ventilated office. After the window retrofit, we saw an 18% reduction in tiredness, 21% reduction in poor concentration and 26% reduction in nasal congestion.

The infographic provides a summary of the results achieved by the natural ventilation retrofit. The entire cost of the retrofit was around R25 000 and since the windows were operated by the employees, a zero operational cost.

Natural ventilation retrofits can be a solution for many office buildings in SA.

Natural Ventilation Retrofit Benefits

Air Quality improvements 1. PM2.5 reduced by 23% 2. PM10 reduced by 18% 3. 36 hours of CO2 > 1000pp, reduced to ZERO hours

Employee benefits 1. Tiredness reduced by 18% 2. Difficulty concentrating reduced by 21% 3. Nasal congestion reduced by 26%

Ashvin Manga is a contract lecturer and MSc candidate at Nelson Mandela University. A former medical student, sustainability and occupant wellbeing became his overarching research area. His BSc Honour research, titled “Implications of a natural ventilation retrofit” was well received at SEEDS 2020 and was awarded the highly commended award in Building Performance. His Masters research involved the development of a computer vision application that counts the number of students in a lecture room, using CCTV cameras for improved air quality and facility management.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

101

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Additional solar power plant onstream

Another solar plant has begun commercial production following its completion as a selected project under the Government’s REIPPP Bid Window 4.

Waterloo Solar Waterloo Solar, located 10km outside of Vryburg in the North West Province, has commenced operations and is said to be the latest utility scale solar PV project in South Africa.

contractor juwi Renewable Energies at the end of 2020. It will be operated and maintained, on behalf of the owners, by the juwi O&M subsidiary company, for the first five year of operations.

Whilst further specific performance details were not made available to TO BUILD when we asked, this 100% South African-owned solar project in the North West, brings the total number of large-scale projects constructed in the province to three, in just one year.

Not only will the solar plant boost the renewable energy sector’s power production, but it will also benefit the rural communities located within a 50km radius of the plant through impactful economic development programmes, say the operators.

Waterloo has 261 360 solar modules, harnessing the intense sunshine, and rated at 75MW, the project could generate enough electricity to power 84 000 homes via the national grid, each year, says the developer.

During its 20-year operations period, the project will focus on empowering

Situated on a 171-hectare site, the project was constructed in under two years, having commenced mid-February 2019. It is connected to Eskom’s Mookodi switching station, which feeds the generated power into the country’s national grid.

Waterloo Solar is owned by African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM, a member of Old Mutual Alternative Investments) through its IDEAS Fund, Reatile Solar Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd, Phakwe Solar (RF) (Pty) Ltd, AREP (African Rainbow Energy and Power) and Cicada Community Trust.

The project achieved full quality and gridcode compliance by local Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) 102

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

and strengthening the local communities of Vryburg, Kismet Park, Huhudi, Colridge and Dithakwaneng within the Naledi Local Municipal area. During construction, 500 local community members were directly employed.

WALLS & CLADDING

Wall panels

that collect moisture Gareth Griffiths

The channeling of rainwater or stormwater is very much standard practice in all buildings and increasingly this water is harvested and stored on site using dedicated downpipes and tankage systems (JoJos). But it goes without saying that this applies to the collection of larger volumes of water from fair rainfall.

A recent innovation, a special rain and condensation collection panel that uses a technology known as ‘aquatecture’ diverts rain and other condensed water which flows over the perforations on the surface to the inside of the system. From there the water trickles down into a collection tank

104

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

where it can either be stored for later use or be pumped back into the grey water system of the building.

Aquatecture is the brainchild of South African born designer Shaakira Jassat.

Although she lives in the Netherlands now,

Jassat witnessed Cape Town’s devastating drought when she attended the Cape Town Design Indaba as a speaker in 2018. She was determined to design a rain harvester that was compact and aesthetically suited to the urban environment, which is now the Aquatecture panel.

WALLS & CLADDING

Manufactured from aluminium, the panels are resistant to corrosion and can be installed on the exterior of buildings or they can be used as freestanding units in areas with more open space. The trial system is being tested at the Granger Bay parking garage over the next two years, and all water collected will be used at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market run by Sheryl Ozinsky. This test facility is made possible in collaboration with Arup, Geustyn & Horak, JoJo Tanks, Baloo Plumbing and Longspan Gutters.

Rainfall data specific to the area will be collected during the testing period and measured against weather variables, for example, the direction of rain, wind, and the amount of rain that fell during each period. The panels will also be tested for efficiency and impact on the surrounding environment.

“The V&A Waterfront has been at the forefront of water saving in Cape Town since 2009, when we first introduced water conservation measures,” says V&A Waterfront CEO, David Green. “We recognised even then that water was a highly pressured resource. By 2016 when the drought was first making its effect felt, the Waterfront had saved 25% on overall water consumption based on year-on-year figures from 2010.”

“Saving water is now an integral part of every development and of our overall sustainability programme. In addition to rainwater harvesting, the Aquatecture panels are also compact and visually appealing so they will integrate well into most urban architectures.”

What is Aquatecture?

A relatively new science, aquatecture, strives to achieve a working balance between water and the urban/built environment. In some cases, biomimicry has been the platform for creating innovative devices internationally. One of the other programmes within the aquatecture realm is the smallscale harvesting of water that would otherwise go to waste or evaporate. This can now be collected by specially designed hanging facades and distributed for use. Collection panels have specially designed and tested holes and indentations to facilitate the water collection process and minimise losses.

In addition to rainwater harvesting, the Aquatecture panels are also compact and visually appealing so they will integrate well into most urban architectures.

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

105

NEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Saluting the frontline in bold colours It is not an easy time for South African business, but it is arguably worse for people living in sub-economic conditions, so it is heartening to take note of kind gestures by the non-governmental sector and the building industry to help those less fortunate.

Plascon

House of Mercy is a safe place in Kagiso Township, West Rand, that gives holistic support to all people who are suffering from disease. The organisation was founded in 2004 by Maria Mpakathi, following the passing of her brother.

Mpakathi operates the organisation from a three-roomed building and currently assists 650 people every month. The House of Mercy is under-funded and in much need of assistance. This is why the Mzansi Room Rescue (www.facebook.com/ mzansiroomrescue) stepped in to help effect positive change on site.

Mzansi Room Rescue is a YouTube home makeover show that aims to showcase how paint, DIY, décor styling and colour inspiration can transform any space, and on a modest budget, too. The show takes South Africans on a journey of renewed hope using décor, design and purpose-fit products. Mzansi Room Rescue does a public call for proposals on social media and comes to the rescue of deserving makeover recipients.

“House of Mercy’s mission is to help people who have lost their faith and the will to survive, to find meaning in life, and to help them help themselves and others. This really spoke to us,” says Bridgette Mandava, Mzansi Room Rescue Co-Founder and Interior Designer.

Mzansi Room Rescue set about preparing both interior and exterior surfaces, which were then recoated, assisted by office volunteers from Plascon. An uplifting, colourful mural design was applied to the outside as a symbol of the work done within the building.

On the inside, built-in seating was added to compensate for the lack of furniture.

Plascon Micatex provides an ultra-durable finish at House of Mercy.

106

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Mzansi Room Rescue is supported by Plascon Micatex and its South Africa Strong campaign - TO BUILD salutes the inherent strength in all South Africans..

SABS - 75 Years of dedication to Quality Compliance The South African Bureau of Standards supports the industrialisation effort of the dtic. SABS has an established network of national, regional and international partners that develop technical solutions adopted as South African National Standards (SANS), this in return enables business and government to:

Improve the quality of products and services Enhance competitiveness and access to markets Ensure that procurement of products and services meet quality standards Improve the delivery of services underpinned by best practice and support policy and regulatory objectives

SABS_ToBuild_03/2021

SANS 10142-1:2020 Edition 3 latest Edition Published The standard was revised due to the outdated requirements and to align some of the requirements with the international norms. Why you need the new edition?: • Combined gas and electrical installation requirements have been referred to SANS 10087-1; • Introduction of arc fault detection devices in electrical installation; • Introducing lightning protection requirements which refers to SANS 10313; • Reference to SANS 60439 has been replaced with the SANS 61439 series; • Modify resistance of earth continuity conductor requirements; • Modify electrical installation test report in a hazardous location, and much more...> SABS provides services to assist the implementation of best practice solutions • More than 7000 South African National Standards • Laboratory Testing Services for a diverse range of Products • Certification of Companies to Management System Standards • Certification of Products and the Application of the SABS Mark Scheme • Training of Management and Employees on Implementations of SANS

SABS a Trusted Partner in Delivering Quality Assurance.

Contact SABS to establish support for your Standardisation, Testing, Training and Certification Aspirations.

Tel.: + 27 (0)861 277 227 E-mail: info@sabs.co.za Website: www.sabs.co.za

NEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

South African developers - take a bow!

South Africa’s outstanding property developers and the entire property value chain need stand back for no-one. What can be better proof than a local development winning a major international first place award for the fourth time?

Franz Rabe The Waterfall Management Company recently scooped the regional title of Best Mixed-Use Development in Africa for the Waterfall development for the seventh year running and was also crowned winners of the Best International Mixed-Use Development 2020/2021 for Waterfall, a renowned business and lifestyle estate in Gauteng.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Waterfall has beaten formidable competitors to the top spot of the world’s best mixed-use development. This year’s nominees included mixed-use developments from the UK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Australia, Vietnam, Russia and Turkey. Entries were judged based on criteria

ranging from design layout, architecture, services and security, to sustainability, innovation and marketing.

The International Property Awards, now in their 28th year, celebrate the very best projects and professionals in the industry across 60 residential and commercial categories. Awards are split into four sectors: Architecture, Development, Interior Design and Real Estate, across nine regions covering Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK and the USA. Over the past year, a panel of over 100 independent expert judges studied and assessed thousands of entries

from 115 countries to finally arrive at the World’s Best winners.

The International Property Awards event was held via an online event early in February.

Willie Vos, CEO of Waterfall Management Company, said: “Retaining the title of Best International Mixed-Use Development in what can be considered a challenging period due to the global pandemic, is humbling. Each year sees our team and partners set even more ambitious goals for Waterfall where we all strive to take bold steps towards rolling out this innovative, world-class smart city to the benefit of all who live, work and visit here. A fourth consecutive Aerial view of Waterfall. international win is certainly a testament to our continued efforts in this regard, making us feel honoured and proud.”

Not yet complete, Waterfall still has over 1.6 million square metres of gross leasable area (GLA) to be developed, ensuring future sustainable growth of this state-of-the-art smart city.

By completion in 2027, it is estimated that the Waterfall development will combine 28 000 residential units housing approximately 80 000 people, with about 2.5 million square metres of GLA for commercial and office space, accommodating a further 95 000 people.

108

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

KERAPOXY CQ 522

523

523

524

521

522

Icons Icons THE BACTERIOSTATIC, SPORT WOODEN FLOORING SPORT PARQUET

CERAMIC AND STONE MATERIAL WOODEN FLOORING CERAMICA E MATERIALI LAPIDEI RESIN FLOORING PARQUET RESINA CERAMIC AND STONE MATERIAL CERAMICA E MATERIALI LAPIDEI

520 531 528 521 532 528

530 520

531

EASY-TO-USE EPOXY GROUT.

Tile Adhesives & Grouts

STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING CERAMIC AND STONE MATERIAL MASONRY RESTORATION RINFORZO STRUTTURALE CERAMICA EEDIFICI MATERIALI LAPIDEI RISANAMENTO IN MURATURA

ING ETRA

525

Concrete Repair

526

528 536 526 539 525 529 536

525 538 524 539 528

ACOUSTIC INSULATION ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO

Resin Flooring

ACOUSTIC INSULATION RESIN FLOORING CEMENT ADDITIVES ASPHALT PAVEMENTS ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO ARCHITECTURAL RESINA PAVING C-ADD PAVIMENTAZIONI BITUMINOSE PAVIMENTAZIONI ARCHITETTONICHE

533

521

533 532 536

WALL PROTECTIVE

AND DECORATIVE COATINGS RESILIENT, LVT, TEXTILE MATERIALS FINITURE COLORATE E PROTETTIVE RESILIENTI, LVT, TESSILI

WALL PROTECTIVE THERMAL INSULATION AND DECORATIVE COATINGS ISOLAMENTO TERMICO SEALANTS AND ADHESIVES FINITURE COLORATE E PROTETTIVE SIGILLANTI E ADESIVI ELASTICI

529

SPORT INSULATION ACOUSTIC SPORT BUILDING ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO EDILIZIA SPORT SPORT

RESILIENT, LVT,RESIN TEXTILEFLOORING MATERIALS RESILIENTI,INSULATION LVT,RESINA TESSILI ACOUSTIC ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO RESILIENT, LVT, TEXTILE MATERIALS RESILIENTI, LVT, TESSILI

521 532522 529 533 529

522 533 523 530 534 530

Products for Resilient, LVT & Textile 527 Materials

CERAMIC AND STONEPAVING MATERIAL RESILIENT, LVT, TEXTILE MATERIALS ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL STONE PAVING MASONRY RESTORATION THERMAL INSULATION SPORT RESILIENT, LVT, TEXTILE CERAMICA E MATERIALI LAPIDEIMATERIALS PAVIMENTAZIONI RESILIENTI, LVT, PAVIMENTAZIONI ARC.TESSILI IN PIETRA THERMAL INSULATION WALL PROTECTIVE RISANAMENTO EDIFICI ISOLAMENTO TERMICO SPORT RESILIENTI, LVT, TESSILI ARCHITETTONICHE ISOLAMENTO TERMICO AND DECORATIVE COATINGS ARCHITECTURAL PAVING ARCHITECTURAL STONE PAVING IN MURATURA PAVIMENTAZIONI PAVIMENTAZIONI IN PIETRA FINITURE COLORATE E ARC. PROTETTIVE ARCHITETTONICHE

529 537 527 526 530 537

es / Linee di prodotto

ON CI

525

526

THE WORLDWIDE Product Lines / Linee IN di prodotto Product Lines / Linee di prodotto PARTNER HIGH-PERFORMANCE, CONSTRUCTION MULTIFUNCTIONAL, 520

RIALS

G

524

525

STRUCTURALSPORT STRENGTHENING WALL PROTECTIVE WOODEN FLOORING SPORT RINFORZO STRUTTURALE WATERPROOFING AND DECORATIVE COATINGS PARQUET IMPERMEABILIZZANTI STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING FINITURE COLORATE E PROTETTIVE RINFORZO STRUTTURALE

Waterproofing

530 538 538

527 531

BUILDING EDILIZIA

ADMIXTURES FOR CONCRETE ADDITIVI PER CALCESTRUZZO

Sealants

STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING ARCHITECTURAL STONE PAVING MARINE INDUSTRY CEMENT ADDITIVES ADMIXTURES FOR CONCRETE BUILDING ADMIXTURES FOR CONCRETE RINFORZO STRUTTURALE PAVIMENTAZIONI ARC. INSTRENGTHENING PIETRA INDUSTRIA NAVALE C-ADD ADDITIVI PER CALCESTRUZZO MARINE INDUSTRY CEMENT ADDITIVES STRUCTURAL MASONRY RESTORATION EDILIZIA ADDITIVI PER CALCESTRUZZO INDUSTRIA NAVALE C-ADD RINFORZO STRUTTURALE RISANAMENTO EDIFICI IN MURATURA

ARCHITECTURAL PAVING SEALANTS AND ADHESIVES BUILDING ACOUSTIC INSULATION ASPHALT PAVEMENTS PAVIMENTAZIONI SIGILLANTI E ADESIVI EDILIZIA SEALANTS ANDELASTICI ADHESIVES ARCHITECTURAL STONE PAVING ISOLAMENTO ACUSTICO PAVIMENTAZIONI BITUMINOSE ARCHITETTONICHE SIGILLANTI E ADESIVI ELASTICI PAVIMENTAZIONI ARC. IN PIETRA

534

Admixtures for Concrete

522

535

536 534 533 537

537 535 534 538

Cement Additives

523

Sports SPORT Flooring SPORT SEALANTS AND ADHESIVES WATERPROOFING WALL PROTECTIVE SIGILLANTI E ADESIVI ELASTICI IMPERMEABILIZZANTI AND DECORATIVE COATINGS Solutions MARINE INDUSTRY FINITURE COLORATE E PROTETTIVE WATERPROOFING IMPERMEABILIZZANTI

INDUSTRIA NAVALE

530

524 538

Products for WOODEN FLOORING Underground PARQUET MARINEWATERPROOFING INDUSTRY UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIA Construction COSTRUZIONI INNAVALE SOTTERRANEO IMPERMEABILIZZANTI CEMENT ADDITIVES

535 539

UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION COSTRUZIONI IN SOTTERRANEO

C-ADD

531

RESIN FLOORING

RESINA CEMENT ADDITIVES UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION C-ADD IN SOTTERRANEO COSTRUZIONI ASPHALT PAVEMENTS PAVIMENTAZIONI BITUMINO

532

MAPEI is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of the highest quality building materials to the construction sector. The MAPEI Group consists of 90 subsidiaries with 83 plants in five continents.

KERAPOXY CQ is a easy-to-use, anti-acid, easy-to-clean, two-component epoxy filler with

BioBlock® technology for grouting the joints of ceramic tiles and mosaics. BioBlock® technology Our team is committed to providing pre-sales advice, technical on-site support and training prevents the growth of unwanted micro-organisms and mould on the joints surface. and after-sales support f rom the conception of your project to the completion.

ARCHITECTURAL STONE PAVING TS INOSEPAVIMENTAZIONI ARC. IN PIETRA

STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING RINFORZO STRUTTURALE

MASONRY RESTORATION THERMAL INSULATION RISANAMENTO EDIFICI ISOLAMENTO TERMICO MURATURA KERAPOXY ideal foringrouting joints where a high levels ofworldwide hygiene are required such as With CQ overis80 years the construction industry, MAPEI isINthe partner in

construction offering solutionsresidential from the foundation to the roof! industrial &, commercial kitchens, environments, swimming pools, worktops, etc.

537

REBUILDING SOUTHERN AFRICA WITH MAPEI.

Learn more at mapei.co.za Tel: + 27 11 552 8476 Email: info@mapei.co.za

538

539

NEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Building industry forms new umbrella body

The formation of Construction Alliance South Africa(CASA) was announced on 21 January 2021 by its chairperson, John Matthews.

CASA According to Matthews: “CASA is a product of the collective effort of the entire construction industry in South Africa. Its formation is a historic moment with farreaching effects that will transform, grow and improve the industry. Its formation is also notable because it comes at a crucial time when the construction industry is leading the country’s economic recovery efforts, through the rollout of Strategic Integrated Infrastructure Projects to revive the economy.”

As a result, the alliance has brought together 29 of the sectors’ professional, contractor, statutory, supplier and other bodies to become a united force that responds to industry issues. It has been formally constituted and is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) endorsed and signed by all the members.

contribution of Master Builders KwaZuluNatal for convening this initiative since its inception, which I can assure you is not an easy task. Sincere thanks and appreciation is extended to Master Builders KZN Executive Council for sponsorship and providing the relevant support and resources to date.”

Matthews emphasized the need for unity in the sector, that was confronted with the enormous challenges of re-building the construction industry out of the rubble of COVID-19, and of making it more inclusive, transformed, innovative and competitive.

company closures, loss of employment and continued calls to speed up the pace of transformation.

“The burden of COVID-19 has laid bare the need for urgency to create work opportunities, entrench fair competition and ethical business practices, eradicate the culture of fear created by mafia-styled criminal groups, adopt innovative building technologies for productivity improvements and enable sustainable, meaningful economic participation of our people. These are issues that are beyond any individual or organisation.

“As we do so, it is important to remember that in the pre-COVID era, our sector was already in a dire state characterised by very few work opportunities, increasing foreign competition, extortion and violence,

“There is no doubt that without the private and public sector being able to join hands, we may end up working against each other” he added.

Greg Mofokeng

John Matthews

“This MoU was drafted in a spirit of genuine and co-operative engagement and is a demonstration of what can be achieved when open and transparent dialogue, an unwavering determination and a common purpose are at the core of our efforts to confront the challenges, we have as a sector,” said Matthews.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the newly elected Deputy Chairperson of CASA, Greg Mofokeng, for his support and determination in bringing this vision to fruition. I also want to extend my gratitude to all CASA members who have selflessly applied themselves to the task of uniting the sector and bringing this alliance to life.

I also have to recognise the efforts and 110

volume 11 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

Providing

Workmen's Compensation

to the Construction Industry since 1936

Membership gets you...

Access to private healthcare for injured employees

+

Case Management to ensure optimal treatment

Construction Accident Stats online on demand

+

+

Road Accident Fund claim cost recovery On-site underwriting and claims training

+

+

+

Letter of Good Standing valid up to 15 months

Contact us for further information: Tel. 011 359 4300 marketing@fema.co.za

QR code to our website

Merit Rebates paid on favourable claims experiences

Innovation in Electricity Sub-Metering As an electrical contractor, how would you define innovation in the prepaid sub-metering market?

Would it be the sub-meters themselves? Would it be the services provided around the sub-meters?

The answer is – yes. Innovation is more than just technology or advanced prepaid sub-metering solutions; it’s communication, systems, support and agility. It’s the ability to adapt to changing market needs and create solutions and systems that support electrical contractors in their businesses, and in managing changing customer requirements.

“To create the most compelling prepaid sub-metering vending solution on the market today, a company has to do more than just provide some kit, some instructions and a half-baked call centre,” says Carel Scheepers, General Manager: Sales at Citiq Prepaid. “There has to be value added in terms of services, innovations delivered in terms of capability, and support provided across multiple platforms.”

Let’s face it, one thing that everybody wants - whether electrical contractor or consumer - is fast and efficient support.

How often have you sat on hold, listening to dubious music for hours, just to get an answer to a simple question? The answer is probably, ‘one time too many’. Support isn’t a ‘nice to have’ in the prepaid submetering space, it’s essential. Customers need to know that they have access to informed and interested professionals, and contractors want to install solutions that offer excellent service to their customers.

“Citiq Prepaid has invested into support, not just as an essential part of our infrastructure, but as part of how we build relationships with our electrical contractors,” says Scheepers. “We believe that innovation is people – the people we work with and how we help them to overcome challenges and grow their businesses. This underpins our continued investment into two call centres, a well-developed website with plenty of support articles and videos, and detailed support materials available on request.”

Right information at the right time Citiq Prepaid equips contractors with the right information at the right time and in the right format. Every part of the support system is designed to work holistically, helping you make decisions and resolve problems at speed, on demand. By constantly innovating support offerings and solutions, Citiq Prepaid is focused on encouraging contractors to expand their knowledge base by working with a partner that understands what they really need.

“The Citiq Prepaid website has recently undergone a complete transformation, redesigned to align with our support ethos and our commitment to making life easier for our customers,” says Scheepers. “We have ensured that the site contains relevant information about our products and services along with videos, blog posts and articles designed to make life easier. We have also enhanced our social media platforms with curated content designed to provide readers with instant titbits of information.”

Citiq Installation Club The Citiq Installation Club (CIC) is another area where Citiq Prepaid has put a lot of effort into supporting electrical contractors with a rewards-

based loyalty programme. The CIC gives back tangible financial rewards to Citiq Prepaid electrical contractors and connects members to customers through the customer support centre. In this way, Citiq Prepaid helps contractors to expand their businesses while earning money back for all their hard work.

“We want electrical contractors to choose Citiq Prepaid, of course, so we’ve done our best to make what we offer you as alluring and exciting as possible,” concludes Scheepers. “Want support?

Online insights? Community? Rewards?

We’ve ticked all these boxes, and we plan to do even more in 2021.”

YOUR PRECAST CONCRETE SPECIALIST PRODUCTS Storm Water Electrical Markers Water Reticulation Outdoor & Building Polymer Products Mining Solutions Kerb Inlet & Road Products Custom Products SERVICES Moulds Drawings

It’s always the last piece in a puzzle that goes missing!

That’s ‘cause we’ve got it!

TWINSTAR PRECAST solves those difficult, one-off jobs that make civil engineering & construction challenging.

Address: Unit 21, Hunky Dory Business Park, 9 Goedehoop Avenue (M57), Olifantsfontein

Telephone: (012) 670 9083

E-mail: info@twinstar.co.za